Chapter 100

An unexpected midday update assaults the readers!

――〈Prince of Light〉Ein Brightis.

If I were to describe him in one word, he is the "other protagonist" of 〈Brave & Blade〉.

Within the game, he is involved in numerous world events, influencing the fate of the world, and outside the game, he is prominently featured in the game's packaging, website key visuals, and in various scenes as the "face of the game" in every sense, making him an ultra-important character.

And terrifyingly, he possesses the kind of specs that make such treatment seem entirely justified.

He is a bright and handsome man, embodying both brightness and refinement.

He is kind to everyone, working tirelessly to protect the people, with an excellent character.

As the first prince and heir to a great kingdom, his status is impeccable.

His abilities are so overwhelming that calling him a genius seems too mild; he is practically a cheat.

Among the many characters in the game, there is no one who better embodies the word "perfect."

However, there is one point.

While I wouldn't call it a complaint, there is a question mark regarding his social relationships.

（――Why is such a perfect superhuman friends with someone like Rex?!）

I scream in my heart.

Ah, no, of course, I like Rex as a character, and I think Ein and Rex make a great pair, like light and darkness.

Furthermore, it's clear that the social hierarchy in this world is extremely relaxed, given that nobles can wander around alone.

Still, a prince of a nation and a mere adventurer.

Before even considering balance, I can't see how they would have any connection.

In the game, when Rex is present, Ein often speaks to him affectionately.

However, the nature of their relationship is never revealed in the game.

“――Rex?”

Ein gives me a puzzled look as I stand frozen.

（What, what do I do? What's the right way to respond?）

I understand that Ein and Rex were close.

But I don't know how to approach the conversation.

Just as I, cornered, was about to speak out of desperation,

“――Please wait, Prince Ein.”

A green wind cuts between Ein and me, as if protecting me.

“Hm? You are...”

Ein narrows his eyes at the sudden intrusion, but the intruder, Rex's sister and my only confidant, bows gracefully.

“I am the eldest daughter of the Toren family, Rishia.”

“Ah. You are Rex’s...”

“I have something to say to Your Highness.”

Interrupting the prince, Rishia speaks with a tense air, different from her usual self.

After a glance at me, or rather, at Rad and the others behind me, she says something incredible.

“Actually, the current ‘Rex’ has lost his past memories.”

“...What?”

It was like a bolt from the blue.

Confusion spreads among Ein and me, but Rishia remains calm, staring at Ein.

“Was it when the city of Earth fell?”

Ein asks, but Rishia shakes her head calmly.

“No, it happened before that. My brother encountered an unknown magic in a certain ruin and gained knowledge of the otherworld, which a human should not know. However, as a result, he lost most of his past memories.”

Ein looks at me in surprise, but I am equally shocked.

I have no idea what she's talking about.

However, the fact that Rishia has come up with such a story suggests that the relationship between Ein and Rex is so deep that my ignorance would be obvious.

Reluctantly, I decide to go along with it.

“Ah, yes. That's right.”

Thanks to my experience of maintaining a poker face in Rex's roleplay, I manage to nod without changing my expression.

“Though I would like to say ‘I can’t believe it,’ the old ‘you’ would have done something as reckless as that.”

Clearly shocked, Ein presses his forehead.

“Losing your memories means you don’t remember me?”

“I don’t. ...I’m sorry.”

I feel guilty but confirm it.

Ein murmurs weakly, “I see,” but he doesn’t seem convinced.

He looks at us sharply and asks,

“However, the story of you losing your memories doesn’t seem to have spread even as a rumor. Did you not intend to make it public?”

Before I can answer, Rishia speaks up.

“I stopped him. If it were known that an A-rank adventurer had lost his memories, it could cause unrest among the people. Besides, I, as his sister, can support him to some extent.”

“I see. ...I understand.”

What kind of emotional processing is going on inside him?

Ein nods thoughtfully, and Rishia, standing in front of me, watches him with a tense expression.

“...I agree. I think that’s for the best.”

When Ein raises his head, he looks somewhat relieved.

“Though it may sound cruel, losing your memories might not necessarily be a bad thing.”

“Huh...?”

I open my eyes wide at Ein’s unexpected words.

“I think the old you was bound by a sense of mission and pushed yourself too hard. In contrast, the current you, or rather, you and your companions, seem to be having fun.”

“A...”

A voice escapes from Rishia beside me.

And I, too, find some truth in his words.

Rex may have a gruff and unapproachable demeanor, but his actions are often selfless.

During the opening event, he saved a completely unrelated new party and even risked his life for them. After surviving, he continued to take on difficult requests from various places, sometimes at a low price, sometimes for free, to help those in need.

I don’t know what drove him, but the phrase “bound by a sense of mission” fits him perfectly.

“Thank you...!”

Rishia, who knows Rex better than I do, seems to have some thoughts on Ein’s words and bows deeply.

After waving her off with a slightly embarrassed gesture, Ein smiles.

“Of course, as a close friend, it’s disappointing that you’ve forgotten me. But this doesn’t mean our relationship is over. So I will say this boldly.”

Ein steps forward and extends his hand to me.

“――Nice to meet you. I am Ein Brightis.”

I see the intention in his clear eyes and, after a moment’s hesitation, place my hand in his.

“――Nice to meet you. I am Rex Toren.”

Our hands clasp firmly.

“...‘Rex Toren.’ That’s a good name.”

“Thanks. Actually, I think so too.”

The insolent tone, which doesn’t seem appropriate for addressing a prince, slips out of my mouth as if it had fallen from inside me.

Ein looks momentarily taken aback but then smiles genuinely.

“I think we’ll get along well.”

Ein laughs heartily, as if to clear the air, and then, with a bright tone, continues.

“Still, ‘knowledge of the otherworld’? That’s interesting. I’ve heard about it too. The famous ‘class change conditions’ and ‘Manual Arts’—are they from there?”

“A, ah. Yes, that’s right.”

I hesitate, not sure how to respond, but Ein’s eyes light up with excitement.

“Of course! I’ve heard a lot about the ‘Manual Arts’ from General Sergen. I’ve been looking forward to it!”

“General Sergen? Ah, during the World Championship?”

General Sergen defeated Rad, who used the ‘Manual Arts,’ in a fierce battle during the World Championship final and then lost to Nilva in an exhibition match after being hit with the ‘Manual Arts.’ He is someone who has experienced the power of the ‘Manual Arts’ firsthand.

“Right! Since you’re here, could you give me some guidance, even if it’s just for a while?”

“Huh?”

Caught off guard by the sudden request, I ask for clarification.

But it seems I heard correctly.

“Of course, the kingdom will pay the appropriate compensation. I promise you won’t regret it.”

“Wait. What do you mean by ‘the kingdom’? Who exactly are you asking me to train...”

Sensing that this could become a big issue, I quickly interject.

But it seems I’m a bit too late.

“Who else but the capital’s greatest fighting force and the sword of the Brightis Kingdom, the 〈Holy Light Knights〉?”

Ein winks playfully and says this.

I said I would reveal the prince’s stats in this chapter, but that was a lie!

So, the next update will be tomorrow!