Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

The announcer's voice echoed through the stadium, the microphone crackling as he called for the next wave of competitors. "Now, would the representatives from the Advanced Medical Institute and Dr. Mosby Lake, please enter the arena!

"Would the representatives from each of the provincial hospitals, please enter the arena!

"Would the representatives from Gabo Creek's various clinics and medical centers, please enter the arena!"

Andrew looked around as more and more medical practitioners stepped onto the competition platform.

Though Blumedale Hospital, Mosby, and the Advanced Medical Institute were the main contenders for the championship, many skilled doctors from across Gabo Creek Province fought their way through the preliminary rounds to stand here today.

Soon, all 50 contestants had gathered on the platform. Every single one of them was a well-known medical expert in their own right, except for Andrew, whose reputation was still largely unknown. Only a handful of people truly understood the depth of his medical skills.

Standing right next to him, Francesca stuck out her tongue in a playful, nervous gesture. She whispered, "Andrew, what should I do? I'm so nervous!"

Andrew chuckled. "Fran, relax. If you want to reach the peak of the medical world someday and make real breakthroughs in this field, you'll have to get used to facing storms, big and small."

Francesca took a deep breath, nodding firmly. "With you here, I feel like I can push myself further and take on the challenge. I don't know how far I'll make it in this tournament, but I believe in you. I know you'll be the best!"

Andrew smiled and glanced to the other side. Through the crowd of contestants, he locked eyes with someone glaring at him from across the stage.

It was Mosby, the top physician in Blumedale, whose face was twisted with cold, seething hatred.

He hissed, "Andrew, you've crippled two of my apprentices one after the other. Today, at this Grand Medical Summit, I will make sure you understand the taste of defeat. You may walk away with your life, but once I get my hands on the Lazarus Blueprint, that will be the end of you."

They were too far apart to exchange words, but the murderous intent in Mosby's eyes was unmistakable.

Andrew met his gaze without flinching. Mosby's apprentices had brought their fate upon themselves, and as for the Lazarus Blueprint, he had no intention of letting it fall into anyone else's hands-least of all Mosby's.

The stadium gradually fell silent as all eyes turned toward the central platform. Everyone knew this meant the opening speeches were about to begin.

Derek said, "I don't have much to say. I just wish all the brilliant medical talents here today the best of luck. May the spirit of healing and the art of medicine forever thrive in Gabo Creek Province!"

Derek kept his speech brief and immediately took his seat afterward. Next, the e two elders from the

Advanced Medical Institute, Preston and Clifford, stepped forward, clearing their throats before

addressing the crowd and explaining the rules of the competition.

"The rules for this year's Grand Medical Summit are as follows: First, any participant caughtnoveldrama

cheating or engaging in

underhanded tactics will be

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permanently expelled from the

medical community, their reputation shattered beyond repair.

"Second, as with every Grand Medical Summit, we are here to find the best of the best, the true masters of medicine. Therefore, only the top three will be recognized all others will be considered defeats."

A wave of discontented murmurs rippled through the crowd. This rule was harsh, even by the Grand Medical Summit's standards. This was a provincial-level event, yet only three would be recognized.

It went without saying that those who did not make the cut would be disheartened. But the top three? They would bask in glory, instantly becoming the most celebrated figures of the moment.

Nonetheless, no one dared to voice their objections openly. After all, the path to becoming a true master of medicine was meant to be brutal and unforgiving. Only those who could withstand the pressure and overcome countless challenges would be truly worthy of the title.

"And the final rule-this competition will consist of ten rounds. In other words, if you can survive all ten rounds and overcome every medical challenge presented, then you will be crowned the champion."

Preston and Clifford stepped back, and their announcement met with a fresh wave of enthusiastic applause.

The entire stadium buzzed with anticipation as the real excitement was just about to begin.

Suddenly, a voice cut through the clamor. "Mr. Fuentes, Mr. Phelps, Mr. McCormick, and respected judges, I have a question!"

The crowd fell silent, tens of thousands of eyes turning in the direction of the

voice.

Who dared interrupt at a time like this, just as the competition was about to begin?

Francesca's face turned pale, and she almost raised her hands to cover her face in embarrassment. "Andrew, what are you doing?"