"Master, this is Night Raid's base."
Akame gazed at the building ahead, her expression complicated.
Bringing the Empire's master here felt strange.
After a moment, she said, "Master, to avoid misunderstandings, could Esdeath and the others wait outside?"
If she brought them in and conflict arose, her Night Raid comrades would suffer.
"Of course."
Kaiser nodded. "You three stay here."
Esdeath and the others had no objections.
…
Inside the base, Leone chugged her drink, surrounded by empty bottles.
"Leone, drink if you want, but could you cover up a bit?" Najenda sighed, rubbing her forehead.
"What's the big deal?" Leone burped. "Night Raid's new. It's just us three—no men around."
"If you ask me, Boss, you should strip too. It's hot."
Najenda glanced down, tempted.
It did make sense.
Creak.
The door opened.
Akame entered.
"Akame, you're back. What's for dinner to—" Leone's words halted.
Huh?
Akame brought a man?
Leone sobered slightly, crossing her arms instinctively.
"Red ones, huh? Good taste."
Leone: "…"
She quickly lowered her hands to cover herself.
"Not bad—plenty to work with," Kaiser said, his gaze shifting upward to the now-unguarded territory.
Leone raised her arms again, exposing below. She gritted her teeth. "Had enough yet?"
Kaiser shook his head frankly. "Nope."
Leone: "…"
Where'd this shameless guy come from?
"Leone, here." Najenda tossed her jacket over.
"Shame," Kaiser sighed regretfully.
Leone's mouth twitched. She dressed swiftly, eyes sharpening. "You've got some nerve."
"Looks like someone needs a lesson."
Boom!
The floor shook.
Leone lunged, legs propelling her like a lion toward Kaiser.
But!
Crimson eyes met hers.
Huh?
Leone's pupils shrank. She blurred, reappearing meters away.
"Akame, what's the meaning of this?" Leone fumed. "He your man? Protecting him like that?"
Akame stood before Kaiser, apologetic. "Sorry, I can't let you hurt Master."
"???"
Najenda and Leone's eyes widened at Akame's address.
What kind of title was that?
Was this some couple's roleplay trend?
They exchanged glances, puzzled.
What happened?
Akame just went hunting—how'd she bring back a man?
Secret lover?
Leone stomped. "Even if he's your man, no way."
"He went too far. At least let me punch him once."
Akame shook her head firmly. "No."
Leone's eyelid twitched. "If you're a man, don't hide behind a woman."
"Tsk tsk… Can't pretend I didn't hear that."
Kaiser stepped past Akame, smirking. "I'm out now. What're you gonna do?"
Akame opened her mouth, then sighed.
Fine. She'd tried.
"Good, at least you're man enough," Leone grinned, charging like a meteor.
Her pale fist clenched, aiming at Kaiser.
"This should hurt him plenty without real injury…"
Leone thought, but her pupils shrank, fist freezing.
Kaiser's right hand was raised—as if it'd always been there.
Leone jolted, trying to retreat.
But!
A massive force yanked her arm. The world spun.
Boom!
The wall cratered around Leone.
"This…" Najenda's eyes widened in disbelief.
Leone had been careless, but this man was incredibly strong.
"Not bad—worthy of Akame's man. Not just a pretty face," Leone grinned, wild energy surging.
"No need to hold back now."
Her muscles tensed, activating her Teigu, Lionel: Beast King Transformation.
Boom!
The wall exploded.
Leone's short hair lengthened, beast ears emerging, transforming her into a beastman.
In a blink, she vanished.
Her speed—multiplied several times.
In an instant, she was upon Kaiser.
Got him.
Leone smiled.
"That all?" A teasing voice rang.
Her body sank heavily.
"Looks like you're the one needing a lesson."
Kaiser's voice thundered through the room.
Leone froze, trembling from cellular fear.
Next moment, she plummeted.
Thud!
She hit the floor face-down, immobile.
Akame's eyes widened.
This was Master's magic?
Terrifying…
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