Episode 8

**Back to the Continent** (大陸へ, *Tairiku e*) is the eighth episode of the Helck Anime series.

## Summary

Helck plays a blindfold-themed game involving a stick and watermelon with the green bird and an island resident. Vermilio sits on a log, eating an apple, while thinking about how her thoughts on Helck have changed since they first met. Moments later, the hefty island resident informs Vermillo that the great Witch has arrived. Hence, Vermilo rushes back to the village chief's house only to find out that she left already because she was tired of waiting. As it turns out, the hefty resident had taken a nap on his way to meet with Vermilo and the group, which he sincerely apologizes for. However, the chief assures them that he informed the Witch of Vermilo's situation and would be happy to meet with them all. To help guide them, Piwi, the name of the green bird, was tasked by the chief to lead Vermilo and Helck to the Witch's hut on top of the mountain.

Eventually, the trio reaches the witch's hut, and Vermilo immediately notes its potent energy as the hut's chimney flares up. Piwi calls out to the Witch, and from the hut exited a larger version of Piwi only with a long pointed top. Vermilo instantly confuses this with the Witch; however, the true person appears before them and confirms her identity. After a scene between Piwi and the Witch, Helck introduces himself to her. During his introduction, the Witch gives Helck a cold stare, but answers that she'll help them and informs them that northwest is the direction their Continent is in. Hearing this makes Vermilo curious as it implies she knows other continents.

The Witch also advises Helck on how harsh the weather conditions can be. Furthermore, she suggests building a proper ship and having plenty of rations for the trip. Helck was perplexed by the advice about the ship and thought that the one he'd built was adequate, but Vermilo thought otherwise. The Witch claimed that the island residents could help with the shipbuilding, and their most difficult challenge would be catching a Corstag. It's explained that it's a creature that heads to and from the Continent from the island, and using it would be vital as no compass would work within the distance to the Continent. To make matters worse, there's a thick fog that's also impossible to see through in that area.

When asked for a picture reference of what the Corstag looks like, the Witch shows Vermilo a book with one and is stocked to realize that it's the same one that Helck fished out. Hence, Helck ran off to try and fetch it. As Helck does that, Piwi and the larger variant prepare dinner, and the Witch invites Vermilo to stay overnight. On the other hand, Vermilo asks the Witch who she is and how she knows the continent's direction, which they're trying to reach, and guesses the Witch once lived on the Continent. The Witch refuses to answer and warns Vermilo about Helck, citing he's far more dangerous than she knows of. She details that Helck would be an exemplary ally at present, but he walks a dark path whose end could mean danger for those who associate with him.

On the day of departure, a boat crafted by the villagers is finished, and to help guide them home are three Corstags, much to Vermilo's chagrin, who demands two be released. After the spare Corstags are released, Vermilo says goodbye to the chief, and Helck learns about the antique charger that'd power the ship to their destination from the Witch.

They then set off to the continent and briefly talk about the Witch, and afterward, they learn that Piwi stowed away on the ship, citing it as the Witch's idea. Vermilo then reads the letter attached to Piwi's neck, which entails that Piwi would be an invaluable asset to their adventure and not to worry that he's not as weak and cowardly as he appears. As Vermilo voices her disdain about Piwi's presence, a giant octopus pops up from the water, and instead of fighting it as Helck had wanted, Vermilo suggests they flee.

Managing to escape a confrontation with the octopus, it's ultimately decided that Piwi should stay with them.

Continuing their sailing, they pass through the thick fog area and, eventually, encounter a storm where they're nearly sucked into a whirlpool and reencounter the giant octopus from before. Stoically, Helck steps forward and claims he'll deal with their adversary.

## Characters

* Vermilio
* Piwi
* Helck
* Azudra (Mentioned)