"Bachelor of Science, I completely agree with your point of view. I have an idea. Our understanding of the human body is not comprehensive enough. If we don't understand it, the treatment will be biased. So I think that the progress of medicine should not only be about researching new drugs, but also about understanding the human body. This is the foundation of everything." Gavin looked fervent, as if he would do anything for medicine.
"Gavin, your idea is exactly what's currently being overlooked in medicine. However, this type of research is strictly prohibited by the City. Given the prevailing trend, we can only focus our efforts on drugs and methods," Coburn said with a frown, looking helpless.
"What if the City doesn't know? Bachelors? We're doing this for academic research, for medical advancement. If we achieve great results, everyone will benefit," Gavin said eagerly, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Your idea is dangerous, Gavin. You're still young. You should accumulate more knowledge and experience. You can study more theories in this area. I believe that you will gradually change through learning. Don't jeopardize your future." Coburn said before Gavin could reply, waving his hand at the same time.
"That's all for today. I still have some medications to take care of. I have surgery tomorrow, so remember to arrive early. Now, Gavin, go back."
Gavin bowed respectfully and said with a humble expression, "Yes, Your Excellency, I won't disturb your work any longer. See you tomorrow."
After leaving, Gavin respectfully closed the door, rolled his eyes, and thought to himself: "Old fox, he wants my help but doesn't dare to ask. He's been testing me repeatedly for over ten days. Gavin doesn't dare to show too much, in case he really scares Cobb away, it will be even more troublesome. In fact, over the past few months, Gavin has already gathered some dirt on Cobb's secret use of corpses for experiments, but the evidence is not sufficient. Otherwise, he could directly threaten him, which is much better than putting on this show every day."
Gavin returned to his dormitory, changed out of his solemn academic gown, carefully fastened his sword to his waist, and slowly walked toward the old town.
Old John's Tavern was bustling with a diverse mix of people. Most of its customers were mercenaries and pirates traveling to and from the old town port, their identities sometimes shifting at will. The air was thick with the mingled scents of ale and sweat.
Gavin followed the waiter into the private room, where he saw five people sitting inside.
Judging from their attire, they were mercenaries hired by passing ships, laughing and drinking ale. The leader was tall, and a short axe sat on the table. Gavin recognized this as Domus Sun, the captain of the mercenary group.
He wore a worn leather armor, its scratches seeming to tell tales of past battles. His muscular arms were bare, veins bulging like writhing earthworms. The blade of his short axe gleamed coldly in the lamplight.
Gavin took a deep breath, stepped forward, and said with a smile, "You must be Captain Domus. I am Gavin Buddha."
Domus laughed heartily, "You must be Gavin! Come and sit down! First of all, thank you for healing my teammate. I thank you on Luca's behalf."
Gavin nodded and smiled, then quickly walked to his seat and sat down. A month ago, Gavin had treated a mercenary named Luca. During their conversation, Gavin heard John recount how, a year earlier, his team had been hired by the Sea King of Braavos to explore the mysterious ruins of Valyria.
Despite the heavy casualties suffered during the operation, they were fortunate enough to find a sea route they could enter. Their captain, Domus, secretly drew up a simple map of the route.
Gavin showed great interest and proposed to make five copies of the gold dragon. Gavin has come here today precisely to complete this transaction.
At this moment, a burly mercenary with a thin scar on his face put down his beer, glanced at Gavin, and said, "I heard you healed Luca, but the navigation map is a very valuable thing. Since you healed Tom, here's 10 gold dragons." His voice was rough, and his eyes were full of provocation, like a beast ready to pounce on its prey, trying to test Gavin's strength.
Gavin didn't answer when he saw this. He glanced at Domus and saw that he was pretending to be nonchalant. Obviously, this was also Domus's idea. Gavin could accept this price, so he smiled and agreed: "Okay, then 10 gold dragons it is."
The mercenary with the thin scar gave a disdainful smile: "I've changed my mind, 20 gold dragons."
Upon hearing this, Gavin unconsciously gripped the sword at his waist with his left hand, suppressing his anger as he said, "It seems you have no sincerity in making a deal."
Upon hearing this, the other party revealed a contemptuous smile, glanced at Jiawen sideways, and laughed arrogantly: "Kid, you want to draw your sword? Why don't you come out and have a match with me? If you win, I'll give you one gold dragon; if you lose, you'll have to pay 40 gold dragons to buy it!"
Gavin scoffed after hearing this, "No need to go out, just stay here. I'll give you a handicap; you make the first move."
Feeling humiliated, the mercenary immediately drew his sword and roared as he lunged at Gavin. However, in a flash, Gavin's sword was faster; with a clang, it swept the mercenary's blade away. Before the mercenary could react, a bloody gash appeared on the back of his hand. Then, like lightning, Gavin's sword was at his neck.
The private room fell silent instantly. The other mercenaries stared wide-eyed, their faces filled with disbelief. The defeated, scarred mercenary's face flushed red with shame and anger, yet he was utterly helpless.
Gavin smiled slightly, took out a golden dragon coin and threw it on the table, slowly sheathed his sword, and said, "Thank you for the concession."
The mercenary gritted his teeth and said, "I misjudged you; your swordsmanship is excellent!"
Domus then burst into laughter, trying to smooth things over: "See? I told you this kid's got some skills!" Everyone laughed along, and the atmosphere became lively again.
As night fell, Gavin, who had just finished copying the navigation map, decided to stay overnight at the tavern. After all, the Citadel had strict rules, and if an assistant maester returned too late, it would surely attract the attention of the gatekeepers. To avoid any unforeseen trouble, spending the night at the tavern was undoubtedly a wise choice.
Just now, he successfully exchanged a golden dragon for ownership of the nighttime navigation map.
Gavin and Domus became friends through a series of unexpected encounters. Through their conversation, Gavin discovered that this group of people were clearly adept at switching between being bandits and mercenaries.
Gavin also inquired about the situation within the Valyrian ruins and the Smoky Sea, unexpectedly learning about the division of pirate forces on the Narrow Sea, the wars between the nine major trading city-states, and some interesting stories about the continent