Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 57 (Part 1):

Alea took out a notebook and spread it open. Although he had never tutored before, he knew how it should be done.

“I have books that will help with the transfer exam. Consider the tutoring fee to include them. We’ll focus on the likely topics and go through the books. After each lesson, you’ll need to review on your own. Every morning, we’ll have a test on what we studied the day before. Each tutoring session will last…”

Alea decided to earn the 100,000 marks honestly. Changing his mindset brought motivation. He was determined to ensure Helmut passed the written exam, a pleasant thought for Helmut.

“Eight hours, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The rest of your studying time is up to you.”

“That’s it?”

“That’s it? How much more do you plan to work me to the bone? Eight hours is practically all day. I’m giving up my magic research this semester to teach you.”

Alea was firm, though not without compensation; 100,000 marks was substantial. But the unexpected role of tutor had him adamant.

“Okay.”

Helmut nodded. Except for about four hours of sleep, he could dedicate all his time to learning, though expecting the same from Alea was unreasonable.

“Does that include meal times?”

“If you’re stingy, eat while studying.”

Helmut agreed with Alea’s blunt response.

“Will do.”

‘This guy…’

Alea seemed intent on getting his money’s worth. Sighing, he stood up.

“Wait here. I’ll bring the books. Then we’ll move to the study room.”

Shortly, Alea returned with a stack of books that looked to be about a dozen volumes.

“These should be enough to pass the exam. If you aim for a perfect score, you’ll need to study more. Do you want that?”

“No.”

After passing the books to Helmut, Alea gestured for him to follow.

Students could reserve personal study rooms in the dormitory. Although they were first-come, first-served, many students hadn’t returned to the academy yet, so there wasn’t much competition.

The study room contained four chairs and a desk. Alea sat down, opened a thick book, and began teaching based on last year’s exam and his memory.

“Let’s start with the history of the continent.”

The history covered how humanity formed nations, but the academy’s history was incomplete due to the loss of records after the Demon War. Alea extensively described the Demon War, including the forbidden realms opened by dark sorcerers, the Demon King who decimated half of humanity, and the remnants of demons left in the world.

“After the Demon War, monsters began to appear, and children with cores of dark energy, known as seeds of darkness, were born. The temples have been eliminating them to protect the world from the Demon King’s remnants.”

Helmut paid close attention, especially since this was his story. The existence of children like him, targeted or sent to the Forest of Roots, was still a reality, albeit covertly. They were forgotten, like Helmut, likely the sole survivor among them.

“Much magic, mystical powers, and knowledge were lost then. Despite sorcerers fighting alongside the temples, they were once oppressed due to the fear of turning into dark sorcerers. However, magic has been reviving over the past hundred years due to its convenience, which sacred magic cannot replace, though still under the temples’ scrutiny. Powerful sorcerers are respected.”

‘He’s more attentive than I thought.’

Alea was surprised at Helmut’s ability to memorize most of the discussed content. Helmut had to endure Darien’s less articulate lessons through physical hardship, so Alea’s clear explanations were a relief.

“Let’s have something to eat.”

It was around two o’clock when Alea suggested a break. Teaching a capable student was rewarding. Alea generally disliked swordsmen for their arrogance and tendency to provoke fights, believing in their physical strength. The swordsmanship department was more hierarchical and prone to conflicts compared to the magic department, where solutions were sought through duels rather than dialogue, akin to beasts.

In this regard, Helmut was an exception. He was serious and showed enthusiasm for learning, gradually endearing him to Alea.

Helmut declined the offer to eat together.

“I’m fine. Go ahead without me.”

Passing the exam was more critical than meals. Helmut realized his lack of knowledge in areas Alea considered basic, feeling a sense of urgency. Alea had pointed out the important parts, so Helmut planned to read through the books on his own.

“Alright, then.”

Alea left, but upon returning, he offered Helmut a sandwich and juice, commonly sold near the Greta Academy.

‘Is this some kind of forced sale?’

Helmut was skeptical, given his limited funds, and Alea seemed greedy for accepting the tutoring job for 100,000 marks.

“What are you looking at? I’m buying. Don’t worry about paying, just eat.”

Alea’s cool response preceded him eating his share of the sandwich. As a mage, Alea had endless opportunities to earn money and had a substantial inheritance. The 100,000 marks weren’t critical, and there was no need to profit from such a simple meal. Understanding Alea’s gesture of goodwill, Helmut revised his opinion of him and accepted the sandwich with thanks.

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