Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 453 (Part 1):

To think such a method existed. It’s dangerous, but it doesn’t sound absurd.

“So, you’re suggesting we strike first before the Demon King revives,” High Priest Agato said, his expression grave.

Helmut regarded him with an unreadable gaze.

“No matter how dangerous the Forest of Roots has become under the Demon King’s control, the sacred barrier has not yet collapsed.”

That meant the demon realm was still sealed.

If the demon realm remained closed, the supply of magi would be limited.

Though the Forest of Roots itself harbored an immense amount of magi, it was being consumed in its clash with the sacred barrier.

In short, the Demon King’s influence was likely limited.

‘The sooner, the better.’

Helmut had conceived this idea after the last meeting, when Elaga revealed his true nature.

He had pondered it countless times. But it seemed the most viable option.

‘To achieve victory.’

The problem was that this idea meant something deeply unwelcome to him.

‘Back to the Forest of Roots.’

The scars that hadn’t fully healed throbbed from deep within.

They were etched there.

Every time he was sent to the Forest of Roots, whether he realized it or not, Helmut had faced betrayal.

An outcast in the human world. A being meant to die and vanish.

That was the name that defined Helmut.

And yet, he had to willingly return to that place.

It wasn’t just reluctance—it was a visceral repulsion.

There was no option for him to refuse.

If they were to face the Demon King in the Forest of Roots, Helmut was an indispensable asset.

Even with him, victory was not guaranteed.

It wasn’t a matter to be swayed by emotions, but how could it be so simple?

For others, it would have been pain enough to shatter them entirely.

The fact that Helmut had risen from it at all proved his strength. But to overcome it fully? That would take more time.

Yet time was not granted, and Helmut had finally voiced the method aloud.

Perhaps others had thought of it too but couldn’t bring themselves to say it.

Darien had taught Helmut to choose the most certain path to victory.

Like his swordsmanship, which pursued efficiency.

To face such an enemy with minimal effort, a bold move was the only option.

No one asked Helmut if he was alright. Not even Alea.

Whether they knew he wasn’t or not.

Once the decision was made, retreat was not permitted.

But Helmut felt the gentle touch of a warm hand resting on his own. It was Alea.

A soft breeze calming the storm within.

For a brief moment, Helmut felt solace and relief.

Instead of offering words of comfort, she added her opinion.

“If we can stop the Demon King before he revives, that would be the ideal outcome.”

“The Forest of Roots is likely more dangerous now than when you left it,” High Priest Levina warned.

Not out of concern for Helmut, but because a reckless challenge could cost them valuable forces.

“And what if those who enter the Forest of Roots fall under the Demon King’s control?”

“We have ways to prevent that. And if it happens, it would occur just the same after the sacred barrier falls,” Helmut replied calmly.

A murmur rippled through the room as the high priests exchanged glances.

It was a shocking proposal, but it was something they had done before. The method itself wasn’t particularly difficult.

Agato and Romulo spoke in succession.

“With this method, we can only send a small number of people—ten at most.”

“Any more would not only consume too much sacred power but could also destabilize the barrier.”

From the beginning, being sent to the Forest of Roots was a privilege reserved for nobles.

The sacred magic, which consumed vast amounts of holy power, wasn’t used on just anyone.

If a commoner bore the Seed of Darkness, they would die on the spot.

However, the magic itself involved pouring holy power into the barrier, which would strengthen it.

Sending about ten people wouldn’t be a significant loss in terms of holy power, even if the mission failed.

The real loss would be if the forces sent into the Forest of Roots were wasted.

A quick-witted representative from some nation asked, “If we send an elite team to stop the Demon King’s revival, will that end this crisis?”

It was only natural to want to resolve the issue with minimal cost and without deploying armies.

Levina shook her head.

“No, the sacred barrier will collapse. That’s a certainty.”

If the core had been eroded by the Demon King’s power, the barrier had already lost its balance.

A barrier relied on delicate equilibrium.

It was like a building whose foundation was sinking, destined to crumble.

“Then, even if the Demon King is gone, the demonic beasts in the Forest of Roots…”

“They would flood into the human world, driven not by the Demon King’s will but by their own,” Levina said.

Alea added an explanation.
“That could happen simultaneously with stopping the Demon King’s revival.”

When one side of a tense balance collapsed, the other would follow.

In any case, after a thousand years, the Forest of Roots would be liberated, and countless demonic beasts would regain their freedom.

Demonic beasts that had survived the brutal law of the jungle in the Forest of Roots, ravenous for human flesh!

“We must establish a front line and block the demonic beasts emerging from the Forest of Roots,” Levina said.

Mobilizing mages could allow them to build a wall in a short time.

Agato issued a subtle warning.
“Even if you’re far from the Forest of Roots, don’t think it’s someone else’s problem. If the Empire falls, the rest will follow.”

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