[{"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-427":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},2312356,4517,"Chapter 427: You Really Are Arrogant, Aren't You? (5K Subscription Request)","an-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary-chapter-427",427,"\u003Cp>“Orphidia~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Be silent!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Herbert called her name, Orphidia reacted with great embarrassment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She could no longer maintain the mystery and aura she had shown before Bishop Rustnail, glaring at Herbert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t call me that!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In furious rage, Orphidia’s long hair trembled, instantly bursting free from her hood like dozens of wild serpents writhing wildly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the strands of hair made no actual sound, Herbert faintly sensed a hissing near his ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hisss—Ha!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm, looks like she exhaled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the other’s demeanor seemed unfriendly, Herbert’s reaction was unusually calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not feel fear; instead, he took a step forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, it really moves!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert stared curiously at the writhing serpent-hair, even reaching out to touch it… only to be struck by one strand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the serpent-hair could strike him, Herbert swiftly retracted his finger, pretending nothing had happened, casually letting his hand fall behind his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his hands clasped behind him, he smiled warmly at the Ash Bishop: “Haha, you really are called that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Orphidia. A fine name.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Herbert so composed, Orphidia could no longer continue her hissing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scene made her seem petty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tch!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She shot Herbert a furious glare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was not some fragile girl who got angry or embarrassed just because someone said her name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was merely an unexpected turn that caught her off guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orphidia fell silent for a moment; her hair slowly settled, her gaze complex as she looked at Herbert and let out a huff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph, I thought you’d avoid this topic.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orphidia had expected Herbert to deliberately sidestep the subject, pretending ignorance about the “dream” and playing coy with her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he had come straight out and confessed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This left her, who had mentally prepared for a long back-and-forth, utterly unprepared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why aren’t you following the script!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t you have any sense of unspoken understanding?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert merely shrugged, calmly replying: “Why would I deliberately avoid it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see no reason to conceal this. I don’t believe I’ve done anything out of line.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nothing out of line?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orphidia couldn’t help rolling her eyes, wanting to shout a retort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t you deceive me!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You said I betrayed you, that I wronged you… weren’t those all your own words!?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, though she thought this, Orphidia did not voice her complaint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason was simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would be humiliating!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she said it, wouldn’t that be an admission that she’d been deceived?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orphidia wasn’t someone with a high sense of pride, but she refused to admit her own miscalculation in this matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, for some reason, facing this man, she especially didn’t want to admit defeat or let him tower over her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, all her anger could only be squeezed into a quiet, half-hearted huff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her reaction, Herbert smiled inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew he had passed the test—his small transgression in the dream had been successfully laid to rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He chose not to press further, abandoning the chance to press his advantage—better to stop while ahead; say more, and he’d truly be struck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he had now successfully entered Legend, he was still no match before an Epic-level powerhouse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shifted the topic, his smile fading slightly as he fixed his gaze on Orphidia and asked: “My lord, since I have passed the final trial, have I now become a [Keeper of Secrets]?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Herbert grow serious, Orphidia could only suppress her last traces of irritation, frowning in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment, she nodded slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orphidia spoke softly, her voice tinged with resignation and sorrow:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The moment you broke free from the illusion of [Silence and Noise] and awoke, you became a true Keeper of Secrets.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how much she wished Herbert would avoid this murky water, no matter how much she wished he would escape the same fate as hers,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the ritual was the ritual, the rule was the rule.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The instant Herbert passed the ritual’s trial, the world had recognized him—he was now one of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was an unchangeable fact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked at the boy before her, her gaze complex, momentarily dazed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert differed from every Keeper of Secrets she had ever known.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was not silent or withdrawn, nor did he carry the dullness of other Keepers—he radiated vibrant life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a youthful, innocent boy, full of curiosity and vigor toward the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Orphidia knew: it was merely an appearance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert might still be young, but he was never naive, never an ignorant child.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was clever—even cunning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was mature—even seasoned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a boy whose harmless exterior masked a profound contrast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert was truly exceptional, worthy of others’ expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Orphidia still shook her head in resignation, feeling a pang of sorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was suited to lead the monastery’s future—not to be a Keeper, hoarding secrets in solitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, Orphidia could not help but look at him and sigh: “Herbert… you know what this means.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You will walk a lonely path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know. I’ve always known.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing the Ash Bishop’s pitying gaze, Herbert gently shook his head: “Orphidia, you need not feel sorry for me. This is my own chosen path.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As for the so-called ‘cost’ involved, I understood it in the past, comprehend it now, and my resolve will never change.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert never needed anyone’s pity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He never did, and he never will.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If anything, it was always the arrogant Herbert who pitied others—not the other way around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And now, I only wish to confirm one thing with you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert fixed his gaze on Orphidia and asked in a low voice:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since I have become a Keeper of Secrets, do I now have the right to share the burden you carry?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do I now have the right to stand beside you?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Share my burden?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ash Bishop hesitated, unconsciously asking: “So… is this truly why you wanted to become a Keeper?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perhaps. Perhaps not. Interpret it as you will,” replied the new Keeper, calm and detached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Herbert had claimed this before, Orphidia had instinctively dismissed it as a joke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s why she had given him such a difficult trial, never expecting him to pass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She fell silent for a moment, then shook her head: “I must clarify—you say you wish to share my burden, but what I carry is not a burden.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It is a mission.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hum—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment she spoke, every tome within the semi-plane trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The long-dormant secrets stirred awake, awakening their voices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She raised her head, her gaze resolute as she spoke firmly: “No matter how outsiders label them—as knowledge, as secrets, even as curses—none can obscure one truth: these are the missions passed down by generations of Keepers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We collect these secrets, guard them—not for ourselves, but to prevent the gods from erasing them, so that mortals may know these truths.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is the mission the Keepers have borne since their inception.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Keepers are not merely a group of collectors—they were born to defy the gods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the birth of the gods, they have held dominion over all things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sky, the land, the oceans… all material existence was divided among them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After seizing control of every material thing in the mortal realm, these greedy beings sought to claim mortal thought as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gods branded mortals’ minds with seals, shackled them with chains, and harvested their faith.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless ages passed, yet the mortal world remained unchanged, making little progress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Were mortals too foolish?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was because the gods held everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They stifled mortal development, keeping the world’s progress within controllable bounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not too low, not too high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it sank too low, they would bestow divine grace to aid their growth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it rose too high, they would unleash divine punishment to destroy their efforts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Any act threatening their rule was deemed sacrilege.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the most fanatical era, possessing knowledge was considered an unforgivable sin!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though later, as new gods born of mortals rose, the gods’ oppression gradually lessened, the overall structure remained unchanged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Order of the Keepers was born from this—its mission: to protect knowledge from being erased by the gods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ophidia had always held to this principle, and taken pride in it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, when faced with Herbert’s “compassion,” though she understood his intent, she still revealed her displeasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was not merely to defend her own conviction, but to honor every generation of Keepers who had held fast before her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet facing the wrath of the entire demiplane, Herbert’s reaction remained calm, his expression unaltered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You misunderstand. I do not look down on the Keepers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shook his head, calmly: “But whether it is a mission, a duty, or even so-called fate—in essence, they are all the same.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No matter how you phrase it, this is not something one person should bear.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert had never denied the Keepers’ achievements, nor disrespected their beliefs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the contrary, he deeply admired their courage—their steadfastness in facing the gods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That did not mean he ignored the pressure they bore or the blood and sweat they sacrificed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pain is pain. Pressure is pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how many reasons you give, how noble your justification, you cannot hide the cost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I admire the courage of those who came before, and I grieve for their sacrifice—these two feelings do not conflict.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perhaps the world holds the role of a savior—but a true savior should never be only one person.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a world where transcendent power exists, an individual’s strength is amplified infinitely, capable of astonishing feats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet even so, one person saving the world is far too difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It is simply too exhausting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Are all the others dead?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why must the “savior” bear it alone?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert stared at Ophidia, earnestly: “You are not the savior, and you should not bear this alone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke bluntly: “In my view, this is merely a chain you’ve bound around yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You know this deep down—but you pretend not to. No, you know it well—and even take pride in it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pfft.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t help but scoff, teasing: “So you think you’re some tragic hero from an epic novel? Must it be only you who bears this? Must only you shoulder it all?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If it hurts, why not ask others for help?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert stepped forward, staring intently at the increasingly silent Ophidia, and said slowly: “How arrogant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pah!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rune-covered serpent tail behind Ophidia slammed hard onto the ground, cracking the half-dimension’s solid surface with a massive fissure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shockwave from the impact shook the entire half-dimension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under Herbert’s deliberate provocation, Ophidia had been successfully enraged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet even in such fury, she retained her reason, refusing to lose control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You… what do you know?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ophidia used her tail to lift herself, looking down from above at the ignorant, insolent boy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was furious—because Herbert knew nothing, yet dared to speak so boldly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What happened back then? What did we endure? You know nothing!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do you know the pressure we bore? Do you know what we faced?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You don’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert’s words sounded morally superior, but in truth, they were the empty talk of an outsider who felt no burden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet facing the approaching pressure, furious flames, and even faint hints of lethal intent, Herbert remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped forward again, nearly pressing against her, and said in a low voice:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, you’re right—I know nothing. My words are merely the irresponsible ramblings of an outsider.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But! I know there is no such thing as a deserved sacrifice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He reversed the power dynamic, grabbing her collar and growling: “Whether chosen or forced, no one should ever be sacrificed!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t you understand this?!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Back then, did they willingly let you sacrifice yourself?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert’s words struck Ophidia’s soul, dragging her thoughts instantly back to that moment long ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though countless ages had passed, their final words still echoed in her ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Child, don’t do this!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ophidia, no—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Foolish child, don’t be so reckless!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You don’t have to bear it all alone!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that time, she had hesitated—but ultimately defied their wishes, choosing to bear their collective mission alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps, as Herbert said… this was arrogance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Believing oneself capable of bearing everything, carrying all burdens—wasn’t that arrogance too?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Ophidia sank into painful memories, Herbert suddenly smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He released his grip on her collar and instead gently wrapped his arms around her waist, whispering:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t intend to remain ignorant forever. If you’re willing to tell me, I’m willing to listen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You don’t have to bear this alone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, Ophidia’s rage vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Completely gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Different time, different place, different people—but the same words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They urged her: don’t bear it alone. Don’t shoulder it all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The former had lost the ability to share her burden—but the latter had already made his effort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I am willing to share it with you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her body trembled. Her arms fell limply, then rose slowly, awkwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ophidia hesitated—then gently returned the embrace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling the warmth radiating from Herbert, she slowly closed her eyes…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How long had it been since she felt such warmth?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So long she had forgotten human bodies could be this warm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two stood silently embraced, neither speaking, simply feeling each other’s breath and heartbeat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After what felt like an eternity, Ophidia spoke first, her voice a whisper, dreamlike: “Herbert… you really are arrogant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert called Ophidia arrogant—but in truth, no one’s arrogance matched his.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert smiled, openly admitting it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, I know. I’ve never denied it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So what if I’m arrogant?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who dares to object?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Some say the arrogant will ultimately face loneliness—but I think that’s wrong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm not alone, am I?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You will walk with me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert laughed, winking at the still-dazed Ophidia with a teasing tone: \"As my only colleague, you wouldn't abandon me, a new Keeper of Secrets, would you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You wouldn't be that heartless, would you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ophidia laughed at this, shaking her head: \"Heh, you... hmm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Herbert could react, he suddenly felt darkness engulf his vision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Keeper, I'm here to find Herbert—he... hmm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After bowing, Bishop Rust Nail blinked, staring at the empty semi-plane, puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hss... where's Herbert?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I clearly saw him walk in?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where is he?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ophidia: \"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where's Herbert?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Come to think of it, is there truly no other place to hide?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert snorted, then turned to look at the serpent tail beside him and shook his head again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm, I think this place is fine enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2399,"2026-06-20T12:31:07.945Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","df97377563fb4863384ddba8cb7613a8dd84109b1c35e86dcf3a386578ec6379","an-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary-chapter-428","an-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary-chapter-426",453,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fan-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary-cover.jpg"]