Chapter 127: The Resolve Has Long Been Made
“Rest, can you kill a person?”
Before participating in this war, I was asked such a question by my father-in-law, Albert Rosemary.
“I know you are exceptionally skilled at killing monsters. That much is clear. However… killing monsters and killing people are two entirely different matters.”
“There are warriors returning from the battlefield whose hearts have shattered from taking lives. Archers and magicians fare a little better, but still…”
“Rest, you are an outstanding magician. Perhaps… in terms of talent, you could rival even the sages of the Council of Sages.”
“Once you become a noble and a subject of the King, you will surely be required to kill many people. Rebels like the ones we face now. Soldiers of invading enemies. Barbarians who attack humans like beasts… You will end up taking countless lives.”
“Do you have the resolve for that?”
“Can you stand on the battlefield?”
“Can you shoot and kill a person?”
“…That’s a conversation for another time, Father-in-law.”
Rest reflected anew on his situation. He realized how fortunate he was to be surrounded by kind people. The members of the Rosemary Marquis House were all gentle souls.
(Because of that… I want to repay everyone. I want to meet their expectations. I want to protect them.)
The Kingdom Army had reached the basin, and the enemy camp was in an uproar. For now, both sides were locked in a tense standoff, waiting to see who would make the first move. According to Richard, the enemy would likely act first. It was advantageous to attack from higher ground. The two armies faced each other across the basin, and the one that moved first would find themselves at a disadvantage.
Even so… the Rebel Army had no choice but to act first. The Kingdom Army held the numerical advantage. If the Rebel Army was to achieve victory… it would have to be at this moment when the Kingdom Army, having traveled far from the Royal Capital, was fatigued from their journey. As time passed, the Kingdom Army’s exhaustion would only lessen. If they remained inactive, they could pretend to construct a fort. The enemy would undoubtedly move to prevent the construction of a fort.
(The enemy will definitely move. And… at that moment, I will unleash my magic upon their ranks.)
That was the command given to him by the Crown Prince. For Rest Clover, a noble boy, this was his first war. His first experience of taking a life.
(Whether we win or lose, people will die. It’s far better for the enemy to die than for my allies to fall.)
By striking the enemy here, Rest could lessen the damage inflicted upon the Kingdom Army. By demonstrating overwhelming power, the enemy might lose their will to fight and avoid death in battle. This was the “Trolley Problem.” A question of who could save the greater number. A matter of whether one could resolve to sacrifice a few to save the many. The answer was already clear. Rest had long since made up his mind to walk the path of a warrior.
“Viscount Clover, the enemy is on the move. Please prepare yourself.”
“Understood. I’m on my way.”
A messenger soldier came to relay the news. Rest stepped out from the tent where he had been waiting and advanced to the front lines of the Kingdom Army, lined up on the hill. As expected, the Rebel Army was preparing to move. Soon, a flood of soldiers would pour from their camp into the basin, eventually charging toward the forces stationed on the hill.
“Star Eater!“
Rest activated his magic. A black sphere appeared before him, reflecting no light… a Dark Star capable of swallowing everything. The Dark Star he conjured began to absorb the surrounding sunlight. The area grew increasingly dark, as if a total eclipse were occurring.
“Oh…!”
“It’s really dark now…!”
“Could it be that a spell to steal light truly exists…?”
A murmur spread among the allied Kingdom Army. Since they had been informed in advance, their agitation was not overwhelming. On the other hand, the enemy camp was in chaos. Darkness had suddenly fallen around them. They scrambled to prepare torches and cast spells for illumination.
(Well, that light will be absorbed too…)
He took his time, gathering the energy of light within the Dark Star. The enemy showed no signs of attacking. If they were to snipe him at this moment, it would be the end.
(No rude enemies would attack during my incantation… or rather, they probably can’t reach me with ordinary magic from that distance.)
“I’m ready… firing now.”
After about a minute, he had gathered enough light. The more light he accumulated, the greater the power, but… he had reached his limit. He could no longer maintain the Dark Star. His mind felt like it was about to short-circuit.
(The target is the enemy’s main camp. However, rather than concentrating the attack entirely, I will spread it out to wipe out the soldiers positioned in front of the main camp as well…!)
“Amaterasu!“
Rest released his magic. A blinding beam of light shot forth from the Dark Star, striking the Rebel Army with a colossal laser.