Chapter 35: Loving to the point of hating

Outside, the sky had become dark even though it was still early in the afternoon. Kanae gazed at the sky, her blue eyes reflecting the white clouds.

The sun disappeared behind the dark clouds.

Cool wind blew through the land, making Kanae's hair fly in the air. Kanae's eyes automatically closed as she felt small droplets of water fall on her face.

Kanae couldn't deny the fact that she hated the rain. But at the same time, she had an unexplainable love for it.

"Is it possible that you love something so much that you begin to hate them?" She whispered, a sad smile on her face.

The rain started pouring heavily, making her words drown in the noise.

Nostalgic memories and a familiar song's lyrics appeared in Kanae's mind.

"It's been years

Since I saw you last

My eyes remain closed

As the rain falls.

Memories surface

Our precious moments

Why can't we ever

Return to them again?

Somewhere along the way

I lost....my will to live

Someday along the way

I forgot.... who I really am

Somehow along the way

I just lost my whole self....

And then your words came back to me

Whispering, I'm always with you

Don't cry, Don't be afraid

'Cause if it's you, you'll be the same.

The memories are back with the rain

Droplets falling on my face

Why don't they ever get away,

Why do I have to remember everyday?

I don't want to see,

I don't want to hear,

I don't want to ever lose you again

So would you please just leave me alone...

Now I can't really tell..

Whether I really care...

If I want you back or not...

Can someone please say?

And then your words came back to me

Whispering, I'm always with you

Don't cry, Don't be afraid

'Cause if it's you, you'll be the same.

Everytime it rains, you say that you'll be the first to reach me..

I whisper back,

'Thank you for saving me,

Reaching my heart truly,

Being my firm shelter,

Never giving up on me...'

Contradictions and afflictions, never know what I want,

Bittersweet memories, just how do I tear you apart?

And then your words came back to me whispering, I'm always with you

Don't cry, Don't be afraid

'Cause if it's you, you'll be the same...

You'll be the same..."

The singer's voice was soft and melodic, making the melancholic song's lyrics sound even more depressing than before.

Kanae only regretted that she had loved the person so much that she hated the person for leaving her alone.

She sighed and went back to the old man's house after asking the system for directions.

***

Silent. The whole ground was silent, except for the occasional sound of a fist hitting a tree.

The sun had already set. The moon shone like a beacon, flattered by the stars around it. And when the silver moonlight hit the ground, strands of golden hair shone. Her body was drenched with sweat, but her eyes were resolute.

Ignoring the pain in her arms and legs, she continued to hit the tree with her bandaged fists. Each thump sent a shiver down her body, along with a flare in the mana in her body.

The girl was none other than Kanae. Her hair danced as her figure flashed back and forth. For the past three months, she had practised day and night to increase her body's tenacity.

And now, she would finally be able to use her old techniques. This fighting style was one of a kind, even on Earth. This fighting style was something someone close to her had developed for her sake. This suited her demonic strength back then and didn't cause much backlash to her either.

Now that she had her movement technique with an enhancement seal on her hands, she had started with the basic steps. Each move was graceful, like a drop of water falling rhythmically on a pond.

She breathed in and gathered mana in her hands. She took a step forward and her body twisted and swirled around.

Bam.

With one hit, the tree was blown to bits.

Pain surged through her hands. Even though the seals on her hand had been removed, the other seals still remained, making it harder for her to summon mana.

Kanae was reminded of the words her new teacher had said to her. "There are approximately 108 points on the human body, which can expel mana from the body. This means that only these points are able to release mana from the body. And out of these 108 points, 100 points of your body were previously sealed. Currently, 98 points are sealed. As you remove the seals one by one, the seals closer to your lower abdomen, will possess intelligence. It is upto your capability to remove them. In some cases, the seal might get removed by themselves."

Kanae continued to punch another tree, not stopping even when it was beyond midnight. But she didn't notice that behind a bush, someone was staring at her.

"She truly has improved a lot, huh."

Just then, a figure appeared near Kanae.

"Honourable Miss, you've worked too much. Rest now." A boy with warm eyes spoke to Kanae with a troubled expression.

Kanae stopped on her tracks and turned towards her familiar follower. She gave a slight smile and winked. "Don't worry Ed. I know my limits. This Miss here only wants to be strong for you and your love."

Ed's words got stuck in his throat. It had been a while since anyone had cared so much about him and Miao. Remembering how they had first met her left a bad taste in his mouth but he couldn't be more grateful for encountering her.

She was their saviour. Seeing her train so much made him more determined.

"Honourable Miss… do you want sword fighting lessons from my master?"

Kanae perked an eyebrow.

"Who, that old man?"

"Y-Yes."

"Eh, I'll pass. He doesn't like me that much, last I remember."

Ed stuttered, "I'll, I'll talk to him about it! Please just think about it. He's the best swordsman out here… You'll improve under him."

"Hmm, we'll see~"

<System alert: Manual Labour pending!>

'You…. Okay, don't curse Kanae, calm calm.'

She gritted her teeth.