Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 185 (Part 2):

“Did you see the announcement? I’ll clear both your wishes if you team up with me.”

As soon as Helmut found Alea back at the dorm, this was what she proposed. Alea looked at Helmut with a serious expression. Helmut expressed his confusion.

“Why would you offer two wishes for working on a project together?”

“I plan to undertake a challenging task for myself. It might be dangerous. Actually, it will be dangerous. It’s too tricky to handle alone; I need a skilled swordsman.”

Alea’s calm, violet eyes suggested she had carefully thought this through.

If Alea spoke so seriously, it wasn’t an ordinary assignment. However, she didn’t seem nervous.

“I’ll give you the details the day before we leave. Just know the task won’t be easy. That’s certain.”

Helmut replied nonchalantly.

“If it’s not easy, we could score higher. I don’t mind.”

“That’s good then.”

“Better not cancel the wishes. It’s beneficial for me too, so using a wish would be unfair.”

Helmut preferred transactions that were advantageous to him.

This was an opportunity to cancel both wishes Alea might hold against him. It was a situation where she had to agree.

Before he knew it, the words had slipped out.

‘Yeah, it would be unfair.’

Helmut justified it to himself using the word “friend,” even though he felt it wasn’t very effective these days.

“Thanks, I appreciate it.”

A smile appeared on Alea’s face, radiant enough to seem like it gathered light.

That alone made Helmut understand his own inexplicable feelings.

‘…Am I weak to Alea?’

A realization of a different kind of superiority came to Helmut.

It felt like it had always been the case, although Alea’s magic was concealed. Strangely, her charm seemed to affect Helmut more powerfully.

Maybe that was something inherent to Alea.

Thus, their solo journey for the week was set. It was their first time venturing outside Baden together, just the two of them.

Since they had been roommates, it might not seem like a big deal.

However, the feelings they harbored for each other were certainly different now. Perhaps, a change was imminent. Both sensed it.

It was an exciting premonition, bringing more tension than any battle could.

*

“Everyone, since it’s an external activity, please be mindful of your behavior and not tarnish the reputation of Greta Academy. Also, as this is a group assignment, avoid acting alone!”

The instructor’s briefing was nothing unexpected. Especially, Instructor Patricia emphasized not causing trouble, glaring specifically at Asuka.

“Damn it, that witch always targets me.”

Asuka naturally grumbled.

The team’s composition and the tasks would be officially registered by Alea.

Helmut’s part was simple. Just pack some clothes and a few belongings. It was all too convenient.

“So, you and Alea are pairing up?”

At Sian’s inquiry, Helmut nodded. Asuka quickly interjected.

“Where are you guys going? Our destinations might overlap, right?”

He half-hoped to join them, somewhat intending to treat it as a holiday outing.

Group activities outdoors under the guise of a field assignment were more fun with more people.

“Alea hasn’t told me. And even if he did, he’d probably tell me not to tell anyone else.”

Helmut knew Alea well enough. The assignment required discretion.

Even though it was clear Alea needed a competent swordsman, the fact that she would ask him felt strangely flattering. In a good way.

For Helmut, Alea was special, but to Alea, Helmut was unique.

Alea wouldn’t show even trivial details to anyone else.

“What, are you going treasure hunting or something? Just whispering to each other.”

“Where are you going? Like you said, our destinations might overlap.”

“Are you trying to avoid us?”

Asuka asked suspiciously. Unlike him, Sian freely shared.

“We’re heading to a valley east of Baden. It’s said to be a place where nature’s energy gathers. Maybe we’ll catch a spirit if we’re lucky. Plan to fish and catch some fish too!”

His emphasis on the latter half made it clear it was almost entirely a recreational trip. He was visibly excited.

Sian spoke as if wishing them well.

“It sounds like you guys are going to do something big and dangerous for your assignment. Be careful.”

“Why not join us? Dangerous can be fun.”

Asuka grumbled. However, his interest in fishing seemed to peak, suggesting they go shopping in Baden over the weekend to prepare.

“I think I’ll be leaving a bit earlier. Probably tomorrow.”

Helmut mentioned his departure was imminent, suggesting a far destination. Likely, magic would be used for travel, requiring them to hurry.

‘That’s why Alea was willing to use a wish.’

Helmut finally understood. It wasn’t a loss.

Alea probably had her reasons for moving on such a tight schedule during this period.

Perhaps to avoid drawing attention during the semester. Greta Academy students wouldn’t likely be the focus at a distant location.

While he didn’t know what Alea planned, it certainly wasn’t ordinary.

‘Curious, indeed.’

He’d probably find out tonight. And they would depart the next day.

Alea likely planned to submit paperwork on a completely different assignment as a decoy.

“What? Leaving that soon?”

“Then today is the last we’ll see you. Safe travels!”

It was the start of a new journey, even during the semester. Anticipation for what awaited them on this journey has grown.

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