Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 425 (Part 2):

*Ku-gu-gung!*

At that moment, a heavy rumble echoed as the castle gates opened.

Helmut’s gaze turned forward. He sensed an uncomfortably powerful holy energy emanating from ahead.

It was so intense, like a blazing sun, that his skin prickled.

The Seed of Darkness was sealed by magic, but Helmut’s entire being rejected holy energy.

Raised in the Forest of Roots, a land steeped in demonic energy, Helmut was a demonic beast cloaked in human skin.

And now, they were coming to subdue him.

‘Finally, we meet face-to-face.’

He had always anticipated that one day he would clash directly with the Temple.

The Temple was a formidable enemy. He had spent years hiding, honing his swordsmanship, and preparing for this moment.

Helmut had grown strong, and ironically, it was the Temple that had forged him.

Because the Temple had sent him to the Forest of Roots, Helmut stood here now.

He had passed through Lumen’s sacred barrier twice, overcoming trials bestowed by Lumen.

‘If Lumen has a will, it lies with me, not them.’

He had overcome near-impossible trials twice.

This was the third. It wasn’t necessarily harder than the previous two.

And it would be the trial to end them all.

Only the outcome remained.

“Stay back.”

Helmut spoke to the Grand Duke, resting his hand on the hilt of his sword. Though his horse galloped swiftly, his body atop it remained steady, as if untouched by the jolts.

As if he were lightly perched on the saddle.

Facing a worthy opponent for once, tension coursed through his body.

His heart raced, and every sense sharpened vividly.

Not fear, but the exhilarating tension of an impending major battle.

With so many grievances fueling him, cutting them down would be satisfying.

A cold smile flickered across Helmut’s lips.

“Come back… safely,” the Grand Duke said, almost as a plea, slowing his horse with a low groan.

The Black Wing Knights, leading Latona’s defensive forces, poured through the castle gates.

Ahead lay the Temple’s holy knights.

Soon, holy magic would rain down upon them.

Holy magic was less destructive than regular magic.

With mages guarding the rear from the castle walls, defensive magic would protect them.

But there were high priests and priests among the enemy. Their ability to block magic made it difficult to gauge their full strength.

Though it was unclear how many priests were present, the mages wouldn’t be able to hold them off for long.

The vanguard Black Wing Knights needed to break through the holy knights and reach the priests, who were vulnerable in close combat.

Capturing a high priest would end the war.

The Grand Duke’s voice rang out powerfully.

“They are not the Temple’s army, but merely invaders driven by arrogance and pride, attacking Latona. Do not be swayed by their hollow pretexts. Cut them down without mercy!”

“Yes!”

A resounding response erupted from the Black Wing Knights.

The Temple’s forces, shrouded in mystery, were an unknown quantity.

But the Black Wing Knights, vying with the Empire and Basor for the title of the finest, were a force to be reckoned with.

Though Renosa was a small nation, it was a military powerhouse.

The Black Wing Knights, the elite of the elite, were a force even the Temple could not underestimate.

Facing an opponent as formidable as the holy knights, the Black Wing Knights were swept up in the exhilaration of true swordsmen.

They felt not fear, but fervor in the face of a powerful foe.

From behind Helmut, who rode at the forefront, a unified cry followed.

“Glory to Renosa!”

None of them spoke of divine blessings.

For they faced the army of the gods.

The Temple’s forces were now within striking distance. Collision was imminent.

*

[Where are we?]

The small cat’s face scrunched up. Elaga blinked discontentedly.

He was displeased with the place they had arrived at.

[It’s full of a revolting aura.]

“Of course. We’re not far from the Temple.”

A smile played on Alea’s lips as she held him.

It was a smile devoid of warmth.

[The Temple? You don’t mean…]

“Exactly. That’s the one.”

Alea, cradling the cat, glided over the ground as if skimming it.

She was heading toward the Temple.

With her concealment magic active, no one should be able to detect their approach.

Holy energy interfered with the manifestation of magic.

But Alea could maintain her spells even near the sacred barrier.

No matter how thick the holy energy was in the air near the Temple, casting a concealment spell was no issue for her.

“It’s easier here than in Latona. The Temple has never been this vulnerable.”

A sharp glint flashed in Alea’s eyes.

With reinforcements from the Empire and Basor scheduled to arrive, the Temple would want to strike Latona quickly and return.

Thus, with most of its forces deployed, the Temple’s defenses would naturally be weakened.

Elaga immediately grasped the meaning of her words.

Excitement flickered in his eyes.

A rare chance to act.

But Elaga hesitated briefly.

[…Are you sure? Helmut told me not to cause trouble.]

“It’s fine. You’ve got me.”

Helmut wouldn’t dare scold *her*. Alea’s smile deepened.

“Besides, this has nothing to do with Renosa. It’s just… an unknown demonic beast attacking the Temple while it’s vulnerable. Perfect timing, don’t you think?”

[What an opportunistic and clever demonic beast.]

Elaga nodded in agreement, his eyes gleaming with life.

He was the mightiest demonic beast on earth. Opportunities to rampage like this were rare.

“There it is. Let’s go.”

The Temple came into view ahead. It was time for them to make their move.

Otaku_Tensei

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