CHAPTER 381: 262 [DEFENDER] (4K)_2

If a Paladin’s own will is strong enough and he is clear about all that he does... then he will not fall.

Even if this Paladin performs certain actions that are generally considered as acts of falling, he will not truly be trapped in the mire of corruption.

Even if he is covered in filth, forced to transform into a Demon, corrupted by the Evil God... they still do not fall.

Even if his body changes, his appearance alters, misunderstood by others... they still will not fall.

As long as there is an unshakeable belief deep within his heart, affirming that each of his actions, each of his decisions, follows the principle of justice.

Then his faith will not be shaken.

He is like a tough grass in a storm, able to hold firm to his original intentions no matter how fierce the tide of corruption is from the outside.

These Paladins have a title representing glory—[Defender]

They are defenders of will.

Never wavering when facing temptation and the erosion of darkness, their will stands like an indestructible mountain.

They are defenders of faith.

Faith is the source of their strength, as well as the pillar of their soul, allowing them to protect the purity of their heart even in times of crisis.

They are even more so defenders of hope.

The defenders are the model for countless Paladins, and their very existence is an inspiration.

They make those lost Paladins understand that as long as they stick to their beliefs, they can definitely defeat the enemy.

Whether the enemy comes from outside or exists within the heart, they can be defeated!

But unfortunately, even throughout long history, Paladins with such iron will are a rare presence.

Such steadfast will is like a rare treasure, extremely scarce among the many Paladins.

More Paladins will resist when the tide of corruption surges forth, but eventually will collapse and disintegrate, assimilated by the power of corruption, losing their original sanctity and purity.

Svanni looked at Herbert, unable to help a multitude of thoughts from flashing through her mind.

Could it be that this young man before her is also a special existence with such qualities?

Because Herbert’s inner faith is strong enough, even if he takes some overstepping actions, he would not fall.

...Is it really like this?

Svanni hesitated a little, uncertain about her reasonable conclusion.

The process of deduction is fine, and the conclusion drawn is applicable.

It seems to be reasonable and logical, without any major issues.

But when Svanni recalled the "taming" action Herbert did to Eliza previously, she couldn’t help but feel a little shaken.

So, behind those seemingly ridiculous actions, lies a deep meaning unknown to others about Herbert, is that right?

"Hmm... it should be like this?"

Svanni expressed doubt in her heart, but as a meticulous Mage, she decided to trust her deduction.

Yes.

That’s how it is.

He is a Paladin with firm faith, a[Defender]!

"Alright, since you understand, I’ll be leaving first."

Herbert did not know that in Svanni’s mind he had become such an image.

[Defender]? Are you referring to me?

But even if he knew, he wouldn’t deliberately explain.

This kind of misunderstanding is quite good, really quite good.

Some things really don’t need to be explained too clearly, others will find the answer themselves.

For things beyond their understanding, no matter how absurd, their hearts will always find a suitable reason, concocting a self-acceptable answer to convince themselves.

Herbert opened a door in the room, about to leave when he suddenly remembered something and turned back to warn:

"Oh, right, I’ve lifted part of Eliza’s restrictions, she can now move freely on this level, so don’t bully her."

Eliza’s strength is not weak, but in her overall condition, as she constantly enters a bloodthirsty state, she is still relatively weak, likely not the opponent of this peak state Dark Elf Grand Mage.

"Rest assured, I won’t harm her."

Svanni shook her head, transferring her will to the action figure at the side, unable to hold back a smile.

While the two of them were confronting each other here, testing, playing games, on the other side Eliza was playing games with the "action figure".

Eliza, who hadn’t found toys for many years, was excitedly making the "Svanni action figure" change clothes like a dress-up doll.

The entire material of the action figure is made of flesh and blood, so are the clothes worn, which can change form at will.

Svanni’s lips curved slightly upwards, softly saying: "Hehe, Lord Herbert, I do like her very much."

"Is that so."

Herbert squinted at Svanni, slowly nodding, then suddenly laughed: "Then it looks like your relationship should be quite good, able to become very good friends."

Svanni: "Hmm? Friends?"

He looked at the stunned expression of the Dark Elf, smiled and shook his head without speaking, then turned to push open the Teleportation Gate.

After he walked through the Teleportation Gate, a teasing jibe came from behind the door.

"And also, don’t forget, I really want to become friends with you too! Haven’t we already become close friends?"

And also...

"So yeah, you don’t have to be too... What the hell! Why are you here!!? Wait!"

Clack.

The Teleportation Gate disappeared, and it is unknown what Herbert encountered in the latter half of the second sentence.