Afterword - Book 2 - Chapter 2 (Patreon)

Chapter 2: The Morality of War

(Original Chapter Title: Ranger III)

I wasn't kidding when I said I enjoyed coming up with shimagu stories through kill notifications.

War isn't something Ranthia had any experience with. 'Large' group engagements with people for her were a Ranger team against, at most, thrice their number or so. Groups that are small enough that she can eyeball and get a quick count. Sure, she had seen Legions (...mostly back in Perinthus), but there's a stark difference between seeing pieces of an army and seeing an army approaching for battle with you.

Now she has that experience.

I don't have a ton to say about the fight itself, I think it speaks for itself. It's grueling, but importantly Ranthia gets to take breaks during the fighting. It makes it an "easier" struggle than when she's been forced to fight for days on end nonstop. The tarbosaurus was a bundle of vitality and strength, but she was able to whittle it down.

Also, [Very Conspicuous Information Broker]. I still giggle, A+ past-me.

Despite the fact that I'm still on Ranger III, not much was "new" for this chapter during edits and revisions. Mostly just clarifying things. The core beats were all unchanged though, including Ranthia's assessment of her morality afterwards—hence the new chapter title.

Also, Ranger III was a HUGE chapter.

Ranthia's never had cause to think deeply through her morals, but after slaughtering hundreds of sapient beings, it's kind of hard to not. Because clearly something has gone horribly wrong, and she needs to know if it's with her or with the world.

She decides it's with the world.

But the war will continue to test her as things progress.