Chapter 449: You Smell of 'Him' Perfume (82K Subs Requested)

「……」

「……」

Herbert looked to the left, and the woman followed him to the left.

Herbert looked to the right, and the woman followed him to the right.

Left, left, right, right, left, left, right, right…

?

Finally, after several repeated tests, Herbert silently concluded—this woman is deliberately here to pick a fight!

This woman doesn’t seem like a good person at all!

Family, today I met a total downer in Glorious Shengcheng!

No.

It’s a bald woman!

Her hair is just like a high-power car headlight—she’s the brightest light ball at night!

Even now, in daylight, it still blinded Herbert.

Herbert squinted at her face, then quietly looked away.

「……」

In some sense, she was like a divine goddess descended to the mortal world, making a mere mortal like Herbert dare not meet her gaze.

He wasn’t feeling inferior before her.

No other reason—just her hair… it was just too damn blinding!

Some mortals always want to stare straight into the glare of a flashbang!

Then they go blind.

My eyes!

Who the hell designed this knight?

Who… oh, wrong word—I am the knight.

Don’t provoke me; when I get angry, I even curse myself!

Who the hell turns on high beams in broad daylight?

So uncultured!

「Cough, miss, I say…」

Seeing the bald woman merely standing silently before him without speaking, Herbert finally couldn’t hold back and cleared his throat: 「I don’t know what you want, but could you please turn off the light?」

Fearing she wouldn’t understand, Herbert specifically pointed to his own head.

Your… this… got it?

Turn it off, please.

「…Hm?」

The woman snapped out of her daze after Herbert spoke, lifting her eyes slightly and giving him a long, meaningful look.

She swayed her body slightly and noticed Herbert’s gaze shifting with her.

Unlike the ancient dragon with the lineage of the Mother of Ten Thousand Dragons, who merely sensed her faintly, this boy could truly see her.

「You…」

The Wandering Lady spoke, her voice calm, slightly hoarse from long silence: 「Are you a believer?」

Believer?

Herbert blinked, confused about how their conversation had jumped here.

Didn’t I just ask you to turn off the light?

Why are you asking me that?

Checking my water meter? Opening my box? Next are you going to… oh!

You mean a follower of the Sun God!

This is Glorious Shengcheng, the holy land of the Sun Church—everywhere are followers of the Sun God; Herbert, a non-believer, was the odd one out.

It’s like asking a passenger on a train if they got a ticket this year.

But don’t say it—don’t you dare say it!

You asking that? Hey, you actually asked the right person.

「I imagine this might surprise you.」

Herbert smiled slightly, glancing at a nearby statue of the Sun God, and said casually: 「I believe in light, but unfortunately, I am not His believer.」

You asked if I believe in light?

I think I do.

But believing in light isn’t the same as worshipping the Sun God.

「…」

After Herbert’s answer, the Wandering Lady frowned slightly—she already knew Herbert wasn’t a follower of the Sun God.

What she wanted to ask was something else.

「You…」

「Please wait a moment.」

Seeing the woman still meant to speak after his reply, Herbert interrupted:

「I’ve answered your question—now, could you please fulfill my small request?」

Sister, just turn off the light.

Light pollution is still pollution!

Under Herbert’s sincere, unyielding gaze, the Wandering Lady moved her lips, then slowly nodded.

As she nodded lightly, her long, golden strands swayed, their brightness slowly dimming.

Though still faintly glowing, they were now far softer—changed from “blinding” to merely “striking.”

Now they were dazzling enough to draw the eye, but not so bright as to be unbearable.

Besides, whether it was an illusion or not, Herbert felt the daylight itself had grown gentler after her hair lost its harsh glare.

He slowly lifted his gaze upward.

In Glorious Shengcheng, one could not see the true sun… because they were inside it.

At the highest point in the center of the holy city stood a massive sphere of light.

Thanks to this Sacred Flame Solar Wheel, Glorious Shengcheng remained in perpetual daylight, a land without shadow.

That was Glorious Shengcheng’s “sun.”

The god’s false form.

And its flame was one of the ultimate goals Herbert sought this time—the Glorious Sacred Flame.

According to Nienasha, if he obtained this, she could fully purify Flora and reverse her life state.

Beyond that, the Glorious Sacred Flame held personal significance for Herbert—his Sacred Rite required a material called “Seed of the Solar Sacred Flame.”

The “Seed of the Solar Sacred Flame” mentioned by Aphrodia was, in fact, a fragment split off from the Glorious Sacred Flame.

A seed of a seed—generationally, it was the grandson of the Glorious Sacred Flame.

Aphrodia never looked down on Herbert; she never thought he deserved only the Seed of the Solar Sacred Flame.

Was she unwilling to let him use the Glorious Sacred Flame?

Of course not.

It was simply too fantastical—completely outside the realm of consideration.

After all, her original estimate was that with Herbert’s lazy, half-hearted effort, he’d be lucky to get the Seed of the Solar Sacred Flame—and even that only because of the monastery’s reputation.

She never imagined Herbert would directly negotiate with the Solar Pope and haggle his way into even more.

In the end, the old fox and the young fox—the Solar Pope and Herbert—finally struck a deal, agreeing on the task and reward.

After success, the Solar Pope would personally sever a strand of Glorious Sacred Flame for Herbert to use as material for his Sacred Rite.

And now, whether it was Herbert’s illusion or not, he noticed the massive solar wheel seemed dimmer than before.

Compared to his memory, it had shifted from high noon to sunset, softened immeasurably.

Could it be that in Glorious Shengcheng, this sun has a cycle of change?

This subtle discovery intrigued Herbert. He looked around and saw the praying believers utterly unaware—as if they’d long grown used to such changes.

「What an interesting sight.」

Herbert softly mused.

Truly miraculous.

Ah, no wonder Glorious Shengcheng is a great city—it even has a skyline that adapts with time!

Places like the Frost Crystal Dynasty? They couldn’t possibly compare.

Do they have that capability?

They don’t!

Not even fit to carry their shoes!

After muttering a few complaints about his hometown in his mind, Herbert snapped back to the present and looked at the woman before him.

…Oh?

Herbert’s eyes widened in surprise.

The woman’s appearance truly caught him off guard.

She was tall and powerfully built; though draped in a pure white gauze robe that concealed her figure, her athletic form was still plainly evident.

The woman before him was a robust woman—well, that wasn’t quite right.

Though she stood nearly as tall as Herbert, her shoulders were not broad, and she did not appear muscular or imposing, lacking exaggerated muscle definition or intimidating bulk.

But details revealed themselves on her exposed arms: slender yet powerfully built, elongated muscles brimming with astonishing strength.

Sunlight gilded her muscle contours, and when she raised her arm, a liquid-gold shimmer flowed through them.

Her waterfall of brilliant golden hair fell straight to her ankles, not softening her image but complementing her frame like a golden cloak.

Instinct told Herbert that this body was no delicate vase, but a genuine war machine.

This was no dainty princess, but a queen with strength and means to match.

Strong. Powerful. Absolutely!

Those soft-looking little fists could probably punch me to death!

Herbert realized this was unquestionably a Shi Shi–level powerhouse.

Upon recognizing her power far surpassed his own, Herbert slightly reined in his bold gaze, lowered his eyes slightly, and gave a light bow.

“Madam, it is an honor to meet you.”

He expressed his respect without appearing humble.

Neither subservient nor arrogant, he showed her deference as a junior should.

Even if she were a Shi Shi of the Sun Church, what did that have to do with him?

So what if she’s Shi Shi?

I chat casually with your Saint!

After Herbert bowed, the Wandering Lady did not return the gesture; instead, she frowned slightly at him and spoke slowly, her tone ambiguous: “Madam…?”

Huh?

Herbert blinked at her cryptic tone, a flood of questions flashing through his mind.

Huh?

Was that wrong?

Then… “Sir”?

No, no, no—that’s wrong too.

How could I assume someone’s gender so casually!!?

How dare you!

Cough.

No, has Shengcheng evolved to this version already?

If so…

Hello, my gender is an attack helicopter!

As for which model, don’t ask me.

I haven’t decided yet.

Of course, Herbert never voiced any of these inner thoughts.

He understood the danger of speaking without restraint.

Around those who tolerated him, he could afford to be a little reckless; around those whose thoughts were uncertain, he kept quiet.

Herbert did not press her odd reaction, instead asking another question: “By the way, why did you seek me out?”

You didn’t just appear out of nowhere for nothing, did you?

Surely not to flirt?

After asking, Herbert fell silent, awaiting her reply—but the mysterious lady remained quiet for a long while.

The woman with the radiant golden hair simply gazed at him with pale gold eyes.

Her piercing gaze seemed to pierce through Herbert’s body, unraveling every secret within him.

“...Huh?”

This unrelenting, openly scrutinizing stare unsettled Herbert; he frowned slightly, feeling uncomfortable.

Female gaze!

This is female gaze!

Looking at me like this… are you really one of those annoying women!!?

Someone once said the best way to overcome fear is to face it.

So facing this gaze, the best response is… to stare back.

You’re staring at me, right?

Fine, I’ll stare at you too!

Stare—

The gaze of justice!

Let’s see who breaks first!

Herbert’s eyes swept intensely over every part of the woman’s body, drinking in every detail.

The more he looked, the more he felt her figure was perfect in some profound sense.

Not perfect by aesthetic standards, but in his heart, there was an inexplicable, strange feeling.

The more he gazed upon her form, the more he couldn’t help but admire her.

Truly beautiful…

“...”

The Wandering Lady, unnerved by Herbert’s overly intense gaze, frowned and subtly turned her body away.

As soon as she moved, Herbert’s lips curled upward.

Ha. Won.

This round was Herbert’s victory!

“...”

The Wandering Lady narrowed her eyes, remained silent for a long moment, then finally spoke:

“Why… do you carry His scent?”

That was why she had come.

Following the fleeting trace of a presence that should never have appeared here.

Why?

Why had His presence returned?

Mortal, answer me.

She stared at Herbert coldly, her eyes showing no mercy.

If Herbert’s reaction confirmed any connection to Him, she would do what she must…

Eradicate.

Crush any possibility of His return.

He must never return.

The mysterious lady wandering within Shengcheng fixed her gaze on the boy before her, missing no detail.

Then, the Wandering Lady saw a reaction entirely beyond her expectations.

In that instant, the boy’s face did not show panic at being exposed, nor forced calm, nor confusion.

What appeared on his face was—annoyance?

Why annoyance?

“Huh?”

Yes, when the Wandering Lady asked, Herbert’s first reaction was genuinely… annoyed.

Ugh, again!

Great, another one who noticed the Sun God’s presence.

No!!?

Are you all just too sensitive?

Or am I not hiding it well enough?

Why can everyone detect the Sun God’s presence on me?!

Am I such a thief that everyone knows now?

Herbert dared to impersonate a Sun God’s Chosen using stolen power before the God of Lust, but here—he dared not claim such a title.

Here, true Chosen existed!

For this reason, he had carefully transferred all presence from his body into the Angelic Battle Armor he wore.

Those who sensed the presence would mistakenly believe Herbert was favored by the Sun God; those with greater power could “see through the truth” and realize it originated from the armor.

Only the Solar Pope within Shengcheng could discern the truth—that the presence came from Herbert himself, not the armor.

Though the Solar Pope found this slightly puzzling, since it was his deity’s choice, he raised no objection.

And now… another one had appeared!

How could Herbert not feel annoyed?

Nenasha!

This isn’t what was said before!

Why did I get exposed again?

Give me an explanation!

So the Goddess of Harmony is now hiding like a turtle with ears that won’t hear and eyes that won’t see—otherwise she’d definitely go head-to-head with Him.

RNM! Refund my money!

Herbert shouted loudly—even though he’d never actually paid anything.

But if you didn’t pay, can’t you still demand a refund?

I’m shouting it anyway!

Refund my money!!!

【“…”】

Faced with this unreasonable protest, the Goddess of Harmony could only remain silent.

She had many things she wanted to complain about, many warnings she wanted to give—but she could only stay silent.

After taking advantage of Nenasha’s silence to vent unilaterally, Herbert nodded, feeling refreshed.

Good.

Let her retaliate later—I’ve already had my fun.

Then he looked up and smiled at the Wandering Lady, whose eyes were full of confusion, and said calmly: “Madam, you must have misunderstood something.”

“Although you may believe I have some connection with Him, or even think I’m impersonating His follower, that is not the case.”

“Believe me! I am truly not His follower!”

It was true—Herbert had never been a follower of the Sun God.

Herbert delivered these words with complete sincerity, his face earnest, no trace of deception.

“I didn’t deliberately pick up His aura.”

It was Nenasha who stole the authority—it has nothing to do with me.

“I merely happened to catch His attention under some coincidence, and these faint traces were left behind.”

It was accidental residue—not me trying to deceive anyone.

Every word was true.

To strengthen his credibility, Herbert cited his origin and a witness: “I come from the Mist Monastery.”

“The Pope himself is aware of this.”

This was also true.

The Sun Pope indeed knew Herbert came from the Mist Monastery.

“…”

The Wandering Lady narrowed her eyes slightly at Herbert’s heartfelt, sincere explanation.

According to Herbert’s account, he was merely an ordinary Holy Knight from the Mist Monastery, accidentally noticed by Him, and involuntarily tainted by the aura.

A perfectly innocent victim.

Yet, strangely…

She instinctively felt Herbert wasn’t telling the whole truth—but everything he said was true, no lies.

And most importantly, through reverse prophecy, her own conclusion—that he was an ordinary Holy Knight involuntarily tainted—was also true.

This had indeed happened!

Then where was the problem?

The Wandering Lady frowned, staring at Herbert, her fingers trembling slightly.

“…”

She knew something was wrong.

She was certain Herbert was hiding a secret.

He was concealing, trying to deceive her.

She wanted to kill him without hesitation—but unfortunately… she couldn’t.

This had nothing to do with mercy, kindness, or carelessness—it was simply impossible.

Because Order did not permit it.

In her current state, she could not do anything contrary to Order.

After repeatedly stripping herself away, she had nearly become the embodiment of Order, allowing no trace of chaos.

She looked at Herbert, so close, yet could do nothing.

“…”

Finally, the killing intent faded, her eyes returned to calm, and she asked softly: “So… it was all just coincidence?”

Herbert smiled and nodded, saying matter-of-factly: “Mm-hmm, really just coincidence! Oh, I didn’t want this either.”

It’s not my fault.

It was all accidents.

Believe me!

“I see…” The Wandering Lady murmured softly, gave Herbert one final long look, then turned and left.

She left?

Just like that?

Friend, you didn’t even say goodbye—are you being a little rude?

“Wait, Madam! I’ve finished speaking, but you haven’t told me who you are! You…” Ah!

Herbert was about to press further when the woman’s long hair suddenly blazed.

Shhh!

In an instant, Herbert’s eyes were blinded by dazzling Jin Guang.

I swear!

Flash—

Herbert remained in the pure white world for a full thirty seconds, then took three more minutes to fully regain his vision.

When he finally could see again, the bald woman with no sense of public decency was long gone.

She ran!

Dropped the flash and vanished!

“…Tch! Damn bald woman!”

Herbert wiped the tears sliding from his eyes and growled bitterly: “Don’t let me ever run into you again!”

“Are Epics so great? Can Epics bully people? Can they just blind others at will?”

“This is intentional harm! Extremely malicious!”

Finally, furious, Herbert summoned his strongest Pokémon.

“Next time, I’ll make my Hungry Dragon duel you!!!”

…

“Achoo!!!”

Valentina sneezed with a thunderous force, making the two people beside her jump.

The dragon herself blinked in confusion, looking intrigued.

Huh?

Did I just sneeze?

Strange.

Why did I suddenly sneeze?

And why do I feel so uneasy?

It feels like something strange has happened.

“Hmm… what could it be?”

Valentina pouted, thinking for a while, then unconsciously grabbed food from the table and slid it smoothly into her mouth.

(Chew chew chew chew chew)

(Gulps)

“Could it be… something’s about to happen?”

She turned her head toward the direction beyond the city walls, frowning slightly.

Could it be the Demon God’s lackeys?

“Will those disgusting creatures make another move?”

“Will we have to fight again?”

As she thought this, her unease faded, replaced by excitement.

“Can we have another good fight? Hehe…”

Thinking this, she excitedly licked her lips—then accidentally licked food crumbs.

“Huh?”

Valentina’s eyes widened in shock as she cried out in disbelief: “Who put Herbert’s food in my mouth!!?”

Who harmed me?!

I never meant to eat it!

…

…

Dawnlight Valley Fortress.

Drip.

Scalding green blood droplets fell from the edge of the battle-axe, sizzling as they struck the church’s soil.

Hiss!

The half-grown young warrior trembled as he gripped his shield, his pupils reflecting dozens of twisted venomous snakes as they burst from the earth—he barely restrained the urge to flee backward.

Do not retreat!

No!

Behind us are comrades!

Emboldened by the fortress’s atmosphere, the young warrior finally summoned courage, seized his battle-axe, and charged forward, successfully rescuing a fallen, unconscious comrade.

But then what?

The grotesque scar left by a venomous snake bite in childhood throbbed faintly; fear tightened his breath.

“Ha, ha… cough!”

Gulp.

I… I am the Lord’s warrior.

I will not retreat!

I absolutely will not… Aah!!?

The venomous snakes’ scales glowed with eerie purple light; their fangs dripped poison that corroded the ground, sending up clouds of white smoke.

Just as he was about to lose control of his instinct to flee, a deep voice rang out behind him.

“Boy, remember—war shows no mercy to anyone.”

After being bandaged, Radley returned to the battlefield, standing before the young warrior.

His armor was riddled with claw marks; half a broken fang remained lodged in his vambrace. His aura remained unshaken.

He fixed his burning gaze on the approaching snakes and whispered to the panicked boy:

“No enemy gives you a second chance—especially not when your opponent is these monsters.”

Before he finished speaking, three venomous snakes lunged like arrows released from a bow.

Swish! Swish! Swish!

Their speed was terrifying—their forked tongues nearly brushed Radley’s face.

But Radley reacted faster—he swung his longsword before the snakes could reach him.

Swish—

Those deadly snakes did not survive half a second—they were reduced to corpses!

“Ha!”

Radley laughed triumphantly: “Come on! You filthy monsters! Try to kill me! Hahahaha!”

He possessed only mid-rank power, yet his combat strength far exceeded his actual realm.

Through this brutal war, through countless battles, he clearly felt his strength had risen significantly.

Not just in technique—but in battlefield experience, he had made tremendous progress!

He knew he would likely ascend to high-rank soon.

But… he might not have the time.

Even as Radley displayed his divine might, the other venomous snakes did not pause—they swiftly surrounded the two, trapping them completely.

“Uncle Radley!”

The boy, surrounded by countless snake eyes, whispered in dread and self-reproach: “...It’s my fault. You’re in danger because of me.”

If not for saving him, Radley would never have rushed in and faced death alongside him.

The boy felt guilt, but Radley did not respond—he roared: “Boy, stand tall! What kind of cowardly nonsense are you spouting?!”

“I don’t recall your father raising you to be such a coward!”

“And who said we’re going to die—”

But just before they were fully encircled, a figure dashed forward, swinging his sword violently at the snake horde—the curved blade-light struck late but arrived first, slicing the encircling monsters into pieces.

“Ha! Reinforcements arrived! Let’s go!”

All warriors recognized that blade-light.

It was—The Holy Slash!

Excellent—the Holy Knight has arrived!

The two retreated safely under the Holy Knight’s protection.

Radley, carrying the unconscious comrade on his back, grinned at the boy: “If you’d run off like a fool just now, I’d have beaten you half-dead and dragged you back to the apprentice priest for healing! If you’d died of poison on the way, I’d have kept your corpse to take to a high-rank priest for resurrection!”

“And hey… boy, you didn’t let us down.”

“You overcame your fear, rushed out, and saved your comrade—you’re a true warrior.”

When they returned to the fortress, everyone who saw them cheered, praising his courage.

“Hahahaha! Well done!”

“That’s a warrior of our Lord!”

“Good lad!”

…

The boy scratched his head sheepishly, embarrassed.

Radley clapped him on the shoulder and laughed: “Ha! So you’re not scared anymore?”

“Not just you—no one needs to fear death!”

Radley wasn’t the strongest among them, but his booming voice was the most familiar.

He laughed loudly: “We all know the Church won’t abandon any fallen warrior.”

“Holy water, potions, divine spells—we’ve got plenty!”

“As long as you’re not dead on the spot, the Church will bring you back.”

“And if you’re so unlucky you get swallowed whole, spat out, or turned to dust before we can resurrect you… then tough luck! Who asked you to be so careless? Hah!”

After Radley finished, the others paused—then burst into laughter, pointing and scolding him.

“Hahahaha!”

“Damn Radley, can’t you say something nice? Fuck, hahaha!”

“You’re the unlucky one!”

“Radley, you bastard! You’re the one who’ll get spat out by monsters! Hahaha!”

Normally, such crude, hellish jokes wouldn’t be funny—they’d draw angry glares.

But here, on this battlefield, spoken by one of them, the joke gained a dark, bitter humor.

In the face of life and death, warriors shed their inhibitions.

Death?

Hmph.

Whoever fears death is a coward!

After being mocked and teased, Radley laughed again: “We won’t die in vain!”

They were men—living, breathing men.

Even the bravest warrior fears death.

But they fear dying uselessly more.

They feared dying idle in a sickbed more than falling on the battlefield.

Now, they would not waste their lives.

They fought for their faith, their conviction—and were willing to give their lives for it.

They died with purpose!

With joy!

“Since everyone understands… then!”

Radley raised his weapon, veins bulging in his neck, roaring almost fanatically: “For Our Lord!”

The next instant, a wave of responses surged forth.

“For Our Lord!!!”

Faao, who had just covered Radley’s retreat, now stepped forward, raising his arm and shouting: “For Justice!”

“For Justice!!!”

They did not know what the future held—but the warriors’ sharp instinct for death told them the Demon God Church’s next assault was imminent.

War had never truly ceased!

…

…

And indeed, as they had feared.

When mortals had prepared themselves for a fight to the death, the evil deity had also made all its preparations.

From the center of the flesh altar, a chilling cracking sound emerged from the giant egg.

Crack, crack, crack… crack!

On this day, within the underground tomb.

The avatar of the evil deity…

Was born.

(End of Chapter)