Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 35 (Part 1):

‘Again today?’

Phien clicked his tongue. With three injured, the strength of the Pace Mercenary Corps was definitely reduced.

However, the monster’s onslaught that started not long after they set off was concentrated on the rear of the convoy, just like yesterday.

“Our rank 4 mercenaries are playing their part well.”

They were more than making up for the decreased combat ability of the rank 3 mercenaries who had been dulled by injuries. Especially Helmut.

“That guy is definitely not just a rank 4 mercenary.”

Helmut was fighting quite well with his back against the carriage.

His expressionless face made it hard to tell if he was tired, but he seemed to be in good shape.

He had stamina and was useful. Including him in the corps, even if it was a bit forced, was the right decision.

But the burden on Phien was definitely increasing.

He had planned to save his strength for when the monkey beast appeared, but with reduced forces, Phien had to fight without holding back.

At least, he felt less burdened thanks to the good teamwork with his younger sister Tanya. She also managed to avoid injuries and provided decent support by his side, but a critical moment was approaching.

‘We really might have to abandon the carriage.’

The Tariq Mercenary Corps fought passively. Phien had tried to ask for help before they departed, but the answer was to conserve strength in anticipation of the unknown leader of the demonic beasts.

By now, it was hard to stay silent.

It seemed they might even wish for the complete annihilation of the Pace Mercenary Corps.

Could mercenaries be this uncooperative with each other?

‘Damn them.’

Phien slashed at the beast clinging to him and shouted.

“Abandon the carriage and quickly join the front line!”

He was worried about running out of food, but once they left the forest, they could procure supplies from anywhere.

Protecting the food wasn’t the issue now. They were like defeated soldiers retreating from battle. They couldn’t take everything with them.

But then,

“Huh?”

“Wait, look there!”

The distance between the front and the last carriage had widened. The continuous battles at the rear naturally slowed them down.

Suddenly, the front carriage started to speed up. With the Pace Mercenaries pushed to the back, the convoy split into two in no time.

With the front line not slowing down, there was no way to catch up.

“What are those guys doing?”

“They’re using us as a sacrifice to escape for themselves!”

“Those bastards!”

Realizing the situation, the Pace Mercenaries cursed. The demonic beasts did not spare them and rushed towards the remaining humans.

Phien grimaced in despair as he cut down a monster.

‘We’ve been abandoned.’

Not anticipating this was his mistake.

It couldn’t have been just the Tariq Mercenary Corps’s decision.

He had been trading with Miles of the Butan Trading Company for a long time. Because of that, he didn’t doubt when they were asked to move the goods in the last carriage.

In such difficult times, trust was crucial.

“Looks like this is where we’ll end.”

“I’m sorry, everyone.”

Phien clenched his teeth. It was a desperate situation.

They were abandoned in a forest full of demonic beasts, with three injured. There was nowhere to run. Unless a miracle happened, they were all going to die.

Yet, even in this extreme situation, the will to live did not falter.

Everyone was aware of the situation but did not lose their fighting spirit.

Even Finn, for once, stood with his sword held straight, his face pale.

The Pace Mercenaries gathered around the carriage, preparing for a desperate fight.

It wasn’t the time to break through carelessly. Forming a tight circle and fighting to the last was the only way to resist.

As if sensing their resolve, the attacking beasts slowed their assault, circling slowly, looking for an opportunity.

Red eyes glowed from all directions. Even a weak magic power felt heavy like dense fog when concentrated in one place.

In the tense atmosphere, Sean spoke.

“Isn’t there something like a hunting squad here? If they showed up right now, I’d even lick their feet.”

“If there was, these creatures wouldn’t have bred so much.”

“A mercenary’s death isn’t so bad. Dying in battle isn’t the worst way to go.”

“Speak properly. You’ll probably be killed from behind!”

“Sh*t, just thinking about my corpse filling those things’ bellies makes me refuse to go down like this.”

“I’m more worried about mixing with you in their stomachs. We’re not a couple to be mixed together in the same grave, let alone the same stomach.”

“I’m fine with Tanya, though.”

“Is that a confession? Ooh!”

“Better a woman than a man, anyway.”

“Keep your mouth alive till the end, will you?”

Tanya murmured somberly. She looked back at her brother.

Phien watched the beasts with dark eyes. Tanya opened her mouth to speak but hesitated.

‘I hope at least he survives.’

Phien might be able to escape alone. He was a rank 2 mercenary and in better condition than the other mercenaries.

But he would never do that. He wasn’t the type to abandon his comrades, especially his only kin, to escape alone.

Tanya steeled her gaze. At least she wouldn’t die alone. It was time to fight for their lives as long as they could.

As everyone tensed for the tightening noose of monsters, suddenly, a calm voice spread through.

“I have a way out.”

Otaku_Tensei

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