Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 42 (Part 1):

Normally, a portion of the commission fee is received upfront before proceeding with the transaction, but when secretly dealing with a mage hidden away in a hideout, the situation is different. The process of receiving an advance payment becomes complicated.

Therefore, the Butan Trading Company planned to collect the full commission fee on-site after delivering the goods.

Having conducted several similar transactions before, deals could be made even without an advance payment.

Antiol clicked his tongue in disapproval.

“Judging by the shabby state of the wagon, it’s clear. The number of people is too few compared to the number of wagons. There are also bloodstains below. It’s a sign of human life force draining away. Seems like several have died, haven’t they?”

Miles nodded grimly as Antiol spoke with keen observation and insight.

“About a third of the people here remain.”

“Good heavens, you’ve been through a difficult journey. Then, you must have encountered a significant number of demonic beasts. There, inside the wagon, I sense magical energy. Is it a demonic beast carcass?”

True to being a mage, Antiol’s interest lay there. His green eyes sparkled as Miles readily shared.

“Yes, we’ve prepared them. It would be good if you could purchase them together.”

“Well, let’s see the condition first.”

The fresh carcass of a recently killed demonic beast seemed to have satisfied the talkative mage.

“Alright, I’ll take everything. How much was the commission again?”

“You mentioned 100,000 marks.”

“With the demonic beast carcass and my satisfaction with your swift delivery included, let’s make it 130,000. Is that sufficient?”

As expected, mages were known for their generous spending. The amount was more than enough, but Miles’ lips twitched, sensing room to ask for more.

It wasn’t without reason that the astute owner of the Butan Trading Company accepted this risky mage’s request.

Though couched in terms of favor, Antiol was indeed a lucrative client.

“Seeing your expression, I understand. Let’s make it 150,000 marks. Greed can be harmful, so be satisfied with this.”

With the generosity befitting an archmage, Antiol smiled warmly and handed over a hefty purse of money to Miles.

After counting and confirming the amount, Miles bowed deeply. After all, the customer is king.

lineage mages, inheriting their hideouts and laboratories from their masters, have amassed enormous wealth over generations. The income they could generate from selling potions and weapons was staggering.

If they had chosen to build a power base against the temple, they certainly could have.

However, these individuals acted independently and showed no interest in uniting. Eccentric, solitary, and dedicated to their research, they were nonetheless undeniable forces of power.

“Shall we leave the wagon, or do you want to retrieve it?”

“It’s of no use to me; take it. Just leave the goods on the ground.”

“We shall do so.”

“Hurry up. You need to go before the path you’ve taken gets disturbed. By the way, boy, you’ve been staring at me intently; is there something you want to say?”

Despite the accurate identification, Helmut was not flustered. He had been standing by the wagon all along, observing the old man known as an archmage.

This man was different from the cunning old man in the Forest if Roots, Erugo. The subtle presence of magic energy around this elder revealed that he was completely concealing his magical power.

Judging the strength of a human is no easy task, especially one who can hide their magic power so thoroughly. This elder was a formidable being.

The combat power of a mage versus a swordsman is difficult to determine without a fight. Although Helmut felt a competitive spirit, this was not an opponent to rashly challenge.

The archmage, Antiol, had been observing Helmut. In fact, Antiol had been aware of Helmut’s presence for some time.

A swordsman with a powerful presence, though young, and something slightly unsettling.

A faint but unnerving energy emanated from him.

After ensuring all the items were accounted for, Antiol finally turned his attention to Helmut. Approaching him, Antiol said,

“This is interesting.”

Spreading his arms as if engrossed in religion, he spoke earnestly.

“You are a very special child. I can see that.”

“Helmut! It must be nice to be recognized by an archmage, eh?”

Finn, standing idly by, nudged Helmut’s shoulder, muttering under his breath about whether a chef could also gain such recognition.

“Your eyes are lively. That’s how a swordsman should be.”

Antiol burst into laughter. However, his expression soon turned serious, his gaze as deep and vast as an ancient forest.

“Sometimes, a mage can glimpse the truth. Especially a mage of my caliber, who can guess at things others wouldn’t dare to.”

Helmut’s aura sharpened, his aura of murderous intent making Finn step back in alarm.

Whether the old man was simply talking or actually knew, if it was the latter, he would have to be dealt with.

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