Chapter 25: Pleased to Meet You (Part 2)

Barbarus, Northern Mountains.

Now.

Herella once had simpler times.

On days when she wasn't assigned night patrols or preparing for war, Herella's routine began at dawn. She'd rise, freshen up, and prepare breakfast (usually a thin porridge). Once ready, she'd wake her younger sister.

After a quick meal, Herella would grab her farming tools and head to the plot of land they were assigned outside the base. Her younger sister, Lyesha, would assist the community with various chores.

By midday, after finishing her farm duties, she'd return to the village, participate in daily training, and chat with Hades.

Hades always had stories to share, tales of far and wide.

Herella would listen with delight, always wondering how Hades knew such fascinating and peculiar tales.

After training, she'd invite Hades over for a meal, an invitation he often accepted.

She enjoyed watching him eat.

Interestingly, Hades seemed eager to teach her how to cook.

Of course, Herella knew how to prepare a decent meal, just as she knew how to expertly wield a gun against the monsters.

They grew closer.

Herella had her own intentions, but she knew it wasn't the right time.

The Deathwatch was working tirelessly, and everyone around her was giving their all for the base's construction.

It wasn't time yet.

It wasn't time to rest.

Once the last lord's head was severed, Herella planned to confess her feelings to Hades.

She wasn't sure if Hades would reciprocate, but she took solace in the fact that she was the only one partnering with him and that there were no other women around him.

She knew her thoughts were dark. Someone as outstanding as Hades deserved admiration.

But the reality was, only Herella chose to partner with him.

She felt special.

After the defeat of the xenos lord Lazar, Hades suddenly left for the south.

Holding his letter, Herella read it over and over.

"Fool, who are you trying to deceive with such a clumsy lie?"

Tears streamed down her face, smudging the already poor-quality paper.

She didn't want to cry.

Wiping away her tears, she pressed her palms against her eyes, hoping they'd stop.

She believed Hades had a compelling reason to leave. Something must have happened for him to depart so hastily.

But, could they meet again?

When they did, would both still be alive?

Barbarus was a brutal world. Humans rarely lived past thirty, with many dying in their teens or even younger.

And now, war raged.

Could they reunite amidst the chaos?

She hoped Hades would survive. She would try her best to survive too.

After Hades left, Herella trained even harder. Her hands, once used to farming tools, now bore thick calluses from handling weapons. Her health improved, and she became one of the most skilled marksmen, known for her high kill count.

She grew stronger and felt the responsibility to protect more.

Rebel! Let every Barbarus citizen live the life they desire!

Her sister Lyesha matured, joining the medical team. Although not a combat role, Herella knew every position was crucial in war.

The base's expansion went smoothly, except for the territories near the xenos lord Lazar. Preparations for the battle against xenos lord Nakrey were underway.

News from the south was uplifting. The Deathwatch there had defeated all the lords, with Hades playing a pivotal role.

Herella was relieved; it meant he was alive.

As the northern front expanded, they needed to relocate troops from the old base to the newly acquired territories.

Herella hadn't signed up for the first two rounds due to her sister's young age. But now, as a skilled marksman, she felt obligated to move.

The elite Deathwatch often volunteered for the new bases.

The new bases were more rudimentary and, due to their locations, more dangerous.

Herella hoped to live long enough to reunite with Hades, but that wasn't a reason to avoid battle.

She had the skills; she should fight.

Otherwise, the resources the Deathwatch invested in her would be wasted.

Duty above all, fearless in the face of danger.

Packing her belongings and preparing breakfast for Lyesha one last time, Herella joined the Deathwatch's morning march.

May we meet again, Hades.

Once the last xenos lord falls, the brave souls of Barbarus will reunite.

Wait for me to come from the north as you return from the south.

All we wish for is to meet again, alive.