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."