Between two flames

The Hermit's Routine

Another morning. A girl sat in a half-awake state, leaning against a wall in a building that looked more like well-preserved ruins. Her hair flowed in smooth dark waves down her small figure. It seemed like she was sleeping, but in fact, the dark-haired girl was on alert; in case of an attack, she would be able to repel an attack and escape. She didn't fully understand this trait but used it actively. She remained in this state until her peace was interrupted by the sounds of one of the not-so-brave but rather reckless heroes' powers.

"Argh, them again," she mumbled to herself, cursing a few times before fleeing her temporary shelter. Shards of the stone wall near which she had been sitting two seconds earlier flew past her.

Where was she going? She didn't know herself. A crowd of people passed through her like a gray mass, unaware that the girl was not a hero, which made her a villain in the people's eyes, though she wasn't one. All she did was save her own skin, constantly searching for shelter, food, and constructing various interesting things as a hobby.

"Hey, Reichimo" a hoarse voice called out behind the girl, making her shiver slightly and prepare for an attack.

"How do you know my name?" the girl quickly asked, ready to receive a knife in the back.

"Two weeks ago, there was a skirmish with heroes in the eastern part of the city, Clint, if you remember..." the male voice said calmly.

Astrith exhaled and relaxed a bit, turning to face the speaker.

"What do you want?" she asked, seeing the figure of a guy not far away in the shadows of a dark passage.

"I recently figured out something and wanted to share..." he began.

It's worth saying that his lifestyle, if you can call it that, wasn't much different from Rei's. They had met when, caught in a fierce battle, they were forced to work together.

"Go ahead, surprise me," the girl crossed her arms and prepared to listen.

"So, you know the organization in the northern part of the city?" Clint asked, finally stepping into a more bright part of the passage.

"Mhm, so?" Rei nodded.

"They want to start a project, but the point is they've opened a free recruitment. They say there'll be food and shelter."

Rei thought for a moment, processing what was now said.

"First question: why did you decide to tell me? Second: how do you know all this?" she said, her eyes flashing with emerald light, piercing her interlocutor.

"Um..." the guy hesitated a bit, "Why you? Well, I figured we're in the same crappy situation, so a free roof and food wouldn't hurt. Second, I overheard others talking about it..."

"Eavesdropped?" the girl interrupted him.

"Something like that," he shrugged.

"Okay" she said with a sigh. "Are you going to join?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, why not?" Clint answered quickly.

"Alright... See you then" she said and walked away.

As she walked down the street, she compared the pros and cons of Clint's proposal. She wasn't so foolish as to immediately and wholeheartedly trust this guy. After some thought, Reichimo decided to visit an old friend...