Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 43 (Part 1):

The seed of darkness ultimately signifies a destiny of destruction.

In the Forest of Roots, there was an abundance of the prey required by the seed of darkness.

With the air filled with magic, it was an affinity-rich environment, allowing Helmut’s seed of darkness to grow rather gently without invading the host’s mind.

It wasn’t greedy due to being in abundance.

“It’s really unique in your case. Whether it was influenced by your intrinsic calmness, or your master pressed down your seed of darkness well. Various factors must have influenced it. And now, you have reached a realm where you can control the seed of darkness, skillfully concealing and suppressing it. That you’ve survived without catching the temple’s eye seems fortunate. Unless someone examines your body directly, even a priest might find it difficult to detect traces of magic in you.”

“How did you know?”

“Because I am an archmage. And because you were in a place dense with magic, the magic resonating with your seed of darkness lingers on your body.”

Helmut remembered Darien’s words to stay away from places with magic. Darien might not have theoretically known about the seed of darkness as this person did.

But he had insight, and he was right.

‘I guess I can’t be a demonic beast hunter.’

Helmut thought regretfully. It was Phien who had subtly suggested it as a good way to make money.

“The seed of darkness will grow within you. Your achievements only delay the speed at which it consumes you.”

“What happens if it’s removed?”

“You would die,” Antiol said solemnly. “It’s the source of your life. It also gave you the power to live. There’s always a trade-off in everything in this world, big or small.”

“I thought you would know a way.”

“If you abandon Vis, I can install a control magic circle on your seed of darkness. A sturdy magic circle that won’t catch the temple’s attention. You might be able to live as a normal human for the rest of your life. For now, your Vis repels my magic, making even that impossible.”

Antiol smiled meaningfully.

“But I suppose you wouldn’t want that.”

Helmut nodded without hesitation.

Even if he gives up Vis, the swordsmanship ingrained in his body remains. Helmut will remain a skilled swordsman.

But that’s it. Without Vis, he cannot advance further. It was a choice of losing everything for Helmut.

It’s entirely natural not to want to give up everything because of fear of the seed of darkness.

“There aren’t many futures available to you. You will become stronger, perhaps a tremendous swordsman, if you can avoid the temple’s attention until then.”

“…”

“But eventually, the seed of darkness will consume you, and by then, your powerful sword will destroy the world. Countless lives will be lost, and their blood will flow like rivers. The temple has deemed that the fate of those who possess the seed of darkness is to be eradicated. You would prove them right.”

“It sounds like you’re saying there’s no way.”

“If that’s what you hear, then so it may be. But the future belongs to those who forge it. Humans can change their future.”

Helmut suddenly realized. This mage was favorable towards him.

Was it out of curiosity about a human with a seed of darkness? Or simply because the enemy of an enemy is a friend? With eyes revealing his interest, he slowly expounded.

“I don’t think the temple is right. They try to make the world uniform according to the teachings of Lumen by eliminating all variables and risks. You, merely by existing, stand in opposition to the temple. I want you to prove them wrong. Resist your fate with the seed of darkness. By not succumbing to it, prove your potential. That’s why I’m telling you this.”

Because I want to see it. That was the implication.

The temple wants to maintain the world on a certain track, sweeping it clean. They don’t want beings that stick out disruptively.

Antiol didn’t like the balance that the temple sought to protect. It was, in other words, the suppression of possibilities.

This could be an opportunity. Helmut was a rare variable that appeared in this world. One that might not appear again.

‘I’m not sure how this will play out.’

Whatever happens, he intended to watch the outcome. Antiol murmured with hope.

“Who knows? If your mind and body reach the ultimate realm, even the seed of darkness might ultimately fall under your will.”

With those words, the barrier lifted. Like the wind blowing away the dense fog, the scenery became clear again.

It was an open space where the carriage was parked. Though they were gone for only a brief time, it was enough to cause confusion.

Members of the Pace Mercenary Corps showed shocked expressions. Finn rushed over.

“Hey, Helmut, are you okay? What did that damn mage do?”

Even in the midst of this, Finn’s voice was cautious and small, typical of the cowardly Finn.

As soon as the barrier was erected, Finn, who had been nearby, was excluded, leaving him in a state of panic.

Antiol, with his hands clasped behind his back, said as if to listen.

“Oh, I almost forgot. Your dullness and calmness are strengths, but also weaknesses. Perhaps having a human heart would benefit you.”

“Yes.”

“What are you talking about?”

Finn looked at Helmut with a puzzled face, but no one answered him.

“Well then, this is farewell.”

Helmut gave a slight bow and turned around.

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