READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 4: Chapter 4: First Points Earned
Hiroshi swayed slightly as his eyes regained focus. His hands trembled, and a tear rolled down his rugged cheek. Haruto watched him, a grave expression on his face, while the hunter appeared to fully absorb the reality implanted by hypnosis.
Suddenly, Hiroshi fell to his knees, his forehead hitting the ground with force, startling Haruto.
"Forgive me, miracle doctor! Forgive me for doubting your kindness and power. I am unworthy. While you came to save us, I was terribly ungrateful. But now, I swear I will do whatever you ask to save my family! Please, grant me another chance!" he cried desperately, his forehead still pressed to the ground.
Haruto, though outwardly impassive, was inwardly elated. The intermediate hypnosis proved far more powerful than expected. In theory, he couldn't force Hiroshi to go against his principles, which imposed significant limits. Yet, the suggestion had planted itself deeply, far beyond Haruto's expectations.
As he observed Hiroshi still kneeling, Haruto understood that, under normal circumstances, he couldn't push him to directly betray his core beliefs with intermediate hypnosis. However, if one of Hiroshi's principles compelled him to act, Haruto could exploit it. He silently thanked Hana. Thanks to her, he discovered that Hiroshi, despite his apparent coldness and unshakable pride, was deeply attached to his family. By making him believe his family was in danger, Hiroshi was willing to do anything to protect them, even abandon his convictions. Protecting his family was his greatest principle, putting him entirely under Haruto's control as long as they remained out of harm's way.
Haruto licked his lips, satisfied with the turn of events, as a faintly sinister smile touched his features. His thoughts briefly drifted to Hana and her alluring figure—a reward he might claim sooner than planned.
Knowing they might be observed by Hana, Haruto quickly erased his smile and placed a firm but reassuring hand on Hiroshi's shoulder. In a solemn, gentle voice, he said:
"Hiroshi, rise. I do not hold anything against you. Fear and doubt are natural when protecting your family. From now on, your faith in me will be your strength. With this faith, we will save your wife and daughter."
He fought back an inner laugh threatening to escape, savoring the power of hypnosis.
Hiroshi slowly stood, his face showing complete devotion. From afar, through the window, Hana watched the scene, her expression frozen in utter confusion. Never before had she seen her husband show such reverence to anyone.
Haruto continued in a grave tone:
"Now, for my treatment to work fully, it's essential that you pray for me. Show me the sincerity of your heart, Hiroshi."
Without hesitation, Hiroshi knelt again, raising his hands to the sky. His voice resonated with intense desperation and devotion:
"Oh, great miracle doctor, I thank you for your presence and compassion. You are the light in our darkness, the hope of my family. I beg you to guide my actions, strengthen my faith, and help me fulfill your will. Thank you for saving my loved ones."
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Points Earned Through Devotion and Prayer
Every sincere prayer directed toward you can generate points based on the Spirit Points of the one praying.
Reward: (Spirit Points × 2) Faith Points per prayer.Limit: Maximum of 5 prayers per day per person.
Points Gained: +10
Current Total: 483
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Haruto felt a subtle, almost imperceptible energy accumulate within him. This intangible force, soft but powerful, confirmed the success of his power. Hiroshi's prayers, even under hypnosis, brought in Faith Points. A faint smile touched his lips before he quickly banished it, aware of the need to maintain his solemn demeanor.
Hiroshi, breathless but calm, lowered his hands and looked up at Haruto with overflowing admiration.
"Did I do well, doctor?" he asked, his voice trembling with devotion.
Haruto nodded slowly, his tone measured and deliberately grave.
"You did very well, Hiroshi. Continue praying with this fervor, five times a day, and you will witness miracles."
Haruto placed a firm hand on Hiroshi's shoulder to reinforce his words and continued in a lower, almost conspiratorial voice:
"However, for everything to proceed smoothly, you must not mention any of this to Hana. She might worry unnecessarily, and it could further weaken her fragile body. Don't worry; I will watch over her and your daughter."
Haruto watched Hiroshi for a moment longer before turning toward the house. Hiroshi nodded vigorously, determination gleaming in his eyes, and followed.
As Haruto approached the house, he noticed Hana still standing at the window, her eyes shining with questioning. He took a deep breath, mastering his expression to project only serenity and kindness. Beside him, Hiroshi walked in silence, visibly shaken by the events.
Hana stepped outside to meet them at the entrance, her gaze shifting between her husband and Haruto.
"Hiroshi?" she began, her voice tinged with palpable worry. "Are you all right? I saw you kneeling earlier… What happened?"
Haruto stayed slightly behind, calmly observing the interaction, while Hiroshi stopped in front of his wife. Taking a deep breath, he raised a steady gaze, following Haruto's instructions to the letter.
"Everything is fine, Hana," he said with a smile he forced to appear sincere. "It was nothing. I knelt… to apologize to him."
Hana frowned, still perplexed. "Apologize? Why?"
Hiroshi averted his gaze slightly before answering, as though gathering his thoughts.
"I was unfair to him from the beginning. I welcomed him with suspicion and hostility even though he came here in good faith, offering his services for free. I had to make amends."
Seeing the opportune moment, Haruto interjected gently:
"Your husband is a man of great integrity, Mrs. Hana. He simply wished to express his regrets, and I hold no grudge against him. My only priority is your family's health and well-being."
Hana seemed to relax slightly, her features softening, though a hint of incomprehension remained in her gaze.
"If you say so…" She hesitated, then added with a timid smile, "Thank you for staying despite everything."
Haruto nodded slowly, responding with a modesty that concealed his inner triumph.
Hiroshi, relieved, guided Hana inside, attempting to shift her focus. Haruto closed the door behind them with measured composure.
As they sat around the table, Hana began serving the meal with graceful precision. Haruto discreetly observed her elegant movements, letting no detail escape him. Hiroshi, still somewhat tense, remained silent, his gaze fixed on his plate.
Suddenly, a knock on the door broke the quiet clinking of utensils.
Hana quickly stood, impatience flickering in her eyes. "Oh, she's finally here?" she murmured, setting down her napkin before heading to the entrance.
When she opened the door, a young woman stood there, dressed in a modest yet elegant kimono. Her gentle features lit up with a shy smile.
"Aiko!" exclaimed Hana warmly, adding curiously, "How is your fiancé?"
At this, Aiko's face flushed bright red. She averted her gaze slightly, her hands clutching a small basket.
"He's… better, thank you," she replied with a mix of timidity and a faint smile.
Amused by her daughter's reaction, Hana stepped aside to let her in. Aiko entered hesitantly, her eyes scanning the room—until they landed on Haruto.
An awkward silence filled the room. Haruto, sipping his tea calmly, looked up. His dark eyes met Aiko's, who seemed to search his face as if trying to place him.
Hana noticed the exchange of glances and naturally introduced Haruto.
"Oh, Aiko, I haven't told you about him yet. This is Haruto, a traveling doctor who had a run-in with bandits. He'll be staying with us for a while."
Haruto inclined his head slightly, his tone humble.
"Pleased to meet you. You must be Mr. Hiroshi and Mrs. Hana's daughter. Your mother has spoken of you with great affection."
Aiko, surprised by his polite manners and calm voice, murmured a faint, "Pleased to meet you…" before looking away, visibly unsettled.
Hiroshi, sensing the tension, spoke firmly but kindly.
"Aiko, come sit with us. The meal is ready."
She obeyed quietly, sitting next to her mother, but her gaze kept darting back to Haruto, clearly intrigued by him.
Haruto maintained a perfectly controlled expression, though in the back of his mind, he was already comparing the daughter's curves to those of the mother.