Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 20 (Part 2):

‘Water?’

Not the gentle babble of a stream, but the powerful flow of water.

Drawn to the sound, Helmut followed it, and the noise grew louder until a vast gorge came into view.

A massive flow of water running down a slope, as if all the water in the forest of Roots converged here.

And at the end of the rapids, he saw a cloudy sky. The sky was obscured by something opaque, and there was a cliff.

The water fell from the cliff below.

“A waterfall!”

Helmut exclaimed, feeling a surge of joy.

How long had he waited for this moment?

The hardships he endured on his way here flashed through his mind.

Helmut observed the water from a distance.

Though magical beasts likely didn’t inhabit this area close to the barrier, it was better to be cautious.

Suddenly, the surroundings darkened. Had night fallen abruptly?

No, a pitch-black shadow had engulfed him entirely.

Helmut urgently looked up. The sky was darkened, resembling a moon covering the sun.

A gigantic bird.

As it descended, its wingbeats created strong winds that stirred the water’s surface.

The magnificent bird landed with graceful, light movements that seemed to defy gravity, its feathers dazzling in rainbow colors.

Though it was the most beautiful magical beast he had ever seen, appearance and benevolence did not correlate.

A terrifying magical energy emanated from the creature as it folded its wings.

Clearly, this was no ordinary magical beast.

– A human child in my territory, what brings you here?

The voice sounded kind, but Helmut remained wary. Naho, too, had been kind in speech.

Most magical beasts viewed humans as nothing more than prey.

It was remarkable that Elaga did not consume human flesh.

‘So a magical beast is near the sacred barrier. I should have suspected the dark mage’s easy cooperation.’

If this close to the barrier, the purifying aura should be eroding the magical energy.

Any magical beast would find this feeling repulsively unpleasant. Yet, it appeared regardless.

Either it had a perverse taste, or it was strong enough to withstand the barrier.

The bird looked at Helmut with interest, tilting its head.

– My name is Igrelle. What’s yours?

“Helmut.”

‘Renowned Igrelle. One challenge after another.’

It didn’t seem hostile for now. But after surpassing Naho, he now faced the ruler of the southern domain.

Helmut glanced towards the gorge, estimating his chances. Even if he managed to jump in, surviving Igrelle’s attack would be difficult.

Crossing the barrier in such a state would be akin to suicide.

Were Igrelle and Elaga on good terms, or bad?

Even if the former, there was little hope; if the latter, it was the worst-case scenario.

– I sense a familiar scent on you. Faint amid the blood, but unmistakable. Ah, the strong scent of Naho. And even fainter, as if ingrained over a long time… Is that Elaga? Intriguing. Naho and Elaga are bitter enemies. Yet, here stands a human bearing the scents of both!

Igrelle’s eyes sparkled.

– Tell me, child. Are you a follower of Elaga or of Naho?

The bird’s whisper was enchantingly clear.

“I am a follower of Elaga.”

Helmut decided to be honest. After all, Elaga likely had a better reputation than Naho. Otherwise, it would be problematic.

– Is that so? Then a follower of Elaga has trespassed into my territory.

Igrelle’s gaze sharpened, and a tremendous magical energy, along with an oppressive aura, descended upon Helmut like a mountain.

It was a threat only a being holding the power of life and death could make.

“Elaga did not send me. There was a reason.”

– A reason? Do you think you have a reason that justifies sparing your life? Speak.

The tone was as if prompting Helmut to prepare his last words, daring him to try and talk his way out of this.

Helmut desperately racked his brain.

What had Elaga said about Igrelle? Helmut tried to remember.

During his childhood, when Helmut could hardly sleep, Elaga would tell him about the rulers of the various domains within the forest of Roots.

– In the south resides a creature named Igrelle, a bird with dazzling feathers. You’ll know it when you see it. That creature has an insatiable curiosity. Having lived so long, it will do anything to satisfy that curiosity. If anyone would dare to cross the barrier just to see what’s on the other side, it would be Igrelle.

‘Curiosity, then.’

Helmut had one thing that could potentially pique Igrelle’s curiosity.

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