64 We Are Not Enemies
--- Lefiya's POV ---
They say that tragedy has the power to transform individuals, and I can attest to the truth of that statement.
Prior to the tumultuous events that unfolded, I never dwelled too deeply on matters...of any kind.
I aspired to be a valuable member of our Familia, someone strong enough to stand confidently by Ais-san's side and perhaps gain some semblance of self-confidence.
However, reality has a way of shattering our illusions. Ren's rejection of my plea left me disheartened. I believed that if he would train me, I could forge a new version of myself, someone deserving of respect.
Initially, I thought his refusal was rooted in a petty grudge, a reaction to my own disrespect towards him. Yet, as I engaged in conversation with Riveria, I came to understand that Ren's training methods were far from gentle.
Each time they sparred, he pushed Ais to her limits, leaving her in a state of physical exhaustion as she couldn't move for at least half an hour after...
While this revelation piqued my curiosity about his own strength, for training Ais in such a relentless manner was no easy feat, it also led me to comprehend that he shielded me from the true harshness of his methods.
I had been stubborn, convinced that my resolve would remain unyielding even in the face of hellish training.
This newfound awareness dismantled my previous assumption that Ren was merely a spiteful man seeking to drive a wedge between Ais and me.
Like myself, he yearned for a place close to her, though our paths diverged on countless levels, which was also what made me take so long to realize.
It was an unfair judgment on my part, and I felt a pang of remorse for my past behavior.
I longed to offer my sincere apologies for the way I had treated him thus far, yet the memories of our encounters left me feeling apprehensive...
---
For days on end, these thoughts swirled within me, yet I remained hesitant to gather the courage and approach him for an apology. Time slipped through my fingers like sand, until the day we were compelled to make our way to the Guild arrived...
We traversed the path leading to the Guild until the Amazonesses, their insatiable appetites palpable, encircled him like a ravenous pack. Anger flared within me, an indignant fire ignited by the audacity of their advances.
It was common knowledge within our Familia that Ren and Ais shared a special bond. Though I despised the notion, I couldn't bear witness to this unfolding spectacle without intervening. Thus, I aligned myself with him, standing by his side.
The way his gaze met mine bordered on the comical, and I instinctively averted my eyes. The tension between us was palpable, an awkwardness that threatened to engulf me.
Did he perceive me as crazy? The mere thought of it intensified my embarrassment.
---
...
That terrified voice echoed in my ears, etching its haunting melody deep within my soul. The sheer horror of the scene was beyond words. I had seen lifeless bodies before, but never on such a scale.
A wave of nausea threatened to overwhelm me, its presence coiling in the pit of my stomach. The urge to retch surged through me, but I clenched my teeth and fought against it. How could I dare to succumb to my own disgust when lives were slipping away before my very eyes?
In the midst of my turmoil, his voice broke through the chaos, a beacon of strength and resolve. "Get it together, Lefiya," he said, his words like a lifeline pulling me back from the edge of despair. And in that moment, I found solace in his unwavering presence.
A surge of determination coursed through my veins, overriding my fear and doubt. I had let my emotions cloud my judgment for far too long. It was time to set things right.
"Ren, I am sorry for everything! Please, take care of Ais-san!" Unconcerned with the onlookers around us, I gave voice to my feelings, urging everyone else to rally their spirits and concentrate on the task at hand.
In the periphery of my vision, I caught a glimpse of him chuckling softly, which made me chuckle in return. Today could very well be my last day, but I would face it with no regrets.
A sense of liberation washed over me. The weight of animosity lifted, replaced by a newfound understanding. We...
Didn't have to be enemies.
---
I managed to survive.
Whether it was a twist of fate or simply sheer luck, I was still breathing amidst the aftermath of the chaos.
Summoning the courage, I approached Ren, ready to confront him about my previous behavior and clarify my intentions. To my surprise, his response was typically curt:
"I don't really care what you want us to be, Lefiya. It's good that you've regained some sense, but it doesn't change anything. What I said before still holds true."
A smile tugged at the corners of my lips. Even in his usual insulting manner, I could discern a slight difference in his demeanor. Had my acknowledgment of not interfering between him and Ais made a difference? I couldn't say for certain, and truth be told, I didn't feel compelled to inquire further.
Yes, after being confronted with death at every turn, perhaps I had grown a little.
Now, the only thing left was to mourn for the fallen. I had lost many acquaintances, and I was still grappling with the weight of it all. However, that would have to wait until the public funeral, where we would collectively pay our respects.
In the meantime, it was crucial to shift our focus toward providing a detailed account of what happened on the surface.
---
Author's Note:
The funeral will be on the next chap, my bad.
