Kuroinu 2 Redux

Kuroinu 2 Redux is a visual novel set a century after the events of Kuroinu Redux. The Nation’s conflicts now extend from the battlefield into royal courts and political struggles, while its general Derek Rondo seeks power over the throne and the continent. The story offers more than 2 hours of reading and features an expansive cast of heroines.

The conflict

West of the continent of Serenus lies the Nation, founded over a hundred years ago. Under Empress Ladomira, it has become prosperous and corrupt: her armies pillage neighboring lands, spreading tragedy. In response, the surrounding states unite as the Holy Alliance and launch an assault that threatens to overwhelm the Nation’s strongholds.

Derek Rondo, commander of the Nation’s army and known as a second coming of its founder, the Mercenary King Vult, repels the allied forces under Ladomira’s orders. But he wants to take the throne for himself. He intends to defeat both the invading knights and the empress, and claim everything.

The heroines

• Iris Arcadia: Princess General of the Holy Kingdom of Aurelia, a compassionate and respected swordfighter and military leader who opposes the Nation. She shares a close bond with Seraphina, whose presence makes the usually strict Iris notably docile.
• Seraphina Rentoit: An ancient high elf who sleeps in the Holy Kingdom’s palace and is believed to be the reincarnation of Larentia, the Goddess worshiped by the people of Eos. Once reluctant to go to war, she agrees to fight as the Nation’s growth makes her fear for the world’s safety. She and Iris share a cause and a friendship that crosses species.
• Luka: A half-human, half-dark-elf soldier under Derek’s command. Grateful to the master who freed her, she accepts any dirty work he asks of her.
• Mistiora Aite: A rare pure-blooded dark elf of great beauty, wisdom and grace. Known as the “Deadly Beauty,” she has been associated with conflicts that destroyed nations and now lives as the king’s concubine in the desert kingdom of Eldonia.
• Kohaku: Leader of the foxfolk who came from the distant east and founded a neighboring nation. She also commands a group of spies known as ninjas and is devoted to those she loves. Her younger brother Meno has been captured by the Nation.
• Astrid Flamel: The future Grandmaster of Kimia, a nation of magicians. She summons golems and practices alchemy, while pursuing her research and training three pupils. Her frank, critical manner comes from her concern for them.
• Mel Mel: A halfling merchant representing the United Mercantile States of Tull. She uses her wealth to take her mercenaries and artillery unit into the war, and is outspoken about her feelings and preferences.
• Eleonora Bern: A bishop in the Nation’s church who seeks to restore virtue amid its corruption. She works to save oppressed elderly people, women and children, often putting her at odds with the church’s leaders and the Nation’s upper ranks.
• Ladomira: The Nation’s empress, formerly an ordinary woman who used her beauty to become the emperor’s concubine and then claim the throne. She is a tiefling whose clan uses demonic powers to control others. Selfish and indifferent to suffering, she changes orders on a whim and puts her own amusement first.

The other figures

• Derek Rondo: General of the Nation’s sixth guard, the Black Dog Knights. A former traveling mercenary, he has risen through the Nation’s army and is regarded as a second coming of the Mercenary King Vult. He has the strength and knowledge to pursue his ambition and will use any means necessary.
• Lucaon: A wolfman warrior in Derek’s forces and the oldest member of his order. His powerful body lays waste to the battlefield; he believes might makes right and shows no pity to the weak or defeated. His people have a long-standing conflict with Kohaku’s foxfolk.
• Nicola Noiva: A Black Dog Knight and former magician from Kimia, exiled by Astrid for researching forbidden arts. Mocked for his stutter and scrawny appearance, he has grown stubborn and resentful.
• Cale Gale Dinbul: A merchant based mainly in Tull. His trade in forbidden goods earned the condemnation of Mel Mel, who values honest trading, and led to his expulsion from the merchant guild. Behind his gentle smile is a scheming mind.
• Raymond Lullus: A former priest of the Holy Kingdom who says he heard God’s voice and follows its teachings. After seeking Seraphina, he was branded a heretic and banished. He continues his search, though no one else can hear the voice or verify that the god exists.
• Meno: Kohaku’s younger brother, a foxfolk captive in the Nation whose kind, peaceful nature remains unchanged.
• The King of Eldonia: The greedy, arrogant ruler of the vast desert kingdom. Recently, he has remained inside his palace and shown little interest in politics or world affairs.