Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 54 (Part 1):

-Studying for the Examination-

“Indeed, whom are you looking for?”

Upon securing accommodation at an inn and leaving his horse, Helmut discarded his cumbersome disguise and promptly visited the Greta Academy. There, a clerical worker greeted him with an annoyed expression. As the entrance exam approached, it wasn’t uncommon for people to seek out academy staff or students for favors or information. Some even attempted bribery to secure an advantage.

‘He looks refined and is well-dressed. Which family’s young master might he be? Yet, he came here himself instead of sending servants.’

Helmut named the person he wished to meet.

“Ethan Kudrow.”

“Do you mean Ethan Kudrow, the instructor in the swordsmanship department?”

‘He has come to the right place.’

Helmut had heard that Kudrow was likely in Baden. Whether he was at the academy was uncertain, but Helmut nodded in confirmation.

“He is currently away.”

“When will he return?”

“Let’s see… He has left a message saying he will return in three days.”

“Then I shall return in three days.”

“What business do you have with him?”

“I’m from an acquaintance.”

‘Ah, perhaps he’s here to seek a recommendation.’

The clerk internally scoffed, but it wasn’t his place to comment. Ethan Kudrow was a stubborn man; merely being a student of an acquaintance wouldn’t suffice for any special treatment if the skill wasn’t there.

“I will relay that. Your name?”

“Helmut.”

“Very well. Please come back here in the afternoon, three days from now.”

Leaving the Greta Academy, Helmut headed back to the inn. The place was bustling, and he worried about the need to sleep outdoors, but fortunately, he found a room in an inn with a spacious training yard. For the next three days, Helmut devoted himself entirely to training. Baden was well-policed, untouched by the Black Hawk.

He visited the academy again after three days. The same clerk greeted him, instantly recognizing Helmut. His imposing aura and handsome appearance were memorable.

“Ah, you were here a few days ago.”

“Has he returned?”

“Yes, he has. I’ve relayed your message, but… he says he doesn’t know a Helmut.”

It seemed there was confusion regarding the name Helmut left, mistaking it for a name of one of Ethan’s acquaintances. Helmut corrected the misunderstanding.

“That’s my name. I wish to speak with him directly.”

It was impossible to reveal he was Darien’s student. So long as those who sent him to the Forest of Roots lived, it was dangerous to expose this. Anyone who had truly seen Helmut’s swordsmanship was no longer alive.

“I will… see what I can do. Please wait.”

The clerk soon returned and gestured for Helmut to follow.

“Please, this way.”

Access to the inner parts of the academy, especially where professors and instructors resided, required a pass. The clerk took out a card and used it to open a large, magically sealed door.

‘Magic.’

They walked through a corridor lined with portraits and doors until they stopped before one.

“Here. Instructor Kudrow is waiting inside.”

After knocking, a deep voice from within invited them in.

“Come in.”

Helmut entered, greeted by an unfamiliar yet luxurious setting. The room, adorned with mahogany furniture and fur, resembled more the study of a noble than that of a swordsman. Helmut, who thought the best place he had seen was Xenia’s inn, found it quite foreign.

‘Ethan Kudrow, it was.’

A nobleman then? His aura was indeed different. Inside was a robust man, standing with his back to the room. Helmut’s hand moved toward his sword hilt, sensing a calm yet potent presence from the man. It was like a deep, placid lake, the quietude belying the depth of his martial prowess.

Helmut sensed it. Ethan Kudrow wasn’t as imposing as a mountain like Darien was, but among the swordsmen Helmut had encountered, Kudrow was undoubtedly the strongest.

‘A first-rank mercenary? Would that compare to this level?’

Kudrow spoke.

“I do not know of a Helmut. What business do you have with me?”

As Kudrow turned, his younger-than-expected, noble countenance revealed a blend of intelligence and sharpness. High-level swordsmen often maintain their youth beyond their years. His deep green eyes pierced Helmut with an eagle-like sharpness.

Should things go awry, Helmut might have to confront Kudrow, a notion he found both daunting and exhilarating. The thrill of facing such a formidable opponent stirred a complex mix of emotions within him.

Kudrow urged him to speak.

“Speak.”

This snapped Helmut back to reason; now was not the time for a confrontation.

“Do you remember the vow you made 26 years ago?”

“My vow?”

Kudrow’s gaze shifted, his voice growing softer, his eyes now scrutinizing Helmut with suspicion.

“I remember. Not a moment has been forgotten.”

“Darien Deferth, that’s my master’s name.”

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