Chapter 3 I Believe He Is One of the Howes

Shortly after, John stabilized and was moved to a VIP room to recover. After a thorough examination, it was confirmed that he was out of immediate danger. Once survived, acute conditions like his become more manageable. The doctors and specialists who treated John were amazed as they checked his condition. What a miracle. The young man is truly a wonder doctor! Modern doctors often rely heavily on technology, which can sometimes complicate treatment. Practitioners like Jayce, skilled in alternative medicine, were rare finds. It was extraordinary for someone to have such deep medical knowledge at such a young age. James sat beside his father, lost in thought as he wondered who that young man was. The fact that he called him 'Uncle James' meant they knew each other. In his years in the business world, everyone addressed him respectfully as 'Mr. Eden'. It had been a long time since anyone used such a familiar term. Could it be ... him? Soon after, James's daughter, Cora Eden, burst into the hospital. "Where's Grandpa? How is he?" "Shh! Your grandfather is okay. He's resting now." Cora sighed with relief. "That's good to hear. I heard it was a young wonder doctor who saved Grandpa. Where is he?" James shook his head. "He's already left." "Left? We didn't even get a chance to thank him properly?" James suddenly looked at his daughter. "Do you remember our neighbors, the Howes?" Cora paused. "Of course I do. I used to play at their house all the time. But then the whole Howes family was killed ... Dad, you told me not to talk about it." The massacre of the Howes family had shaken all of Eserith. None survived. Over time, though, the tragedy had faded from public memory. Mentioning the Howes had become taboo among the city's influential families; it was forbidden to speak of them, for fear of invoking misfortune. Even the Edens, once close to the Howes, dared not mention them anymore. James sighed. "There are things you didn't know because you were too young. After the Howes family was murdered, the police sealed off the crime scene. I was nearby, but they never found Jayce's body." "Jayce? Are you trying to say that Jayce didn't die?" Cora gasped. James nodded solemnly. "The young man who saved your grandfather called me Uncle James. Given his age, he should be around yours. I believe he is one of the Howes." Cora's face lit up with joy. "Jayce is alive! That's amazing! But why do you look so worried?" James smiled wryly. "I'm glad he's alive, but Jayce is a complicated person with a fiery spirit. His return won't be simple." If the young man truly belonged to the Howes family, returning to Eserith could only mean one thing: seeking vengeance. But how could he confront the powerful forces that had destroyed his family with only his medical skills? Little did James know, Jayce's talents extended far beyond medicine. ... Jayce, with his satchel slung over his shoulder, headed towards the ancient district on the western outskirts of Eserith. This area had been transformed into a picturesque spot, featuring restored old houses. Despite their age, these buildings were invaluable. Such courtyard-style homes were rare in the highly modernized city. A decade had passed, yet this place seemed frozen in time. Jayce could not help but notice how well-preserved everything appeared, almost mirroring his memories. Walking through the courtyard, emotions surged as he beheld his former home. Except for the absence of the plaque reading 'the Howes' Residence', everything remained unchanged. The newly hung ornaments by the door hinted that someone still inhabited the house. Back then, the Howes family, a formidable group of eighteen, had met a tragic end, leaving only Rosa, the maid, and young Jayce, then twelve years old, as survivors. Could it really be ... ? Pushing open the gate, Jayce entered the yard. Despite the overgrown weeds, signs of recent habitation were evident. Moving forward, he was greeted by barking from the inner courtyard. Frowning, he proceeded. What met his eyes was a large square iron cage, inside of which cowered a pitiful figure, hunched in a corner. Before them lay a cracked bowl, remnants of spoiled food still within. Outside, three fierce dogs were tethered by iron chains; the black, towering wolfhounds were standing as tall as a grown man, with froth dripping from their mouths. Their eyes were fierce and their teeth bared as they barked menacingly. Ignoring the dogs, Jayce approached the cage, witnessing the inhumane conditions the person inside endured. "Who are you?" he asked. The figure lifted her head. It was a middle-aged woman with tangled hair and a sunken face filled with fear. She shrank back when she heard Jayce's voice, too frightened to respond to his inquiry. The appearance of grownups would not change much with time. Despite it having been a decade, Jayce immediately recognized her. It was Rosa, the Howes' former maid who had survived the tragic night. "Rosa? Is it really you, Rosa?" His voice softened. Rosa hesitated, confusion flickering in her eyes as she looked up. "W-Who are you?" Jayce's expression darkened, his fists tightening. "Rosa, it's me, Jayce." Her eyes widened in sudden recognition, tears of joy streaming down her face. "Mr. Jayce ... it's you, Mr. Jayce! You're alive ... thank goodness! Though she had been merely a maid, Rosa had cared for Jayce like a mother since he was a child. Seeing her reduced to this state ignited fury within him. "Rosa, I'll help you get out!" Jayce opened the cage door, determined to free her. Rosa suddenly paled. "Mr. Jayce, be careful!" As soon as the gate opened, the three vicious dogs lunged at him. The length of their chains were perfectly calibrated to reach the metal cage. It was obvious that they were put here to prevent Rosa's escape. These dogs were relentless. Having suffered their bites before, Rosa knew their ferocity well. If she had not warned Jayce, she could not imagine what would have happened. At the sight of the three gigantic dogs pouncing at him, Jayce merely sneered. With a swift motion, three silver flashes shot out! In an instant, the charging dogs collapsed in mid-air, foaming at the mouth. Each had been struck with a silver needle at the same fatal point located in their necks. Rosa stared in disbelief. She had not even seen Jayce move. One moment his hand waved, the next, the dogs lay lifeless. Jayce entered the cage and helped Rosa to her feet. Years of captivity had left her frail and scarred, her old wounds from dog bites festering. She even caught rabies. Without Jayce's intervention, Rosa would not have survived much longer. Tears streamed down Rosa's face as she cried, "Mr. Jayce, it's a miracle you're alive. I'm so happy to see you! But you must leave quickly after looking around!" Supporting Rosa, Jayce's gaze was resolute, his determination evident. "I didn't come back just to leave again."