Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 355 (Part 1):

A few days later, the day of the decisive battle dawned. Helmut wore a helmet that concealed his face.

This was a fight with much at stake. If Helmut won, Basor would acknowledge him as a proven swordsman and lend him their support. But if he failed, Basor would not aid him.

That was what the Second Prince had said.

Those who watched this duel would not know Helmut’s face until the moment the outcome was decided.

‘Victory is the prerequisite.’

That word would undoubtedly come to pass. His heart was calm and composed, like the stillness before a raging storm.

Helmut finished his preparations as if heading to a training ground. Alea tapped his shoulder.

“I wish you the best.”

Her voice sounded calm, almost detached. Helmut replied,

“Of course.”

She couldn’t cast any blessing spells on him. The duel had to remain fair, after all.

“It’s time.”

Helmut and Alea left the room side by side. Alea followed only as a spectator.

Since animals weren’t allowed in the Palma Knights’ building, Elaga and Igrelle couldn’t accompany them.

Of course, if they secretly followed, that would be a different matter, but it was natural not to bring animals along in such a situation.

[If you’re doing this, make sure you win. Of course, it’ll be incredibly difficult for you.]

Elaga’s sarcasm followed him like a farewell, but it was unusually positive coming from him.

Helmut left without a word. Shortly after, he parted ways with Alea and entered the stage.

It was a training ground within the Palma Knights’ headquarters, a place for duels.

Luke Yeager had also proven himself here by facing the Palma Knights. It was the place that birthed the new—and youngest ever—Commander of the Palma Knights.

For Luke Yeager, this place had always meant victory.

‘But today, that meaning will change.’

The ground was made of hard, rough stone.

It had been prepared to prevent dust from flying or the ground from being torn up during the fight. Even a sword imbued with Vis wouldn’t easily damage it.

Helmut raised his head. A small number of people were seated in the spectator stands.

It wouldn’t take long to count them—just a dozen or so sitting under the shade.

Among them, a glimmer of silver hair stood out.

Basor’s sunlight enhanced its natural brilliance, making it shine even more vividly. It would be like a blessing accompanying him.

“Hey there, Helmut.”

Luke Yeager, who had already stepped onto the stage, greeted him in a light tone.

Even after becoming the Palma Knights commander, he hadn’t gained much gravitas.

“Hey, that helmet’s not bad. It’s really shiny. Think that gives me a disadvantage?”

Helmut’s dark eyes gleamed through the silver helmet. They were deep and black, as if absorbing light. It was as if the darkness within him was fully reflected.

But the Seed of Darkness lay dormant, and it wouldn’t reveal its true form while facing Luke Yeager. Helmut wouldn’t allow it.

Helmut replied with a hint of disbelief.

“You’re talking about advantages and disadvantages in your own family’s arena.”

“It’s because my superior is watching. I’m so nervous my hands are sweating.”

“You’re not going to use the excuse that you slipped and lost because your hands were sweaty, are you?”

“And you’re not going to blame the environment for being favorable to me if you lose, right?”

“We’ll know when the result comes.”

Helmut closed his mouth again. Luke Yeager was smiling.

No matter what the outcome, he was determined to give it his best, so he wouldn’t feel ashamed of himself.

And this was also a long-awaited fight for him.

The Palma Knights were murmuring among themselves.

They already knew Helmut had defeated a beast that was practically the successor to the Red Scorpion.

But they didn’t know how he had ended up facing the Palma Knights commander.

“Who is he to duel the Commander…?”

“They say he’s incredibly skilled.”

“Even so, the Commander is said to have surpassed the talent of the former Sword Saint.”

“He looks really young.”

“He is young, I hear. The Second Prince wanted this duel. I wonder what His Highness could be thinking?”.”

“Maybe he’s trying to humble the Commander? You know how our Commander has his own principles. I’ve heard he sometimes clashes with the Second Prince.”

“What’s wrong with that? That’s what a Palma Knights Commander should be like.”

Speaking up only with honeyed words is the job of pen-wielding nobels.

A knight should be able to assert their own opinions. Especially the Palma Knights Commander.

Luke Yeager wasn’t just recognized for being the descendant of the Sword Saint and his skills.

Despite his youth, he was fair, and though he sometimes seemed naive and inexperienced, he never lost his composure as the Palma Knights Commander.

For someone from a foreign land, he had adapted remarkably well to Basor’s rough temperament.

Everyone here, not just the Knights, acknowledged Luke Yeager.

So it was only natural that no one in Basor wanted to see him lose. Even the Second Prince, who had planned this, secretly felt the same.

As for those cheering on Helmut, there was only Alea.

But that one person was more than enough. After all, he had already experienced this situation four years ago.

The murmuring soon subsided as the surroundings grew quiet. The duel was about to begin.

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