Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 197 (Part 2):

The final spell struck Pascal directly. Whoosh! Engulfed in a pillar of fire rising from the ground, Pascal couldn’t even scream as he writhed in agony and died.

Alea squinted not out of sympathy but because it was easier to erase traces this way.

‘After all, he is an enemy. There’s no need for mercy in killing an enemy.’

However, Alea tilted her head slightly, feeling somewhat uncomfortable about something that might have happened while she was asleep.

According to Lumen’s doctrine, those who sin suffer in the flames of hell after death. It was ironic that the High Priest was dying in flames.

‘He must have committed many sins.’

Alea naturally blamed Pascal. It wasn’t a pretty sight, but it was inevitable.

Considering everything, it was a perfect way to handle the situation.

It was fortunate that Pascal had no connection to Heike, despite him being a child abuser.

Having scattered even the ashes, Alea completely erased any trace of Pascal and only then turned around.

At the moment Alea had attacked Pascal, the battle seemed to have paused briefly but now resumed.

No, this was no longer a battle but a one-sided slaughter.

“Kraaaak!”

Screams filled the dusk-tinged forest, each rising cry suddenly cut short.

Helmut chose to hunt down the last survivor and survey the area. He seemed to check if anyone else had survived.

Blood dripped from the sword in his hand. Not just from the sword—spots of blood stained Helmut’s body as well.

Mostly it was the blood of his adversaries, but he himself was not wholly unharmed.

And in this forest, he was the only one left alive, apart from another.

Helmut slowly walked forward. As soon as the High Priest fell, the impact shook his entire body.

‘Alea is awake.’

But Helmut did not forget what he had to do. After finishing the cleanup, a strange, urgent sensation pressed down on him.

His body, weary and lacking energy, was still bristling with resolve.

He had just fought the toughest battle, yet he felt as if an even greater battle loomed ahead.

The source of this feeling was none other than Alea.

Helmut stopped about ten steps away. Alea stood still at that spot. Their gazes met.

Helmut looked into Alea’s eyes, as if seeing something unfamiliar for the first time.

Something dawned from Alea’s lips.

“You… you have the seed of darkness.”

So, she had noticed. Why Helmut was fighting against the temple, the faint magical energy emanating from his body. Alea had seen through it instantly.

‘Alea…’

Helmut quietly faced Alea. In contrast to him, Alea was spotless, her bright silver hair reflecting a cold light.

Like black and white, they were in perfect contrast.

Helmut clenched his fist. His visor fell to the ground. Alea was not an easy mage to confront.

Alea might not have been in perfect condition either, but she was certainly better off than Helmut.

He had to kill her to silence her. That had been the dominant thought in Helmut’s mind as he dealt with those affiliated with the temple. His body was still permeated with a killing intent.

If he was to silence her, this would be his first and last chance. But the choice to do so was clear.

A chill spread through his heart. An unknown fear consumed him.

He had thought that someday someone might discover him. But facing this reality now felt unreal.

Helmut barely extended his sword. Alea was at its tip.

“Tell me.”

Alea’s gaze flickered slightly.

“Why I should spare your life.”

His voice was low and dry, as if he would kill her if she didn’t provide a reason.

Alea didn’t answer. Instead, she slowly approached Helmut.

Time seemed to stop as the distance between them gradually closed.

Alea did not hurry. She approached like a wary animal with its fur bristled.

Helmut merely watched. He waited as Alea crossed beyond his sword, reaching a spot just inside his wrist.

Dangerously close. It was difficult to gauge whether it was safe to allow a mage such proximity, but what was certain was that Helmut could not decide what to do.

Alea’s expression was inscrutable. Her hand clasped a bracelet.

As the bracelet slipped from her wrist, it took the magic from Alea. Along with a faint light, Alea’s appearance changed.

Now standing there were not two boys, but one boy and one girl.

Another deep secret was unveiled, albeit it was hardly a secret anymore.

Unaware of this fact, Alea spoke softly.

“Now you know my secret too.”

“I already knew.”

Alea’s pupils widened.

“Then why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because you wanted no one to know.”

Alea emphasized her words.

“I can do the same if you wish.”

“To no one?”

“To no one.”

Her tone was soothing. Alea’s eyes were calm, understanding Helmut’s anxiety and the brief aggression he had shown.

Killing to silence was a method neither had tried, but Alea had always kept it in mind.

Helmut’s aggression softened. His hand, still holding the sword, naturally lowered. As he sheathed his sword at his waist, tension released and fatigue washed over him belatedly.

Alea seemed to realize something as if for the first time.

“So, even then at the festival.”

“Yes.”

“Why did you ask to go see the festival together then?”

“Because I knew it was you.”

“Then why did you hold my hand if you knew it was me?”

Alea asked suspiciously. They had never held hands like that before.

“Because I wanted to.”

Silence fell. Alea’s face flushed a rosy hue.

“You…”

“You didn’t let go either.”

Helmut pointed out calmly, without a hint of teasing. His dark eyes were utterly serious.

Now it was Helmut’s turn to ask.

“Why did you do that?”

Alea’s lips quivered. In truth, both had faintly known the reason for their special feelings towards each other. They had just been turning their heads away, pretending not to know.

But now, they faced each other. Their heads drew closer, and neither avoided it.

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