Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 462 (Part 1):

From Kantara’s mouth flowed the tale of recent events.

[You all… passed through the sacred barrier… and the forest… shook. Like an earthquake… had struck.]

The sea where Kantara resided was no exception. Vibrations rippled across the icy surface. The ocean surged and swayed.

And then, the changes began.

[At first… the creatures… outside the water… grew ferocious.]

Of course, demonic beasts were inherently savage. But the sudden clamor of those outside, tearing and devouring each other in frenzied combat, was deafening. Kantara, fully submerged in the sea near the sacred barrier, was largely unaffected by the changes outside. Yet, he couldn’t help but notice the growing unrest in his domain.

Kantara was the sort who didn’t care much if the demonic beasts in his territory fought among themselves, as long as it didn’t get too noisy. He was an unusual demonic beast, content to lie still like a fossil, biding his time until death. But this time, the commotion was unbearable. Unable to endure it, he unleashed his unique demonic energy from beneath the water to calm the beasts.

It didn’t work. For the first time, the creatures ignored the command of their domain’s ruler, rampaging in madness. The order of the Forest of Roots was unraveling.

Kantara felt a creeping unease.

Yet, he didn’t dare emerge to subdue them. An instinctual dread held him back, as if something out there was targeting him—a powerful, domineering force, a will that sought to control him. Kantara hid himself even deeper beneath the water. Like a turtle retracting its limbs into its shell when danger loomed, he withdrew completely.

Fortunately, the demonic beasts under the water, still under Kantara’s influence, mirrored his behavior. Within the same domain, a divide emerged between those above and below the surface.

“The influence of demonic energy is weaker underwater,” Helmut remarked. “And the same goes for holy power.”

It was through this principle that Helmut had once swum through the waters to escape the Forest of Roots—his first escape.

“Talk about a creature that knows how to look out for itself,” Helmut said, gazing down at the ice, or rather, at Kantara, who was likely rolling his eyes beneath it.

Kantara’s judgment had been correct. Had he surfaced, he might have fallen under the Demon King’s control.

“And yet, you show up the moment we arrive?” Alea said, her tone tinged with curiosity.

[Yeah…?] Kantara himself seemed unsure why he’d done so.

Despite their lack of a deep bond, it was ironic that in the Forest of Roots, humans were more trustworthy than fellow demonic beasts. Helmut urged him on.

“Keep talking.”

[The strange energy… outside… grew stronger. At some point… the creatures outside… banded together. And then… they started leaving.]

Helmut asked, “Where to?”

[To the south.]

The south. That meant they were heading toward the central region.

“So, the demonic beasts are gathering in the central region?” Alea tilted her head.

If so, the central region would likely be the battleground. For Elaga, who had left his domain, this would be unwelcome news. Helmut spoke with a hint of optimism.

“That’s fortunate. Kantara hasn’t fallen into the Demon King’s grasp.”

A beast among beasts, one of the five rulers of the Forest of Roots’ domains. Though mild-mannered, Kantara’s power was undeniable. If he had been swayed by the Demon King, losing his fear and gaining cunning, he would have been a formidable foe.

“But if Kantara felt compelled to hide underwater,” Helmut continued, “what about Baharek, who’s on land?”

Alea shook her head. “Baharek might have found his own way to cope. Or he could have already fallen to the Demon King. Kantara, do you know anything?”

The northern region bordered the eastern, western, and central regions, making them neighbors of sorts. Kantara replied bluntly.

[Baharek… we’re not close.]

“Is there anyone you’re close to?” Alea asked, her tone skeptical.

[My underlings… in the water. They’re close. They… chose the water… to avoid being controlled.]

“So that’s why the north is so quiet,” Helmut noted.

With the aggressive beasts either dormant or gone south, the land was practically empty, save for Kantara.

“So this guy’s the ruler of the northern domain? And Baharek rules the west?” Luke Yeager asked, recalling what he’d learned.

Helmut nodded lightly. “That’s right.”

“We’re meeting a big shot right off the bat,” Luke said. “Kantara, you have no intention of cooperating with the Demon King, do you?”

[The Demon King… a strange term. But… I don’t like it. Something… opened in the central region. Magi… is pouring out. I can feel it… even underwater. It strengthens me… but it tries to control me. I… like my freedom. I’m fine… as I am. I don’t… need it.]

“He’s kind of cute when he talks,” Luke said, unexpectedly warming to the beast.

Helmut understood Kantara’s words. “So, magi is leaking from the entrance to the Demon Realm.”

[The oppressive… mass of magi… vanished. Only Baharek and I remain… so the balance… is broken. How do I… know this?]

Kantara tilted his head, puzzled by his own knowledge. A highly developed demonic nature granted transcendental understanding, knowledge akin to the flow of the world, almost like instinct.

Otaku_Tensei

I'm currently Translating the following novel: Helmut: The Forsaken Child. If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!

•