Chapter 57 - Women and Axel

Axel had just returned to his hotel room after a long day of exploring the town. He was lying on his bed, meditating, when his phone rang. He opened his eyes and saw that it was Navi, his partner for the latest mission. He answered the call.

"Hey Navi, what's up?" Axel asked.

"Hey Axel, I have some new details about the mission," Navi said, her voice filled with excitement.

"Go on," Axel said, sitting up on his bed.

"We just got word that we'll be given 2% of the net profit and belongings of the new island that was discovered on top of the $1 billion reward," Navi said, a grin audible in her voice.

Axel's eyes widened in surprise. "That's amazing news, Navi." "Thanks for letting me know."

"No problem. "I knew you'd be happy to hear it," Navi said.

Axel couldn't help but feel relieved. This mission was a big risk, and he had been worried about the reward. But with this news, he knew that he and Navi would be well compensated for their efforts.

"So, how was your day, Navi?" Axel asked, changing the topic.

Navi's tone shifted, becoming more guarded. "Everything was usual." "I was busy with work; you know how it is."

Axel could sense that something was off, but he didn't push it. He knew Navi well enough to know that she liked to keep her personal life separate from her work.

"Well, I'm glad to hear that everything is going well for you," Axel said, sensing that the conversation was over.

"Yeah, me too." Anyway, I should get going. "I'll talk to you later, Axel," Navi said before hanging up.

Axel put his phone down and smiled to himself. He knew that Navi loved the thrill of the hunt, but she didn't like being chased. He made a mental note to not push her to talk about her personal life and to wait for her to approach him instead. He closed his eyes and went back to his meditation, feeling content and at ease.

Axel sat on his bed, lost in thought. He was thinking about his past relationship back on Earth with his first girlfriend. It had ended in disaster, and he couldn't help but blame himself for it. He had made so many mistakes.

He remembered how he had told his ex girlfriend everything about himself, his hopes and dreams, his fears and insecurities. He had thought that being vulnerable and open would make their bond stronger. But in hindsight, he realized that he had only made himself appear weak and needy.

He had also created a persona for himself, someone he thought his girlfriend would like. He had tried to be someone he wasn't, and it had only led to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

And then there was his desperation. He had been so desperate for her attention and affection that he had given her too much of himself. He had neglected his own needs and interests, focusing solely on her.

All of these mistakes had led to the inevitable end of their relationship, with her breaking up with him. It had hurt, but it had also been a wake-up call.

He knew now that a man had to be strong, like a castle. He had to be true to himself and not compromise his identity for anyone. He had to be confident and secure in himself, not needy and desperate.