This is an extremely hard-to-describe charm.

As Herbert's power grows stronger, his own charisma has been continually increasing.

After absorbing various materials from Monster Girls, he also picked up some of their qualities.

The arrogance of the Giant Dragon, the gentleness of the Sea Siren, the temptation of the Demon, the mystery of the Angel...

These complex qualities intertwine, making Herbert appear exceptionally mysterious and filled with a special charm in others' eyes.

If it were only this, Herbert's charisma would still be stunning, but far from astonishing as it is now.

The most important thing is the increasingly powerful Holy Power he possesses, successfully suppressing these "Demonic Anomalies."

People, upon seeing Herbert, first feel he is incomparably pure, like an embodiment of holiness.

But when they look closer, they vaguely sense that special demonic anomaly within him—and when they do, they've already fallen into Herbert's allure trap.

The moment "curiosity" arises, they've already become his prey.

"Hehe."

Herbert knows Steven has taken the bait, chuckling twice to awaken him from his stupor.

"Done watching? Do you still think I'm joking?"

"Uh!"

Steven suddenly snaps back, realizing something is amiss.

"...Indeed, I was being rude."

This young man is not an Angel.

The other's demeanor not only bears the sanctity and nobility like an Angel but also the vividness and agility of a mortal.

Herbert winked at him, filled with playful curiosity, and asked, "Now, what do you think I resemble?"

This friend, would you like to play a game?

The kind with no prize guesses.

Do you think I'm joking with you?

No reward for guessing right, but if you're wrong... hehe.

!!!

Steven shivered, trying hard to suppress his unease, and turned to the quiet Centaur Heroic Spirit standing by, asking to change the subject:

"You are not an Angel, but this lord should be a Heroic Spirit, right?"

If you say you're not an Angel, that's fine, but this must be a Heroic Spirit, right?

Despite not having much adventure experience, Steven's family has a vast collection of written records, allowing him to learn about various magical creatures from a young age.

He is a genuine magical creature expert.

The Centaur ahead is undoubtedly a Heroic Spirit Warrior from the Divine Kingdom.

Before Herbert could explain further, Sofia furrowed her brows upon hearing herself mentioned.

"...Hmph."

Throughout this time, she has been giving Steven a "nuclear-kind" look, trying to silently convey her warning.

Why do you dare to stand?

What is your status?

landscape="(frustration)"

Would you dare not to kneel respectfully when my Lord is speaking with you?

But due to Herbert's indifferent attitude, she hasn't voiced a warning, merely attempting to pierce this person without manners with her eyes.

My Lord doesn't mind, but can you afford not to?

When Steven asked, she snorted and loudly asked Herbert:

"My Lord, this guy knows too much; should I make him forget everything?"

He knows too much; it's time to handle him!

Dare to question my identity today and rebel tomorrow.

This child already walks a path leading to death; cannot be spared!

Kill!

"Ah?"

Steven:!!?

Wait!

What did I know?

Feeling the ill-intended gaze from the Heroic Spirit, he immediately felt a shiver, his body shuddering uncontrollably, as if a burning pain attacked the back of his head.

Upon touching his head, he felt the pain point seemed like a horseshoe shape... Hiss, why this shape?

Some painful memories seem to awaken suddenly...

"Hmm?"

Herbert glanced oddly at the Centaur lady's slightly exaggerated reaction and blinked, realizing something?

Was this... a sense of competition?

Because she realized he might become my subordinate, so Sofia felt her status was challenged?

Impossible, right?

A Legendary worried about a High Tier mere mortal shaking her status.

"Hehe."

Herbert chuckled, beckoned Sofia, and lightly patted her behind.

Sofia:!!!

The same spot reacting to stimulation again, Sofia's body slightly trembled.

"My Lord, you..."

"Hold back, don't let him notice."

Herbert didn't explain to her but secretly issued an order while his hand kept gently stroking.

Because of the angle, Steven couldn't see Herbert's exact hand movements but saw him soothing the restless Heroic Spirit.

"As you can see, Sofia is indeed a Heroic Spirit, but she has no relation to the divine being in your story; she is merely my servant now."

Sofia raised her head excitedly upon hearing Herbert's words, intending to express her gratitude.

"My Lord! I... Ugh!?"

But before she could speak, her face twitched, tightly clenching her teeth and lowered her head.

She seemed to be overly excited and cried with joy.

Herbert snickered internally and continued to soothe the proud Heroic Spirit silently.

Quite stimulating indeed.

Besides the unfamiliar spectator Steven, there was actually another witness present, or rather... the aggrieved.

["Not like this; you just snatched away?"]

Harmonious God was full of questions.

That's my Heroic Spirit!

Accepted into your pouch can be overlooked, but must you do it in front of me?

Are you deliberately provoking?

"Don't be so emotional."

Indeed, doing such degenerate things in front of the aggrieved is the most exciting.

["Are you even human?!!?"]

Are you human?

This is actually a very philosophical question.

After all he's been through, can Herbert still be considered human?

After absorbing so many materials from magical creatures, maybe he can't be categorized as a mortal anymore.

Herbert could be human, but it's also unlikely Herbert is human.

But it's not really a big issue.

At least Herbert considers himself to be.

Herbert's declaration about Sofia felt natural to him, but to Steven, the impact was quite significant.

His chaotic mind struggled to comprehend.

What kind of being qualifies as the master of a Heroic Spirit?

To achieve such a title, how noble must one's status be?

Suddendly realizing something, he cautiously lowered himself, respectfully bowing to Herbert.

Herbert watched his actions without stopping, allowing him to respectfully kneel, laughing internally.

Quite clever after all.

Steven lifted his head, asked reverently, "Sir, you... who exactly are you?"

To his enquiry, Herbert had prepared the answer long ago.

"Elsewhere, I have many other identities, but here, I am Herbert, the Lord of Elda."

"The Lord?" Steven stared blankly at Herbert, not expecting such an answer.

Just a lord?

"Yes, you can address me that way."

"Welcome to my territory, Elda, the place of salvation hidden in the mist."

Herbert winked at the bewildered Steven, smiling:

"And you, are the first human citizen here."

…

Steven sat blindly by the spring, following Herbert's instruction to get water, silently cleaning the filth off his body.

His mind felt chaotic now.

What happened? Who am I? Where am I?

How did I muddle my way into becoming a citizen here?

While Steven puzzled, Sofia was also confused by this outcome.

"My Lord, why did you keep this mortal?"

She didn't understand.

A weak mortal without any use-value, why retain him?

"Forgive me, but this place doesn't need him."

To her question, Herbert merely shook his head slightly, raising his brows and retorting, "Didn't you really notice?"

"On him..."

"There is the care of 'Divine Spirit.'

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