Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 21 (Part 1):

“If you’re asking for a reason, could it be that what I’m about to do might hold some significance for you?”

“Significance?”

Helmut responded firmly.

“Because I will become the first being to cross this barrier and leave the forest of Roots.”

Igrelle’s habitat wasn’t here. Its lingering near this area was likely due to curiosity about the barrier.

However, it seemed not insane enough to throw itself into the barrier, as Elaga had suggested.

Would it not be interested in seeing someone else take the plunge instead?

Igrelle’s wings fluttered, and a sharp, mocking voice pierced the air.

– Do you think that’s possible? You weak human child. I can see the core of magical energy within you! You’re no different from a magical beast. You’ll die without even passing through the barrier.

“Then let’s test it. I’ll be the only human who has come this far to cross the sacred barrier.”

A being equipped with both ability and will. Helmut had shaped himself for this very purpose.

Igrelle countered.

– Leave human prey to burn at the barrier? What a waste!

“There are many humans in the forest of Roots. But I’m the only one who can cross the barrier.”

Igrelle seemed to ponder for a moment, tilting its head. Helmut waited for an answer amidst the tension.

Magical beasts are fickle. But Igrelle wouldn’t change its mind or launch a surprise attack on Helmut.

There’s no need for the strong to do so to the weak.

Igrelle finally spoke.

– Alright, audacious child. I am indeed curious to test it. You seem to be the only human willing to risk your life for it. This might be a unique opportunity, and I don’t want to miss it. The first human to leave the forest of Roots. I’ll be the first magical beast to witness it!

It seemed to place great significance on this.

Helmut explained how he planned to cross the barrier. Igrelle, excited by his words, boasted about its plan.

– I’ll wrap you in magical energy. The magical barrier will shatter the moment you enter the barrier. But at least until you reach it, you’ll be safe. Even if you’re a human with as frail a bloodline as a fish.

Surprised by the unexpected kindness, Helmut’s eyes widened. This would make it much safer to reach the barrier via the waterfall.

Igrelle added meaningfully.

– I’m truly curious to see if you can cross that barrier.

There was a sense of expectation, but it was a nonchalant affair for Igrelle. It had nothing to lose.

Hearing such words made Helmut’s stomach churn, and saliva pooled in his mouth. Fear and tension rose simultaneously.

He had thought of it as something he must do without much preparation, but as the moment to dive into the water neared, Helmut couldn’t remain calm.

Igrelle said, as if granting a favor.

– Humans leave something called a will, right? If you have any last words, say them. I’ll pass them on to Elaga if I meet her.

Rulers of domains rarely encounter each other. Whether this message would be delivered was uncertain, but Helmut spoke.

– Tell her I safely made it out of the forest of Roots.

Whether he would succeed or fail was unknown. There was no way to weigh the possibilities. Success or failure, only one of the two.

Helmut tried not to think about the possibility of failure. Regardless of the outcome, he wouldn’t regret it.

So Elaga shouldn’t either. If they never saw each other again, it was better for Elaga to believe Helmut had successfully made it out alive.

– Regardless of the outcome, you mean?

“Yes.”

– …Alright.

Igrelle’s slow response came after a fresh appraisal of Helmut. Helmut’s words had piqued its curiosity.

A human boy in tattered leather clothes. His hair and eyes, dark as if harboring shadows, absorbed light, contrasting sharply with his pale face.

Even to a magical beast’s eyes, he had well-proportioned features. Though lean and muscular, his delicate face seemed frail at a glance.

But those eyes. The sharpness and determination in them completely altered Helmut’s fragile impression.

Such qualities were absent in magical beasts that lived and died according to their instincts in the forest of Roots. He was not a weak human to be dismissed as mere prey.

Helmut’s words hinted at some bond with Elaga. A rare kind in the forest of Roots, where only the relationship between predator and prey existed.

In the solitary existence of the forest of Roots, here was a human concerned about the heart of a magical beast.

‘I never thought I’d envy a ground-dwelling creature incapable of flight.’

Igrelle muttered out of the blue.

– Should I pick up a human and raise one myself?

Ignoring Igrelle’s comment, Helmut stared at the waterfall.

The rushing water splitting the sky horizontally before plunging below. The opaque barrier that had protected the outer world from the forest of Roots for countless eons.

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