Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 135 (Part 1):
At that moment, an unexpected figure emerged from deep within the campsite. A clear and elegant voice resounded.
“Hello, you must be Instructor Alan.”
The gloomy atmosphere brightened. There stood Alea, in a pristine white robe and silver hair, observing the reunion of the guardian and the ward with an indifferent gaze. Asuka’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Alea? What brings you here?”
Instructor Alan took over the conversation.
“Alea of the magic department? What’s the matter?”
She didn’t even glance at Asuka. Alea responded with a refreshingly artificial smile.
“I was at the academy when I heard something was happening here, so I decided to join and help.”
The magic department’s professors were either away due to students’ field assignments or busy with their classes.
The magic department’s classes often involve dangerous experiments, making it difficult to step away midway. With only one professor, Luxen, available earlier, their numbers were insufficient for any contingencies, hence calling Alea.
A mage is quite a useful being. Usually, a senior student would be brought along, but Alea was different. She possessed magical skills beyond even senior students.
“Then, will you take a look at these students?”
“Yes.”
They were members of Group 9, who had sustained injuries ranging from minor to moderate. Due to limited resources, Professor Dwayne had also provided basic treatment.
Alea approached Group 9 and cast healing magic on them.
“Wow, getting healed by Alea.”
James looked ecstatic. Even though he’s a man, his eyes are purified just by having her in front of him. Asuka, known for his foul temper, couldn’t stand watching him smile so freely.
“You, if you have any conscience, you should spend all your time in the training ground, except for sleeping! We nearly died fighting because of your lack of skill!”
As James looked awkward, Andro frowned.
“That’s harsh, Asuka. James fought hard too. You shouldn’t speak like that to a comrade.”
“I did everything, what did you guys do? Just bleeding out quietly in the corner.”
They say that camaraderie builds when you cross a bridge together. But at this moment, the same thought came to Andro and James.
‘That annoying brat! He can’t feel any sympathy.’
They wished someone would shut his mouth. But by then, Instructor Alan had already left. Alea glanced at them before approaching Helmut.
“Are you okay? I heard Black Hawk was targeting you.”
A fleeting concern shone in her bright amethyst eyes. Cold to everyone else, but her demeanor changed around Helmut. It had been different for a while now.
“I’m not badly hurt. Just a bit tired.”
He wanted to rest. It had been a tough day for Helmut too.
“Show me your wounds.”
As he rolled up his sleeve, scraped and scabbed wounds were revealed. Alea carefully cast a healing spell.
The moment her hand brushed against Helmut’s arm, Helmut almost reached out to grab it. His heart stung.
‘…I might have internal injuries.’
He pushed Alea away with words.
“That’s enough, thank you.”
It seemed like pulling too much energy had taken its toll. Given these symptoms.
The Swordsmanship Department students summoned by a crystal ball were returning. Before they all returned, Helmut decided to rest. There was still a long ride back.
For now, things were calm.
Except for Group 9, the other group members were puzzled by their sudden summon. Except for one person who sprained an ankle jumping from a tree, there were no injuries. However, continuing the hunting picnic was impossible after such a major incident.
The return of the entire second year of the Swordsmanship Department to Greta Academy was decided. Though they would arrive late, it was inevitable.
Helmut glanced at the tied-up campsite manager. The original manager, impersonated by Talon, hadn’t died. Talon looked similar enough that the instructors wouldn’t recognize him, especially since it’s been a few years since they met the original manager.
The returned manager claimed he had fainted and woke up two days later, which seemed too coherent for someone who had fainted. Whether he had taken a bribe to vacate his position would be investigated.
Before the Swordsmanship Department departed, Alea returned first using a teleportation spell. She called Helmut aside before leaving.
“Helmut, would you like to return with me? Instructor Ethan said so too. We can say it’s for an investigation. Your horse can be teleported as well.”
Ethan seemed to have taken an interest. Helmut shook his head.
“I can’t leave my team members behind.”
Though not too tired, leaving the injured Group 9 members felt wrong. Helmut had grown a conscience. Besides, Asuka would rage if left behind.
“Do as you wish.”
Alea, not planning to teleport Group 9, easily withdrew her offer. She wasn’t the type to extend such kindness to everyone.
As she was about to turn away, Helmut’s new cloak caught her eye.
“Where did you get that cloak? It’s my first time seeing it.”
Helmut felt caught off guard.
“I bought it recently.”
“It’s strange I haven’t seen it in your room. Could it be enchanted with space-expanding magic? Those are expensive and hard to find.”
“Yes. It looked good, so I bought one.”
Such items were rare even in Baden’s stores. Worried about further questions, Helmut tensed, but Alea casually moved on.
“I see.”