Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 455 (Part 2):

The final member, destined to claim the glory of a hero, had to come from the Deus Empire.

That was the consensus among the empire’s leadership.

But who was truly suited for the role?

The commander of the Imperial Knights?

His skill was unquestionable, but as a great noble and head of a house, he bore too many responsibilities.

Surveying the Imperial Knights, their overall prowess was impressive, but none matched Luke Yeager’s caliber.

As for candidates from other nations, they didn’t meet the empire’s standards.

The greatest issue was the lack of an objective measure of combat ability.

It was an era of peace. True martial prowess shone in war, but for nearly a century, only civil wars or border disputes had occurred. Even talented individuals hadn’t had the chance to distinguish themselves.

Asuka quietly approached the crown prince.
“If no one else is going, I’d like to volunteer.”

Even after being restrained by Grand Duke Farnese, he hadn’t learned his lesson.
“I’m close to them, trustworthy, and… I’ve got some skill, don’t I?”

With such formidable participants, even Asuka’s confidence wavered slightly.

But his enthusiasm remained undimmed.

The crown prince judged Asuka a suitable candidate.

Others might surpass him in skill, but none had ventured into the Forest of Roots and returned as he had.

His status as imperial royalty added symbolic weight.

The problem was that he was the heir of Grand Duke Farnese.

Both the grand duke and his wife vehemently opposed his participation.

And for similar reasons, even the crown prince was reluctant to let Asuka go.

Looking at Asuka, the crown prince spoke abruptly.
“There’s a sword, crafted through the collaboration of the legendary blacksmith Layton and the imperial mages. It amplifies Vis and is forged from a special metal as valuable as diamond. The sword itself can absorb and store ambient magic, enabling it to cast spells.”

“What’s that sword got to do with this?” Asuka asked, his face puzzled.

“Layton called it his life’s masterpiece. It’s not a weapon to be given lightly. Only those of imperial blood or with the emperor’s approval can wield it.”

Asuka’s eyes widened.

True to his belief that a craftsman doesn’t fuss over tools, he’d never coveted weapons. But this was different.

“That sword would be a huge help in fighting in the Forest of Roots.”

It could compensate for his shortcomings in skill.

Asuka’s face lit up with a grin.

“Indeed. But that’s only if you’re selected to go to the Forest of Roots.”

“Let’s be honest, the decision’s up to you, isn’t it?”

Asuka had never looked at the crown prince with such eager eyes.

The crown prince gazed at his cousin impassively and said, “If you want to go, swear loyalty to me.”

If Asuka defeated the Demon King and returned, he’d be a hero.

As a near-direct member of the imperial family, he was close to the line of succession.

With ambition, he could even aim to usurp the throne.

Even if he had no such intentions now, hearts could change.

The crown prince couldn’t grant such a threatening power without assurances.

Especially when Asuka wasn’t strictly necessary, and with Grand Duke Farnese and his wife so adamantly opposed.

Asuka needed the crown prince’s support to go.

It wasn’t cunning or calculating—it was a natural precaution for the crown prince.

But to Asuka, brimming with personal grievances, it felt underhanded.

He narrowed his eyes.
“And in return, give up on Charlotte.”

The crown prince flinched.
“That’s her decision to make…”

“Who knows what schemes you’ll pull while I’m gone? Swear it. Give her up. Then I’ll swear loyalty or whatever.”

A crooked smile tugged at the crown prince’s lips.
“You think she might secretly admire me?”

“Absolutely not. You know it’s not even a possibility!”

Asuka pointed at him accusingly.

Conflict flickered across the crown prince’s face.

Catching two rabbits was his preferred approach, and the possibility didn’t seem entirely out of reach.

As the crown prince, he had reason to be confident.

But he soon spoke solemnly.
“…Fine. So be it.”

Asuka got what he wanted and forced his rival to back down—a deal with nothing but gains.

Asuka was satisfied, and the crown prince was too, though he felt an odd pang of unease.

The deal, however, was done.

The final member would be Asuka.

Once Grand Duke Farnese and his wife were persuaded, the selection would be announced.

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