Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 1336

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.