Synopsis

Now that the situation with Liz has been resolved, Zenos shifts focus to researching the Black Guild. He soon learns of an important figure within their ranks who is supposedly able to heal any malady. Suspecting this might be his childhood friend Velitra, who once studied under the same mentor as him, Zenos decides to look further into the matter. Zenos suspects that Velitra has their old mentor’s notes. If Zenos is correct, his old friend might also hold the key to finding out more about the mysterious man. Unfortunately, the Black Guild is shrouded in mystery, and information on their executives is guarded closely. Left with little other recourse, Zenos seeks out an information broker to help him gather the knowledge he seeks. Will Zenos manage to infiltrate the Black Guild? And if he does, what secrets will his prying reveal…? (Source: J-Novel Club)

A Battle Between Healers!

Having solved his issues with Liz, the latest chronicle in the Brilliant Healer’s tale finds Zenos going deeper and deeper into the underworld of the slums on the hunt for one of the mysterious leaders spearheading the notorious Black Guild, his childhood friend Velitra.

With a quest of such importance, the story’s pace has the speed to match. The series’ fourth instalment starts in the thick of it with Zenos and the rest of his surgery attempting to get information out of a shady broker. The chosen location for the deal is within Lynga’s casino. A den of debauchery that makes sense within the lawless wild west of the slums; it’s surprising we haven’t seen it come up until now. Nevertheless, Zenos’ quest for information almost comes to an end before it begins, as he’s forced to gamble with the information against the broker in a game of cards.

Playing a game of pure chance, these moments offer the perfect opportunity for the author to showcase another use for healing magic other than to cure someone. Using a skill known as Focus, Zenos is able to improve his eyesight well beyond human capabilities, essentially becoming the world’s best card counter.

Winning the game, Zenos gets the information he seeks, as well as an unexpected companion for the ride. Of the series’ pairings, Zenos and the information broker, Pista, are the strongest to date. Pista is given a well-rounded introduction to the series. Certain circumstances have led her to live a morally grey life on the edge of criminality, but at heart, there’s still good in her. It’s how she’s easily able to fit in among Zenos’s crowd of do-gooders. Moreover, it’s quickly established that Pista and Zenos share similar upbringings, making their transition from business acquaintances to friends as the story progresses a believable prospect.

As the two team up, their first attempt at meeting Velitra fails, forcing Zenos and Pista to rely on plan B—infiltrate the black guild. Alongside the usual antics involving Zenos’ ability to make the world a more wholesome place, the arc surrounding the black guild’s infiltration also neatly ties up Pista’s revenge and the tragedy behind Zenos’s childhood.

In these segments, the scenes between Zenos and Velitra are the most noteworthy. The key to the disagreements between them stems from a misunderstanding following the harrowing death of their magic teacher. Blaming Zenos for their master’s death, Velitra ended up on a dark path of crime and murder. This leads to a big blowout during the climax, ultimately leading to a shocking discovery as Velitra learns the truth behind their past together.

Overall, The Brilliant Healer’s fourth instalment makes a great addition to the series. Fast-paced and action-heavy, the latest volume in the series sets about introducing interesting and well-rounded new characters as well as finally revealing the shocking truth behind the titular shadow healer’s origins.

I Give The Brilliant Healer Volume 4: 8.5/10