Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 441 (Part 2): Chapter 13: The Collapsing Sacred Barrier

Heike intoned, almost like a chant, “A being from the Demon Realm. Like Lumen, its power is its will, and its will is its power. Its purpose is to swallow the entire world with demonic energy. That’s why it seeks to destroy anything that doesn’t belong to that energy. Demonic energy itself is a force that opposes our world.”

Alea added, “That’s why even black mages can be consumed by demonic energy if they’re not careful. It’s why those with the Seed of Darkness go mad and rampage. As a force that contradicts our world, it’s impossible for humans to fully control it.”

“Even if demonic energy is deeply rooted in a body from birth.”

As Helmut spoke, his gaze met Alea’s.

Her beautiful violet eyes held no hesitation—only pure concern and worry for him.

Heike’s voice broke in.

“Records from a thousand years ago likely no longer exist, even in the Temple. But according to their old claims, those who go mad with the Seed of Darkness reflect the image of the Demon King.”

A being consumed entirely by the instinct for destruction and slaughter.

Helmut had once become such a being. His hand instinctively moved to his chest.

The Seed of Darkness, sealed and cut off from the outside, lay dormant.

But when it had dominated him, he had transformed into something far more terrifying than any rampaging foe he’d faced.

Only the presence of something stronger had pulled him back.

Elaga asked, puzzled, [If humans can’t handle it, why can demonic beasts?]

“The theory is that demonic energy is a force close to instinct, and demonic beasts are driven by instinct,” Alea explained. “Humans lost that instinct long ago.”

Heike added, “Instead, humans can draw out the power of their souls. The essence closest to that power is called Vis.”

Vis—a pure force manifested through the unity of body and mind, honed through rigorous training.

Helmut’s hand brushed the hilt of his sword.

That power had brought him here and enabled him to withstand the Seed of Darkness.

“Is the barrier collapsing because of us?” Sian muttered, his voice heavy.

As a Rodril, tasked with upholding the world’s balance, it was hard for him to accept that he might have contributed to this crisis.

Helmut corrected him. “Because of me.”

If the Sacred Barrier had suddenly weakened, it was likely because Helmut had passed through it.

Elaga spoke up. [Not because of me? I did hesitate to leave the barrier.]

Elaga firmly believed that a “small fry” like Helmut couldn’t have significantly affected the Sacred Barrier.

As the strongest being in the Forest of Roots, with the most demonic energy, his own passage through the barrier was far more likely to have caused an impact.

Not only that, he seemed eager to claim responsibility for this monumental crisis.

[I came out too, you know,] Igrelle added, as if wanting a share in the glory of being a significant force.

The two demonic beasts were utterly nonchalant, unhesitant to play the villain.

The concerns of humans facing a survival threat meant little to them.

Alea said, “If the reason lies in the loss of the pillars supporting the Forest of Roots, it might have started with Naho’s death.”

[Then it’s me again!] Elaga’s eyes gleamed. He was the one who had killed Naho.

Though Helmut had played a part, Elaga knew Helmut couldn’t have defeated Naho alone.

Helmut shook his head. “He died because of me, so it’s me.”

[No, I never liked that guy anyway. We would’ve fought to the death eventually.]

“That’s just speculation, not what actually happened.”

In the end, Elaga had fought Naho to protect Helmut.

If he hadn’t helped, Helmut would have died there.

When Helmut pressed the point, Elaga snapped, [Idiot! I’m saying it’s not because of you!]

Helmut was an easy target.

The bearer of the Seed of Darkness. A term synonymous with the Temple’s public enemy.

That fact had always shackled him.

Wasn’t it enough that he had been abandoned to die in the Forest of Roots?

To think that the one who survived would now be blamed for bringing about the world’s end—it was a bitter irony.

Yet Helmut’s dark eyes remained calm.

“But I don’t want you to take the blame either.”

Their conversation turned into a strange exchange, as if they were shielding each other from potential blame.

Amid the oddly warm atmosphere, Alea summed it up neatly.

“Well, if we’re going to pinpoint a cause, it’s because the Temple sent an innocent Sword Saint, Darien, to the Forest of Roots. If you hadn’t met him, you wouldn’t be here now, would you?”

No one refuted her. Both Helmut and Elaga nodded in agreement.

“Yeah, it’s the Temple’s fault.”

[Those guys are always the problem.]

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