Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 445 (Part 2):

Sending the one bearing the Seed of Darkness to the Forest of Roots was only natural.

Hadn’t even the Grand Duke himself approved of it in the past?

Though the temple had committed many misdeeds, this was not something to be condemned.

The Grand Duke, frowning slightly, softened his tone.

“I am not here to argue right and wrong. The collapse of the sacred barrier signifies a crisis for humanity, and I wish to know how the temple will respond.”

It was not a crisis for the temple alone.

The Grand Duke had to protect Renosa, no matter who—or what, even a demon king—he faced.

The high priest took the hand the Grand Duke extended.

“In this state, I cannot sense what is happening. However, at that time, the barrier trembled briefly, and High Priest Levina poured her strength into restoring it. It seemed there was no issue then.”

For Agato, protecting the sacred barrier was paramount.

To think it was not being upheld?

He yearned to have his shackles removed and rush to the temple to uncover the truth.

Soon, Agato admitted plainly.

“…It is shameful, but the temple had not foreseen this at all.”

It was only natural that he could not fully trust the Grand Duke’s words.

But it was a matter too grave to ignore. He had no choice but to assume it was true.

The suspicion in Agato’s eyes gradually faded.

Charlotte asked.

“If the temple learns of this, what do you think they will do?”

“They will immediately begin investigating the barrier, seek cooperation from every nation, and prepare for a holy war. They will surely do so.”

High Priest Agato’s thoughts aligned closely with Levina’s.

As they had effectively dictated the temple’s course, Agato’s judgment could speak for the temple’s.

The only regret was that the forces meant for a holy war had been depleted in the conflict with Renosa.

Even for the temple, recovery would take time.

Two high priest positions were already vacant, after all.

Paolo was undoubtedly dead. Wounds could be healed, but a severed head could not be restored.

The Grand Duke spoke again.

“Ordinarily, we would treat a high priest as a prisoner, announce your survival to pressure the temple, or demand a hefty ransom. But this is not the time for such calculations.”

One needed leverage to negotiate.

With a great danger looming over both the temple and Renosa, there was no room for bickering over rewards.

Not that they would release him empty-handed, of course.

“I hope the temple moves as you say. It seems they have also learned of this matter.”

With that, the Grand Duke signaled to the knight.

The iron gate opened, and with the knight’s support, the high priest rose.

For the first time since entering this place, Agato stepped outside the dungeon.

It was a moment that could mark the end of one ordeal, yet it was caused by the arrival of an even greater trial.

Agato’s expression remained grim.

“We must go to the Deus Empire together. I hear the temple is heading there as well.”

“Those shackles will remain for now. Please cooperate quietly.”

Charlotte’s tone was cold as she spoke.

High Priest Agato nodded slowly.

That he still lived after being pierced by Helmut’s sword must be Lumen’s will, a sign that he still had a purpose.

“Let us go.”

His survival would be a ray of hope for the temple.

For Renosa, it meant gaining a powerful ally to fight demonic beasts with their lives on the line.

Everything would be decided in the Deus Empire.

* * *

[Sian! What in the world is going on? Did the Earth Spirit come to you?]

Upon returning to Latona, Sian checked the communication crystal ball. A message from Terra awaited him.

Terra, who could not possibly be unaware that the Earth Spirit’s power had left her, knew exactly who would inherit it if such a transfer occurred.

It could only be Sian or one of his siblings.

Since it wasn’t the latter, the focus naturally fell on Sian.

“Ta-da!”

Sian held up his palm toward the crystal ball.

A magic circle formed on his hand, and the power bestowed by the Earth Spirit shimmered with a faint glow.

“Looks like the Earth Spirit prefers me over Mom. It’s got good taste!”

Setting the Earth Spirit aside, Sian was undeniably a superior spirit mage compared to Terra. It was obvious without comparison.

[It’s too soon, isn’t it? Never in history has the Earth Spirit been inherited this quickly.]

Terra narrowed her eyes. Though the power had left her, its traces lingered.

Her affinity and the remnants of that power remained. As a spirit mage, she was still formidable.

“Well, maybe the Earth Spirit recognized my talent? I am, after all, the second-best at Greta Academy.”

Sian hadn’t forgotten how his parents had nagged him about aiming for first place.

Though he acted nonchalant, he was secretly stung by consistently placing second from enrollment to graduation.

[Alright, alright. You’re quite the star, aren’t you? Well done, Sian!]

Finally hearing praise from Terra, Sian’s expression brightened.

But the worry on Terra’s face didn’t fade.

[Is something happening? The spirit’s movements felt unusual.]

“Well, the thing is…”

Sian briefly recounted everything that had happened.

Terra’s face grew grave. Sian flashed her a bright smile.

“So now, as the new Earth Spiritmaster, I have to fight the Demon King.”

That was his mission. A mission that staked his life. No sooner had he received immense power than he was thrust into mortal danger.

Terra’s reaction was a mix of confusion and unease.

[…Right, you’re probably better suited than me. Sian, my head’s a bit overwhelmed. Can I think it over and contact you later?]

“Sure, I need to figure out what to do next anyway.”

[Stay strong.]

With those final words, the light in the crystal ball faded.

Sian stared at it for a moment before lowering his gaze. A heavy feeling settled over him.

Was it because he had suddenly been granted power beyond his measure?

He was beginning to understand the weight his friends had carried, living with the responsibilities that came with their strength.

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