316-320

Chapter 316: Post-War Arrangements 

Najenda wasn’t in a rush to make plans. Her first step was to have a talk with General Budo. His attitude would determine what she could gain and what her next moves would be. Of course, things would be much simpler if she could speak directly with Riku, bypassing the middleman. 

Unfortunately, Riku clearly wasn’t interested. After giving brief instructions, he vanished without a trace, showing an almost reckless trust in them. That’s probably the confidence of a true powerhouse. 

“General Budo, does Devil-sama have any plans for the Empire’s future?” Najenda asked tactfully. Though she couldn’t talk to Riku directly, Budo was clearly his designated spokesperson. Whatever she wanted to do, she couldn’t bypass Budo—he was her strongest card right now. 

Her plans hinged on Budo’s cooperation. Without it, they were just pipe dreams. 

Luckily, before leaving, Devil-sama had specifically mentioned that she and Budo should handle the aftermath together, giving her equal standing with him. That’s why she could sit here and negotiate. 

“Devil-sama didn’t leave specific orders, but I believe the first step is to establish an administrative body that can effectively exercise authority,” Budo replied, looking at Najenda. He knew a bit about this female general—brave, intelligent, and a standout among the new generation. Her past defection from the Empire had made headlines, especially since she’d been quite popular during her time serving it. 

“Exactly. We need to get the state institutions running smoothly to minimize chaos in the Empire,” Najenda agreed, nodding. Reducing turmoil was the top priority. With Minister Honest and the young Emperor now prisoners, the Empire was in their hands. Now that it was “theirs,” they had to figure out how to limit the damage. 

Groups like the “Path of Peace” couldn’t be allowed to stir up trouble, and the “Western Tribes” needed to be kept outside the Empire’s borders—no way could they be allowed to invade and wreak havoc. As for the “Revolutionary Army” in the south, Najenda thought some of them could be useful allies. Yes, she was already mentally distancing herself from the Revolutionary Army. 

It couldn’t be helped. With the current situation, they’d essentially staged a successful coup. There was no way they’d hand over power to the Revolutionary Army. Right now, she held the upper hand. 

“I’ll summon all the generals and vassals to announce that Minister Honest and the young Emperor have been overthrown. We’ll arrest who needs arresting and execute who needs executing, starting with cleaning up the capital,” Budo said, laying out his plan. When it came to action, he was decisive, almost ruthless. 

Taking advantage of the fact that most people in the capital were still in the dark about what had happened in the palace, Budo would use his authority to call a grand assembly. It was the perfect chance to take down Minister Honest’s loyalists and the royalist faction in one fell swoop. 

“And the throne?” Najenda nodded, approving of Budo’s approach, then raised another critical issue: who would sit on the throne? Riku had said there was no need to change the system, so there would still need to be an Emperor. 

“I believe we should nominate Devil-sama as the new Emperor of the Empire,” Budo stated plainly. 

His reasoning was simple: he wouldn’t accept anyone else as Emperor. Some random person with no accomplishments taking the throne? That was far too careless. But if it was Devil-sama, Budo could accept it. Only Devil-sama, with his overwhelming power to suppress any opposition, was worthy. 

Plus, Devil-sama didn’t need to exploit the Empire’s people. He had no worldly desires. His goal was to make the Empire prosper, to give people the resources to focus on research, and to cultivate more talent—all to recreate the Teigu. If the Empire was in chaos, with people constantly fearing for their lives or struggling to survive, who would have the energy for such pursuits? That clearly didn’t align with Riku’s core goals. 

Budo had no doubts about Riku’s lack of mundane ambitions, like those of typical emperors. He saw it clearly. After all, an immortal being of immense power, who’d lived who-knows-how-long, not having worldly desires was only natural, right? Though Riku looked like a handsome young man, Budo didn’t see him as one. An immortal like him—nobody knew how many years he’d lived. 

“Devil-sama as the Emperor?” Najenda took a deep breath. It didn’t seem likely to her. Devil-sama’s actions were carefree, showing no attachment to the throne or the nation. This idea was probably Budo’s own. 

Still, she couldn’t dismiss it entirely. Sometimes, those in power had to avoid appearing too eager or greedy. Some things were better left to subordinates to handle. She couldn’t rule out the possibility that this was Riku’s plan all along. 

“It’s my own idea. I won’t accept anyone else as Emperor. You’re not still thinking of letting someone from the Revolutionary Army take the throne, are you?” Budo said bluntly. 

“Forget it. If the Revolutionary Army comes, there’ll definitely be a fight. Devil-sama said all Teigu must be collected. Do you think they’d just hand them over?” Budo’s expression was serious. The fighting was far from over. Whether it was the Revolutionary Army, the Western Tribes, or the Path of Peace, there’d be conflicts ahead to “disarm” them. 

Najenda fell silent. She felt like Budo was subtly pointing at her. Her Night Raid team was also a major holder of Teigu. If the Revolutionary Army, Western Tribes, and Path of Peace had to surrender their Teigu, would she and Night Raid be exempt? 

“I understand, but there’s no need to rush this, right? If we start with that, they’ll all resist fiercely,” Najenda said. Deep down, she supported the “Teigu Recovery Plan.” She’d discussed it with Riku before, and they’d agreed on it. But she didn’t think it should be done so urgently—better to wait until the situation stabilized. When everyone still felt insecure, who would willingly give up their “weapons”? With mutual distrust, handing over their trump cards right away was unthinkable. 

“They don’t get a choice,” Budo replied firmly, unwavering. To him, scattered Teigu were a major source of instability in the Empire. Without the power of Teigu, these rebellious factions wouldn’t dare cause trouble. They were nothing compared to Devil-sama’s terrifying strength. 

“Fine, I’ll notify the Revolutionary Army to come to the capital,” Najenda conceded. She still wanted to work with Budo to build the new government. Budo’s stubbornness was well-known, but that made him a reliable partner for those in power—unlike someone like Minister Honest, who preferred unscrupulous allies. Honest had favored those with ambitions he could exploit, like the chaotic Esdeath, who could align with him for mutual benefit. 

“Good. I’ll allow their passage but won’t permit their troops to enter key cities. This will be their first test,” Budo nodded, skeptical of the Revolutionary Army’s compliance. Even if they reached the capital without incident, they likely wouldn’t accept the new reality easily. If talks broke down, they might even try to siege the city. Having come so far, could they resist the temptation to seize power by eliminating Budo and Najenda? 

“We’ll do our best and leave the rest to fate,” Najenda sighed. She didn’t want to clash with her former comrades. The Revolutionary Army was a mixed bag, infiltrated by southern nobles forming new interest groups, but it also had people who shared her ideals. 

“Where will we hold the grand assembly?” Najenda asked, glancing toward the palace. That “giant black bowl” still loomed over it, making it impossible to hold the assembly there. She wasn’t sure if it was her imagination, but the bowl seemed to be shrinking, as if sinking into the ground. 

“I’ll gather my old subordinates and summon the vassals to hold the assembly nearby,” Budo said. The “black bowl” served as a deterrent to keep troublemakers in line. 

Meanwhile, on the other side, Riku had caught up with General Liver, who was trying to escape the capital. Liver still held the Teigu [Black Marlin: Water Dragon’s Embrace], and Riku had marked him long ago. 

“Esdeath’s loyal dog,” Riku remarked, uninterested in Liver. Though capable, Liver was devoted to Esdeath, willing to die for her. Riku had no time for taming subordinates. 

Shing! 

A black shadow surged, and Riku appeared. Before Liver could react, a long blade pierced his throat. Liver tried to coagulate his blood for a desperate counterattack, but Riku’s blade ended him before he could act. 

“Prison” burned, searing Liver’s flesh with a scorched smell. Riku retrieved [Black Marlin: Water Dragon’s Embrace]. With this, he’d collected all the Teigu of the Three Beasts. His haul didn’t stop there: including [Demon’s Extract: Mantis], [Irestone: Gem Ornament], and [Supreme Throne: Protector Machine God], he had six Teigu. Adding a multi-function trap-type Teigu and one for breeding Dangerous Beasts found in the palace, he’d secured eight Teigu in total. 

[Supreme Throne: Protector Machine God] was located beneath the palace, now enveloped in Riku’s shadow curtain, slowly being absorbed into his “Shadow Realm.” The process would take time due to its size. 

After gaining the [World’s Poison] ability, interacting with the world seemed easier. It was truly potent— even the world’s rules adapted to his power. 

Ding! Experience +280 

Ding! Experience bar full. Level up to Lv20. Current experience: 120/3500. 

Gained 1 attribute point. 

The system chimed, a rare occurrence. Riku had finally leveled up, earning an attribute point. Without hesitation, he added it to Agility, breaking the 20-point threshold. 

[Agility reached 20. Optional special traits unlocked.] 

[Optional special traits:  

• Light as a Swallow Lv1: Unleash 1.5x your Agility.  

• Instant Step Lv1: Rapidly stomp the ground dozens of times in an instant for explosive high-speed movement.  

• Flexibility Lv1: Greatly increases body flexibility.] 

Looking at the options, Riku pondered. The first was a classic stat multiplier. The second, for some reason, reminded him of “Soru” from the One Piece world’s Six Powers. The third, enhanced flexibility, felt lackluster, especially since he’d recently acquired similar training methods from the Imperial Fist Temple. 

After some thought, Riku chose Light as a Swallow Lv1. A stat multiplier was a safe bet. Instant Step Lv1 was tempting, but as someone who manipulated time, he didn’t need it as much. Besides, he could always learn “Soru” in the One Piece world later. Light as a Swallow Lv1 maximized his benefits. 

Chapter 317: The Human Emperor 

By the time Riku returned to the Imperial Capital, Budo and Najenda had already kicked off the Grand Court Assembly. Talk about efficiency! Everyone was already on edge, keeping a close watch on the chaos unfolding at the palace. 

With such a massive uproar—thunder tearing through the sky, sudden chills, and snowfall out of nowhere—nobody in the capital could ignore it. But those terrifying omens? Yeah, they scared the ministers into hiding like turtles pulling into their shells. When big shots like that clash, regular folks steer clear and wait for the winner to call the shots. 

Budo’s summons made it crystal clear who came out on top. A lot of people were shocked, though. I mean, just looking at the sheer impact, Esdeath’s powers seemed way scarier—she literally changed the weather across the entire capital! 

But none of that mattered now. The only thing that counted was who won, and the winner would obviously take control of the Empire’s politics. 

So, when the news dropped that Minister Ornest had been overthrown and the young emperor dethroned, everyone was straight-up dumbfounded. 

Like, hold up—overthrowing Ornest? That’s one thing. Everyone could get behind a “clear the corrupt minister” move to seize power. But dethroning the young emperor too? What kind of play was that?! 

Most of the ministers in the capital knew the dark history of the royal family. The chaos when the young emperor took the throne left the royal bloodline practically wiped out by Ornest’s schemes. It was an open secret, barely hidden. Now, with the emperor dethroned, who was supposed to take the throne? Anyone remotely eligible was already six feet under. Surely General Budo wasn’t just gonna pick some rando to be emperor, right? That’d be way too arbitrary—totally against the Empire’s traditions! 

The ministers were stunned, but barely anyone dared speak up. These guys had survived Ornest’s ruthless purges, handpicked through round after round of eliminations. They knew exactly when to talk, when to shut up, and what topics were off-limits. They weren’t about to throw away their survival skills now, not with a new power in charge. So, naturally, nobody was bold enough to challenge Budo head-on. 

Of course, the Empire’s been around for ages, so there were still some diehard loyalists. Budo’s move lit a fire under them. All their pent-up restraint shattered when they heard the news. The Empire was done for! The royal family was finished! Who were they supposed to be loyal to now?! 

Before, at least Ornest kept up the pretense of propping up the young emperor. Those “loyal vassals” could turn a blind eye, just like Budo used to, and coast along, doing the bare minimum. Budo’s presence gave them an excuse to slack off, thinking everything was fine. But now? Budo himself had torn down their last shred of cover, personally ending the royal family’s rule. They couldn’t believe it. 

Some were too shocked to react. Others gave in to Budo, thinking, “If even Budo’s doing this, what choice do we have?” But a few lost it completely, their entire worldview collapsing. They stood up, shouting curses at Budo. 

Budo didn’t hold back. If these guys wanted to die for the royal family, fine—let them go down with the old Empire. He knew their type better than anyone: loud but useless, more likely to mess things up than help. The real threats to Ornest? They never lasted long in court. Ornest would frame them and get them out of the picture fast. Budo could only do so much to keep those people safe, usually by getting them as far from the capital as possible. 

The ones still standing in court? Mostly Ornest’s yes-men, with only a handful of competent ones mixed in. 

“Budo! You’re a traitor, defying the natural order! The righteous of the world will rise against you! You’ll end up just like Ornest!” a few crazed royalists shouted before soldiers dragged them away. 

That scene left the “esteemed court officials” rattled. A lot of them were thinking, “This isn’t much different from Ornest’s tyranny, is it? Same old ‘disagree and die’ vibe.” 

The only difference? Budo wasn’t playing the “control the emperor” game. This guy might actually be planning to crown himself emperor! 

The ministers exchanged glances. Budo was playing a big game. Sure, the young emperor was a mess, but this was a thousand-year-old royal legacy. Taking it over wasn’t gonna be easy. Those old loyalists weren’t entirely wrong—there’d probably be a ton of Empire and royal diehards rising up against Budo. Or worse, it gave ambitious opportunists the perfect excuse to rebel under the banner of “restoring the royal family.” Budo had basically handed them a righteous cause on a silver platter. 

Riku watched from the sidelines, thinking Budo was going a bit extreme. Disillusioned with the young emperor, Budo wasn’t holding back. There were smoother, less explosive ways to handle this, but Budo chose the nuclear option: blow everything up and deal with it all at once. 

“That works too,” Riku thought, unbothered. Let all the hidden threats come out—foreign tribes, Anning-dao, the Revolutionary Army, ambitious warlords, local powers, royal loyalists. Let them all fight it out in one big brawl, then crush them all at once. Classic “short-term pain, long-term gain.” Sure, it’d be chaotic for a bit, but in the long run? Not a bad move. The house needed a good cleaning, and the reckoning was coming sooner or later. 

“Your Excellency General Budo, please ascend the throne and carry on the imperial legacy!” one of the “esteemed court officials” piped up, seizing the moment. Gotta hand it to them—they knew how to read the room. Ornest’s handpicked crew was good at kissing up. One guy started, then a second, a third—it was like they’d rehearsed this, ready for the day Ornest decided to take the throne himself. 

Najenda couldn’t help but smirk at the absurdity. These guys were too smooth. 

Budo, though? He just stared, completely unimpressed, not even acknowledging them. The ministers, especially the ones hyping him up, were thrown off. Like, dude, we set the stage perfectly—aren’t you satisfied? 

Then Budo turned to Riku. “Devil-sama, please ascend the throne as the Emperor of the Empire and lead us to build a brand-new Empire!” 

Riku, who’d been enjoying the show from the sidelines, was caught off guard. He didn’t expect to suddenly become the main character. Neither did the ministers—they were stunned. The ones who’d just been cheering for Budo froze, jaws dropping. They’d noticed Riku earlier, standing out like he had his own spotlight, but since he hadn’t said or done anything, they didn’t think much of it. 

Now Budo was pulling this? Handing the throne to this young guy? What was their deal? Budo was acting so deferential—what, was he working for this kid?! The ministers’ minds raced, but with the situation unclear, nobody dared speak. The ones who’d been hyping Budo were stuck, super awkward. A few shameless ones quickly pivoted, though. 

“Devil-sama, please take the throne and lead us to a new Empire!” they chimed in, jumping on Budo’s bandwagon. 

Gotta say, these political types were flexible—Ornest’s elite crew was proving their worth! The Emperor of the Empire, the “Teiou”? Rebuilding the Empire into a “Second Empire”? Okay, maybe not the luckiest names. 

Riku chuckled to himself at the thought. 

Still, he wasn’t opposed to being this “Teiou.” He wasn’t gonna micromanage anyway—most of the time, he’d be off doing his own thing. Set up an inner cabinet, let them handle the Empire’s day-to-day, and call it a day. 

“Alright, I’ll take on this ‘Teiou’ role for now,” Riku said after a moment’s thought, skipping any poetic flair and already planning his next steps. 

“The nation can’t go a day without a ruler. Devil-sama, please ascend immediately!” Budo pressed, eager to lock in the title and avoid being labeled a usurper. 

“Hold off,” Riku waved him off. “No rush. Let’s handle things first.” 

Ascend now? Way too sloppy. There wasn’t even a proper palace or grand hall left. Ascend where? The priority was dealing with the rebellions about to pop off and stabilizing the Empire. 

“Budo, Najenda, I’m leaving this to you two. These guys”—he gestured to the ministers—“are under your command.” 

Since he was taking the “Teiou” title, Riku figured he should at least pitch in a bit instead of dumping everything on Budo and Najenda. With a wave of his hand, he opened a portal, summoning his artificial human legion and a bunch of mechanical guards. A massive army poured out of a giant Shadow Gate. 

These artificial humans were enhanced with magic and decked out with advanced cybernetic parts. Any one of them could go toe-to-toe with a Teigu user, and against regular soldiers? Total domination. The mechanical guards were loaded with top-tier tech too. Sure, this world had firearms and heat-based weapons, but their tech level was nowhere near Cyberpunk 2077. The only unique thing was their use of Dangerous Species—Dr. Stylish was proof of that, and he was already the world’s tech peak. 

“Yes, Teiou,” Budo replied, accepting Riku’s plan to wait until everything was settled before the coronation. He hadn’t yet grasped how terrifying this army was. 

“No need to rush rebuilding the palace either,” Riku added, glancing at the royal city, half-swallowed by the “Shadow Realm.” “I’ve got a pro construction team. Let them handle it.” 

The settlements in his “Shadow Realm” were built by this team—massive machinery, precision tools, tireless AI, and nonstop mechanical workers. Way more efficient than human labor. 

“As you command, Teiou,” Budo said, relieved at the reduced workload. 

Only then did the ministers realize that the massive “black dome” was Riku’s doing. The Shadow Gate, spewing out artificial humans and mechanical guards, left them in awe. No wonder someone like Budo was loyal to this guy—this “Teiou” was the real deal. 

With that settled, Riku stepped back, leaving the rest to Budo and Najenda. He was a hands-off leader at heart, and being “Teiou” didn’t change that. 

[Ding! Title Unlocked: Human Emperor] 

[Human Emperor: When equipped, grants an aura of authority over humans, making it easier to earn their trust and admiration.] 

Riku might not have felt any difference, but the [Limit System] clearly thought otherwise. Taking the throne earned him a new title, and a pretty useful one at that. Unlike his previous titles like [Hundred Rat Slayer] or [Ghoul Butcher], which were niche at best, [Human Emperor] was a game-changer. It worked on humans—the dominant race in most worlds. Paired with his natural charisma, he wouldn’t have to worry about being seen as a villain anymore. 

He equipped the title immediately. Maybe it was his imagination, but the ministers’ gazes shifted—they seemed to accept him as “Teiou” almost too easily. Of course, they didn’t have much choice. Under Ornest, they’d had no real power, just following orders. Same deal now. 

Budo and Najenda weren’t trying to silence dissent, but this was a critical time. Stabilizing the Empire came first—everything else could wait. 

Chapter 318: A Man’s Romance Is Piloting a Mecha 

After taking on the role of “Teiou,” Riku stuck around the Imperial Capital for a few days, pulling the entire palace into his “Shadow Realm.” The massive frost energy from Esdeath’s power wasn’t an issue once it was inside.  

With full control over the “Shadow Realm,” Riku sealed the frost energy in a small, enclosed area surrounded by towering mountains, locking it away completely. The inside was like a frozen hellscape. 

“Not bad. This could work as a training ground,” Riku mused, pretty satisfied with his “Ice Hell.” Of course, this place was packed with concentrated ice energy—not somewhere a regular person could just waltz into for a test run.  

In xianxia terms, this wasn’t some small secret realm for Qi Refining or Foundation Establishment cultivators. You’d need to be at least Golden Core level to handle it. If he expanded the area and let the ice energy spread out, it could drop to a Foundation Establishment or Qi Refining trial zone.  

Riku’s mind wandered with these random thoughts before he returned to the capital. His Shadow Wolves had sniffed out a new target. 

In the dark shadows of a street, a figure skulked, eyeing passersby like he was picking out his next meal. To him, they all seemed to give off a tantalizing scent. He didn’t eat people—he just got a kick out of the hunt.  

In the chaotic capital, nobody paid much attention to the occasional murder case, so this guy had been living it up. But ever since Budo returned and put the city on lockdown, things got tough. He had to lurk in the shadows, snatching the odd prey here and there. 

He wasn’t the only one hiding in the dark, though. In a corner he didn’t notice, a Shadow Wolf was locked onto him. 

Riku had sent these Shadow Wolves to scour the capital for people matching specific traits, and this guy, with a weird device on his forehead, fit the bill perfectly. His name was Zank, known as “Zank the Beheader.”  

Zank was the Empire’s executioner, a guy who chopped heads for a living. Years of beheading prisoners twisted his mind, and now he wasn’t satisfied with just killing inmates. He’d taken to the streets, slaughtering innocent people. 

“Jie jie jie!” Zank let out a creepy laugh, locking onto today’s target: a mother with her kid. Killing the mom in front of the kid or the kid in front of the mom—either way, it’d give him a sick thrill. 

“Man, that laugh screams ‘villain,’” a voice commented from behind, startling Zank. He leapt back, eyes wide with shock, and spun around. 

On Zank’s forehead was a goggle-like device with a green “eye” in the center—his Teigu, [Gokan Tsumen: Observer]. It had five abilities: Insight, Farsight, X-Ray, Foresight, and Illusion.  

Insight let him read thoughts through facial expressions. Farsight let him see far-off things. X-Ray pierced through obstacles. Foresight predicted an enemy’s next move by reading subtle muscle twitches. And Illusion made his target see hallucinations.  

This Teigu was why Zank could run wild in the capital, killing without getting caught. Farsight plus X-Ray? The guy was basically untouchable. No one could sneak up on him. 

Or so he thought. Zank’s guard was always up, so Riku getting this close without him noticing was a total shock. He’d just checked—there was no one approaching. How did this guy pop up out of nowhere? 

“Who are you?” Zank demanded, sizing Riku up. He relaxed a bit. This kid didn’t look like much of a threat. “If you’ve got no business here, scram. Don’t mess with my fun.” 

“Sorry, no can do. I’m here for you,” Riku said with a grin.  

He could tell his [Human Emperor] title and high charisma were working their magic. The effect was wild—even a psycho serial killer like Zank was hesitant to attack him, just wanting him to buzz off instead. Talk about a life-saving perk. 

“Looking to die?!” Zank’s attitude flipped the second Riku refused. Furious, he charged with his bone-cleaving blade, ready to slice Riku in half. 

“So impatient,” Riku sighed, dodging the swing with a quick sidestep. Then he slapped Zank across the face. 

Boom! 

Zank slammed into a wall, stuck like a bug on a windshield.  

Thud. 

He crumpled to the ground, staggering to his feet, his face twisted in terror. His Teigu’s [Observer] had kicked in. He saw Riku’s move coming with Foresight, but his body couldn’t keep up. Knowing a slap was coming but being powerless to dodge? That was pure fear. 

“Feels good, doesn’t it?” Riku said, his grin dripping with mischief. He clearly knew the Teigu’s weakness. 

Sure, [Observer] could predict moves, but if your body was too slow to react, what was the point? All it did was make you dread the hit even more. 

“Bastard!” Zank roared, activating the Illusion ability to trap Riku in a hallucination, making him see Zank as someone close to him. With this, Zank could easily kill his opponent. 

“Jie jie jie! No matter how strong you are, you’re done against this!” Zank gloated. This high-status, powerful-looking guy was just an extra treat. Killing someone like him? An honor. 

Zank’s words didn’t affect the illusion. To someone caught in it, he’d look and sound like a loved one—maybe saying “I love you” while approaching for a hug, when really he was closing in with a knife. 

“No use,” Riku said casually, smiling at Zank’s wicked grin as he crept closer. 

Zank froze, forcing a smile, trying to convince himself Riku was talking to the illusion. But [Observer]’s Foresight showed him the truth: this guy was about to stab him through the throat. 

Shunk! 

Before Zank could react, a long blade pierced his throat. His own knife was barely raised, nowhere near fast enough to block. 

Gurgle. 

Zank tried to speak, but blood gushed from the wound.  

Shunk. 

Riku yanked the blade out and kicked Zank to the ground. He strolled over, plucked [Gokan Tsumen: Observer] off Zank’s forehead, and sighed. Zank the Beheader, killer of countless, was down for the count, netting Riku a measly hundred-something experience points. 

“Useless. This Teigu’s a god-tier weapon for a martial fighter, but in your hands? Wasted,” Riku muttered. Zank’s skills just didn’t match the Teigu’s potential. It worked, sure, but he couldn’t unleash its true power. 

After flesh-binding [Gokan Tsumen: Observer], Riku returned to the “Shadow Realm.” Several Teigu were in the process of being flesh-bound, spoils from the last battle, now stored alongside the palace.  

The old royal city? Riku had no plans to keep it. No point. If the materials were useful, he’d recycle them for the new city. 

The haul included [Houshi no Kaza: Illestun], [Suiryu Hyoi: Black Marlin], [Ryoheki no Taiho: Belvaac], [Gungaku no Yume: Shinkyo], [Gokoku Kishin: Supreme Throne], a trap-setting device, a Dangerous Species incubator, and [Majin Genshi: Demon’s Essence], which was still unextracted. Most were already flesh-bound. 

[Majin Genshi: Demon’s Essence] was still inside Esdeath’s body. Riku hadn’t touched her yet, just locked her up in a dark cell, suspended. Her Teigu was sealed with [Houshi no Kaza: Illestun] for now, waiting for later experiments to extract it. 

Riku picked up a few of the Teigu, but most weren’t super useful to him—more utility than game-changers. [Houshi no Kaza: Illestun] was a standout, though. It could seal other Teigu indefinitely, and if the gem broke, Riku could instantly restore it. With this, any Teigu user was powerless against him. 

[Ryoheki no Taiho: Belvaac], [Suiryu Hyoi: Black Marlin], and [Gungaku no Yume: Shinkyo] didn’t change much after flesh-binding. [Belvaac], though, could track enemies endlessly as long as Riku had the strength to keep it going, which was a nice touch. 

His eyes landed on the biggest, baddest Teigu of all—the Empire’s ultimate trump card, [Gokoku Kishin: Supreme Throne]. A towering mecha, majestic as hell.  

[Supreme Throne] looked like a king, complete with a crown and a flowing cape that doubled as defensive gear. Sacred and imposing, it screamed royalty. Beyond its base form, it had a “Purge Mode,” blending alchemy and Teigu traits to transform into a dragon, boosting its power, weapon count, and armor durability. The catch? The user could get corrupted, turning bloodthirsty. 

For Riku, that mental influence was a non-issue. His [Limit System] had him covered—cheat mode activated! This Teigu was his favorite by far. Mechas were a man’s romance, and [Supreme Throne] was the real deal. Though, to be fair, it was more like a mobile artillery platform than a nimble mech. 

Its mobility? Total garbage. It could move, but slowly. Supporting its massive weight took insane energy, so just keeping the arms somewhat agile was a feat. In Purge Mode’s dragon form, though, it could soar through the skies, moving like a Dangerous Species, which was why the user’s mind got affected by the beastly blood inside. 

Riku spread his demon wings and shot up to the cockpit. The core had been flesh-bound, bypassing the royal bloodline restriction. He could use it now. 

No way was he waiting to flesh-bind the whole hundred-meter, bulky behemoth. To test it out, he’d prioritized the core. 

Inside the cockpit, Riku grabbed the core and instantly felt like he’d become a hundred-meter-tall giant. His vision merged with [Supreme Throne]’s, and its abilities clicked into place—an auto-feature to ensure any emperor could pilot it right away. 

Boom! 

He took a step. Yeah, this thing’s movement was painfully slow. It was “walking” alright, covering huge distances with each step, but the speed? Laughable. Against a strong enemy, it’d be a sitting duck—easy to trip or topple. The fists, though, swung decently fast. 

Compared to its sluggish movement, the mecha’s firepower was in another league. It fired light cannons from its forehead, air, palms—you name it. Those beams weren’t weak, either. They’d shred buildings like paper, wiping out entire cities with ease. 

“No wonder this is the Empire’s ace,” Riku said, impressed. With this, crushing the Empire would be a cakewalk. 

Chapter 319: Long Live the Divine Emperor 

“Dragon Form, activate!” 

Riku unleashed the second form of the [Supreme Throne: Protector Machine God]. The massive mecha surged into the sky, twisting and transforming into a colossal dragon. 

The dragon circled above, its immense form blotting out the sun, exuding an awe-inspiring presence. Despite being a fusion of various animal traits, it wasn’t grotesque or bizarre. Instead, it radiated overwhelming power, as if such a creature naturally belonged in this world. 

In the world of Akame ga Kill!, such creatures did exist—rare and formidable Super-Class Dangerous Beasts, dwelling in the East Sea, shrouded in mist. These beasts were prime materials for crafting Teigu. The [Cross Tail: Thousand Transformations], for instance, was made from their fur, and their other parts were equally valuable. 

Clearly, the [Supreme Throne: Protector Machine God] incorporated plenty of such materials, enabling its ultimate dragon transformation ability. 

Boom! 

Riku commanded the dragon to attack. In its dragon form, the [Supreme Throne: Protector Machine God] unleashed even greater destructive power. 

The dragon opened its maw, unleashing a crimson energy beam that shot out with staggering range, reaching thousands of meters. Riku was holding back—its true range was even greater. Soaring thousands, even tens of thousands of meters high, the dragon spewed beams that carved the earth like a knife, leaving devastation in its wake, annihilating everything in its path. 

“Not bad, not bad at all.” 

Riku’s expression was one of satisfaction. He was pleased with the Empire’s trump card. As for the so-called “mental influence” of the Teigu, it had no effect on him. This was a perfect weapon, free of any drawbacks. 

Normally, emperors would hesitate to use the “purge mode” of this Teigu, fearing its assimilation effect, which could turn them into mindless killing machines. That kind of mental corruption wasn’t easily undone. Only in Riku’s hands could this Teigu’s true potential be unleashed, demonstrating the Empire’s might to the world. 

With a thought, Riku opened a shadow gate, and the majestic dragon soared through, appearing above the Imperial Capital. 

Its massive form eclipsed the sky. Riku then activated the [Adramelech: Thunder God’s Wrath], combining it with his Blood Demon Art. The sky darkened with roiling clouds, crackling with black and white lightning, the dragon’s silhouette flickering ominously within. 

This sudden spectacle sent the capital’s residents into a panic. Outside the city, the Revolutionary Army, freshly encamped, stared in stunned silence. 

“What… what is that?!” 

The soldiers gaped in terror at the monstrous beast in the sky, clearly a Dangerous Beast not to be trifled with. 

“Is that thunder-summoning power Budo’s? Are they giving us a show of force right off the bat?”  

In the Revolutionary Army’s camp, key figures gathered, their faces grim. They’d just arrived at the capital, and now this? It was hard not to see it as a deliberate move. 

No one thought this was a random Super-Class Dangerous Beast attack. What were the odds of an attack happening just as they arrived? Was this beast some kind of method actor? 

“Is that… a Super-Class Dangerous Beast?” someone asked, eyeing the shadowy, awe-inspiring creature. Its presence was overwhelming, almost too perfect. Hard to believe the Empire had secretly tamed such a monster. 

Raising Dangerous Beasts as pets, even Super-Class ones, wasn’t unheard of. The Revolutionary Army had people who did the same. They even had a Teigu for summoning and controlling large Dangerous Beasts, likely paired with the one used for breeding them. 

“It’s a dragon—a legendary Super-Class Dangerous Beast from the East Sea, hidden in the clouds. Night Raid’s Lubbock’s Teigu, [Cross Tail: Thousand Transformations], was made from its fur,” someone answered gravely. No one expected the Empire to have such a card up its sleeve, capable of controlling a beast of this caliber. Did Budo and Najenda have this kind of power? 

The Revolutionary Army’s leader, a mature and dignified middle-aged man named Katiss, remained silent. Polished and composed, he didn’t seem like someone born from the Empire’s lower classes. 

“Katiss, what do we do now?” his aide asked. The Empire had shown its hand; it was their move. 

“Watch and wait,” Katiss replied, exhaling. He was still reeling. The situation was shifting too fast, and with so much uncertainty, making a big move now wasn’t wise. Better to see what Najenda and Budo wanted first. 

The aide faltered, clearly surprised. The Empire had a dragon in their face, and they were supposed to play dead? 

“Enough. We’ll assess the situation first,” Katiss said, cutting off further debate. His position in the Revolutionary Army was still solid, despite the growing factions and cliques. For now, with their grand goal unachieved, they maintained a surface-level unity, still backing him as the leader. 

“Yes, sir!” The aide fell silent but was visibly frustrated. His urgency stemmed from a sense of danger. Other factions, previously compliant, were starting to stir. Najenda’s success had sparked ambitions. With her holding the reins, some might jump ship if she offered a good enough deal, even pushing her as the new Revolutionary Army leader. 

That would leave Katiss and his loyalists as clowns—either forced to bow or branded as “rebels” and crushed. Did Katiss not see the situation? No, he understood it all too well, which was why he refused to act rashly. With Najenda and Budo flexing their strength, the wavering factions would be even less inclined to side with him. Rallying them now would be begging for humiliation. 

It all came down to strength—or lack thereof. Facing Najenda and Budo’s display of power, they had no real counter, and it was crushing their morale. 

Katiss simmered with frustration and regret. He never should’ve let an ambitious woman like Najenda join the Revolutionary Army. Her talent and drive were a ticking time bomb. Unable to control her, he’d sent her to form Night Raid, keeping her busy and away from the core. But even then, she’d built a network of supporters within the Revolutionary Army, with many advocating for Night Raid at headquarters, pressuring him. 

Those pressures were nothing compared to this. Najenda had pulled off a massive coup. 

Katiss hoped things could improve. Najenda hadn’t openly broken with the Revolutionary Army yet, though he doubted she’d relinquish her newfound power. Still, he had to try. 

Boom! 

Thunder roared, and the capital’s citizens trembled. The Super-Class Dangerous Beast in the stormy skies seemed like a god. Many dropped to their knees, praying and begging for mercy. 

“Budo, Najenda, you’ve done well. Keep it up,” Riku’s voice echoed from the clouds, amid flashes of lightning. Atop the dragon’s head, a majestic figure shimmered with divine light. 

Riku praised Budo and Najenda for not getting lost in power and for aiding the capital’s people. Esdeath’s abilities had caused erratic weather, which, if mishandled, could’ve led to mass civilian deaths. 

Using decisive measures, Budo and Najenda tapped the national treasury and forced the capital’s wealthy merchants and capitalists to contribute, distributing relief supplies to keep citizens warm. Fortunately, Esdeath’s influence was limited in scope, and the capital wasn’t a grain-producing region, so food supplies remained unaffected. 

In this time, the Imperial Army swiftly moved to secure nearby cities, which, heavily influenced by the capital, offered no resistance and were easily taken over by the new government. Farther regions—east, west, south, and north—remained in a wait-and-see stance, awaiting the final victor. 

In the north, the foreign enemy’s army had just been crushed, their blood still fresh. The Empire’s might had been demonstrated there, keeping things quiet for now. In the east, the Path of Peace had launched a full uprising, capitalizing on years of infiltration and subtle brainwashing. Their momentum was strong, seizing cities like wildfire. 

With the Empire’s core in upheaval and a new flag raised, and the Revolutionary Army riding into the capital, poised to take control, the Path of Peace in the east and the Western Tribes couldn’t sit still. The Western Tribes moved to support the Path of Peace, aiming to invade the Empire, but they were met with a swift counterattack from the Imperial Army. 

Immediately after the “coup,” Najenda and Budo decided to block the Western Tribes at the border—or better yet, eliminate them. A decisive victory would bolster the new government’s authority. The Revolutionary Army and Path of Peace were internal matters, but the Western Tribes’ attempts to loot and seize land were intolerable. 

The Western Tribes were the weakest of the threats, making them the easiest to crush. Defeating them at the border, even pushing into their barbaric lands, would have minimal impact on the Empire’s interior. To the Empire, these tribes were mere pests—corrupt or not, the Empire wasn’t something these clowns could challenge. If they dared, they’d be slaughtered. 

Dealing with the Revolutionary Army and Path of Peace was trickier. They were deeply rooted in the east and south, entangled with local officials, forming complex regional powers. Uprooting them would take time. The Western Tribes were simply easier to handle. 

“All hail the Divine Emperor!” 

“Long live the Divine Emperor!” 

“Long live the Divine Emperor!” 

“Long live the Divine Emperor!” 

At the ruins of the palace, in a temporary command post, Budo’s guards began shouting at his command. 

The soldiers’ faces showed shock, then growing fervor. They realized the figure in the sky was their new Emperor—a divine ruler! From initial fear and tension to awe and elation, their emotions surged. 

As their cries spread, the capital’s citizens joined in, the chant of “Long live the Divine Emperor” echoing through the skies. 

Amid the cheers, the dragon’s form became clearer, its terrifying presence soaring through the storm, sparking waves of excitement as it passed overhead. 

“Divine Emperor…” 

Until now, the new Emperor had been a vague symbol, barely present. But this mysterious, terrifying, awe-inspiring figure finally cemented a vivid impression in the hearts of the capital’s people, one that would linger for years. 

Gradually, the clouds dispersed, the dragon vanished into the shadows, and calm returned. 

Outside the city, the Revolutionary Army listened to the cries of “Long live the Divine Emperor” and gazed at the figure atop the dragon in the thunder. They were utterly stunned. What were they even here for? 

“We’re already here…” Katiss took a deep breath, then sent emissaries into the capital to negotiate with Najenda and Budo. He still had a card to play: control over the Empire’s south. It wasn’t much, but he hoped it could secure some benefits. 

Chapter 320: The Village of the Three Little Ones 

For Katis, the waiting felt agonizingly slow and tough, but he finally made it until Budo and Najenda showed up. They had agreed to meet outside the Imperial Capital to discuss "the future of the Revolutionary Army." Truth be told, Katis had already realized that in the face of absolute power, holding talks outside the city was just a way to fool themselves. If the other side really wanted them dead, it wouldn’t matter where they held the meeting—there’d be no escape. 

Still, going into the city wasn’t an option either. Nobody was that bold. Once inside, there’d be nowhere to run. Out here, at least, if things went south, they had a chance to scatter. With so many of them, surely not everyone could be taken out, right? 

The meeting took place on an open field outside the city. Seeing Budo and Najenda show up with just a small entourage, Katis felt like he’d already lost a step. The Revolutionary Army had brought out their full lineup of Teigu users, but that just made them look desperate, like they were already on the back foot in terms of guts. 

“Najenda, it’s been a while. I never would’ve guessed you’d make it this far,” Katis said, his voice tinged with mixed emotions as he looked at the confident Najenda. 

How to put it? This woman always carried herself like this, didn’t she? Even back when she was down on her luck and came to join the Revolutionary Army, she still had that air of someone destined to do big things. That’s exactly why she, an outsider, got sidelined. A capable and ambitious newcomer like her was never going to be welcomed with open arms by the inner circle. 

But who could’ve predicted she’d rise to this point? What was once a promising situation for the Revolutionary Army had spiraled out of control because of this one unexpected twist. Now, they could barely predict their own fate. 

“Katis, the Emperor’s demands are simple: lay down your weapons and stop resisting. That way, everyone can walk away with some dignity, and you might even get a place in the new government in the Capital,” Najenda said, cutting straight to the point. 

Compared to Katis, who was wrestling with a whirlwind of emotions, Najenda was all business. After all, Riku had already drawn a clear line, and she just had to operate within it. For the Revolutionary Army, Riku’s demands were straightforward: surrender military power, and the key figures could stay in the Capital as officials, relying on their own merits. If they wanted posts outside the city, that was fine too, but only after things stabilized. The bottom line? Accept reality—they’d never hold the reins of the Empire. 

“I know everyone here has their ideals. Let’s work together to rebuild the Empire!” Najenda said, her words aimed at those in the Revolutionary Army who still had fire in their hearts, not the ones caught up in petty schemes. 

Katis stayed silent, but behind him, the core members of the Revolutionary Army erupted into murmurs. Naturally, some were already swayed, and a few had even been in contact with Najenda beforehand. 

“Katis, what’s there to hesitate about? Najenda said it was the Emperor who overthrew the corrupt Minister Honest and the young Emperor, determined to give the Empire’s people a better life. Isn’t that exactly what the Revolutionary Army’s been fighting for?” one of the members close to Najenda spoke up, rallying to her side. 

They trusted Najenda. If this new Emperor was just another tyrant, she wouldn’t be backing him. Her revolutionary ideals were genuine—she truly wanted to build a better nation. 

But for every passionate, idealistic youth fighting for the country, there were others who’d joined the Revolutionary Army for personal gain. As the army grew, people like that weren’t exactly rare. Otherwise, the Revolutionary Army wouldn’t have sunk such deep roots in the South, with many becoming representatives of local interests. 

“Who’s to say they’re telling the truth?” another voice shot back. 

Before talks even properly started, Najenda’s words had already sparked tension within the Revolutionary Army. It all came down to momentum and morale. When everyone feels the tide has turned and the grand cause is slipping away, people start to scatter like monkeys when the tree falls. 

“Quiet! We’re not done for yet!” Katis roared, his head pounding from the noise. He silenced the crowd, but looking at the state of the Revolutionary Army now, he couldn’t help but miss the purity of its early days. Still, he knew this was the path he’d chosen. 

Katis didn’t think he’d done anything wrong. They had been growing stronger all this time. But everything changed because of this sudden upheaval. Was the Revolutionary Army’s great cause really going to end here? Was there truly no chance left? His heart wrestled with the question, but even he had to admit—after witnessing that scene, after seeing the divine might of the Emperor—he’d lost some of his nerve. 

Most people had no real concept of the power of top-tier Teigu. Coming to the Capital this time, they finally saw it for themselves and understood the gap between Teigu and Teigu. First, there was the bizarrely cold climate in the Capital, unlike anywhere else, said to be a result of the battle that toppled Minister Honest. Then there was the terrifying divine might of the Emperor, like a god descended from the heavens. If that power swept through the East, who’d even care about the Anningdao anymore? Everyone would just kneel before the Emperor! 

Katis’s mind was in turmoil, unsure of what to do. In this situation, could he really turn things around? 

Meanwhile, in a remote village in the Empire’s East, Tazmi, Sayo, and Ieyasu were sighing heavily. 

They never could’ve imagined that the Anningdao would rise up in rebellion. The deputy leader, Beric, who’d always kept the situation under control and suppressed the Anningdao, had suddenly started preaching uprising out of nowhere! 

The Anningdao had deep roots in the East, with a diverse and chaotic mix of followers. As their influence grew, many had developed ambitions, ready to challenge the Empire. It was always Deputy Leader Beric holding them back, keeping tight control over the sect’s power. He’d been the strongest voice against rebellion. Yet now, it was like he’d gone mad, rallying the Anningdao’s followers to rise up. 

Truthfully, the impact on Tazmi’s village wasn’t too severe. Being on the border, their village wasn’t heavily involved. The Anningdao had sent missionaries and supplies before, but they hadn’t paid much attention to the village, and there were hardly any zealous followers among the villagers. 

Still, while the Anningdao hadn’t dragged their village into the war, its uprising had completely cut off their connection to the Empire. Would Devil-sama still be able to find them? They’d come back to the village believing in Devil-sama’s promises, but now, would the promised support still arrive? 

Thankfully, the funds Riku had given them had already been converted into food and clothing. With war breaking out and prices soaring, even money couldn’t buy much now. Everyone was hoarding what they had just to survive. 

The East wasn’t free of fighting either. The Empire still had loyal forces, and clashes between imperial troops and the Anningdao hadn’t stopped since the uprising began. Of course, more imperial soldiers were surrendering than fighting. 

“No idea what the situation is like out there,” Sayo sighed. She, Tazmi, and Ieyasu were patrolling the village’s outskirts. With war came all sorts of troublemakers, and their priority was keeping the village safe. 

“Devil-sama’s so strong, he’ll definitely be fine,” Ieyasu said confidently. Riku’s heroic deeds and the fact that he’d saved their lives had made him an idol in Ieyasu’s eyes. 

“Of course Devil-sama’s fine, but it’s a shame we can’t help him,” Tazmi added. He’d been hoping Riku would come to their village soon—not just to solve their problems, but because he wanted to follow Riku, fight alongside him, and work to free the Empire’s people from their suffering. 

Buzz! 

Just as the three were lost in thought, the shadow marks on their bodies pulsed. A Shadow Gate opened, and Riku’s figure emerged. 

“You three little guys, what’re you up to out here?” Riku asked as he appeared. 

He’d come to the East to deal with the Anningdao issue and figured he’d check in on them while he was here. Naturally, he hadn’t forgotten about these three—especially Tazmi, who was likely to have some special “protagonist” qualities. 

“Devil-sama!” The three were stunned to see Riku appear out of nowhere, but their shock quickly turned to excitement. 

“We’re patrolling. Every now and then, stray soldiers or bandits show up, so we’re keeping the village safe,” Tazmi explained. It was routine for them, even before the Anningdao’s uprising. Bandits had always been a problem. 

Riku nodded, thinking to himself that the Empire’s decline wasn’t just talk. The old Empire was teetering on the edge. Local officials were corrupt to the core, and local armies lacked both strength and will to fight. Only the Central Army still had some bite, which was the only reason the Empire had limped along this far. 

“Come on, let’s check out your village,” Riku said. He had an idea—bring some people into the “Shadow Realm” to liven it up a bit. These villagers, who’d suffered so much from war and the Empire’s failures, seemed like a good fit. They’d jump at the chance to live somewhere safe and stable, rather than constantly fearing death in the chaos. 

“This way, the village is close,” Tazmi said, leading the way with Sayo and Ieyasu. They hadn’t been patrolling far, and farther out, adults were keeping watch. The village didn’t let kids handle the most dangerous tasks, and the community’s simple, honest spirit was clear in how they operated. 

You could tell the village was full of good people just by looking at Tazmi, Sayo, and Ieyasu. A place that raised kids like them couldn’t be too harsh. For contrast, take someone like Esdeath—at their age, she was already out there slaughtering. 

“Tazmi, Sayo, Ieyasu, gather everyone in the village who has a say in things. I’ll explain my plans, and you all can discuss what you want to do,” Riku said as they entered the village, immediately giving the three a task. 

“Got it! We’re on it!” The three were thrilled to hear Riku was here to solve their problems. With his strength, there was no way he’d mess with them. And he’d come all this way—surely not just to toy with them, right? No matter how you looked at it, that didn’t add up. They were buzzing with excitement, eager for what came next, hoping it would mean a better future for the village. 

When word spread that the great benefactor who’d sent the village a ton of supplies had personally shown up, the village chief and respected elders dropped everything to rush over. A crowd even started to gather, curious to catch a glimpse. 

“Shoo, shoo! Got nothing better to do? Standing around gawking? Too full from lunch, huh?!” the village chief barked, shooing away the onlookers to avoid annoying their guest. Once the crowd dispersed, he approached Riku with a warm smile. 

“Honored sir, we can’t thank you enough for looking after our three kids. Without you, they might not have made it back. And your aid to our village—we’re at a loss for how to repay you,” the chief said, his gratitude genuine. These three kids had found a true benefactor. 

Even from a distance, the chief could tell Riku was someone of immense status. Yet, he didn’t come off as arrogant. Instead, he felt approachable, like a breath of fresh air, inspiring both fondness and respect. 

“You’re too kind. I just saw something special in these three. Since I promised to help with the village’s problems, I’ll keep my word. If you want to thank anyone, thank them,” Riku said with a smile, helping the chief up and giving credit to the kids. 

He wasn’t wrong. Without their request, he wouldn’t have made a special trip to this village. There were plenty of people in the Empire suffering worse than them. 

Riku had a decent moral compass and was willing to fix some of the chaos in broken nations or worlds, trying to give people a shot at a normal life. But he wasn’t some saint out to save every single soul. His power had limits—he wasn’t a true “Emperor.” Even an “Emperor” couldn’t do everything, like, say, “love his son.” 

The real reason Riku was here? Tazmi’s potential. Tazmi could bring him some unique benefits. 

Riku could proudly say he was still a mostly decent guy with some moral lines he wouldn’t cross. But holding him to a saint’s standard? That was asking too much. Honestly, keeping his humanity intact was already a huge effort, something to be proud of. Most people in his position would’ve long since gone full “I don’t eat beef.” 

(End of Chapter)