When everyone finally got up after lounging around on Igrelle’s back, they saw the end of the barrier.

There was a minor incident midway through when Asuka nearly fell to his death due to his rough sleeping habits, but fortunately, the rope tied to his body prevented a disaster, leaving him dangling instead.

However, Asuka had to endure this predicament.

“Don’t pull him up.”

Alea stopped Charlotte, who was trying to pull up the rope.

“What?”

“He fell because he trusted the mages and dozed off. Let him climb up by himself.”

Even though Asuka was highly athletic, it was difficult to dangle with his body uncomfortably tied and his arms twisted.

If he somehow managed to cut the rope, he would fall. Before that happened, he needed to grab the upper part of the rope and climb, but it wasn’t an easy task.

Above all, this was high in the sky where strong winds blew, and the ground was far below. His hands trembled uncontrollably.

He yelled at the top of his lungs.

“You witch! You evil woman! What a nasty temper!”

Helmut, watching from the side, casually drew his sword and brought it close to the rope attached to Asuka’s saddle. Asuka, realizing what was happening, panicked.

“Hey, Helmut! What are you doing? Are you doing this because I insulted your girlfriend?”

“No, it’s just because you’re being too noisy.”

[Exactly! Quiet down, human! Can’t you shut up before I drop you? Sleeping peacefully on my back like a leech!]

Igrelle’s rebuke ended the commotion. Fortunately, Asuka, befitting his status as the top graduate of the Swordsmanship Department, managed to climb back up.

Everyone could now tell that they were nearing the east. The barrier gradually descended and eventually disappeared.

[Where should I land?]

“Please land wherever there’s a suitable spot.”

Just then, an open space among the trees caught their eye.

They used magic to scan the area, but there was no sign of people from the temple nearby.

Alea narrowed her eyes.

‘Even in an emergency, they didn’t extend their surveillance this far.’

Even the temple can’t monitor everything happening around the barrier. For many years, the sacred barrier had stood firm without any changes, which made the temple feel there was no need to keep an eye on it.

Unnecessary skills naturally decline.

That’s why they didn’t notice when Helmut left the sacred barrier.

‘They’ll probably think it’s enough that it’s been restored. If they do anything more…’

They would likely blame the mages, which could lead to increased oppression against mages.

However, mages had been active for a long time now, and curbing that momentum would not be easy.

But before Alea could continue her thoughts, Igrelle landed on the ground. It was such a gentle landing that they barely felt any impact.

[Hey, get off! You big leopard! What are you waiting for?]

Elaga immediately leaped off Igrelle’s back with a thud.

Because of that jump, the humans sitting on Igrelle’s back experienced a bone-rattling shock that made Igrelle’s soft landing meaningless. Sian grumbled.

“Well, that woke me up.”

Grrrroooowl!

Elaga let out a long roar. The entire forest shook, and nearby birds flew away fluttering. It was fortunate that it didn’t release any demonic energy.

[If I ever fly again, I’ll change my name!]

Anyway, Elaga was enjoying its sense of freedom, sniffing the scent of the earth.

For a leopard, long-term flight is not just arduous, it’s nothing short of torture.

Elaga moved its body without regard for the humans on its back, and those above had to untie their ropes and jump down on their own.

It wasn’t difficult for the others except Susan. She managed to jump to the ground, barely holding Sarah’s hand.

Helmut got down slowly without rushing. The forest on the ground, unlike the Forest of Roots, held refreshing air.

The air that filled his lungs deeply was even fragrant.

The time that had stopped for the past four years was now covered with vivid greenery. Though he hadn’t realized it before, living a lifetime without this free and life-filled atmosphere would be unfortunate.

Sian smiled and asked him.

“So, how does it feel to escape for the second time?”

“It feels like I’m reborn.”

“Yeah, so how are you going to proceed with your new life?”

“I’m still thinking about it.”

“Well, I have a good idea.”

Sian was the first person to suggest something to Helmut.

However, before Sian could speak again, someone walked out from the other side.

No, it was more than one. Two Archmages—Heike and Antiol.

They hesitated upon seeing Igrelle and Elaga, who were occupying a significant space, but soon, their gaze shifted smoothly to the others.

“Welcome back, everyone.”

“You all did an excellent job! You’ve accomplished a difficult mission splendidly.”

Antiol’s face, having seen success in his long research, was bright without a hint of shadow.

Those who saw Heike’s face gaped and looked back and forth between her and Alea.

“They look exactly the same! Is she Alea’s grandmother?”

“No, she’s a bit different. The aura is different.”

“I don’t know, she seems nicer than Alea.”

The last remark was made by Asuka. Alea, ignoring the chatter, approached Heike and started a conversation.

Antiol’s gaze turned to Helmut.

“Helmut, it’s been quite a while, hasn’t it? It’s good to see you again.”

“I heard you helped Alea a lot. Thank you.”

It was an awkward greeting, uncharacteristic of Helmut.

“I just had the opportunity to put my research into practice, so there’s no need to think you owe me. More importantly, do you remember what I told you back then?”

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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