Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 130 (Part 1):
“He looks like something straight out of a nightmare.”
Asuka narrowed his eyes. Seeing him up close was even more terrifying. It was clear that it would be difficult to deal with him, as he was superior in height.
A strong and merciless foe. A man who wouldn’t hesitate to kill three young boys. A chill ran down his spine.
‘I might die if I make a mistake.’
Asuka reviewed his plan. Despite the overwhelming tension, he was still smiling. The fear of death did not overpower him.
“There’s one with quite the nerve.”
Fasho was smiling as well.
No matter how renowned a swordsman from the Greta Academy, they were just three 15-year-old boys.
If Fasho couldn’t handle this much, he wouldn’t have been part of Hawk Eye.
Fasho was a formidable opponent with numerous combat experiences. It wasn’t a situation that favored showcasing his skills as an assassin, but rather put him at a disadvantage.
Time was limited, and the target was fully alert and wary of him.
What he needed to do now was to swiftly and accurately eliminate them.
He had made arrangements for wherever the target would go, so even if they managed to survive, they would be significantly weakened.
Seeing their friend’s corpse would inevitably cause even the steeliest of resolves to crack.
They wouldn’t give up on their friend, so it would likely shake them greatly. Physically and mentally shaking them and seizing the opportunity was Fasho’s method of hunting his prey.
‘But there’s no need to kill them all, necessarily.’
Fasho preferred to minimize problems.
“Hmm, well, okay. I’ll make you an offer. How about you listen?”
“What’s the offer?”
Asuka asked promptly. The others were too tense to even open their mouths.
Fasho smirked.
“If you leave this commoner boy here and walk away, I’ll spare the two of you.”
Asuka’s expression hardened. He was acutely aware of the two behind him. Asuka was naturally suspicious. If these two weaklings tried to backstab him, his original plan, and his life, would be over.
Fasho spoke with a devilishly neutral tone.
“What do you say? Noble young men. It should be a no-brainer to trade one commoner for the lives of two nobles. The lives of nobles and commoners aren’t even on the same scale!”
That was mostly true, at least until they had entered Greta Academy.
But hearing an assassin say it made the previously natural way of thinking seem wrong.
James and Andro’s faces stiffened.
“There’s no need to doubt. We at Black Hawk don’t harm nobles unnecessarily. I’m giving you gentlemen a chance. The most important choice of your life!”
His voice ominously lowered.
“Being weak is not a sin. The choices you make when your life is at stake are not sins either. Now, the decision rests in your hands. Live or die!”
Fasho enjoyed witnessing the ugliest sides of humanity. If the two noble academy mates left this commoner boy behind, it would be a pleasurable sight. A realistic example of friendship.
Asuka snorted. The assassin was more suited to be a merchant. His speech was enticing enough to tempt.
He was slightly anxious, but he asked calmly.
“So, Andro, James. What do you think? Will you hand me over and live a comfortable life back home?”
It was a tone laden with reproach, suggesting how could they possibly sleep peacefully after such a decision. However, his anxiety was unnecessary.
“Of course not. How can we trust his words?”
“Don’t underestimate the pride of the Sword Family!”
The former was James, the latter Andro. Andro’s words sounded cooler, leaving James feeling somewhat embarrassed.
‘Damn it, he’s showing off. well, if we’re going to die anyway, then let’s do it the honorable way!’
Those destined to live will live, and those meant to die will die. All that was left was to struggle. James brandished his sword.
“It doesn’t matter what you say. If you want to fight, come at us!”
His bravado exceeded his skill. Fasho clicked his tongue.
“Young ones really don’t know the value of their lives.”
A fresh green dagger was in his hands. Dual dagger technique. It was Fasho’s specialty.
“It’s too late for regrets now. You chose death, so let me help you pay the price!”
He dashed towards the three boys like an arrow. The battle had begun.