A Healer’s Journey (Finnegan and Nuthana) Novel
Chapter 120

Chapter 120 Winner And Loser

It was almost evening by the time Finnegan finished preparing the Regenerating Ointment, worked together with Xena to apply the ointment on Waylynn's entire b*dy, and bandaged her up. "Old Mdm. Brown, I'll be taking my leave now. I'll come again in a few days."

"Take care, Mr. Larkin!"

After stepping out of the sterile ward, Stephen, who had been waiting outside for a long time, approached. "Finnegan, can we go now?"

A complicated look spread across his face as he spoke. I can't believe Finnegan actually kept that old man waiting for so long. More incredulously, that old man isn't mad at all! Finnegan nodded. "Lead the way."

Soon, Finnegan followed Stephen to the courtyard, where he had met with Nathan the other day.

However, this time, Stephen didn't enter with Finnegan. "My grandpa and his guest are inside."

Finnegan hummed in response before proceeding inside.

Under the same ancient tree, Nathan was playing chess with a seemingly ordinary yet commanding old

man.

That old man was none other than Jeremy.

After a few days of recuperation, he had fully recovered.

Taking care to keep his steps light, Finnegan walked up to them and quietly observed the game.

After about ten minutes, Nathan sighed. "I've lost again, Old Mr. Samson!"

In the past, Nathan used to be Jeremy's subordinate.

Jeremy turned to gaze at Finnegan. "What do you think?"

Finnegan examined the chessboard. Nathan's remaining chess pieces included two pawns, a rook, and a bishop, while Jeremy had two rooks, one bishop, one knight, and three pawns. Moreover, the game had progressed to the end phase, and Jeremy could checkmate Nathan in less than five moves.

Upon scrutiny, Finnegan unexpectedly uttered, "There's still a chance for a comeback."

Nathan's interest was piqued. "Are you sure?"

"Yes!"

"Hahaha!" Nathan got to his feet and stepped aside. "In that case, why don't you finish this game with Old Mr. Samson? Win or lose, it'll be on me." Jeremy gestured. "Have a seat."

With some free time on his hands, Finnegan took Nathan's place. "Old Mr. Samson, I'll make my move,

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then."

"A game of chess is akin to waging war on the battlefield, so give it your best shot!"

Finnegan nodded, then moved his rook aggressively to check Jeremy's king.

Jeremy narrowed his eyes, retreating his rook to protect his king.

Then, Finnegan shifted his remaining bishop to check Jeremy's king again.

Taken aback, Jeremy revealed a meaningful smile, then moved his knight to a different position.

Finnegan captured Jeremy's cornered rook with his insignificant pawn, turning the tables with that single

maneuver.

Subsequently, Jeremy began taking the game more seriously, exchanging blows with Finnegan while taking a more defensive stance.

Conversely, Finnegan abandoned all defense and focused only on offense. He sacrificed his rook to capture Jeremy's knight, then used his bishop to displace Jeremy's bishop and pawn, hoping to secure a pyrrhic victory.

Finally, with only two pawns left on each side, Finnegan moved in for a check, locking down Jeremy's king.

Jeremy furrowed his brows, realizing he was out of moves as Finnegan's pawns had severed all his escape

routes.

He couldn't help but chuckle. "The outcome of this game would be very different if I were allowed one more move."

He needed only one more move to checkmate Finnegan.

Nathan chirped, "Old Mr. Samson, you were too defensive earlier. On the other hand, Finnegan realized he was at a disadvantage, so he went all out and risked everything for the win!"

The chessboard was like a battlefield.

When facing an opponent willing to stake their lives, most would choose to play it safe, and that was the reason Jeremy had allowed Finnegan a chance to make a comeback. Otherwise, Finnegan couldn't have won.

Jeremy put down the chess piece in his hand. "This shows I've aged. I only think about safety, trying to gain the most with the least loss and neglecting my opponent's aggressiveness and motivating force to perish together. As a result, I lost my advantage and, eventually, the game.”

Finnegan kept his cool despite having triumphed over Jeremy. "My aggressive gameplay style can never be a mainstay for victory. Only Old Mr. Samson's level-headed approach of securing a win is the right way." Pointing at the settled chess game, he continued, "Otherwise, both sides would suffer great losses. In the end, the winner is also a loser!"

Jeremy swept his gaze across the chessboard, noting how only a few pieces were left in play, and nodded. "That's right. If victory is secured through a lose-lose situation, even winning means losing." The next second, he abruptly changed the topic of conversation. "So, do you want to return to Durbaine

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with me? You're Dr. Aiello's only disciple. Durbaine is where you should be."

I knew his intention wasn't as simple as wanting to meet me. Nevertheless, Finnegan responded without hesitation, "Dr. Aiello told me that once I leave the mountains, I should go home first, and before he finds me, I shouldn't leave Nuthana."

Jeremy knitted his brows. "He really said that?"

"Of course!"

Finnegan wasn't trying to deceive Jeremy. Prior to his departure four years ago, Sawyer had indeed instructed Finnegan as such.

A look of disappointment flitted across Jeremy's eyes as he spoke. "It seems he had some reservations for doing so. I reckon he didn't share much with you about himself either, did he?"

Finnegan nodded. "Indeed. He didn't divulge too much information to me."

"In that case, you may leave now."

The main reason Jeremy had summoned Finnegan over that day was to bring the latter back to Durbaine.

However, since Finnegan was bound by his mentor's instructions, Jeremy couldn't insist.

Finnegan nodded and got to his feet.

However, as he was leaving, he halted and turned around. "Old Mr. Samson, can I make a small request? Please help me update my information for the past five years. I don't want too many people to show up before me."

Jeremy bobbed his head in response. "I'll make the necessary arrangements so even those people from Durbaine can't locate you. However..."

Finnegan felt a stir in his heart. "Please speak your mind, Old Mr. Samson."

Jeremy smiled meaningfully before saying, "Be mindful of your marital prospects. You're engaged, and the girl from the Zimmerman family isn't the most suitable candidate to be with you." Engaged? When did that happen? Finnegan was baffled.

Before he could probe further, Jeremy waved his hand. "Go now. I hope to see you in Durbaine within a year. Otherwise, you might be attending my funeral instead."

Finnegan frowned. Instead of dwelling on Jeremy's vague statement, he replied, "Don't worry, Old Mr. Samson. I think my mentor should come looking for me within a year. You won't die."

With that, Finnegan turned to leave, dismissing Jeremy's comment about him being engaged as a casual remark.

Nathan sat back down. "Old Mr. Samson, don't tell me Dr. Aiello already arranged an engagement for Finnegan?"

Jeremy picked up his cooled cup of coffee. "It's not that he arranged the engagement for Finnegan, but we old folks fought to secure it three years ago. Moreover, it's not just one marriage contract." He paused briefly before adding, "By the way, Yona is one of the candidates."

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w to ha

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