Am I a Healer? You'd Better Think So!-Chapter 65: Was That A Joke?

The courtroom went silent for a few seconds. In the end, Rhea was someone from the old days, known by everyone. No one had ever expected her to betray the Empire, but the evidence left no doubt. Still, nobody felt good about any of it—especially those who knew what had happened in her past.

Everyone from her clan was completely stunned.

But Darian noticed something different through his power. He felt her karma and soul move toward a single place. It was one of the black needles in her body.

The Supreme Judge spoke calmly:

"The punishment is complete. Other investigations will follow, but right now the Empire is focused on something far more important. Release everyone who was part of this clan."

At his words, the soldiers nodded and moved, removing the chains from the prisoners.

Even after being freed, no one moved. They all stared at Rhea's lifeless body, which was being held by Harper — the only one who was even remotely composed.

"Darian," the judge's voice rang out again, making him turn.

"We're not gonna force you to explain how you figured all of that out. Everyone's free to develop their powers and blessings however they want. Keeping things hidden is, honestly, a matter of survival. But if what you used is something unique to you, and you're willing to reveal it, the Empire can offer you an extremely high-ranking position because of your abilities. Interested?"

Everyone in the courtroom forgot to breathe. An extremely high-ranking position wasn't just a title — it meant being on the same level as the Supreme Judge himself. Anyone would have to treat that person with serious respect...

"I'm not interested." Darian's voice came out dry and rough. He was struggling to hold himself together.

Revealing his powers would be suicide. His master Meru had warned him clearly — he had to move in the shadows, stay completely silent.

"Fair enough. You're still young, and being free is good too. That position will still be open in the future." The judge nodded. "Even if you won't accept, the Empire is still in your debt. Your contribution was huge, and we always repay our High Humans properly."

Right as he said that, Darian's eyes shifted. He pointed to Rhea and asked quickly:

"That black needle in her body... is her soul sealed inside it?"

"It is. She and Damon were originally sentenced to death and soul refining, so we used that artifact. But that was overturned. I'll release them properly later," the judge replied calmly.

"That needle lost its original use, right? After releasing them, it won't have any value anymore?"

Darian asked thoughtfully, and the judge nodded:

"Yes. After sealing a soul, you're supposed to refine it into the material to gain great power. Since that won't happen, it'll basically be trash."

"I want that needle. With her soul and her son's." Darian said seriously, making everyone turn toward him.

"The Empire is in my debt, right? Of course, I'm not gonna refine them. I just want to release them properly, with Leander."

Darian added, giving a reasonable explanation.

The judge nodded: "Fine, but that doesn't cost much..."

"You said the clan lost its right to exist, right?" Darian asked quickly. The judge confirmed with a nod. "Can I take that back?"

Everyone from the clan turned toward him, surprised. The clan leader — the person who had brought them all into the clan — was dead. Why keep the clan going?

"Hmm... your contribution does justify something like that. If that's what you want, I can also return everything of value that was confiscated from the clan. But the old territory was destroyed during a full-scale investigation..."

The judge paused for a few seconds.

"I'll also give you Imperial credit. You'll get 60% off on everything you need, for ten years. With the valuables the clan already owned, you can rebuild the basics. Over time, using that discount, everything can go back to how it was. And if you get enough resources, you might even turn the clan into something way bigger than it ever was."

People in the courtroom widened their eyes.

Valuable stuff like unique artifacts and materials could only be bought on the black market or directly from the Empire. Even the number one clan only got a 30% discount, and only on selected items. Getting 60% off for ten years? That was insane — people would kill for that.

Darian nodded. "I want all of it."

He turned to the freed clan members who were staring at him and spoke seriously:

"I plan to rebuild the clan alongside Leander, and with anyone who wants to help. You're all free now. This clan is starting over from scratch. But if you believe in me and Leander, we can honor Rhea's name."

Two minutes passed.

None of them said a word.

Darian sighed. That reaction was obvious, but he couldn't just not try.

Who was Darian, anyway? In everyone's eyes, just a young guy with a ring — someone with great potential. But that's all it was: potential. That doesn't mean anything. People with potential die on missions all the time.

With him and Leander in charge, what kind of future would that clan have? Was this some kind of joke?

No one mocked him or said anything out loud — they were all decent people who respected each other. But still, it clearly felt dumb. And besides, Rhea was the reason they were all here in the first place. With her gone, most of them would rather just live as mercenaries for a while.

The Supreme Judge broke the silence: "Hand over the other needle."

A soldier nodded and pulled out the black needle where Damon's soul was sealed. The judge gestured, and both needles floated slowly toward Darian.

"My orders have already been sent and officially recorded. People will be assigned to deliver the clan's emblem and everything that was promised to you. There's also the reward for the mission your group completed."

The judge confirmed that, then turned to everyone in the courtroom.

"I declare the end of this trial. Everyone return. The Empire is now fully focused on hunting down and bringing to justice everyone involved in this betrayal across the land!"

***

It was noon in the capital.

Suddenly, Lucy and Lucius — who were sparring on the house balcony — heard the sound of the doorbell.

Their eyes widened as they sensed who had just arrived. Instantly, Lucy bolted toward the door like lightning.

When she opened it...

She saw Darian, Matteo holding an unconscious Leander, Harper and Veyle.

Everyone's expression was heavy — full of grief and sorrow.

She swallowed her emotions the moment she realized something really bad had happened. But Darian sighed and stepped forward. Then he gently hugged her.

He knew his little sister. She had this habit of holding back what she felt for others. He knew the news of his "death" had probably reached them quickly, and it was obvious both of them had been devastated.

As soon as he hugged her, she buried her face in his chest — and without making a sound, he felt his shirt start to get wet.

"It's okay... you could've trusted your brother a little, you know?" he said softly, running a hand through her hair.

After a few minutes, he turned and motioned for everyone to come inside.

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The three gave faint smiles and walked in.

Darian turned to Lucius, who clearly looked shaken by his return. "They'll be staying here for a while. We're all really hungry."

"Yeah, I'll get something ready," he said with a cheerful nod.

At the same time, Lucy pulled away from his chest, her face a mess. "I'll help," she said, a wide smile slowly forming.

Darian nodded gently.

As the two of them rushed off to the kitchen, Leander started to wake up.

Everyone turned toward him, tense — then looked at Darian.

"Good timing," he said, pulling out the two needles. "We've got a lot to talk about."