There were two knights.

Zidane and Luc were very close, sharing everything they did.

Guest loved watching the two of them. But those peaceful days did not last long.

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A long-standing stalemate ended. The war with the neighboring country finally began, and our nation was gradually pushed to the brink.

By the time I realized it, Luc had already breathed his last.

I can still never forget the expression on Zidane's face when he saw him.

When I next woke up, the world had changed completely. The sky burned crimson, and the castle, the town, and the mountains were all engulfed in flames.

As I forced my aching body up, there stood Zidane, with terrifying horns growing from his head, crying as he held the deceased Luc in his arms. His appearance was exactly that of the Demon King I had only ever heard of in legends.

I knew instinctively. He was the one who had created this sea of fire.

He turned toward me, his lips moving slightly. "I'm sorry, I couldn't protect anything."

I felt as if that's what he said. Then, my consciousness faded away.

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When I woke up, Guest had returned to one month before that day of despair.