Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 285 (Part 2):

There weren’t many demonic beasts that could exude such demonic
energy and reveal their presence in front of Elaga.

Goosebumps rose on his skin. A powerful enemy, it was sensed by instinct before conscious perception.

A vibration ran through the ground.

Rustle.

Something huge emerged from between the trees ahead, lumbering.

The moment Asuka caught sight of it, he startled.

It was a tiger.

A massive body with black stripes gleaming on golden-yellow fur.

Its sharp, snow-white teeth looked capable of instantly severing the windpipe of its prey.

Though both were felines, it was different from Elaga. Those two eyes filled with such ferocity that one’s heart might stop upon encountering them in the darkness.

If one were to imagine what the ruler of a territory in the Forest of Roots might look like, this would be it.

It stopped, maintaining a cautious distance. It was the one who spoke first.

[Well, well, isn’t it Elaga? What brings you to my territory?]

This was the first time Asuka had heard a demonic beast’s voice filled with such blatant hostility.

It was said to be fierce, and indeed, it was brimming with ferocious energy. Even Igrelle seemed docile in comparison.

‘This one definitely looks like a villain.’

Asuka quietly stepped down behind Elaga’s back. He wanted to avoid being exposed to its gaze.

But it had already noticed Asuka’s presence.

[What’s this human you’ve brought? The barrier shook recently. Is this a gift for me?]

Baharek made a sound as if laughing. The growling in its throat sounded chilling. Elaga replied indifferently.

[As if. The only thing I’ll be shoving down your throat is dirt. I’m just passing through, so move aside. I’ll leave once I’m done.]

‘Is this leopard looking for a fight from the start?’

Asuka stared at the back of Elaga’s head. For someone in another’s territory, its tone was provocative.

But Elaga was a demonic beast. It wasn’t the type to speak kindly to someone weaker who was hostile.

[Elaga, are you looking down on me just because you took down Naho? How dare you set foot in my territory!]

Baharek revealed its killing intent.

Four years ago, Baharek was slightly, but still, stronger than Elaga.

It was a minor advantage, just as Elaga was stronger than Naho. Usually, tigers are stronger than leopards.

Baharek was accustomed to this advantage. In other words, even though it sensed that Elaga might be stronger now, it couldn’t fully accept it.

It was a demonic beast that had awakened to its demonic nature, so its self-awareness was strong enough to overcome instinct.

[I’m not looking down on you, I just need to pass through, okay? I’ll just stop by the western end and leave right away, so why don’t you just leave me be? Don’t meow uselessly when you can’t win anyway.]

Despite being from the same feline family, Elaga spoke as if treating Baharek like a house cat.

Baharek’s eyes instantly turned savage.

[You white cat who used to cower before me four years ago!]

[Who was cowering? I just didn’t bother with you because your temperament was so foul. You yellow cat!]

Elaga seemed to bristle at being called a cat, despite having used the term first. Apparently, being called a cat is insulting to leopards and tigers.

As Asuka stood there feeling peculiar, he suddenly heard Elaga’s voice.

[Hey, blue hair. Listen without opening your mouth. We’re almost there. Just a bit further from here. I’ll deal with that one, you just run towards the barrier. Some demonic beasts might appear on the way. You can handle that much, right?]

It was a question that wasn’t really a question. A moment where he had to succeed no matter what.

Even Elaga didn’t know how strong the demonic beasts that would appear ahead might be.

Baharek was relatively tolerant of other demonic beasts living in its territory, after all.

Although the dense forest limited visibility, the energy of the sacred barrier couldn’t be felt yet.

Elaga’s definition of ‘just a bit further’ was likely different from Asuka’s standard.

But there was no other option. If Elaga fought with Baharek, the ensuing battle would be massive. Asuka needed to get out of the way.

‘Luckily, I can still gauge the direction.’

Instead of answering, Asuka nodded.

At any rate, getting off Elaga’s back was a good thing. Facing demonic beasts seemed preferable now.

[Good, then slip away to the side. I’ll keep that one busy.]

As soon as Elaga finished speaking, Asuka moved his feet. Just as he moved a little away, pitch-black demonic energy rose from Elaga’s body.

The atmosphere crackled with a tension that signaled an imminent battle. Elaga spoke provocatively.

[How long are you going to just flap your gums?]

[Elaga.]

Baharek growled Elaga’s name. The insignificant human was already out of its mind.

The ground Elaga was standing on now belonged to Baharek, and Elaga was an intruder who had invaded its territory.

That was disrespecting Baharek, the ruler of this western region. Elaga had to be punished accordingly.

[Yes, I’ve been curious too. Just how strong have you gotten?]

Demonic energy exploded from Baharek. It was such dense demonic energy that its entire body appeared black.

[Five years ago, was it? It reminds me of that time.]

Elaga’s mouth curved into a smile. It was a fierce smile no less than Baharek’s.

About five years ago, at that time, Naho had almost killed Helmut. Elaga, arriving late, fought against Naho, tore Naho apart, and took its core.

The victor then was Elaga. And this time would undoubtedly be the same. Because Elaga had become even stronger since then.

‘I’ll end this as quickly as possible.’

Elaga arrogantly commanded.

[Come at me.]

ROAR!

A fierce roar shook the air.

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!

•