[BL] Accidentally Becoming the Healer of the Deranged Archduke novel Chapter 194

Chapter 194: The Soft Cage And Golden Leash

Instead of cold, the darkness was soothing, gentle even, like a soft blanket pulled over an exhausted soul. Or perhaps it was the silence that made it so comforting, the kind of quiet only night could offer.

Xion floated in it, detached from the pain, the panic, and far from the blood still drying on his hands.

His body had collapsed. He recalled that much. He remembered Darius too... and the unbearable relief of seeing all that filthy mana away from his body.

He hoped that meant the pain had stopped.

[Host.]

The system’s voice echoed like a ripple across a still lake. It shattered the calm Xion had been floating in.

[You’re stabilized. Barely though. I’ve initiated the mission protocol. And this time... you don’t get a choice.]

Choice? When did he ever have one to begin with?

Xion wanted to respond sarcastically, or maybe even with a bite of bitterness. Anything really, but his throat wouldn’t move.

His mind was still sluggish, like trying to swim through syrup. And this so-called mission? He had no idea what it was.

Not that it mattered. As long as it didn’t involve setting foot in the capital... or facing His Highness Nikolai, he was fine doing it.

But if they forced him to face those people— people he had no wish to see— he’d refuse. Even if it meant dying.

Then, the system spoke again. And for the first time, Xion noticed the change.

The voice that once sounded like a babbling toddler now resembled a teenager. It was clear, confident, and irritatingly smug.

"What happened to you?" Xion asked perplexed by the sudden changes.

[I got updated, host!] The system chirped as if it had just won a prize at a fair.

Despite the more mature voice, the system’s enthusiasm hadn’t changed one bit. Xion chuckled.

"Good for you."

The system gave a dramatic huff, [It’s thanks to your dangerous treatment! Also, you just broke the record for earning the most merit points in a single move.]

Xion raised an eyebrow. Although he was still drifting in darkness and couldn’t see the little thing, he could picture the energetic ball bouncing with pride.

"Oh, is that so? How many did we get?"

Ten thousand would be great, he thought. Maybe even twenty.

That alone would be a wonderful prize.

Xion’s lips tugged into a small smile, eyes crinkling despite the lingering haze.

Because merit points meant success. It meant his treatment had worked.

[Ten million merit points!]

Xion blinked. Then blinked again.

He was stunned speechless. Ten... million?

He had been practically broke just hours ago, thanks to that absurdly expensive mana container and everything else he’d poured into this operation.

And now he had Ten million in his account? He’d never seen that much money in his entire life!

Just as the system’s words faded, cheerful celebration music blared in Xion’s ear— complete with trumpets and glittering sound effects.

[Due to your grand achievement, the higher-ups granted a double update! You now have access to better discounts and even higher-tier items! Isn’t that amazing?]

Xion’s lips twitched.

Why was this little thing acting like it was the one who performed surgery and saved Darius?

Still... it was a pretty sweet deal.

"But what about that mission you mentioned earlier?" Xion asked, more wary than excited. The last thing he needed was another crisis dropped in his lap.

[Ah, that? I don’t actually know yet,] the system admitted, its voice oddly sheepish. [The higher-ups haven’t assigned it yet. But once they do, I’ll let you know!]

Xion shrugged. "Fine by me."

Nothing was as important as Darius.

It was Darius.

Xion shuddered. That smooth, low baritone voice had always been distant and cold. But hearing it act cute gave him a huge fright.

Xion, "..." What melodramatic bullshit was this?

Where was it learning this nonsense from?

[I’ve been watching all of you. It helps us evolve. If you want, I can act exactly like Darius Rael Darkhelm.]

"No need. Just be you." _{freēwebnovel.com}

Xion sighed. Much better than hearing Darius’s voice acting all bubbly and ridiculous.