CHAPTER 87: 87 IS VERY FATEFUL! (4/5, ONE MORE ADDED)

The youth’s thunderous shout echoed in the Holy Hall.

He was willing to die generously for the oppressed, just to awaken others’ reflections.

Such thoughts were somewhat foolish, but at the same time, admirable.

The Archbishop looked at the youth in front of him, his eyes subtly moved.

Truth.

Not a single word was false.

From start to finish, this child had never told any lies.

The Archbishop didn’t sense any hesitation or fear in his words, they were completely heartfelt and sincere.

Heart and words in unison.

This firm will to sacrifice was truly moving.

Even someone like the Archbishop, who had seen so much, was somewhat touched at this moment.

After a while, the Archbishop sighed and said: "Indeed, you are very much like Saint Nenasha, and have a certain affinity."

"Both regard Humans and Demons as equal beings, both are willing to sacrifice themselves for others, possessing the same great compassion..."

Herbert: ?

Me, do I?

Was I overacting just now?

Herbert felt a bit guilty upon hearing the Archbishop’s excessive praise, wanting to change his words to explain, but helplessly realized it was too late.

Forget it.

Don’t explain, let him misunderstand.

It doesn’t seem too bad to be misunderstood as a hero.

After the praise, the Archbishop poured cold water on Herbert to cool him down:

"However, child, there is a large gap between you and her. If you truly want to become like her, do you know where the gap lies?"

Gap?

Herbert was a bit dazed and replied reflexively:

"...uh, gender?"

Herbert can’t become a Saintess.

That’s certain.

He surely won’t become a Saintess in this life, nor does he wish to in the next.

Besides, if the story were to become "Saint Nun’s Monastery," it would be quite troublesome... Hmm.

And the consequence of being cheeky was, naturally, no surprise.

The Archbishop’s feeling was interrupted on the spot, the prepared words stuck in his throat, silently gazing at the white-haired youth.

"..."

He hadn’t actually spoken, but seemed to have said everything.

Child, do you hear the words coming out of your mouth?

"Ahem! It’s strength."

Herbert coughed awkwardly, then spoke with a serious face: "Currently, I don’t have enough strength to make others believe in my ideas, nor can I control Demons after they do evil."

"... Sigh."

The Archbishop sighed wearily and continued: "That’s right, you are still too weak now. Although you have some notions, they don’t match your strength."

"Therefore, I intend to offer you some small help."

He gestured for Herbert to rise and pointed to the desecrated Holy Image in the center of the Holy Hall.

"Child, walk up to the Holy Image and place your palm on her hand."

Hmm?

Herbert: "...Ah?"

???

To be honest, Herbert really wanted to approach that desecrated Holy Image, really did.

Because this matter almost represented his ultimate task at Mist Monastery - rescuing Harmonious God Nenasha.

But Herbert also clearly realized a cruel fact.

As long as the Archbishop was in this space, it was impossible for him to do so.

Especially after hearing the story told by the Archbishop and understanding more of his terrifying strength, Herbert completely dismissed the idea.

He couldn’t beat him, was temporarily dejected.

Sealed his heart like cement, put away that bold idea.

Don’t act now, new account, challenge later.

But now... the Archbishop actually took the initiative to let me touch it?

This, this isn’t a trap, is it?

Gulp.

Herbert swallowed his saliva, rising slowly but hesitantly asked: "Your Grace, the Archbishop, are you..."

You’re not trying to harm me, are you?

"Don’t be afraid, child."

"The desecrated Holy Image, though it suppresses the Evil God, isn’t very dangerous in itself."

"It merely descends with two powers when touched, one representing the Saintess’ remaining blessing, the other the Evil God’s curse."

Uh... isn’t this still quite dangerous for others?

Herbert continued to act, frowning appropriately, then resolutely stepping toward the Holy Image.

That determined back only conveyed one belief - as long as he could gain the power to save the innocent, even receiving a curse didn’t matter!

"Hehe, you needn’t worry about the curse."

The Archbishop’s approving gaze followed Herbert, only to laugh lightly as he was about to touch it: "As long as I exist in this world, the Evil God’s curse shall not take effect."

"Because I once ’said’ - [I will not let Him harm anyone.]"

With the Archbishop speaking again, an invisible change occurred in the Holy Hall, as if certain rules had been altered.

The change was so vast that even Herbert noticed it, feeling the shift in the Laws with shock.

Law?

Words become Law?

Once more marveling at the Archbishop’s power, Herbert stood before the desecrated Holy Image, choosing decisively to place his hands on its head.

Tremble, Harmonious God!

This is the ultimate secret of the asassy male protagonist.

Pat! Head! Kill——hiss!!?

Upon contact, a fierce burning sensation surged into his soul.

"Hiss!"

After being immune to fire and able to bathe in lava, Herbert almost forgot this fiery pain.

Now, he remembered.

He felt his soul being burned, roasted... incinerated!

Wasn’t it said I wouldn’t be harmed!?

Hiss——

Behind him, the Archbishop watched Herbert’s painful expression calmly, his eyes without fluctuation.

He quietly observed the twitching, as if electrified Herbert, who struggled but couldn’t withdraw his hands.

A moment later, he nodded silently, feeling some relief as he thought: "Good, this child truly hasn’t been corrupted by the Evil God..."

Having guarded this place for years, blocking the Evil God’s invasion of the world, how could the Archbishop not be wary of the Evil God Contractors.

He would not wrong any devoted Cultivator, nor would he spare any Evil God’s minion.

There were many doubts surrounding Herbert, but that’s normal. Everyone has secrets.

The Archbishop didn’t intend to probe them; he was not the leader of an evil cult and wouldn’t casually violate others.

But he had his own solution.

The Archbishop didn’t personally explore, instead he chose to let the power left by the Saintess test Herbert’s purity.

The desecrated Holy Image would prove everything.

If there were traces of the Evil God’s corruption on Herbert, the Saintess’ power would crush him on the spot.

And now, the scene before him had proved everything.

The Saintess’ power had not only not destroyed Herbert, but was joyfully and wholeheartedly remodeling his body and soul.

Upon thinking this, the Archbishop nodded reassuringly, unable to help but sigh:

"You indeed have a fine affinity with her!"