Rise of The Abandoned Husband Chapter 309 - 309 - Healing Hands, Opening Doors

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

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

"Incomplete and dangerous," the doctor cut in sharply. "These n have fractures throughout their entire bodies, Captain. Not just their bones but their ridians 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 collar, pulling him close. "Did you know?" he growled. "Did you know the training plan was incomplete when you implented it?"

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

"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 . He'd gambled with these n's lives for his own advancent.

"Their internal organs are shifting," I said calmly, not looking up from my work. "The ridian collapse 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 . "Knight. You warned this would happen."

I nodded. "I did."

"Can you fix this?"

I straightened up, assessing the room full of injured n. "I can help them, yes. But I'll need complete control over their treatnt."

Commander Wood didn't hesitate this ti. "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 imdiately."

The doctor looked skeptical. "What are they?"

"ridian Stabilizing Pills," I explained. "They'll halt the collapse and begin repairing the damage."

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

I nodded. "I knew what was coming."

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

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

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

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

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

I moved thodically from bed to bed, adjusting treatnts for each soldier's specific injuries. Most would recover completely with proper care. A few of the worst cases would need additional treatnt, 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 work. His grand plans had crumbled, and now he was witnessing firsthand what real expertise looked like.

Two hours later, I stepped back from the last 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 . "Thank you, Knight. You've saved not just these n but possibly the entire Dragon Tiger program."

I accepted 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 imdiately, Liam Knight will oversee all training and dical 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 of command, Captain Avery."

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

"Report to headquarters tomorrow for reassignnt." Commander Wood's tone left no room for argunt.

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 . "Would you join 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 n 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 dicines 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 dical advisor to the Dragon Tiger Team, you'd have authority over all aspects of their developnt."

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

"Of course."

"I understand there's a competition coming up soon?"

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

My heart skipped a beat at the ntion 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 to compete." He frowned slightly. "Why do you ask?"

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

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

I t 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 accompany them to the tournant."

I tried to contain my excitent. 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 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 from what was mine. And Isabelle would know that I was coming for her, just as I had promised.