Chapter 10 Mentor

• Suddenly, a whimper escaped Clary's lips. Then, a horrifying sight - blood and some weird gunk oozed from her eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.
• A smile finally appeared on Clyde's pale face.
• The exertion required to perform the silver needles technique had left him utterly drained, like someone who had just completed a marathon while carrying a heavy weight.
• Reacting quickly, Dr. Nakoa rushed to Clary's side and grasped her wrist.
• His eyes widened in surprise. Clary's pulse had returned to normal, and life force was gradually returning!
• However, her body remained frail and needed careful recuperation.
• Gazing upon the exhausted Clyde sprawled on the floor, Dr. Nakoa's eyes sparkled with a fervent curiosity. Clyde's use of the silver needles with the Cheat Death technique bordered on the miraculous, a testament to his exceptional skills.
• Dr. Nakoa suddenly stepped back and bowed respectfully. "Sir, may I inquire about your full name?"
• In his weak voice, Clyde replied, "Nah, just call me Clyde."
• Dr. Nakoa wasn't done. "Would you be willing to share your knowledge of silver needles? And perhaps tell me who your mentor is?"
• Clyde smiled weakly. "My mentor doesn't want outsiders to know who he is. Gotta keep it a secret, you know?"
• He had to lie. There was no way he could tell the truth.
• Dr. Nakoa seemed to understand. "I see. Sorry for pushing it," he said with a grin.
• Suddenly, Clyde's phone buzzed with a call. It was Odessa, and she wasn't happy. A torrent of insults filled the air as she blasted Clyde.
• "Is your good-for-nothing sister dead yet? This is a lesson, you loser! Someone like you doesn't deserve to even talk about divorce!" Odessa shrieked.
• "Get back here in an hour. We're having a family gathering at noon at our place. That's when I'm announcing our divorce. You just sign the damn papers and get lost in front of everyone!"
• "Bless your sweet old mama's heart. Be late, and she'll pay! "She sneered one last threat before hanging up.
• Clyde sat there, silent, his eyes cold and empty.
• He hadn't expected Odessa to turn into such a jerk. But hey, he was already done with the whole Dove family anyway. Even if Odessa hadn't called him, he would find her and get those divorce papers signed.
• He just wanted to get this whole crappy marriage over with as soon as possible so he could start a new life with his mom and sister.
• "What's wrong?" Dr. Nakoa could tell something was bugging Clyde.
• Clyde forced a smile and shook his head, not saying anything.
• He changed the subject. "Hey Doc, I got something I gotta take care of real quick. Could you watch my sister for a bit?"
• Dr. Nakoa smiled back to assure him. "No problem, your sister will be safe with me."
• Clyde got up, grabbed a piece of paper, and quickly wrote a prescription. "I need you to help me make this for her, following these instructions exactly."
• Dr. Nakoa took the prescription and looked it over. He was impressed again.
• This prescription didn't just say what ingredients to use and how much; it also had super detailed instructions on how to make it, down to the very second.
• Dr. Nakoa, an experienced doctor, recognized the prescription's incredible benefits and instantly knew it was a valuable treasure.
• Suddenly, Dr. Nakoa stopped Clyde. "Hold on a sec," he said. "I have a favor to ask."
• Clyde looked back, curious about what Dr. Nakoa wanted.
• "I've spent my whole life studying medicine," Dr. Nakoa explained. "For the first thirty years, I had a great teacher. But sadly, he passed away when I was thirty. Since then, I've been on my own for another thirty years. I've made some progress, but there's still a gap in my knowledge. Would you, in all humility, consider taking me on as your apprentice?"
• Dr. Nakoa abruptly dropped to his knees and startled Clyde.
• The latter felt like a total imposter. How could he possibly deserve such a huge gesture from a legend like Dr. Nakoa?
• He scrambled to help Dr. Nakoa, but the doctor held firm, his voice strong. "The pursuit of knowledge is sacred for those who reach it,"
• Dr. Nakoa said with determination. "Money and possessions never mattered to me. All I crave is to learn more about medicine. I'd give you everything I own as a token of respect if you'd let me be your student and deepen my understanding in my twilight years."
• Dr. Nakoa's sincerity moved Clyde deeply. "Dr. Nakoa," he said, "let's definitely collaborate on medicine. But about being your mentor, well, that needs some discussion."
• Before Clyde could finish, Dr. Nakoa cut him off with a grateful "Thank you!" and another surprising kneel.
• Clyde could only smile resignedly at this determined old man.