Moments later.
The grand palace hall.
Kurome's ears burned crimson.
Her gaze darted everywhere, avoiding Kaiser's eyes entirely.
He'd... seen everything.
A wail echoed in Kurome's mind.
A man had seen her like this—for the first time ever.
Kaiser regarded her with a smile. "Any more questions now?"
"None... though it's still hard to believe."
Kurome's expression was complicated.
Devils actually existed.
No wonder the Empire had fallen so easily.
How could humans stand against such beings?
Yet...
She stole a glance at Kaiser.
This Lord Kaiser was nothing like the devils of legend.
Weren't devils supposed to be filthy and grotesque?
He was the complete opposite.
"Since there are no doubts—have you decided?"
"Hm?"
Kurome blinked.
"About becoming my servant."
Kaiser gave her a helpless look.
He was pretty sure Kurome wasn't supposed to be this airheaded.
She caught on quickly, replying earnestly, "Lord Kaiser—is this an order?"
"And if it is—how would you respond?"
Kurome dropped to one knee. "Then I would obey your will."
"..."
Your personality's a bit broken, isn't it?
Kaiser wasn't sure how to react.
Sensing his complicated gaze, an unfamiliar emotion stirred in Kurome.
Orders had always been everything to her.
But now...
Lord Kaiser's look was something she'd never seen.
It felt... strangely wonderful.
As Kurome floundered...
Kaiser spoke up. "Actually, I'd prefer you choose this willingly—from the heart."
"But I..."
Kurome started to explain, only for him to interrupt.
"Becoming my servant comes with many benefits."
His deep gaze locked onto her dark, beautiful eyes.
"Immortality. Eternal youth."
"Even greater power—to bring your sister back to your side."
At those words, light returned to Kurome's previously vacant eyes.
Right.
There's still that naive Akame.
With enough strength... I could keep her by my side forever.
She drew a deep breath, staring unblinkingly at him.
"I want to grow stronger."
"I never want to lose anything again—not even if it means becoming a devil."
"Good."
Kaiser's smile widened. "Then remove your outer clothing."
"Ah?"
Kurome's eyes shot wide, her ears flaming red.
Was this the part where she joined the harem—and offered herself?
With General Esdeath right here?
Wasn't this a bit too bold?
Even so...
Kurome cautiously slipped off her outer layer.
The black undergarment contrasted beautifully with her smooth, jade-like skin.
Kaiser extended a finger, letting golden blood drip onto her.
Hum!
Brilliant light flared as a heart-shaped pattern briefly traced her flesh.
Countless arcane symbols shimmered within the glow.
Thump! Thump thump!
Her heartbeat thundered.
Kurome felt her body undergoing drastic change.
Flesh, bones, organs—all transforming.
Especially her back and tailbone.
"It... itches..."
Kurome's eyes widened. "Something's... coming out..."
As she spoke...
Her back rippled.
Whoosh!
A pair of sleek black wings burst forth.
A small, delicate heart-tipped tail shot out too—poking directly into Kaiser's chest.
He instinctively grasped it, gently kneading.
"Hiss..."
Kurome's legs buckled as she collapsed to the floor, thighs pressing together.
Her gaze grew hazy.
"???"
Kaiser released it in surprise.
"Whew!"
Kurome quickly retracted her tail, the world spinning around her.
"Your tail seems particularly sensitive."
Kaiser eyed her deeply.
He'd handled the others' tails before...
But none reacted like this.
"Interesting..."
A smile tugged at his lips as something occurred to him. He then focused on Kurome's stats.
[Kurome]
[Race: Devil]
[Master: Kaiser Lucifuge]
[Level: LV27]
[Skill: Corpse Manipulation]
[Corpse Manipulation: Remodel and freely control corpses with your own power.]
...
Kaiser's expression turned intrigued.
Finally.
Among all his servants... one skill that truly fit a devil's image.
Then...
He considered himself.
[Corpse Manipulation] paired with [Infinite Demonic Power].
With enough bodies... he could field an army single-handedly.
"Lord Kaiser, what are you writing?"
Kurome, recovered now, asked curiously.
"Your stats."
He explained briefly before handing her the sheet.
Kurome took it and scanned it.
"Corpse manipulation..."
She blinked at her skill.
It overlapped with March of the Dead: Yatsufusa.
But this one was clearly superior.
She glanced at her blade.
Sorry—you'll just be a normal weapon from now on.
Her eyes drifted upward to her level.
LV27.
"Master—how do I raise my level?"
"Normally, defeating enemies grants experience."
Kaiser smiled, a mysterious glint in his eyes. "But for faster growth... there are other methods."
"What methods?"
Instead of answering...
Kaiser demonstrated the secret with action—placing it right before her.
"???"
Kurome blinked.
This was the secret?
Something felt off...
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