As an ancient elder, and the most important existence within the entire monastery, a supreme being beyond the mortal realm... the Archbishop has always faced reverent and fearful gazes.

It's rare for young people to be like Herbert, who, while outwardly respectful, doesn't really hold much reverence for him deep inside.

No, perhaps there is fear, but not much respect.

Would this disrespect offend the Archbishop?

No.

Not only did he not feel offended, but he found it amusing due to its rarity.

Hehe, what an interesting little fellow.

The Archbishop's eyes flashed with countless images, recalling the different gazes he had received over the long years.

There was hatred and fear when enemies looked at him... but more often it was respect and fear from those around him.

Aside from a few old friends, very few people could treat him normally... Once someone becomes powerful enough, even the divine won't underestimate him, looking at him with caution and vigilance.

Oh!

This power really is quite a burden!

"And those little ones, what's the use of having so much reverence for me?"

The Archbishop thought of the worshipful gazes of the cultivators looking at him and said helplessly, "I'm not like those beings seated in the heavens who could bestow blessings upon them."

As the Archbishop was grumbling, Herbert suddenly interjected and asked curiously, "Can't you do it?"

"If I wanted to, I suppose I could do it."

The Archbishop answered without a second thought, "The gods' tricks aren't so complicated, and the power of faith isn't that... hmm?"

He raised his eyebrows and, with an amused smile, looked at the obedient white-haired boy, "It seems you're really not nervous anymore."

"Yes, thanks to your kindness."

Herbert chuckled and shrugged his shoulders, "You yourself told me not to be too restrained."

This was your own request, you know.

"Haha, yes, I did tell you that."

After laughing for a while, the smile on the old man's face gradually faded as he looked at the boy with a calm gaze and slowly said, "However, I didn't tell you to slaughter demons extensively in the Misty Mountains."

Buzz—

In an instant, Herbert felt the pressure on him surge, as if he had plunged into an abyss.

Again?

Herbert glanced at the old man whose mood had drastically changed, secretly curling his lips.

Can't you stop this routine, old man?

First all cheerful, then suddenly frightening... what a nasty old man!

"Can't I?"

Already accustomed to this scenario, Herbert's expression remained unchanged as he retorted, "Is there a problem with me, as a paladin, engaging demons in battle for training?"

"..."

The Archbishop's brows furrowed slightly, and the pressure emanating from him dissipated mostly, as he asked in a deep voice, "Have you grown to resent demons?"

"No."

Herbert shook his head candidly and said seriously, "I've never resented them before, and I still don't."

Demons?

I actually like them quite a lot~

No one likes monster girls more than I do!

The Archbishop's brows relaxed further as he continued to inquire, "Since that's the case, why did you kill so many demons?"

"The souls you've harvested have far exceeded what's necessary for training! Are you torturing them? Killing them for amusement?"

Paladins do not prohibit killing, but they do prohibit torture.

Their swords can vanquish evil, but they mustn't abuse the innocent!

When the Archbishop brought up this matter, Herbert had already anticipated his concerns and was prepared to respond.

"No, I've never found joy in killing."

Herbert gazed earnestly into the old man's eyes and said with utmost sincerity,

"If you doubt my words, I can swear to you, no act of killing in my life has ever been for amusement."

"Everything I've done has been for a purpose beyond personal pleasure... for the greater good!"

Indeed.

Slaughtering the Mist Ghost Wolves, which seemed brutal and ruthless, was actually a necessary step toward unifying a disordered pack due to the tragic death of the Wolf King.

For more Mist Ghost Wolves to survive, the obstructive stubborn elements had to be subdued—if unwilling, then trample over them.

This is for the greater good of survival.

Even taking it a step further, killing a Frost Crystal noble was actually for the welfare of the Frost Crystal citizens.

This, too, is for the greater good!

"For the greater good?"

The Archbishop mulled over the term, looked at the resolute boy whose words and actions were congruent, and shook his head with a sigh,

"Child, do you not feel that your soul has already been stained by blood? Are you not worried about getting lost in this process?"

"Sir, I won't worry."

Herbert shook his head steadfastly and asserted, "I've never indulged in killing, never found any enjoyment in it; it's merely a means to an end."

Moreover, even if I do get lost one day... there will surely be someone to help me see the light.

"Is that what you think..."

The Archbishop, perceiving Herbert's steadfast will, nodded with emotion and said, "Perhaps, you're indeed well-suited to become a Punishment Paladin."

This boy has a distinct aura about him.

He is not bloodthirsty, yet he is never afraid of killing.

Just like a sharp steel, the crimson of slaughter won't taint his soul; a splash of water would reveal its original luster.

He's a natural born star in killing.

Luckily... he didn't fall into the hands of evil forces and became a paladin who honors his oath.

Otherwise, the Archbishop wouldn't know how much turmoil Herbert could become as a dangerous figure.

Perhaps, he would have been someone the Archbishop himself had to deal with?

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