Chapter 61

The Losers We lost. Did you think we won just because you survived? Don’t be a fool. I took too much damage to maintain my artificial personality. You’re at the end of your rope, too. They broke my core with their fists. There are no excuses. Admit defeat. I’ve never lost to such rabble in my entire life. Not when I was alive, and not after I died and became a spirit. …What? You want to know what kind of person I was? It’s not like you to ask such a question. It’s unsettling. Well, I was no one special. I was the type who pretended to be a hero while only looking out for himself… I suppose you would call that an adventurer in this era. Adventurers are different, you say? Really? I don’t see it. Anyway, I joined the clan and took up my sword to vie for supremacy and hunt monsters. Unfortunately, the clan’s leader decided I was dangerous. He set a trap for me on a monster-hunting trip, and I was killed by fellow clan members. Our current employer saved me, though my physical body was lost. I became a spirit known as White Mask, got my revenge…and you know the rest. Did I feel indebted to him after that, you ask? Heavens no. I would not be surprised if our employer had me dancing in the palm of his hand the entire time. Well, maybe not. I’m not sure he’s capable of such meticulous manipulation. He can be quite an unserious person. I can think of numerous occasions when he’s made sure to let enemies live. I did not use the forbidden weapon out of any sense of duty, either. I felt guilty about turning it on such a useful pawn, but it goes against my nature to leave loose ends on a job. …I think I have about an hour before I disappear completely. I don’t feel much of anything. You want to know if I have regrets? Since when were you the type to ask such deep questions? We’ve known each other for years, but I could count the number of real conversations between us on one hand. To answer your question, no. I’m not like you. You’re the one trapped by regrets. Do what you must to atone for your crimes before you die. I doubt you’ll have long to live after losing the holy armor. What? I’m only speaking the truth. Or did you want me to lie? Find your resolve and get your life back. It’s not too late, even if you don’t have long before you meet your miserable end. Farewell, partner.