[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-an-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary":3,"chapter-an-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary-an-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary-chapter-397":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","An Improper Monster Girl's Transformation Diary",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2312326,4517,"Chapter 397: Silence and Noise","an-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary-chapter-397",397,"\u003Cp>“Shut up!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh? Are you yelling at me? Are you embarrassed and lashing out? Of course—you’re secretly in love with me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tsk! I already said it’s not like that!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It is~ it is~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No! No! Aaaah—shut up!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After being pressured by Herbert for a long while, Luccalia finally broke down, abandoning her apathy, and glared furiously at the annoying boy before her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You! Shut up!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She angrily tugged at her hair, unable to hold back any longer, and screamed: “Stop! What do you want from me?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just leave me alone, please.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t bother me anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What did I even do wrong?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Can’t I change?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’ll change—I will—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Leave you alone?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her finally respond seriously, Herbert smiled, raised an eyebrow, and countered: “Who’s not letting go of whom? It’s you who won’t let go of me, isn’t it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After all, the one constantly watching every move of another… is you, not me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon being reminded of this, Luccalia’s spirit instantly deflated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, well… there are many reasons for this, the truth isn’t what you think, um.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aware she was in the wrong, she bit her lip, her gaze shifting away, trying to evade this awkward question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But awkwardly, the mirrors in the Mirror Space were too numerous—no matter which angle she looked, she saw Herbert’s amused gaze returning to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it were anyone else, Luccalia could have hidden as their shadow…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, her true face was exposed before Herbert; she could no longer conceal herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her disguise was utterly useless before him, revealing not a single trace—she could only face this silent scrutiny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, this scrutiny was not “silent” at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was extremely loud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert pressed his advantage, asking with a kind, smiling expression: “If it’s not as I said, then why not explain it to me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pursue the defeated enemy with remaining strength; do not seek empty fame like the Overlord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beat the drowning dog, folks!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Charge! Charge! Charge!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Luccalia, I’m not a fool, and you don’t need to treat me like some naive child.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You know better than I do what this ability truly means.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert’s expression grew slightly serious as he said earnestly: “If everything you say is true, then I will lose all privacy before you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luccalia saw every move Herbert made in every mirror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This ability… honestly exceeded Herbert’s expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, Luccalia’s ability had a very vague definition of “mirror”—it didn’t have to be an actual reflective surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If a calm lake surface can be considered a mirror, then can a pair of eyes that reflect images also be considered a mirror?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If so…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That means Luccalia can see Herbert at any time, through anyone’s gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that were true, this ability would be terrifying indeed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Open the box!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is open-boxing anytime, anywhere!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can turn on your camera anytime, see what you’re doing, even secretly record it as leverage for blackmail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How are we supposed to be virtual streamers?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This ability sounds like some hentai game’s hack—forcing cameras to capture intimate footage to blackmail innocent women.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It gives off that “Madam, you wouldn’t want your husband to see you like this, would you?” vibe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, my dear voyeur, Miss.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert’s playful smile faded; he shook his head gently and asked slowly: “Can you tell me what you intend to do with this ability?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Or, more bluntly—what do you plan to do to me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What benefit is there for you in spying on me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Confess fully, and be lenient; resist, and be harsh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speak! What do you intend to do to me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Tsk.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, Luccalia no longer broke down; she looked at Herbert with a complex expression, sighed softly, and shook her head: “...You’re smarter than I thought.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Mirror Sprite fluttered her shattered-mirror wings, drifting lightly as she circled Herbert, scanning him up and down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She muttered, complaining softly: “Herbert, why are you so smart?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You figured it out too fast! I thought you’d take longer to realize what’s happening to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And it’s not even something harmful—why must you insist on understanding?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luccalia huffed, pouting as she blurted: “Grow up a little! Sometimes, not knowing the truth is better—being kept in the dark can be a kind of happiness.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the saying goes: it’s hard to be foolish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Often, not understanding—or deliberately not understanding—is a wise way to protect oneself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One eye open, one eye closed; everyone shares an unspoken understanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short—just let it go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing Luccalia’s dissatisfaction, Herbert only smiled faintly, offering no mockery or explanation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert was no naive fool who didn’t understand this tactic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He not only understood—he understood it deeply!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the Grand Archbishop, he was very good at “choosing ignorance,” masking himself perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the Grand Archbishop was equally skilled in this art, his acting so refined and profound that not a single flaw could be seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two maintained a highly “ambiguous” relationship, never crossing the line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So why, this time, did Herbert insist on uncovering Luccalia’s intentions?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had two reasons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, he feared this forced “open-box” ability would interfere with his life—he wanted to guard against her first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second, naturally, he had a special purpose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their relationship was already in mutual contact; seizing this chance to gain more leverage was a win.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After fully understanding Herbert’s stance, Luccalia resigned herself and explained her actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine, fine! I’ll tell you! Uh… there’s no special purpose.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re interesting, with a uniquely special fate. I want to witness your [Future], record your [Present], and sing of your [Past].”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked at Herbert, helplessly: “To do this, I paid a price—I performed an ancient ritual, binding myself to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Mirror Sprite explained in detail, and Herbert nodded thoughtfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to Luccalia, when she watched him, he was also watching her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since there was no secretive element, it wasn’t stalking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You say that… am I the Abyss now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Herbert sensed Luccalia still withheld hidden truths, he decided not to probe further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s better to be foolish sometimes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In any case, it didn’t sound like a bad thing for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve essentially gained an Epic-level protector… Right!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luccalia herself began to believe it, clapping her hands and nodding vigorously:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m doing this out of concern you’ll die prematurely—I’m protecting you! If you phrase it like that, you’re the one who benefits!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s right! Exactly!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s what I originally planned!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm-hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert didn’t contradict her; he simply smiled, nodding with a knowing, half-amused gaze fixed on her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Are you treating me like Valentina?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do I look that stupid?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under Herbert’s gaze, Luccalia knew she couldn’t fool him—but she gritted her teeth and held her ground anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hard-pressed.JPG\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, Herbert did not press further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lowered his eyes, gazing at the Mirror Sprite before him, and asked gently: “So… do you think it’s worth it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Worth it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luccalia was puzzled by the question, fixing her gaze on Herbert’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the instant their pale gray eyes met, a flash of light seemed to burst and vanish between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If someone could have seen the streams of their fates at that moment, they would have noticed their paths intersecting for the first time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rivers that were never meant to cross were drawn by some great force toward the same direction, stretching endlessly into the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luccalia sensed it subtly, realizing that after completing the ritual and revealing her true face, she had bound her fate to Herbert’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was this what she had originally desired?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, did she resist this outcome?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who knows? What’s worth it or not?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Mirror Demoness smirked, scoffing lightly: “I just hope your next actions won’t disappoint me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wished to witness a grand, tumultuous destiny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy, burdened with such high expectations, smiled faintly and said calmly, confidently: “That shouldn’t disappoint you too much.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this world, nothing is more dangerous than the realm of the gods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Nenasha’s ally, his future was destined to be anything but calm—he would inevitably walk into that raging storm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luccalia felt the inexplicable strength of Herbert’s confidence and nodded silently, then asked curiously: “By the way, are you afraid of me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To make sure he understood, she added: “It’s just the two of us now. Aren’t you afraid I’ll trap you in the Mirror World?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aren’t you worried?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where did Herbert’s boldness come from?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it because of his ties with Valentina and Luciel? Or did he truly have some hidden confidence?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Afraid of you? Afraid of what?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert raised an eyebrow, glancing at the petite demoness with a sneer: “Afraid you’ll kill me? Or afraid you’ll do something indecent to me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For the first, I hold the sealing array. For the second… do you really think you should be the one afraid?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shouldn’t it be you who’s afraid?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you were truly just a mirror, I’d have no special interest in you—nothing I could desecrate in a mirror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But clearly, you’re not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since you have a physical form, even a god would… cough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert’s strange words made Luccalia shudder violently, shooting back into the ancient mirror, where she stared at him with clear disgust and unease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t come any closer.JPG\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert shook his head, smiling. He’d only been teasing her—he had no real intention of doing anything now. But the future? Who knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, you wanted to witness something, right? I happen to need a small favor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What favor?” The Mirror Demoness watched Herbert warily, ready to retreat deep into the Mirror World.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A small one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert pulled out the potion given to him by the Ash Bishop and waved it before the mirror: “I’m going to drink something. Could you keep an eye on me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luccalia hesitated, then frowned as she recognized its contents: “This is… where did you get this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh? You know it?” Herbert was surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Know it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luccalia’s gaze turned uneasy, flickering with strange light as she spoke with a peculiar expression: “‘Silence and Noise,’ an alchemical potion brewed from Mirror Demon blood, capable of making the drinker see illusions within mirrors.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re holding this… you mean to…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert nodded, smiling: “Since you know, it’s easier. Yes, exactly as you think—I’m going to drink it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’ll probably bring some trials. I’ll rely on you to watch over me then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If illusions would appear in the mirror, wasn’t it logical to have a Mirror Demon guard him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Herbert’s ideal plan fell apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sorry to disappoint you, but the illusions you see after drinking it can only be seen by you—I can’t help you inside the Mirror World.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luccalia shook her head: “You can only rely on yourself. I can do little—only keep you from being disturbed by other things within the Mirror World.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Mirror Demoness was truly powerless to assist Herbert’s request.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see… that’s fine. Enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert thought for a moment, then nodded with a smile: “Then please wake me if I start acting strangely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That I can do,” Luccalia said without refusing the simple request.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She understood the effect of ‘Silence and Noise’ and could guess Herbert’s purpose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Oathkeeper’s ritual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was deeply curious about his final outcome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Can someone like you, hiding so many secrets, truly hold onto their true heart?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Can you… become an Oathkeeper?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Midnight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the watchful gaze of countless mirror reflections, Herbert opened the potion bottle and drank ‘Silence and Noise’ without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clenched his eyes shut, feeling as if he’d swallowed fire and ice, desperate to scream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clenched his fists, barely holding back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert knew it was only a mental illusion—he feared no true flame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the heat of lies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the chill of truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the first trial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had to endure the urge to flee from the scorching lies, and endure the cold embrace of truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, as the sensation in his throat faded, Herbert knew he had passed into the next stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then, the second stage—illusions, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who will appear?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this thought, Herbert slowly opened his eyes, blinked, and smiled with profound relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, it’s you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He saw someone who should never have been there—Valentina.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hungry Dragon girl pouted, glaring at him: “Herbert, why are you leaving me alone again?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why are you here? Come on, let’s get something to eat—I’m hungry again…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stepped forward, reaching out to take his hand—but he gently sidestepped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy looked at the illusion with a calm smile, his eyes devoid of tenderness, his voice cold:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Get lost.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2084,"2026-06-20T12:31:07.468Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","72db8728559bf5f241fcfb7773fbb7cb3e68a84b80674bb29f3fed58b9265c53","an-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary-chapter-398","an-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary-chapter-396",453,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fan-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary-cover.jpg"]