- Broken Blade Zess is a pivotal character, a soldier of the Athens Commonwealth.
- He was a top cadet at Assam military school and a friend of Rygart Arrow.
- Zess commands the Valkyrie Squadron and pilots the lightweight Artemis Golem.
- His motivations are complex, aiming to spare friends from war's brutality.
- He eventually leads the Second Athenian Invasion Force as a General.
Who is Broken Blade Zess?
Zess (ゼス, Zesu) is a 25-year-old soldier from the Athens Commonwealth and a central figure in the Broken Blade narrative. Known for his discipline and skill, he was once the best pilot cadet in the Assam military academy's history. His past is deeply intertwined with the protagonist, Rygart Arrow, as Zess defended Rygart from bullies, forging a friendship that would later be tested by war. This complex relationship is a cornerstone of the series, highlighting the personal tolls of conflict.
Zess's character embodies the tragic conflict of war, where personal loyalties clash with national duties. His initial goal was to minimize bloodshed, especially for his friends, even while leading an invasion.
Video Highlights:
- Demonstrates Zess's piloting skills and leadership.
- Shows early interactions between Zess and Rygart.
- Highlights the emotional impact of their confrontation.
Zess's military career sees him commanding the elite Valkyrie Squadron, piloting the lightweight Artemis Golem. His initial mission into Krisna was intended to secure a swift surrender, hoping to spare his friends, King Hodr and Queen Sigyn, from the full wrath of the Athenian invasion. However, the political machinations of Athens, particularly the unofficial demand for the Krisna royal family's execution, complicated his objectives and ultimately led to his mission's failure.
Zess's Role in the War
Zess's involvement in the war between the Athens Commonwealth and the Krisna Kingdom is multifaceted. Initially, he leads an advance strike force with the intention of a quick resolution to protect his friends. This plan quickly unravels, forcing him into direct conflict with Rygart, who pilots the ancient Golem, Delphine.
Key Military Engagements Involving Zess:
| Engagement | Objective | Outcome | Notable Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Krisna Capital Invasion | Force Hodr's surrender | Failure | Two subordinates lost, Cleo captured, Zess critically injured by Rygart. |
| Retreat from Krisna | Evade capture | Success | Returns home to his family, regretting the war's consequences. |
| Second Athenian Invasion | Lead invasion force | Ongoing | Promoted to General, takes command after Borcuse's death. |
Zess's critical injury during his first confrontation with Rygart marks a turning point, both personally and militarily, leading to deeper introspection about the war's true cost.
His brother, Loquis, the Secretary of War for Athens, orchestrates the invasion primarily to secure Krisna's quartz mines. After General Borcuse's death, Loquis, suffering from a terminal illness, promotes Zess to General and tasks him with leading the second invasion force, also entrusting him with the protection of his young son. This places Zess in an even more prominent and burdened position within the conflict.
Relationships and Motivations
Zess's character is defined by his relationships and his deeply conflicted motivations. His friendship with Rygart, Hodr, and Sigyn from their military academy days forms a significant emotional core of the series.
Rygart Arrow
- Childhood friend.
- Fought against Rygart on the battlefield.
- Deeply regrets the conflict between them.
- Often tries to talk Rygart out of fighting.
Hodr and Sigyn
- Former academy friends.
- King and Queen of Krisna.
- Zess's initial invasion aimed to spare them from greater harm.
- His loyalty to them is a driving force.
Zess's journey showcases a soldier grappling with the harsh realities of war, where duty and personal bonds create immense internal struggle. His development from a proud cadet to a war-weary general is profound.
His family life, with a wife and a two-year-old daughter, adds another layer to his motivations, making him acutely aware of the consequences of war for civilians. This personal stake fuels his desire for a quick and less destructive resolution to the conflict, even if it means acting against his friends. His strategic actions, such as attempting to secure Hodr's surrender quickly, stem from a desire to mitigate suffering rather than inflict it.
Zess's Legacy and Impact
Zess's actions and character have a significant impact on the narrative of Broken Blade. He represents the "enemy" with a sense of duty no less profound than the protagonists, as highlighted by the quote from Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.
Key Impacts of Zess:
- Catalyst for Rygart's involvement in the war.
- Showcases the moral ambiguities of conflict.
- Provides a strong foil and emotional anchor for Rygart.
- Illustrates the personal cost of military leadership.
- His tactical decisions influence major battle outcomes.
His promotion to General and leadership of the second invasion force cement his role as a formidable and complex adversary. Despite their opposing sides, the mutual respect and shared history between Zess and Rygart underscore the series' themes of friendship and the futility of war. His story emphasizes that even those on opposing sides can share similar desires for peace and the protection of their loved ones.
FAQ: Broken Blade Zess
Q: Who is Broken Blade Zess?
Broken Blade Zess is a 25-year-old soldier from the Athens Commonwealth, a skilled Golem pilot, and a former academy friend of Rygart Arrow, Hodr, and Sigyn. He becomes a key military leader for Athens.
Q: What Golem does Zess pilot?
Zess primarily pilots the Artemis, a lightweight Golem used by his Valkyrie Squadron. It is known for its speed and maneuverability.
Q: What are Zess's motivations in the war?
Zess is motivated by a desire to protect his friends and his family. He initially sought a swift end to the conflict to spare Hodr and Sigyn, and later, as a General, aims to secure Athens' interests while regretting the war's consequences for Krisna.
Q: How does Zess's relationship with Rygart impact the story?
Their past friendship creates a deep personal conflict on the battlefield. Their encounters are emotionally charged, highlighting the human cost of war and forcing both characters to confront their loyalties and duties.