Much later, Redge grew strong enough to become Zolminal’s subordinate, and the two began teaming up on missions. By this point, they had already gone through quite a lot together.
One day, Zolminal was chosen to become one of the Seven Wicked Knights, the elite squad that directly served the leader of the Granz Empire, the largest nation on the human side. They attended a special military academy, and also met the man who would later become the first member of the Wicked Knights, and Redge’s right hand man. Later, on a mission together, they saved a girl who had been enslaved, and she became attached to them.
Their last day together came abruptly. They were told that it would be a simple mission, but it was clearly more than that.
“What we’re about to do here is evil. It’s no different from what the monsters always do... But if we succeed, it’ll allow us to win all the coming wars with ease. We’ll be able to save thousands of people.”
Their mission was to invade Azur Étoile and steal the Ruinmaker. Zolminal was confident that it wouldn’t be too dangerous, and that the two would be able to succeed without any trouble. But when Redge heard that what they would be doing was no different than the monsters, he hesitated a bit.
The monsters were the ones who had stolen everything from him. At first, he had been fighting only to get revenge, but as of now, he truly wanted to protect the empire. And in order to do that, he couldn’t go on clinging to ideals. Sometimes, it was necessary to dirty one’s hands a little.
A small sacrifice could save thousands. All he had to do was sacrifice one little girl from some other world in order to save his homeland. It was an easy choice. A small price to pay.
And so, Redge buried his reservations beneath deceitful rationalizations. For the sake of his mentor, his homeland, the people he wanted to protect, and the vile monsters he wanted to destroy, Redge had no choice but to do it.
He changed his focus from his excuses to the mission at hand, and invaded another world. Khaos Schwartz had invaded Semuleice before, but never Azur Étoile, so there was no telling what would happen. It was said that Azur Étoile was an underdeveloped world in terms of star sorcery, so it couldn’t be considered a threat.
...Or so they thought.
In the end, Zolminal lost his life during the mission, and they failed to steal the Ruinmaker. Before they left their world, they had received a report stating that the Ruinmaker had not fully awakened, and that a compatible wielder hadn’t been found – but that hadn’t been the truth at all.
Redge blamed himself. He’d become intoxicated with a cheap sense of justice, and failed to fulfill his duty in a calm, composed manner. He should have emptied his mind and taken on the foe with all his might. Even if things had ended up in the same manner, he would have at least known that he had done all he could.
Instead, he lost sight of his goal – and lost his one and only mentor. He would never be whole again.
“I can’t believe he lost to a star sorcerer from some underdeveloped world.” The members of the faction that had clashed with Zolminal mocked his death, without any knowledge of what had actually transpired that day.
Redge couldn’t let it go. And so, he made a vow. He would complete the mission that Zolminal had started, and restore his reputation. Then, he would get revenge on the Ruinmaker wielder who killed his mentor.
After that incident, Redge continued to rack up military successes, and climbed the ranks at an unprecedented speed.
✦ ✦ ✦
Redge sat up. It felt like he had just seen a very long, ponderous dream.
“Lord Redge, how do you feel?”
“...Fine. Give me the latest report. Where are the remaining Knights?”
“Fortier and Typhon are out on a mission, as are Meile and Neige. Grom has been recovered, and I think Valt should be finished healing him soon.”
Valt Mastigio was the fifth of the Seven Wicked Knights. Since she specialized in healing star sorcery, she was considered to be especially valuable. Valt was to be on healing duty after Redge’s group returned from Azur Étoile, so she began her journey back to the castle while they were gone. On her way back, she was attacked by monsters, so Redge was forced to hurry back to Khaos Schwartz and save her.
“Good work. As soon as the healing is finished, we’ll immediately head back to Azur Étoile.”
“...Yes, my lord.” It seemed like Elemia wanted to say something else, but she remained silent.
She probably wanted to suggest that Redge rest for a little longer, but he wouldn’t stand for it.
Just a little more... I’m almost there, Zol...
At long last, the revenge he had been waiting for was just around the corner.