Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 456 (Part 2): Ending at the Beginning

[Humans are more resourceful than I thought. Even I couldn’t leap over this in a single bound.]

Elaga landed lightly before Helmut, having leapt up the wall in a few bounds.

The defense wards weren’t active yet; otherwise, even he would have been struck down.

[Don’t be afraid. A Demon King is just a morsel to me.]

“Don’t forget—you too could fall under his control. The Demon King rules over demonic energy.”

And Elaga’s entire body was composed of demonic energy.

Helmut couldn’t be sure keeping him close was wise.

But leaving him behind felt even less safe.

[My strength is my own. A powerful will governs demonic energy—not the other way around.]

A mind, a will—things that went against a beast’s very nature. He could even nurture affection.

Love.

An emotion no ordinary beast—who might even devour its own offspring—could feel.

In that sense, Elaga had transcended the realm of beasts.

Just as Helmut had the confidence of a Sword Saint, Elaga carried the confidence of one who ruled himself.

“I’ve stocked up plenty of the Root of Rosetta.”

Helmut’s voice carried doubt.

If Elaga ever turned against them, it would be their lives on the line.

Trust without preparation was folly.

Elaga was a beast of beasts—the kind that even the nine selected at full strength would barely restrain.

[Ah, that incense you made with it—I liked that. Refreshing.]

Elaga sniffed the air.

“Diffusing it as incense means we don’t need to force-feed it.”

Alea joined the conversation.

They had long since processed Rosetta’s root into pills, but even then it needed to be ingested. Alea’s idea was to turn it into incense.

“In the Forest of Roots, it’ll be invaluable.”

Ordinarily, no beast would dare challenge Elaga or Igrelle.

But under the Demon King’s dominion, things would be different. His power could smother instinct itself.

The only way to resist was to awaken their minds—free them from control.

Once aware, they wouldn’t recklessly charge at monsters like Elaga and Igrelle.

“We prepared liquid form too—many ways to spread it.”

Her violet eyes gleamed with pride. She had poured every ounce of research into this.

Back in her academy days, she had already crafted magical incense to enhance concentration. This was only a matter of adaptation.

[I still prefer the candy form. Just keep one in my mouth. Can’t chew it, but it works.]

“You’ll be sick of it soon enough in the Forest.”

Helmut answered dryly.

Everything seemed in place. The mages would activate the wards, and the Temple had brought nearly all its strength to defend this wall.

If both sides gave everything, only the battle itself would reveal the victor.

Not even Helmut knew how many beasts lurked in that forest.

“Maybe the dumb ones will just keep living there, never realizing the sacred barrier’s gone.”

[Hunters will know. Instinct will tell them—south lies easy prey, soft flesh waiting to be torn.]

Elaga muttered indifferently.

Those who had clawed and fought for survival in the Forest would rush eagerly to hunt weaker prey.

It wasn’t about the Demon King—it was simply the inevitable clash between man and beast.

The inspection ended quickly.

“Let’s go down. A feast is waiting.”

With those words, Alea descended the stairs first.

Helmut seized Elaga by the scruff of his neck.

Dangling in his grip, the beast narrowed his eyes.

[Do as you like. Once we enter the Forest, I’ll return to my true form anyway.]

“Shame. Thought you were enjoying yourself.”

Helmut slung him over his shoulder.

Elaga extended his claws, gripping for balance.

[Don’t worry. I’ll protect you. Just don’t lose control again like last time.]

“Stop saying that. I don’t need your protecting.”

Did he still think Helmut a child? He frowned.

Though, truthfully, Elaga had once shielded him in that very forest.

[Demon Kings, destiny—none of it matters. It’s all a question of will. And your will is weak. So get it together!]

Helmut could only endure Elaga’s nagging all the way to the banquet hall.

The hall was already bustling.

One last chance to share food, to steel themselves alongside their comrades.

Their wills were tested—their wills would endure.

They had all left behind their wills in writing too. Every one of them, save for the two beasts.

‘The Last Supper, is it.’

The thought sat ill with him. But Helmut chose to enjoy the present moment.

No alcohol was allowed, since battle would begin the moment they arrived.

When he entered with Alea, every gaze turned their way.

Among the stares lay welcome, and unease.

Someone hesitated, then spoke.

“Helmut! No… Grand Prince Helmut, is it?”

Helmut looked at the man.

A face he remembered. The impression, the build, everything had changed since then—but still he recognized him.

‘Impressive he recognized me too.’

Helmut opened his mouth to reply.

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