Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 186 (Part 1):

That night, Alea revealed their destination.

“We’re heading to the dungeon of the Archmage Lampione.”

Archmage Lampione—a name Helmut had occasionally heard during lectures—was a renowned sage mage who lived about a century ago. Notably, despite being a sage, he famously never took on any apprentices.

He was immensely learned and had contributed significantly to the advancement of scholarship and magic.

‘But a dungeon?’

A dungeon referred to a space that included a mage’s study or residence, particularly one that was defensively oriented. Such places were not only fortified with protective magic but also equipped to annihilate any intruders.

‘I see why it’s dangerous.’

This was no simple task for Helmut.

As a swordsman, he had only ever fought against other swordsmen or beasts, never stepping into a mage’s prepared domain. However, this added an element of intrigue for him.

“Lampione died without an heir, leaving all his magical achievements and research within his dungeon. He vanished after making a will, claiming that only a mage worthy of his legacy would inherit everything. The location of his dungeon has never been disclosed, and many mages have failed to find it.”

The legacy of Archmage Lampione would be a tremendous treasure for any mage. Gaining such an inheritance would mean Alea no longer needed to depend on Heike.

Driven by this, Alea had been tracking the dungeon since learning about Lampione.

The pursuit was anything but simple. Tracing the steps of an archmage was a complex task.

Yet, where even the Mages’ Guild had failed, Alea had succeeded.

“My target is his grimoire. Over the years, I’ve managed to locate the dungeon, but I’ve concluded it’s too difficult to tackle alone. Lampione wouldn’t have made it easy to just take his legacy.”

Indeed, a dungeon meticulously wrought with the essence of magic by an archmage would naturally be formidable.

Alea had attempted to enter but realized further challenges lay ahead and decided against advancing unprepared.

“Why haven’t you tried hiring mercenaries for this? Because of secrecy?”

Being wealthy, Alea could have employed first-rank mercenaries.

“That’s part of it. If it became known that Lampione’s dungeon was discovered, it would attract too much attention. I want to avoid that.”

Helmut understood there was another, more brutal method—hiring skilled mercenaries for assistance, then silencing them permanently.

But such skilled mercenaries weren’t easy to manage, and it could get messy if they attempted to escape.

‘And it would leave traces at the mercenaries’ guild.’

Choosing a trustworthy, skilled swordsman was preferable.

Alea respected Helmut, for his strength and his reticence.

“Initially, I intended to postpone tackling the dungeon until I was stronger, but having you with me, I’ve decided to be more ambitious.”

This ambition had been building since the first semester. Alea believed fate had brought Helmut to her specifically to challenge Lampione’s dungeon.

“I thought someone else might discover the dungeon eventually. I’d like to tackle it this time.”

Being stuck at the academy made her anxious and uneasy.

Alea knew her discovery of Lampione’s dungeon was partly due to luck. If that luck extended to another, more skilled mage, and could potentially claim Lampione’s entire legacy.

‘That can’t happen.’

It was a legacy meant for her, seemingly destined as she found it and as Helmut came into her life. Missing this opportunity would be unbearable.

“It won’t be easy. Even if we fail, we can always try again. Let’s proceed safely.”

Wanting to become stronger didn’t mean risking their lives unnecessarily. They were prepared, but there could still be deficiencies.

‘If we’re lacking, we acknowledge it and return better prepared next time. And above all…’

‘I can’t risk putting Helmut in danger just because we’re undertaking this task together without even using a wish.’

Regulating her anxiety was crucial for maintaining control.

Yet, Alea’s grave demeanor impressed upon Helmut a sense of urgency.

‘Is Alea that eager to obtain Lampione’s grimoire?’

Magic differed from swordsmanship; it was closer to research than practice, and others’ achievements could significantly bolster one’s own efforts.

That need likely surpassed even Lutus Cicero’s desire to become Darien’s disciple.

“Fine. An archmage’s dungeon sounds intriguing.”

Certainly more comfortable than roaming the desert. And since he’d be accompanied by a competent mage, conveniences were assured. A fresh and exciting experience awaited him.

“Let’s depart at dawn, inconspicuously.”

“Alright.”

Helmut nodded.

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