Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 74 (Part 1):

*Enmity and Friendship*

The new semester at Greta Academy marked the most vibrant time of the year. Students who had left for vacation had returned, and new students had filled the spots left by the graduates. Students from different countries, backgrounds, and social statuses had gathered at Greta Academy, a place of learning where diversity and excellence converged.

Among them, there was a particularly eye-catching student. On the first day of the semester, a group of students had gathered in the courtyard. They were dressed in navy blue uniforms with red borders on their collars and cuffs. Beneath the crossed sword insignia on their chests were two stripes. They were second-year students from the Swordsmanship Department. They were gathered, murmuring to themselves, as they gazed at someone.

“Is that the commoner who transferred in?”

“He’s a commoner? A commoner like that…?”

“Can he even hold a sword?”

Someone filled in their lacking expression. Standing before their scrutinizing gazes was a young boy. The uniforms of Greta Academy were renowned for their elegance. Even though the famous nobleman had managed to modify them to some extent, the uniforms were still a symbol of distinction.

With porcelain-white skin and jet-black hair like raven feathers, and ice-cold black eyes, the boy seemed to wear the Greta Academy uniform as if it had been tailor-made for him. He fit it so perfectly that his roommate had dropped a cup in surprise.

Helmut was undoubtedly a standout student. It wasn’t just his appearance; his aura was extraordinary as well. Despite being a transfer student, he didn’t seem the least bit intimidated and had a confident expression. Flawless, porcelain-white skin was a privilege of those who didn’t work under the scorching sun. It was natural for Helmut to find it strange that he was considered a commoner.

However, Helmut was having trouble adapting to the atmosphere at the academy. He furrowed his brow.

‘There are too many people.’

Their uniforms were all the same, and it seemed impossible to remember who was who. Besides, there weren’t many strong opponents among them to catch Helmut’s attention.

‘I just want to live a normal academy life, but I can’t figure out how to do that,’ Helmut thought to himself.

No one had approached him, and instead, everyone’s attention was focused on the existing students from the Swordsmanship Department.

“Is he really a commoner? He said so himself.”

A boy with blond hair and a slick impression interjected into their conversation.

“Are you a transfer student?”

“Yeah.”

“Be careful. Once you’ve entered the academy, you have to leave your surname out of your introduction.”

“Well, that’s true. I’m aware of it.”

In Greta Academy, social status was irrelevant. Concealing one’s status was an obligation, and there were sanctions for flaunting it or discriminating against commoners. It was necessary to be cautious since there might be not only nobles but even royalty mixed in.

However, so-called high-status individuals easily recognized each other. From their speech, attitude, and martial arts, everything revealed their status and origins. Although they didn’t openly inquire, someone could still detect that someone was a commoner. Even without confirmation, commoners were often ignored or excluded from social circles. In the conservative Swordsmanship Department, this tendency was particularly strong.

The ratio of commoners among academy entrants was less than 10 percent. From the outset, the opportunities were different, so commoners were a minority. In the Swordsmanship Department, their numbers were even fewer, to the point where you could count them on one hand.

In a place with a strong sense of hierarchy like the Swordsmanship Department, commoners had become prime targets. Some commoners who couldn’t endure it had dropped out. As a result, among the second-year students, there was only one well-known commoner.

“My name is Sabbat Rugal. I took the same transfer exam as that guy.”

“‘Rugal’? Is it Rugal of the Imperial Sword Clan, Rugal?”

“Based on his attitude, this guy is a noble.”

In any case, Sabbat, who had successfully revealed that he was a noble, was easily accepted by the existing students.

“What about his skills?”

“Well, for a commoner, he’s quite decent. That’s why he transferred, I guess.”

Someone else joined the conversation beside Sabbat. It was Erun, who had become friends with Sabat while taking the transfer exam. He was strong in areas where Sabbat was weak, and vice versa. For someone like him, it was necessary to have a target.

“But do you know who his patron is? It’s none other than Instructor Ethan!”

“Are you sure?”

“He lives in Instructor Ethan’s mansion. I’ve seen him with my own eyes.”

“I’ve heard about it too.”

With someone next to him supporting Erun’s claim, he subtly sowed doubt.

“Having a Swordsmanship Department instructor as a patron, it’s hard to believe that guy took the test on an equal footing with us, right? And the transfer exam took place where Instructor Ethan was present, didn’t it?”

“Instructor Ethan isn’t that kind of person. He’s a highly respected noble in Baden.”

“Even the royals treat everyone fairly; will he really consider the commoner’s convenience?”

“We’ll have to wait and see. Oh, look, there’s someone who sparred with the commoner!”

“Andro! Say something. Do you think that commoner guy has the skill to attend Greta Academy?”

Sabbat asked Andro as he approached. Andro had lost to Helmut mercilessly, earning him another chance to spar. While the noble transfer students had formed close friendships with each other before the start of the semester, Andro’s interactions had been limited to the training grounds. Andro’s expression twitched.

“Why are you saying that? That guy passed the test just like us.”

“Yeah, he did pass the test. So, in your opinion, how was his skill?”

Andro’s gaze was filled with unwavering belief that he had won during their sparring match. He didn’t want to admit, even now, that he had been defeated by Helmut.

“There’s no need to doubt his skill.”

Those who had turned their attention to him looked noticeably uncomfortable. Their expressions seemed to say, ‘I knew it.’

“Classes will start soon.”

“Well, we can confirm his skill gradually.”

Sabbat, puzzled by the unexpected response, gave Andro’s shoulder a nudge.

“I didn’t expect you to say that.”

“It’s the truth.”

“Well, it’s possible. The commoner guy might have skill. But he and we are different, you know that, right?”

“Of course.”

Andro’s response was concise. Sabbat smiled.

“Right, that’s enough. Let’s get along from now on. We’ll still see each other after we graduate, right?”

They come from the same empire and come from a sword family. There is a gap in the family, but it is not big. Although he didn’t like Sabbat making a fuss for no reason, Andro nodded.

“Sure.”

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