Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 17 (Part 1):

‘I was lucky.’

Helmut thought.

The attacks by the demonic beasts were more frequent than anticipated. Although the village’s defenses had become stringent, Helmut’s infiltration went smoothly, not being a demonic beast himself.

Surrounded by active magical energy, Helmut concealed his presence, constantly watching the area where Erugo was. He waited for the moment Erugo would move alone.

It didn’t take long for Erugo to act as Helmut had anticipated.

The moment Erugo left his magically protected abode to enter the laboratory, loosening his guard for just an instant, was enough.

‘I didn’t expect an opportunity to come this quickly.’

But it wasn’t over yet. Not until he obtained what he aimed for and escaped Naho’s domain.

With a sword pointed at his back, Erugo slowly moved deeper into the laboratory.

Helmut sharply observed the bent back of the old man rummaging through the archives.

‘If necessary, I’ll cut him down.’

The word “murder” held no resistance in thought for Helmut. He had already slain demonic beasts.

Helmut hardly felt the difference between demonic beasts and humans. Was it just a matter of whether their flesh could be eaten? That subtle discomfort. Would he feel something when cutting down a human?

While searching the archives, Erugo finally spoke.

“What is your name?”

Erugo was known to be cunning and adept. Helmut had no intention of falling for trivial talk.

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Fine, but let me give you one piece of advice. The way out is just a theory. A theory that has never been tested and requires risking your life. It would be a waste to throw away your young life on such a futile act.”

“Not there yet?”

Without showing any intention of listening, Helmut pressed the sword closer, and Erugo calmly continued speaking.

“No one has ever attempted it. Of course, there were few who had the capability to try. Darien might have been able to leave, but he didn’t. If you’re here, what happened to Darien? Did you decide to leave together?”

For the first time, Helmut’s eyes showed disturbance, and Erugo smirked.

“I see. Darien is dead!”

It was a moment of realization. Darien’s disciple. He seemed capable but was still young. It would have been better if Darien had joined him in the infiltration.

If it were him, Erugo would have given up without resistance.

Naho would be difficult to deal with while alert, but now, during his dormant phase, even Darien could infiltrate this far.

To send his dearly raised disciple into danger alone seemed too harsh of a task.

Darien, the only human Erugo could not control in the Forest of Roots.

‘I’ve been waiting until the time comes.’

This was Naho’s domain, the very heart. If Naho noticed his infiltration, it was unpredictable how he would react. Naho was an opponent not even Darien could confidently defeat.

In that process, records could be destroyed. For Darien, whose life was dwindling, battling Naho was a risk too great. He needed time to teach his disciple.

For him, who couldn’t move recklessly, he had no choice but to leave the task of extracting the record to his disciples. Until then, he didn’t show any interest in the record.

“Y’es, it’s time for him to die. Unless he lives by the power of darkness like me! Even the world’s greatest swordsman can do nothing.’

Erugo sneered inwardly. The biggest threat was completely eliminated.

With a triumphant smile, Erugo extended his hand.

“Come now, no need to be so guarded. I have a proposal for you.”

In Erugo’s hand was suddenly a thin booklet. Helmut’s gaze shifted towards it. As he reached out, Erugo blocked him with his other hand.

“How about becoming my successor and living in this village?”

“Nonsense.”

Helmut frowned, clearly unimpressed. Erugo spread his arms wide.

“With your skills, having received Darien’s swordsmanship, you’re more than qualified. The others here are all too weak, useless. I’ve grown old, so I’ll leave this place to you. All the women here will be yours, not just the women, but everything! I’ll persuade Lord Naho. Think about it.”

However, Helmut flatly rejected. His sword tip drew a line of blood on Erugo’s neck.

“I need nothing from you.”

A smirk appeared on Erugo’s face.

“So, you’re willing to risk your life on a meaningless hope?”

“I will live and leave the Forest.”

It was a voice full of certainty. If Darien thought Helmut would die in the forest, he wouldn’t have passed down his sword.

There are things one must do, even without any guarantees, and not so easily swayed by cunning whispers.

“Hand it over.”

Helmut’s cold gaze drew a line on Erugo. Any further tricks and he would cut him down.

Erugo sensed this sharp line.

“Fine, fine. If that’s how you want it, I can’t help it.”

Helmut grabbed the booklet Erugo was offering. Watching Erugo’s movements, he unfolded it to see a delicately drawn map and writings inside.

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