Chapter 10 - Mine

Night Raid's Base

Rena's POV

After Akame finished giving me a tour around the base and introducing me to every Night Raid member, evening approached. Each member had their own quirks, and I found them oddly amusing. Before leaving for her mission, Akame showed me to my room. After tidying up a bit, I collapsed onto the bed.

Hmm, not as soft as the one I had back in my world, but it'll do.

Just as I began to relax, there was a knock at the door. When I opened it, I found a petite figure dressed in an outfit dominated by pink. It was Mine.

"New member, follow me," Mine said curtly before immediately turning on her heel to walk away. No explanation, no waiting for a response—just a hasty assumption that I would follow. How presumptuous.

I shrugged, closed the door, and returned to my less-than-comfy bed. I sensed her frustration mounting, and then, a sudden burst of movement. Mine was charging at my door, clearly intending to kick it open. With a flick of my mind, I used telekinesis to swing the door wide, and Mine sailed straight through, her rider kick landing her in the middle of my room.

Woosh* Bang*

Her unexpected entry left the room in disarray. Mine stood up, fuming, her small fist raised in anger.

"What the heck was that?" she yelled, glaring at me.

"What?" I replied casually, tilting my head.

"What? Your head! I told you to follow me, you idiot! Are you deaf?" she ranted, jabbing her finger in my direction. I got up and slowly walked toward her, arms crossed.

"There's something called 'attitude' when you invite someone," I said, lowering my head to her level. "And you're seriously lacking it. Just so you know, I can't stand people like that." I stared into her eyes, watching her reaction.

She responded by swinging a fist at my head, but I easily dodged it, then dodged another. Mine continued throwing punches, but none of them even grazed me. Eventually, she stopped, panting with frustration.

"Do you think I'm doing this because I want to?" Mine's voice trembled as she fought to hold back her tears, her small hands clenching into tight fists at her sides. "I lost a stupid game of rock-paper-scissors, so I got stuck with inviting you to this dumb celebration party!" She pointed an accusing finger at me, her frustration spilling over. "And now you're just refusing to go! Ugh, I don't care anymore! Go die!" she huffed, storming toward the door. Though she tried to hide it, I caught a glimpse of tears welling up in her eyes.

I sighed, sitting back on the bed. Staring up at the ceiling, I mused, Once again, I made someone cry. Times like this make me wish I still had the heartlessness of the Demon Path of Cultivation. It's these little emotions that hurt the most.

Moments later, Leone appeared in the doorway, her usual playful smile replaced with concern.

"Hey, Rena. I saw Mine running off, crying. What happened?" Leone asked, her golden eyes locking onto me.

I ignored her for a few seconds, sighing again before standing up. "Where did she go?" I asked, glancing at her.

"I saw her head outside," Leone replied, her tone softening.

"I see. Let everyone know that I don't need that celebration party. Going to the capital with you tomorrow will be enough," I said, brushing past her.

Leone watched me for a moment, then nodded. "Got it. Just don't be too hard on yourself, okay?"

I didn't respond, already walking in the direction Mine had gone.

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3rd POV

Mine sat by the lake, gazing at the still water. The cool evening air ruffled her pink hair as she hugged her knees to her chest. Suddenly, the soft sound of footsteps broke her concentration, but she didn't turn around. She knew exactly who it was.

"What do you want?" Mine huffed, still staring at the lake, her tone sharp.

Rena didn't respond. Instead, she quietly sat down beside her, which only served to irritate Mine further. She quickly stood up, crossing her arms as she glared at Rena.

"Just so you know, I hate you," Mine snapped. "And the fact that you think sitting beside me without saying anything will fix things? That just pisses me off more!" She huffed and began walking back toward the base.

Unbeknownst to Mine, Rena was deep in thought, searching for the right way to apologize. Fortunately, the words came to her before Mine could get too far.

"I came here to apologize," Rena finally said, her voice calm but sincere.

"Hah? Apologize?" Mine scoffed, stopping in her tracks but not turning around. "Humph, I don't need an apology from someone like you." She took another step forward, ready to leave, but suddenly felt a gentle grip on her hand.

"Then tell me," Rena said, her tone serious as she held onto Mine's hand. "Is there something I can do to make you forgive me?"

Mine clenched her fists, refusing to look at Rena. "Tch, then… let me punch you," she muttered, her voice low but determined, though her hands trembled slightly.

Rena fell silent, contemplating Mine's request. Before Mine could finish her next thought, Rena spoke again, her voice unwavering. "Rejoice. You shall be the first mortal I allow to strike me."

Gritting her teeth, Mine glared at her. "What's with that arrogant way of speaking?! DON'T YOU KNOW I HATE THAT?" she shouted, before immediately launching her fists at Rena.

Bang* Bang* Bang*

Mine's fists connected with Rena's face, each punch filled with frustration and pent-up anger. However, Rena's expression didn't change. She stood there, unflinching, as Mine struck her repeatedly.

After a few moments, Mine's hands dropped to her sides, her breathing heavy from the effort. "Tch," she spat, quickly turning on her heel and storming off toward the base at a fast pace, muttering curses under her breath.

But Rena knew Mine hadn't truly forgiven her yet. Without hesitation, she reached out again, grabbing Mine's wrist to stop her once more.

"Wait," Rena said firmly, pulling her back slightly. "I know you're still angry, but let me make one thing clear."

Mine turned around, glaring at her, her face flushed with a mix of frustration and embarrassment. "What now? You really are despicable!"

Rena took a deep breath, her grip steady as she met Mine's eyes. "I'm not going to change who I am. I talk the way I talk. I act the way I act. I've walked a path… a path that's different from most of you. The experiences I've been through made me this person. But… that doesn't mean I can't recognize when I've hurt someone." Her voice softened, though her gaze remained unwavering. "So if you're still angry, tell me what I need to do to make it right."

Mine blinked, momentarily caught off guard by Rena's sincerity. Deep down, she knew all too well that the path someone walked could shape them. After all, she had followed her own path—the one that had made her who she was today. She opened her mouth to retort, but the words got stuck in her throat as Rena continued.

"I've never told this to anyone before, but I'm bad at dealing with emotional stuff. I've always had to work hard to improve myself on that front. That's why, right now, I'm working hard to make you accept my apology. Because this might be the last time I deal with something like this." Rena's voice grew quieter as she admitted this.

"Last time? What do you—" Before Mine could finish her thought, Rena closed the distance between them. Their faces were now inches apart, and Mine could feel the heat radiating from Rena's presence.

"C-close—" Mine's voice faltered, her cheeks flushing a deep pink as Rena's intense gaze locked onto hers. She tried to pull away, but Rena's grip was firm, unrelenting.

"I'm this kind of person," Rena said quietly, her voice low and deliberate. "So, please forgive me."

Mine's heart raced, the close proximity making it hard to think straight. "F-Fine! I forgive you! Just… just let go already!" she stammered, her usual bravado crumbling under Rena's piercing stare.

Rena released her grip, a small, satisfied smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Good."

Mine didn't waste a second. She immediately turned and bolted back toward the base, her blush deepening with every step. "Idiot!" she shouted over her shoulder, though her voice lacked its usual venom.

Rena watched her retreating figure, a quiet chuckle escaping her lips. She stood by the lake for a moment longer, the cool breeze ruffling her hair as she gazed at the water. Mine's outburst was behind them now, but Rena knew that the bonds they forged today would only grow stronger with time.

'With this, I hope my guilt will lessen once I follow the demon path of cultivation,' Rena thought. With one last look at the lake, she turned and began her walk back to the base, a small, content smile lingering on her face.

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