To better understand the Crusades and how Gilgæ became the hero he is known as today, three key issues must first be examined.
The exact time and place of the hero's birth remain unknown. This is primarily due to an era referred to as "The Age of Aphonia," a period during which humanity became entirely disconnected from one another. The causes of this disconnection remain a mystery; all we know is that every ship, communication station, and fragment of technology was inexplicably rendered inoperative. This era lasted only 120 years, ending when the first space explorer repaired his ship near a distant star and reestablished interplanetary contact.
Based on available evidence, it is believed that the hero was born toward the end of this era. However, his birthplace remains a mystery. The only clue lies in a message written by Egil "The Spear" to his betrothed, specifically the following excerpt:
"Åsa, I have lately been unable to sleep peacefully—not after hearing the horrors of Gilgæ's planet. I always thought you and I were cursed to be born on a world full of barbarians. But today I realize that at least being strong, as you and I are, was enough. If you had heard him, you'd thank fate for only dealing with stupid barbarians..."
This fragment offers a glimpse into the harsh conditions in which Gilgæ may have lived. By studying Egil's home planet, originally named Falt and later renamed "Valhalla," we know it endured extreme temperatures. During the Age of Aphonia, the planet was left defenseless, devoid of technology to regulate temperature or protect the population from beasts known as arktische ulver.
Given the high mortality rate on that planet—which later devolved into a barbaric world—it is striking to imagine that Egil, one of its first survivors to escape, feared the living conditions on Gilgæ's planet even more.
Another crucial aspect of understanding the hero is the account of his first recorded appearance. This took place on a remote planet within what is now known as the Virgo constellation, according to ancient writings.
This event is documented by the first space explorer in his book, Log of the Intergalactic Explorer, specifically in Chapter 6, titled Constellation In Finibus:
"At this point in my life, I cannot say if what happened was luck or destiny. All I know is that on that day, on that planet, in that prison cell where no particle of light entered, I witnessed the birth of a giant. I had long lost hope of escape, along with my will to fight. Silence fell—a rare occurrence at that hour, as merchants usually filled the air with noise. Suddenly, the wall blocking my freedom shattered, destroying the entire prison. Amid the chaos, as I fled, I saw an enormous man clad in tattered clothes, drenched in blood, holding the prison warden in his hands. It was glorious."
This event is better documented, as the planet in question is now home to the largest prison in the galaxy, known as the "Penitentiary Planet."
Witnesses interrogated later revealed that the hero was imprisoned for defying a wealthy young man in his village. Tortured for a week and deprived of food for a month, the hero's survival—and subsequent escape after two months—liberated the people from slavery, uniting the rich and poor under his protection.
The third essential point is understanding the Crusades and why the hero played such a pivotal role in them. There are two perspectives on the Crusades, which depend on whether one consults a follower of Himmel's philosophy or an orthodox disciple of Saint Arthur of the Light.
While both the sage Himmel and Saint Arthur were members of Gilgæ's group, their conflicts over the conduct of the Crusades were significant.
Saint Arthur believed that while the Crusades' intentions—punishing humanity's enemies—were justified, the actual campaigns devolved into senseless massacres.
This divide deepened during humanity's battle against the Septimum Laga Alliance. Himmel ordered an attack on a village of these creatures, killing what Arthur deemed "innocent lives." As a result, northern clerics loyal to Arthur may argue that the Crusades destroyed a potential alliance that could have strengthened humanity. Conversely, Himmel's scholars in the south defend the Crusades as necessary for uniting a divided, powerless humanity.
Arthur's sorrow is evident in his journal, preserved by the Church of Light:
"...For the first time, I feel I don't belong here. How could he commit such grotesque acts? The images of civilian ships trying to flee, only to be intercepted by Himmel's fleet, haunt my dreams. Reporting this to Gilgæ is impossible now; perhaps he already knows and will punish Himmel, but not severely—after all, the battle was won. But at what cost? For the love of humanity, and with loyalty to Gilgæ, I resign today."
— Diary of Saint Arthur, Church of Light
This entry, which might be deemed heretical if authored by anyone else, reveals Arthur's inner turmoil.
The following excerpts provide further insight into the aftermath of these events:
"March 28, 4025, 12:25 — The great Gilgæ has returned to headquarters.
March 29, 4025, 11:00 — The great Gilgæ has ordered all his generals to convene.
March 29, 4025, 12:30 — General Himmel has been removed as strategist, succeeded by his apprentice Laios.
March 30, 4025, 14:23 — A mission of educational nature for the southern society has been assigned to General Himmel.
March 30, 4025, 18:00 — General Himmel departs from the ship.
March 30, 4025, 20:42 — The new strategist Laios has been found dead. No suspects."
— Black Box, Siege Ship 01, Private Data Repository on New Mother Planet
These entries illustrate the repercussions of Himmel's actions and the irreparable fracture in his relationship with Saint Arthur.
With these points and the introduction provided, one should be able to analyze and comprehend the events surrounding the Crusades and their aftermath.
Ultimately, this text offers only a glimpse into the great deeds of Gilgæ and his lasting impact on the Crusades and the humanity we are today.
Alexander Caspian
Church of Light