Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 161 (Part 1):
“Let’s put the horses in the stable first. Even if we are okay, the horses must be tired.”
The horses had been through a lot. It was difficult to wander around this desert without them, so rest was essential.
Helmut dismounted from the saddle, following Luke Yeager’s suggestion.
Hee-hee-hee! As Helmut dismounted, the white horse neighed and snorted.
It seemed to feel better with the weight lifted off its back.
It wasn’t born in a hot country, but it had endured quite well.
Helmut patted its nose.
However, White turned its head away sharply as if rejecting the touch. Seeing this, Luke Yeager burst into laughter.
“Your horse is saying it’s hot! That’s a spirited one.”
“It seems you’ve changed skins in no time.”
Helmut muttered unfamiliarly upon seeing him, who had tanned under the sun. It was as if he had become a different person.
“Before coming to Basor, I was on the fairer side too. I had a lordly aura like you. But now, I’ve completely become a person of Basor.”
“It’s good to be distinguishable from the color of the sand.”
Helmut said quietly in passing. The desert sand was a slightly yellow-tinged white. He would stand out more with his dark eyes.
“What are you talking about? You should rest at the lodging too. The demonic beast subjugation won’t be easy.”
He spoke as if he knew, though it was also his first time. But Helmut didn’t retort.
They had come so close. It was time to prepare for the best state.
*
At that moment, the Commander of the Palma Knights was receiving a report from the Commander of the Deser Knights.
Since the first raid, there had been no further attacks. The residents near the oasis were fleeing to the desert, trembling with anxiety.
Due to the periodic demonic beast subjugations conducted by the Palma Knights, most of the lesser beasts had been wiped out.
An attack of this magnitude by demonic beasts had not happened in nearly a decade.
“You mean you haven’t even gone to the attacked oasis?”
“We couldn’t dare to approach after five scouts were killed by formidable beasts positioned around the oasis.”
The soldiers and knights of the desert, adjacent to the desert, were accustomed to fighting beasts.
But the beasts that appeared this time were exceptionally strong. They were not the usual small fries.
The residents of other oases also fled to the desert on their own, without expecting Deser to send forces to protect them.
“It’s better to wait for reinforcements than to increase unnecessary sacrifices.”
The Vice-commander nodded. The desert belonged to them.
“It seems they’re all concentrated around that area.”
A collective movement. If there’s a guard on the outskirts, it means there must be a leader with intelligence, positioning its subordinates around.
Lutus Cicero concluded decisively.
“We’ll eradicate them in one fell swoop.”
His eyes intensified momentarily. He was the Commander of the Palma Knights. No one could have guessed there was another meaning to his look.
The knights around him responded in unison.
“Yes.”
*
A single command was issued to the entire Palma Knights.
‘We depart for the attacked oasis around midnight.’
The Palma Knights moved quickly. If they rode diligently, they could arrive before noon. They set out at night to arrive during the day.
The lodging was two per room. Luke had been polishing his sword and taking care of it, as tension seemed to build a few hours before departure.
“The residents are trembling with fear. We must quickly defeat those creatures and restore peace. Though you and I have a contest to settle, unlike you, my mission is more important.”
“It’s been only 8 months since you joined the Palma Knights, but you seem to feel a sense of belonging to Basor already.”
“For me, Basor is the place. Though my grandfather settled down, those from other countries eventually find themselves outsiders. Especially, Basor natives are not so welcomed in other countries. There are limits to climbing the ranks.”
“I see.”
Helmut seemed to understand. Luke, though polished, had a rougher edge compared to the academy students. Perhaps that was the quality of Basor.
“The only place where my abilities are fully recognized is Basor. Plus, I like this country. Maybe it’s because of the Basor blood flowing in me.”
Basor remarkably favored the strong.
In a renowned knightly order like the Palma Knights, having the ability meant direct entry, which was indeed rare.
Basor represented a new chapter and opportunity in life for Luke Yeager.
“……I see. I’ll consider that.”
“Don’t think too much. Just prepare yourself well. We’re going to be fighting drearily for the next few days.”
“Right.”
Helmut nodded. It was his first time fighting in the desert. He was greatly looking forward to this new experience.
The forced march continued.
Departing after midnight, the Palma Knights rode diligently to the oasis.
All members of the Palma Knights could handle Vis. They could enhance their vision, so their night sight was sharp. They weren’t the kind to be unable to respond to attacks.
But they were human after all. There were limitations to their sight, so fighting during the day was undeniably better.
“Where did the scouts get attacked?”
A knight muttered. It was a moment to catch their breath, an hour away from the oasis.
Contrary to expectations, they hadn’t encountered a single demonic beast blocking their way here.
The desert, which had cooled down overnight, was rapidly heating up again.
They quickly set up simple tents and rested.
“Not a single one has shown up.”
“Maybe they retreated knowing we’ve arrived.”
“That’s possible. Their speed of movement in the desert is tremendous.”
Listening to the murmured conversations, Helmut narrowed his eyes.
There were faint traces of demonic energy. Signs of their movement in this vicinity seemed almost visible countless times.
Helmut was more sensitive to demonic energy than anyone else in this world.
Full of small fries. Strong ones would be few.
The Palma Knights, going out for demonic best subjugation every year, wouldn’t have wasted their effort.
‘But if they’re under the control of a strong one, even the weak ones become stronger.’
It was like the presence or absence of a commander in a human army.
Demonic beasts under the command of a leader lose their fear and become more ferocious.
Still, there was no problem. Helmut found it easier to deal with beasts than humans.
‘The problem is the adverse effect on the seed of darkness.’
But he couldn’t hold back considering that. There wouldn’t be any encounters with demonic beasts for a while after this, so he wouldn’t hold back.