Diary of the Improper Monster Girl Transformation.

Chapter 517 I Had No Expectations (Bonus Chapter 277 for 6K Views!)
"So, there are others?"

"Ok?"

Herbert was visibly taken aback when he saw Ophidia's question.

No, why is your focus here?

Tsk.

I hate people with keen intuition the most!

Moreover, Herbert felt as if he had inadvertently opened Pandora's box and released something terrible.

Ophidia is not yet adept at these romantic encounters because she has no prior experience and doesn't know how to retaliate or respond.

But that doesn't mean she'll always be this bad at it.

She is good at learning and adept at applying what she learns.

Ophelia was very clever; she quickly saw through and mastered the tricks Herbert used on her.

In just half a day of this trip, she had already evolved from initially resisting holding hands to being able to actively retaliate by kissing his cheek, and even seize on loopholes in his words to turn the tables on him.

This improvement is actually quite remarkable.

If she is provoked further this time, who knows what kind of terrifying being she might end up creating.

The difficulty of winning over the target will increase, and even if you succeed, the subsequent interactions will become more and more dangerous, with the risk of things going wrong at any time.

If Herbert is only pursuing the strategy for the sake of pursuing it, then for him, there are two best approaches at this time.

Alternatively, one could act decisively and launch a full-scale attack.

Use all available means in the shortest time to strike at the heart of the matter and leave her no time to laugh at us. Take advantage of the fact that Ophidia has not yet evolved into her complete form and defeat her in advance.

Alternatively, they could decisively withdraw their investment and take profits while they're ahead.

Don't create difficulties for yourself. If you can't get it, you should decisively give up and turn to other targets that are easier and more rewarding.

There are many better flowers in the world, so why should you love only one flower?

However... Herbert would not choose either of these seemingly optimal options.

First of all, because he's not a jerk. (Seriously)

Secondly, isn't this precisely where the real fun of the trip lies?

If all the people you're trying to woo are easy prey, and all the opposite sex are completely submissive, wouldn't that be incredibly boring?
Wouldn't that be a huge lack of accomplishment?
The bigger the storm, the more expensive the fish!

Moreover, he was quite happy about the renewed sense of crisis that Ophidia's "evolution" brought him.

“…Pfft, haha.”

Herbert looked at Ophidia, couldn't help but laugh out loud, and shook his head with a sigh.

?

Ophidia's previously serious expression became somewhat embarrassed by his smile, and she tightened her tail in annoyance.

"Hey! What are you laughing at? Is there anything funny about what I said?"

She had thought she had caught Herbert red-handed and was planning to retaliate, but his smile made her lose confidence.

Could it be that I've overlooked something important again?

Unfortunately, given her current level of expertise, she will probably never be able to guess what Herbert is thinking at this moment.

"Haha, no, I didn't mean to make fun of you."

Herbert waved his hand and laughed, "I just suddenly realized, um... indeed, this is the real you."

"Ok?"

Ophidia frowned even more, looked down at herself, and found nothing unusual.

"No, no, no, I wasn't talking about your outfit. I meant... this attitude is more like you."

That's right, this is the mysterious and powerful Ash Bishop of the Misty Monastery that Herbert remembered, the guardian of hidden knowledge.

That cardinal was never a submissive little girl who would just accept whatever came her way and let him tease and joke with her.

Not only will she retaliate, but she can also keep Herbert busy and fight to a standstill.

Ophelia had always given Herbert this impression: she exuded a considerable degree of pressure, and there was always a risk of things going wrong.

On the contrary, recently, after her true race was revealed, she has been acting very flustered.

Especially after being "lured" out by Herbert this time, she almost completely gave up resistance and let Herbert lead her.

While such a well-behaved response is commendable, it feels like something is missing – a touch of uniqueness.

And now... that feeling is back.

"Hey, are you laughing at me?"

Ophidia was annoyed by Herbert's strange reaction and wrapped her tail tightly around him, poking his cheek with the tip.

Herbert felt the tail wrapped around his waist tightening, and nodded in response to the tight pressure.

Ah, yes, yes, that's exactly the feeling.

Yes, they're all back.

Creak, creak, creak...

Hearing the slightly ominous sound coming from his waist, Herbert knew that if he continued to be so enigmatic, the other person might really get angry.

But how do we get Matsuo to do it?
The solution is simple.

He raised his hand, grabbed the tail tip poking his face, and then turned his head to give it a gentle kiss.

Then it sticks out its tongue, as if to lick.

"Hey!!!"

Startled, Ophidia immediately released him, yanked her tail back, and looked at him warily.

Having been provoked repeatedly, Ophelia felt she had to say something. She bared her teeth and said fiercely:

"I'm warning you, don't you dare do this again without my permission! My patience is running out!"

"If you do that again, next time I might really take action!"

"I'll show you exactly how you should show me respect!!!"

Oh?
Without permission?
Herbert smiled and shook his head, licking his lips with a hint of regret, as he caught an interesting keyword and his heart stirred slightly.

In other words, it can be done as long as permission is granted?

However, the kind-hearted Herbert did not intend to exploit the loopholes in the other party's careless remarks to continue his attack.

We've already given her enough tips for today. If we keep pushing her, who knows what level she'll evolve to next?

Herbert chuckled, innocently raising his hands to show his obedience, and promised, "Haha, okay, I will definitely show you the respect you deserve in public from now on."

In public, I can present myself as the best subordinate.

But when you're alone, you don't have that option.

Before Ophidia could react, Herbert continued:

"Alright, let's get back to the main topic, regarding the question you just asked..."

Hello, there are no other "women", but there are other "monster girls".

But of course, that's not how you say it.

After saying that, it wasn't flirting anymore, but pure provocation.

We need to express it in a more tactful way.

"If you ask me if there are other women protecting and helping me, my answer is... yes, there are indeed such women."

Herbert raised his hand as Ophelia's expression changed slightly, interrupting her move, and said gently:
"Don't get agitated yet. I still have something to say. Before you get upset, let me finish what I have to say."

I know you're in a hurry, but take it easy.

Stop!

?

Ophidia's lips twitched. She could guess that Herbert had left something unsaid and was deliberately only saying half of it to annoy her.

The awkward thing about this is that even if she knew, there was nothing she could do about it.

In what capacity should I lecture him?

A cardinal in the monastery? The leader of the Keepers of the Secrets?
still is……

None of them seem to work.

Finally, Ophidia could only hold her breath and mutter in dissatisfaction, "Hmph... Nonsense, I'm not upset."

"Okay, let's leave it at that."

Herbert nodded perfunctorily, then smiled and said, "I did receive help from many 'women' along the way, but not just them."

"With your help, and of course the help of other nuns and monks, and even more so the help of the chief judge, the knight commander, and the archbishop and everyone else."

“I got to this point with the help of many people, and I naturally want to express my gratitude, but I can’t hide under the protection of others forever.”

"Once I have enough strength, I still need an opportunity to prove that I have not let you down."

"Now, that opportunity has arrived."

Herbert's expression held a hint of amusement, and his eyes gleamed with anticipation as he slowly said:
"Someone is trying to use the power of prophecy to locate me and find me? No problem, let them come."

"No matter what they try to do, they will ultimately fail."

"I will prove to them that making an enemy of me will be the worst and most wrong decision they ever made."

"At the same time, I will prove to you that I am the right choice for you."

He looked at Ophidia, whose expression had calmed down and whose eyes had become more serious, and said softly, "Here, I assure you that I will not betray your trust and expectations, and I will never put myself in danger."

"Leave this matter to me."

Herbert had almost lost count of how many people he had made similar promises to.

In their eyes, he always seemed to need protection.

But he was already strong enough to protect himself, and even to protect them.

That's really strange.

Ophelia remained silent for a while after Herbert finished speaking, her brows furrowed.

After a moment, she stared into Herbert's eyes and slowly asked:
"Really?"

"Really, I won't let you down."

"..."

Then, Ophidia remained silent for a long time before finally letting out a weak sigh.

"Fine, let's just leave it at that. I won't ask about it again."

She paused for a moment, then her face turned cold as she slowly said, "Besides, Herbert, I have no expectations of you in this matter."

Oh?
Herbert pursed his lips and blinked as if looking at a strange animal upon hearing these insincere words.

No, buddy. At this point, are you still going to keep being stubborn?
You still don't care?

"you……"

Just as Herbert raised an eyebrow, preparing to tease this vain fellow, Ophidia turned her head back and immediately lay back down on the spot.

She lay in the middle of the flower field, turned to the other side, her back to Herbert, and said softly:
"The reason I don't expect you to prove your growth by beating them is because it's simply unnecessary."

“I’ve already seen the changes in you; you don’t need them to prove it to you.”

You don't need any so-called opportunity to prove yourself before you can catch my eye.

Not required.

You have long been in my eyes, and even in my heart.

"It's only natural that you were able to thwart their plot. If you couldn't even handle something like this... then I would truly be disappointed in you."

She gently toyed with the epic seed in her hand, which seemed to be transforming after absorbing blood, and slowly said, "If I had to say what I expect from you in some way..."

rustle……

Ophelia heard the noise behind her and knew that Herbert had already lay down next to her, even pressed against her back.

But she simply lowered her eyes slightly, then gave up the idea of ​​driving him away, tacitly allowing this guy to probe her little by little.

"Tsk."

Finding Herbert's cautious, tentative movements somewhat annoying, she simply leaned back, pressing her back against his warm chest.

"Eh!!?"

Ophidia felt the warmth from behind and Herbert's flustered reaction. With a slight smile, she pushed his arm with her snake tail without turning her head, letting it fall onto her waist.

From an outsider's perspective, it looked as if Herbert had taken the initiative to put his arm around Ophidia's waist.

"hehe."

Ophidia gave a satisfied hum, feeling that she had finally won back a round.

In a cheerful mood, she looked down at the seed that held her hopes and whispered the last half of the sentence she hadn't said before.

she says:

"Hurry up and acquire enough power, then fulfill the promise you made."

Just as you promised—one day, you will stay by my side forever.

After Ophidia finished speaking, she closed her eyes, enjoying the relief of having spoken her heart's words. Her consciousness gradually calmed down, and she did not notice the change in the expression of the person behind her.

After listening to Ophidia's rare candid revelation, Herbert's previously amused expression gradually calmed down, and his gaze became distant.

He looked toward some distant future.

The possibility of finally being able to completely break free from everything and enjoy a peaceful life with them is not yet clear.

Not only was she looking forward to it, but they were all looking forward to it too.

Even Herbert himself was striving for that kind of future.

"Don't worry, that day will definitely come."

The gods whispered their promises, adding to the faith of their mortal companions.

"I assure you, after going through so many trials, you will definitely receive the reward you deserve."

But to everyone's surprise, the mortal simply shook his head.

“Nenesha, you’re wrong this time. It’s not ‘you,’ it’s ‘we.’”

"We will definitely move towards that future."

Herbert squinted, turning his gaze away from the future, and murmured to himself:

"No matter what uncertain future we face, I will not allow myself to be the only one to be happy. Don't even think about leaving me behind and running away alone."

"You're not allowed to run away."

"...Okay, don't worry, I won't run away."

After a moment of silence, Nenasha laughed, her tone as playful as ever, and said softly, "Even if you try to drive me away, I'll stay by your side like a ghost!"

"Well, that's right."

Right.

That's more like you.

Your previous melancholic demeanor didn't suit you at all.

"Are you thinking about something rude again?"

"No."

Herbert nodded in satisfaction, then continued to look at Ophidia in his arms.

His gaze was gentle, and he shook his head softly. Then he slowly embraced her slender, slightly cool waist, applying a little pressure to make her more comfortable in his arms.

She fell asleep again.

If the previous deep sleep was a sign of finally finding peace after years of solitude, then the spirit had relaxed and entered a complete hibernation.

This deep sleep was the languid feeling after letting go of inner turmoil and understanding one's true feelings, falling asleep peacefully in a tranquil environment.

When Ophidia wakes up this time, she may not feel as suddenly relaxed as before, but she will definitely feel more at ease than when she wakes up on other days.

Thinking of this, Herbert couldn't help but purse his lips in a sigh.

“It’s really enviable.”

He also wanted to get a good night's sleep.

However, due to the blood of a certain vampire lady, his sleep requirements are now pitifully low, and he has difficulty falling asleep on his own. He can only force himself to fall asleep with the help of Nenasha.

I'm a little envious and jealous.

It wasn't envy of her peaceful sleep, but rather admiration for Ophidia's frank character.

"Honestly, we agreed to scheme against each other and enjoy the back-and-forth, but you're all so good at delivering devastating blows..."

"You guys just wanted to have your fun and then you abandoned me, right?"

Herbert muttered to himself, then hugged Ophidia, the woman in his dream, even tighter.

"She just fell asleep right next to me without any guard up. Honestly, she trusts me that much? Isn't she worried that I might do something?"

His fingertips gently caressed the snake-woman's lower abdomen, and as expected, it did not elicit any resistance or alarm.

If Herbert had been gentler and more careful, he could probably have touched Ophidia all over, inside and out.

"hateful."

"How about this, you pretend to be asleep for a while before you actually fall asleep? That way I can get my hands on you, oh, I mean, touch your tail!"

"Tsk, how can I betray your trust if I do this?"

He sighed helplessly, closed his eyes silently, and thought to himself.

"It seems that this time, we need to do things even better."

"The guy who predicted my fate, I hope you can make a big scene, otherwise, I won't be able to use this as an excuse to make a fuss..."

……

……

The one who was prophesied was dozing off with a beautiful woman in his arms, while the other side that initiated the prophecy was not so comfortable.

"What does Soderling mean? Why is he leaving so soon?"

The God of Sand and Stone pondered the three keywords left behind by the other party.

"This prophecy is so ineffective, is He playing a trick on me? No, with the contract in place, it shouldn't be like that..."

He thought about it and felt that the other party probably wouldn't break the contract, but that this was really all they could do.

After all, to ensure the fairness of the contract, Soderling had specifically reminded himself to find a demon grand duke to act as a witness in drafting the contract.

If it weren't for the fact that the reward He offered was the knowledge of the serpent eyes, and for the sake of past favors, this deal would never have been made in the first place.

"If these prophecies are true, then where are they hiding now?"

Before leaving, Soderlin mentioned several possible organizations: the Frost Sanctuary, the Witch's Guild, the Northern Kingdom Alliance...

Although these organizations are not weak, some have been established for over a thousand years, and include many legendary and epic figures, they are financially powerful and have long been rooted in the North.

The Arctic Holy Land was founded by a saint on the remnants of a god's divine kingdom. After many years of transformation, it became a small holy land for legendary polar creatures to cultivate. Today, it is jointly ruled by several non-human epics.

The Northern Kingdom Alliance involves more than ten kingdoms of varying sizes that have joined it. Although each kingdom may not be the strongest in terms of individual strength, their large populations give them considerable influence.

The Witches' Guild lies somewhere in between. While its high-end power cannot compare to that of the Extreme Ice Holy Land, it still controls its own territory and people, making it a powerful organization with real strength in the North.

Furthermore, due to the production of magical artifacts, they have close ties with other extraordinary organizations outside the North and are associated with a large number of powerful individuals.

But none of these are problems in the eyes of the God of Sand and Stone.

"Forget it, never mind it."

Finally, after what he considered to be careful consideration, the God of Sand and Stone made his own decision.

He decided to take action against all suspected organizations.

Simple and straightforward, but convenient and quick.

In His view, since Soderling's prophecy had already stated that this matter had nothing to do with other gods, the problem was simple.

This is a group of mortals putting up a last-ditch resistance, trying to hide the insects they are looking for, playing hide-and-seek with themselves.

This is a provocation against the gods!

If I force them to hand over the people, would they dare to resist?

I definitely wouldn't dare.

Even more surprisingly, some of these guys might be clever enough to reduce His troubles by voluntarily handing over the person!
This is His confidence as a god, His arrogance.

In fact, as long as they do not possess the strength of a saint, in the eyes of most gods, these extraordinary powerhouses in the eyes of mortals are no different from other weak mortals.

Are stronger insects no longer insects?

As for those mortals who may have some connection with other gods... that doesn't matter.

Anyway, I don't need their faith, nor will I destroy their organization. As long as I give them a heads-up beforehand, other gods, even if they are related to them, won't say anything.

In order to take this opportunity to demonstrate his divine power, the God of Sand and Stone decided to make the scene bigger.

He looked forward to seeing mortals trembling in fear!
And so, after that day...

Without warning, sandstorms swept across the entire northern border region.

Yellow sand rises from the south and flies northward with the hot winds.

If someone were to look down from above at this moment, they would witness an astonishing scene.

The boundless yellow sand is like a tightening net, slowly encircling the northern land and gradually eroding it!

(End of this chapter)