Chapter 201: The Ability to Protect Oneself? (Bonus 34 of 45)

Demon Hunting Competition.

This is a traditional training event of the Mist Monastery, held once a month, with very simple rules.

Contestants form teams of five and enter the Mist Mountains to hunt.

After eliminating demons, they leave behind their unique materials as proof of kills, and the most outstanding team is awarded.

The final prize isn't particularly valuable, but the winning team gets the chance to be awarded personally by the Grand Archbishop—that's the real reward.

To be honest, it did satisfy Herbert's need to farm monsters, but he was still not satisfied.

He entered the Mist Mountains not just to farm monsters, but also to take another look at his base and see if anything new had spawned inside.

If someone accompanied him, things would become very troublesome.

He definitely couldn't tell them; he could only find an opportunity to slip away secretly and rejoin the team after everything ended.

But not everyone would remain indifferent to the Death Student's periodic sudden disappearances.

Someone would inevitably notice Herbert's odd behavior, and that would become very troublesome.

He couldn't neutralize his companions every time—he couldn't keep going back alone; that would be too exhausting.

After hesitating, Herbert decided to play his trump card.

"Knight-Lord, are you worried that I lack the ability to protect myself?"

"You could say that."

"But what if I can prove my self-preservation ability?"

"... Hm?"

Archbishop Rustnail's eyebrows twitched slightly; he had a vague sense of what Herbert was about to say.

Can he really convince me?

Does he truly have the confidence to convince me?

So how could his current strength possibly persuade me?

As Archbishop Rustnail thought this, his gaze suddenly locked onto the glowing Holy Mark appearing on Herbert's arm.

Wait…

No way?

As Herbert began channeling Holy Power, a nearly impossible possibility suddenly struck his mind.

Before he could think further, Herbert's Holy Mark flared brightly, then rapidly formed into a pair of massive crimson wings behind his back.

!!!

Archbishop Rustnail's cold expression vanished completely; his mouth hung slightly open, his eyes filled only with shock.

This this this…

This is impossible!!!

He stared at the white-haired boy slowly floating into the air, wings spread, gazing down like an angel descending to the mortal realm, momentarily stunned.

Though a million parts of him refused to believe it, reason told him—this was reality!

The wings behind him were not some alchemical artifact or magical device—they were genuine Holy Power!

This boy had truly achieved this!

"Holy Mark Manifestation—you actually…"

For such an outrageous talent, even Archbishop Rustnail was left speechless.

In fact, he even felt a touch of envy.

Am I envious of him?

He wanted to laugh, but found he couldn't.

"..."

How long has it been since Herbert became a Holy Knight?

Three months?

Barely three months at most!

When he reached Gao Jie before, he had already stunned countless people, leaving them unable to believe it.

And now, he has achieved Holy Mark Manifestation—even at Gao Jie, a feat only Legendary Holy Knights can reach!!?

If I still consider myself a genius, then what is Herbert?

A genius among geniuses?

"Heh, hahaha!"

Archbishop Rustnail covered his face and laughed uncontrollably.

His laughter carried nostalgia and self-mockery, but mostly relief.

As a former outstanding genius, encountering a true prodigy left him feeling powerless.

But as an elder, seeing such an outstanding junior filled him only with pride.

There is a successor!

At this moment, Herbert had also slowly descended, retracting his wings, and said softly:

"Lord, with these wings, I can take flight and escape danger at any time."

"You truly need not worry about my safety."

Holy Mark Manifestation was never meant to be hidden—it would inevitably become known to the Monastery; revealing it now would make his status even more important in their eyes.

But Herbert truly hadn't expected that even after playing this trump card, Archbishop Rustnail, after his moment of awe, still shook his head.

"No… it's still not enough."

Herbert:???

"But..."

Bishop Rust Nail raised his hand, cutting off Herbert's attempt to explain, and shook his head.

"Since you've reached this point at the Advanced stage, it means your talent surpasses even my expectations—I cannot allow you to take such a risk."

He did not ask Herbert when he had reached this point, nor how he had accomplished it.

Each person has their own opportunities.

A moment of insight cannot be fully shared with others, and he did not need assistance from a junior.

As the current head of the monastery, he would not let someone like Herbert take such a risk.

If possible, he did not even wish him to take any risk at all.

"This matter is settled. Unless you can guarantee your own safety, I will absolutely not permit it."

"Do you have any other questions?"

Under the weight of that serious gaze, Herbert finally sighed and shook his head.

"... No, thank you for your understanding."

Herbert ultimately bowed his head humbly, yielding to the bishop who cared for him.

Fine.

After all, he's my superior, and he's concerned for me—I'll give him this courtesy.

If this path is blocked, then I'll think of another way.

"I understand. I will find a companion who can guarantee my safety... hmm?"

Herbert, who had intended to submit and seek another route, suddenly blinked—something occurred to him.

He lifted his head and looked at Bishop Rust Nail's expressionless face, asking tentatively:

"So... as long as my safety is guaranteed, that's all that matters, correct? There are no restrictions on the method?"

Bishop Rust Nail guessed what he was thinking, and after a moment of silence, slowly nodded in honest agreement.

"Correct."

Damn.

I said too much—this kid figured it out...

!!!

Herbert's eyes lit up; his whole demeanor perked up.

That means!

"Then, may I request to take the alien prisoners with me on my next outing? With them present, my safety will certainly be guaranteed."

Valentina managed it—why shouldn't others be able to as well?

"..."

Seeing Bishop Rust Nail fall silent, Herbert knew there was a chance!

Fearing he might refuse, Herbert added quickly: "Please don't worry—I will explain personally to the Archbishop."

Sir, don't worry about the budget—I can apply directly to the top leadership myself.

Sir!

You don't want the top leadership to make things difficult for you, do you?

(End of Chapter)