Garmr/Memories

## Chapter 1

Witches are hated for being impure. If you want to survive, you have no choice but to get strong.

That's why I joined the Young Knights of Longinus.

At first they mocked me, saying witches would be terrible knights.

But, all the crazy training brought us closer together.

If I'm here, I'll be able to survive.

But, the relief didn't last long.

We fought an enemy nation's squadron and were wiped out...

At this rate, I'm definitely gonna get executed.

As I slumped in my cell, there was a sudden burst of noise outside.

I looked through the peephole, and saw bandits attacking the military.

## Chapter 2

I'd heard rumors about these bandits.

They were ruffians from the mountains who attacked knights and military alike.

Their fighting was so barbaric, the knight in me couldn't comprehend it.

At the same time though, it looked...so beautiful. I couldn't stop staring.

But looking at my situation, I knew execution was the only thing waiting for me.

So...I called to them.

"My family's rich! I'll pay you anything you want if you set me free!"

I was worried if they'd buy it or not, but they rescued me.

Thanks to them, I was able to go home in one piece...

...But, my home...was gone.

## Chapter 3

The Young Knights were completely destroyed.

They had retreated after the fight, so the commander killed everyone to cover up the truth.

I was declared a traitor, and became wanted for mass murder and treason.

But *you're* the real traitor... I'll never forgive you. I'll hunt you down.

My heart was overtaken by hatred and despair. But then, the chief of the bandits said to me,

"Stay strong. Live strong."

"If you've got nowhere to go, then come along. We'll raise you to be a strong bandit."

Hearing those words, I took his hand.

## Chapter 4

When I first joined the bandits, my endless thoughts of revenge would drive me mad.

But, the chief never once abandoned me.

I haven't even rewarded them for saving me, though... Not to mention, I'm a witch...!

So then, why...?

Seeing my anxiety grow, the chief said to me,

"I promised to save you... We keep our word, even if it kills us. So from now on, this is your home...

Welcome home, Garmr."

What the heck...

You're outta your mind. But...I was so happy.

And so, I became a bandit—a bandit of the cool and powerful Mountain Tribe.

## Chapter 5

Since then, I worked hard, and was even named as the chief's successor.

I still loathed that horrible man, but now, I had something more important.

I had the Mountain Tribe, and had parted ways with my resentful past self.

At least, that's what I thought...

*He* came back.

The one who murdered all my comrades was now raiding our hideout.

He was full of it, claiming he was here to subjugate the corrupted witch.

But in reality, he came to kill me...because I knew the truth.

Everyone was massacred—even the chief. He tried to protect those who couldn't escape, but was gunned down.

Dark thoughts reemerged inside me.

You're gonna take my friends away from me again...?!

Then, as if encouraging me, the chief's words flashed in my mind.

"Stay strong... Kill him... Kill 'em all."

Obeying those words, I released my magic power...

To kill all my enemies. To prove the strength of the Tribe.

## Chapter 6

Darkness overtook me, and I lost control.

I couldn't tell friend or foe, attacking all who approached me one after another.

The one to bring me back was him, and it wasn't just because of the power from that strange staff of his.

For some reason, just being around him calms me down.

It's as if I'm next to the chief...

Though, they don't resemble each other in any way.

But thanks to him, I could remember what the chief really said.

"Stay strong. Live strong."

I'm not as strong as the chief yet. But, as one of the Mountain Tribe, and the final one to inherit the chief's wisdom,

I *will* live strong.

So please, watch over me, everyone.