I remember that day clearly. I could see the flashes of light from Senji's enchantments as he fought an aerial battle with the enraged Shadow wielding its flaming sword. The heat was incredible, almost to where I passed out. I tried my best to support Senji in spite of that. He is my hero. But he was struck down. His wings broken and his enchantments failed. I trembled in fear as The Shadow came up to me. But instead of killing me, he offered a deal. Instead of burning me to ashes, he let me live...

Well, I finally finished creating the order of the crimson guards to help me follow through with my deal with The Shadow. It was difficult. I had to find people who were skilled enough, and willing enough. Its hard to convince skilled people to sacrifice their neighbors, though I can lead some to their death in battle. The Shadow said that He would let me live, and he would slow down the infection if I gave him sacrifices. He said that He would know if I didn't, and I trust that since he had once visited me as a warning..... once.... It seems to be working, I hope it will continue to be so.

It's been a few years of killing and sacrifices. I have grown numb to what I am doing, but we are running out of elderly to sacrifice. Just yesterday, I led my young apprentice to his death in battle. He did not have talent in the sword nor any weapons, though it still struck a chord seeing  him die as he did, ripped apart limb from limb. I myself cannot die, as usual, since The Shadow has ordered his troops to avoid me at all costs. Because I survive so much, people have started to call me Richard the crimson, not for the enemies I fell, but my "allies" that fall.... They know nothing of what happens behind the scenes. I wish I could go to the bar, but I don't want to face the bartender, as he was a close friend of Senji. It's a constant hell for me. No one to confide in. No one to help bear the weighing feeling in my core. However, as long as the people survive, its fine....right?......Senji?

Today is going to be short. There have been an influx of Remnants coming into the realm. It's been harder for my subordinates to keep them off our trail. They help fight the waves of enemies from the nether though. For that, I am grateful, as this means that we can sacrifice less people. If only they could refrain from poking their noses around so much. It's a pain to deal with them, and some are skilled. I fear for my life….

-Sir Richard, The diary of Sir Richard the Crimson