Defected Dark Healer’s Rise to Wealth
“──Everyone, you’ve already read the ‘new chapter’ of the Black Healing Tome distributed by Doctor Alaya, haven’t you?”
—Inside the Demon King’s Castle, in the west wing annex, within the conference room of the Demon Army Medical Corps.
Swan, holding a brand-new copy of the Black Healing Tome close to her chest, spoke, and eight military doctors under Kiwi Alaya’s direct command all nodded in unison.
Satisfied with their response, Swan happily fluttered her large harpy wings and announced:
“Well then, let’s begin today’s study session as usual!”
A chorus of “Ohhh!” rang out in response.
—It had been about two months since Swan and the others had started this study group.
Initially, it was established to share knowledge on how to enhance the versatile Dark Heal technique without relying on the Black Healing Tome, in order to conserve magic power on the battlefield. Additionally, they aimed to internalize the systematized techniques within the tome and make them their own.
“In this new chapter, Lord Alaya has introduced the use of Magic Words, which he frequently employed on the battlefield, allowing us to perform Dark Heal remotely!”
“Uhoh, indeed. I tried using it right away, and… what a marvelous technique.”
The Magori warrior Goliath carefully held the Black Healing Tome by its corners, as if reluctant to leave fingerprints on its cover.
“Uhoh, this could mark a turning point in the use of Dark Healers. If we can now perform remote Dark Heal, that means… uhon, we can also provide aerial support.”
“That’s right. And not only that. If winged beings like myself, a harpy, master this technique, we could even form an Aerial Dark Healer Corps.”
A collective “Ohhh!” rose from the group.
Up until now, the Demon Army’s aerial units had a major weakness—once airborne, they had no opportunity for medical treatment until the battle ended or they retreated. While their initial offensive power was high, their endurance was lacking.
This new technique had the potential to change that.
“But the real game-changer in this new chapter isn’t just that.”
An orc military doctor, Pignets, his eyes gleaming—probably from having spent all night studying and testing the technique—raised the Black Healing Tome high.
“Dark Heal can now be used as an offensive technique. Isn’t that the most significant impact this new chapter has on our role as military doctors?”
“Uhoh… I never considered using Dark Heal as a weapon, but…”
The response from the military doctors was a mix of admiration and hesitation.
Among those hesitant was Swan, who raised her hand.
“I’m not sure about that use case… We, as military doctors, are professionals in healing, aren’t we? Even if they are our enemies, using Dark Heal primarily to harm others seems questionable. This new chapter itself even states—”
Recalling the passage, Swan recited:
“In the darkness where doubt and suspicion are born, before the fallen forest kin who were to be struck down, the Savior extended a hand and said, ‘Let us walk together.’ The attendants and even the devoted followers opposed this, but the Savior remained steadfast.”
“The Savior did not use words. Yet, as if saying ‘What foolishness is it to fear the dark while stepping into its embrace?’ his actions spoke for him. Before anyone realized, the number of forest kin following behind him had grown to three. ‘I shall protect them,’ the Savior declared.”
“Uhoh, that passage recounts the Urklow Rescue Operation that you and Doctor Alaya carried out, doesn’t it?”
“Yes. In that mission, Doctor Alaya welcomed elves—our former enemies—into our ranks, leading to where we are today. This chapter, which includes a passage advocating for friendship with our enemies, doesn’t sit right with me as a justification for using Magic Words to harm others.”
Swan clasped her hands together as if in prayer, clearly troubled.
However, Pignets crossed his arms, frowning in contrast.
“But Doctor Alaya actually used Magic Words on the elves multiple times, didn’t he?”
“That was purely as a means of protecting himself and us, wasn’t it? He never sought out enemies just to harm them.”
“Yeah, but the new chapter also contains a rather ruthless passage regarding enemies.”
Pignets then recited:
“The Savior was furious when his attendants were harmed. ‘The wicked sage’s deeds cannot be atoned for by death alone,’ he declared. The Savior unleashed lightning upon the sage’s puppet—its wretched remains. ‘You’re not done yet,’ he said, shaking it violently.”
With a triumphant look, Pignets placed his hands on his hips.
“Doesn’t this imply that evil foes must be utterly destroyed?”
“That was because of who the enemy was! That was the Sage of the East!”
“Come on, attacks are meant for striking down evil enemies—there’s nothing wrong with that!”
“──Uhon! Enough, you two. Let’s leave it at that.”
Goliath intervened between the two demons, whose discussion had almost turned into an argument, with his distinctive clearing of the throat.
“Uho… I understand that this new chapter allows for various interpretations. However, it is not something to be forced upon each other.”
“Ugh… That is true… I got a little too heated,” Swan admitted, shrinking back awkwardly.
Pignets also shrugged and withdrew his argument.
Goliath let out a small sigh, “Uhoh… That said, it is a matter of concern. It’s not just Swan and Pignets—there are many differing opinions on the interpretation of the Black Healing Tome.”
“What do you mean?”
“Uho… I believe you all know that the revised version of the previous chapters of the Black Healing Tome, which we used in the battlefield, was recently published in the Demon Capital as a medical book.”
“Yes, since it has now been battle-tested.”
“Uho. However, when speaking to Dark Healers who read it as a single narrative, I’ve found that interpretations have largely split into two camps—those who see Doctor Alaya as a savior advocating for the liberation of multiple races and those who see them as a berserker enacting vengeance on behalf of those races.”
“What?! A view other than that of a savior?!”
“Uhoh… For those who do not know Doctor Alaya personally, the fact that they repelled the Hero’s forces is everything. It’s natural that different interpretations arise.”
Goliath scratched the back of his head, looking troubled.
Swan understood his frustration. It was frustrating to have their respected doctor judged through a biased lens. Indeed, some aspects might seem insane at first glance, but Alaya’s heart was more devoted to their duty and more considerate of others than any other Dark Healer.
Looking around at the serious expressions of their colleagues, Swan could tell they all felt the same way.
“…I have a proposal.”
Swan raised a hand firmly.
“What if we hold public study sessions on the Black Healing Tome?”
Spreading both arms, Swan addressed their comrades.
“And at the same time, when it comes to matters concerning Doctor Alaya’s reputation, we—those who truly know the doctor—should establish a unified interpretation and use this as an opportunity to teach civilian Dark Healers. That way, misunderstandings can be resolved.”
“Uho… That’s not a bad idea. It would also serve as a place to share knowledge on Dark Healing and raise the overall medical standards of the Demon Nation.”
“Yes. And actually, I believe… this aligns with Doctor Alaya’s own thoughts.”
“Uho? What do you mean?”
“In the past, I once overheard Doctor mumbling to themselves… ‘If the Black Healing Tome spreads, perhaps one day the Demon Nation will have a Dark Healer “kyoukai” just like the Kingdom.’”
“A Dark Healer ‘kyoukai’? What exactly is that…?”
With a satisfied smirk, Swan answered, “I researched it. ‘Kyoukai’ means ‘church’… A place where teachings are imparted. I do not fully understand the Kingdom’s culture, but apparently, they have such institutions.”
“A place for teaching, huh…”
Goliath, looking down at the Black Healing Tome in thought, suddenly raised his head as if struck by a realization.
“Uho! Could it be that Doctor’s true intention in creating this tome was…!”
“…Yes. That seems like the most reasonable conclusion.”
Swan looked around at their comrades before continuing in place of Goliath.
“Doctor likely wishes to pass on the knowledge of Universal Dark Healing to all Dark Healers in the Demon Nation.”
“Uho, that would make sense. If the tome was meant solely for our training, there would have been other ways to achieve that.”
“Exactly. The Black Healing Tome is an excellent book, so its knowledge will spread naturally regardless… But…”
“Uho, rather than allowing incorrect interpretations of Doctor’s character to spread with it, we should take the initiative and share it ourselves, right?”
Swan nodded. Their comrades’ expressions also brightened. The decision had been made.
“Then, let’s proceed. We will form an organization to spread Doctor Alaya’s teachings and knowledge… Let’s call it the Alaya Order! The Alaya Order is now officially active!”
