Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 304 (Part 2):

Soon, a bizarre scene unfolded in the corner of the yard. Igrelle, with its beak, was devouring a series of live rabbits, swallowing them whole one after another. It was a massacre.

[Hmm, the rabbits here are quite small. But their flesh is tender.]

Everyone was too preoccupied with their own meals to pay attention to the unsettling spectacle.

Moreover, since the rabbits were dwarfed by Igrelle, they were swallowed in a single gulp, leaving no trace of blood.

Even Elaga, upon seeing this, regained its appetite and declared,

[I want a deer.]

Once again, Heike produced a deer, as if by magic, for Elaga’s consumption.

While Igrelle remained remarkably clean despite having devoured twenty rabbits, Elaga, on the other hand, created a blood-soaked scene in the middle of the yard.

[Oh, the deer here are quite tender and soft. Their meat is on a whole other level compared to the tough and stringy ones from the Forest of Roots.]
[Indeed, just like humans. Are all things from the human world like this?]
[Huh? You… Didn’t you say you don’t eat humans?]

Elaga’s gaze turned sharp. Igrelle quickly backtracked,

[No, it’s just a saying. Where would I get humans from? That Naho guy takes them all.]

[If you ever try to eat humans here, I’ll be the first to end you. Well, even if I don’t, those temple folks would probably try to gobble you up first.]
[Huh? Humans eat demonic beasts too?]
[…Are you trying to be funny? Let’s just drop this.]

In any case, everyone managed to satisfy their hunger. As the meal progressed, Antiol gathered everyone’s attention.

“Now then, I have something special prepared for you all.”

Everyone’s eyes widened in anticipation. Antiol unveiled his vast collection of alcohol.

A stunning array of bottles, each with a unique shape and size, began to fly towards the table, finally settling down with a gentle clinking. The Archmage’s collection boasted an impressive variety of spirits from various regions.

The prices varied, with some bottles clearly exceeding the value of others.

“Please enjoy to your heart’s content.”

Antiol’s generous hospitality earned him the favor of almost everyone present. A grand drinking party commenced. Everyone drank and ate to their heart’s content, celebrating their escape from the Forest of Roots.

Even Sarah found herself pleasantly tipsy after finishing a cup of alcohol offered by Asuka.

“Woohoo!”

Her mother, Susan, was also slightly flushed from the alcohol, leaving Sarah unattended.

Naturally, Asuka and Sian were enthusiastically emptying bottle after bottle.

Alea, after downing an unidentified drink offered by Helmut, leaned against him, her head resting on his shoulder. She had surprisingly low alcohol tolerance.

It was the first time Helmut had seen Alea so at ease. He found her sleeping soundly on his shoulder both refreshing and adorable.

Noticing Alea’s state, Antiol shook his head.

“She had the snake wine. Strong stuff.”

“…”

Helmut silently hoped that Alea wouldn’t remember what she drank upon waking up.

This time, even the two demonic beasts joined the revelry.

[Hmm? So this is alcohol? Induces a strange state in the body, but also brings a peculiar sense of exhilaration.]

Igrelle muttered, having intuited this knowledge through its demonic nature While alcohol was poisonous to most animals, it was a non-issue for Igrelle and Elaga, whose enormous sizes rendered them immune.

[Hmm? I like this.]
[Oh ho, so this is what it feels like.]

Antiol winced internally as he watched the two demonic beasts, their snouts buried in bottles, emptying them one after another.

‘That expensive alcohol! That one was a 200-year-old Imperial vintage! And they’re just chugging it down!’

He had intended to share his precious collection for this special occasion, but even Antiol had his limits. He had discreetly hidden the truly valuable bottles.

It pained him to see those priceless liquors, especially the rare ones, being guzzled down by demonic beasts as if they were mere water. However, what could he do?

Seemingly sensing Antiol’s distress, Heike, who had been observing the festivities with a detached air, approached the two demonic beasts.

“How are you two feeling?”

[Hmm? We’re alright.]
[What’s it to you?]

“I was going to continue our previous conversation.”

[Oh, right. That thing you mentioned. What is it?]

With the two demonic beasts’ attention on her, Heike calmly began,

“Don’t you think your appearances are a little… conspicuous? I propose a disguise of sorts. I’ve prepared a magical artifact for transformation.”

Their slightly intoxicated state would facilitate the application of the magic.

The Archmage’s hideout pulsed with magical energy, making it an ideal environment for even high-level spells.

[Transformation, you say? Sounds intriguing.]
[You mean my appearance can change?]

Heike retrieved two magic stones from her pocket and placed them on her palm.

“These are temporary ones, just to test the waters. You activate them by holding them in your mouths. And please remember, you shouldn’t resist the magic, okay?”

Elaga and Igrelle both lunged for the stones, nearly colliding with each other.

[I’m first, bird-brain!]

As Elaga growled possessively, Heike interjected with a smile,

“Ah, I forgot to mention. This magic is will-dependent. It’ll transform you into something close to what you envision. Before you activate the artifacts, please take a moment to decide what form you desire.”

Elaga didn’t need much time to decide.

[I just want to appear less threatening. Smaller, if possible.]

Igrelle, however, took a little longer. It rolled its eyes for a moment before exclaiming,

[Yes, yes! I’ve decided!]

As soon as Elaga snatched a magic stone, Igrelle followed suit, shoving the other one into its beak. Immediately, a blue light enveloped both demonic beasts, and as it faded, a transformation occurred.

It was a transformation so drastic that even the intoxicated humans couldn’t help but turn their heads in astonishment.

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