Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 385 (Part 1):

“That means you and I might end up facing each other in the martial arts tournament.”

A chilling voice, as if gladly awaiting that day. Asuka turned toward the source of the voice.

“Alea?”

The silver-haired beauty with violet eyes, arms crossed and glaring at him with a sidelong glance, still rubbed Asuka the wrong way.

“Of course, that’s assuming someone like you, who can’t do anything without permission, even manages to join the tournament.”

A faint smirk tugged at the corner of her lips.

“What’s that supposed to mean, huh?!”

Asuka wasn’t the type to let such provocation slide. One way or another, he’d make sure he participated in that tournament.

But then, something clicked in his mind, and he raised an eyebrow.

“So, you’re saying this ‘Comprehensive Martial Arts Tournament’ is open to mages too?”

“Exactly.”

Alea nodded. It was genuinely surprising.

When it comes to destructive power, magic is no weaker than swordsmanship. In fact, magic can pose an even greater threat for large-scale attacks. However, historically, mages have rarely participated in events like this.

Of course, mages do receive combat training, and combat magic isn’t exactly a minor part of the Greta Academy’s magic curriculum. But that aside, it’s also clear that magic is not particularly suited to one-on-one duels.

Unlike swordsmanship, it required casting time, and the confined space of a duel—along with restrictions on tools—put it at a disadvantage.

Mages thrived in prepared environments where they could leverage all their tools and resources. When pitted against a swordsman of equal skill in a one-on-one duel under identical conditions, the swordsman’s superior agility often gave them a overwhelming edge.

Of course, there’d never been a recorded clash between a Sword Saint and an Archmage, so no one knew how things might play out at the pinnacle of mastery.

In any case, there was little reason for a mage to risk an unfavorable fight by joining a martial arts tournament.

It was also a matter of efficiency. For swordsmen, the tournament was a chance to make a name for themselves and win prize money, but mages had other avenues to earn a living—ones that didn’t involve struggling for rewards in disadvantageous combat.

“Up until now, the martial arts tournament has been purely a contest of those who wield Vis,” Sian said, tilting his head curiously. “Are they making entirely new rules this time? How are they setting the standards? Mages use magical tools, don’t they? Swordsmen use swords, so they can’t expect mages to compete empty-handed, right?”

Alea picked up where he left off.

“That’s right. Just as swordsmen use their blades, they’re planning to allow mages limited use of things like staves. That’s why they’ve invited the Mage Association to negotiate the terms.”

“The Mage Association?”

Sian’s eyes widened in surprise. The Deus Empire didn’t outright reject mages.

But the Temple of Lumen, with its loud insistence that mages were a latent threat—capable of turning into dark mages at any moment—had ensured that the empire maintained little contact with the Mage Association.

It seemed the imperial family was using this tournament as an excuse to draw the Mage Association closer, naturally expanding their influence.

This wasn’t an overt move, but it was another way for the empire to distance itself from the temple while forging new allies to keep them in check.

Anyone with some insight will see the Emperor’s intentions when they watch the tournament unfold.

From the Mage Association’s perspective, they would likely welcome any chance to weaken the Temple and expand their influence within the Empire.

“No wonder they so readily accepted the Grand Duke of Renosa’s proposal,” Sian muttered. “There’s a lot of calculation behind this.”

A Comprehensive Martial Arts Tournament that included mages would set it apart from Basor’s traditional tournaments. It’d draw attention from foreign nations too.

They were clearly aiming to make a big splash and capture widespread interest.

‘This works out even better for me.’

Helmut figured that with the stage set so grandly, he absolutely had to win.

The word “victory” felt familiar to him.

The problem was, he wasn’t the only one thinking that.

“Just so you know,” Alea said, pointing her finger at Helmut, “I plan to give it my all—even if my opponent turns out to be you.”

Helmut blinked, caught off guard. It felt like a sudden blow out of nowhere. He asked, “Why’d you suddenly decide to join the tournament?”

Her answer was simple.

“If I get the rank of Count, I’ll have access to the Imperial Library. There’s no way they’d deny that privilege to the tournament champion.”

She’d been in the capital for quite a while now, yet still hadn’t set foot near the Imperial Library.

Grand Duke Farnese had met with Helmut face-to-face and held a long conversation with him, much like the one Helmut had in Basor.

After that, the Grand Duke had completely withdrawn from dealing with guests at his mansion and holed himself up in the palace.

The day Helmut met the Grand Duke, he’d forgotten to ask permission for Alea to access the Imperial Library. As a result, Helmut endured severe scolding from her afterward.

So it made sense that she’d covet the tournament’s prize if it could get her into the Imperial Library.

Even if it meant fighting and beating Helmut. Mages were just that sort of breed.

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