by Vincent Holy Lightbringer, Commander of the Dawn Knights of the Kingdom of Blaino.
——————————————————————This extra is from Silent Strike——————————————————————
War is inevitable in many cases.
For the interests of the motherland, for personal interests, but more often than not, the reason for war may be just a small conflict.
However, no matter what those who decide to launch a war think, they will always harm their own people and the interests of other countries.
Just like now.
Brenau 347, led by Trafalgar.
Vincent leaned on his big sword, looked at the hazy sky, and sat on a slightly intact tree stump with a cold face.
There were almost no scars visible on his body, but the exquisite white and silver plate armor had many countless cracks, and the shirt with the legion logo printed on the chest had long been dyed dark red along with the armor.
His eyes looked towards the battlefield not far away——
The war has stopped long ago, but it is only temporary. It seems that this place has turned into a scorched earth a long time ago - in fact, this is the edge of the territories of Blaeno and Carretta, one of the most intense conflicts between the two countries.
.
This war seems to have started since ancient times, but it has not yet ended. The years of fighting have made the leaders of the two countries begin to think about the meaning of this war. However, the long-term hatred has made some people forget the reason for the original fight and find new ones for themselves.
Reasons make bleeding inevitable.
This is even more true in this battlefield now.
The surrounding air has long been filled with blood. The wet blood dyed the battlefield red. Broken armor and blades were randomly thrown around. Countless limbs and corpses were piled up haphazardly. The flames that had not yet been extinguished were burning.
The burning land gave off an unbearable smell - it was the smell of death. Now, several soldiers wearing silver-white armor and belonging to the Knights of the Dawn began to clean the battlefield.
However, it is not easy to find a lucky person who is still alive here. There are even few intact corpses on this battlefield.
"Holy Light...end this damn war."
Vincent withdrew his gaze and sighed.
The restless impulse in his heart has been suppressed by him countless times. Now, he can only pray like this, but Vincent also knows that this is not realistic.
Personal strength cannot change the overall situation on the battlefield.
Ever since he came to the front line, he didn't know how many brothers he had lost. He clearly remembered the appearance of some enthusiastic young men who greeted him - but many times, he would never see them again the next day.
them.
This war is like a never-ending meat grinder.
Vincent is still standing here, but their bones have long been buried in this land.
He could definitely feel the lament of the Holy Light coming from deep within his heart and stemming from his deep belief in it.
You know, in addition to being a knight, he is also a priest.
As a paladin, his job should be to save the world, let the glory of the goddess of light shine on this land, and save those who are in confusion. However, in this war, all he can do is not to let these people be destroyed.
A man driven by hatred rushed into the territory of his own country and wreaked havoc on the land he loved.
Likewise, he doesn't want to let his people do the same thing.
Although the people of Kaleta are not the people protected by the goddess of light, they should not be involved in this war either.
The loss of every life should not be like this; this almost meaningless war cannot involve them...
Vincent believed so firmly, but he felt deeply powerless after every battle.
He is the vanguard of the entire legion, the sharp knife that tears apart the battle line. He is often the first to rush towards the enemy, but he is the last one to still stand in the enemy's formation.
The Holy Light gave him great strength and firm will, making him invincible on the battlefield.
so what?
Whenever a battle ends, in addition to the glory and joy of victory, all that remains are those ethereal and complex emotions.
Sadness, or anger? Or regret for the loss of life?
He didn't know how he felt, but he was glad about it.
"At least, I won't get used to this kind of thing... That would be too scary..."
Vincent looked at his hands that were already soaked in red and murmured.
His soldiers are regarded as brothers and sisters by him. They are also soldiers of Blaino like him. Strict military discipline is just to let them live better, but more often, as the intensity of the battle continues to increase,
, batch after batch of people dying would only make his heart hurt even more.
He looked at his sword and shield.
Representing the highest craftsmanship of the kingdom's craftsmen, the two-handed sword is printed with the logos of Blaino and the Knights of the Dawn, and the shield made of stainless steel is printed with the royal logo. Both of these items were made when he was appointed by the king as the commander of the legion.
At that moment, the sword and shield that guarded the country were given to me by the king whom I admired and loved.
"King... am I really qualified for your trust?"
He stroked the blade of the sword, which was still shining with cold light, and Blaino's cross mark became extremely heavy in his eyes.
The original sense of glory and mission was still in his heart, but Vincent's formerly serious face had long been destroyed by his inner emotions, leaving only a trace of sadness.
"As a warrior...am I too naive and weak..."
He lowered his head and muttered to himself.
"No, you are Vincent."
A pleasant and familiar female voice came from behind him.
Vincent subconsciously wanted to turn his head, but saw two slender arms wrapped around his chest, hugging him tightly.
"Freya..."
His expression relaxed, revealing a rare trace of peace.
That was his adjutant, the deputy leader of the entire Dawn Knights, his most trusted and close partner, and the person to whom he could give his back and everything to her without reservation.
He dared to say that she was in this world. Apart from the old Father Parnmore, who was like his father, Freya was one of the few remaining relatives he had.
However, until now, he still felt that the person beside him was still the gentle little priest, not the female knight with the status of deputy captain.
"Aren't you going to rest yet?"
He said gently.
Although she does not have to go directly to the battlefield, the command and dispatch are all handled by her. Especially the high-intensity battles during the day put a lot of mental pressure on the commander.
As someone who follows orders from the front line, he naturally knows that the enemy's soldiers are also extremely cunning.
"Because you are a fool, you make people worry."
The unexpected answer made Vincent couldn't help but smile a little.
Indeed, he has never hidden anything about him from her, and the reason why he is always worried is because of his immaturity.
But immediately, he realized something else.
"...the blood on my body now..."
"Do not worry about it."
The body behind him seemed to be closer, and he could feel some warm and moist breath hitting his neck, making him feel a little itchy.
However, he never considered breaking away from Freya's arms.
This is what he and she did when they were little, as a way of comforting each other.
Freya raised her cheek, gently wiped away the blood on Vincent's face with the back of her hand, looked at Vincent's slightly embarrassed side face, and said with a smile: "Don't be confused, Vincent...these fell on the battlefield.
The warriors above all fought for their beliefs and sacrificed their lives for it. When you wield your weapon, don't you hope that the kingdom behind you will not be violated?"
"……I know."
Vincent closed his eyes, and what came into his mind were the familiar faces.
"I'm just afraid, afraid that when I will get lost in this depressing situation... When I am completely numb to death, I'm afraid it will really be..."
"I have always known your kindness..."
Freya chuckled and let go of Vincent, walked to his side, and put his hand in hers.
"Although war is cold-blooded and ruthless, as long as you remember your original ideal and fight for it, you don't have to be confused... It's very simple, isn't it? My dear Vincent..."
Vincent was stunned for a moment.
The original ideal...
His memory suddenly returned to the past, when the village where he was adopted was on the edge of another conflict between the two countries and was often attacked by the Carreta people.
So, under that sunset, the young man made a decision that could change his life.
Putting on a pair of rough iron armor, Vincent said proudly to Freya and his family as he followed a motorcade full of young people that was parked next to the village and was about to set off.
"I want to join Blaino's army and become a glorious knight. I will protect everyone!"
Then, under the reluctant eyes of his family, he walked to the battlefield.
Even now, he still insists on the bold words he made back then.
Very naive and childish, but yet persistent and firm.
This is also the reason why he is fighting on this battlefield now.
"The warriors who fell here, no matter what ideals, beliefs, or moods they sacrificed here, their souls should be saved."
Seeing Vincent's face become firm again, Freya showed a heartfelt smile. All along, in Freya's eyes, Vincent was the guy who needed to be taken care of by herself, but the accumulated experience over a long period of time
The emotion eventually brewed into a strange feeling.
She knew that this indescribable feeling might not get a true response. The seeds she planted early fermented slowly over time, waiting for the moment when the fragrant and delicious wine would be completely noticed by those who cared about it.
Maybe it was because of this that she couldn't trust him?
"Go and help them, my dear Vincent..."
She let go of her hand and looked at the battlefield.
There, waiting for an existence that can allow those who have passed away to rest in peace.
"——Here, I can still hear the painful wails of those souls. They are still hating each other and fighting each other. In that battlefield, they need you."
"...That's right."
Vincent opened his eyes, revealing extremely confident and calm.
He stood up and looked at Freya seriously.
"Thank you, my lady."
He kissed the back of her hand tenderly, and then he turned his head, not seeing the pretty girl behind him who was already blushing, walking towards the battlefield with solid steps.
However, this time, he was not for killing, but for saving.
Soon, he walked to the center of the battlefield - the place where the flags of the armies of both sides fell to each other. He looked around and saw that the soldiers cleaning the battlefield had already gone back to rest. In this cold night, he was the only one.
Own.
However, he was also happy with it.
"May the heroic spirits in this land of burials find eternal peace."
Vincent murmured, as if he had prayed a long time ago. Following his words, the broad two-handed sword was slowly coated with a layer of golden light, making it particularly conspicuous in the dark night.
It was his faith, the pure holy light condensed by his faith.
"The radiance of the goddess of light blesses you."
As he spoke, he knelt down on one knee and inserted the sword filled with holy light into the earth.
The shining beam of light spreads around with the sword as the center, and then covers the entire battlefield at an indescribable speed. At this moment, everything around is illuminated by this light. At this moment, everything is dark.
They all seemed to vanish into ashes.
This scorching light only lasted for a few seconds, and then disappeared into the dark night, leaving only starry rays of light falling from the sky.
But this is enough.
Countless souls broke away from their dead bodies and flew to that indescribable place under the guidance of light.
Familiar and unfamiliar souls floated in front of him, wanting to say goodbye to him.
Whether it was his own soldiers or Carreta's soldiers, at this moment, their souls were sublimated.
Vincent smiled happily.
This is the justice I insist on.
So he said.
No matter who you are, you are qualified to be saved.
No matter who you are, you have the right to continue living.
No matter the opponents or the soldiers, they are all people who fight for their beliefs.
So... what he has to do is very simple.
He knew that he was no longer confused.
Because he already has a goal in mind.
Vincent stood up, put his free left hand against his chest, and made a courtesy that could only be used by knights.
"I will end this ridiculous and stupid war and never let this land cry again."
His expression became resolute and courageous, and he made an oath in front of thousands of heroes.
"In the name of the Holy Light Messenger."
"In the name of the Holy Light Messenger!"
Suddenly, hundreds or thousands of people roared behind him, leaving Vincent stunned for a moment.
That was the voice of the soldiers of his knights. Then, the sound of neat steps and the neighing of war horses came from his ears, getting closer and closer. The Dawn Knights seemed to be ready for battle!
However, he did not turn his head, because his enemy appeared in front of him - the one he was fighting on this battlefield, Carreta's, with the golden sun as the background sun, and a roaring blood-red lion in the center as the flag.
, is also a legion led by a legend.
"...Is the movement too loud? Forget it..."
He seemed to understand something and smiled bitterly. I am afraid that what he did before was considered by the other party as a signal to start a war. However, it was obvious that the other party would not listen to his explanation.
Vincent took a deep breath, raised his sword high above his head, and the flickering holy light illuminated the land centered on him. Then, like a sharp arrow off the string, he rushed towards the enemy's position.