Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 208 (Part 2):

‘Good.’

No matter how well-informed Michael was, he wouldn’t come all the way to Greta Academy for what could barely be called a competition.

As Michael said, he wasn’t just playing around.

Helmut’s first opponent was a third-year student. The top student in the third-year swordsmanship department, no less.

Seeing that they had matched the top students from the second and third years from the beginning, it seemed the second qualifier round was randomly assigned. Just like a real tournament.

The opponent looked slightly nervous but had confident eyes. It was said that the top third-year student was significantly better than the runner-up. A typical honor student.

‘Even if he loses to me, he’ll probably make it through the loser’s bracket anyway.’

Helmut thought lightly.

“I hear you’re the top student in the second year? I’ve heard your name. Let’s see if you’re as great as the rumors say.”

The opponent narrowed his eyes skeptically. Helmut nodded.

“By all means.”

And in the match that soon began, the top third-year student avoided Helmut’s first strike but had to kneel at the second.

‘Better than the second-year students. Maybe I could’ve ended it in one strike if I adjusted the angle a bit more?’

There was room for contemplation. Glancing at his pale opponent, Helmut turned around.

To have reached the top at Greta Academy, he must have had considerable pride in his talent.

The shock was immense for someone encountering something so unfamiliar. But it wasn’t Helmut’s concern.

As Helmut walked away with his victory, the third-year students’ gazes changed.

The indifferent or wary looks turned into astonishment.

“What, it’s over already? They said your opponent was the top third-year student.”

Asuka, who was waiting, asked. Helmut simply nodded.

“Alright, I’ll finish quickly too.”

Asuka seemed determined, feeling a sense of competition. His opponents were clearly no challenge for him either.

*

The second qualifier round proceeded quickly. There weren’t many participants to begin with.

Helmut and Asuka, being far from the loser’s bracket, finished the first day’s schedule quickly.

Helmut finished without much effort, and Asuka, too, ended without difficulty.

On the second day, the final representatives would be selected.

After the qualifier round, they would have some free time until they left for the comprehensive swordsmanship tournament.

Asuka, waiting for his turn, muttered suddenly.

“Wouldn’t it be better to have an integrated qualifier round for all grades?”

Even if the qualifier round was integrated, Helmut and Asuka would still each take a spot as representatives. That’s what he meant.

Helmut pointed out simply.

“If they did that, the higher grades would monopolize all the roster spots. That wouldn’t be good in terms of inter-academy exchange.”

“Oh, I see.”

Asuka seemed uninterested.

Thinking about it now, he realized that leaving for another region for a swordsmanship tournament and living collectively with others didn’t suit him.

‘It’s annoying.’

Most of all, participating in the comprehensive swordsmanship tournament might reveal things about him. Asuka didn’t like that idea.

Being tied down to academy life, representing Greta Academy, was not appealing.

Even a crazy dog like Asuka couldn’t run wild anywhere else. He had been quiet lately, but other academies wouldn’t look kindly on a commoner like him.

With the qualifier match nearly decided, various thoughts crossed his mind.

Asuka shook his head.

‘Still, I must win the qualifier match.’

It was a matter of pride. And Asuka achieved what he wanted.

“Asuka, victory!”

Charlotte looked down at her fallen sword, a glint of regret and disappointment in her eyes.

In the last match of the second qualifier round, her opponent was Asuka.

Charlotte, with her tenacious and adaptive swordsmanship, had fought her way up from the loser’s bracket, even defeating the top third-year student.

Despite her significant improvement, it was an enormous achievement.

That the top third-year student had lost to Helmut in just two strikes had left him in shock.

Asuka extended a hand expressionlessly.

“Get up.”

As she grabbed his hand and stood, regret showed on Charlotte’s face.

‘Is this the end…?’

She had done her best but failed to secure a spot as a representative to Renosa. Seeing her expression, Asuka asked,

“You really wanted to go to Renosa, huh?”

“Yes, I did. I’m from Renosa too.”

Asuka’s eyes widened.

“You’re from Renosa?”

“I thought you knew, considering you’re his friend… Was I wrong?”

“That guy isn’t kind enough to share such things. Well, anyway, you did well.”

Asuka spat the words somewhat displeased and turned away.

But he was lost in thought for a while.

*

After the qualifiers ended, Instructor Alan called them over.

“Both of you did well. As expected, you performed excellently.”

“You knew we’d be selected, Instructor?”

Asuka asked provocatively, and Instructor Alan nodded.

“All the instructors predicted the same. We’ve been watching you. Anyway, let me briefly explain the comprehensive swordsmanship tournament again. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.”

But as his explanation continued, Asuka frowned.

“What? The tournament continues until the vacation?”

He scratched the back of his head, looking troubled.

“I can’t do that. I have places to go during the vacation.”

He had places to go, but more than that, he hated being tied down to academy life for the tournament during the vacation.

Helmut would be too busy training his swordsmanship to interact with him much.

‘It’s going to be extremely boring.’

Various reasons emerged for why he didn’t want to go. Instructor Alan tried to persuade him.

“Asuka, it’s a chance to make your name known as a representative of Greta Academy. For a commoner like you, it’s an excellent opportunity. You’ll gain honor through your performance in the comprehensive swordsmanship tournament.”

Asuka had enrolled as a commoner. Because of this, other details about him were unknown even to Greta Academy.

Asuka had thoroughly hidden his background. His wild behavior made it hard to believe he wasn’t a commoner.

Asuka snorted.

“I don’t need honor. My skill is my honor.”

There was already someone who endlessly talked about honor and status every vacation, and he was sick of it.

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