Chapter 18: My Blade, Wielded Only to Kill Enemies!
But… if she were to use a blade to kill them… a hint of hesitation was still in her eyes.
Ren saw through her thoughts. "Are you worried about your desires?"
"Huh? Ren-kun, you…" she was surprised. He saw through me?!
"Your eyes are full of confusion and hesitation."
"…" She lowered her head in silence.
After a long time, she looked up, her slightly bloodshot eyes meeting his clear golden pupils. She slowly began her story. "In junior high, I was attacked by a pervert on my way home. At that time, I was carrying a wooden sword and deliberately let him approach, then used it to severely injure him. It was self-defense that went too far."
"Considering the situation, the police didn't pursue my responsibility. But I knew I did it on purpose. After that, I realized I have a strong tendency towards violence. When I was hitting him, I felt incredibly happy and excited. There's an unforgivable darkness in my heart." She raised her hands, her eyes filled with sorrow. "Am I still a normal person like this…?"
Ren listened, then calmly told her, "Saeko, you don't need to be so self-pitying. Whatever your personality, it is your own. Don't let it lead you; learn to control your nature."
He placed her katana in her hand. "There's nothing wrong with liking to cut people. As long as you know your enemies, use your blade to protect yourself and your friends, and swing it to kill your foes, what does it matter if it's violent? What's more, this is already an apocalypse."
Exusiai scratched her head. "I don't know any grand principles. I also like to shoot things, but my gun won't be pointed at my friends!" As she finished, her usual playful eyes became sharp and firm.
"Swing the blade at your enemies…" this sentence echoed in Saeko's mind. A moment later, she gripped the hilt and raised her head. The red in her pupils became brighter, but the confusion was gone. "I understand. My nature is me, and I must accept myself. Thank you."
Saeko, free from her confusion, slaughtered the "Dead" with greater ferocity. Every move was for a single, fatal blow.
Exusiai's mobility was high; she could even jump onto rooftops. Saeko's side didn't need it either. Most of the zombies she killed were those Ren had missed.
Ren's side was even more relaxed. He stomped his foot, and the earth was overturned. Large numbers of "Them" were pierced by earthen spikes or buried. Shattered stones shot out like arrows. Facing these, he didn't need defense. A reflective layer automatically formed on his body, enough to block any from approaching. Coupled with his Palm Thunder, he killed with both hands and feet.
By midday, the surrounding area was almost completely destroyed by him. "Ren's combat truly has astonishing destructive power," Exusiai and Saeko shared the same view.
As dusk fell, the three returned to Rika Minami's home. As soon as they entered, Saya couldn't help but ask, "What did you guys do? It looks like an earthquake happened outside."
Saeko chuckled. "You'll have to ask Ren-kun about that."
Ren spread his hands. "Just cleared out the surrounding 'Dead'."
"Hmm? Is dinner ready?" The table was laden with food.
"Just a moment, one last dish," Rei, wearing an apron, showed half her body from the kitchen. Shizuka was also there.
"The food left in her house would be wasted. We're leaving in a couple of days, so we might as well use it all."
"We are very grateful for your help. We can only prepare a feast for you."
"Hmm, very good," Ren nodded. "Leaving in a couple of days? Saya, have you contacted your parents?"
Saya showed a happy smile. "Yes. My father established a gathering place. Once it's stable, it will be safe for us to go there."
Safe… Ren wasn't sure, but he guessed it was destroyed.
"The last dish is here. Everyone, eat." The last dish was brought out. Rei seemed to be in a much better mood.
After dinner, everyone took turns showering. There were only two rooms. Exusiai was assigned one. The other four squeezed into one, and Ren slept on the living room sofa. Most of the surrounding zombies had been cleared, so they could sleep peacefully.
[Inorin Note:
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