Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew paused, stopping all movement. Then, in a calm voice, he said, "Qualified or not... we'll find out when the lids come off."

Clifford was so furious that he actually laughed. "Fine! You really are the type who won't give up until you hit a wall."

He returned to the podium and raised his voice. "Finalists, lift the lids and present your elixirs for judgment! Of course, high-grade pills beat low-grade pills; among pills of the same grade, the one with superior quality wins!"

The entire arena held its breath as this was the most heart-pounding moment of the Grand Medical Summit. With a single reveal, the new champion would be decided.

Someone said, "I'm rooting for Andrew! Who knows, maybe this dark horse really will pull off a miracle!"

The person beside him scoffed. "Miracle? That's delusional. Dr. Lake's been the favorite to win from the start."

Another chimed in, "Dr. Bozzelli's steady and skilled. I'd say he has the best shot at winning the title."

"No point arguing the truth's about to come out."

"Whoever takes the crown will be hailed as the next Grand Physician, showered with glory, and set for life!"

Three dull thuds echoed through the hall as the lids were lifted from the cauldrons. From left to right, Preston and Clifford led a team of over 100 experts and medical elites from the summit to inspect the elixirs.

This was the most critical step, and there could be no errors, no chances for cheating, and no room for misjudgment. Moreover, every senior judge would have to step up personally for the final verification.

"Dr. Bozzelli-sixth-grade elixir, medium-high quality!"

The crowd burst into cheers, especially the team from Blumedale Hospital-they were over the moon.

Malcolm's expression shifted with emotion. "I didn't expect Thomas' alchemy to reach sixth-grade... he really pulled it off!"

He laughed and cheered. "It's done! Fran, we've got this in the bag-Blumedale Hospital's taking home the win!"

Even Mosby's expression flickered, looking genuinely surprised.

Thomas, who had kept his composure for most of the

competition, finally broke into net

wide, triumphant grin. He strode confidently to the center of the stage and laughed aloud.

"Victory belongs to Blumedale Hospital! It belongs to me!"

too

But in the very next moment, Mosby let out a loud, wild laugh of his own-arrogant and unrestrained. "Thomas, you're celebrating way early! Open your damn eyes and take a good look at my elixirs Sure, your skill is unexpected, but you're still no match for me!"

As his maniacal laughter rang out, Preston and Clifford exchanged gleeful grins— they looked downright giddy."

They announced, "Dr. Lake also made a sixth-grade elixir, but the quality is high- grade, one level above Dr. Bozzelli's! This means the final winner is... Dr. Mosby Lake!"

Thunderous applause shook the venue once again. No one had expected this twist-Thomas had soared high, but Mosby soared even higher.

Thomas, who was laughing moments ago, looked utterly defeated. He stumbled back two steps, barely staying on his feet. Then, with blood rushing to his head and grief boiling over, he coughed up a mouthful of blood.

"How? I gave everything I had, only to lose in the end! Oh heavens... I refuse to accept this-I refuse!"

His broken cry tore through the hall, making many spectators avert their eyes.

In the midst of the chaos, a calm,noveldrama

oft

cool voice rose from the edge of the

stage. "Hey, everyone... would you

mind showing me a little respect?

You're all throwing a party and crowning a winner already, but did anyone bother to check with me first?"