#20
Helmut
Episode 20
The farther Helmut got from Elaga’s territory, the more difficult it became for Helmut.
Although it was a predictable situation, I couldn’t rest comfortably even for a moment because of the charging monsters.
I couldn’t sleep because it was comfortable, and even when I quenched my thirst by the water, I had to focus on my nerves.
In the Forest of Pahe, Helmut once again realized what it was like to be human.
That he was truly lucky to survive.
‘But I didn’t know you’d be so tired.’
There were no monsters in Elaga’s territory that could dare attack Helmut. Except when he attacked a monster.
However, Helmut, who is outside Elaga’s territory, is just a human.
A small, weak-looking human that looks like it could be swallowed in one bite!
In the forest of Pahe, humans are nothing but prey. It was said to have the scent of a powerful monster, but it was not a familiar scent.
Unable to overcome their appetite, they bared their teeth and attacked Helmut from time to time. It doesn’t matter whether you are weak or strong.
Anyway, food supply was smooth.
“If it’s someone of Naho’s level, I can cut him down without any problem.”
Helmut, who had gained practical experience, muttered as he tore into the meat.
You can protect yourself with demonic energy, but among the monsters that attacked Helmut, none of them knew how to properly protect themselves. He thought he would have strengthened teeth or nails.
What I realized again was that there were not many monsters who knew how to control demon energy.
Only when it became a mature monster was it able to manipulate demon energy at will and carry it to body parts, strengthen parts of its body, or move quickly.
He uses the demonic energy that overflows in his body in a childlike, simple way.
The vis that Helmut possessed was a power that could not be said to be greater than the magic power of the monsters that attacked him.
However, Helmut gathered Vis into his sword and cut down the bodies that were just lumps of demonic energy with a single sword.
Helmut cut them down as easily as cutting meat without consuming much vis. Extremely efficient use of power.
“Is this the power of humans?”
Weak body, strength incomparable to that of monsters.
However, humans can overcome restrictions by manipulating vis. Helmut learned how to use Vis efficiently from the beginning.
If other humans were like that, the outside world would be interesting.
Thinking of his opponents, Helmut bared his teeth and smiled.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
I wanted to become strong in order to get out of the Forest of Pahe. But I don’t think that alone will be satisfactory.
I wanted to become stronger. So much so that there is no need to fear anyone like Elaga who reigns in the forest of Pahe.
So even if it was known that he had a seed of darkness, the temple would not dare do anything about it.
“I have to go now.”
Helmut stood up. As he ate his fill, his stamina recovered somewhat.
The closer you get to the edge of Pahe Forest and the sacred barrier, the fewer monsters there are.
As the demonic energy existing in the atmosphere collides with the sacred barrier and is burned, the environment naturally becomes unfriendly to demons.
It was better to hurry along the route to save stamina. They cut down the bastards in this area and piled up their bodies, but they were not the type of bastards capable of protecting their senses in the face of human prey.
Monsters were slowly gathering. If I wanted to rest my tired body, I had to get to the barrier quickly.
I know the direction. I don’t know how long it will take.
“Not much time left.”
Helmut, who spoke encouragingly, moved his legs again. It was a quick step, like running.
*
Helmut’s forced march lasted four days. I was on the verge of collapsing from exhaustion.
Helmut, who faced a fairly strong monster and had a hard time with much of his stamina exhausted, soon fell asleep on the floor as if he were dead.
After waking up, Helmut was relieved that he was alive. If another monster had appeared, he would have died.
Only then did Helmut realize that I had come close to the barrier.
“There are monsters living around here, right?”
Helmut closed his eyes and read the atmosphere around him.
The atmosphere was quiet, as if the fight between Elaga and Naho had come to an end, or if it had entered a zone where it could no longer be felt. Unintentionally, I slept well and my physical condition improved.
‘If this continues, I will be able to jump into the barrier in almost perfect condition.’
Helmut started walking again in the same direction he had been going. It was a cautious, not fast, step.
The demonic energy that felt blurry became completely thinner as it got closer to the barrier.
The air without demonic energy was unfamiliar yet fresh to Helmut. It feels like the acrid smoke has disappeared.
‘It’s not bad.’
I think Elaga would hate it.
Since demonic energy and energy coexist, it was not a good place to practice Vis. In particular, Helmut harbors sprouts of darkness.
I didn’t feel it at first, but gradually I felt a strange foreign body feeling that was getting in my way.
If it hadn’t been for the buds of darkness being wrapped in viscosity, it wouldn’t have ended up being so annoying.
‘The sacred barrier is already excluding the sprouts of darkness.’
When he passes through the sacred barrier, he will be struck by tremendous pain. He had to come to his senses.
‘Is that why Darian treated me harshly? To develop patience.’
How long did I walk while thinking about this and that? Helmut, who was moving forward while calming his nerves, heard a familiar sound.
‘Sound of water?’
It is not the sound of a babbling stream, but the sound of rushing water.
Helmut followed the sound as if fascinated. The sound grew louder, and a large valley appeared before his eyes.
A vast stream of water flowing along the slope. It seemed that all the water flow in the forest of Pahe converged here.
And at the end of the current, a hazy sky was visible. An empty space blocked by something opaque, and a cliff.
Water was falling down from the cliff.
“It’s a waterfall!”
Helmut made a loud noise without realizing it. A surge of joy spread through his heart.
How long have I been waiting for this moment?
The hardships I had gone through before coming here flashed through my mind like a flash of light.
Helmut kept his distance and looked into the water.
There probably aren’t any monsters living here because it’s close to the barrier, but I’m checking just in case.
Suddenly, my vision darkened. Did night suddenly come?
No, a pitch-black shadow covered him entirely.
Helmut urgently raised his gaze upward. My vision was dark. It was like the moon covering the sun.
huge bird.
As it spread its wings and descended further and further down, the aftereffects of its wings turned into strong winds that shook the surface of the water.
The huge bird fluttered down and landed. A graceful and light gesture that seems to defy gravity. Fur of brilliant colors like a rainbow.
It was uniquely beautiful among all the monsters I had ever seen, but its appearance and good intentions were not proportional.
I could feel a terrifying magical energy coming from the guy folding his wings.
What is certain is that it is not an ordinary monster.
-What business does a human child have in my territory?
Although the voice was pretending to be friendly, Helmut did not let down his guard. Naho also had a kind tone of voice.
Most monsters do not view humans as anything more than prey.
It was surprising that Elaga did not eat human meat.
‘There’s a monster so close to the sacred barrier. For some reason, I thought the warlock would obediently tell me.’
If you are this close to the barrier, the energy of purification will eat away your demonic energy.
If it were a monster, I would feel something horribly disgusting. I didn’t know if there would be a monster that would take that risk and appear.
Either it’s a perverted taste, or it’s strong enough to withstand the barrier.
The bird asked, tilting its head with interest and looking at Helmut.
-My name is Ygrel. What is your name?
“Helmut.”
‘Someone else’s Ygrel. It’s a name I’ve heard of. ‘It’s a mountain beyond a mountain.’
First of all, it doesn’t seem hostile. However, after crossing Lake Luo, he was the ruler of the southern region.
Helmut glanced toward the valley and measured the estimate. Even if you somehow jump in there, it would be difficult to escape its attack.
Passing through the sacred barrier in that state would be tantamount to suicide.
Did Ygrel and Elaga have a good or bad relationship?
If it’s the former, there’s nothing to look forward to, but if it’s the latter, it’s the worst.
-You smell familiar. The smell of blood is faint, but it is an unforgettable smell. Yes, it has a strong scent of Naho. And it’s fainter, but it seems like it’s been a long time… … Is this Elaga? Interesting. The relationship between Naho and Elaga is very bad. A human being covered in the scent of those two guys!
Ygrel’s eyes lit up.
-Tell me, kid. Are you of Elaga’s household or of Naho’s household?
The bird’s whisper was so bright that it seemed to captivate my ears.
“I am a member of Elaga’s household.”
Helmut decided to be honest. In any case, Elaga would have a better reputation than Naho. If not, you’ll be in trouble.
-okay? So what you’re saying is that Elaga’s family has invaded my territory.
Ygrel’s eyes became sharp. A sense of intimidation descended on Helmut like a mountain, along with enormous magical energy.
That is a threat that only a being holding a lifeline can pose.
“Elaga didn’t order it. “There was a reason.”
-reason? Is there any reason why I should keep you alive? say it.
The tone of voice seems to suggest that one should prepare a will. As if he wanted to say something if he could.
Helmut desperately shook his head.
Elaga said something about Ygrel. Helmut searched his memories.
When Elaga was young, she told Helmut, who never slept, about the rulers of the realm who lived in the Forest of Pahe.
-There is a guy named Ygrel in the south, and he looks flashy. It’s a bird with colorful feathers. You’ll know it when you see it. That guy is extremely curious. Perhaps because he has lived so long, he will do anything to satisfy my curiosity. He would be able to do crazy things like push himself over the barrier.
‘It’s called curiosity.’
Helmut had one thing that might pique Ygrel’s curiosity.
