Chapter 1157 - 536: Why Was It Like That...?

Chapter 1157: Chapter 536: Why Was It Like That...?

"Uh, no, that’s not what I meant... uh!"

These words made it seem like I was displeased with him leaving just now.

I’m really not yearning for anything!

Herbert slightly shook his head and said gently, "I understand what you mean, please don’t panic."

"I’ve never thought of disliking you, rather I’m worried you might find me, a mere mortal, annoying."

"As for why I resisted just now, the reason isn’t actually complicated."

"I must admit... the feeling just now was wonderful."

Herbert smiled at Her and said softly, "But because it’s wonderful, it requires us to remain awake, doesn’t it?"

"We shouldn’t be slaves to joy, we should be its masters."

"Whatever kind of relationship we eventually move towards, it shouldn’t be decided by momentary impulses."

!!!

Herbert’s words felt like a warm current, quietly melting the complex emotions of embarrassment and remorse inside Fulingya’s heart.

She stared at him blankly, realizing he wasn’t disgusted or rejecting her, but rather stopped out of cherishment and respect.

Instead of blaming Her "loss of control," he took on the shared responsibility, and even... affirmed that "feeling."

Fulingya’s blush hadn’t faded; though still bothered by her earlier misstep, she suddenly felt relaxed, with the previous strong shame and self-reproach greatly alleviated.

"...Hmm."

Fulingya pursed her lips, softly saying "hmm" as a way of accepting his explanation, and slightly turned her head away.

Though she no longer looked at Herbert, the tension and estrangement from before were gone from her body.

At this moment, the awkwardness and tension between the two, like morning mist under sunlight, began to quickly dissipate.

Replacing it was a more complex, indescribably subtle atmosphere.

The remaining joy continued to subtly flow in the air, mixed with the relief and ease from mutual understanding, and a strange closeness from jointly experiencing an unexpected "adventure" and knowing each other’s true selves.

Fulingya quietly activated Divine Power, and vines on the ground swiftly grew, climbing from her feet up her body, transforming into a beautiful green gown that covered most of her skin.

Although her usual attire was an open-belly forest hunter outfit, after these events, She began to care more about her exposed skin.

"Then..."

She looked at Herbert again, trying to restore her usual tone, but her gaze softened considerably.

"The ’Tree Spirit Embrace’ ceremony is complete; you can feel it."

Without Fulingya’s reminder, Herbert had already sensed the expansive energy swelling inside him.

A warm energy full of vibrant life grew within him, distinctly different from but harmoniously coexisting with his own Life Essence, slowly and continuously nourishing his entire body.

He could feel a significant increase in his Recovery Power and even his perception of Natural Elements had improved.

Besides gaining longevity, his body’s strength was enhanced in another aspect.

Herbert’s body was already nearing the limits of what the Legendary level could achieve, but now it progressed further—he felt his stamina had no limit.

Before his power is entirely depleted, he would continue fighting like an tireless machine.

No matter how intense the battle, he wouldn’t feel fatigued or need to stop and rest.

And this was merely the initial observation; the exact improvement amount would require practical action to determine accurately.

"I feel it."

He opened his eyes, filled with delight, and gratefully said, "Very pure and powerful energy, thank you for your gift, Fulingya."

This time, calling her by her name seemed much more natural.

Fulingya nodded slightly, also breathing a sigh of relief; at least the initial purpose of "rewarding" had been achieved.

This incident, though filled with surprises and twists, greatly closed the distance between them.undefined

They were no longer just a Goddess giving rewards to a Hero, but instead shared secrets and had glimpsed each other’s true emotions...friends?

Or perhaps, the beginning of a more subtle relationship.

"I should be the one thanking you, Herbert."

Fulingya looked at him, eyes complex but no longer shy like before, outwardly regaining her usual calm demeanor.

"Not just for your aid to Nature, but also for... the understanding just now."

She paused, her voice softened, smiling, "For my earlier impulse, I apologize and thank you once again."

Herbert shook his head, also smiling, "Please don’t say so, witnessing a Goddess’s ’rebellion’ and being part of it is my honor."

The two exchanged a glance, unable to hold back laughter over each other’s "polite restraint," making the atmosphere light and peaceful.

After the laughter, Herbert knew it was time for him to leave—better to stop while ahead; continuing further might become excessive.

Herbert expressed his goodbyes, and Fulingya did not insist on keeping him.

Only quietly watched him leave, softly saying, "Looking forward to the next meeting, Herbert; the Natural Sanctuary will always welcome you."

"I will come again, Fulingya," Herbert nodded and promised.

As the mortal turned away, walking towards the curtain made of vines to leave, the Goddess watched his back, filled with countless thoughts.