The day before the final battle begins.
At the very least, enjoy this opportunity to meet those you know. Heroes have gathered to defeat Pristilla, a "VECON" branded as a destroyer by the Pope and the Grand Justice, who has been temporarily released for that very reason.
"So, are you actually serious?"
The commander asked, her cheeks flushed.
"You aren't even capable of using magic,"
Luxy replied with a laugh.
The commander lived in a military complex next to a green house on the edge of town, near the knights' patrol route. It was an area with a growing economy, yet the glass was broken, the floor creaked with every step, and the oil lamps and hearth were covered in cobwebs, looking difficult to use. The only functioning oil lamp was nearly empty.
All of this for two bronze coins in such a slum—but it was advantageous. The blue flag displayed outside, combined with the knights' patrol route, guaranteed that the safety of this city was tied to its surroundings. In other words, anyone who set foot here was under the protection of the "Elsians," the knight organization that ruled this area.
"I just want to be useful. I want to save people. I might be weak, but I have the will," Luxy laughed out loud.
The commander was a man of mystery. When they first met, he looked like any other fair-skinned man. If you were to ask his age, he should be between fifty and eighty years old. Luxy had met him 14 years ago, yet his appearance had not changed; he still looked like a handsome young man—in fact, he seemed to grow even more handsome.
It wasn't just his age; his birth date and family were also unknown. He was simply a brilliant young man skilled in various fields. His knowledge was truly beyond reason, rivaling that of all researchers; they even acknowledged him. The only thing was, he could not use magic.
The woman seemed to be overreacting.
"Good grief, you can't do anything. Your physical strength is weakening... right?" she said, turning her face away.
"Heieeey... come on. Hey! You're so moody,"
She said with a smile.
"I know," he said weakly.
"Trust me! I'm begging you, give me a chance."
"Oh boy... sigh, listen to me. You aren't a fighter. If the medical staff goes to the front lines, who will take care of the casualties? Why are you being so stubborn!" She slowly reached out and flicked his forehead. Thwack. "Ouch."
"Honestly, you are a strange man. Hmph, what a pain,"
She said, turning back toward the window. She stared at the snow and fell silent.
"ARGH, fine, I'm the one who's wrong. I'm sorry I overdid it," she said with a pout.
Suddenly, he stood up.
"We are going to lose," he said gloomily.
"YOU HAVE NEVER FOUGHT HER! I—even I am not strong enough."
"What do you mea—"
"PRISTILLA IS NOT A LIVING CREATURE."
Silence. He approached her. When he was right before her eyes, he hugged the girl, holding her tightly.
Tears began to fall at that very moment.
"I love you. Please... don't go,"
He said, trembling. She began to lose her smile.
"William, what do you mean?" she asked softly. She turned and stroked his back with love.
"Why are you saying things like that?"
"Pristilla, I..." Suddenly, he went silent, closed his eyes, and cried even harder. Now...