On a deeply cloudy and humid day, there wander four scavengers, bandits, scum, whatever they may be, their only option is to steal if they don't want to starve.

Though others may judge them, but anyone would do exactly the same in their place. That's simply how a place like this works, be born in a rich family and enjoy praise and respect, while those born in the dumps are treated like human-trash.

As their feet struggle to keep balance on the slippery terrain and their lungs ignite, one of them inevitably succumbs to his exhaustion.

„ Hey Rufus, I think there's something wrong with him."

{Rufus}: „Damn it, was this whole thing a mistake after all? Look at this bastard, he's completely passed out."

They are now faced with a terrible decision. Exchanging glares quickly, they finally gathered up the courage to speak.

So, the man with a slim figure and a sly look calls out.

{Grimbert}: „We should leave him. There's no way for him to make it and-"

„ No, I will carry him. We won't leave him behind."

Grimbert tries to gather up the energy to talk back but fails. He is simply too exhausted to even argue.

Seeing as there is no comment on what she just said, Adelheid picks up their comrade and the three continue onwards.

However, contrary to what one might believe, these three are in luck. After a few more minutes, they discover civilization, even if just a single hut. It seemed like everything was gonna be alright and gratitude washed over them.

{Grimbert}: „Boss, I think I see something on the plateau over there."

{Rufus}: „Really? Are your eyes truly not failing us?"

{Grimbert}: „I also see sheep, so it must be lived in."

{Adelheid}: „This was a stupid gamble, we're lucky we even found this in the first place."

{Grimbert}: „Don't be stupid, ever since the fourteen Emperors have been elected by the king to efficiently rule over the land, we've been in constant danger anyways."

Among the thieves, there was a woman named Adelheid. She was never the type to steal, but what option was left for someone like her? Especially the hilly terrain was harsh on a woman like her, but regardless, she pushed through just like her 3 honorable comrades.

{Adelheid}: „How has it come to this, crawling around this wet, hilly terrain scavenging for even the slightest crumbs. What did I do wrong for god to be judging me like this. These people we're about to rob, Rufus, they're just as desperate as us, aren't they?"

.

{Rufus}: „Ade, Especially you deserve better than this. You know, Maybe there is a world where we can live in peace under an emperor, who spreads his wealth fairly among his subjects. That's what I hope for."

They approach the lodge carefully and hesitantly ready their weapons. They split up and go search around the house.

Suddenly, a loud banging can be heard from the back of the cabin, where Adelheid went… And everything turns silent once again.

{Rufus}: „Grimbert, any idea what that was? Let's go check."

{Grimbert}: „Rufus, it sounded superficial. I don't expect her to still be alive, Maybe we should leave."

{Rufus}: „No… If we leave now, we're dead anyway. Stay behind me if you're scared."

Just then, a thought rushed through Rufus' head as he turned to look at the scene unfolding before him: „Dear god, if only I could go back in time and try again", just one shot is all he would need, another chance at living…

Red. It was like an explosion of crimson colored dye. Behind the brutal image, stood a man with a blood-drenched boulder in hand, one much heavier than what one would imagine someone like him be able to carry. Before either of the thieves could react, the man dashes toward them in a brutal rage. Everything becomes a big fog in Rufus' mind.

.

.

As Rufus awakens, he witnesses something he will never, ever forget, even in death.

There he was, the man, that killed his only friends and comrades, talking to himself like some madman. He was about to stand up when he noticed, that he couldn't.

„ Though, this might be a blessing in disguise. Someone as bulky and strong as this should sell for a big sum."

This man, he is gonna sell him. Rufus, he was about to be sold off as a slave. He started sweating profusely, he must've been drugged by this man. That was when he finally managed to utter a sentence.

{Rufus}: „Y- You… What did you do. To my comrades."

„ Don't look at me like that, it makes me want to puke. If you intend to kill someone, you should be ready to die yourself. You were the weaker ones after all, so you deserved to die."

{Rufus}: „You're a monster. Do you not believe in god? He will never forgive this."

„ Says the thief. Look at yourself before you judge others. Did you ever consider the lifes of the people you robbed? The souls of the people you killed?"

{Rufus}: „You're wrong, I didn't want to do this..-„

Mockingly, the man responds.

„ Oh if only you weren't born in a poor family, huh?"

„ You must realise how stupid you sound. You were born in the dumps and not as the prince of a kingdom and that's the truth you have to live with. If you wanted to succeed, you should have spent the time you wasted robbing and wallowing in self-pity thinking of how to escape your miserable state."

{Rufus}: „… It's not as easy as you make it seem."

„ You're wrong, just you watch as I ascend to royalty, even a scrawny farmer like me."