I hope you won’t disappoint me, ‘Hero’……
Samuel murmured, a hint of anticipation flickering in his eyes.
At that moment, the door to the study was gently knocked.
“Come in.”
A young cleric entered, bowing respectfully.
“Reporting to Apostle-sama, there is a young man outside who calls himself Luo Ling and wishes to see you.”
“Luo Ling?”
Samuel’s head snapped up, surprise flashing in his eyes before melting into a knowing smile.
“Oh? He’s finally here. Hurry, bring him in.”
Moments later, Luo Ling appeared at the doorway of the study.
He looked somewhat disheveled, his clothes tattered, still stained with blood and dirt that hadn’t been washed away—evidence of a long and arduous journey.
Yet his gaze made Samuel’s heart tighten.
What kind of eyes were those!
Cold, sharp, filled with undisguised killing intent and resolve—like a drawn sword, ready to strike at any moment.
Compared to the confused, resistant young man in Luofeng Village months ago, he was a completely different person.
“Apostle Samuel.”
Luo Ling spoke, his voice hoarse but eerily calm—so calm it was frightening.
“Luo Ling?”
Samuel stood up, feigning shock.
“It really is you! Thank goodness! I heard misfortune befell Crescent Village, and I thought…”
He gestured hastily.
“Please, sit down, child.”
Luo Ling did not sit.
He simply stared straight at Samuel and spoke bluntly.
“I accept the title of ‘Hero’.”
The smile on Samuel’s face froze for a moment, as if he hadn’t expected such directness.
He had originally prepared a bellyful of speeches—guidance of the Holy Light, the hope of the people, the righteousness of saving the world…
But now, it seemed none of them were needed.
He scrutinized Luo Ling, searching his eyes for a trace of longing or excitement about the ‘Hero’ title—but found only icy flames and an unfathomable emptiness.
“Child, you…”
Samuel chose his words carefully.
“I know you’ve endured misfortune, and I am deeply saddened by it. But to become a Hero means responsibility and sacrifice. It is not merely—”
“I don’t care about responsibility or sacrifice.”
Luo Ling interrupted, his tone unwavering.
“I only want power. Power strong enough. Your Church—or rather, the Kingdom—can give me that, can’t they?”
His gaze was like steel, locking firmly onto Samuel.
“In exchange, I can become your ‘Hero’ and fight against the ‘Darkness’ you speak of. But I have one condition.”
“Speak.”
Samuel understood instantly, looking at him calmly.
“I want to know everything about ‘demons’ and the Serpentine Emblem Organization. I want priority to settle my… personal affairs.”
Luo Ling’s voice brooked no argument.
Samuel was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded.
“Agreed. The Church of Holy Light possesses the oldest records and the broadest intelligence network. If you can truly bear the mission of a Hero, this information will be open to you.”
He gazed at the flames of revenge in Luo Ling’s eyes and thought to himself:
So be it.
Hatred is sometimes the strongest motivator.
Let this power be used for the Holy Light.
As for his ‘personal affairs’… as long as they don’t disrupt the greater picture, a slight deviation from the ‘Prophecy’ is of no consequence.
“Then from this day forth, you are the Hero acknowledged by the Third Empire of Atlan and the Church of Holy Light, Luo Ling.”
Samuel extended his hand, an ‘appreciative’ smile on his face.
“Welcome to our ranks, child.”
Luo Ling did not take the hand.
He merely nodded coldly.
“Now, take me to obtain power.”