17. After fight

As the first light of morning seeped through the curtains, Luminous slowly stirred from her slumber. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, she glanced at her hands, a pang of guilt washing over her. She had felt utterly powerless during the fight, unable to contribute anything significant.

Feeling something warm and comforting, Luminous shifted her gaze to her left and saw Milim, her expression peaceful as she hugged Luminous like a pillow. A small smile tugged at Luminous's lips as she returned the embrace, grateful for the unexpected solace.

Her eyes then wandered around the room, finally settling on Acheron, who was watching her intently. "Good morning," Acheron greeted, her voice steady and calm.

Unable to shake the feeling of inadequacy, Luminous couldn't help but voice her concern. "Was I really that powerless and useless in the fight?"

Acheron's response was blunt and unwavering. "Yes."

Luminous's shoulders slumped in shame as she averted her gaze, feeling a sense of inferiority wash over her. Despite her newfound Ultimate skill, she realized she still paled in comparison to Acheron and Milim's strength. Seeing the two of them together only reinforced her own shortcomings.

Then, unexpectedly, Acheron stepped closer to the bed and began to caress Luminous's hair. It was a small gesture, but one that spoke volumes. For the first time, Acheron was showing affection without being prompted.

"If you are weak, you just have to get stronger," Acheron stated matter-of-factly.

Moved by Acheron's words and the warmth of her touch, Luminous couldn't resist the impulse to embrace her. Still nestled against Milim's sleeping form, Luminous hugged Acheron tightly, a surge of gratitude and affection flooding her heart.

Acheron tensed momentarily, a hint of panic flickering in her eyes, but Luminous held her fast. "You're not allowed to leave," she declared softly, her voice tinged with determination.

As they remained locked in their embrace, Luminous found the courage to voice her request. "Will you teach me... how to wield a sword?"

Acheron hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement, they went to some other room, to have breakfast.

...

After some hours had passed, the doors to the room burst open with a resounding bang, startling both Luminous and Acheron. Before they could react, Milim charged in with the exuberance of a child, her eyes bright with joy.

"Luminous! Acheron!" Milim exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement as she launched herself at them.

With a gasp of surprise, Luminous found herself enveloped in a tight embrace, Milim's arms wrapping around her and Acheron. The suddenness of the hug caught them off guard, but they couldn't help but return the gesture, their arms encircling Milim in a warm embrace.

"Milim, you're awake!" Luminous exclaimed, her voice tinged with relief as she held her friend close.

Acheron's expression softened at the sight of Milim's infectious smile, a rare warmth in her eyes as she returned the hug. Despite her stoic demeanor, she couldn't deny the genuine affection she felt for both women.

"It's good to see you," Acheron murmured, her voice quiet but sincere as she held Milim close.

For a moment, they remained locked in their embrace, a silent testament to the bond that united them. Despite the trials they had faced and the challenges that lay ahead, they knew that as long as they had each other, they could overcome anything.

As they finally pulled away, a sense of camaraderie lingered in the air, a reminder of the strength they drew from one another. With Milim's recovery assured and their spirits renewed, they faced the future with renewed hope and determination, ready to confront whatever obstacles lay ahead. Milim looked up at Luminous and Acheron with a bright smile, her eyes sparkling with affection. "Thank you, aunties," she said, her voice filled with genuine gratitude.

Luminous and Acheron exchanged a surprised glance before returning Milim's smile, touched by the endearing term. It was a small gesture, but one that spoke volumes about the bond they shared.

"You're welcome, Milim," Luminous replied, her voice warm with affection.

Acheron nodded in agreement, with her classic stoic face her lips as she ruffled Milim's hair affectionately. "Anytime," she added, her voice gentle but sincere.

...

After the joyous reunion and a hearty breakfast, Milim's chatter filled the air once again. As she animatedly discussed her plans for the day, her words took an unexpected turn.

"I was thinking of visiting Guy," Milim announced, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "He seems like a fun guy to hang out with!"

Luminous's expression tightened imperceptibly at the mention of Guy's name. She had reservations about Milim associating with someone like him, knowing the trouble he could bring. However, she masked her concern with a forced smile.

"Guy, huh?" Luminous replied, trying to keep her tone neutral. "Be careful around him, Milim. He's not exactly the most trustworthy person."

Milim shrugged off Luminous's warning with a dismissive wave of her hand. "Oh, don't worry about me! I can handle myself just fine," she insisted, her confidence unwavering.

Luminous sighed inwardly, knowing she couldn't dissuade Milim once her mind was set. Instead, she decided to change the subject, hoping to steer the conversation in a different direction.

"Well, while you're off with Guy, You should spending some time with Ramiris," Luminous said.

Milim's eyes widened in surprise ahe t tmention of Ramiris. "Ramiris? Really?" she exclaimed, her curiosity piqued.

Luminous nodded, a small smile playing at her lips. "Yes, she is better friend than Guy," she replied, her tone filled with warmth.

Milim's expression softened as she regarded Luminous with newfound respect. "All right Auntie!" She said sincerely.

(End of a chapter)