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The atmosphere grew heavy as all members of the Night Raid gathered in one place.

No exaggeration—if August decided to make a move against them, Night Raid would cease to exist.

That reality wasn't lost on Najenda. Her sharp gaze swept over her fallen comrades, noting that while they were incapacitated, none were seriously hurt. It was clear: August had no intent to kill.

"Relax," August said calmly. "I'm not here to harm you. I'm merely... observing."

"Who exactly are you? And why are you working for the Empire?"

"My name is August," he replied, "but I'm not with the Empire."

"Not with the Empire?"

Najenda's heart skipped a beat, a flicker of hope igniting. If he wasn't an Imperial loyalist, perhaps he could be recruited. His power alone could rival Esdeath's—a potential game-changer for Night Raid.

"I was gravely injured before," August explained. "Esdeath saved my life. I owe her a debt. For now, I'm her... ally. That's why I came to the capital. I saw your wanted posters and grew curious."

"I see..."

Najenda's brief hope plummeted into despair. Her thoughts spiraled: Not an Imperial soldier, yet indebted to Esdeath? That's worse.

Esdeath's act of saving his life created an unshakable bond, one rooted in gratitude. Even if they could recruit August, it would be nearly impossible to convince him to oppose her.

Unaware of Najenda's inner turmoil, August continued, his tone light yet chilling.

"This afternoon, Esdeath visited the palace. It's likely the Prime Minister will assign her to deal with you. You're her... toys, after all. As such, I won't intervene."

The word "toys" hit Najenda like a slap. Night Raid, her proud band of revolutionaries, dismissed as nothing more than playthings for Esdeath?

But what could she say to refute it? August's overwhelming power gave his words weight.

"To you," she asked, her voice low, "is this capital nothing but a game board?"

"Indeed. Not just the capital. The entire world—it's all a game."

Najenda finally understood. This man saw himself as a being beyond nations and ideals, perched at the pinnacle of existence.

"You'd best grow stronger," August warned. "Soon, Esdeath will start her 'game' with you. If you lose... you know the consequences."

"You're sparing us, then?"

"As I said, you're Esdeath's toys. I have no interest in breaking what belongs to her. She enjoys strong opponents."

"Understood. We won't disappoint you," Najenda vowed.

"Let's hope not."

With that, August turned and left. His mere presence had been enough to leave Najenda's nerves frayed. She didn't relax until his figure disappeared completely.

"Boss?"

"Bulat," Najenda commanded, "take everyone back to base immediately. The security forces will be here soon."

"Got it, Boss."

Bulat slung both Lubbock and Leone over his shoulders, while Najenda supported Mine. Akame, though injured, could walk, and Sheele had suffered only minor wounds.

Together, the group retreated from the dark mansion. Despite their battered state, they had completed their mission. But Najenda couldn't shake the sense of foreboding.

If August's words were true, Esdeath and the Empire were now fully focused on Night Raid. Their base would have to be relocated—immediately.

After leaving, August returned to the General's residence.

Esdeath had just returned from the palace, having dined with the Prime Minister and discussed pressing matters.

"You're back," Esdeath greeted. "How did it go?"

"Not bad. I even had a run-in with Night Raid."

"Night Raid? Oh, that assassin group causing chaos in the capital?"

"Exactly."

"The Prime Minister mentioned them earlier. Several nobles have been assassinated recently. He's tasked me with eliminating them."

"What's your plan?"

"I'm forming a new unit of teigus users." \

August raised an eyebrow. In the original timeline he'd known, the Jaegers were only formed after the death of Esdeath's Three Beasts due to manpower shortages. Now, she was already taking the initiative.

"Do you know who leads Night Raid?"

"Who?"

"An old Imperial General—Najenda."

"Najenda?"

Esdeath's expression shifted. Memories surfaced of her former comrade, a general who had opposed Esdeath's methods and eventually betrayed the Empire.

Once, they had been equals—rivals, even. But Najenda's betrayal and subsequent defeat had left Esdeath disappointed.

"Her leadership makes things interesting," Esdeath mused. "As the leader of the Jaegers, I'll enjoy this little rivalry."

"Oh, by the way," August added, "Night Raid currently has seven members. Six of them are teigus users."

"Six teigus users?"

"That's right."

"This will be fun," Esdeath said, her eyes gleaming. "Now, I just need the Prime Minister to deliver my recruits."

Despite the Empire's decay, it remained a formidable power, boasting numerous teigus and their wielders. The Revolutionary Army might be a thorn in its side, but it was far from toppling the behemoth.

And August couldn't help but feel intrigued. The Jaegersin the original timeline had been a fascinating group, filled with colorful characters. Among them was Kurome—Akame's younger sister, whose tragic fate was particularly striking.

Meanwhile, back at Night Raid's hideout, the team was somber. Their encounter with August had shaken them deeply.

Najenda wasted no time. She began drafting a report to the Revolutionary Army, demanding support or permission to withdraw from the capital. Staying here was no longer viable.

The stakes had risen. The Empire's deadliest weapon was coming for them.

___

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