Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 45 (Part 2):

Anton had been at this branch when these two big shots voluntarily came, so he personally welcomed them.

“However, our side doesn’t accept people without any conditions.”

Expecting a welcome gesture, Max’s eyes sharpened at the relaxed tone of the other party.

Before Max could speak, Paul interrupted and asked.

“Are you saying there’s a test to join?”

“Yes. Of course, we have data on the skills of the two Tariq Mercenary Corps members, so there’s no doubt. But it’s a necessary procedure, so please understand.”

“If you believe in our skills, why is this procedure necessary?”

“As you know, we take on some illegal work, right? It would be problematic if, due to some misguided sense of justice or morality, you can’t follow through with orders from above. That’s why we need some proof.”

Paul and Max seemed to understand. Apart from their skills, to be part of Black Hawk, one had to be more than just a cold-blooded, immoral human.

Having abandoned their clients and comrades to flee, they had no issues in that regard, but verification was still necessary.

“So, what do you expect from us?”

“Have you heard of a young mercenary with black hair and black eyes? He’s probably no older than sixteen. His skills seem to be at least that of a third-rank mercenary.”

Max tilted his head. Nothing came to mind.

But then, an image flashed through Paul’s mind. Wasn’t there a fourth-rank mercenary in the Pace Mercenary Corps?

But if he was running away from Kelop, his hidden skills must not amount to much.

“That Pace Mercenary Corps has one guy like that, but as far as I know, he’s a fourth-rank mercenary. He shouldn’t have the skills of a third-rank mercenary.”

“Well, the person I’m talking about might not be him, but it doesn’t matter. Our boys had a quarrel with him, and he put all of them in bed. They say he had quite a bit of money. He’s a third-rank mercenary, but the five third-rank level assassins we sent to take care of him have gone missing. They lost contact right after reporting they were going after him.”

Anton calmly continued his explanation.

“I don’t know if he has companions, but there’s no confirmation. But we can’t just let this go after such a loss. It’s a matter of our face. I was considering whom to send. It might be a bit of a tricky assignment, but could you take care of him?”

It was a calculated move by Anton. Assigning this task to the two second-rank mercenaries as a test was perfect.

Since they weren’t yet members of Black Hawk, they wouldn’t have to be paid separately for this test.

“We can handle it. But I’m disappointed. To think you’d rely on us to take care of just one kid.”

Paul thought Black Hawk wasn’t so special after all. Assassins of third-rank mercenary level, but in reality, barely passing the test.

Especially if they were assassins, they’d struggle in direct combat if their ambush failed. Five of such opponents would be easy for him alone.

Their confidence in securing a high position within Black Hawk as skilled individuals grew.

Anton shrugged.

“Once you’re part of Black Hawk, you’ll be given high-level assignments as desired. The treatment will also be more satisfactory than in your previous mercenary corps.”

Illegal assignments come with corresponding rewards. Looking at each other, Paul and Max nodded.

“Where is this guy?”

“If he’s not sleeping rough, he’ll be in an inn. Just keep a good watch on the inns, and you should find out where he is. We’ll inform you as soon as we track him down. Whatever he has, you can take.”

“Understood.”

Max and Paul, former second-rank mercenaries of the Tariq Mercenary Corps, found themselves intertwined in a strange fate with Helmut once again.

*

“About a week left?”

Helmut estimated the remaining schedule while looking at the map. His modest belongings were gradually increasing.

In the previous village, Helmut had visited a general store. He had bought the minimum necessary items for travel, but it was too late to visit a bookstore, which he regretted.

Bookstores full of books were unfamiliar places to Helmut.

“Darien told me to read books and gain knowledge when I go out.”

He had learned a bit about the common sense and basic knowledge of the human world from Darien. He also picked up some knowledge on short escort missions through observation.

But his teacher, Darien, wasn’t particularly knowledgeable, sharing only what came to mind.

“Knowledge, and training…”

Both were not easy to fulfill. Indeed, camping in the forest was better for training. There was no need to consider the gazes of others.

But if so, how different was it from living in the Forest of Roots?

Humans live among humans. Helmut knew he was different from others.

Even if he didn’t have to become the same, he needed time to become familiar with the human world. The most urgent was knowledge.

“There’s no bookstore in this village. But the next village is a day’s journey, so I should visit a bookstore there.”

Helmut decided.

*

“There’s the guy.”

As a Black Hawk member pointed him out with a telescope, Paul took it from him.

‘Huh? That guy?’

Helmut was a boy with a memorable, intense presence.

Such jet-black hair and eyes matching in color were uncommon. And his noble, fair skin and elegant face were hard to find even among nobles.

‘That kid chased by Kelop is a third-rank mercenary? And he took down five assassins?’

Paul was puzzled. It’s easy to grant someone a third-rank mercenary certificate, but a place like the Pace Mercenary Corps wouldn’t do it for just anyone.

Had there been incredible progress in that forest? In extreme situations, a swordsman can sometimes achieve rapid advancements. It wasn’t impossible.

But he felt odd. His calculations about the Pace Mercenary Corps had always been off. The boy’s appearance was completely unexpected.

‘Why is a mercenary from the Pace Mercenary Corps wandering around here alone?’

It was strange for Black Hawk to interfere with the Pace Mercenary Corps.

Perhaps they were unaware of his affiliation. It would be undesirable for Black Hawk to have a conflict with such a mercenary corps.

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