Bengtie, I'm really not a villain!

She could only pray silently in her heart, hoping that one day she could escape your shadow and truly enjoy a pure friendship with Furibas.

During her time with Furibas, Raiden Mei felt as if a bottle of mixed emotions had been spilled, leaving her restless and unsettled.

Every quiet afternoon, every exhilarating training session, her thoughts would inevitably drift to you.

On the one hand, the fear of being summoned was ever-present; the unknown moment of summons was like the Sword of Damocles hanging over her head, ready to fall at any moment, keeping her constantly on edge and never daring to relax her guard.

On the other hand, deep down, she secretly longed for your summons.

This expectation filled her with immense shame. She cursed herself countless times in her mind: how could she have such unspeakable thoughts about the man who had caused her so much pain?

But she couldn't help making excuses for herself, constantly telling herself that the reason she was like this was simply because she longed to become stronger.

[And perhaps all your "misdeeds" were meant to hone her skills, allowing her to go further and more steadily on the path of swordsmanship.]

As Jingye looked at the content in the villain simulator, sure enough, Raiden Mei's mindset had changed.

Having already gotten used to it, Raiden Mei will find it even more difficult to face her third breakdown.

As Jingye had predicted, Raiden Mei had begun to make excuses for his many misdeeds.

Jing Ye even sensed that this guy seemed to be secretly looking forward to it.

It has a kind of tsundere feeling of "I'm afraid you'll come, but I'm even more afraid you won't come"—saying one thing but meaning another.

What era are we living in? Still being arrogant? Arrogance is outdated.

Knowing that Raiden Mei's current misdeeds were no longer enough to break her down, Jingye simply chose not to look for her.

Days passed, the sun shone brightly, the breeze was still gentle, but you remained untouched, like a stone sinking into the sea, never sending a message.

This gradually relaxed Raiden Mei, and her tense nerves slowly eased.

However, amidst this relaxation, an indescribable sense of emptiness quietly welled up inside.

Without the constant fear of being summoned, life suddenly seems to lack something.

She often gazed at the bright moon outside her window in a daze late at night.

[Fragments of their time together kept flashing through her mind—those intense iaido duels, those painful defeats—now all becoming the source of her complex emotions.]

Raiden Mei was filled with conflicting emotions, unaware that her long-awaited summons had been delayed, and that there was more to the story behind it.

In the courtyard, Raiden Mei's mother stands facing you with a solemn expression.

Her eyes held a resolute determination, showing no fear of the powerful aura emanating from you.

Her hands trembled slightly, yet her spine remained straight, like an unshakeable mountain.

During this time, she kept a close eye on your movements, and whenever she sensed that you might be about to summon Raiden Mei, she tried her best to stop you.

[They might set up obstacles in advance where you might appear, or try to attract your attention in their own way, just to buy their daughter a moment of peace.]

Her eyes were filled with maternal love and determination; for her daughter's sake, she was willing to fight you, such a formidable opponent, to the very end.

Meanwhile, completely unaware of the situation, Raiden Mei was still training and laughing with Furibas. However, lately, a sense of unease had begun to creep into her heart.

She noticed that her mother always went out quietly at night, and each time she returned, her clothes were disheveled and her hair was a little loose, as if she had just finished practicing iaido.

[Furthermore, the mother's cheeks always had an unnatural flush, and her breathing was slightly rapid, as if she had just engaged in strenuous exercise.]

Raiden Mei had wanted to ask her mother what had happened many times, but the words always got stuck in her throat.

She was afraid that her questions would touch upon her mother's pain, or that she would receive an answer she didn't want to face.

But her intuition told her that her mother's unusual behavior might be intricately linked to the "summons" she had been so anxious about.

Every night, when she lay in bed, gazing at the moonlight outside the window, the image of her mother hurrying out the door would involuntarily appear in her mind, and her suspicions would grow stronger.

[A cold glint flashed in Jing Ye's hand as his longsword traced a sharp arc through the air, heading straight for Raiden Mei's mother.]

This strike was as swift as lightning, carrying a chilling aura that seemed to tear the air apart.

The two exchanged blows, each strike delivered with all their might, their movements as swift and ghostly.

[During the fierce exchange, Jing Ye suddenly unleashed a powerful Iaijutsu slash, which even affected an old water pipe next to the training ground.]

With a loud bang, the water pipe burst, and water gushed out like a fountain, splashing everywhere and quickly spreading across the ground.

Meanwhile, Raiden Mei, completely unaware of her mother's predicament, is engrossed in a swordsmanship sparring session with Furibas in the woods.

[Furibas moved nimbly and gracefully, his swordsmanship, though slightly raw, brimming with vibrant energy and passion.]

"Mei, look at my move! Isn't it an improvement over before?" Furibas asked eagerly, his face beaming and his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Raiden Mei's lips curled into a gentle smile as she nodded slightly in response, "Yes, you've improved. However, if you could time your strikes more precisely, this move would be even more powerful."

However, beneath her seemingly calm exterior, her mother's series of unusual behaviors remained like a thick fog, lingering in her mind and refusing to dissipate.

Raiden Mei felt a vague unease, as if an invisible hand was slowly dragging her into an unknown abyss.

Just as Raiden Mei was deeply troubled by her mother's situation and living in constant anxiety, a piece of news came like a bolt from the blue.

The war between Takamagahara and Izumo Province is about to erupt once again, like a dark cloud hanging over the land.

A tense atmosphere permeated the city, and the people's hurried expressions as they prepared for war grew increasingly intense.

The moment Raiden Mei learned of this news, the unease in her heart quietly transformed into a resolute determination.

She knew that in this turbulent situation, she could no longer afford to dwell on her personal worries.

The rigorous training she had undergone in the past, and the experiences of facing formidable opponents, ignited a flame within her at this moment.

Raiden Mei's complex gaze focused on her sword.

In the brutal duel, Raiden Mei was defeated by you with an Iaijutsu in front of her mother, Himeko, and Bribas. Her world instantly collapsed, and a torrent of resentment and humiliation overwhelmed her.

This knife was no longer just a weapon; it became a testament to Raiden Mei's struggle against past pain and a symbol of her boundless hopes for the future.

Raiden Mei gently stroked the blade, her eyes filled with complex emotions—a deep-seated recollection of that painful experience, and an even greater trust in the sword.

[Under the shadow of impending war, the blade seemed to tremble slightly, as if responding to the unwavering resolve of its master.]

The blade gleamed with an increasingly cold light, its radiance like lightning in the cold night, seemingly capable of instantly tearing through the darkness and severing all obstacles in the world.

She recalled the moments she had spent with you—the arduous training, the fierce duels—all of which became nourishment for her and this knife's growth.

These experiences have become a source of strength for her in the face of war.

She gripped the hilt tightly and swung it forcefully a few times. The blade whistled through the air, producing a sound sharper and more menacing than ever before.

Compared to before, this sword, honed through painful trials and transformed with your help, now seems to be imbued with powerful magic; every swing is as if cleaving through the darkness.

"Furibas, listen to me, just wait in the village."

[Furibas's eyes were filled with confusion and anxiety as he forcefully broke free from Raiden Mei's grasp.]

"Why? Mei, I've trained with you for so long, and my swordsmanship has improved rapidly. I can help!"

Raiden Mei shook her head slightly, a hint of reluctance flashing in her eyes.

"I know you've made great progress. But the battlefield is not as simple as you imagine."

[Raiden Mei witnessed firsthand the terrifying forms of eight million gods and demons on the battlefield; those monsters could take a person's life in an instant.]

Moreover, the situation on the battlefield changes rapidly; one moment the sky is clear and blue, and the next it may be shrouded in dark magic.

One moment it's an enemy attack, the next it's chaos within our own ranks; all sorts of unexpected changes can happen at any time.

"Life is being lost every moment, and danger is everywhere. Raiden Mei cannot let Furibas take such a risk."

"No! I don't want to be a coward hiding in the back! I also want to do my part to protect everyone!"

[Furibas's voice trembled slightly; she didn't understand why Raiden Mei was excluding her.]

She longs to be like Raiden Mei, bravely facing enemies and using her own strength to protect those she cares about.

Looking at Furibas's excited expression, Raiden Mei felt a mix of emotions.

She understood Furibas's feelings; she herself had once possessed the same passion and impulsiveness.

But after truly experiencing the brutality of the battlefield, she deeply understood its dangers. She couldn't just stand by and watch Furibas risk his life.

"Furibas, the village needs protection too. Our families and friends are here. By staying, you're contributing to this war effort."

[Raiden Mei tried to persuade Furibas, her tone tinged with pleading.]

[Furibas bit his lip, his eyes reddening]

The two remained locked in a tense standoff, the atmosphere so heavy it was almost suffocating.

Outside, the shadow of war grew thicker, and the faint sound of war drums drifted from afar, as if urging Raiden Mei to make a hasty decision.

Raiden Mei's brows furrowed, her heart churning with worry. She looked up at the distant sky, obscured by dark clouds, her thoughts drifting back to the past few days.

If Jing Ye hadn't stopped her, she would have already rushed to the battlefield. But who could have imagined that something unexpected would happen on the battlefield, and that there were signs of a traitor within her own ranks?

[The traitor is like a venomous snake lurking in the darkness, ready to strike at any moment.]

[Furibas bit her lip, her heart filled with struggle and resentment, but seeing Raiden Mei's firm yet worried eyes, she finally nodded helplessly.]

"Okay, Mei, I'll stay. But you must come back safely. I'll be waiting for you."

[Furibas's voice trembled slightly as he gripped Raiden Mei's hands tightly, as if conveying his strength and blessings.]

The moment to go to battle has finally arrived.

Raiden Mei stood tall at the front of the procession, surrounded by cheers from the crowd, the sound like a surging tide, wave after wave.

Unlike when she was stopped by Jingye earlier, Raiden Mei is now being greeted and cheered by the crowd.

The long sword in her hand trembled slightly; the unique patterns on the blade now burned within her like a fire.

Those sword marks were "shameful imprints" left from her and Jingye's repeated Iaijutsu attacks. To outsiders, they appeared merely as exquisite and intricate decorative patterns.

However, Raiden Mei knew clearly that every line was a precise replica of the special posture she and Keiya used when practicing Iaijutsu.

[Some of the sword marks resembled the moment when she was cornered by Jing Ye's skillful swordplay, her body slightly leaning back, her long sword desperately blocking the attack;]

[Some of the patterns resembled a scene of Jing Ye suddenly attacking from behind, her swiftly turning around, drawing her sword, the blade clashing with Jing Ye's sword in mid-air, the two figures almost touching;]

[Some of the patterns resemble the staggered footsteps and colliding, rubbing against each other, postures of two people in a fierce duel.]

[And on her hands, there were also blade patterns that echoed the design, shimmering with an eerie light in sync with her breath and heartbeat.]

........................

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In the latest CS battle pass, I got the sticker for the AWP on my last of 20 crates. Just so you know.

Although it's only 0.43, it's still the first red gun skin I've gotten, yay!

P.S.: I saw Junye's Cantrell cosplay before unboxing, and Da Lei really does bring good luck.

Chapter 113 The Powerless Mother of the Underworld

[Some of the sword marks resembled the moment when she was cornered by Jing Ye's skillful swordplay, her body slightly leaning back, her long sword desperately blocking the attack;]

[Some of the patterns resembled a scene of Jing Ye suddenly attacking from behind, her swiftly turning around, drawing her sword, the blade clashing with Jing Ye's sword in mid-air, the two figures almost touching;]

[Some of the patterns resemble the staggered footsteps and colliding, rubbing against each other, postures of two people in a fierce duel.]

[And on her hands, there were also blade patterns that echoed the design, shimmering with an eerie light in sync with her breath and heartbeat.]

The radiance caused her cheeks to flush unconsciously amidst the cheers of the crowd, as if in a shy response to that special experience.

Her gaze was firm and sharp, like a drawn blade, fixed directly on the battlefield.

At this moment of great anticipation, Raiden Mei struggled to suppress her complex emotions, no longer the girl tormented by complicated feelings, but a true warrior.

Those around her were awestruck by the aura emanating from Raiden Mei, and all eyes were fixed on her.

The sword patterns shimmered with a mysterious and unique luster under the sunlight, complementing Raiden Mei's beautiful face and graceful figure, making her appear even more stunning and captivating.

Although the people didn't understand what kind of magic the sword pattern possessed that allowed Raiden Mei to exude such a unique charm, that didn't stop them from cheering.

However, amidst the thunderous cheers, Raiden Mei frowned slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

She subconsciously glanced around; you had stopped her from going to the battlefield last time, saving her from the crisis of the past few days.

But this time, even as she was about to step onto the battlefield, Jing Ye's figure had not appeared. This unusual situation made her feel vaguely uneasy, as if a dark cloud was quietly gathering.

"Jingye, why haven't you appeared yet?" Raiden Mei murmured softly to herself.

She gripped the long sword tightly; the blade's lines felt slightly warm on her palm, as if echoing the doubts in her heart.