Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 41 (Part 2):

Days passed, and the journey was nearing its end.

As they approached their destination, Miles opened the carriage window to look outside, his gaze searching for something.

Now, Miles was the only person left from the Butan Company. The merchant who survived with him had stayed in the previous village.

Though he had regained consciousness, the mental shock was severe enough to prevent him from continuing the journey. The company had been notified, so there shouldn’t be any issues.

In contrast, the Pace Mercenary Corps members had almost fully recovered from their injuries. Uter, Maros, and Sean included.

Given the dangers they had faced, their condition was remarkably good. As the last day approached, they relaxed and even engaged in casual conversations.

“It’s ironic that our bodies fully recover right as the mission ends.”

“Using injuries as an excuse to slack off must be nice.”

“I can’t wait to rest when we get back.”

“I’m not taking any missions for a while, especially not monster hunting. I keep dreaming about that split monkey head! I urgently need some rest.”

“Oh please, if they offer enough money, you’ll be the first to raise your hand.”

“We’re not in a village yet, so stay alert, everyone. The mission isn’t over.”

There could still be thieves, even if not monsters. However, no such signs were apparent.

Their heightened senses from constant vigilance against beasts detected nothing amiss.

Tanya spoke to Miles.

“We’re nearly at our destination. This isn’t a village, just a roadside according to the map. Do we really meet and hand over the goods here?”

“Yes, it’s not in a village. Just head to the marked spot on the map.”

“So, how will the client, Antiol, receive and carry the goods? Even if he takes them by carriage, he can’t do it alone. Does he have underlings?”

“He doesn’t need to take them himself. We’re to deliver the goods to Antiol’s hideout.”

“Deliver them?”

“Yes, he will open the hideout for us. We just need to enter, leave the goods, and come out.”

The more Miles explained, the more baffling it sounded. Open the hideout? Was there a building nearby?

After scrutinizing the map with his glasses, Miles pointed to a spot.

“Here.”

Miles stepped out of the carriage, holding something. Attached to a long chain was a pendant with an unusually colored red gem. The gem flickered faintly, as if signifying something.

Looking around from where they stood, he asked the mercenaries.

“See any withered old trees around?”

“There’s one over there.”

“Yes, that’s it.”

Miles approached the tree and inserted the pendant into a notch in the middle of the trunk, fitting it as if completing a missing piece.

A rumbling sound followed.

-Drrrrrr.

Dust rose from the ground. Helmut’s expression hardened.

This alien power wrapped around his body wasn’t necessarily harmful, given its subtle and non-aggressive nature.

Helmut suppressed the rising Vis. Beyond the old tree, the forest opened a path.

Beyond it, dense trees and underbrush made way for a narrow forest path just wide enough for a carriage.

The mercenaries were astounded.

“Is this magic?”

“Typical of an archmage’s hideout. Fascinating.”

“Alright, it’s all over now. Let’s go inside.”

Miles urged them forward, his usually stern expression slightly relaxed. At last, he seemed relieved, reaching the end of the journey.

They followed the path. A gentle mist surrounded them, disorienting their sense of direction. The path seemed straight but wasn’t certain.

It appeared to descend, then ascend, veer left, then right. It was impossible to tell where it led.

“It seems like magic that crosses spaces is at work here.”

Phien muttered.

“We’re actually moving to a place far from where we started, through this forest path.”

Helmut asked.

“How do you know?”

“The temperature is getting cooler. If there’s such a noticeable temperature change, it means we’re traveling a long distance.”

A strange phenomenon indeed. Sorcerers are divided into two types: regular mages and mages who follow a lineage of one-to-one transmission.

The latter was rare, not forming groups and passing down magic directly from master to apprentice.

For mercenaries like them, such lineage mages were not easy to come by.

Lineage mages were generally more skilled than those educated in academies or through private tutoring. They could perform their unique brand of magic.

Through the mist, they spotted a clearing in the distance. A spacious area with green grass was large enough to accommodate all their carriages.

At the edge of the clearing, they saw a figure standing with his back turned, a gentle-looking old man with a long white beard and a monocle.

“Welcome, guests of the Butan Company.”

The old man greeted them with open arms, to which Miles approached.

“Are you Antiol?”

“Who else would set such magic in a place like this?”

“Please, inspect the goods directly. As far as I’ve checked, there are no losses, but here’s the list.”

“Good, good. You’ve arrived just in time. I’ve been anxiously waiting. Had you been late, I would’ve had to change the barrier’s formula. The forest changes with the seasons, so I need to adjust the formula accordingly. It’s less bothersome this way. Trustworthy Butan Company, indeed.”

The scholarly-looking old man went through the carriages’ contents, chattering non-stop. True to being a bit eccentric, he seemed quite talkative.

After checking the list for a while, the old man clapped his hands. Clap!

“Excellent, everything’s here. Some items are hard to come by, so you’ve done well. I’m quite satisfied.”

“Truth be told, we encountered monster attacks on the way, but I’m glad we could deliver the goods safely.”

Miles subtly highlighted the hardships of their journey. It was time to receive the payment for their commission.

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