**Chapter 127: The Resolve Has Long Been Made**
“Rest, can you kill a person?”
Before participating in this war, my father-in-law, Albert Rosemary, asked me such a question.
“I know you are quite skilled at slaying monsters. I am well aware of that. However… killing monsters and killing people are two different matters.”
“Among the warriors returning from the battlefield, there are those whose hearts shatter from having taken a life. Archers and mages fare a little better, but still…”
“Rest, you are an exceptional magician. Perhaps… in terms of talent, you could rival even the Sages of the Sage Council.”
“Once you become a noble and serve the king, you will surely be required to kill many people. Rebels like this one. Soldiers of invading enemies. Barbarians who attack 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.”
I thought once more about how fortunate I was to be surrounded by such wonderful people. The House of Marquis Rosemary is filled with kind-hearted individuals.
(That’s why… I want to repay everyone’s kindness. I want to meet their expectations. I want to protect them.)
The kingdom’s army has reached the basin, and the enemy camp is in an uproar. Right now, both sides are locked in a tense standoff, waiting to see who will make the first move. According to Richard, the enemy will likely act first. It is advantageous to attack from higher ground. The two armies face each other on the hills across the basin, and the one that moves first will find themselves at a disadvantage.
Still… the rebel forces have no choice but to act first. The kingdom’s army holds the numerical advantage. If the rebels are to achieve victory… it must be at this moment when the kingdom’s army, having traveled a great distance from the Royal Capital, is fatigued from their march. As time passes, the kingdom’s fatigue will only lessen. If they remain inactive, they might as well pretend to construct a fort. The enemy will undoubtedly move to prevent the construction of a fort.
(The enemy will surely move. And… at that moment, I will unleash my magic upon their ranks.)
That is the command I received from the Crown Prince. For me, Rest Clover, a noble boy, this is my first war. My first experience with 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, the damage to the kingdom’s army will be minimized. By demonstrating overwhelming power, the enemy might lose their will to fight and avoid death. This is the “Trolley Problem.” It raises the question of which side can save the greater number. It is a matter of resolve—can one kill a few to save many? The answer has long been decided. I have already made my choice to walk the path of a warrior.
“Viscount Clover, the enemy has begun to move. Please prepare yourself.”
“Understood. I’m on my way.”
A messenger soldier announces my cue. I step out from the tent where I had been waiting and advance toward the front lines of the kingdom’s army, lined up on the hill. Just as I heard, the rebel forces are about to make their move. Soon, a flood of soldiers will pour from their encampment into the basin, and they will charge at our army positioned on the hill.
“[Star Devourer]”
I activated my magic. A black sphere appeared before me, one that reflects no light… a Dark Star capable of swallowing everything. The Dark Star I conjured began to absorb the surrounding sunlight. The area around us 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 arose from the ranks of the kingdom’s army. Since I had informed them in advance, their agitation was not overwhelming. On the other hand, the enemy camp was thrown into chaos. Suddenly, darkness had fallen around them. They hurriedly prepared torches and cast spells to illuminate their surroundings.
(Well, that light will be swallowed up too…)
I took my time, gathering the energy of light within the Dark Star. The enemy showed no signs of attacking. If they were to snipe me at this moment, it would be the end.
(No rude enemies would attack during my incantation… or rather, normal magic wouldn’t reach from that distance.)
“I’m ready… I will fire.”
After about a minute, I had gathered enough light. The more light I accumulated, the greater the power, but… this was my limit. I could no longer maintain the Dark Star. My mind felt like it was about to short-circuit.
(I’m aiming for the enemy’s main camp. However, instead of concentrating all the power, I’ll spread it out to erase the soldiers positioned in front of the main camp along with it…!)
“[Amaterasu]”
I released my magic. A dazzling beam of light erupted from the Dark Star, striking the rebel forces with a colossal laser.