The doctor''s words hit Zane Avery like a physical blow. His face drained of color as he staggered backward.


    "Complete energy pathway copse?" he repeated, voice cracking. "That''s impossible. The training regimen was—"


    "Iplete and dangerous," the doctor cut in sharply. "These men have fractures throughout their entire bodies, Captain. Not just their bones but their meridians too."


    I continued working on the first patient, channeling healing energy into his damaged pathways while listening to the conversation.


    Commander Wood grabbed Zane by the cor, pulling him close. "Did you know?" he growled. "Did you know the training n was iplete when you implemented it?"


    Zane''s eyes darted around the room, seeking escape. "I... I thought it would be sufficient. Master Bellweather assured me—"


    "Master Bellweather gave you notes for a training program he never finished!" Commander Wood roared, shoving Zane away in disgust. "And you were too eager to prove yourself to wait for proper verification."


    The realization of what Zane had done washed over me. He''d gambled with these men''s lives for his own advancement.


    "Their internal organs are shifting," I said calmly, not looking up from my work. "The meridian copse is creating pressure pockets throughout their bodies."


    The doctor nodded grimly. "We don''t have the resources or expertise to treat injuries this severe."


    Commander Wood''s face hardened as he turned to me. "Knight. You warned me this would happen."


    I nodded. "I did."


    "Can you fix this?"


    I straightened up, assessing the room full of injured men. "I can help them, yes. But I''ll needplete control over their treatment."


    Commander Wood didn''t hesitate this time. "Do whatever you need to do."


    Zane''s face flushed with anger. "Commander, you can''t be serious! This man has no credentials, no—"


    "Enough!" Commander Wood bellowed. "Your arrogance nearly killed these soldiers. Be grateful I''m not having you court-martialed right now."


    I reached into my pouch and pulled out a bottle of pills I''d prepared days ago. "Have each man take one of these immediately."


    The doctor looked skeptical. "What are they?"


    "Meridian Stabilizing Pills," I exined. "They''ll halt the copse and begin repairing the damage."


    As the medical staff administered the pills, William pulled me aside. "You made these beforehand?"


    I nodded. "I knew what wasing."


    Within minutes, the effects became visible. The soldiers'' pained expressions eased, their breathing stabilized, and the dangerous fluctuations in their energy pathways began to calm. <em ss="phantom-imprint">Plea^se re&a&d th-is^ ch%apte$r- on its ori&ginal p#tf$o^rm.—$*!.</em>


    "Impossible," the doctor whispered, checking a patient''s pulse. "The fractures are already beginning to mend."


    Commander Wood watched in astonishment as color returned to the soldiers'' faces. Some were even sitting up, looking around in confusion.


    "How did you do this?" he asked me, eyes wide with wonder.


    "Years of study," I replied simply. "And an understanding of how energy truly flows through the body."


    I moved methodically from bed to bed, adjusting treatments for each soldier''s specific injuries. Most would recoverpletely with proper care. A few of the worst cases would need additional treatment, but even they would eventually return to duty.


    Zane stood frozen in a corner, his face a mask of shock and dismay as he watched me work. His grand ns had crumbled, and now he was witnessing firsthand what real expertise looked like.


    Two hourster, I stepped back from thest patient, wiping sweat from my brow. "They''ll need rest for the next three days. No training until I clear them."


    Commander Wood nodded, then unexpectedly bowed to me. "Thank you, Knight. You''ve saved not just these men but possibly the entire Dragon Tiger program."


    I epted his gratitude with a slight nod. "They''re good soldiers. They deserved better leadership."


    The barb wasn''t subtle, and Commander Wood flinched slightly before straightening his shoulders. "On that note, I believe changes are necessary."


    He turned to address the room. "Effective immediately, Liam Knight will oversee all training and medical protocols for the Dragon Tiger Team."


    Zane stepped forward, sputtering. "Commander, you can''t—"


    "I can and I have," Commander Wood said coldly. "Consider yourself relieved ofmand, Captain Avery."


    The shock on Zane''s face was almostical. "But sir—"


    "Report to headquarters tomorrow for reassignment." Commander Wood''s tone left no room for argument.


    As Zane slunk from the room, I felt no satisfaction in his downfall. My concern had always been for the soldiers, not revenge against an arrogant captain.


    Commander Wood turned to me. "Would you join me in my office? There are details we need to discuss."


    ---


    Commander Wood''s office was sparse and functional, with maps covering one wall and a sturdy desk dominating the center of the room.


    "I owe you an apology," he said, settling into his chair. "I dismissed your warnings out of pride and nearly lost twelve good men because of it."


    I shook my head. "You trusted your captain. That''s what leaders do."


    "Leaders also recognize when they''ve made a mistake," he countered. "You showed exceptional knowledge today, and remarkable foresight in preparing those medicines beforehand."


    "I hoped I wouldn''t need them," I said honestly.


    Commander Wood leaned forward. "I''d like to formalize your position. As head trainer and medical advisor to the Dragon Tiger Team, you''d have authority over all aspects of their development."


    I considered the offer. It wasn''t what I hade here for, but it could prove useful. "I ept, but I have questions."


    "Of course."


    "I understand there''s apetitioning up soon?"


    Commander Wood nodded. "The Inter-Provincial Martial Tournament. It''s held in Veridia City this year."


    My heart skipped a beat at the mention of Veridia City. This could be the opportunity I''d been waiting for.


    "When is it?" I asked, keeping my voice casual.


    "Next month. The provinces each send their best fighters topete." He frowned slightly. "Why do you ask?"


    I shrugged. "Just curious about what we''re training for."


    Commander Wood studied me for a moment before speaking again. "You have an interest in Veridia City?"


    I met his gaze steadily. "Let''s just say I have unfinished business there."


    He nodded slowly. "I see. Well, as the new leader of Dragon Tiger Team, you would naturally apany them to the tournament."


    I tried to contain my excitement. This was exactly the opening I needed. A legitimate reason to return to Veridia City, where Isabelle was being held against her will. Where my enemies thought themselves safe from my reach.


    "Can I go to Veridia City too?" I asked, the question seemingly innocent but loaded with purpose.


    Commander Wood regarded me with newfound interest. "Of course. In fact, I insist on it."


    I nodded, satisfaction blooming in my chest. The path forward was clear now. Through a twist of fate and Zane''s own arrogance, I had gained not just position but legitimate passage to Veridia City.


    Soon, very soon, the Ashworth family would learn that no distance could keep me from what was mine. And Isabelle would know that I wasing for her, just as I had promised.