Mina burst into laughter as she heard our story. I knew exactly what made her laugh so hard—behind that wide-open mouth, there was a hint of mockery. At that moment, I wished a fly would fly into her mouth, stopping that humiliating laughter.
"If I had known it would turn out like this, I wouldn't have told the story," I muttered.
"So it turns out you two are just weak, helpless men," Mina said, wiping tears from her eyes from laughing. The teasing seemed to satisfy her, as if she had just won a big bet.
"Do you feel that strong yourself?" I asked, irritated.
Mina furrowed her brow, her laughter slowly subsiding. "Your cheek has healed, right? Or do you want me to paint it purple again?"
Reflexively, I touched the cheek that Mina had hit before, leaning back slightly on the floor. Revisiting our bitter first encounter made my whole body ache. After struggling through the relentless beating from Minjae's gang, how could I ever want to go through that again? Even to save myself, I was willing to stay away from Jia.
"So, you're going to give up just like that?" Mina asked.
Remy shook his head gently. "I wasn't part of that story. They only attacked Ian, while I chose to hide. My life was fine despite that, but my friend, he wasn't so lucky. If you want to help Ian, I'd be very grateful."
I frowned and said, "What are you talking about? This woman can't possibly help us. Besides, asking a woman for help? You've already lost your manhood."
"Mina says she's a black belt. I think she's strong enough to help us. That way, you could also rescue Jia from Minjae. Isn't that a good plan?"
"She could be lying, but we don't know for sure if she really is a black belt or not. We can't trust her immediately."
Our conversation halted as a large shadow blocked the light around us. When we looked, Mina stood before us, towering like a predator ready to pounce on two tiny, whispering mice.
"Her name's Jia, right?" Mina asked.
We nodded slowly, all previous debates disappearing, including my doubts about Mina. The only thought crossing my mind now was—why is she interested in Jia?
"I'll make you believe that I am a black belt by defeating them, and I'll help Jia notice you."
I crossed my arms over my chest. "I don't need you to defeat them. This is my fight as a man. Asking a woman to defeat Minjae and his gang will only destroy my pride. People will say I relied on a woman to handle Minjae. I won't be respected. I'll be branded a loser."
"You sound as if you're going to fight them," Remy said.
"I am."
Remy was shocked. "Are you sure? After what happened to you before…?"
"That's exactly why," I said, setting aside my ego and kneeling before Mina. "Teach me, Sensei!"
"W-what… Sensei?" Mina was taken aback.
"If you really are a black belt, I'll be able to fight Minjae," I said confidently.
Remy approached, whispering, "You said not to trust her, but now you're acting the opposite."
I elbowed Remy in the stomach, making him groan in pain. "This is our only option now. You yourself said I shouldn't give up. I'm trying, yet you're telling me otherwise?"
Remy exhaled deeply, surrendering silently, seemingly out of words to comment on my decision.
"Alright, but I have conditions," Mina said firmly.
"I'll pay anything, as long as you're willing to train me to be strong."
"This isn't about money."
"Then what?"
"I'll tell you the condition at the right time because it's not something that can be said casually. Besides, I don't fully trust you yet. We need to build trust until we are completely sure of each other."
***
After agreeing, we returned to our respective activities. I lay on the bed, feeling restless. Whether my decision was right or wrong, the task ahead was clear—how to become strong. Remy's words made me realize I couldn't remain the weak man constantly oppressed.
I didn't want to be a victim of my helplessness anymore. I was fed up with a life of constant submission. My spirit rebelled, but I had no strength to fight it. Now, I had to strengthen myself to face those who acted tyrannically. If not, the strong would continue to dominate, and the weak would forever be oppressed.
"Hey, Ian. What if Mina's condition is something you can't fulfill?" Remy asked from the floor bed where he was lying.
My gaze remained on the lamp, the only light in the dark room. I doubted what Mina's condition could be. If she didn't want money, what else could she demand? Surely it would be something significant, considering the magnitude of our problems.
"What if she asks you to steal the Crown of England?"
I flinched, frowning. Remy's words unsettled me. "Impossible. Mina doesn't want valuable things as payment. It must be something else."
"What if she asks you to kidnap or kill someone?"
I clicked my tongue in frustration. Again, Remy's words stirred anxiety within me. "No way. Mina doesn't seem like a villain."
"But… speaking of which, Mina is pretty. Why not just switch your focus to her? You don't have to struggle for Jia."
I flicked Remy on the head, making him yelp in pain. "You first encouraged me about Jia, and now you suggest Mina. The more the night goes on, the more my thoughts multiply. Enough. I better sleep."
Remy looked annoyed after the flick, but eventually gave up and closed his eyes. Time passed, but sleep eluded me. In the silence of the night, I heard a faint sound from outside, like someone practicing.
I got up from the bed, moving carefully to the window. When the curtains parted, my gaze fell upon Mina in the backyard, her body moving with agility. I watched her in silence, until suddenly her eyes shifted and locked on mine. I quickly drew the curtains to hide, even though there was nothing wrong with what I did.
I decided to go downstairs to get a closer look. But when I reached the yard, the sound I had heard was gone, and Mina was nowhere to be seen. Where did she go?
A chill ran down my spine as I felt the presence of something behind me. I quickly turned, only to be shocked to find someone in the darkness trying to attack me!