Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 288 (Part 1):

Kwaaang! Kwaang!

Fierce roars echoed, as if contesting each other’s dominance.

It wasn’t just for intimidation. The demonic energy packed in the roars pressed down on the opponent, restricting their movements.

The two feline predators, the leopard Elaga and the tiger Baharek, chose a very obvious fighting style.

They slashed at each other with their front paws, claws extended like daggers, looking for an opportunity to strike at the critical weakness – the back of the neck.

In the process, trees were shattered and the ground was churned up in a rather intense battle.

However, for a clash between the rulers of two regions, this level of damage could be considered minor.

Their sizes were similar, but the most crucial factor in determining a demonic beast’s strength is, of course, demonic energy.

Elaga’s demonic energy was overwhelming. Moreover, unlike Baharek who had been lazing around in the western territory, Elaga had fought and defeated Naho, another regional ruler.

Elaga gained the upper hand before long.

While Baharek was paralyzed from the shock of defending against Elaga’s demonic energy-infused front paw attack, Elaga quickly leaped onto Baharek’s back.

The leopard’s sharp fangs sank into the fur. The demonic energy-infused teeth slowly began to pierce through the nape.

The flowing black blood heightened Elaga’s excitement.

‘I wonder what tiger meat tastes like?’

Elaga became curious.

At that moment, Baharek, feeling fear, shouted.

[I, I surrender! Surrender! I lost!]

No matter how prideful one might be, when their nape is bitten, they can’t stubbornly insist they haven’t lost.

And until he picked a fight with Elaga, Baharek hadn’t realized it, but it valued its life. Baharek had lived long, but still wanted to live longer.

Elaga responded nonchalantly.

[Surrender? Who said you could surrender? You started this fight. Just die.]

Having already eaten Naho’s core, what reason was there not to eat this smelly yellow cat’s core too?

Since they’ve already fought, it wouldn’t be bad to claim the spoils. Baharek was a nasty beast, so there might be future troubles.

Baharek quickly tried to think of a way out.

[Th-that human! The human you brought! Shouldn’t you hurry after him?]

Elaga, who was about to bite down harder, hesitated.

It was only for a moment, but being so engrossed in the fight, Elaga had completely forgotten. About that human, and the purpose of coming here.

It would take quite some time to digest Baharek’s core.

It was uncertain whether the human Asuka would reach the western barrier intact, but it would also be extremely difficult for him to return to the central region alone without Elaga’s company.

But Elaga tried to appear calm. It was an instinct not to reveal weakness.

[That guy can handle himself.]

But that human seemed weaker than Helmut. Would he be able to take care of himself? Suddenly, doubt arose.

Baharek, noticing Elaga’s hesitation, quickly spoke up.

[I don’t care if other demonic beasts enter and leave my territory. That’s why there are quite a few strong and aggressive ones swarming around here. There are more than a few that would be eager for human flesh.]

[So what?]

[That human looked weak. How many of them could he possibly take on? Are you really okay with that?]

If Asuka dies.

Elaga frowned. If disrupting the western barrier fails, it could be considered a failure.

More importantly, Asuka was Helmut’s friend.

Regardless of whether he had the skills to save him, he was a gutsy guy who entered the Forest of Roots to save Helmut, who had been betrayed outside.

‘If he dies, what would Helmut say to me? Since they’re friends, he wouldn’t cry, would he?’

As the ruler of the central region, Elaga couldn’t tolerate the idea of being criticized for failing to protect a single human.

With this justification, Elaga continued holding Baharek by the nape.

[You, don’t think about trying any tricks. You know you can’t escape from me, right? I’ve got plenty of time to hunt you down.]

Once Sarah and Susan are sent out of the forest, there really won’t be anything to do.

Elaga will become free enough to chase down and kill the yellow cat living next door.

Baharek grumbled.

[I said I lost. You’ve defeated me, so you have the right to roam my territory freely.]

[Fine, I’ll let you live. Don’t mess with me again. Yellow cat!]

Baharek flinched at being called a yellow cat, but it gritted its teeth and kept its mouth shut. It should be grateful just to be alive.

Elaga released Baharek and turned around.

It was in the direction of the western barrier. Elaga had sensed Asuka running that way.

Not long after starting to run, Elaga sensed Asuka’s presence. And an unpleasantly strong smell of demonic beasts.

‘This much demonic energy would be tough for a human to handle.’

But judging by how actively the presence was moving, the human seemed to be still alright.

As Elaga approached stealthily, Asuka’s blue-haired head came into view. It was an unusual color in this Forest of Roots, making it stand out.

‘Still alive, huh. They said he was strong among humans, right? That’s why he entered the forest. But…’

Asuka was engaged in combat with a three-headed monkey.

The monkey, covered in wounds all over its body, was swinging its arms towards Asuka with a crazed look.

Asuka, his blue hair fluttering, nimbly dodged the attacks and counterattacked, inflicting wounds on the opponent.

Even though demonic beasts have good recovery abilities, wounds caused by Vis heal slowly.

‘Not bad?’

It seemed Asuka would win if he didn’t make any big mistakes.

But Elaga didn’t wait for the result and stepped forward.

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