Chapter 220: The Gods' Pawn (5K Bonus Chapters 53 & 54)

"You mean, you slept for a while, and after waking up you suddenly gained the special ability to become a spirit body?"

"Yes."

"And then, you still want to go alone into the depths of the Misty Mountains to investigate?"

"That's right."

The Young Lady of the merfolk narrowed her eyes, looking at the youth who lay on her tail with an utterly sincere expression.

"... Do you think I would agree to let you do something so dangerous?"

"Mm."

Herbert smiled, and said with a beaming look: "Although you'll be angry at first, in the end you'll definitely agree."

"... Sigh."

Fu Leimei covered her forehead with some headache, feeling that her whole person was not well.

The hero she had chosen was good in every way.

Both talent and temperament were top-tier choices, but the only thing was that his courage was really a bit too great.

Choosing his own territory here was already exaggerated enough, and he still talked about liberating this place... now he even wanted to wander about casually, walking alone into the depths to explore.

Do you really not worry at all about something happening to you?

You yourself don't worry, but I do!

"Herbert, can you tell me the truth?"

And after a moment of silence, Fu Leimei indeed did not refuse, but asked with some helplessness: "What exactly is your relationship with this place?"

She really wanted to know.

Who on earth gave Herbert such confidence?

Was it fate?

Could it be the guidance of the gods?

If possible, Fu Leimei truly wanted an answer, but Herbert had no way to satisfy her — on this one question alone.

"Fu Leimei, I'm very sorry."

Herbert shook his head with some helplessness, raised his hand, and gently stroked Fu Leimei's cheek.

"In principle, I have no way to tell you the truth, and you also know that some matters, once spoken aloud, will trigger changes."

Regarding Herbert's explanation, Fu Leimei also knew he was not deliberately hiding things.

Fate is the most bizarre and unfathomable.

Fate is full of variables; it is like a river flowing ceaselessly, where every reef, every sandbar in the channel, even the ripples caused by a gust of wind, may become the key factor that changes its course.

Any seemingly insignificant change is like throwing a pebble into a calm lake — the ripples will spread continuously, reaching far away, and may thereby cause tremendous changes in the future.

This change may be a complete turn in the trajectory of fate, or a fall from peak to valley, or perhaps a major turning point from darkness toward light.

However, the fact that Herbert would say this means he indeed knows some things, yet carries a special fate on his body.

And what this fate can involve is absolutely no small matter; it is very likely to point to those existences above the heavens.

"Related to the gods?"

"You can understand it that way."

"..."

Fu Leimei continued to remain silent.

Herbert's fate was related to the gods; his words might draw the attention of the gods.

"Really?"

"Really."

"Mm..."

Honestly speaking, Fu Leimei at this moment did harbor some doubt toward Herbert's explanation.

Fu Leimei did not disbelieve that Herbert had such qualifications — with his talent, sooner or later he would become an object of contention among the gods.

But at this moment, on his body, Fu Leimei indeed did not sense that similar aura belonging to those god-blessed ones.

Fu Leimei had seen god-blessed ones before.

She had once seen, from afar, the god-blessed one of the God of the Ocean — it was an ancient Abyssal Whale, its strength terrifyingly extreme.

Although she had actively fled before even getting close, that fleeting glimpse back then left her with a very deep impression.

Powerful!

An irresistible power!

And... that thick, dense aura of the divine.

A god-blessed one is almost equivalent to a god's avatar in the mortal world, or a vessel that carries Their temporary descent, having long since been remade by the god.

Yet on Herbert's body, one could basically not sense that lofty, transcendent divinity.

By the standard of a god-blessed one, his humanity was somewhat too thick.

Seeing the doubt in her heart, Herbert pinched her cheek and explained with a smile: "Seeing that expression of yours, I know you may be thinking wrong."

"I am indeed watched by the gods."

"But I am not a pawn of the gods, not Their blessed one, nor will I become the blade in Their hands."

Herbert smiled confidently, uttering a rather treasonous declaration: "If I must say it, I should probably count as a... ally of the gods?"

【"Alright, say no more."】

Nie Nasha gently stopped him: 【"Don't bring trouble upon yourself, and don't bring trouble upon her either."】

She felt Herbert was getting a bit too inflated, daring to even say such a thing.

Is this the kind of thing one can say?

But Herbert merely shook his hand subtly inward, saying, "Relax, I have my limits."

You know what? This one actually can speak!

While he was calming Nie Nasha, Fu Leimei kept blinking over there.

"Huh?"

???

No joke—the Mermaid Young Lady was genuinely startled.

What kind of being is qualified to become a god's ally?

At the very least, a Saint, right?

And only a particularly powerful Saint among Saints can be treated as an equal by the gods.

Wait… Saint?

"Oh!"

Fu Leimei suddenly realized something, nodding thoughtfully, then understood: "So that's how it is."

But now that she had figured it out herself, Herbert was left bewildered.

What exactly is "that"?

I haven't even explained anything—how did you just figure it out?

And you "figured it out"… what exactly did you figure out?

You don't need to make up your own assumptions right now!

Fu Leimei looked earnestly at Herbert and said solemnly:

"I don't know what that Lord promised you, but you must understand—this is a game between a Saint and a god. You'd better not get too involved."

To her, the current situation was crystal clear.

Herbert came from the Mist Monastery—so who among the Saints there could it be?

The Mist Grand Archbishop!

The very being who crushed her with a single glance and personally dragged her into the Third Oath Hall.

And that Grand Archbishop clearly deceived the hero he chose!

He used Herbert as a puppet, forcing him to establish a domain in such a dangerous place, and now demands further exploration into the depths.

It's utterly outrageous!

How could they treat my hero like this?

The more Fu Leimei thought about it, the more convinced she became—and the more her heart ached.

My poor hero!

She grabbed Herbert's hand firmly and said in a low voice, "Herbert, if you don't want to, we can run away!"

Let's run away!

Run away from the evil Grand Archbishop!

"Though this will surely bring great danger, if we work together, we can definitely do it!"

Fu Leimei had already prepared herself—even to sacrifice herself at the critical moment, like the princesses in stories who die for their heroes!

"... Huh?"

Honestly, her heartfelt outburst was touching—but also utterly bewildering.

Herbert:?

Judging by what you're saying… I'm being persecuted?

By whom?

Forced by the Grand Archbishop?

Do you really see me as such a helpless little flower?

Just as Fu Leimei was sinking deeper into her delusion, Herbert quickly interrupted: "Cough! Wait a moment—you've misunderstood! It's nothing like what you think."

"Hm?"

The Mermaid Young Lady, who had already prepared six or seven sacrifice plans and six or seven touching farewell speeches, froze.

"Huh?"

Not what I thought?

"It really isn't! Uh… how about this—I'll prove it to you."

Herbert knew she wouldn't believe easily; he sighed, rose from the water, and stepped onto the grass.

"Prove it? How?"

"Just watch."

He oriented himself, then knelt on one knee toward the north, his eyes filled with reverence and calm, silently beginning to pray.

The air around him seemed to sense his deep conviction, subtly shifting.

Fu Leimei felt the change in the surroundings and raised an eyebrow slightly.

Herbert is praying?

To which god?

Suddenly, as if summoned by a mysterious force, dewdrops on the grass blades began crystallizing into frost flowers.

Soon, flakes of snow fell from the grass blades and drifted upward.

The gathered ice and snow began to slowly swirl, dancing and spinning like living spirits.

Within the vortex of ice and snow, a small figure quietly appeared.

Her form was graceful and holy, as if born from ice and snow, radiating a soft, mysterious light that turned the entire world around them into a dreamlike vision.

This time, the Ice and Snow Goddess did not use her Snow Sprite form, but chose to appear in her true form.

Perhaps she had learned her lesson; this time she did not project too much power, and her appearance was no larger than an ordinary house cat.

The white cat made of ice crystals lifted its head, surveyed its surroundings, then let out a soft hum.

"It seems you really have found a good place."

The Ice and Snow Goddess remained as haughty as ever, completely ignoring the stunned Mermaid Young Lady, her eyes fixed only on Herbert.

To be honest, she was somewhat surprised to be summoned here.

She had not expected Herbert to actually find a habitable environment within this divine prohibition zone.

Though it seemed empty now, she could sense far more than a mortal could—this land's rules had been quietly altered.

It no longer belonged to the Mist Mountains, but solely to the boy before her.

Though the Winter Goddess had ordered her not to send any avatar to such places—so what?

She's not my mother!

I won't listen! I won't listen! I won't listen!

She had been slightly uneasy at first, but once she realized the land's rules no longer belonged to the Mist Mountains, she grew triumphant.

The Mist Mountains forbid it—but this isn't the Mist Mountains!

So I haven't done anything wrong!

No one can punish me for this!

After successfully summoning the little ice cat, Herbert stood up and smiled at her.

"Thank you for the compliment. I've named this place Elda."

"Elda? Hmm, it's not a bad name."

After casually brushing it off, the Ice and Snow Goddess's interest shifted elsewhere.

"So, have you finally decided to become my devotee?"

She truly wanted Herbert to become her devotee.

Especially after being scolded by the Winter Goddess over Herbert's matter, her rebelliousness had only intensified.

You scolded me for this?

Hmph.

Then I'll make him my devotee anyway!

But sadly, the Ice and Snow Goddess was doomed to prolonged disappointment.

Whether this time, the next time, or the one after that, Herbert would never become her devotee.

He shook his head and said respectfully, "I'm sorry, but I still have no such intention."

The Ice and Snow Goddess let out an angry huff and sharply lashed her tail against the ground.

"... Hmph! Keep being stubborn now! You'll change your mind someday!"

You'll regret it!

"If not to become my devotee, then why did you summon me today?"

After realizing her desire would not be fulfilled, the Ice and Snow Goddess's demeanor dropped noticeably, openly displaying a feline pout.

"If this isn't something important, don't blame me for being rude, hmph."

"Actually, I'd like to ask you about the Grand Druids."

Herbert, unsurprised, delivered his prepared words: "You've seen the condition here—we need a Grand Druid's help to change the soil."

He made no polite pretenses; he asked outright.

Rich lady, hungry, food please.

If no Grand Druid helps me, then I…

The Ice and Snow Goddess frowned, glancing sideways at Herbert: "Why should I help you?"

"Yes, why indeed?"

Herbert blinked and smiled: "Perhaps to gain my gratitude? Hehe."

When dealing with someone who seeks something from you, you need not be overly courteous—your behavior is precisely what they expect.

You approach them first; when they later need something from you, you'll find it harder to refuse.

A mutually beneficial arrangement.

The goddess clicked her tongue and muttered, "You greedy, stingy human."

Damn, she saw right through me.

The conversation seemed to be going well, but after a moment of silence, the Ice and Snow Goddess shifted uncomfortably, turning her gaze away.

"Cough! Your suggestion is good—but you'll be disappointed… I have no connection with the Grand Druids. Even if I issued a divine decree, they likely wouldn't heed me."

The Ice and Snow Goddess awkwardly flicked her tail and said stiffly, "Though I am a deity of the Nature Pantheon, they do not obey my commands."

As a mascot of the pantheon, the Ice and Snow Goddess had some self-awareness.

She retained a sliver of influence within the Winter Goddess's domain, but among the entire Nature Pantheon, she ranked nowhere.

To those Grand Druids of Legend rank or higher… the Ice and Snow Goddess probably meant nothing at all.

Unconcerned. jpg

Though there were Grand Druids under the Winter Goddess who specialized in cultivation, and she could command them, she simply didn't want to ask the Winter Goddess for this.

Didn't want to lose face…

"Cough! If you insist I help you find one, I can at most ask—but whether they come or not… I cannot guarantee."

Facing this awkward reply, Herbert's expression remained gentle, and he said gratefully:

"That's perfectly fine! I'm already deeply grateful you're willing to ask."

Herbert's attitude of gratitude made the Ice and Snow Goddess feel even more embarrassed, to the point of not knowing where to hide, uncomfortable all over.

To ease her own awkwardness, she thought for a moment and spoke up:

"Mm… regarding the priest party you wanted, I've already prepared it. They'll come to the vicinity of the Misty Mountains in a while."

"I'll notify you again when the time comes, and you can lead them here yourself."

Originally, the agreement was to wait until Herbert's construction here was mostly done before letting the priests come.

But after seeing it this time, she found it was indeed a safe place, and made the decision on the spot.

"This… thank you for your kindness."

This was a completely unexpected delight.

He hadn't expected Elda's first wave of population to be the Ice and Snow Goddess's priestly corps.

"Alright, that's that then, I'm leaving."

After saying this, the Ice and Snow Goddess didn't want to stay a single moment longer, wanting to flee directly.

And just before dissipating, the Ice and Snow Goddess still asked, unwilling to give up: "Mortal, do you really not consider becoming my chosen one?"

Herbert didn't answer, just smiled and shook his head, bowing his head slightly to her in a light salute.

"Thank you for your favor."

And when he looked up, the Ice and Snow Goddess, who felt she'd lost her interest, had already vanished without a trace.

The deity had departed.

And after the Ice and Snow Goddess left, Herbert looked at the mermaid Young Lady who was nervously poking half her head out of the spring water, and asked with a smile:

"How about it? Do you believe me now?"

"After seeing this scene, do you still think I'm their pawn?"

A pawn?

Whose pawn would dare to converse with a deity like that!

Herbert's exchange with the Ice and Snow Goddess was relaxed, with no sense of hierarchy at all, more like a conversation between friends.

Equals.

Although outwardly respectful and humble, in his bones he considered himself equal to the other party — and the goddess hadn't denied it either.

This…

Gurgle gurgle—

She blew bubbles from her mouth, sulking a little and unwilling to come out of the water.

Because Fu Leimei suddenly realized that, since the situation was true, she would have to tacitly allow Herbert to brave the danger of entering the depths of the Misty Mountains.

"Fu Leimei, I once made a promise with you."

Herbert walked to the edge of the spring, knelt on one knee, and extended his hand in front of the mermaid.

"If you need it, I can make a new promise with you right now."

"I will definitely come back safe and sound."

Gurgle gurgle…

After blowing a few more bubbles, Fu Leimei floated up from the spring with a pout, drew close to Herbert, and said seriously:

"No."

"This time, I don't need your promise; I only need you to come back safe."

Fu Leimei stared at Herbert and said seriously: "Whether there's a promise or not, I'm willing to trust you."

"You won't let me down, right?"

Upon hearing these words that were somewhat reluctant yet firm, the young man smiled.

He cupped the mermaid's cheeks, kissed her lightly, and whispered by her ear:

"As you wish."

"I will certainly not betray your expectations."

(End of this chapter)