Chapter 125: I Need a Bodyguard (With a Meaningful Glance) (23)

In the Sealed Sanctuary, Herbert once again met the Grand Archbishop and bowed respectfully behind him.

"Your Grace."

"Child, you've come again. It seems your plan has succeeded… hmm?"

The Grand Archbishop turned his head, studied Herbert closely, and slightly widened his eyes in surprise.

"You…"

Herbert lowered his head humbly, offering no explanation, waiting for the Grand Archbishop to arrive at a reasonable conclusion himself.

For a leader of such immense personal power, no elaborate explanation is needed—he will find his own reasons to convince himself.

Voluntarily explaining parts he hasn't yet considered would only provoke resentment, triggering that defiant thought: "Why are you explaining this? Do you think I don't understand?"

Indeed, after a moment's thought, the Grand Archbishop's smile remained warm as he nodded approvingly:

"Heh, very good. Your innate talent for cultivating Holy Power surpasses even my expectations—you've fully adapted to its transformation of your body in such a short time."

The Grand Archbishop interpreted Herbert's physical enhancement as exceptional compatibility with Holy Power.

This was still astonishing, yet plausible.

In his lifetime, he had seen too many geniuses—more than a dozen Chosen of the Divine, even a few who ascended to godhood through faith alone.

Though those few ascendants became only the lowest-tier lesser deities, they had nonetheless crossed entirely into the divine realm, transcending mortal existence.

Herbert's compatibility with Holy Power, while impressive, had not reached a level that would leave him speechless.

The Grand Archbishop thought this, and nodded slightly—yes, very good, but still slightly inferior to my own talent.

After praising him, the Grand Archbishop placed a hand on Herbert's shoulder, gesturing for him to return to his previous seat.

"Since you've arrived safely, I assume the heretics have been purified according to your plan."

"Yes, all Dark Elf heretics have been fully purified."

"Did no one else intervene?"

Herbert raised his head proudly and said: "Yes, just as I promised—I relied solely on the creatures within the Third Precept."

This was accomplished without aid from anyone—only through my efforts and theirs!

We're truly incredible!

The Grand Archbishop watched the proud, delighted boy and smiled kindly, his mood clearly cheerful.

As an elderly elder, the Grand Archbishop greatly enjoyed seeing young people radiate such vitality.

Though they may not outlive him or surpass his achievements, they represent the hope of the future.

And good children deserve praise.

The Grand Archbishop did not beat around the bush with empty platitudes; he cut straight to the point: "Child, you came here specifically to see me—what reward are you seeking?"

At his level, pretense serves no purpose; simplicity and directness are better.

Herbert understood this, and offered no false modesty.

He sat upright, fixed his gaze on the Grand Archbishop's calm eyes, and spoke in a low, steady voice: "Your Grace, I wish to temporarily leave the monastery and return to Bingshan Wangcheng to resolve some personal matters."

Just a few personal matters.

The Grand Archbishop raised an eyebrow, then nodded gently: "Very well. Is that your only request?"

"No, Your Grace. I have another request."

Herbert took a deep breath, clenched his fists silently, and spoke with determined resolve: "I ask that you permit me… to take one person from the monastery to protect my safety."

Hm?

The Grand Archbishop narrowed his eyes, gazing calmly at the bold boy.

The boy did not retreat; he kept his muscles perfectly still, meeting the gaze without a tremor, calmly enduring the Saint's scrutiny.

Instantly, the Sanctuary fell into silence, as if time itself had halted.

Perhaps only an instant passed—or perhaps half a day.

"… "

Just as Herbert felt utterly exposed, the Grand Archbishop finally withdrew his gaze, shook his head slightly, and whispered:

"Speak. Who do you wish to take?"

In that instant, the pressure vanished.

Hu ——

Herbert exhaled a long, heavy breath, slumping forward slightly as he struggled to breathe normally.

"Cough, cough!"

Even though he had prepared himself, Herbert had not realized how immense the pressure had been—he barely noticed it at the time.

Only now, regaining his composure, did he feel as if he had walked the edge of life and death…

Was this a warning?

Herbert quickly regained his focus, understanding this was the Grand Archbishop's subtle rebuke, tempering his overinflated confidence.

What I give you is yours.

What I do not give—you must not take.

The Grand Archbishop never said these words outright, but Herbert felt them nonetheless.

Yet as the heart-pounding fear faded, only elation remained—Herbert smiled inwardly.

"… Heh, heh!"

I won.

Never mind how dangerous the process was… the point is, he didn't refuse!

The Grand Archbishop did not reject him outright—there is still room for negotiation.

Herbert swiftly composed himself, sat upright again, and declared firmly: "Valentina the Wildfire, the Berserker."

"I request permission for Valentina to leave the monastery with me."

Grand Archbishop, I want her!

"… "

The Grand Archbishop gave no answer, but asked in a voice devoid of emotion: "Child, do you truly understand what this means?"

Here it comes.

Herbert knew the critical moment had arrived; he spoke with unwavering certainty: "I understand. I am fully aware of the cost this entails."

"To the world, Valentina is a dangerous monster, and all will fear her."

"If she loses control in Bingshan Wangcheng, tens of thousands will die—and I… will become the greatest sinner."

"Yet even so, I still choose her—because she has truly changed."

Herbert rose, then knelt on one knee before the Grand Archbishop and pleaded: "Grant me, and grant her, a chance to prove ourselves to the world."

"Tell them she is not merely a mindless destroyer!"

Herbert spoke with heartfelt sincerity, but the Grand Archbishop remained unmoved.

The old man shook his head, speaking softly:

"No, child. You are wrong."

"If she loses control, the sinner will not be you—or even the rampaging dragon. It will be the Mist Monastery alone."

Herbert:!

Seeing the boy stunned, the elder continued: "The world will not care who you are. They will only know the Mist Monastery released a dragon and allowed it to wreak havoc."

"At that point, even I will be unable to spare her again."

The Grand Archbishop's expression remained calm, yet Herbert felt an overwhelming, insurmountable terror.

The Saint gazed at the naive child with pity, coldly declaring the dragon's final fate.

"I can only… purify her utterly."

(End of Chapter)