"Rest, my boy — are you capable of killing a human being?"
Before joining this war, his father-in-law, Albert Rosemary, had asked him that very question.
"I know you're quite skilled at slaying monsters. That much is well established. But… killing monsters and killing people are two entirely different things."
"Among warriors who've returned from the battlefield, there are those whose minds have been shattered by the act of taking a human life. Archers and mages have it somewhat easier, but still…"
"Rest. You are an outstanding magician. Perhaps… in terms of talent alone, you could rival even the sages of the Council of Sages."
"Once you become a noble and a subject of the King, you will undoubtedly be asked to kill a great many people. Rebels like those we face now. Soldiers of an invading enemy. Savage tribes that attack people like wild beasts… you will end up taking more lives than you could ever count."
"Are you prepared for that?"
"Can you stand on the battlefield?"
"Can you pull the trigger and kill a person?"
"…That's a conversation for the long time ago, Father."
Rest reflected once more on something.
That he was blessed to be surrounded by wonderful people.
That House Rosemary was made up of nothing but kind souls.
(And that's exactly why… I want to repay them all. I want to live up to their expectations. That's why I want to protect them.)
The royal army had reached the basin, and the enemy encampment had grown noisy.
It had come down to a stalemate — each side waiting to see who would move first… but according to Richard, the enemy would likely make the first move.
In battle, it's advantageous to attack from higher ground. The two armies, facing each other across the hills flanking the basin, would be at a disadvantage if they were the ones to advance first.
Even so… the rebel army had no choice but to move first.
The royal army and the rebel army. In terms of numbers, the royal army held the advantage.
If the rebel army had any chance of victory… it was now, when the royal army had grown weary from their long march from the royal capital.
As time passed, the royal army's fatigue would heal.
If they still didn't move, we could just pretend to build a fortress. To stop its construction, they would definitely be forced to move their army.
(The enemy will certainly move. And… at that moment, I will fire my magic into their formation) That was the command he had received from the crown prince.
For a young nobleman named Rest Clover, this was his first war. His first kill.
(Win or lose, people will die. It's far better for the enemy to die than for my comrades, obviously) Here, by striking the enemy, Rest could lessen the damage to the royal army.
By demonstrating overwhelming power, the enemy might lose their will to fight and avoid dying in battle.
This was the 'trolley problem'. A question of who could save more lives. A question of whether you were prepared to kill a few to save the many.
The answer was already decided. Rest was prepared to choose the path of a demon. He had made up his mind long ago.
"Viscount Clover, the enemy has begun to move. Please make your preparations."
"I understand. I'm heading there now."
A messenger soldier came to announce it was his turn.
Rest emerged from the command tent where he had been waiting and advanced to the front line of the royal army arrayed on the hill.
Just as he'd heard, the rebel army was about to move. Soon, a flood of soldiers would pour from their positions, spread across the basin, and eventually launch an assault on their army stationed on the hill.
"[Star Eater]"
Rest cast his magic.
A black sphere that appeared before him, reflecting no light… a Dark Star that could swallow everything.
The newly created Dark Star began to suck in the surrounding sunlight.
The area around them grew steadily darker, as if a total solar eclipse were taking place.
"Oh…!"
"It really did get dark…!"
"No way, a magic that steals light — it actually works…!"
Murmurs rippled through the allied royal army.
Because they had been informed in advance, the confusion wasn't too great.
On the other hand, it was the enemy camp that descended into chaos. Darkness had fallen over them without warning.
They scrambled to ready torches and cast illumination magic.
(Well, that light will get swallowed up too, though…)
Over time, Rest channeled the energy of light into the interior of the Dark Star.
There was no sign of the enemy launching an attack. If they were to snipe at him right now, it would be all over in an instant.
(There's no enemy tactless enough to attack during a chant… or rather, ordinary magic probably can't reach from that distance) "I'm ready… firing."
After about a minute, he had gathered a sufficient amount of light.
The more light he accumulated, the greater the power grew — but this was the limit.
He couldn't maintain the Dark Star any longer. His brain felt like it was about to short-circuit.
(The target is the enemy's main camp. But rather than concentrating it completely, I'll spread the range out enough to wipe out the soldiers standing guard in front of the main camp all at once…!)
"Amaterasu!"
Rest unleashed his magic.
A blinding light erupted from the Dark Star, and an enormous laser beam was fired straight into the rebel army.