(Abandoned Church: Basement)
Kunihito looked at Alexander, who was sitting in a corner of the room, still recovering from his injuries. The half-elf felt no pity for him, but there was something about him that intrigued him. He approached, maintaining a safe distance.
"You've caused quite a stir in Orario, to the point of being seen by those who shouldn't, Alexander." Kunihito said with a calm but curious tone. Alexander didn't respond, only looking at Kunihito with a mix of challenge and disdain in his eyes.
"I've heard about you, about how you lead your gang. They say you're brutal, but you also have a certain code of conduct." Kunihito continued.
Still without speaking, Alexander crossed his arms and tilted his head slightly, as if giving Kunihito permission to continue.
"I saw how you reacted when I was about to kill Lili." Kunihito said, carefully watching Alexander's reaction. "You seemed to want to take the blame for her, why?"
Alexander finally spoke, his voice sounding hoarse due to his injuries. "It's not like I have a soft heart. But even I have limits."
Kunihito nodded as if understanding something. "So, what's really going on? What's your goal, Alexander? Why create this gang and cause so much chaos?"
Alexander looked at the ground for a moment, as if pondering whether to speak or not. Finally, he sighed and looked back at Kunihito "Orario is a place of opportunities, but also of inequalities. Adventurers have power, fame, and wealth, while the weaker ones are trampled upon. I was tired of being one of those who are forgotten. I created the gang to give myself power, to make others respect me."
Kunihito listened attentively, picking up on the mixture of bitterness and determination in Alexander's voice.
"But what are you seeking beyond power and respect?" Kunihito asked, probing deeper.
Alexander looked at the horizon, as if looking beyond the room's walls. "When you grow up feeling the weight of weakness and submission, you want more than that. You want to be feared, you want to make an impact. I want to be someone who changes the rules, who leaves an indelible mark."
Kunihito fell silent for a moment, processing Alexander's words. "So, you want to be remembered as someone who made a difference."
Alexander nodded, a serious look on his face. "I want to be the name whispered with respect and fear. I want to be known as the one who challenged the system."
Kunihito pondered Alexander's words for a moment "There are better ways to do that."
Alexander chuckled ironically. "Do you think you can teach me about morality, half-elf? Do you think I haven't tried to do things differently? Weakness is trampled upon, and pity is for fools. I've seen how people are treated here, and I decided I wouldn't be one of those who bow down."
Kunihito realized the pain and frustration in Alexander's words. He could understand the young man's anger, even if he didn't fully agree with his methods.
"I understand that you're angry, that you want to be more than what you've been led to believe you are. There are ways to create real change without causing so much unnecessary suffering, of course certain attitudes generate that, but if you exaggerate it will only bring fear and no respect." Kunihito said sincerely.
Alexander looked at Kunihito for a moment, his eyes showing a mix of emotions "And you think your way is better? Fighting for good, being the hero who protects the weak?"
Kunihito didn't hesitate to respond "That's nonsense, there's no good or evil, there are only ambitious men who have taken over the world with power and made what they considered justice right, and no one could say otherwise because they were the strongest."
The two men fell silent for a moment, their words hanging in the air between them. Finally, Alexander sighed. "Maybe you're right, maybe you're not. But in the end, it's strength that prevails here, isn't it? And I'll keep seeking that strength, even if it means breaking some rules."
Kunihito looked at Alexander with a serious look.
"But what kind of legacy do you want to leave? Do you want to be remembered as someone who caused pain and fear, or someone who truly made a difference?" Alexander didn't respond, his expression dark and thoughtful. Kunihito turned to leave the room, knowing that the conversation had not reached a definitive conclusion.
"I have a goal, bigger than what I'm doing now, in fact, Orario becomes obsolete in the face of what I aspire to." Kunihito then drew Balmung and looked at the blade.
"And what would that be?" Alexander asked.
"I want to rewrite history." Kunihito slowly turned to Alexander, his posture upright, as if the entire room was paying attention to his words. His eyes burned with a fierce intensity, reflecting unwavering conviction. Every word he spoke seemed charged with an energy that reverberated in the air, filling the space with an aura of grandeur.
"Power is the key to everything, Alexander. It's power that breaks the chains of weakness, that crushes those who dare to stand in our way, that opens the doors to a new world of possibilities. And I will possess that power, I will control it, and I will use it to create the future I desire!" Kunihito breathed deeply, his voice echoing on the walls of the room, filled with determination. Then, he lowered Balmung, looking at Alexander with a mix of challenge and invitation.
"And that's why, Alexander, I see some value in you. Not because I agree with your current methods, but because I see the same fire burning inside you, the same thirst for power and change. I invite you to join me, to share this journey in search of ultimate power, to rewrite together the history of Orario and beyond." A moment of silence followed, as if time itself was suspended. Alexander's decision hung in the air like a double-edged sword. And Kunihito, the ambitious half-elf, waited, his expression a mixture of challenge and expectation.
Alexander remained silent for a moment, contemplating Kunihito's intense words. His eyes examined the half-elf with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. The offer was tempting, and he could feel the allure of the promise of power and change. However, he also knew that joining Kunihito would mean completely abandoning what he had built so far, leaving behind his gang and his current ambitions.
But there was a burning question in his mind, a doubt he needed to clarify before making any decision. With a more serious and incisive tone, he broke the silence.
"Kunihito, there's something I need to know before considering your offer." his voice sounded firm, like a challenge. "Why did you choose to kill one of my subordinates and then come to me? Was it part of some plan to seek approval and demonstrate superiority?"
Kunihito didn't seem shaken by the question. On the contrary, he let out a slight, almost mocking smile. "Do you consider yourself so important, Alexander? Do you think I would orchestrate this entire situation to impress you? Don't be so presumptuous." Alexander frowned, visibly surprised by Kunihito's response. He wasn't expecting this direct and uncourteous answer. It was as if Kunihito was underestimating his importance, an affront to his ego.
"Slaughtering gangs isn't exactly an impressive feat in Orario." Kunihito continued, his eyes shining with a hint of mockery. "Just recently, I dismantled two of the largest gangs that dared to challenge my path. One of them was led by an arrogant newcomer who had just reached Level 5. I reduced what was left of them to nothing."
Alexander's expression changed from surprise to shock. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. A gang led by a Level 5 adventurer was not a trivial matter. And knowing that Kunihito not only defeated them but completely annihilated them was an impressive testament to his strength.
"So, you are…" Alexander began but was interrupted by Kunihito.
"Yes, I am the Power that transcends the weak and crushes the obstacles that dare to block my path," Kunihito declared with a confident smile. "Now, back to your original question, why did I choose to talk to you? It's not because you're irreplaceable or because I need your approval. It's because, even among all the ants crawling in this labyrinth called Orario, I saw something in you that piqued my curiosity."
Alexander tilted his head, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion "And what did you see in me?"
Kunihito let out a soft laugh "It reminded me of a fun part of my life. A part when I too was young, ambitious, and thirsting for power. A part when I dreamed of becoming something more than the limitations of my blood allowed."
Alexander looked at Kunihito with a mix of emotions, surprised by this unexpected answer. It was almost as if Kunihito was looking at a younger reflection of himself in Alexander. But there was still a pending question.
"So, do you find me worthy of your offer? Worthy of joining you in this quest for power and change?" Alexander's voice contained a hint of vulnerability, something rarely seen in him.
Kunihito smiled, but this time it was a milder, almost understanding smile "It's not a matter of worthiness, Alexander. It's a matter of potential. I see in you the same fire I had in my eyes. The same determination not to be forgotten, not to bow to the fate imposed by others. I see someone who, with guidance and focus, could become a powerful force in their own right."
The atmosphere in the room was charged with a mixture of tension and expectation. The two men locked eyes, an ambitious half-elf and a young gang leader in search of his own mark in history. Every word exchanged between them was like a piece being moved on the board of a complex and unpredictable game. The future was lurking, and Alexander's decision could shape both of their destinies.
"And what about my subordinates?" Alexander asked.
"Logically, if they decide to follow you in this choice, I will welcome them as my own as well." Kunihito stated with absolute certainty.
Alexander took a deep breath and looked into the half-elf's eyes…
(…)
Bell was assisting Alexander's subordinates in their recovery, which felt strange to the boy, as he had been the one primarily responsible for leaving them in this state.
However, instead of harboring resentment, they looked at Bell with more respect than ever. It was a pleasant feeling, to say the least, so while they sat on the church pews and treated him, he could relax.
But it was strange. Kunihito had been so brutal with Lili, and yet, he had brought all of them without exception to treat them. Bell wondered what the half-elf was doing with the gang leader in the basement.
His mind didn't need to wander for long until a bandaged Alexander, accompanied by the half-elf, entered the church, making the atmosphere even more intense as both of them ascended to the altar.
"Everyone, pay close attention to the words that will follow." Alexander said with an imposing voice. "Since I gathered you for our union, we've never truly had a clear path or a strong objective. But that changed with today's battle. First, I would like to commend Bell Cranel for his exceptional performance in his fight and the half-elf Kunihito, who proved to be a fearless opponent even to me."
The abandoned church hall fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Alexander as he spoke with renewed determination "Today's battle opened my eyes to something greater, something that transcends our gang and our quest for respect on the streets of Orario. Look around us; we're all hurt, tired, and wounded. We've fought against each other, weakening our own strength while the powerful continue to shape this city's destiny."
Alexander's subordinates listened attentively, some with shining eyes as if they were beginning to realize the change in the air.
"Kunihito here seeks something significant. He seeks power, not to bow down to the stronger but to become the strongest. And I've realized, being defeated today, that our old methods won't take us where we truly want to go." Alexander paused for a moment, scanning the room, looking into every face.
"That's why I've made a decision. The gang we've built, the bonds we've forged, they don't need to be destroyed but transformed. I've chosen a new path, a path that will take us beyond the streets of Orario, beyond mere survival and imposing ourselves through fear." Alexander's subordinates' eyes sparkled with curiosity and a hint of hope.
"I've decided that we will affiliate ourselves with the Hestia Family, rejoin the world of adventurers, but not to be just another group lost in the crowd. We will rise, acquire skills, seek growth, and thereby earn the respect we deserve." There was a murmur of surprise and interest in the room.
"Kunihito has offered us a chance to be part of something bigger, something that may be recorded in the history books. He has ambitions that extend beyond this city's borders, and I believe we can learn from him, shaping our destiny alongside him." There was a tense pause as Alexander's subordinates seemed to contemplate his words.
"I know this choice is significant, and many of you may have doubts. Some of you may think this is a sign of weakness, that I'm giving in. But I say this is a sign of strength. We are evolving, growing, and changing ourselves for the better." Some subordinates began to exchange glances, whispering to each other.
"I'm not abandoning you; I'm leading the transformation. And I would like all of you to join me on this journey. If you share my vision, if you desire a future where we can be more than mere delinquents on the streets, then together, we will become the change we want to see in Orario." The room fell silent, the tension in the air almost palpable.
Some of Alexander's subordinates appeared deeply moved by his words, while others maintained a skeptical expression. Then, one by one, their eyes began to shine, and their hardened faces softened. Finally, one of Alexander's subordinates raised his fist into the air.
"I'm in."
And then another.
"Count me in too."
And another.
"I always knew there was more to us than just fighting on the streets."
The voices continued to add up, one by one, until nearly everyone present raised their fists, expressing their decision to follow the new path proposed by Alexander.
Alexander looked around, feeling the mixture of emotions in the air. There was acceptance, hope, and a hint of excitement. However, he knew that not everyone was on board yet.
"If any of you still have doubts, if you're not ready for this change, I understand. No one is obligated to follow this." Alexander spoke sincerely.
At that moment, one of the subordinates who had mocked Alexander before, the same one who had called his attitude a "castrated dog," stood up. His eyes didn't shine with enthusiasm like the others. Instead, he wore a challenging look.
"You talk a lot, Alexander. And it's easy to make an exciting speech after being defeated. But I won't join this circus. I won't bow down to anyone, whether it's you or this pretentious half-elf." His voice was filled with disdain.
Alexander looked at him with a calm gaze, devoid of anger. On the contrary, he gave a small, understanding smile. "And you have the right to choose your own path. No one will force you to follow this."
The subordinate's eyes flickered. He seemed to expect a more explosive reaction. However, Alexander didn't give him that satisfaction.
While the air remained tense, Kunihito stepped forward, his expression calm but carrying an air of authority. "You're right to question, to doubt. Ambition is not for everyone. Some prefer the easy life of the streets, the false sense of power it brings. But know that this offer should not be underestimated. If you change your mind, we won't be here for you anymore." The subordinate looked at Kunihito, his gaze wavering for a moment before he turned and left the room.
Silence returned to the room, but now it was filled with a new energy, a shared resolution among those who had decided to follow the new path.
Alexander addressed those present once more, his voice firm and filled with determination "We will face challenges, need to surpass ourselves, and prove our worth, not only to others but to ourselves. But I'm confident that we can do this. With training, skills, and the right direction, we can become a force to be reckoned with, a force that changes not only the streets of Orario but the destiny of this city itself."
Fists raised, determined gazes, reflected a new unity, a new purpose.
Kunihito took a step forward, his gaze focused on Alexander's subordinates "We're ready to welcome you on our journey. The choice is yours, but know that if you choose to join us, you won't just be joining a gang. You'll become a part of something much bigger, a force that will shape the future." Alexander's subordinates exchanged glances, seeming to understand the gravity of the decision they were making.
And then, one by one, they began to rise raising their fists in the air in a gesture of unity and acceptance.
Alexander smiled, a confident and hopeful smile.
The alliance was formed, a new chapter was about to begin, and the city of Orario would feel the ripples of the changes to come. Together, they would rewrite history.
Kunihito simply waved at Bell with a small smile as the young boy looked incredulous at how things had turned out.
"What an electrifying day, huh? How are your injuries?" Kunihito asked, approaching the young man.
"This is incredible… Our family really grew overnight!" Bell said with a hint of excitement, not even addressing Kunihito's question.
"I guess that answers my question. In the Far East, this is how alliances are forged; the strong unite with the strong, and circles are formed." the half-elf said with a shrug "By the way, Bell, I need to go somewhere. Have fun; after all, you're the veteran here," the blonde added, patting the boy's shoulder.
"What? You're leaving me here alone!?" Bell said incredulously.
"It's important, and besides, if they change their minds about us being allies, you just need to outrun Alexander again." Kunihito said with a laugh as he departed, waving to the boy.
"Kunihito-san… What about Lili?" Bell said in almost a whisper.
The half-elf heard his words and stopped in his tracks. "I talked to Alexander, and it was all a misunderstanding caused by the Pallum. She was the one to blame for the whole situation and our affront. Traitors receive no forgiveness, right?" Kunihito said coldly.
Bell wore a sad expression. "Right…" He simply replied.
(Blue Pharmacy)
It was already night, and Naaza had closed up shop. She had stayed late today, alone, to restock some of her potions.
While she was busy organizing the vials, a sudden crash echoed through the store. Naaza froze, her heart racing as she looked towards the store's entrance. The wooden door had been torn from its hinges, and Kunihito stood in the doorway, his expression cold and furious.
"Kunihito…" Naaza whispered, her voice trembling as she instinctively backed away.
The half-elf advanced toward Naaza, his eyes sparking with anger "Did you think you could deceive me? Did you think you could sell fake potions and get away with it?" Terror ran down Naaza's spine as she looked at Kunihito. She knew she had made a mistake, but the threatening presence of the half-elf was overwhelming.
Kunihito stopped in front of the counter, his fingers clenching into tight fists "You nearly killed Bell Cranel. You nearly destroyed what I'm building. And you thought you could escape the consequences?"
Naaza swallowed hard, her throat dry as she struggled to find words "I… I was wrong. I know that. I… I didn't want any of this to happen."
Kunihito's laughter was bitter and cutting "You didn't want any of this to happen? And you think that's enough? Your actions have consequences, Naaza. And you need to learn that betraying others' trust is something I won't tolerate."
Kunihito moved even closer, and Naaza retreated until her back hit the wall. The tension in the air was palpable, and Naaza could feel the hatred emanating from Kunihito.
The half-elf raised his hand, his expression relentless. He didn't hesitate. His fist flew towards Naaza's face, striking her with a devastating blow. The impact made her stagger and fall to the ground, her vision flickering for a moment.
Naaza held her face, tasting the metallic tang of blood in her mouth. She looked at Kunihito with wide eyes, her mind spinning as she tried to comprehend the fierceness of his anger. She knew punishment would come, but she didn't expect it to be so brutal and ruthless.
"You betrayed the trust of one of mine." Kunihito's voice was a cold, anger-filled whisper "And that can't be forgiven."
Without giving her a chance to recover, Kunihito bent down and grabbed her by the collar. He lifted her as if she weighed nothing, his impressive strength making the gap between them in terms of power clear.
With a swift and fierce motion, he hurled her against a nearby shelf. Vials and potions scattered on the floor as the impact hit her. Naaza groaned in pain, her body throbbing from the blow. She tried to get up, but her legs gave way.
Kunihito approached her, his blue-green eyes seeming devoid of any compassion. He grabbed her by the hair and pulled her up, forcing her to meet his gaze.
"Do you think you can toy with human lives as if it were a game?" Kunihito growled, his voice echoing in the destroyed shop's walls "You nearly destroyed what I'm building, and that's something I won't allow."
He raised his hand again, and this time, it wasn't a clenched fist that struck Naaza, but the palm of his hand. The impact made her head turn to the side, and pain spread across her face. Naaza tasted blood in her mouth once again, her strength gradually leaving her.
Kunihito's anger seemed insatiable, and he continued to deliver blows, each one more brutal than the last. His fists rained down on her, his overwhelming strength making any resistance impossible. Each impact was a reminder of her betrayal, a brutal form of punishment.
The shop, once the pride of Naaza, was now in ruins, just like her own dignity. She was defenseless in Kunihito's hands, her body falling like a ragdoll with every blow.
Finally, Kunihito stopped. He looked at Naaza, his face disfigured by pain and suffering. She was gasping, her body battered and bruised. But even so, her determination had not completely faded.
"This is just the beginning, Naaza." Kunihito said with a cold and sadistic smile. "You will pay for your actions one way or another."
Kunihito then grabbed her by the arm, "This will start very slowly, Little Fl--" Before he could finish his incantation, he was interrupted by a voice.
"STOP IMMEDIATELY!!!" The blonde turned and saw that it was none other than the God Miach there, horrified and stopping them.
Naaza looked at her God, and tears began to stream from her eyes. "M-Miach-sama!" She moaned in pain.
Miach, the God of Medicine, was visibly disturbed by the scene before him. His gaze shifted between Kunihito and Naaza, his mind clearly struggling to understand what was happening. He approached quickly, his expression a mix of shock and concern.
"Kunihito, please, stop!" Miach pleaded, his eyes fixed on the half-elf. "I know this is wrong. We can't resolve this through violence."
Kunihito released Naaza's arm, his expression impassive as he looked at Miach. "She betrayed my trust, Miach. She put lives in danger."
Miach extended his hand towards Naaza, his concern evident. "Let her go, Kunihito. Please, let's find a better way to deal with this."
However, Kunihito remained resolute. His gaze turned to Naaza, and a cold smile curved his lips. "It's natural for someone who wields a blade to expect to be cut."
He gripped Naaza's arm tightly, his fingers clamping down like a vise. She let out a painful groan, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Kunihito seemed on the verge of continuing his assault when Miach, desperate to prevent further violence, decided to intervene in a surprising way.
The God raised his voice, his expression serious as he looked directly at Kunihito. "It was me! I was responsible for all of Naaza's actions! She was just following my orders!"
Miach's declaration was so unexpected that both Kunihito and Naaza exchanged perplexed glances. Miach, however, maintained his act, his voice rising in pitch as he tried to convince Kunihito of his false guilt.
"I deceived her, forced her to do all of this. She wouldn't have had the intelligence or courage to do something like this on her own. It was me, Kunihito, it was me who betrayed your trust." Kunihito's gaze oscillated between Naaza and Miach, clearly intrigued by what was happening.
He released Naaza's arm, allowing her to fall to her knees on the floor, her breath heavy and irregular.
Miach continued his charade, even insulting Naaza with cruel words to make his act more convincing. "She's nothing but a fool, incapable of making wise decisions. Would you believe she could plot something like this?"
Kunihito watched with a mix of curiosity and suspicion, while Naaza looked at Miach with a blend of gratitude and desperation. She could feel Miach's energy building, energy he was using to sustain his deception.
When Miach finally concluded his speech, he fell to his knees beside Naaza, his breath shallow. Kunihito approached slowly, his expression indecipherable.
"It's a noble gesture, God Miach," Kunihito said finally, his voice soft and dripping with irony. "I won't forget today." With a sudden motion, Kunihito drew the sword hanging from his back. Miach's eyes widened in shock, and Naaza let out a muffled scream. However, instead of turning on Naaza, Kunihito approached Miach.
"I transfer all the sins committed by her to you," Kunihito's voice was calm and somber.
Miach nodded with a warm smile on his lips, as if accepting his fate with resignation. "Thank you, Kunihito, for giving me this chance."
Then, in an unthinkable act of sacrifice, Miach offered his chest. Kunihito didn't hesitate. He raised the sword and plunged it into the God's heart, and Miach let out a final sigh as his eyes closed.
"MIACH-SAMA!" Naaza screamed, her tears flowing freely now. Kunihito withdrew the sword from Miach's body and let it fall to the ground. He looked at the fallen God's body with a strange expression, as if processing what he had just done.
"Miach-sama!" Naaza moaned, trying to move, but the pain in her body prevented her from doing so. Kunihito slowly turned to her, his eyes now filled with a mixture of emotions.
Kunihito turned slowly to her, his eyes now filled with a mixture of emotions. He looked at Naaza lying on the ground, tears and blood mixed on her bruised face. The shop was in ruins around them, a visual reflection of the chaos that had unfolded.
Naaza crawled painfully toward Miach's body. Her vision was blurred with tears and pain, but she was determined to reach him. The golden light enveloping Miach began to shine brighter, and particles of light started to detach from his body.
"Miach-sama!" Naaza whispered, her voice a sob as she reached out her trembling hand toward him. "Don't… don't go."
The particles of light began to swirl around Miach, like a final farewell dance. Naaza struggled to reach Miach, her hand extended until it almost touched him. She could feel the warmth of the light, as if touching something divine.
Her tears fell freely, mingling with the golden light as she whispered a thank you to Miach. He had been the God who had given her a second chance, a prosthetic that had changed her life and allowed her to continue her work. And now, he was making one last sacrifice for her.
Naaza closed her eyes for a moment, recalling all the times Miach had helped and guided her on her journey. He had been more than a God to her; he was a friend and a protector. And now, he was sacrificing himself for her again.
Tears flowed at a constant rate, her emotions a mixture of gratitude, sadness, and admiration. She reached out her hand even further, her fingers almost touching the light forming around Miach. But gradually, the particles of light began to rise, lifting above her as if being drawn into the sky.
"Miach-sama…" Naaza whispered once more, her words lost in the air as the light continued to ascend. And then, suddenly, everything dissipated. The golden light faded away, the particles spreading in the air like tiny shooting stars.
Naaza fell to her knees, tears now flowing freely.
The silence in the shattered shop was overwhelming, a somber tranquility that hung over the destroyed space. Naaza was alone, surrounded by the echo of her pain and the memories of the events that had unfolded there.
She looked at the empty space where Miach had been moments ago, a deep sense of emptiness consuming her. What remained of him now were just memories and a feeling of insurmountable loss.
Kunihito remained still for a moment, watching Naaza in her grief. He could sense the sadness and confusion consuming her, and it affected him more than he was willing to admit. He knew he had done what he believed was necessary, but still, the consequences weighed on his mind.
Finally, he took a step forward, his boots echoing on the destroyed floor. He approached Naaza but kept a respectful distance. He looked at her for a moment, contemplating her hunched posture, her tears, and the pain in her eyes.
"You've seen it, haven't you?" Kunihito broke the silence, his voice softer than before "How the world can be funny. How it can give us moments of joy and at the same time, take away those we love."
Naaza slowly raised her gaze to him, her swollen, red eyes meeting his. She didn't respond, but her expressions conveyed everything that needed to be said.
"You know the feeling of loss now, Naaza," Kunihito continued, his voice laden with a dark, reflective tone. "A loss that turns into guilt. A loss that leaves a hole in your soul, a hole you can't fill."
Naaza bit her lower lip, struggling to control her emotions as she listened to Kunihito's words.
"Do you think you pay your debt with blood?" Kunihito asked, his eyes fixed on her. "But the real debt is the one you carry in your soul. The betrayal you committed against the Hestia family, that's something that can't be erased with simple vengeance."
An expression of anger and frustration crossed Naaza's face. Kunihito's words were a cruel reminder of what she had done, of the wrong choices she had made, and the devastating consequences that had unfolded.
"You see, Naaza." Kunihito continued, his eyes never leaving hers "You took something from me today, just as I took something from you. Our blood debts are paid, but the soul debts, those are the hardest to settle."
He moved a little closer, his voice almost a whisper now. "From now on, you will carry Miach's name in your soul. Every time you look back, you will feel the weight of what happened here."
The anger and sadness in Naaza bubbled up, mixing into a whirlwind of emotions. She slowly got up, her legs trembling, but her determination was clear. She felt broken, not just physically but emotionally. Her body ached, but it was the pain in her soul that weighed heavier.
"You want to torment me with my own guilt?" She whispered, her voice hoarse from pain and anger. "You want to turn me into a prisoner of remorse?"
Kunihito didn't back down. He stared at Naaza firmly. "No, Naaza. I don't want to break you. I want you to understand. I want you to carry this pain and guilt forever, as a constant reminder of what happened here."
Tears rolled down Naaza's face, a mixture of emotions overwhelming her. She knew she had committed irreparable mistakes, knew she had a long way to go to redeem herself. And now, carrying Miach's name in her soul was another burden she would have to bear.
"You want me to be haunted by my own guilt?" She muttered, her voice breaking.
"Something like that," Kunihito replied, his expression serious. "The world is ironic that way, Naaza. It gives us the freedom of choice, but it also charges a price for every choice we make."
Naaza looked at the ground, her tears falling silently. She was tired, emotionally and physically. She felt shattered, a shell of what she used to be.
"You can live your life, Naaza," Kunihito said, his voice softer now. "But always remember what happened here. Remember Miach's sacrifice and the betrayal you committed. Carry this memory as a burden, a reminder that you are responsible for your actions."
Naaza remained silent, staring at the ground as Kunihito's words echoed in her mind. She was lost in her own thoughts, trying to process the complexity of the emotions that overwhelmed her. The weight of guilt, the void left by Miach's loss, the understanding of the consequences of her wrong choices – all of it enveloped her like a dense fog.
Kunihito then placed his palm on Naaza's head as if wiping away the weight from her mind. "From today, your life belongs to me, and you'll hate it until your last breath, believe me. Welcome to the Hestia Family. I count on you, Naaza." the half-elf said simply.
Naaza remained there, the sensation of Kunihito's hand on her head was strange, almost comforting in a disturbing way. She was exhausted, not only physically but emotionally. Her body hurt, but it was the pain in her soul that weighed the most.
While silence enveloped the shattered shop, Naaza finally raised her eyes to Kunihito. There was a mix of emotions in her gaze – sadness, guilt, determination, and even a spark of acceptance. She didn't say anything, but it was no longer necessary. Their looks met in a mutual and somber understanding.
Kunihito took a step back, removing his hand from Naaza's head. He looked around the shop, at the wreckage that was silent witness to the tragic events that had unfolded. It was a constant reminder of how life could unfold in unexpected and cruel ways.
"Go." was the last word Kunihito spoke before turning and leaving the shop, leaving Naaza behind with her painful emotions and her new burden.
Naaza remained there for a while longer, sobs finally finding an outlet from her throat. It was a silent cry, laden with sadness, regret, and the pain of profound loss. She cried for Miach, for her wrong choices, and for the life she had once known and now seemed lost forever.
(To be continued…)
Wow, this chapter was ready since the last one, and I forgot to post it XD! Does anyone still read this? Jesus, I went back to read the first chapters, and honestly, what a terrible spelling it was... And yet, nearly 100 people follow and favorited this story. I appreciate the support.
Revisions are the part that gives me the most motivation to write this story. And there was a reader who asked me a question, but I forgot to answer XD! Basically, how would I define the protagonist? Well, Kunihito is like a Griffith with traces of Guts, there's no better definition XD.