NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 14: Chapter 14
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Chapter 14: The Last Chance
Everyone entered the ward together.
Lucien D. Blackthorn, who was lying on the bed, had already opened his eyes.
A middle-aged couple entered first. When their eyes fell on Lucien, worry overwhelmed their faces.
In his heart, Lucien knew—they were his parents in this world, just like in the life before he crossed over.
Though their faces were different, the sense of familiarity and warmth was unmistakable.
"Dad, Mom…"
"Lucien!"
His parents rushed to his bedside.
His mother took his hand with tears in her eyes. "Lucien, you've suffered so much…"
His father stood silent beside them, his expression full of sorrow.
Lucien forced a gentle smile despite the pain. "I'm alright. Please don't worry."
"You'll be better, I promise!" his mother said, wiping her tears. Then she turned and added, "Lucien, your classmates are here too."
Lucien looked past her and saw Eriri Spencer Sawamura and several classmates from Maple Ridge Academy standing there.
"You're all here… thank you." Lucien smiled warmly.
One by one, the students stepped forward, offering flowers, kind words, and heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery.
Lucien thanked each of them sincerely.
His parents stood quietly to the side, watching with soft expressions. When Lucien had insisted on studying in Japan, they had been afraid he'd be isolated. But here he was—surrounded by people who cared.
Especially the girl—Eriri. She had been by his side through it all.
Lucien's mother wiped her eyes again.
Eriri gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Auntie, please don't be sad. I believe Lucien will recover."
"Thank you…" she said, her voice warm with gratitude. She had grown genuinely fond of Eriri.
The room filled with quiet conversation. Lucien chatted briefly with his classmates before his eyes met Eriri's.
He looked like he had something to ask but hesitated. Eriri understood immediately.
She smiled, nodded, and flashed an OK sign.
Lucien's expression brightened. She had kept her promise.
Ten minutes later, the other students said their goodbyes and left.
Eriri stayed behind.
Lucien's father turned to her. "Eriri, could you stay with him for a while? We need to check on the medicine shipment."
His mother added, "Please look after him."
"Of course," Eriri said without hesitation.
Now it was just the two of them in the quiet ward.
Eriri reported everything. She had submitted Attack on Titan to the Weekly Shonen Magazine's online contest. The manga was live, and voting had already begun. It had been published under the pen name Whale.
Lucien smiled. "Whale, huh? I like it. Simple but powerful."
Then he asked the question he'd been holding onto.
"Did you bring the manuscript? I want to finish the last chapter."
Eriri instinctively tightened her grip on her school bag. "I did… but the doctor said you shouldn't draw right now. You need to rest."
"Please, just twenty pages. I won't be able to sleep otherwise."
She hesitated. His eyes pleaded with her.
But then she firmed her resolve.
"No. Your health is more important than any comic. Wait until the medicine arrives and helps you recover."
Lucien understood her concern, but time wasn't on his side.
The system wouldn't wait.
"Please, Eriri. Let me draw. I need to finish it today."
"I said no!" she snapped, her voice uncharacteristically sharp.
Lucien's anxiety spiked. Every second mattered now.
Then the pain hit.
A crushing wave of agony tore through his body.
"Cough, cough, cough—"
Lucien coughed violently. His face turned pale.
"Ah! Are you okay?" Eriri panicked and rushed forward to support him.
She grabbed the oxygen mask, gently placed it over his face, and patted his back.
"Look at yourself," she said, voice shaking. "And you still want to draw?"
Lucien pulled the mask down slightly. "Eriri… I don't have time. Please, let me finish this. I'll take full responsibility."
Just then, his mother returned to the room.
"Lucien! What's happening?" she cried, rushing to his side.
"I want to draw…" he whispered.
She frowned. "But the doctor said you must rest."
"This is my last chance!" Lucien said, determination burning in his eyes.
"Silly boy. Don't talk like that. You still have hope. Don't give up."
But Lucien wasn't speaking out of despair.
He knew the truth—if he finished the last chapter and reached 5,000 readers, the system would extend his life.
And that window was closing fast.
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🎉 Major Congratulations to Our Newest Supporters! 🎉
A warm welcome to:
✨ TATTERWING
✨ Grabbott
✨ Lane Laswell
Your support keeps the fire burning! 🔥
If YOU want to unlock exclusive chapters, NSFW extras, and early access to all my stories as forbidden_lust, then come join the inner circle:
👉 patreon.com/Forbidden_lust
Let's keep pushing boundaries together. 💋
— forbidden_lust