Chapter 1: Execution of a Criminal
On that day, everyone gathered in the square of the Imperial Capital City. Confusion and curiosity were evident on their faces, as no one knew the real reason they had been summoned there.
Suddenly, a group of Knights arrived with firm steps, their iron-clad boots echoing throughout the square. The Knights took the stage that had been prepared, and among them stood a man who appeared weak and broken. His body was covered in wounds, dirt, and his hands were bound while his feet were shackled.
Curiosity and bewilderment spread among the crowd. They wondered who the man was and why he had been brought there in such a state.
Abruptly, Captain Johan Smit of the Imperial Family Knights ascended the stage, holding a document in his hand. With a resolute and commanding voice, Johan began to read the text before the crowd.
"The suspect, Gest Fouche Cole! He is a criminal who committed an unforgivable crime by neglecting his duty..."
Captain Johan Smit continued to read the contents of the document with determination and firmness. The story of Gest's duty unfolded, revealing his fatal mistake. Gest had abandoned his comrades on the battlefield while fighting against the Destroyer, leaving them in peril.
As the listeners heard of Gest's betrayal toward his comrades, anger and outrage surged within them. They shouted in anger, demanding a punishment befitting his cowardly act.
"Traitor! Bring back the lives of our fallen brethren!"
"Because of your actions, many died in vain!"
"You deserve to die for your crimes!"
Angry cries filled the square, demanding the Knights to execute Gest without delay. Johan, as the responsible Captain of the Knights, read the document with a cold demeanor.
He glanced at Gest, standing among the Knights, appearing broken and defenseless. Johan looked into Gest's empty black eyes, realizing that his mind was shattered, making him seem like a madman.
With a stern voice, Johan addressed the motionless Gest, "Do you hear them? They want your death." Johan's gaze carried a mocking and scornful expression.
"However, even without their request, the Emperor has sentenced you to death. So, worry not," Johan stated sharply, glaring at Gest with disdain. "For you shall die here as well!"
Gest remained silent, offering no response. He appeared feeble and empty.
Witnessing the growing impatience among the crowd, Johan gave the order to his subordinates to carry out Gest's execution.
"Proceed immediately! The sentence has been pronounced: death!" Johan declared firmly.
All the Knights followed the order with discipline. In front of the watching public, they executed Gest by hanging, as decreed.
Amidst the cheering crowd celebrating Gest's death and the execution, there was someone observing the events with a different perspective. This person looked sorrowful and enraged as they witnessed Gest's execution. In profound grief, Lux Fouche Cole, Gest Fouche Cole's only child, fought back tears, refusing to let them fall.
Despite the anger, Lux had no power to challenge them. He realized there was nothing he could do at that moment. Although Gest had been declared a criminal, Lux still believed in his father's innocence, refusing to accept that he could commit such a cowardly act and abandon his comrades on the battlefield.
With unwavering determination, Lux uttered firmly, "I will... uncover the truth!" He clenched his fist tightly, causing wounds to open and blood to flow. The blood that flowed from his hand became a solemn oath.
Lux vowed to seek the truth about the case and seek retribution for what the Imperial Family had done to his father. He turned his back on the crowd,
leaving with a serious and cold expression.
Filled with anger and vengeance, Lux walked away from the crowd, stating, "Just wait, Father! I will return, and when that time comes, I will confront you in the afterlife to console your soul!"
With determined steps, Lux departed, leaving the crowd behind with a resolute commitment to uncover the truth and seek revenge for what had befallen his father.