Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 133 (Part 2):
“Return my subordinate to me. I will pay the price.”
The figure spoke calmly, indicating no immediate intention to fight. Realizing this, Helmut said,
“This guy talks too much, considering only his own safety over the organization’s. He’s useless even if I spare his life.”
He had learned at the academy that such people should not be kept close. But Talon gently refuted,
“That’s a general standard, not applicable in Hawk Eye. Our ranks are filled with those wanted or who have committed crimes, unable to show their faces or operate openly. But everyone has their use in the right place if managed properly. Given our manpower shortage, we can’t afford to be picky. It’s rare to find someone as skilled as him.”
An interesting logic. However, Helmut was not in a position to dwell on it. Talon asked, “Isn’t this enough to satisfy your vengeance?”
“Not enough.”
He had failed, but if he had succeeded, Helmut would have returned to the campsite to find the bodies of Asuka, Andro, and James. The mere thought ignited his murderous intent.
“If it’s not enough, I’ll compensate you in another way.”
The offer seemed genuine, though Talon was not someone to take lightly. He would resort to force if not complied with.
‘I should have killed him earlier.’
Fasho, now incapacitated, can’t fight. As a hostage, he was practically useless. Talon’s expression was impassive; Fasho’s death would only be a minor inconvenience.
“How will you compensate?”
“With a reward. Money, information, anything. Just ask.”
Talon spread his hands, indicating his willingness to offer anything.
Helmut was conflicted.
Killing Fasho and fighting Talon here, not far from the campsite, meant that if he used his Vis and fought loudly, the instructors would soon find this place.
But what would happen next? Two instructors and a professor. Would they be of any help? Helmut had a rough idea of their capabilities. The Academy’s faculty were specialized in teaching, not necessarily in combat prowess. Instructors Alan and Patricia were probably less skilled than Fasho. Professor Dwayne, being a magician, was hard to judge, but generally, magicians were less capable in direct combat than swordsmen.
‘If taken hostage…’
It would only hinder him. And this man could not be dealt with using common continental swordsmanship. If he were to use his full strength, he’d need to employ Darien’s swordsmanship, revealing it to this man and the Academy faculty would pose problems.
‘Learning it but not being able to use it is troublesome.’
Helmut’s brow furrowed. He knew what the best decision was, even if it went against what he desired. Suppressing his murderous intent, Helmut grudgingly said,
“I need everything. Money and information.”
Even if Talon chose to fight without paying any price, Helmut had to avoid conflict. But Talon didn’t know that. Helmut planned to extract as much as he could.
“You’re greedy. But fine, I’ll grant your wishes.”
Talon pulled something from his robe and threw it to the ground with a thud. It was a purse, heavy with the sound of it. A peek inside showed it was filled with gold coins.
“About 300,000 marks. Check it.”
Was it a robe enchanted with space expansion magic? Helmut cautiously approached, fearing a trap, and used his sword tip to open the purse. Judging by its size, the amount Talon mentioned seemed accurate. But carrying it was the issue.
“That robe. It’s enchanted with space expansion magic, isn’t it? Give me that robe too. What would they think if I took this purse with me?”
Taking the money and releasing an assassin who endangered his friends would not be looked upon kindly. It wouldn’t solve anything just to share the money.
Talon complied without objection, removing his hooded cloak and throwing it on the ground.
“Here.”
Seeing Talon’s face for the first time, Helmut narrowed his eyes.
“The campsite manager? How did you hide your energy?”
Back then, he seemed weak, as if one could easily snap his neck. But now, Talon appeared youthful and strong, overflowing with energy. A curious phenomenon.
“Disguise is my specialty, hard to explain. Anything else you desire?”
Talon smiled, a friendly expression that didn’t match someone who could lead Hawk Eye. His too-easy compliance was suspicious. Helmut pulled the cloak and money toward him. Fasho still lay on the ground, watching cautiously, hoping not to make any rash moves that could cost him his life.
Having secured the money, the next step was information. Helmut pressed, “How will you provide the information?”
“Black Hawk deals in buying and selling information. It won’t be difficult. There’s a crystal ball in the cloak’s pocket. Use your energy to activate it. When you need information, contact through it. But only three times. Any information, even state secrets, if we have it, I’ll provide. The client’s confidentiality is assured. The offer lasts ten years.”
Finding the crystal ball in the cloak’s pocket, Helmut immediately countered,
“Five times.”
“You’re quite greedy. 300,000 marks, a space expansion enchanted cloak, and three instances of information provision. Isn’t that a fair price? Of course, there will be no retaliation. Black Hawk will not accept any requests against you from now on. Isn’t that enough?”
The negotiation failed instantly. Talon was unexpectedly firm.
‘That’s as far as it goes.’
Knowing when to back down was important. Helmut declared,
“Fine, the deal is done.”
Fasho was still behind him. Helmut glanced at him, feeling a bit of regret at letting him go just like that. As a final action, Helmut kicked Fasho hard one last time. Fasho groaned in pain.
“Ugh!”
A swordsman capable of manifesting his energy. Such a blow wouldn’t kill him. He was lucky to escape with his life this time. Helmut cast a deadly warning glance.
“Take him. If he appears before my eyes again, I will kill you.”