Lumen’s will. The sacred barrier, which had momentarily weakened, combined the holy power rushing in from four directions and shone intensely.

The barrier began to restore its original state in an instant, like a wave sweeping over a sandy beach.

It was about to close, cutting them off in the middle.

‘Did the temple make a move?’

Alea’s face stiffened as she quickly assessed the situation.

If they had been faster or slower, they would have avoided this. But at this exact moment, they were passing through!

If they got caught in it, everyone could meet their death up here in the sky – the worst possible situation.

That’s when Helmut moved.

“Elaga!”

Helmut instinctively climbed onto Elaga’s head and struck its nose bridge with the scabbard.

[Ow!]

Elaga finally snapped out of its trance. It had been frozen, paralyzed by its fear of heights.

But for a demonic beast like Elaga, nothing triggered a stronger reaction than the threat of holy power.

Elaga had never known true fear because it was so strong. But this moment was different.

Holy power pressing in from all directions. This would soon burn its body, destroy its core, and erase it from this world.

The pressure of holy power, as intense as the sun, transformed into the most powerful threat to Elaga at this moment.

That moved it.

[Kraaaaaang!]

With a roar, demonic energy explosively erupted from Elaga’s body. It was like a volcano erupting.

All the condensed demonic energy burst out at once, pushing away the approaching holy power as if crushing it.

It wasn’t calculation, but Elaga’s instinct that felt it needed to pour out all its strength without holding back.

Terrifying demonic energy clashed with the holy power, engaging in a fierce struggle.

Lumen’s eye was momentarily torn apart in midair.

Two irreconcilable forces were competing as if vying for supremacy. But it wouldn’t last long.

The outcome seemed clear. No matter how powerful Elaga might be as the strongest demonic beast in the Forest of Roots, this was a battle between an infinite divine power and a living, limited demonic beast.

However, the gap in the sky that was about to be obscured became clearly visible again.

Igrelle didn’t miss the opportunity and soared straight up into the sky, breaking through the sacred barrier.

As soon as they escaped, the sacred barrier closed again immediately. It had been restored to its original state.

Before they could even breathe a sigh of relief, Igrelle shouted as if screaming.

[Damn leopard, stop using your power! The magic’s worn off! Should I flip over and drop you?]

Its colorful feathers seemed to be getting soaked with sweat. To support Elaga, who had returned to its original weight, Igrelle had to draw up demonic energy to the last drop of strength it had nursed to flap its wings.

It was a stroke of luck that they managed to escape the sacred barrier carrying that weight.

It was also thanks to Sian, who didn’t forget his role and lifted Igrelle with wind spirits.

The last magic stone crumbled in Sian’s pale hands.

“Haha, I really used up all my strength. It’s the first time I’ve exerted myself this much.”

Feeling Igrelle’s back stagger for a moment, he pushed Igrelle up with spirits amidst the collision of two forces.

Alea quickly cast a spell on Elaga. Now that they were free from the barrier, Elaga’s fear of heights had returned in full force, causing it to squeeze its eyes shut. It accepted the magic without resistance.

After finishing what needed to be done, Alea muttered. Her complexion had turned pale.

“Anyway, we made it. Helmut…”

Her purple eyes carefully observed Helmut.

He, who had shown the quick thinking to strike the back of Elaga’s head, had put his sword back at his waist and was looking up at the sky.

It was a dazzlingly blue sky. His eyes stung anew. He never thought he’d be able to see this sky again.

A chest swelling with an indescribable feeling, perhaps due to nostalgia.

Alea quietly took his hand. Helmut turned to look at her with a stern face.

“Thank you.”

It was a phrase that sounded unfamiliar coming out of his mouth. But it was also something he had to say.

Alea smiled. It was a dazzlingly bright smile. With this, the things she had prepared were over, and they were together again.

It often takes long preparation to achieve what one truly desires.

Now that she had accomplished it, an indescribable emotion welled up in her heart.

“Oh my god, we’ve come out of the Forest of Roots! It’s the sky!”

“Yes, Sarah. It’s truly something to be grateful for.”

Susan and Sarah held each other’s hands and wiped away tears. Asuka, Sian, and Charlotte also looked at each other, sharing this emotional moment.

“I thought it was all over at the end.”

“Yeah, I thought I was going to fall and die here.”

“But we succeeded! We’re free now. I’m never going back into that terrible forest!”

“Me neither. I won’t even look in the direction of the Forest of Roots.”

Watching Asuka and Sian converse, a smile slowly spread across Charlotte’s face.

Asuka noticed it but pretended not to and turned his head away. Soon, Charlotte’s face was slightly shadowed. But no one could see it.

Igrelle’s job of carrying the humans on its back wasn’t over, regardless of whether the humans on its back were happy or not.

Igrelle grumbled unnecessarily.

[I did all the hard work, and the sky is nice here, though.]

Although Igrelle was forcibly included in this group, it had done its fair share.

No, it was a task that would have had a high chance of failure without it.

Of course, the chance of failure would have been even higher without Elaga, but that ignorant leopard was out of the question as it was trembling uncontrollably right now.

Alea greeted Igrelle kindly.

“Thank you for your efforts, Igrelle.”

[Yeah, yeah, you all did well too]

Anyway, Igrelle was just as happy. It could now enjoy the skies of the whole world, having escaped the Forest of Roots.

Plus, it had one more new experience.

‘Is this what unity feels like? It’s hard for demonic beasts to feel this.’

Working together with humans to accomplish something gave Igrelle a strange and new feeling.

In a good way. Although they would only be prey in the Forest of Roots, it once again realized that humans were quite useful beings.

[But why is the outside air so stuffy? It’s hard, heavy. Hey, pretty human mage with the shiny head, where are we going?]

After feeling moved for a moment, Igrelle, now wanting to be freed from the annoying loads on its back, asked.

“Let’s go east. There are people we need to meet there. It will be beneficial for you too, Igrelle.”

Alea’s voice calmly provided the answer.

She had already made plans for what to do after leaving the Forest of Roots.

[Alright, east it is then.]

Igrelle’s head turned eastward. Now only a peaceful flight remained.

And so, they became the second in history to break through the sacred barrier and escape the Forest of Roots.

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!

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