**Chapter 5: The Divine Paradox**
The battlefield fell silent.
Aldric, the once-undefeated **Infinite Healer**, now knelt in the dirt—his hands trembling, his divine glow extinguished. His own party stared at him in horror, their stolen vitality finally returned to them.
Luis stood over him, golden light flickering around his fingertips. The power of **[Zero Requiem]** still hummed in his veins—**a healing ability that didn't just restore, but undid injustice itself.**
**"You…"** Aldric choked out, his voice raw. **"You stole my power."**
Luis shook his head. **"I didn't steal it. I *awakened* it."**
Then he turned to the Demon Lord's forces, still frozen in shock.
**"Now,"** he said, cracking his knuckles, **"who's next?"**
---
### **The Church's Judgment**
Three days later, word of the **"Heretic Healer"** had spread like wildfire.
In the grand cathedral of the Holy Order, the High Inquisitor slammed his staff against marble floors.
**"Luis of Nowhere—you stand accused of Divine Paradox!"**
Murmurs rippled through the clergy.
- **Divine Paradox:** A being whose existence **defied the gods' laws**—a healer who could **copy, alter, and even reverse miracles.**
Luis smirked. **"So what's the verdict? Execution?"**
The Inquisitor's eyes darkened. **"Worse. *Recruitment.*"**
The doors burst open.
Paladins in silver armor surrounded him, spears leveled at his throat.
**"The Holy Order wants your power,"** the Inquisitor whispered. **"And you will serve—willingly or not."**
---
### **The Demon Lord's Proposal**
That night, as Luis sat in his cell, **shadows pooled beneath his feet.**
A figure emerged—**a woman with crimson eyes and a crown of bone.**
The **Demon Lord.**
**"Interesting,"** she purred. **"A healer even the gods fear."**
Luis didn't flinch. **"Here to kill me?"**
She laughed. **"I'd rather *hire* you. My forces could use a healer who can… *repurpose* holy magic."**
She slid a contract across the floor.
**"Serve me, and I'll let you *copy every ability in my arsenal.*"**
Luis glanced at it.
Then at the **paladin guards outside.**
Then back at her.
**"Counteroffer,"** he said, grinning. **"How about I *take* your powers instead?"**
Her smile vanished.
---
### **The Hero's Redemption**
Aldric, now stripped of his title, watched from the shadows.
His hands shook—not from weakness, but from **realization.**
*All this time… I was the villain.*
He stepped forward.
**"Luis."**
The healer turned.
Aldric dropped to one knee.
**"Teach me… how to heal *without* stealing lives."**
---
### **Next Chapter Preview:**
- **The Holy Order's Trap** – The Church unleashes their **ultimate weapon: a *sealed saint*** who can nullify any ability.
- **Luis' Rebellion** – Using **stolen holy and demonic powers**, Luis flips the battlefield into chaos.
- **Aldric's Choice** – Will he **betray the Church** to save the man who ruined him?