Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 204 (Part 1):

It was an astonishing treasure trove, as if they had discovered the legendary treasure island. Helmut raised his gaze upwards.

‘I’ve heard mages are wealthy, but…’

This was far beyond mere wealth. Would even an emperor of an empire possess such a treasure vault?

Lampione may have been richer than the king of an entire nation.

Helmut, who had remained composed even when receiving Darien’s inheritance, was awestruck.

But truly, it was a sight to make one’s eyes go wide. Alea’s eyes had also grown large, undoubtedly feeling similar.

A mountain of gold coins piled nearly to the ceiling. If it collapsed, it could easily bury someone.

Unlike the neatly organized library, the gold and jewels were haphazardly stacked without care.

The most precious gems were set aside, with rudimentary preservation magic cast upon them, but they did not seem to be properly managed.

Nevertheless, the treasures, untouched by the passing of time, sparkled brightly enough to dazzle the eyes.

Except for matters related to magic, Lampione seemed to have no interest whatsoever, as this scene clearly demonstrated.

Alea murmured,

“It’s incredible. He hoarded nearly as much as Heike.”

Helmut flinched. That meant even Alea’s mentor had this much wealth. Alea would inherit it, although it wasn’t hers yet.

Helmut estimated his own share,

“Even half of this would be immense.”

“You can take more. But moving it all at once would attract attention.”

“Let’s just take what we need for now.”

Alea would not simply take the money for herself.

For her, like Lampione, wealth was a means to an end—a means to acquire materials for magical experiments.

For a highly skilled mage, it was only a matter of time before they could amass fortunes.

Helmut decided to fill the subspace pocket from the clothes he took from Talon with as many gold coins and gems as he could for now. It was an extravagant reward compared to his past labors.

‘Dungeon exploration is far more efficient than mercenary work.’

All it took was smashing a few golems, an easy task. So easy that if there were other archmages’ dungeons, he would want to raid them again.

But such things wouldn’t be ownerless. A mage of that caliber would have disciples to inherit his legacy.

Alea also took some gold coins.

“This should buy many mana stones. It’ll be a great help in restructuring the dungeon. And it might speed up the construction of your training ground. But where are the grimoires?”

Alea wasn’t concerned about that. Leaving Helmut behind, she walked deeper into the treasure vault.

With her keen eye, she spotted a small symbol carved on the wall beyond the mountain of gold.

“Over here.”

When she imbued it with magic, the wall slid open, creating an entrance. Alea stepped inside.

It was another subspace, similar to a library but empty.

Except for a few grimoires placed high on a pedestal at the center.

The area around it was enveloped in layers of strong magic—preservation and protection spells far more robust than those outside.

It was clear what Lampione valued more.

‘Can’t approach it without dispelling the magic first.’

Alea spent some time successfully undoing Lampione’s spells.

The delay was partly because she was excited. How long had she waited for this day?

‘Almost there.’

Soon, Alea’s hand touched one of Lampione’s grimoires. The magic essence Lampione had left behind recorded in a thick, large leather book.

Joy shimmered in Alea’s eyes. Helmut silently watched her rapidly reading through the grimoire.

The moment a wish is fulfilled, one feels reborn.

Just like when Helmut first stepped out of the Forest of Roots into the human world.

Soon, Alea turned around to share her joy, her face blossoming with a smile.

She was radiant as if glowing. It was the first time he had seen her so happy.

“We did it! Look at this.”

“Yes.”

Helmut nodded. He felt satisfaction from Alea’s reaction.

Not I, but we. The divide that had separated them was gradually dissolving into one.

That bond gave Helmut a sense of belonging he had never experienced before.

The change in his relationship with Alea made him feel many things.

Emotions he had never experienced before. As if he had entered a new world.

‘This must be a good thing.’

Even if he needed to steady himself from becoming too relaxed. Holding Alea’s hand had been the right choice. Helmut felt it anew.

After an hour, both were ready to leave the dungeon. Alea put her bracelet back on.

“Shall we go?”

They had obtained everything they aimed for. They would likely visit this place on holidays.

They left the dungeon feeling satisfied. However, something was secretly following them.

It was a small and faint presence, not enough to be considered a threat. It moved stealthily in the darkness.

The darkness was its domain, and it could follow them without being noticed if it wished. It was confident in that.

But the moment Alea opened the dungeon exit, the entrance was flooded with light.

Otaku_Tensei

I'm currently Translating the following novel: Helmut: The Forsaken Child. If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!

•