Hatsune unscrewed a bottle of water and handed it to Nae, who happily took it and drank a couple of sips.
"I didn't want to join them for two reasons. First, we're facing life-and-death situations ahead. Not joining them means we won't develop bonds, and in critical moments, we can make rational decisions without emotional interference. Second, the power disparity. Simply put, they're too weak. Being with them would drag me down, and I won't entrust my life to others. The strong rely on themselves; only the weak depend on others."
"Got it. You don't trust them and think they're too weak, right?"
Nae spoke proudly, her eyes still on the patties, seemingly not yet full. In the short time, she had already eaten five pancakes, while Hatsune hadn't finished one.
Both were teenagers, and under normal circumstances, Hatsune could only eat two at most. Who would have thought a girl could eat five and still not be full? How big is her appetite?
"Are you still hungry? If so, eat as much as you want." Hatsune pushed the bag closer to Nae.
Nae's eyes lit up, and she swallowed hard, looking at the pacakes and then at Hatsune. She finally resisted the urge to eat and shook her head, "No, I'm full."
"No need to be shy. If you can still eat, go ahead. These patties will only last for tonight. When the fighting starts, we might not get a chance to eat tomorrow."
"Really?"
Hatsune nodded.
"Okay, then I won't be polite."
Nae continued eating, her face showing happiness, gobbling down like she hadn't eaten in days.
Hatsune watched in amazement, finally understanding why she was so well-endowed.
"Why do you eat so much?" Hatsune couldn't help but ask.
Nae's mouth was full, and her hands held another pancake, her eyes fixed on it.
Seeing her like this, Hatsune thought of a dog guarding its food and wondered if she would bite if he tried to take her food.
"I'm not criticizing you; I'm just curious. How can a girl eat so much?"
"It's okay, I know you're not criticizing me." Nae mumbled, took a sip of water, swallowed the pancake, and continued, "I don't want to eat so much either, but if I don't, I'll pass out and can't do anything."
Seeing Hatsune's disbelief, Nae's expression turned serious.
"It's true, I'm not lying. It's related to our family's special physique. The women in our family have muscle density several times that of normal people, strength several times that of normal people, and even breathing and body temperature are different. We can only maintain the energy our bodies need by consuming large amounts of food."
Indeed, in their brief interaction, Hatsune noticed Nae's breathing was faster than normal. Initially, she thought it was due to practicing breathing techniques. Now it seemed related to her unique physique.
"My muscle density is six times that of a normal person. My sister's is eight times. To support such strong bodies, our heart and lung functions are also unique. So, the women in our family not only eat a lot but also..."
Nae shyly glanced at her ample chest, giving Hatsune a knowing look.
Hatsune, being smart, quickly understood.
However, hearing that Nae's muscle density was six times that of a normal person still surprised Hatsune.
This meant a woman could have the strength of six normal men. Such strength, and her sister even more so with eight times the density. What a concept!
Why practice breathing techniques when they naturally have it? No wonder she dared to take the Demon Slayer Corps exam alone.
This might also explain her insecurity, sensitivity, and timidity. To ordinary people, she would seem like a monster, naturally leading to exclusion and isolation. No wonder she craved integration and acceptance.
Poor girl, not knowing how special she was, only lacking like-minded friends.
Hatsune finally witnessed what a big eater looked like. In no time, the patties were nearly gone, and Nae still seemed unsatisfied.
Nae wiped her greasy hands and smiled apologetically at Hatsune.
"Working outside, people disliked me for eating too much, so I stayed home with nothing to do and felt embarrassed to eat freely. I knew my sister worked for an organization called the Demon Slayer Corps, so I came to find her and see if she could get me a job. But when I arrived, I was too scared to see her, fearing her scolding. So I ran away from home and came here to apply."
After Nae's explanation, Hatsune found it both amusing and pitiful that this girl joined the Demon Slayer Corps exam to find a job and fill her stomach.
It confirmed the saying "big chest, no brains."
"What's your sister's name in the Demon Slayer Corps? I know some members and might help you find her."
Nae quickly shook her head, "No need, I know her address. I'm just too scared to see her, not that I don't know where she lives."
Hatsune nodded, not pressing further.
The night had fully settled in. The cold moonlight bathed the treetops, and the vast forest fell eerily silent, without even a bird or insect making a sound.
Everyone sensed the strange aura of the mountain.
Nae finally grew tense, her large eyes fixated on the dark woods below, as if they were an entrance to hell.
She felt something would surely emerge from there, already hearing faint rustling and breaking branches getting closer, like a rushing tide in the wind.
Hatsune patted her shoulder.
Nae shivered, quickly turning to Hatsune.
"Are you scared?"
Nae froze for a moment, then forced a smile, trembling as she said, "A little... But I will protect you."
Hatsune lightly flicked her forehead, snapping her out of her fear.
Hatsune's handsome face bathed in moonlight made him seem unreal.
Nae was mesmerized.
"There's another reason I didn't join them. Do you know what it is?"
"No."
"Large groups are easy targets!"
A scream pierced through the mountain as the banquet with demons began.