Later that night, Akiko and Nila basked in the soft glow of moonlight streaming into their bedroom, its silvery beams illuminating between them. Nila lay on top of Akiko, her lips traveling from Akiko’s neck to her chest in an unrelenting barrage of kisses. Both of them were dressed in their nightwear, though each kiss and caress brought them closer to removing all their clothing.

​

Akiko let out a small, contented sigh, her body responding to Nila’s loving touch. As Akiko pulled her top over her head, Nila wasted no time. She leaned down, her lips enveloping one of Akiko’s nipples, her tongue flicking against it before moving to suck gently. A soft moan escaped Akiko, and her legs instinctively wrapped around Nila’s waist, pulling her closer.

​

When Nila finally paused her assault, she met Akiko’s lips in a fervent kiss. This time, Akiko took the lead. She slid her hands along Nila’s hips, tugging down her underwear before slipping two fingers inside her. Nila gasped sharply, a low moan escaping her lips as her hips bucked involuntarily as she gripped tightly onto Akiko's shoulders.

​

“Akiko… faster, please,” Nila panted, her words almost lost as she dove back into kissing Akiko, her lips trailing from her mouth to her neck, then down her chest. She took Akiko’s nipple into her mouth once again, nibbling lightly as her moans blended with Akiko’s.

​

Akiko smirked, sliding a third finger inside Nila, her movements alternating between slow, teasing strokes and quick, deliberate thrusts. Nila writhed above her, her body illuminated perfectly in the moonlight that streamed through the window. Akiko’s pace slowed momentarily, causing Nila to whimper in protest.

​

“Please,” Nila whispered, her voice desperate as her nails dug into Akiko's back.

​

Akiko’s smile widened as she shifted her fingers just enough to find the spot that sent Nila over the edge. Nila cried out, her entire body convulsing as pleasure surged through her. She collapsed onto Akiko, her chest heaving as she caught her breath.

​

“Oh my gods,” Nila murmured between breaths, clinging to Akiko. “That felt… incredible.”

​

Akiko gently ran her hands along Nila’s back, her fingers tracing patterns on her skin. “Was it everything you imagined?” she asked with a playful grin.

​

“You’re everything I imagined,” Nila giggled. “But yes… absolutely.”

​

Nila’s strength slowly returned as she climbed off Akiko and off the bed, heading toward the lamp to bring more light into the room. Before she could reach it, Akiko cleared her throat loudly, stopping her.

​

“Ahem,” Akiko said, her tone playful. “We still have a problem, Nila.”

​

Nila turned back, her eyes widening at the sight before her. Akiko lay sprawled on the bed, her legs spread open as her hand moved slowly between her thighs. She held her glistening fingers up for Nila to see. “I think you need to handle this,” Akiko teased.

​

Nila’s lips curled into a mischievous grin, her eyes filled with desire. “Is that how wet you are? I can see it dripping from your hand,” she said, her voice filled with lust.

​

“What did you expect?” Akiko shot back, her cheeks flushing. “You were sucking on my nipples while I was fingering you” She stopped mid-sentence, her seductive grin taking form.

​

Nila’s playful expression turned predatory as she licked her lips. “That pussy of yours looks… delicious,” she said, crawling back onto the bed and diving between Akiko’s thighs.

​

Akiko gasped as Nila’s tongue made contact, her back arching as her tongue explored inside her. Akiko’s hands flew to Nila’s head, her fingers tangling in her hair as she moaned loudly. “Nila! Gods, this feels so good!” she cried, her legs wrapping tightly around Nila to keep her exactly where she wanted her.

​

Nila responded with an enthusiastic hum, her tongue moving in tantalizing patterns, sending Akiko into a spiral of pleasure. Akiko’s body twisted and arched, her cries growing louder until she suddenly covered her mouth with her hands.

​

“F—Fuck!” Akiko exclaimed, her voice muffled. Nila paused momentarily, laughing softly as she looked up from her thighs.

​

“That's the first time I’ve heard you swear.” Nila teased, wiping her lips. “It’s kind of adorable.”

​

Akiko glared half-heartedly, still panting. “Keep going, and I’ll make sure you’re swearing too,” she retorted.

​

Nila didn’t need further prompting. She dove back in, this time adding her fingers alongside her tongue. Akiko’s eyes widened as a fresh wave of ecstasy washed over her. She grabbed at the sheets, her moans muffled only by her attempts to stifle them with her hand.

​

“Aki! Shh!” Nila hushed, holding a finger to her lips. But her mischievous grin remained as she licked her fingers, causing Akiko’s cheeks to flush even darker. “You taste amazing,” Nila murmured before returning to her task.

​

Minutes later, Akiko’s back arched dramatically, her loudest moan yet filling the room before she finally begged Nila to stop. Exhausted, her back collapsed onto the bed, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she tried to catch her breath.

​

“How do you feel?” Nila asked, her voice smug as she crawled up beside Akiko, her fingers lightly tracing circles on her stomach.

​

“Like I ascended to heaven and back, multiple times,” Akiko replied breathlessly, her arms flopping to her sides. “I think my brain shut off for a bit.”

​

Nila laughed, snuggling closer. “Too tired to return the favor?”

​

Akiko turned her head to look at Nila, her lips curling into a lazy smile. “Give me… a few minutes to recover.”

​

Before either could say more, a soft knock came at their door, causing them both to freeze. They scrambled to grab the sheets, wrapping them hastily around their bodies before Nila moved to answer it.

​

When she opened the door, Ember stood there, her messy hair and rumpled nightshirt showed that she was either having trouble falling to sleep or just waking up. Her shirt barely covered her thighs, but it wasn’t that which caught Nila’s attention, it was the faint glisten liquid running down Ember’s legs.

​

“Everything okay, Ember?” Nila asked cautiously, with Akiko peeking from behind her.

​

Ember nodded slowly, her expression neutral despite the flush on her cheeks. “Yeah… I’m fine. I just… can you two keep it down? Or maybe, um, do this sort of thing earlier in the evening?” she asked, her tone polite but firm.

​

Nila’s eyes widened as she noticed Ember’s legs trembling slightly. Realization dawned quickly. “Oh… we’re so sorry, Ember. We are done anyway.”

​

Ember nodded again, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Thanks. I think it’s a little too late for tonight, though…” With that, she turned and walked shakily back to her room.

​

As the door clicked shut, Nila and Akiko exchanged sheepish looks before bursting into quiet laughter. “We can finish up tomorrow,” Nila said with a grin.

​

“I feel so bad for Ember,” Akiko groaned, burying her face in her hands.

​

Nila pulled Akiko back onto the bed, wrapping her tail around her waist as they cuddled under the blankets. Within minutes, both drifted off to sleep, warmth washing over them.

​

The following morning, as guild members stirred and began heading downstairs, Akiko and Nila stepped out of their room, their hands brushing against each other as they walked. Just as they closed the door behind them, Suzuran and Yuzuki passed by.

​

“Sounded like you two had quite the night,” Yuzuki teased, her tone sly and accompanied by a knowing wink.

​

Akiko’s hand shot to her face, shielding her eyes in embarrassment. “Did everyone hear that?” she groaned.

“Oh, we all heard at least two of those moans,” Suzuran said with a giggle, leaning slightly into Yuzuki for emphasis.

​

“Suzu, not you too!” Akiko pouted, sinking down against the wall, her face flushed.

​

“The real giveaway was your ‘holy fuck’ moment,” Yuzuki added, laughter filled her voice. “We heard it rather clear from two rooms over!”

​

Nila, brimming with pride, placed her hands on her hips and smirked. “What can I say? I know how to use my tongue.”

​

Akiko shot upright, her hands flailing toward Nila’s mouth trying to cover it. “Nila! They don’t need to know that!” she cried.

​

Suzuran and Yuzuki erupted into laughter, Nila joining in while Akiko squirmed under the weight of her embarrassment. Finally, Akiko clasped her hands together and pleaded, “Can we just go downstairs and get breakfast, please?”

​

Grinning, Nila allowed herself to be pulled along by Akiko as the group made their way down to the dining hall. They were greeted by the aroma of fresh breakfast foods and sweets—Luna, as always, had gone above and beyond in her preparations.

​

“Where’s my sister at?” Suzuran asked Luna, who was setting the final plate of delicate pastries on the table.

​

“She’s in the library with Miss Yukari and Miss Kurohime,” Luna replied, gesturing toward the closed doors.

“They’ve been discussing plans for the upcoming expedition tomorrow.”

​

Suzuran smiled fondly, settling into her seat. “Always taking care of everyone else. She really seems to thrive in that role now.”

​

As Suzuran and the others began their breakfast, the library was alive with quiet but focused conversation. Toward the back, Yukari, Kurohime, and Akame were gathered around a large map pinned to the wall. The detailed chart, newly acquired at Akame’s request, displayed the Domain of Tides and its surrounding areas in meticulous detail.

​

“So, the main undead sightings have been concentrated directly west of the Tides capital, correct?” Yukari asked, marking the map with a glowing, spectral pin.

​

“Correct,” Akame confirmed, leaning closer. “There have also been reports of undead activity in caverns to the north and south, but the largest concentration remains in that western cavern.”

​

Kurohime folded her arms. “In Kurami’s last letter, did she mention their numbers decreasing at all?”

​

Akame shook her head, her tone grim. “No. If anything, their numbers seem to be increasing, especially around that central cavern.”

​

Kurohime began pacing, her expression showing her in thought. “I have a hunch they’re not originating from that cave.”

​

“What do you mean?” Akame asked, turning to face her.

​

“I mean they’re coming from the cave physically, but I think they’re being brought there from somewhere else,” Kurohime explained, rubbing her chin thoughtfully.

​

“Like the way you came through the mirror three years ago?” Yukari inquired.

​

“Exactly,” Kurohime replied, nodding. “I think there’s another mirror in play.”

​

“Well that complicates things,” Yukari remarked, her tone measured.

​

Akame’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Let’s address an obvious question. if that’s true, we’ll need to go through the mirror, won’t we?”

​

Kurohime paused, then nodded reluctantly. “Most likely. But if it comes to that, Morye and I can go alone. No one else needs to put themselves at risk.”

​

Akame gave her a sharp look. “You know as well as I do that no one in this guild would shy away from the challenge. They’re adventurers. This is what they live for.”

​

Yukari moved to a nearby table, pouring herself a glass of wine as she interjected. “What this guild really needs is a dedicated healer, someone who specializes in healing magic.”

​

Kurohime raised an eyebrow. “We have Gelina.”

​

“She hates combat unless absolutely necessary,” Yukari countered. “That makes her an unreliable option in high-stakes situations.”

​

“Gelina plays an important role in the village,” Akame said with a shrug. “Even if I can’t stand the way she ‘drains’ the men here in the village.”

​

“If you’re going to criticize my methods, at least add some flair to the description,” a voice called from the window above them.

​

All three women turned to see Gelina in her slime form, perched on the windowsill above the map. She bounced down gracefully, shifting into her human form mid-air before landing beside Kurohime.

“You talk as if I’m some succubus draining them dry of their sem–”

​

“Gelina. Enough,” Akame interrupted, her voice firm. “Since you were eavesdropping, I assume you have something to add?”

​

Gelina sighed dramatically, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. “I agree with Yukari. This guild needs another healer. I can’t be the only one.”

​

“Can’t you split your body to cover more ground?” Kurohime asked, crossing her arms.

​

“I can, but it halves my healing output per body,” Gelina explained. “For minor injuries, sure, that works. But for life-threatening wounds? I’d need my full strength.”

​

“And we can’t afford to have you alone on the battlefield,” Yukari added, setting her glass down. “You’re too vulnerable in combat when focused on healing.”

​

“I never said I couldn’t fight,” Gelina interjected, her arms suddenly shifting, morphing into shapes resembling the weapons used by her fellow guild members.

​

She cycled through an array of weapon forms—swords, daggers, axes, and more—each looking as solid and deadly as their real counterparts. “While I can’t replicate their properties or magical abilities,” Gelina explained, “my weapons can still be just as effective.”

​

“Then why don’t you fight?” Akame asked, her tone filled with curiosity.

​

Gelina sighed. “Because that side of Geline doesn’t let me. It’s as if her will still influences me, even when I’m not in her form,” she explained. “And she despised fighting unless it was to protect her friends.”

​

Akame nodded thoughtfully. “Well, there’s no reason to make you go against her will. Stay here and protect our family—that’s more than enough.” Her rare, genuine smile softened the moment. “But I agree with Yukari. After this expedition, we’ll need to find a proper healer. Preferably before the next group heads to Solvarra.”

​

“We can have Fae start searching for recruits while we’re away,” Kurohime suggested.

​

The group nodded in agreement before returning their focus to the upcoming expedition.

​

As the day wore on, the guild buzzed with activity. Those set to embark on the mission did their best to prepare, while the rest enjoyed a quieter pace. Hana worked tirelessly in the forge, hammering and sharpening weapons that had been handed over for maintenance. The steady clang of steel echoed throughout the village.

​

On the third floor of the guild hall, Suzuran was curled up on her bed, gazing outside the window. Dressed only in a white button-up shirt, she hugged her legs to her chest as she watched her guildmates train. Her eyes followed Yuzuki, who sparred tirelessly with Akiko and Nila under the warm afternoon sun.

​

Suzuran’s lips curled into a soft smile as she observed Yuzuki’s movements. “You’ve been chasing after me for months now, haven’t you love?” she murmured, her voice carrying a playful tone. Blushing slightly, she buried her face in her knees. “You know I always consider you my equal,” she added softly.

​

An hour later, as the day’s training sessions wound down, Yuzuki returned to their room.

​

“Suzu! Have you been sitting there the whole time?” Yuzuki asked, smiling as she set down her equipment and hung up her weapon. “You could’ve joined me outside, you know.”

​

“I know!” Suzuran replied, standing and stretching as she made her way toward Yuzuki. “I just wanted to watch from the comfort of our room. Plus...” she grinned mischievously, stopping mere inches from Yuzuki, “I knew you’d enjoy coming back to find me in nothing but this shirt.”

​

Yuzuki’s eyes roamed Suzuran’s body, lingering on the curves hinted at beneath the loose fabric. Sensing her gaze, Suzuran leaned in closer, offering Yuzuki a teasing view of her cleavage.

​

“Whatcha thinking about?” Suzuran asked with a sly grin.

​

“Oh, I’m thinking about a lot of things,” Yuzuki replied, her grin matching Suzuran’s. “All of them involve you.”

​

“But...” Yuzuki continued, stepping back slightly, “I’m all sweaty from training with Akiko and Nila. I need a bath first.”

​

Yuzuki began undressing, casually tossing her clothes toward the wardrobe before heading to the bathtub. She twisted the knobs, activating the water rune and fire rune beneath the tub. As the warm water filled the tub, and steam also filled the room, Yuzuki sat naked on the edge of the tub, dipping her toes into the soothing heat.

​

Suzuran’s grin never faded, “Want me to make you feel good in bed after your bath?”

​

Yuzuki turned her head, locking eyes with Suzuran. Standing, she walked over, closing the distance between them. “Actually...” she began, her fingers trailing toward the buttons of Suzuran’s shirt. One by one, she unbuttoned them, her touch lingering. “I was hoping you’d join me. You know, two birds, one stone?”

​

The shirt slid from Suzuran’s shoulders, falling at her feet. Their lips met in a deep, passionate kiss, their bare bodies pressed together. When they finally pulled apart, Suzuran’s cheeks were flushed.

​

“Alright,” Suzuran said with a playful giggle, giving Yuzuki a light push toward the tub. “Let’s get in, but I’m washing you first. You really do smell after all that training.”

​

Yuzuki laughed, her eyes sparkling. “I’ll take you up on that. I’m usually the one holding you from behind, anyway.”

​

As the tub filled, Suzuran closed the curtains, plunging the room into a warm, dim glow lit only by two candles near the tub. The fire rune beneath the water provided consistent heat as the two slid into the steaming bath together.

​

Before settling in, Suzuran grabbed a cloth and bar of soap, dipping them into the water before rubbing them gently over Yuzuki’s body. Her hands worked meticulously, covering every inch of Yuzuki’s skin and rinsing her off with care.

​

“This water feels so good...” Yuzuki sighed, her body relaxing under Suzuran’s touch. “And you’re making me feel even better...”

​

Suzuran smiled, leaning in close. “Let’s sit down. That tail of yours needs to soak too.”

​

They eased into the water together, Suzuran wrapping her arms around Yuzuki as their bodies pressed together. Yuzuki leaned back, resting her head just above Suzuran’s chest.

​

“Comfortable?” Suzuran asked with a giggle, her fingers tracing along Yuzuki’s stomach and thighs.

​

Yuzuki let out a contented sigh. “Oh, yes. This feels amazing. Can we just stay like this for a while?”

​

“Of course,” Suzuran murmured, planting a soft kiss on the back of Yuzuki’s neck.

​

The two sat in serene silence, the occasional hum of the water runestone refreshing the bath with warm, fragrant water. Suzuran’s lips wandered, pressing gentle kisses to Yuzuki’s shoulders and neck, while her hands continued their slow, movements across her body.

​

As her hands trailed along Yuzuki’s thighs, Suzuran noticed Yuzuki subtly spread her legs from her touch. Suzuran’s fingers slipped between them, only for Yuzuki to close her thighs, trapping her hands in place.

Tilting her head back, Yuzuki whispered against Suzuran’s ear, “I think it’s time...”

​

Suzuran smirked, spreading Yuzuki’s legs as her right hand moved lower. Her left arm held Yuzuki securely around the stomach. When Yuzuki let out a soft, gasping moan, Suzuran began to pleasure her by rubbing slowly at first.

​

“Oh yes... right there,” Yuzuki moaned, her hands gripping Suzuran’s legs underwater.

​

Suzuran maintained a deliberate pace, teasing Yuzuki to the brink but holding back just enough to make her beg.

​

“I’m almost... there... please... more...” Yuzuki panted, her voice breathy and desperate.

​

Hearing her plea, Suzuran finally obliged, sliding two fingers inside Yuzuki ever so slowly.

​

Yuzuki’s eyes shot wide open, her head tilting back in sheer ecstasy. “Oh, fuck!” she gasped, her hands gripping the edges of the tub tightly.

​

Suzuran’s relentless rhythm continued, her fingers expertly working to elicit Yuzuki’s moans. The water in the tub sloshed back and forth from their movements, rippling against their skin as Suzuran pushed Yuzuki closer to the edge.

​

“I love you,” Suzuran whispered, her lips brushing against Yuzuki’s ear before she playfully bit down on her neck.

​

The combination of Suzuran’s words, the teasing bite, and the overwhelming sensation of her touch sent Yuzuki spiraling into her climax. Her back arched, her body trembling as waves of pleasure coursed through her. She let out a deep, guttural moan before going completely limp, her head resting back against Suzuran’s shoulder.

​

Suzuran slowly withdrew her fingers, wrapping her arms securely around Yuzuki’s stomach.

​

“Just relax,” she murmured softly, her voice soothing. “We can stay here as long as you need.”

​

Yuzuki panted heavily, her chest rising and falling as she tried to regain her breath. Her muscles slowly regained enough strength for her to sit up properly, but before she could say a word, there was a knock at their door.

​

“Miss Yuzuki? Miss Suzuran? Is everything okay in there?” Luna’s voice came through the door, polite but curious. “I heard some noise from downstairs while I was cleaning the rooms.”

​

Suzuran chuckled, exchanging a knowing glance with Yuzuki before replying, “Everything is fine, Miss Luna. Yuzuki and I are just in the bathtub together.”

​

Luna let out a light laugh. “You two are such a cute couple. Pardon my interruption. I’ll be back on the second floor if you need anything.”

​

“It’s alright, Miss Luna. Thank you for checking on us,” Suzuran called back, pulling Yuzuki closer as they listened to Luna’s retreating footsteps.

​

Minutes passed before the pair finally emerged from the bath. Yuzuki’s legs still trembled slightly, so Suzuran took the lead, carefully drying her off and pampering her as she recovered.

​

“That was... intense,” Yuzuki admitted as they lay together on the bed, both still naked.

​

“Do you want to rest for the day? That might’ve been the heaviest orgasm I’ve ever seen you have,” Suzuran teased, her fingers gently tracing Yuzuki’s stomach.

​

Yuzuki smirked despite her lingering exhaustion. “Give me a few minutes to recover... I’ll return the favor.”

​

Suzuran shook her head with a soft laugh. “It’s okay, making you feel that good makes me happy—”

​

Before she could finish, Yuzuki interrupted, her voice suddenly firm. “Sit on my face. I’ll eat you out. I’ve got enough energy for that much.”

​

Suzuran blinked, momentarily taken aback by Yuzuki’s bluntness before a grin spread across her lips. “Well, who am I to say no to that?”

​

Quickly, she moved to straddle Yuzuki’s face, positioning herself above her. True to her word, Yuzuki pulled Suzuran closer to her face and immediately began to pleasure Suzuran, her tongue and lips exploring their new delicious home. As the minutes passed, Yuzuki’s strength returned, and she took control, sending Suzuran into waves of ecstasy for the next hour.

​

By the time they finished, it was Suzuran’s turn to lie breathless on the bed, her body sprawled out as she tried to catch her breath. Yuzuki lay beside her, pulling her close and planting a soft kiss on her shoulder. Within minutes, the two drifted off into a peaceful midday nap, their bodies entwined.

​

Across the hall, Ember returned inside after a rigorous training session. She entered her room to retrieve a few items before heading to Hana’s forge to drop off her lance for maintenance. Before leaving, however, she decided to check on Crystal, who should’ve been waking up around this time.

​

Knocking gently on Crystal’s door, she called out, “Crystal? You awake?”

​

There was a pause before a muffled voice replied, “W-Who is it?”

​

“It’s me,” Ember said.

​

“Oh, Ember! Give me a moment!” Crystal’s voice sounded flustered, and Ember could hear the shuffling of items from behind the door.

​

Moments later, the door opened just a crack, and Crystal peeked through, her face slightly flushed. “Um, Ember... I don’t have any clean clothes, so I’m just in a shirt and underwear,” she said shyly.

​

“Crystal, we’ve seen each other in much less before. You know I don’t care about that,” Ember replied, folding her arms. “Can I come in?”

​

Crystal hesitated briefly before nodding and stepping aside, keeping herself partially hidden behind the door as Ember entered.

​

Inside, Crystal quickly closed the door and sat down on a chair by her writing desk while Ember stood near the bed.

​

“Everything okay with you? You’re acting a bit... strange,” Ember said, her tone a mix of concern and curiosity.

​

Crystal avoided her gaze, her hands fiddling nervously in her lap. “Y-Yeah. I just woke up, that’s all,” she stammered.

​

Ember’s expression changed slightly as she studied her sister. Something felt off, but she decided to let it slide for now. She moved to sit on the bed but stopped abruptly when her hand brushed against the sheets. A damp spot caught her attention.

​

Pausing, she glanced back at Crystal. “Crystal... did you have an accident? You haven’t done that in years. You know you can tell me.”

​

Crystal’s face turned a deep shade of red as she stared at the floor, her hands tightening between her legs. “It wasn’t...” she mumbled.

​

“What?” Ember leaned closer. “I didn’t hear you.”

​

“It wasn’t... I didn’t pee the bed,” Crystal admitted in a small voice, still avoiding eye contact.

​

Ember’s confusion deepened for a moment before realization dawned on her. Her eyes flicked between the damp spot and her sister’s trembling leg, and everything clicked. Letting out a sigh, she muttered, “Suzu and Yuzuki?”

​

Crystal nodded, her embarrassment obvious.

​

“You too, huh...” Ember sighed again, running a hand through her hair.

​

Crystal managed a small nod. “Yeah... I couldn’t help it. I just... after hear them, couldn’t resist anymore.”

​

Ember walked over to her sister, placing a reassuring hand on her head. “I don’t blame you. I couldn’t resist either.”

​

Crystal blinked, her embarrassment momentarily giving way to curiosity. “Akiko and Nila?”

​

“Yep,” Ember confirmed, shaking her head with a mix of exasperation. “And they went at it for a while…”

​

A brief silence fell between them before Crystal spoke again, her voice tinged with humor. “Let’s hope they both get their own places soon. At least Mom and Dad don’t have to hear this.”

​

Ember laughed, the tension breaking. “Very true. I’d much rather it be us than them.”

​

Heading toward the door, Ember waved goodbye. “I’m off to Hana’s to drop off my lance. Try to relax, okay?”

Crystal smiled faintly, her embarrassment fading as Ember left.

​

“Be safe tomorrow, Ember, and be strong—burn bright,” Crystal said with a warm smile as Ember departed.

​

Moments earlier, Akame had arrived at Hana’s forge.

​

“Akame! I wouldn’t have thought you’d need to bring your blade to me,” Hana said, taking the katana from her hands. “I’ve never seen a blade like this before, where did you get it?.”

​

“It was a gift from Mom and Dad,” Akame explained quietly, “before everything happened.”

​

Hana’s grip on the blade tightened as she held it close, her expression softening. “I miss them. I wish I could’ve been there for you and Suzuran.”

​

“I know,” Akame replied, placing a reassuring hand on Hana’s shoulder. “Suzu and I miss them more than you know, but… this is the path the world set us on.”

​

Hana pulled Akame into a brief but heartfelt hug. “I’ll take care of this. I’ll make sure their final gift to you is sharper than ever.”

​

Akame nodded, a rare, genuine smile appeared. “I’ll be back tomorrow to pick it up.”

​

After Akame left, Hana began inspecting the blade, marveling at its craftsmanship. But before she could delve too deeply into her work, Kurohime arrived at the forge.

​

“Kurohime,” Hana greeted, setting Akame’s blade aside. “Are you here to drop off your weapon too?”

​

“I am,” Kurohime said, lifting a hand as a dark mist coalesced in her palm, rapidly solidifying into her scythe. “But mine isn’t like the others. Since you’re part demon, you should be able to handle it.”

​

Hana’s eyes widened in awe. “Oh my gods… is that a demonic scythe?” She stepped closer, unable to hide her excitement. “Where is it from?”

​

“It was gifted to my father by the Demon King himself when I was still a teenager,” Kurohime explained.

​

“The Demon King?!” Hana exclaimed, her voice tinged with disbelief. She ran her fingers carefully along the shaft of the weapon, avoiding the blade. “I can feel immense power coming from it.”

​

Kurohime nodded. “After my fight with that undead knight, I started wondering if it’s lost its edge—or if I’ve gotten rusty.”

​

“I’ll take a look,” Hana said, examining the blade more closely. “Anything I should know before I start?”

​

“Just don’t let the blade cut you. A deep enough wound could steal your soul,” Kurohime said with a smirk.

​

Hana immediately pulled her hand back, her face pale, which earned a laugh from Kurohime.

​

“Relax,” Kurohime said, her tone light. “Just treat it like any other weapon—with respect and care.”

​

“I’ll have it ready by tomorrow,” Hana assured her, carefully placing the scythe on a rack in her workshop. “Hopefully.”

​

Fifteen minutes after Kurohime left, Ember arrived with her lance in hand.

​

“Hey, Hana, can you check my lance? I want to make sure it has enough mana before we leave tomorrow,” Ember said, setting the weapon down beside her.

​

“Enough mana?” Hana asked, picking up the lance and inspecting it. “What do you mean?”

​

“It needs mana so I can use its strong spells,” Ember explained. “Without it, I’m dead in the water.”

​

Hana frowned. “Ember, this lance doesn’t have any built-in mana storage. It’s just a conduit.”

​

“That doesn’t make sense,” Ember said, her brow furrowing. “The last time I used it was before I came to Crimson Moon, and it worked fine.”

​

Hana chuckled as realization dawned. “Can you use basic fire magic?”

​

“Yeah, but only the bare minimum,” Ember said, summoning a small flame in her palm.

​

“Okay, now try this,” Hana instructed. “Focus on channeling your mana, but don’t actually form the flame—just let the energy flow.”

​

Ember extinguished the flame and closed her eyes, concentrating.

​

“That’s it,” Hana encouraged. “Now hold the lance and keep channeling.”

​

As soon as Ember gripped the lance with both hands, a roaring flame burst from the lance, filling the workshop with heat.

​

“Holy—Ember, tone it down!” Hana exclaimed, stepping back. “I feel like I’m about to melt!”

Startled, Ember quickly reined in the flame, her expression full of confusion. “I don’t understand. I thought…”

​

“This lance uses your mana as a direct fuel source,” Hana explained. “You must have massive reserves, but you can only access them when wielding this weapon. Where did you get this lance from?”

​

Ember hesitated before answering, “I… stole it before we left Draconia.”

​

Hana’s eyes narrowed, intrigued. “Stole it? From who?”

​

“It belonged to a dragonoid guard who was the captain that served one of the previous Fire Lords,” Ember said. “When that guard tried to assassinate the current Fire Lord, Ignis, the lance was considered a weapon of betrayal and locked away. When we escaped Draconia, I happened to find it and… took it.”

​

Hana’s curiosity deepened as she examined the intricate design of the lance. “There’s nothing else I can do to improve it, but I’d like to study it further. Maybe Yukari can help uncover any hidden abilities.”

​

“Sure,” Ember said. “I’ll leave it here overnight.”

​

“Perfect. Just come by tomorrow morning to pick it up,” Hana said.

​

With that, Ember left for the village farms, and Hana returned to her work. Of all the weapons she had received that day, Kurohime’s scythe intrigued her the most. Though intimidating, its craftsmanship was unparalleled, and Hana took extra care to ensure it was properly sharpened and restored. Once finished, she devoted the rest of her time to researching Ember’s lance, eager to uncover its secrets.

​

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden light over the village, a calm settled over Crimson Moon. The members seemed ready for the challenges ahead, their nerves replaced with determination.

​

In her bedroom, Akame stood by the window, gazing out at the vibrant hues of the sunset. A small, satisfied smile played on her lips as she thought about the upcoming expedition. It wasn’t just a mission—it was a new challenge, an opportunity for growth, and a step closer to unraveling the mysteries that lay ahead.