[ It's a shame that Zelgadis wants to hear more about this, because Rezo does not want to talk about it. But he also doesn't want to risk re-alienating Zel all over again by rejecting the conversation. So he tilts his head and tries to think back, to come up with a coherent narrative for what was essentially a goddamn demon-induced manic episode. ]

It was my primary strategy, yes. I had a few other contingencies based on my research into the Kōma War creations of the elves and holy dragons, but the Zanaffar was the most viable one. Or, it would have been, if I hadn't been mistaken about the nature of my quarry.

[ He absently sets a hand over his eyes. He can almost remember what it was like when they were unsealed. Almost- it was the kind of intensity that doesn't seem real once it's over. ]

Lina Inverse has proven to be the more reliable counteroffensive.

[ If there's anything Rezo learned from that debacle, it's probably not "don't summon dark lords" but "don't underestimate Lina Inverse." Speaking of which... ]

I had heard of her before she crossed paths with the Philosopher's Stone, you know. Not many people earn a color from the Sorcerer's Guild as young as she did, nor go on to earn a reputation as a bandit killer. Still... she was only a little girl. Surrounded on all sides by formidable enemies, caught up in a plot to revive the dark lord. In such precarious circumstances, anyone would prefer to pass their troubles off to an experienced sage. Or so I assumed.

[ He inclines his head in Zel's direction. ]

You can laugh, if you'd like.