301-305

Chapter 301: The Teigu Come Knocking 

Dr. Stylish stood there, dazed, still processing the contract he’d just signed, basically selling his soul. Just as Riku had predicted, this mad scientist didn’t resist one bit. On the contrary, Dr. Stylish was practically over the moon. Time, humanity’s greatest enemy, had finally been defeated. Now he had all the time in the world to dive into his research. 

Riku’s plan for Dr. Stylish was straightforward: whisk him and all his research straight into the “Shadow Realm.” His work could spark new ideas and systems for the other research facilities there. Dangerous Species, rare metals like Orichalcum, and mystical enchantment-like effects were all fresh experimental materials and research directions. Dr. Stylish’s addition would massively enrich the Shadow Realm’s scientific community. 

As the “Lord of Shadows,” Riku organized the researchers and built a new facility, combining labs from all sides. He called it the “Shadow Realm Academy of Sciences.” Riku wasn’t a fan of the old rivalries like those between “Arasaka” and “Militech.” Honestly, most researchers weren’t either. They no longer served those corporations, so there was no need to keep up the pointless hostility. 

Anderson Herman’s terrible management skills and arrogant attitude had gradually alienated the researchers who’d settled into life in the Shadow Realm. The rivalry had been instigated by Anderson in the first place, but now that no one paid him any mind, the tension was starting to fizzle out. Riku’s creation of the Shadow Realm Academy of Sciences was a natural step forward, making it easier for researchers to collaborate. 

The inclusion of researchers from other worlds, like Einzberns, Kanou Akihiro, and Dr. Stylish, piqued everyone’s curiosity and excitement. They eagerly shared insights, and the Shadow Realm Academy was now in a state of vibrant intellectual exchange, like a hundred flowers blooming at once. 

With Dr. Stylish settled, Riku returned to the Imperial Capital, the heart of the empire. He planned to lie in wait here, like a hunter waiting for prey. The Teigu would come to him, one by one, because this was the center stage of it all. 

Dr. Stylish’s Teigu, God’s Hand: Perfector, had already been converted by Riku into bio-flesh. He equipped Dr. Stylish with top-tier medical cybernetics, which wasn’t exactly a downgrade. The two were roughly equivalent in medical research applications. If anything, God’s Hand: Perfector was more versatile, offering combat boosts, whereas medical cybernetics were specialized and less effective in a fight. 

After Riku returned to the capital, someone else arrived too. 

“Tazmi! You made it!” 

At the Imperial Recruitment Office, three childhood friends from the countryside reunited. Sayo and Ieyasu had guessed Tazmi would head straight here upon arriving in the capital, so they’d been waiting nearby. 

“Ieyasu, Sayo, you guys are okay! That’s such a relief!”  

Tazmi, the brown-haired teen, beamed with joy. He’d been worried sick about his friends’ safety the whole way here. Seeing Ieyasu and Sayo unharmed finally put his heart at ease. 

The three huddled together, catching up on what happened after they got separated. After an attack forced them to split up, their journeys had been smooth sailing—no further trouble. Tazmi didn’t have much to share, but Ieyasu and Sayo had plenty. From the chaos in the capital, sparked by the wealthy Aria family, to being saved by a mysterious Teigu user, their first day in the city had been an eye-opener. They’d gotten a real taste of the “excitement” of the outside world. 

These experiences taught them a harsh lesson: don’t trust strangers’ kindness so easily. 

“If it wasn’t for that guy, you probably wouldn’t be seeing us right now,” Ieyasu said with a sigh. That Aria girl had no intention of letting them live. He glanced at Sayo, who looked like she’d just escaped a nightmare. 

Sayo nodded. Without that mysterious savior, they’d have faced unimaginable torment, especially her, as the target of Aria’s jealousy. 

“Huh?”  

Tazmi was floored by their story. It hadn’t been that long, and they’d already been through so much? Was the outside world really this dangerous?! Growing up in their tight-knit, simple village, the three had never encountered the world’s darker side. This was their first brutal lesson from society, and they were lucky to have survived it, thanks to Riku. 

At the end of the day, they were just 14- or 15-year-old kids, full of youthful idealism. The world’s darkness was completely foreign to them, so it was no wonder they’d been so easily fooled. 

“Have you guys signed up yet?” Tazmi asked, not forgetting their goal in coming to the capital: to make something of themselves and use their influence to improve their hometown. 

“Don’t even get me started. They totally brushed us off,” Ieyasu said, shaking his head in frustration. He and Sayo had tried to enlist, but the recruitment office only offered them grunt-level soldier positions—far from the grand start they’d imagined. 

“What?! That’s ridiculous!”  

Tazmi was indignant. They’d always thought their skills were solid. Their village instructor had said they were strong enough to at least be low-ranking officers. Starting as foot soldiers? That made no sense. 

“They didn’t even give us a chance to show what we can do,” Sayo said with a sigh. Since arriving in the capital, they’d hit one wall after another. The outside world was just too complicated. 

To be fair, the recruitment office wasn’t entirely at fault. This was a draft center, not a martial arts exam. Sayo, Ieyasu, and Tazmi were the ones who didn’t quite get how things worked. Their expectations were a bit naive. 

“So what do we do? Are we really stuck starting as grunts?” Tazmi asked, feeling deflated. Was this how it worked out here? Even talented people couldn’t get a chance to shine? Sure, he was confident he could rise through the ranks with his skills, but that would take way more time and come with way more uncertainty. If possible, they’d rather start higher up. 

“They said you need connections. With the right ones, forget low-ranking officers—you could even become a general,” Sayo said, recalling what the recruiters had told them. It was meant as a jab at their overambition, but it also pointed to a path forward. The problem? Finding connections in the capital was like asking country kids to navigate a labyrinth. And the idea that others could buy their way to the top while they were stuck as grunts? That stung even more. 

“This empire…”  

Tazmi’s heart burned with frustration. His dreams of the capital, of the empire, had shattered into bubbles. Reality was harsh and unforgiving. They couldn’t even change their hometown’s struggles, let alone the empire itself. 

“Wait a sec! What if we try to find…”  

Ieyasu’s eyes lit up as he thought of their mysterious savior. They’d been keeping up with the capital’s news and knew their “hero” hadn’t been caught. In fact, he’d taken down his enemies, including the captain of the Imperial Guard and, rumor had it, another Teigu user.  

The story had spread like wildfire, fueled by Minister Honest’s schemes to pressure General Budo and meddle in military affairs. But the plan backfired hilariously. Before it could gain traction, General Budo was already gone, and Honest panicked. He’d only wanted to grab some power, not eliminate Budo entirely. Budo’s stubbornness was annoying, but his strength and his Teigu, Thunder God’s Wrath: Adramelech, were vital to the empire. Losing it to an enemy would spell trouble. 

Element-manipulating Teigu like Esdeath’s Demon’s Extract: Demon God Manifestation, which could unleash a massive blizzard to wipe out entire regions, were insanely dangerous. Used right, they granted power on a whole other level, capable of catastrophic destruction. 

The three kids, of course, knew none of this. Ieyasu’s mind was on one thing: if the empire wouldn’t give them what they wanted, why not try their savior? Sure, Riku was a wanted man, but after what they’d been through, Ieyasu and Sayo knew who the real hero was. He was killing, yes, but he was rooting out the capital’s darkness. 

This wasn’t blind hero-worship—it was based on their firsthand experience. 

“But… how do we even find him?” Sayo sighed. Their fleeting encounter with their savior left them with no way to contact him. 

“Hey, kids! Looking for some connections?”  

A bold, cheerful female voice interrupted their moping. They turned to see a woman with striking blonde hair and golden eyes, her face half-hidden by a disguise. But her exaggerated figure was impossible to conceal. 

“Skulking around like that? Definitely not a good guy,” Ieyasu muttered. After the Aria incident, he, Sayo, and Tazmi were instantly on guard. Their trust in strangers was at rock bottom. 

“Oh, come on, don’t be like that! I just deal in some… less-than-legal business. Like helping folks who want to climb the ranks find the right doors to knock on,” the woman said with a grin, brushing off Ieyasu’s comment. 

“What’s the catch?” Sayo asked, her face cold and skeptical. 

“Money, obviously. I don’t know you guys. Why would I help you score an officer position for free?” the woman replied, her tone matter-of-fact. It sounded reasonable enough, like a legit business pitch—albeit a shady one. 

“The more you pay, the higher the position. Got enough cash? I can even get you a general’s spot!” she added confidently, making it sound almost too good to be true. Generals weren’t exactly common; you needed real skill to get there. 

“How much?” Tazmi asked, his eyes lighting up. The country boy was already half-sold. 

“How much you got? I’ll recommend something in your price range,” the woman said, her eyes glinting slyly. 

That did it for Sayo. Her alarm bells were blaring. This woman was clearly trying to scam them out of every coin they had! Seeing Tazmi still tempted, she yanked his arm. Unlike her and Ieyasu, Tazmi hadn’t been burned yet and wasn’t as wary. 

“No thanks. We’re not buying,” Ieyasu said firmly. Once bitten, twice shy—they weren’t about to trust another random stranger so soon after their last brush with danger. 

“You two have gotten a lot sharper,” a male voice said from behind the woman. She jumped, startled, moving with lightning speed like a spooked cat. 

“Sir!”  

Sayo and Ieyasu’s faces lit up with joy. They hadn’t expected to run into their savior here, of all places. 

It was Riku, of course. He was eyeing the blonde woman with an amused glint in his eye. Just as he’d predicted, the Teigu were coming to him. The woman before him was none other than Leone, wielder of the Teigu Beast King: Lionelle and a member of the Revolutionary Army’s assassination squad, Night Raid. 

Chapter 302: Come Work for Me 

Leone, bristling like a startled cat, locked her eyes on Riku. This mysterious man who’d suddenly appeared was pretty good-looking, but also insanely dangerous. He’d managed to sneak up behind her without a sound—if he’d had bad intentions, she might already be dead! A chill ran down her spine as she realized she’d just danced on the edge of life and death without even noticing. 

Leone quickly scanned her surroundings, confirming it was just this guy—no one else lying in wait. Breathing a sigh of relief, she figured he probably wasn’t after her specifically. If he was, he wouldn’t have come alone. 

Having grown up in the slums of the Imperial Capital, Leone knew the city’s layout like the back of her hand. Plus, she was fast—crazy fast. She didn’t think anyone could catch her in the capital. Even if someone matched her speed, she could lose them by darting through the city’s maze of alleys. That’s how she moved so freely in the capital. 

“Hey! Who the heck are you? Popping up like that scared the crap outta me!” Leone snapped, regaining her confidence. Her bold, carefree personality often led her to do reckless things, like she was missing a screw or two. 

“Revolutionary Army folks are this bold, huh? Causing trouble right in the capital,” Riku said with a warm, disarming smile. But his words hit Leone like a bucket of ice water. 

Her playful grin vanished, replaced by another shiver down her spine. Without a second thought, she turned and bolted. 

Her Teigu, [Beast King: Lionelle], gave her insane athletic ability. The belt-type Teigu transformed her into a beast, boosting her physical stats through the roof—strength, speed, and even senses like smell, which let her track enemies. Now fully activated, Leone sprouted cat ears, a tail, and claws, becoming a full-on “cat-eared girl.” She scrambled into an alley on all fours, with zero intention of fighting. 

This lioness wasn’t dumb. She knew this guy was no pushover, and getting into a brawl in the capital was a bad idea. If she got surrounded, even wings wouldn’t help her escape. 

“…” 

Tazmi, Ieyasu, and Sayo stood there, stunned, clearly not processing what just happened. 

“Revolutionary Army? Like, rebels?” Ieyasu and Sayo exchanged glances, spooked by the term. The Empire cracked down hard on rebel groups—spot one, crush it. Rebels usually stuck to the countryside, but the moment they stirred up trouble in a city, the Imperial Army would swoop in with “justice.” No rebel group could stand up to the Empire’s forces, especially with General Esdeath itching for a fight. To her, rebels were just appetizers. 

Ieyasu and Sayo, being country kids, were no strangers to rebels. Honestly, they were close to joining them. If not for fear of the Empire’s army, who’d want to live in a country like this? Their village’s dire situation was largely the Empire’s fault—taxes so brutal they made survival impossible. 

“She’s a scammer, isn’t she?!” Tazmi suddenly shouted, like he’d just connected the dots. 

Some lessons you only learn the hard way, and even then, some people never learn. Plenty fall for the same trick twice. 

“This kid’s too pure for his own good,” Riku said, rubbing his forehead. He’d already recognized Tazmi—the “protagonist” of Akame ga Kill!. In the anime, he died heroically; in the manga, he turned into a dragon and got the girl—not the heroine Akame, but Mine, his true love. The manga’s ending was like an alternate “what-if” route, giving the tragic pair a happier conclusion so they didn’t have to reunite in the afterlife so soon. 

“Heh, she sounded so convincing!” Tazmi scratched his head, embarrassed, as Ieyasu and Sayo shot him looks of disdain. City folk and their tricks! 

“Sir, aren’t you going after her?” Sayo piped up, pointing out that the woman had tried to scam them—and she was a rebel. Just letting her go? 

“No worries. Let her run for a bit,” Riku said, shaking his head. He had Leone in the palm of his hand. A shadow marker was already on her, so no matter how far she ran, he could track her down. 

The moment he saw Leone, Riku had placed a shadow marker on her for tracking. It was a good habit. He’d done the same to Ieyasu and Sayo, which was how he’d found them. Those two might just be side characters with no special traits to offer, but Tazmi? He was the protagonist, carrying major plot weight. The odds of him yielding a special trait were high. 

“Look, you three must realize by now that your plan to join the army and make it big isn’t gonna pan out,” Riku said, eyeing the trio. He figured they were starting to see reality for what it was. 

“…” 

Ieyasu, Sayo, and Tazmi fell silent. The truth stung. Their big dreams of rising through the ranks were naive. Three kids from the countryside didn’t stand a chance in the capital. It was a black hole, swallowing countless hopefuls like them. To make it, you needed a massive stroke of luck. 

“So, how about working for me instead? I’ll help you solve your problems,” Riku offered bluntly. Though they’d only met twice, he felt that was enough to build some trust. First, he’d saved Ieyasu and Sayo’s lives. Second, he’d kept them from getting scammed. Those were memorable moments, enough to paint him as someone reliable. 

“What would we be doing for you?” Sayo asked after the three exchanged glances, stepping forward cautiously. 

They still didn’t know what Riku was about. Last time, he’d saved them, taken down a corrupt merchant, and wrecked the capital’s guards—not exactly the actions of a law-abiding citizen. 

“Upholding justice, slaying evil, rooting out corruption, and changing the Empire,” Riku said with a wink, leaning into some chuunibyou flair. These kids were at that age where this kind of talk might just hit the spot. 

“…” 

The trio froze, clearly thrown by his grandiose words. This sounded way too big—could three nobodies like them really get involved in something like that? What could they even contribute? 

But, as Riku predicted, his words struck a chord. They were exactly the kind of thing these kids ate up. Ieyasu and Sayo, especially, were shaken after the Aria incident and the harsh reality check from the Empire’s recruitment office. They were starting to doubt whether they could change their village’s desperate situation. Tazmi, though, was still stubborn—he’d just arrived in the capital and hadn’t hit rock bottom yet, aside from nearly getting scammed. 

“No need to decide now. Take this money and ease your village’s troubles for now. I’ll come find you later,” Riku said, not pushing them. He went for the money tactic, handing over cash looted from Aria’s family. Words were nice, but money spoke louder—universal in any world. 

“Tch—this—this—” The three kids, with their limited worldly experience, were floored, unsure how to react. 

Riku pocketed the rest of the money as onlookers started to notice. To avoid trouble, he gestured for the trio to follow him into a nearby alley, where they could talk while moving. 

“Sir… why are you helping us?” Sayo asked, her expression serious, voicing the question on all their minds. 

After arriving in the capital, they’d realized they weren’t special. Their village’s plight wasn’t unique either—countless others were in the same boat. They were insignificant. 

“You can call me Devil. I just happened to run into you guys. And have some confidence—you three have talent. You just need a stage to grow. You’ll get stronger and better,” Riku said, patting Sayo’s head. She blushed a bit. His charm worked like a charm, quickly dispelling their doubts. His praise, plus the money, had them beaming. 

The cash was a game-changer. With it, their village could eat without worrying about the next meal. 

Ieyasu, Sayo, and Tazmi set off for home. Poor Tazmi—fresh in the capital and already heading back without even sightseeing. They were eager to share the good news with their village. 

“Devil-san, we’ll wait for you in the village!” they said earnestly before leaving, bowing in gratitude. 

Truthfully, Riku hadn’t given them much money—too much would be hard to carry and could attract trouble. He’d bring the rest later. The kids trusted him, especially since he’d already handed over some cash. 

After they left, Riku didn’t linger. He tracked down Leone. 

The big-chested lioness was darting through alleys, unsure if she’d shaken her pursuer. Since the guy had snuck up on her so easily, she was playing it safe, weaving through the capital’s labyrinth to throw off any tail. 

“Should be good now,” Leone muttered, stopping after another loop through a complex alley. Her senses picked up no pursuers. 

Though it felt like she was outsmarting thin air, she was just being cautious—for her sake and her comrades’. 

“All good, huh?” A familiar voice rang out, making her tense up again. 

“Wah!” Leone yelped, her hair practically standing on end. She whipped around and, sure enough, there he was, looking at her with an innocent expression. 

“You! Where’d you pop out from?!” Leone was floored. The first time, she hadn’t activated her Teigu’s beast mode, fine. But this time? She was sure he’d appeared out of nowhere! 

“Like this,” Riku said with a grin, waving a hand. A shadow gate opened in front of him, and to Leone’s shock, he stepped through it, reappearing behind her. 

That’s when she noticed a black dot on her body—a marker, like a tracking beacon. It was foolproof! It clung to her back, barely noticeable, and kept shifting position so she couldn’t even touch it. 

Leone shed her disguise coat, revealing her explosive figure—just a black tube top and panties, with pants that somehow only covered her legs, leaving her thighs and pelvic area exposed. Pointless fashion, really. But the black dot stuck to her clothes anyway, making her frown. She couldn’t exactly strip naked, could she? 

“No use trying,” Riku said. The marker was hard to spot, highly adaptive, and a pain to remove solo. 

Now Leone was panicking. If she couldn’t get rid of the marker, she’d be tracked forever, and returning to base was out of the question. 

“Jerk, then I’ll just take you out!” If she couldn’t solve the problem, she’d solve the problem-maker. Leone made her choice fast. Since his Teigu had tracking and teleportation powers, it probably wasn’t combat-focused. She figured she could take him down quickly. 

Leone didn’t want to fight in the capital, especially not a drawn-out battle, but she had no choice now. 

Chapter 303: Leone’s Stunned 

To avoid being tracked, Leone had no choice but to fight back. She lunged, her sharp claws aimed straight for Riku’s throat. Her strike was fast, precise, and ruthless—clearly the work of a seasoned assassin. 

This woman wasn’t all smiles when it came to enemies. Leone’s personality was fiercely righteous, with a deep hatred for injustice. She never hesitated to act when the moment called for it and even relished the thrill of taking down foes in battle. She’d joined Night Raid because she couldn’t stand the cruel games of the nobles—like trampling children under horseback for sport. Once, during one of their twisted revelries, she’d killed a group of nobles, causing a massive uproar at the time. 

Clang! 

But Leone’s decisive strike didn’t land as expected. Her claws hit Riku’s throat like it was a steel plate. Her face flushed with effort, but she couldn’t make a dent—not even a scratch. 

“Little lion, didn’t eat breakfast today? Why’s your attack so weak?” Riku teased, his words hitting like a taunt. 

Leone’s face turned beet red—whether from straining or sheer frustration, who could tell? Either way, she was clearly not happy about it. 

Boom! 

Riku didn’t let up. With the Teigu God’s Hand: Perfector now on his hand, his precision was off the charts. He threw a single, perfectly controlled punch, sending Leone flying. The big-chested lioness staggered to her feet, her mind reeling in shock. 

What the heck?! What kind of Teigu ability is this?! How is this guy so strong?!  

Leone was completely thrown off. Having yet to face a thrashing from Minister Honest, she couldn’t wrap her head around being beaten by pure physical strength. It had to be the Teigu’s power, right? 

Whoosh! 

Riku appeared in front of her. Leone’s eyes widened as she backpedaled, her fighting spirit fading. If she couldn’t even break his defense, what was the point of fighting? 

Boom! 

But running wasn’t an option either. Before she could dodge, Riku landed another punch to her stomach, so hard it felt like she’d puke last night’s dinner.  

“Aghhh!” 

Leone activated her Teigu Beast King: Lionelle’s ultimate move, Lion Never Dies. As the name suggested, it boosted her recovery. In this state, even if her limbs were cut off or her eyes were gouged out, she could stop the bleeding and heal herself. 

Clang! Clang! Clang! 

With her Teigu’s ultimate active, Leone went all out, fighting recklessly as if injuries didn’t matter. She was in a bind: she couldn’t win, couldn’t escape, and even if she did, Riku would just track her down. So she threw caution to the wind, fighting like her life depended on it—because maybe it did! 

But she’d slammed into a wall—literally and figuratively. Riku was a master at this kind of brawling. He’d survived early on with this exact style, paired with wild, unrelenting punches, even crazier than Leone’s. After all, if Leone took a fatal hit, she’d still die. Her Lion Never Dies recovery was no match for Riku’s ghoul-like regeneration. Back in the day, Riku had fought by burning through his life force! 

“Your backhand’s weak, your forehand’s sloppy, your footwork’s loose, and your reactions are slow. Not a single move’s up to par. You think you can go toe-to-toe with me? Keep dreaming!”  

Riku’s fists kept coming, each one paired with a verbal jab. The double assault—physical and mental—was brutal, and Leone was getting redder by the second. Clearly, she’d never faced an opponent like this. 

Boom! 

A bolt of lightning crashed down, striking Leone. The surge of electricity sent the lioness sprawling, completely fried. 

The Teigu Thunder God’s Wrath: Adramelech was devastating against close-range fighters, often keeping them from even getting close. In the original story, both Leone and Tazmi were zapped senseless by it, which is why Mine, with her Romantic Battery: Pumpkin, had to take on General Budo. 

Now, with one thunderbolt, Riku had left Leone stunned and smoking. 

Riku was done playing around and ended the fight. Oddly enough, as Leone lay there, electrocuted, she felt a strange sense of relief. Her attacks couldn’t pierce Riku’s defenses; the whole fight had been pointless. His punches had left her dizzy and disoriented, and now, being zapped into submission meant she didn’t have to endure that torment anymore. 

“Didn’t expect this Teigu’s defense to be this solid,” Riku remarked, almost to himself. While Thunder God’s Wrath: Adramelech was mainly about lightning, its armor, made of rare metals, still offered impressive defense. 

After being bio-fleshed, the Teigu gained a new ability: shapeshifting its appearance. Riku had turned it into inconspicuous casual clothing. God’s Hand: Perfector had also gained a new defensive ability post-bio-fleshing, becoming even tougher and boosting his bare-handed combat power. 

Riku’s defenses were layered like an onion: the Teigu, Rc cells, tough skin, subcutaneous armor, and more. Even if someone managed to hurt him, he’d heal in a blink, and his defenses would reset. Fighting Riku required overwhelming power to one-shot him, or you’d lose a war of attrition. He could outlast almost anyone, his motto being: “If you can’t kill me, I’ll definitely kill you.” 

Leone’s eyes were dull, her spirit crushed. She’d felt Riku’s terrifying power firsthand. Too tough, too ferocious—completely unbeatable. What kind of Teigu was this?! 

“Alright, now we can have a proper chat. Can you take me to Night Raid’s base? I’d like to talk to your leader, Najenda,” Riku said, crouching beside her. Even lying on the ground, Leone’s curves were still eye-catching—her figure was something else. 

“What?!” 

Leone, who’d been ready to give up, jolted upright like a corpse springing to life.  

Najenda, or rather Najeshitan, was Night Raid’s leader, a former Imperial general and Esdeath’s colleague. She’d defected after witnessing the empire’s darkness and the brutality of Esdeath and her Three Beasts. Her defection wasn’t a secret—Esdeath herself had hunted her, and the empire’s assassination squad had targeted her—but few knew she led Night Raid. 

Night Raid was the Revolutionary Army’s elite assassination unit, infamous for their big moves and a major thorn in the empire’s side. Riku’s recent actions had been pinned on them by Minister Honest, and Leone had come to the capital to investigate. 

“Who are you?” Leone stared at Riku, racking her brain. Night Raid regularly studied the empire’s Teigu users, and this guy wasn’t on the list. 

“I killed the Aria family, wiped out the Imperial Guard, and took down General Budo,” Riku said casually, summing up his recent exploits. Leone’s jaw dropped, staring at him like he was some kind of deity. But thinking it over, it didn’t seem impossible—this guy was freakishly strong. 

“That lightning just now…”  

Leone suddenly connected the dots. That bolt was awfully similar to General Budo’s Thunder God’s Wrath: Adramelech. She hadn’t even considered it before. 

“Exactly what you’re thinking,” Riku confirmed, his clothes shifting to reveal the Teigu’s true form. Adramelech was iconic, having followed General Budo through countless battles. 

“…” 

Leone was dumbfounded. So, she’d stumbled right into the main culprit? 

Night Raid was used to being scapegoated—Minister Honest often pinned his own crimes on them. But this time, the blame was huge: General Budo’s disappearance? They hadn’t done that and couldn’t just take the fall for it, especially when Revolutionary Army HQ was asking questions. 

“Are you joining us?” Leone asked, her tone tinged with respect—not just for Riku’s strength but for what he’d pulled off. Taking down targets they wouldn’t dare touch? That was next-level! 

“Nah, but maybe we can talk about a partnership,” Riku said with a grin. Join Night Raid? Najenda would have to be brave enough to take him in. If he joined, who’d be calling the shots? 

The Revolutionary Army had its own internal factions, and Najenda was one of the losers in that power struggle, sidelined to lead an assassination unit near the capital. It kept her far from the army’s core, stuck doing dirty work with limited support. She’d built Night Raid from scratch, with minimal backing from HQ. Adding a wildcard like Riku—an otherworldly force—would probably break her. 

“I can’t make that call,” Leone said, torn. She didn’t dare bring Riku to Night Raid’s base. He was too strong. What if he turned on them, and even the whole team couldn’t stop him? 

“If you don’t take me, I’ll just find it myself. Let’s see… your base is near the capital, in the mountains, on a cliff, right?” Riku said with a knowing smile. He had a vague memory of Night Raid’s hideout—it wouldn’t be too hard to track down. 

“?!” 

Leone’s face tensed. In front of Riku, she felt exposed, like he knew everything about Night Raid while she knew nothing about him. 

“Fine, I’ll take you,” she decided. If things went south, she could at least warn her team, giving them a fighting chance. 

“Good. I like people who know what’s up,” Riku said, pulling her up from the ground. Leone didn’t waste time and started leading the way. 

Leone moved fast, and Riku kept up effortlessly. Soon, they were outside the capital, heading into the mountain forests. The empire was a strange place—its tech was a weird mix, like medieval Europe with some advanced gadgets. The capital’s surroundings were still wild enough to hide an assassination base. 

“No need to trip those alarms on purpose,” Riku suddenly said as they moved through the forest. Leone froze—her subtle moves hadn’t escaped him.  

“Haha, just giving them a heads-up!” she laughed awkwardly, sweat beading on her forehead. 

“I told you, I’m here to talk business. If you don’t cause trouble, I won’t either,” Riku said, shaking his head. He knew what she’d triggered: traps set by Lubbock’s Teigu, Ever-Changing: Cross Tail. It was a versatile Teigu, used to set up barrier traps around Night Raid’s base. 

By now, Night Raid probably knew someone was coming. 

Chapter 304: Who’re You Calling a Companion? 

“I just told them we had a visitor, nothing more than that.” 

Leone (Reone) swore up and down that she was telling the truth. She definitely didn’t want to stir up any trouble. If everyone could just sit down and talk things out calmly, that’d be the best outcome. 

The thing is, she wasn’t entirely confident that even if they all teamed up, they could take down this monster of a guy. Her strength wasn’t exactly low in Night Raid (Yashū), but in front of this beast, she didn’t feel like she stood much of a chance. 

“Let’s hope so.” 

Riku raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further. The Teigu (Teigu: Thousand Changes, Cross Tail) didn’t seem like it could relay anything too detailed anyway. 

Still, Riku remembered that Lubbock (Rabakku) had a base in the Imperial Capital. Was it just a coincidence that he was at the headquarters today? 

Lubbock was one of Najenda’s (Najeta) original subordinates. He used to be the spoiled son of a wealthy merchant family, living a cushy life on easy mode. But it didn’t take long for him to find the world boring.  

Then, he met his “destined goddess.” Najenda stole his heart with a single glance, and he enlisted in the army, hoping to serve under her and win her favor. Talk about an ultimate, hopeless romantic—or maybe just a super dedicated simp. 

When Najenda defected from the Empire, Lubbock followed her without hesitation. He wasn’t exactly a big name, so he could still wander around the Imperial Capital freely. 

Lubbock ran a bookstore in the capital as a front—a secret hideout for the Revolutionary Army and Night Raid members to lay low. Leone often crashed there since she wasn’t on any wanted lists either, which let her roam the capital without much worry. 

Not long after, Riku and Leone arrived at Night Raid’s hideout. The place was well-hidden, tucked away deep in the mountains and forests. 

At the entrance stood a tall, imposing man with a wildly distinctive hairstyle—a vortex-shaped pompadour. His black hair looked like it was ready to fire off like a cannon, making him impossible to miss in a crowd. 

“Leone, is this the guest you brought?”  

The man spoke with a commanding presence, eyeing Riku with curiosity, as if trying to figure out what made him so special. 

“Yep, this is Mr. Devil.” 

Leone introduced him, then turned to Riku to introduce the man.  

“This is Brand (Burando). You might’ve heard of him. He used to be an Imperial soldier and had a bit of a reputation.” 

As Leone spoke, Brand pulled out a comb and slicked back his hair with a confident smirk. He always carried a comb, living by the motto: “Blood can spill, heads can roll, but the hairstyle stays perfect.” 

“That name of yours… sounds like it’s made for playing with fire,” Riku teased. 

Of course, he knew who Brand was—the guy nicknamed Hyakunin Giri (“Hundred-Man Slayer”). Brand’s raw power was no joke. Even Esdeath’s (Esudesu) elite Three Beasts couldn’t take him down together. In the end, they had to resort to poison to bring him to a mutual end. 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Brand blinked, clearly not getting the reference. He had no idea about any “Blazing Soul of Vengeance” Brand. 

“Don’t worry about it. Aren’t you gonna invite me in?” Riku waved it off, signaling they should head inside before continuing the chat. 

“Oh, right, my bad. Mr. Devil, please, come in.” 

Brand didn’t dwell on Riku’s comment and politely gestured for him to enter the base. From what he could tell so far, this Mr. Devil didn’t seem to have any obvious malice. He appeared rational and open to conversation. 

Night Raid’s base wasn’t massive, but it wasn’t small either. It had everything they needed, and the Revolutionary Army provided enough funding to keep things running smoothly. Najenda didn’t have to scrape by to keep the team fed and clothed. 

Brand led the way, guiding Riku to the meeting room. Inside, a small crowd had already gathered. 

A girl with a katana at her waist stood out immediately. Her long black hair reached down to her knees, her crimson eyes glinted, and she wore a sleeveless JK-style uniform. Her expression was distant, like she was lost in thought. 

Riku’s eyes locked onto her instantly. This was Akame (Akame), the true protagonist of this world. A key figure in both the main story and its sequels, it made sense that the world of Akame ga Kill! (Zankoku no Takanotsume) centered around her. 

Besides Akame, there was a young-looking guy with vibrant green hair. This was Lubbock, the so-called Kodama Senshi (“Lone Testicle Warrior”). He might look a bit soft and not exactly like a tough guy, but in reality, he was as hardcore as they come. 

“Whoa!”  

Lubbock let out an exclamation when he saw Riku, a sudden sense of crisis rising in his chest. This guy was way too good-looking! And he had that rugged, masculine vibe like Brand! How could one man have this much charm?! 

Nobody else picked up on Lubbock’s inner meltdown. Riku just glanced at him before shifting his attention to the others. 

There was a cute girl with long pink hair tied into twin tails, pink eyes, and a light pink dress.  

This was Mine (Main), Night Raid’s designated sniper—or rather, artillery expert. Calling her Teigu, Romantic Cannon: Pumpkin (Romantikku Hōtai: Pumpkin), a sniper rifle was almost an understatement. 

Next to her was an older-looking woman with long purple hair, purple eyes, and purple-framed glasses. She wore a pale purple qipao-style dress. Her mature figure contrasted with her slightly ditzy expression, giving her a gentle, airheaded big-sister vibe. 

This was Sheele (Shīru), the classic tennen boke (natural airhead) older sister type. Kind-hearted and gentle, she wielded the Teigu Ecstasy: Cutter of Creation (Banbutsu Ryōdan: Ekusutashī), a massive pair of scissors known for its sharpness and durability. 

Sheele and Mine stood side by side, as they were work partners. Sheele acted as Mine’s bodyguard, protecting the long-range ADC (attack damage carry). It wasn’t exactly the most logical pairing—having someone like Sheele, who wielded a god-tier weapon that could cut through anything, play the role of a shield for someone else to deal damage. It felt like a waste of her potential, but it was a role tailored to Sheele’s personality. 

Sheele was kind but clumsy, often messing things up. Her only real strength was in direct combat, so she was assigned to guard and support Mine, who lacked close-combat skills. It was a complementary partnership. 

Teigu are finicky things, after all. They choose their wielders, and sometimes the match isn’t perfect. 

“Wait a sec, where’s Najenda?”  

Riku scanned the room but didn’t see her. Najenda was easy to spot—silver hair, an eyepatch, and a mechanical arm. Her right eye and arm were both destroyed by Esdeath, but she’d managed to escape with her life. 

“The Boss isn’t here. You can talk to me if you’ve got something to say,” Akame replied, snapping out of her daze. When Najenda was away, Akame was Night Raid’s acting leader. 

“Nah, I need to wait for Najenda,” Riku said, shaking his head. 

Akame was more than capable as the head of an assassin group. Trained as a professional killer from childhood, she was a battle-hardened veteran. Taking orders, making plans, and executing assassinations were as natural to her as breathing. 

With Akame on board, Najenda’s workload lightened considerably. It gave her the freedom to pop over to the Revolutionary Army’s headquarters, make her presence known, and cozy up to the higher-ups. 

“I can speak for the Boss,” Akame said, frowning slightly. As acting leader, she had significant authority—Najenda practically gave her full control. 

“There’s a deep trust between them. Akame joined Night Raid after Najenda recruited her—right in the middle of a mission to assassinate her, no less. Najenda’s words won her over, convincing Akame to join her in changing the Empire. Najenda placed immense trust in her.” 

“You’re a top-notch assassin, but you’re not cut out to be a politician,” Riku said, shaking his head again. 

Akame and the others in the room were fighters—experts in combat, scouting, intel-gathering, and killing. That was their job. Najenda, on the other hand, had the vision and cunning that set her apart. 

After the revolution’s victory, Najenda would rise to become a general and high-ranking official in the new government. That was no small feat. By then, Night Raid was all but wiped out, with only Akame surviving to wander far away. Najenda’s own Teigu was destroyed in the final battle, and she had little combat strength left. Yet, as a former Imperial officer, she still secured a powerful position in the new regime. That kind of maneuvering was proof of her skill. 

“…” 

Akame fell silent. She wasn’t great at handling the nitty-gritty details, and truth be told, they didn’t usually have to. Najenda took care of all that—coordinating with the Revolutionary Army, securing supplies, assigning missions. She handled it all. 

“What do you want with the Boss?”  

Mine suddenly spoke up, her straightforward personality cutting through. She didn’t like how Riku was dodging the question. 

“Alright, since you’re all so curious, I’ll show you something.” 

Riku glanced at Mine. Her words clearly echoed what the rest of Night Raid was thinking—they wanted to know his deal. 

Buzz! 

With a wave of Riku’s hand, a shadow gate opened, and out stepped the towering General Bud (Budo), who looked around, clearly confused by the unfamiliar surroundings. 

“Where is this? Didn’t you say we were heading back to the Imperial Capital?” Bud asked Riku, puzzled. 

Bud had already been “converted” and had accepted his new role without much fuss. Riku’s orders aligned with his lifelong goal of protecting the Empire, so he had no reason to resist. 

“General Bud?!” 

Before Riku could respond, Night Raid exploded into chaos. Everyone instinctively scattered, drawing their Teigu in a flash. 

They’d been on edge since Leone’s message came through, but no one expected this. 

“What the hell?! Why is General Bud here?! Wasn’t he missing?! Is this some kind of trap?!”  

Brand whipped out his short blade, the base form of his Teigu Haunted by Evil Spirits: Operation Armor (Akki Kenshin: Operēshon Āmā). With a quick activation, the armor materialized around him, and he gripped the spear Red-Backed Shrike (Kōhai Berā), ready for a fight. 

“Leone?!”  

Lubbock, the Kodama Senshi, stared at Leone in shock, his expression practically screaming, What kind of guy did you bring here? 

“He’s the one who captured Bud! Everything I was investigating—it’s all him!” Leone blurted out, trying to explain. Riku had told her beforehand, but seeing General Bud in the flesh still sent her reeling. 

“What? What’s going on?!”  

The only one out of the loop was Sheele, the big-chested, glasses-wearing airhead. Flustered, she grabbed her giant scissors, dutifully stepping in front of Mine to protect her, even if she wasn’t entirely sure what was happening. 

“Brand?”  

Bud scanned the room, recognizing only Brand. As a former Imperial soldier with some fame, Brand was someone Bud, the military’s top dog, naturally knew. 

Lubbock muttered to himself, I was an Imperial soldier too, you know, but he was too much of a nobody to be on Bud’s radar. Plus, he’d faked his death in the military records. 

“Everyone, relax. General Bud is our ally,” Riku said with a smile, casually stepping into the leader’s spot—Akame’s spot.  

Akame had darted to the side, her hand already on her infamous Teigu One-Cut Killer: Murasame (Ichizetsu Hissatsu: Murasame), her sharp gaze fixed on both Bud and Riku. 

Bud’s expression shifted as he noticed Akame. Sparks of electricity crackled around him. 

Riku had given Bud the Blood Demon Art (Kekkijutsu) of lightning manipulation to make up for his missing Teigu Thunder God’s Rage: Adramelech (Raijin no Gekirin: Adoramelekku). It wasn’t as powerful as his old Teigu, but it was better than nothing. 

Bud’s change in demeanor came from recognizing Murasame. He knew its previous owner, Gozuki (Gozuki), the former head of the Empire’s assassination squad and a member of the Raksha Four Demons (Rāshasa Yon Oni). Akame had been trained by Gozuki—and was the one who killed him, claiming Murasame for herself. 

“Ally?!” 

Riku’s words sent a wave of shock through Night Raid. Were they hearing this right? General Bud? Their ally?! 

General Bud was a household name—the stubborn, old-school general. How could someone like him ever be on their side? 

Chapter 305: Najenda's Return 

Riku’s words, “Budo is an ally,” left the entire Night Raid team frozen in shock for a good few seconds. 

“They’re with the Revolutionary Army?” Budo asked, furrowing his brow. 

The wielder of Ichizan Hissatsu: Murasame, Akame, had betrayed the Empire after being sent to assassinate Najenda, who had defected to the Revolutionary Army. Akame ended up joining her, clearly aligning with the revolutionaries. So when Budo saw Murasame and Akame, he immediately assumed this place was Revolutionary Army territory. 

“We’re Night Raid,” Lubbock chimed in, seizing the chance to make himself heard. He felt his presence was a bit lacking lately and wanted to grab the spotlight. Night Raid was just one part of the Revolutionary Army, but at this stage, it was definitely the most prominent. 

“Oh, so it’s you guys,” Budo said. 

Night Raid, the Revolutionary Army’s assassination squad, was pretty infamous in the Empire. Budo had heard of them, of course. He hadn’t expected Riku to track down Night Raid’s base—a place the Imperial Guard had been searching for without success for ages. Thinking about it, the fact that the Imperial Guard got wiped out by Riku wasn’t such a bad thing. The Guard was probably rotten to the core. 

Budo let out a sigh, his expression turning somber. To think the mighty Empire had fallen to such a state—riddled with holes, teetering on the brink. 

“Alright, everyone, put your weapons away,” Riku said, waving his hand to signal a truce. For some reason, the move felt oddly familiar, like he’d seen it somewhere recently. Iskandar did something like this, didn’t he? 

At Riku’s command, Budo complied without hesitation. The Night Raid members exchanged glances and stowed their Teigu as well. Budo didn’t seem hostile and was clearly deferring to this “Devil” guy, so there was no need to stay on edge. 

That’s when it hit them—Leone had mentioned that General Budo was captured by this Devil guy? All the chaos in the capital recently was his doing? The other incidents were one thing, but capturing General Budo? Just how strong was this guy? 

Night Raid’s members stared at Riku, their faces a mix of shock and suspicion. 

With weapons lowered, Riku took charge of the situation, standing at the center while General Budo stood by his side like a loyal subordinate. The sight felt bizarre to Night Raid. Someone like Budo, with his strength, achievements, and status, should only answer to the Emperor himself. Even Minister Honest, with all his power, wouldn’t dare touch Budo. Yet this Devil not only captured him but had him acting obedient? How was that even possible? Was this Budo a fake? 

Some in Night Raid entertained the thought, but Budo’s commanding presence, his every move radiating authority, and his control over lightning with Raijin no Ikari: Adramelech—there was no way to fake that. You could mimic a person, but how do you fake a Teigu like that? 

“I can tell you now,” Riku said, scanning the stunned Night Raid members with a smile. “I came here to find Najenda and talk about how we can complete the revolution.” 

His words hit Night Raid like a thunderbolt. They stood there, mouths agape, unable to respond, as if the weight of his statement had overwhelmed them. 

“Complete the revolution?” Brand, with his distinctive airplane hairstyle, blurted out, his expression dazed. 

The Revolutionary Army’s goal wasn’t just to take down Minister Honest. They aimed to overthrow the Empire’s rule entirely and build a new nation, wiping out remnants like the Minister and the young Emperor. The revolutionaries were mostly ordinary folk—generations of impoverished farmers driven to desperation by the Empire’s oppressive policies. They’d taken up arms to form militias, which banded together to become the Revolutionary Army. Their singular goal: topple the brutal Empire and create a nation free of oppression. 

It was a daunting task, which was why the Revolutionary Army had been so cautious despite amassing considerable strength. The recent urgency to investigate General Budo’s situation came from a rare opportunity spotted by headquarters. 

The Northern Tribes had risen, causing chaos in the Empire’s northern borders. Esdeath had led an army to confront them, a war most expected to drag on for a year or two, even with her prowess. This was unexpected—the Northern Tribes hadn’t anticipated the Empire’s fierce response, catching the revolutionaries off guard since the tribes were their allies. 

Should they act? The Revolutionary Army was torn. Then news of Budo’s situation broke, and headquarters ordered Night Raid to investigate immediately. If Budo was truly out of the picture, it was a golden opportunity. 

The Revolutionary Army’s main forces were in the south, allied with both the Western and Northern Tribes. If the timing was right, they could launch a coordinated attack with the Western Tribes, supporting the Northern Tribes. A three-pronged assault would stretch even the Empire’s vast resources thin. A breakthrough on any front would spell victory for the others, potentially toppling the Empire for good. 

But soon, they’d learn it was wishful thinking. The Northern Tribes, despite their momentum, were no match for Esdeath. The “Prince of the North,” Numa Seika, who united the tribes and led them with his silver spear, was reduced to a plaything in her hands. The outcome forced the revolutionaries and Western Tribes to abandon their plans. 

For now, though, Esdeath hadn’t yet returned triumphant, and news of her slaughter of hundreds of thousands of Northern Tribe soldiers hadn’t reached them. The Revolutionary Army’s plans were still reasonable. 

“With General Budo on our side, is there any doubt about his influence in the Imperial military?” Riku said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. Budo’s support was far more valuable than the Northern or Western Tribes—his influence was on another level entirely. 

“Is that for real?!” Brand’s eyes widened, his voice nearly cracking. He knew exactly how much weight Budo carried in the military. Even Lubbock, who’d originally joined for Najenda, was stunned. 

If Budo sided with them, it wouldn’t mean the entire Imperial army would defect, but it would shake their loyalty. Soldiers would start questioning: if even General Budo was rebelling, why should they defend the Empire? The blow to morale would be massive—a testament to the power of a steadfast loyalist like Budo turning against the Empire. 

Compared to that, the neighboring tribes, long oppressed by the Empire, were insignificant. The Northern Tribes had just been united by their “once-in-a-millennium” hero, Numa Seika, and were at their peak. But in front of Esdeath, Numa was nothing, and their army was like paper. The Western Tribes were even less useful, their only notable contribution being Mine, an exceptional Teigu user. 

The Revolutionary Army hadn’t expected much from them anyway. The tribes were meant to be distractions, cannon fodder to divert the Empire’s attention. Any effort they made was a bonus. 

What an opportunity! A heaven-sent chance! 

Night Raid realized this was as good as it gets—except for Hill, the glasses-wearing airhead, who was still clueless, looking around in confusion. She didn’t even know who Budo was. 

Whoosh! 

A gust of wind roared outside the window, accompanied by a strange cry. 

“Air Manta!”  

The Night Raid members breathed a sigh of relief. Air Manta, a super-class danger beast, could only mean one thing: Najenda was back. She rode an Air Manta as her mount. 

With Najenda back, the pressure from Riku and Budo, and the weight of their proposals, could finally be handled. Night Raid hurried out of the meeting room to greet her. Riku spotted the Air Manta immediately—a creature resembling a flying manta ray. In fantasy worlds, marine creatures like whales or rays often gained the ability to soar through the sky, though they were technically distinct species. 

Riku chuckled to himself. A “flying fish” was such a classic trope. 

Moments later, Najenda arrived. The Air Manta flew off to forage, as such a massive creature was mostly free-roaming, only occasionally fed at the base. 

“B-Budo?!” Najenda gasped as she entered, her cigarette dropping from her mouth. The ever-calm and cunning Najenda rarely showed such shock. 

Lubbock smirked, enjoying seeing a new side of her. 

“Why are you here? I heard…” Najenda quickly regained her composure and approached Budo, trying to make sense of the situation. His presence, coexisting peacefully with Night Raid, was astonishing. Knowing Budo, if he were here to take them down, he’d have already clashed with Akame and the others. 

“No need to talk to me. I’m just following orders,” Budo cut her off, gesturing toward Riku. Whatever she needed to discuss, she should take it up with him. 

Najenda blinked, turning to Riku, who gave her a polite nod and a warm smile. She instinctively returned the gesture, then froze as a realization hit her. Who could make Budo act so subservient? 

The Emperor. 

The thought left her dumbfounded. She’d only been in the south for a bit—when did the Empire get a new Emperor? What happened to the young Emperor? Who was this striking figure, and how was he tied to the royal family? Didn’t Minister Honest wipe out the royals? 

Najenda’s mind was screaming. Despite her strong, confident facade, she was human, with her own stresses and burdens. But right now, she had no time to vent. Suppressing her frustration, she asked cautiously, “What… brings you here?” 

She braced herself for a fight. If this was about surrender, she’d never agree. “Recruitment” wasn’t in the Revolutionary Army’s vocabulary—their conviction was unshakable. 

Riku explained his purpose simply, extending a sincere invitation for the Revolutionary Army to launch the revolution now. 

“When heaven offers a chance, take it, or face the consequences. When the time comes, act, or suffer the fallout,” he urged passionately. He didn’t mention Esdeath’s imminent return from the north. Why bring up something that hadn’t happened yet? The priority was getting the Revolutionary Army to move. 

Once they acted, even news of Esdeath’s lightning-fast victory in the north wouldn’t matter. The arrow would be nocked, ready to fly. 

“…” Najenda fell silent, processing Riku’s words. 

“In this situation, if we succeed, can your contributions go unnoticed?” Riku pressed, knowing this would resonate with Najenda, who’d been working tirelessly to gain influence and secure her place in the revolution’s future.