Damned Healer-Chapter 124: Everyone Is An Enemy

"Guess I was naive. A clan that big, been around for that long... of course they’d have some crazy secrets. I should’ve been more careful, thought about the chance they had another supreme artifact," Rhea said, full of regret.

Darian let out a breath. "Even if you had, there’s no way you could’ve guessed what kind of power it had. In the end, no matter what, you guys were gonna slip up and get caught."

Artifacts, like blessings, could be insanely unique and unpredictable. The difference was, artifacts came from other universes, and bringing one to Earth cost so much that only an empire could afford it.

Or... Darian could smuggle them in.

But even with the resources, finding a supreme artifact was pure luck.

That’s why whenever a clan had one, it was always because the empire allowed it. The empire would pick the top clans to receive one, boosting their chances of success in high-level missions.

The room went quiet. Rhea had paid a heavy price for her failure — her son was dead, and now she had to live without a real body.

Darian paused, thinking for a few seconds, then huffed and looked around at everyone.

"I need to be completely clear with all of you. The reason I wanted the right to keep this clan... is to reach the top of this empire as fast as I can."

Everyone stared at him seriously. If it were before, hearing that would’ve sounded like a joke. But now, after seeing just a glimpse of what he could do... they all felt like it might actually be possible.

"In four years, I need to complete a Rank C mission that’s going to show up. After that, every five years, one higher-level mission. In twenty years, we’ll be the number one clan in the empire. And after that..."

He looked each of them in the eye. There was something crazy and unstoppable in his red eyes. Before, he looked like a lunatic pretending to be someone else. Now, he was showing his real self — and it was scarier than the mask.

Those young people were stunned. Did he just say... in only 20 years, he’d reach the top of the Empire?

"After we get to the top of the Empire, we climb the next mountain. First Earth, our home — then the entire universe." He said it with absolute certainty.

They all swallowed hard. Did they hear that right? Everyone thought the same thing.

"Yeah, just like you’re thinking — eventually, every empire will be our enemy. And after that, every planet."

He didn’t even pause for them to digest that.

"It’s not just this universe. I’ve been given a mission to conquer the Divine Protection Universe. I’ll hunt down every last Risen Lord and save everyone in that place."

"I want to surpass everything, and I won’t back down — even if I die a miserable death along the way. So if any of you decide to stay in this clan, understand one thing: this is a suicide mission. Everyone will become our enemy."

Darian took a deep breath. He wasn’t crazy. But it was either this... or both universes would be destroyed. That part, he couldn’t say — his master had forbidden it.

Still, he couldn’t let these people walk into this blindly. And at the same time, he knew there was no way he could do it all alone.

A long silence followed.

Everyone took their time, thinking it through. Seeing Rhea — someone who should’ve been dead — standing there... none of them could believe Darian was just talking nonsense.

"...Alright. I want to see the empires fall too," Leander said first, his voice firm.

Rhea looked at him, worried. But when she saw the determination in her son’s eyes, she realized he’d made his choice — and nothing would change it. He was a grown man now, and she’d raised him to follow his own path.

"I hate the empire too," Harper said softly. "My whole family’s military — I’ve seen all the dirty secrets the public never hears about. All they care about is power. They don’t even spare their own kids — we’re trained from childhood to be weapons... I never thought this far ahead, but if I can die helping just a little, I’ll be happy."

Everyone looked at her and nodded. She’d always said she lived for Rhea, because Rhea cared for people the way no one had ever cared for her. It was obvious that if she had the chance to fight the system, she wouldn’t hesitate.

"I... In this system, normal humans get crushed by the underworld and the Empire," Matteo said with a heavy heart. "If I can help the poor and the weak, even if I fail, I don’t care."

He clenched his fists. Just like Darian, he’d grown up in poverty. He knew how brutal life was for regular people with no connections or protection. His family was safe now, with plenty of money saved. Even if he died, he had nothing to lose.

Finally, Veyle took a deep breath and turned to Darian.

With calm resolve, she said, "I want to save the Divine Protection Universe. Here on Earth, there’s still some kind of order... some peace. But the people over there — they deserve a chance to live too. If you’re really going to save them, I’ll follow you to the end."

Everyone was caught off guard. No one knew what Veyle really thought — she was always too shy to speak clearly. Her motivation was different, but just as powerful.

Darian was stunned — and honestly, relieved.

He was already sure everyone here was good and honest. After all, Rhea had recruited them, and she clearly knew how to pick the right people, even without the power Darian had.

They had all lived tough lives and found a reason to grow stronger and survive. But none of them had ever truly dreamed of changing anything. They knew they were like ants, just trying to get by.

If before they were already giving 100% just to survive... then maybe, with him, if they pushed past their limits, they could actually change everything?

Knowing just how abnormal Darian’s power was—and his intentions—it was like a spark lit up inside each of them.

They never pictured themselves doing something that big... but now, fate had cracked that door open.

"Damn it..." Rhea let out painfully. "All the others in the clan... I’m sure that if they had seen what these young ones saw, they’d have joined us too."

Darian nodded. Unfortunately, his karma wasn’t connected to the rest. But eventually, he’d need to recruit more people—and maybe some would come back.

"Well, now we’re all in the same boat," Darian said casually, turning to Veyle.

"Like I said before, I need a Summoner for the Primitive Beast. Rhea might’ve lost her body, but her skills are still engraved in her soul. Once she fully adapts, she can use her old powers. As for that one, he’s meant to be a powerful tank. I think he suits you. Are you willing to take him?"

Everyone went quiet. That Primitive Beast looked wild and savage. And Veyle was the complete opposite. But she didn’t hesitate. "If you trust me, I’ll do my best."

Darian nodded, satisfied. "Alright, there’s one more thing."

He gestured, then pulled something from his soul inventory. Potions—the ones he’d brought back from the other universe.

The four of them recognized them immediately and their eyes widened.

"I couldn’t bring the cauldrons, but I managed to grab a bit of every potion. You seem to like this stuff... If I get more potions, more resources, and maybe even some knowledge about alchemy and potion-making—do you want to learn how to make them?"

Darian looked her straight in the eyes. She forgot to breathe.

Did she want to? Tons of potions and pills were brought to Earth from other universes. And she read about them all, studied obsessively.

But sadly, there were no powerful herbs or ingredients on Earth. Sure, you could bring stuff from other universes—but the cost was insane. Not even an empire could afford it. So studying and practicing was basically impossible for anyone.

But... had Darian really brought these potions over without paying?

He added, "Yeah, I can bring whatever you want to Earth."

"I... I do! I really do! I’ll study day and night, I’ll do everything I can not to disappoint you!" Veyle blurted out.

Darian nodded and handed the potions to her. They didn’t mean much to him, but she could study them. Later on, he’d buy everything he could in the Empire so she could practice without worrying.

In the end, he repeated the same process he used to connect Rhea and Leander. Now, Veyle became a Summoner too.

Once everything was ready, the barrier faded. Soon, the smell of food filled the room.

"Lucius is a damn good cook. Let’s enjoy it while we’re still alive... after this, everything’s just gonna get worse," Darian finished with a genuine smile.