Crimson Checkmate

Blast... It hasn't even been a week and I already want to go home.

Hmm? You have a 'home' to go back to? Then tell us, o' prestigious one, how did the young master end up in the mud like us?

Hey, it's just something people say! Who said you even need a home to want to go back... home? Ugh, whatever.

Hmph, imbeciles. How did an elite like me end up in the same camp as these halfwits...

Friends! Buddies! Pals! Let's not fight amongst ourselves. This place is home to all of us now.

And who the hell is this guy?

Oh, Lucas! So you enlisted, too? Nice to know training won't be as much of a drag with you around!

You're already putting weight on my shoulders? Haha, I'll try not to disappoint, but don't get your hopes up too high.

Two's company, three's a crowd... And I'm crowded by idiots... Why?

W-wait a minute... That guy— his eyes...! Look at his eyes! Oh no, don't tell me...

*whistle* Haven't seen that type of reaction in a while.

Oh, that? Ah, it's fine, cut him some slack. He's just a funny dude.

I stand corrected. It's two idiots and one coward... Does it get any worse?

Alright, y'know what— Hey, you with the imaginary friend! You wanna come say that to my face?!

...I see my brother still has a knack for attracting all the noise.

To your positions!

!

As briefed beforehand, today we will conduct special training in a battlefield environment identical to the real thing. All of you will be put to the ultimate test.

Look at the topographic map in front of you. This is the battlefield that we will be deployed to — a regulated Chaos that is completely closed off to the public.

Your mission is simple. You've got six hours starting now to find and recover the mission flag hidden somewhere in this sector.

Is that clear?

Ma'am!

Alright, it's good to know everyone here has a functioning brain above their shoulders.

For this training, you will move in squads of three, and each squad will have one assigned 'commander.'

Your survival hinges on the commander's orders. Follow them to the letter while on mission.

Any questions?

Ma'am!

...You've got guts. Identify yourself.

Yes, ma'am...! Uh... I'm a recent graduate of Ironrain's Advanced Tactics Academy, and—

Enough. Your question?

I... uhm... it's about how the squads will be divided—

The squad formations have already been decided from our superiors. Your call signs have all been updated to your equipment. Make sure you prepare thoroughly and don't forget to check if your comms work properly.

The mission will commence at 0400 hours. Current time, 0315.

We've got a twenty-minute move, then we infiltrate. All personnel, gear up and stand by!

Ma'am, yes ma'am!

Tch, and here I hoped we had less idiots this year... This lot is no different.

So, our imaginary friend's best man over here was also a 'dweeb' like us. We haven't even started and he's already shootin' for the commander's disdain.

Your sorry ass had us standing around in this dust-infested field longer than we needed to! Man, you really know how to push buttons.

Hey, my new brother-in-arms, wait for me.

How dare they look down on me...

...Anyone but them. Please.

...Yep, I knew this was going to happen.

What are you looking at?! Got a problem?

Me? Psh, no, how could I? I was just admiring how I was teamed up the local deadweight.

You cynical son of a— I'M the one who had the guts to ask a question and you dare look down on ME?!

*sigh*

I wonder how my brother's doing.

Ahaha... Let's do our best.

Our 'best?' What 'best?' This type of life and I don't work well together!

Can't say it's any better over there.

I see you've all got time for idle chatter?

Do not mistake this for some casual outing. Snap to it and move out!

What is up with the new recruits this time around...

Okay, yeah. This is still inside a Chaos, even if it's just training.

I should focus on my own situation first.

Greggion's confident words were no bluff.

While this relationship started off one-sided, I eventually came to enjoy my chess sessions with the Protos.

When he told me he'd teach me chess, he did keep his word, but it was truly just the most fundamental rules before I was thrown into a real match.

He never tried to teach me things, and he always gave it his all. Honestly, I truly appreciated his approach.

You're here. So, were you able to learn something from your last lesson?

I'm still warming up to it.

Hahaha! Excellence in ambition! Come, have a seat. I'll show you an even better play than yesterday.

...Interesting. 'Gambit,' is it?

What is that?

The strategy that you are trying to execute right now is called the 'Queen's Gambit' in chess.

You deliberately offer up a pawn, and if your opponent accepts, you gain control of the center of the board.

I assume this is the first time you've heard of this strategy?

Yes, since this 'chess' is still new to me.

Then... I shall gladly accept your show of good faith.

...So you know fully what I aim to do and still set yourself up for it.

You are already well aware of how to use your tools.

The value of a pawn versus the value of controling the center... You already understand what's important and are always looking at the bigger picture.

Well...isn't that how it usually goes?

Haha, very unlikely! Most people end up losing their reason, buried in petty sacrifices.

One must always be prepared to give up their tools — be it the pawn, the rook, or even the queen herself. However, most will put too much weight on losing them.

The pawn in your hand would find that disheartening to hear.

Hahaha, who plays chess while taking into consideration how their pawn would feel?

Hmph, you have a point.

Do you remember what I told you about the tactic you tried to play last week?

Yes, the Boden's Mate.

Mhm. You checkmated me by using your two bishops.

However, what I wanted to point out was not your usage of the technique itself.

It was how you sacrificed your queen to make the opening for the Boden's Mate to work.

I believe it is quite common to sacrifice one or two pieces if it'll bring you victory.

No, what you did was distract me with your brazen sacrifice. You certainly got one over on me.

To sacrifice your strongest piece for the sake of victory. I learned something that day.

Well... no matter the piece, they're all just tools to help you win the game.

And you're not wrong. You, my boy, have a knack for cutting through the fluff.

You're the kind of person who can limit even your opponent's choices to the boundaries that you yourself regulate.

And being able to respond to all the variables that come your way — that is a tried-and-true commander.

You flatter me too much...it's only a game.

Haha! And when you replace each of these pieces with, let's say, your subordinates? Then it's a battlefield.

Look here, I have a 'you.' Why don't you greet one another?

...And then I'll swap this out for a queen.

...? What's this about?

Did I never tell you? This is called a 'promotion.' When you take your pawn to the other end of the board, you can change it to a piece of your choosing.

...You didn't just make that up on the spot, did you?

Absolutely not. You've heard of heroes forged in turmoil, have you not? This is likely this game's iteration of that.

And stuff like that actually happens on the frontlines?

A simple soldier suddenly transforms into some exemplary general? Someone on par with the capabilities of these queens?

Hahaha! Do you think all generals are born with their ranks?

People... often learn more from the deaths of others than you'd believe.

They become more... earnest when they lose people they care for, and it's within that earnesty where they realize their 'true self.'

I understand that what I just said may be difficult to comprehend, but you'll understand what I mean after you've experienced war.

... I still find this 'promotion' hard to believe, but so be it.

Enough complaining then. Show me how you'll overcome your predicament.

Impress me!

I lost again. Isn't it boring to be winning all the time?

... I still enjoy our matches, sir.

There's no need to be so humble. I'm often reminded of the first time we started all this.

Back then, I got a kick out of teasing you. But now I realize I've raised a wolf among sheep.

... I was only lucky. All I did was—

I know, I know... mister 'lucky-every-day' ordinary soldier.

...

I'm not sure if you remember, but today was our final game. Let me give you a reward for keeping up your win streak until the end.

Oh right, you're leaving on a field operation next week, aren't you?

Have you prepared thoroughly? No complaints that you're being thrown out onto the frontlines so soon?

Given that the operation comes directly from you, I trust there must be a valid reason.

Hehe, I guess I should thank you for your trust.

The conversations we've had here will certainly aid you on this mission.

So I hope you don't forget about these sessions.

Understood, sir.

Attention all units! We will begin Operation "Hunt" at 0600 hours today.

Squads 1 through 8 will all be deployed at set intervals, starting from the north and straight along to the east.

Squad 1 will patrol the northern borders, and Squad 2 will provide Squad 1 with back-up when needed, and...

We usually have one or two squads moving together... Why are they separating us for this one?

This is a problem... No one in Squad 4 can keep up with my talents...

What the hell?! I just got used to our time here and they decide to throw us out there right away like this?! I'm in Squad 5, so I guess I'm in the safest one?

As boisterous as ever. Hey, Lucas, which Squad are you in?

Hahaha, same as Mr. Attitude over there in Squad 5. You?

I'm with 7. I've been paired with Luke again.

Your lil' bro's pretty amazing, you know! He got acknowledged way back when and has been receiving personal lessons from the Protos for a while now.

Oh, so Luke is in Squad 7! I heard about his run-in with the Protos, too.

So, it was true... He's always been good at everything.

But, he's still got a lot more work to do if he wants to catch up with me!

Huh? I thought you would have heard everything from Luke? He didn't tell you?

I've always known he likes keeping to himself, but I didn't think he'd keep stuff from his own brother. Talk about being cold.

Haha, no need to worry. I'm always keeping an eye out for him, so I hear about everything eventually.

He may act cold, but he's way too nice at heart, so he'll never be one to turn his back.

...!

Ain't that right?

Once you arrive at your posts, each of you are to proceed with your duties. Comms will be handled by each squad's RTO, who'll be reporting at the top of the hour every hour, and...

Heh, so this really is the real thing. Aren't you getting the jitters?

Our enemies are the notorious Invaders, the same ones who took the lives of so many of our soldiers... Will I make it out of this alive?

Woah, this is a side of you I haven't seen. C'mon, we've already graduated from recruit training.

Haha, yeah, that wasn't like me at all. Putting too much thought into things was always Luke's thing anyway.

Hey, if you're that worried, how about you and I match our radio frequencies so that we can relay messages when needed?

We've got extra comms in case of emergency, so changing the frequencies to each others shouldn't be that big of a deal.

Luke, heads!

...!

Use that to talk with your brother. Hey Lucas, you too. If anything goes down, talk to Luke about it, okay?

I'll have you know I hate it when guys that I like being around are awkward with each other. You two better be two peas in a pod by the time we get back.

The hell you doing, man?! We're moving out as soon as everyone's gathered. Get your asses over here!

Yeah, on our way!

Ahem...! Luke!

Be careful, alright? And make sure to reach out to your big bro if you're in trouble. Got it?!

...

Ha ha ha!

Urgh... Damn it...

...Can you move? You look seriously hurt.

The enemy numbers were greater than expected. Don't let pride get in the way.

I dunno... Argh... I can barely walk, but I don't think I can keep up with everyone else.

Go on without me. I'll find a place to hide in the meanwhile.

It's too dangerous to leave you alone out here.

I'm fine, man! It's embarrassing enough that I'm falling behind already, I don't need to be protected like a baby.

...

Huh? That must be Lucas.

This is Squad 7, I repeat, this is Squad 7. Lucas, what is it?

Hey... Are you okay...?! Are you hurt anywhere?

A few of my squadmates were injured, but I'm fine.

*sighs*... I'm happy you sound okay... That's a relief.

Over here, it's... it's an absolute mess. It seems we were the first squad to advance.

We're being swarmed by Invaders left and right...

Haha, I haven't given up yet, but it certainly feels like there's no getting out of this one.

...!

Lucas, you need to focus. It's crucial that you get a hold of yourself.

Wait for me. I'm coming to you.

What?! No, you have to stick to the plan and do things on your side—

So you've decided then? I can't say I look forward to what'll happen when we return to base.

...That's fine.

Guys, sorry, but could you look after him? Get somewhere safe and stay hidden.

When we return to base...I'll take full responsibility.

What responsibility! If it's for Lucas, he's helped me out before during training once...

Don't worry about us. Go help him.

...Thanks.

Off like an arrow... Truly, just like Lucas said—his nature's a good one.

Urgh...! Hold this leg for me.

Yeah, let's hunker down in the bushes over there...!

There was no way to pinpoint Greggion's location with the map alone.

I have to read his movements. To Greggion, the most safest place to be would be...

If I think back to his habits when we played chess...

The castling...!

That's right. He'd always prioritize keeping his king safe and would move it to the corner.

Haha... The amount of pawns he'd go through just to make it there.

I think I've pinned down the final few possibilities. I should head out soon.

He'll be at his weakest when he thinks he's the most safe he'll be.

So that rules out this place. And from what I have left... two more places.

But... once I do find him... what do I really want to even do?

Hey, you're going to enlist...?!

...It's been a while, Lucas.

What's gotten to you, man? You never even wanted to be a mercenary!

Well, since there's nothing I aspire to be, I just thought I'd just follow orders.

You "just thought"— It's that simple?!

Do I need to have some sort of fanatic convictions or something?

I don't want to hear it from you, Lucas. I can't say that enlisting just to chase after a girl you fell for is any better.

...Kgh!

Don't worry. It's not like I'm afraid of the training anyway.

That's not it. If you enlist... you'll inevitably end up with a gun in your hands.

A weapon that can kill people, Luke.

...

It's the same weapon that took Mom and Dad from us.

Don't you remember how much we hated those people back then?

By enlisting in the army, we are setting ourselves up to potentially become just another like them.

Are you really okay with this?

Yeah, I've already thought about that much.

I won't change my mind, no matter what you say, Lucas. Stop trying to convince me.

...Fine, I won't go against you enlisting.

But just promise me one thing.

That you'll only ever use a weapon to protect another.

You must never... NEVER use a gun for the sake of killing them.

Lucas, if war breaks out, that's not even an optio—

I know what I'm asking is ridiculous! But I still want us to live a different life... I want you to promise me.

...Fine, you probably won't ever let this go if I don't anyway.

Thanks, Luke.

...I'm leaving, then.

That I'll only ever use a weapon to protect another...

I'm sorry, Lucas. I guess I'm going to have to break our promise.

Not here either...? There's only one place left then.

...ke. Luke...! ...ar me? ...hear...! Damn, is it broken?!

...! Lucas?! Are you alright?

Haha, I barely found a place to hide and I'm camping it out. How about you? Are you alright?

I'm fine. It's a relief to know that you're safe.

Are you with the others? How are they doing?

I'm alone.

...I've almost arrived at my destination. I'll hang up for now.

Wait, your destination? What are you doing away from your squad in the first place?

...Don't tell me you're wound up in something dangerous...

Lucas, take care of yourself.

Now there's no going back.

What I hadn't realized then, was that my brother chose his way of life in order to protect us.

...Yeah, it's due time that I be the one to help him instead now.

There was no way to pinpoint Greggion's location with the map alone.

I have to read his movements. To Greggion, the most safest place to be would be...

If I think back to his habits when we played chess...

The castling...!

That's right. He'd always prioritize keeping his king safe and would move it to the corner.

Haha... The amount of pawns he'd go through just to make it there.

I think I've pinned down the final few possibilities. I should get a move on.

...I need to get the jump on him when he believes he's safe.

*sigh* So he's not here either.

There're too many monsters... I'm not making much headway.

Luke...! Can you hear me?

Yeah, what is it?

I was able to leave the Chaos, but not before they relocated the Waypoint. I think they had to because of the Invaders.

I'll send you the coordinates now.

...Thanks.

Luke, I was wondering.

I did tell you to go stop Greggion... but what are you planning to do when you meet him?

Are you planning to kill him?

...

If you're concerned because of that promise we made, I—

Haha, you've always been sharp.

Back when we first enlisted, I asked you to only wield your weapon to protect another.

Because the moment we use our weapons just for the sake of killing... it would make us no different from the ones that murdered our parents.

Yeah, I haven't forgotten so could you stop bringing that up?

No, that's not what I mean. Luke, let's adjust the terms of that promise.

...!

I'm not saying that it's outright okay to kill someone.

It's just... at least consider every other possibility before you go through with it.

If you've racked your brain about everything and yet 'that' remains the only option...

Then I won't fault you for going through with it.

However, let me take on whatever results from that with you.

I might not be the most dependable person out there, but as your brother, let me have this much.

What made you change your mind?

Well, for starters, you're much smarter than I am. If you of all people can't come up with any other option, then what more is there to say.

If you deem that going through with that is the only way, I just don't want you to shoulder anything unnecessary.

Okay, good luck out there. Brother.

*sigh* I still can't make heads or tails if he's an idiot or not...

He makes it sound like he's easing up, but meanwhile, he just made things harder.

Was no one able to find it?

Bummer. It was quite valuable to me, too.

Y-you think we should go back and look for it quickly...?

Protos, sir! I apologize for speaking out like this, but our commander next to you has an injury. Could we—

There's no need to worry about that.

The Dark Star's ambush, the warehouse that the soldiers passed by — all of that was a part of your training.

N-no way...

So, what happened, commander. Didn't you tell me that there was someone worth my time here today?

I've carved out precious time to come all this way... and with nothing to gain, I find myself displeased.

I regret having disappointed you, dear Protos.

I did believe we had at least one within these ranks...

Is he the one?

...Sir? Oh, yes, sir...!

You, come closer.

...The air's getting tense.

Yes... 'the cipher with your bare eyes.' It seems you have impressive eyesight, hahaha!

I advise you come up with an excuse worthy enough to convince me.

Because depending on your answer...

The commander may or may not see tomorrow.

...!

H-he...! It's the cipher that—

I believe I asked him.

...

...I was able to decode the cipher that was set up where the paths split.

Hm, just because of that?

Sir, please, please...!

With my bare eyes! I believe that is why the commander spoke highly of me.

Yes... 'the cipher with his bare eyes.' It seems you have impressive eyesight, hahaha!

Well, as someone who's only heard of this remarkable achievement of yours, I find myself unimpressed...

But I guess it was enough to have won over the commander's approval. Don't you think so?

...Yes, I am grateful.

I have no impression of it myself, but you're still someone the commander vouched for... You've quite the ambiguous talent.

...I apologize for not being able to meet your standards.

There's nothing to apologize for. Since there was nothing I was expecting from you anyways.

You may return.

Thank you, sir.

However...

Uggk...!

Someone has to pay the price for stealing my precious time and for ruining my mood.

Sir...?!

Tch, and I liked this jacket, too.

Commander, next time, how about you bring me a recruit that has a talent to 'die... without all this sordid sputtering,' hmm?

...!

Luke!!!

W-what the h—...! Medic...! Call a medic!

...This repugnant screeching. Get rid of them all.

N...o... You... piece of—!

...Commander.

Sir!

As I mentioned earlier, I honestly did not look forward to meeting any recruit who could live up to my expectations.

Once I return to the Empire from this deployment, I will have a lot of unfortunate things to report.

I am rather unsure whether Ironrain will continue to receive the assistance of other Protos when that time comes... Quite heartbreaking.

As someone who was brought up by the Ironrain myself... you can't imagine how much this saddens me.

Th-there's still more training sessions active at the moment, sir! I'm sure that if you spare some more time—

Enough. I've already squandered my precious hours here.

Of course, sir! Take care, sir!

Dammit... So what if he's from Ironrain when he's spouting those empty words... He treats us like we're insects...!

C-Commander... What do we do about the recruits? Should we at least get them some first-aid...?

Ha! Those two are riddled with holes, and this one here took one straight through the heart. They'll be meeting their maker enough.

Just stuff them somewhere before others see them. You got that?!

Ma'am!

You've got... to be kidding me...

Me...? Going out... like this...? *cough*

They always boasted... about how smart I was... but here I am... dying pathetically...

The guys at home... will probably feel ashamed they ever... thought so... haha...

LUKE!

Are you insane?! Stay right here unless you want to end up like the rest of them—

Lucas...

LET GO OF ME! I need to get to him... I NEED TO SAVE HIM! Shit, shit... SHIT!!

Ah, so this is what regret was. Heh, I never thought I'd actually fully understand this emotion... but I guess I was wrong.

I'm sorry... Lucas. I've always... wanted to apologize...

Hey, did you hear? That recruit's got visitation today.

Oh, the guy that shot his superior? I'm surprised it got approved given his offense.

I think it's his brother. Heard they were both trained together.

I guess that adds up. Who else would come all the way out to this backwater hellhole just to see a death row inmate?

...About that. Do we know for sure if he's on death row? Several appeals for clemency have come in.

What good that'll do. You think they're really going to let him off the hook when he killed a Protos? People of that caliber are few and far between.

They say even the military court can't do anything about it.

Poor kid. Why would such a youngster do something like that. I heard he was even the Protos' protégé or something.

Quite obvious, really. I heard the Protos was at it again, sending his subordinates off to the meat grinder. His way of weeding out the worthless.

So he comes up with operations just to get rid of people? What the hell?

What, you think all them high up there are philanthropists?

This place is full of bastards who wouldn't think twice about killing their subordinates just to sate their mood.

That one just happened to snap, what with the young ambitious blood pumping through his veins, probably. The rumors all mention he did it to get revenge for all his colleagues that died.

Hah? But to kill your superior...? Why would he squander his life this way? Still so young.

If you feel sorry for him, go grab the door quickly so we can squeeze whatever visitation time we can get him. This might be his last one, too.

Hey you, get up. You've got a visitor.

...

Luke! What took you so long? Wow, these chairs here aren't so bad, are they? Comfy.

...Lucas, how did you...

You and I are still in the same training grounds so even if I tripped and fell, I'd probably end up at these doorsteps. What would keep me from coming?

But I have to say, finding my way here was a doozy. Man, they must've set this place up like this on purpose to disincentivize jailbreaks.

...

Ah—... My bad, my bad. I went a little overboard with that one. Heh, guess I soured the mood...

... Just be yourself. You're here because you have something to say, aren't you?

Mmm... Ah! The guys and I filed a petition this time. Well, I guess it was more like me strong-arming them to sign it!

Hehe, how about it! Are you not impressed by your big bro's congeniality? There's not many people who can do what I do, you know.

Ugh... Stop it. Please.

You want me to stop? Hey, do you think I'm not keeping count of how many times you've called me stupid—

Lucas, I committed a crime. I deserve the punishment that follows.

...

...Can I ask why?

Before we enlisted, I made you promise... I practically begged you...

...

The Protos, he... He used our squadmates as bait.

Everyone that died, it was because of him— ...No, it was because of him... and me.

Cut the crap. Why are you putting yourself in the same shoes as him?!

The one that put you in that life-or-death situation, that was me.

That strategy was born from those damned three years I spent playing chess with him!

Do you get it now!? You almost died because of me!

Is that it...? IS THAT WHY YOU DID THIS!?

Was killing that piece of trash with your own hands, and getting yourself arrested and killed, the end of your atonement?!

What about me? What about the me that tried to look after you and give you whatever better life I could? All we have left is each other, but did you ever stop to think about me!?

Look at me properly, Luke! Did you ever put me before yourself, even once?!

I'm sure... that there was another way to go about this.

...Maybe. But I went with the only option I had.

Because I didn't want to get dragged into that filthy scheme and become the same kind of person as him.

Regrets...?

...I don't have regrets.

I... I can't forgive you yet for making such a rash decision.

...I know.

But... fine. One day, I'll be able to forgive you for all this.

You and I are brothers, and that will never change.

Just forget about me, Lucas. From now on, live for yourself—

YOU can give up on yourself if you want, but I will never give up on you.

I'll find a way to get you out of here... so stay alive until then.

I'll see you soon.

It's not like I truly believed that you'd give up on me.

You never change... do you? Lucas.

Yeah, someone had to destroy the chessboard entirely.

Even if I too were to be destroyed simultaneously.

Congratulations for arriving at the truth, Captain.

Knowing you, I truly believed that you would be able to make it to the true ending.

I was able to keep my promise with Lucas while also dealing with the issue in my own way.

...It was something I contemplated about over and over again as I made my way to Greggion.

Hmph, if my genes gave me the same brain as my brother, I'd probably be rotting in a cell somewhere and we wouldn't be having this conversation.

Well... I also couldn't get over the fact that if I did take him on directly, I'd end up becoming the same person he was.

Repaying with murder as an act of revenge is, in the end, just using a human life for the sake of my own convenience.

The operation obviously ended up a failure. Ironrain lost their valuable Protos and whatnot.

At least, because of that, there were a lot more of us that returned alive than was projected.

Of course, all of us were demoted.

I almost got close with them.

Well, I say "almost" because—

Luke! Get over here, quick! There's something you gotta see!

...

Hey, I know you're listening! Grr, jackass is ignoring us again!

He~ey! Let me apologize on my brother's behalf. C'mon, how about we calm down a little?

I try to get along with that guy but it's just impossible! He just looks at us like we're just... like we're just air...!

Oh, no, no. The air contains oxygen important to people. If you're looking for a more apt comparison... Hmm, probably, he looks at us like we're just insects, wouldn't you say?

Hey...! The truth can hurt, you know! You don't have to bring it out into the open like that!

When we returned, I went back to my usual attitude and just ignored them. It seems they grew tired of my personality and distanced themselves.

I can leave since we're done here, right?

I've just spoken a years worth of conversation with you, Captain. I need to get some rest. Now.

Oh, and everything we talked about today... I'm the only one that knows, so I strongly urge you to keep it strictly confidential. Especially to Commander Beryl.

Thanks, Captain.

What is it?

...Captain, wasn't the point of this session to talk about my trauma?

That much intel should be more than enough for the Captain to make use of in the mission.

The less talk, the better. Let's leave the unrelated aside.

But... I'll leave it at, 'Lucas brought her over one day and introduced us.'

Then, I'll head out first.

Hey, Luke! It's been a while, buddy!

What do you want, Lucas.

Ice cold as always, haha... But I doubt you can keep that attitude when you find out why I came for you!

Luke, your trusty big bro has someone to introduce to you!

...I believe I already told you that I have no need for contrived acquaintances.

Woah, it's not like that...! It's actually related to work. Don't you think you've been warming the bench a little too long now?

I got us a really good opportunity. Let's go back out there, to the frontlines.

Forget it, I don't mind spending my days like this.

Heh, you think this camp will house a freeloader like you forever?!

Ugh! What the hell was that for?

Just a wake-up call for the local idiot. Let's just go say hi, okay?

...I can't believe the idiot called me an idiot.

*sigh* Fine, where are they?

Heh, I have already arrived!

...?

Oh, hey, Beryl! Over here!

Lucas... Did you get conned or something?

What?! Me? Conned? Psh.

This here is the commander of Wolf Platoon, Beryl!

She heard about our feats on that fateful day and wanted to meet both of us. We're about to be scouted, buddy.

A pleasure to meet you! So you're Lucas's famous brother!

He...llo? And by "famous," it's probably not in a good way.

Nonsense! Lucas has spoken highly of you, on many occasions!

He mentioned that you're an amazing genius, yet you still respect and follow him!

...Lucas.

Ahaha... I wonder what she's talking about, never heard of this one before, haha...

I'm sorry, but I'm not a genius. It was my fault the commander died.

Wasn't that just an accident? You bear no blame!

I heard that he was attacked by monsters when he was by himself, but I am mighty! You do not have to fear for my safety!

How is one expected to protect their unit when they can't even protect themselves?

Protect their unit...

Have you played chess before?

Chess? What might that be?

It is a board game from way back in the past. You use your pieces to capture the king...

Oh, so it's a game that requires you to use your head!

Unfortunately, I do no indulge in such games. Strategy is not my job!

Do you enjoy that game?

Yes, well... It's not really that difficult.

I see. Then you shall teach it to me someday! Learning it together with all our squadmates could be fun!

Lucas, you also want to learn to play a new game, don't you?

Eh? I'd rather avoid games that require too much thinking...

But if Beryl finds it fun, then I obviously have to give it a try!

Luke, I learned about a new game today. Wanna play with me?

...You "learned" it by peeking at others playing it, didn't you?

Just ask them to let you play with them next time. They're more likely to let you play than me, anyway.

As if, haha. That doesn't matter anyways because I only stayed to learn about it because it looked like something fun that we could do together.

...Okay.

Haha... You two are quite alike.

Hm? What do you mean?

I haven't known Lucas that much longer than you, but to say that we are alike... That's a little...

Say what now?!

Hahaha! It was a joke, so don't get so worked up!

No... I'll just...join the platoon.

I was right, right?! I knew you'd want to join!

Th-that was a sudden change in attitude... May I ask why?

...Wait! I know! You were captivated by my incredulous charisma!

Yep, sure... We can go with that.

You're being serious about joining then? I shall not disappoint you! Going on missions with me and my Platoon will be like an exciting journey!

I shall introduce you to everyone in the squad right away. I look forward to your contributions!

Heh... Yes, commander. I will be in your hands then.

I thought I had completely hidden my presence, but you still found me.

Kudos to you, Captain.

When the boss told me roughly what was to be expected of me, I tried. But here we are.

You people on the Nightmare cover all your bases, don't you? Tch, asking me to reveal my weaknesses...

I wouldn't say 'unfamiliar'—more 'repulsive,' really.

That, and I'm not quite sure what I even have to say.

Even if you ask me about my past, there's nothing that would particularly stand out compared to everyone else around us.

...

...

...

...!

...All right. By the time I'm done telling you everything, I'll probably have gone over all your previous questions as well.

Just... give me a moment.

Captain, I'll be honest. Given my personality, I'm having a bit of a hard time monologuing by myself with every little detail like this.

I'm pretty sure I've even already hit my daily average for how much I speak in a day.

How about I format this talk as a quiz. You simply have to follow my story as I recount it, and then guess whether I really did go through things like that.

You don't have to feel obliged to answer everything correctly. The answer isn't really what's important.

Regardless of the approach, the very act of sharing what I have endured... That's what holds significance.

Is that okay with you?

If your interest is lacking, I'll start by telling you the conclusion to this tale.

This story... is about how I ended up killing a man.