Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 338 (Part 2):

Terra’s expression showed signs of concern, likely from her conversation with Sian.

“Sian mentioned that he’s going with you. He didn’t explain what you’ll be doing, but it doesn’t sound easy. Between that and registering with the Mage Association, what’s going on?”

Helmut answered clearly.

“I’ve decided to hire him. I’ll pay him well.”

While he hadn’t accessed it yet, Helmut had plenty of funds, thanks to Darien’s inheritance.

Terra seemed speechless for a moment and stroked her head.

“…Do you think I’m worried that Sian will work for free?”

Helmut hesitated briefly before replying.

“I also promised to help him find a formal position once our contract ends.”

Since Terra had been concerned about Sian being jobless, this solution seemed logical.

Her expression grew more complicated.

“W-well, that’s good, but… I’m worried about Sian’s safety.”

“Nothing will be as dangerous as entering the Forest of Roots.”

Sian had already done that. Nothing Helmut planned would surpass that level of danger.

Terra found herself silenced again. Helmut’s responses were short but truthful, leaving her with little room for argument.

She needed to make one thing clear.

“Helmut, Rodril cannot help you. Even if something happens to Sian, that won’t change. And if I do intervene, it will only be to save Sian.”

That was the boundary set by the Earth Spirit. Helmut nodded.

“I didn’t hire Rodril’s contractor. I hired Sian, Greta Academy’s second-ranked graduate. He’s an exceptional mage.”

“…You seem to acknowledge Sian. That’s good to see.”

Terra, seemingly satisfied, offered her blessings.

“I hope you succeed and achieve your goals.”

As she turned to leave, she added one final remark.

“And don’t forget what the Earth Spirit shared with you.”

“…I haven’t forgotten.”

Even if the sacred barrier was damaged, it didn’t mean that demonic beasts would suddenly appear from the Forest of Roots.

For now, there was nothing Helmut could do. He had merely sent word to Antiol to keep an eye on the barrier.

If anything significant happened, the temple would be the first to know, and their movements would reach Helmut through Antiol.

‘Nothing comes easily.’

But Helmut felt no fear. After Terra left, he resumed his sword training—it was the best he could do for now.

*
Sian and Asuka eventually returned to the village, and time began to flow swiftly. A week later, Heike arrived in Greencana.

“How have you all been?”

Her hollow eyes and haggard appearance suggested she’d spent the entire time absorbed in research. Area greeted her with mild irritation.

“You’re finally here.”

Her tone was accusatory, as though scolding Heike for taking so long. Heike smiled calmly in response.

“I’ve been working on something far beyond your comprehension. Naturally, it took time.”

[Did you finish your research?]

Elaga ran up to her excitedly.

“Leopards and cats are similar, so you shouldn’t have any problems staying in that form.”

[What do you mean similar! My field of view is too low. It’s suffocating!]

Although he once appreciated being able to fit into baskets, Elaga now aired his grievances.

Igrelle approached from the other side, her face impassive.

“Here.”

Heike handed thick metal bracelets to both Elaga and Igrelle and explained their use.

“You can now freely switch between your original and current forms.”

She then cast a visibility-blocking barrier, signaling them to test the bracelets.

Elaga quickly reverted to his true form but just as quickly returned to his feline state. In contrast, Igrelle’s reaction was far more intense.

[Screeeech!]

The moment she returned to her original form, her piercing cry shook the entire village. Everyone nearby instinctively covered their ears.

The magical barrier Heike had set up collapsed under the force of the demonic energy emanating from Igrelle.

[That crazy bird!]

Elaga shouted as Igrelle launched herself into the sky, her movements frantic, releasing all the frustration of having been grounded for so long.

The events unfolded too quickly for anyone to intervene.

Heike, watching Igrelle soar into the sky, muttered calmly.

“The bracelet has a tracking function.”

“If she doesn’t return, finding her will become our top priority.”

Thankfully, a few hours later, Igrelle returned to Greencana.

Late at night, she landed and reverted to her human form, shrugging casually as if nothing had happened.

“I guess being grounded for so long messed with my head. Oh, and the bracelet works great. I’m sure you understand, right?”

Heike folded her arms and retorted.

“I suppose I’ll need to add illusion magic to the bracelets.”

Although the village had been thrown into brief chaos, the incident eventually blew over as a temporary disturbance.

The time to leave Greencana was approaching.

Otaku_Tensei

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