Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 455 (Part 1):

Even a small nation could, in theory, harbor a swordmaster of unparalleled skill.

However, the Forest of Roots was under the dominion of the Demon King.

No matter the blessing of sacred magic, only those with firm resolve and a heart untainted by wickedness could withstand psychic assaults.

Internal discord could not be allowed. That was the most critical criterion.

Helmut cast a glance toward the high priest.
“I had assumed the Temple would provide three members.”

With so many forces hostile to their side, only two had stepped forward.

The high priest and the holy knight.

Yet, even those two alone represented formidable strength in the Forest of Roots.

The holy knight’s prowess, in particular, was something Helmut knew well, having faced him directly.

His skill surpassed even that of Luke Yeager.

Though he could not be called a pure swordsman, his ability to wield the power of the sacred sword was undeniable.

Had Helmut relied on demonic energy instead of Vis, defeating him would have been no easy feat.

Compatibility could overturn even an absolute disparity in power.

“We must also consider the possibility of failure,” Levina responded.

The mission they bore was far too weighty to pour everything into a single endeavor.

Venturing into the uncharted Forest of Roots was a gamble.

No one in the Temple had ever set foot there.

Success was not guaranteed, and they could not plunge in without leaving a reserve.

Thus, this was the maximum force they could commit.

In the event of failure, High Priest Agato would remain to handle the aftermath.

“Let’s hold off on deciding the final member for now. With those present, we can still devise a plan,” Alea said.

Levina nodded and moved to the heart of the matter.
“First, I agree that taking action is better than merely preparing and waiting for the sacred barrier to collapse. Engaging the Demon King before its revival, while it’s still clashing with the sacred barrier, will be far easier.”

“Even setting aside the inherent dangers of the Forest of Roots itself,” Sian added, stroking his chin.

The Forest of Roots was, after all, a forest.

As the Earth Spiritmaster, Sian could command spirits.

Moreover, his abilities had grown stronger than before.

If they moved while concealed, it might be more manageable than expected.

Levina continued.
“However, entering through sacred magic does not allow us to teleport to specific coordinates within the Forest of Roots. It merely grants Lumen’s permission to pass into the sacred barrier. As before, we’ll likely be dropped at a random point within it.”

Their target was the central region—Elaga’s domain.

There, in the skies above the heart of the Forest of Roots, it lingered.

Not yet a true Demon King, but a coalescing will of magi.

And beneath it lay the entrance to the Demon Realm.

Their mission was to seal that entrance, destroy the Demon King, or, ideally, accomplish both simultaneously.

“If we’re lucky, we’ll land near the central region. If not, we may face difficulties,” Levina noted.

Charlotte raised a question.
“Why rule out an approach from above?”

The skies above the sacred barrier should be safe from demonic beasts. Wasn’t the Demon King’s presence said to dwell there?

“If we approach from above, we cannot reach the entrance to the Demon Realm, meaning we cannot seal the source of magi. And that means we cannot destroy the Demon King, whose power is its will,” Levina explained, adding, “Furthermore, forcing our way through the sacred barrier from above could cause its collapse.”

In the end, the only reliable way to enter the Forest of Roots was through the Temple’s magic circle.

A fact so clear it was almost simplistic.

Helmut pointed out, “Even if we succeed, the collapse of the sacred barrier would still leave problems unresolved.”

“If the demonic beasts of the Forest of Roots break free before a proper frontline is established, it would be catastrophic,” Levina agreed, nodding.

The sacred barrier served to contain the demonic beasts.

Even if those who entered achieved their goal, the barrier would fall.

Thus, the operation to breach the barrier could only proceed once the frontline was fully prepared.

No matter how urgently they acted, it would take days at the earliest.

“We’ve outlined a plan, but this operation still requires further scrutiny,” Levina said, her expression troubled.

Never in her life had she imagined entering the Forest of Roots.

Antiol responded, “It would be best to discuss this together, as both sides possess different information.”

Thus, the Temple’s cause and their collaboration took another step forward.

Meetings piled upon meetings. The relentless discussions left everyone mentally exhausted.

As they concluded and began to disperse, a voice called out.
“Helmut.”

Helmut turned toward the sound.

Luke Yeager stood there, grinning as he extended a hand.
“I’m glad we’ll be fighting together.”

His words carried their literal meaning but also something deeper.
*I can repay you for helping me.*

Luke Yeager’s participation wasn’t driven by some grand heroic impulse or the honor of the Palma Knights.

Luke Yeager was strong.

A vital asset to the alliance. His involvement would be a tremendous boon.

He acted without hesitation, risking his life for a cause that someone had to undertake, unswayed by personal gain.

Luke Yeager was that kind of man.

As steadfast and reliable as Helmut’s first impression of him—uncompromisingly upright, far removed from cowardice.

A man perfectly suited to the role of commander of the Palma Knights.

That was why Helmut had sought him out.

“…I trust you’ll prove more useful than last timeة” Helmut said lightly, grasping his hand.

Luke Yeager wasn’t offended.

Ever brimming with confidence, he was magnanimous.
“I’ll repay the debt from that time.”

“You mean, by saving me?”

“You remember well.”

A cool voice interjected.
“Unfortunately, that won’t happen. I’ll be the one saving Helmut.”

Alea stood there, arms crossed.

Luke Yeager quickly released Helmut’s hand.

Glancing between Helmut and Alea, he muttered, “Why do I feel like I’m being checked? Am I imagining it?”

“Don’t waste your breath. Rest. The meetings will continue,” Helmut said, turning away.

Walking side by side with Alea, he suddenly wondered who the final member would be.

The answer would come soon enough.

* * *

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