Chapter 189: Chapter 189 - Faithful Believers
Matias Howe stared at me with surprise etched across his face before hurrying in my direction.
"Matias, do you know him?" Nate questioned from beside him, his voice tinged with doubt.
Matias nodded enthusiastically. "Teacher, this is the brilliant physician I mentioned! He’s the one who completely transformed my perspective!"
"With him here, Mr. Drake’s illness will definitely be cured!" Matias declared with unmistakable excitement.
Nate examined me with astonishment. "He looks so young?"
I shook my head helplessly. "Can I examine Mr. Drake now?"
"Of course, but I must admit I still harbor some doubts about your abilities, Mr. Raymond. I hope that doesn’t offend you," Nate stated solemnly.
I offered a smile. "Not at all."
I approached Nikhil Drake’s bedside and gently placed my palm against his forehead.
In an instant, countless fragments of information flooded my mind. This diagnostic technique was part of my father’s medical legacy. Details about Nikhil’s condition rapidly materialized in my thoughts.
"Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis with limb onset, muscle atrophy and weakness affecting all four limbs, difficulty swallowing, and potential respiratory failure," I announced gravely.
Nate nodded repeatedly, clearly impressed that my assessment perfectly matched Nikhil’s condition, though this alone proved little – any experienced doctor could make such a diagnosis.
"Mr. Raymond, can my father be saved?" Kathleen Drake asked, anxiety evident in her voice.
I nodded confidently. "Yes, but I’m afraid it will require time."
With my current skills, common ailments posed little challenge. However, this complex condition couldn’t be resolved with qi manipulation alone – I would need Pills.
Fortunately, various treatment protocols and Pill formulas quickly materialized in my mind.
"Miss Drake, give me three days to temporarily stabilize your father’s condition. Complete recovery, however, will take approximately six months," I explained.
"Six months?" Kathleen repeated, clearly taken aback.
I nodded slightly. "I’ll need paper, a pen, and a quiet room."
Kathleen promptly arranged everything I requested without hesitation.
I wrote down the necessary prescription and handed it to her. "These are common herbs readily available in the market."
Kathleen nodded. "I’ll get them immediately."
About an hour later, Kathleen returned with all the required herbs. After carefully inspecting them, I confirmed their quality and proceeded to the quiet room she had prepared.
"Please ensure I’m not disturbed during this process," I advised.
Kathleen quickly agreed. "Of course. I’ll have someone guard the door."
Once alone, I began refining the Impulse Protection Pill according to the knowledge within my mind. This particular formulation would temporarily stabilize Nikhil’s condition, while the real cure – the Vitality Pill – would gradually restore his muscle function over time.
-----
"Can Mason really cure Mr. Drake’s ALS? It’s considered an insurmountable challenge in medical circles worldwide," Nate pondered aloud in the sickroom.
Matias replied confidently, "Teacher, I once doubted him just as you do now, but after witnessing Mr. Raymond’s capabilities firsthand, I realized my skepticism was completely unfounded."
Despite these reassurances, Nate remained unconvinced. If Mason could truly cure ALS, he would qualify for virtually every prestigious medical award globally. Why then was he virtually unknown?
-----
In Chuzzle, Shiglance City, the Schroeder Family quickly discovered Mason’s departure.
"Uncle Leonardo, reports indicate Mason Raymond has fled overseas!" one subordinate announced angrily.
Uncle Leonardo’s expression darkened. "Just as the family head is about to emerge, he escapes abroad. That Mason... must have received some intelligence!"
News of Mason’s supposed flight abroad spread like wildfire throughout the city.
Various families across all tiers of society began discussing the matter intensely.
"Mason actually ran away?"
"Well, confronted by the Schroeder Family, retreat was his only option. A wise decision, really."
"Those associated with him will certainly face consequences."
At the Blake family residence, Sawyer Blake spoke coldly, "Have you heard? Mason has escaped overseas!"
"Fortunately, I instructed you to distance yourself from him, otherwise our family would certainly face repercussions!"
Blair Blake shook his head firmly. "Impossible! Mr. Raymond wouldn’t do that!"
"No? Is the information fabricated then? I believe that young man has thoroughly brainwashed you!" Sawyer scolded harshly.
Blair immediately retrieved his phone and attempted to contact Mason for clarification.
Unfortunately, Mason’s phone was powered off.
"Well? Did he answer?" Sawyer sneered.
Blair gritted his teeth. "He must have an important matter to attend to and can’t answer..."
"Your stubbornness is remarkable! From this moment forward, don’t mention anything related to Mason Raymond! Otherwise, our family will bear the full force of the Schroeder Family’s wrath!" Sawyer declared before storming off.
The rumors spread with astonishing speed.
Even Mabel Sean, residing in distant Capital City, received word of the development.
"Mason fled? That doesn’t make sense. Someone with his character would never allow others to suffer consequences on his behalf," Mabel remarked, clearly surprised.
Jerry Sean, Mabel’s grandfather, stood with hands clasped behind his back. "When faced with the formidable Schroeder Family, retreat carries no shame. Where there’s life, hope remains."
Mabel shook her head stubbornly. "It’s simply not possible. If Mason truly ran, the Schroeders would direct their anger toward his associates. He would never permit that."
Jerry Sean dismissed her concerns. "Mabel, when circumstances demand ruthlessness, one must act accordingly. What purpose would Mason serve by remaining?"
Mabel fell silent momentarily before speaking with conviction. "I believe Mason would never run."
Jerry Sean sighed helplessly. "Mabel, aren’t you placing excessive faith in him?"
A gentle smile graced Mabel’s features. "Though our acquaintance hasn’t been lengthy, I feel I understand him profoundly."
Hearing this, Jerry’s expression shifted to surprise.
His thoughts drifted to Mason’s father from years past.
In those days, Jerry had been a young man who deeply admired Mason’s father.
"Little Jerry, my son and your granddaughter will form a perfect match. Remember, they’re destined for each other," Mason’s father had told a youthful Jerry Sean, who had neither a son nor granddaughter at that time.
Back then, Jerry had harbored doubts about this prediction.
But witnessing Mabel and Mason’s relationship blossom, Jerry increasingly believed those prophetic words.
"You were never wrong," Jerry whispered softly, gazing through the window.
