The competition involved treating three patients each. After treatment, the patients would rate the doctors, and the highest score would determine the winner of the second round.
The patients selected by the Royal House of Albion had stubborn illnesses, and their personalities varied. It was possible to cure a patient but still receive a low score.
In other words, this competition tested not only the doctors’ skills but also their luck.
This novel method intrigued the audience. Some thought it was excellent, while others found it unreliable.
Concerns arose about potential biases, such as racial discrimination, which could affect scores even if the treatment was successful.
The crowd became restless, and debates broke out.
“Everyone, please calm down!” The assistant shouted as the discussions grew heated.
Once the crowd quieted, the assistant continued, “Your concerns are understandable, but let me assure you they are unnecessary.”
“The twelve volunteer patients were carefully selected. They are devout believers who have sworn to be impartial. They will acknowledge whoever cures them.”
“The essence of medicine is to heal, and this is the only standard to judge medical skills. This is the purpose of this round.”
The assistant’s words brought silence and approval from the audience.
The assistant turned to Leo and Seung Kim, asking, “Do either of you have any objections to the content and method of this round?”
Seung Kim looked at Leo, trying to gauge his reaction.
Leo replied directly, “I have no objections.”
“Neither do I,” Seung Kim followed.
A prepared staff member brought forward a box for drawing lots.
“Please draw your lots,” the assistant indicated the box.
Another staff member led the volunteer patients onto the stage. They were all Westerners, varying in age and gender.
They stood in a line with their backs to the audience, each with a number on their back.
As the patients appeared, the front-row audience instinctively stepped back, causing a brief commotion.
The assistant quickly explained, “These patients’ illnesses are not contagious.”
The front-row audience relaxed and stopped retreating.
Seung Kim, with a seemingly kind smile, gestured to the box, “Dr. Leo, you first.”
Leo stepped forward and drew three ping-pong balls from the box.
After Leo, Seung Kim did the same.
Staff members took the balls from Leo and Seung Kim, opened them with special tools, and read out the numbers inside.
The assistant announced, “Patients with corresponding numbers, please stay. The rest may return backstage.”
Six of the twelve patients remained and sat in chairs facing Leo and Seung Kim.
Leo’s patients included a seventy-year-old man, a six or seven-year-old child, and a woman in her twenties wearing a mask.
Leo quickly assessed that their conditions varied significantly.
Seung Kim’s luck seemed better; his patients were all young men in their thirties with similar conditions.
Seung Kim smirked inwardly: Kid, let’s see how you win this time!
The Atraria audience felt anxious for Leo. His patients’ varied conditions and ages posed a greater challenge.
If not for the lot-drawing process, they might have thought the Royal House of Albion was deliberately making things difficult for Leo.
Sometimes, luck is a form of soft power.
Prince George’s assistant spoke again, “The patients are confirmed. Each treatment must be completed within thirty minutes.”
“You may request reasonable assistance during treatment, which will be provided without stopping the clock.”
This round primarily tested Leo and Seung Kim’s Needlework skills. They could use some medications, but only had thirty minutes to complete the treatment without interruption.
After speaking, staff brought a large fabric divider to separate Leo and Seung Kim to prevent interference.
“Are you both ready?” The assistant asked with a stopwatch in hand.
Both nodded.
The assistant handed stopwatches to two translators and announced, “Begin!”
Leo communicated briefly with the old man and took his pulse.
“Sir, you have high blood pressure and often experience chest tightness, shortness of breath, weakness, and fatigue. Is that correct?” Leo asked.
The old man’s eyes widened in surprise. He nodded eagerly, “You are right! If you can cure me, I’ll give you full points!”
Leo made an “OK” gesture and informed the old man he would perform Needlework.