Kaiser's gaze was deep and his tone gentle. "Kurome, take this step—and you'll grow stronger quickly."
"Esdeath can vouch for it."
At his words, Esdeath nodded immediately. "It's true. The effect is remarkable. Thanks to Master, I've become so much stronger."
Though testifying about such matters was a bit embarrassing...
As his servant, she had a duty to help expand her master's circle.
"Whew!"
Kurome took a deep breath, her gaze trembling as she looked at Kaiser.
Her heart pounded wildly, her breathing growing heavy.
I have to grow stronger—to bring my sister back to my side.
She steeled herself inwardly.
She was already a devil.
How could she hesitate now?
Kurome extended her delicate hand, reaching forward slowly.
Seeing her proactive desire to improve, a smile curved Kaiser's lips.
"Good. You've grasped the secret to strength. Show me your resolve."
He caught her devil tail, gently kneading it.
Watching her face twist in discomfort, Kaiser cautioned, "And remember—if you want to grow stronger, nothing can go to waste."
At his words, Kurome nodded instinctively.
Gulp.
She swallowed hard, determination filling her eyes.
Compared to her brutal training in the assassination unit...
This little pain was nothing if it meant power.
Thump! Thump thump!
In the next moment, she felt her body undergoing intense change.
Her heartbeat raced, blood boiled, muscles and bones strengthened.
Most noticeably...
Her demonic energy surged rapidly.
"It's... really working. I'm getting stronger."
Joy sparked in Kurome's eyes as her movements quickened.
Her devil wings extended, fluttering steadily.
A short while later...
Every cell in her body sang with triumph—she sensed an impending breakthrough.
[Experience +1]
[Experience +5]
[Experience +10]
Watching the notifications appear, Kaiser nodded inwardly.
He straightened, gazing at Kurome.
"Let us progress together."
"Yes... Master... I'll do my best."
Tears welled in Kurome's eyes from the intensity, but her resolve remained unshaken.
The sight stirred Esdeath's own competitive spirit.
Though far stronger than Kurome...
Without effort...
She could be surpassed.
She nodded firmly and joined the "training."
In the blink of an eye...
A full day passed.
[Kurome]
[Race: Devil]
[Master: Kaiser Lucifuge]
[Level: LV28]
[Skill: Corpse Manipulation]
[Corpse Manipulation: Remodel and freely control corpses with your own power.]
...
"Well done, Kurome—you've leveled up."
Kaiser shared her updated stats, drawing a bright smile from her.
She clenched her small fists, feeling power several times greater than before.
Compared to her human days...
It was night and day.
"Just wait, Akame."
Kurome murmured softly, then turned to Kaiser—eyes brimming with affection and adoration.
Her wings fluttered lightly as her tail occasionally looped around his arm.
Less like a devil...
More like an eager puppy.
...
The capital.
A bustling commercial street.
Kaiser strolled with Esdeath and Kurome.
Esdeath's idea.
She'd called it a romantic date.
Naturally, Kaiser indulged his servants.
"Master, look over there—let's check it out."
Esdeath clung to his arm like a lovesick girl.
Kurome held a bag of treats labeled [Kurome's Snacks]. "Master, have some."
"Sure."
Kaiser accepted the candy.
Apple-flavored.
Quite nice.
Glancing at the beauties on either side, a contented smile touched Kaiser's lips.
Occasional outings like this...
Put him in a fine mood.
Both Esdeath and Kurome provided exceptional companionship.
Seeing his smile, Esdeath beamed with happiness.
Dating someone she admired—and who was so powerful—felt like a dream.
Though...
Her gaze shifted to Kurome on his other side.
The only flaw... was the third wheel.
"No one gets these but Master."
Kurome hugged her snack bag protectively, eyeing Esdeath warily.
Esdeath: "..."
Fine.
Next time, she'd leave the kid behind.
She seemed easy enough to ditch.
"Hm?"
Kaiser was about to speak when his expression shifted subtly.
Esdeath and Kurome halted in unison, their eyes sharpening.
Hum!
Light flashed.
Several figures materialized atop a nearby rooftop.
Their sudden appearance turned the air oppressively heavy.
Murderous intent sent chills through the street, scattering pedestrians in panic.
"Syura, it's you."
"Here for revenge over your father?"
Esdeath regarded the leader calmly.
Kaiser looked up, eyes glinting faintly.
Syura—Minister Honest's son.
He remembered this scum and his lackeys.
But unexpectedly...
An unforeseen face stood among them.
A tall, adorably beautiful girl with orange hair in a single ponytail reaching her hips.
Half-armor did little to hide her graceful, curvaceous figure.
Seryu Ubiquitous.
She'd allied with Syura.
Thanks to the butterfly effect from Kaiser.
After seizing the palace, Esdeath had purged disloyal armed forces throughout the capital.
Seryu's mentor, Ogre, had rebelled violently—and been cut down effortlessly.
Driven near-mad with vengeance, Seryu had encountered Syura upon his return.
The two had hit it off instantly.
Leading to this current standoff.
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