Multiverse Gacha

The next few days passed uneventfully, and August found himself enjoying the rare peace and quiet. Apart from wandering aimlessly and absorbing negative energy, there wasn't much else to do.

Meanwhile, Esdeath, being a high-ranking general, had her hands full. Though not overwhelmed, her responsibilities kept her busy, especially as she worked to track down Night Raid. Her Three Beasts were also scouring the Imperial Capital for clues.

Unfortunately for her, due to August's interference, Night Raid had completely disappeared without a trace.

Tap, tap, tap...

One afternoon, Esdeath sought August out.

"Today marks the first assembly of the Jaegers. Are you coming?"

"Me? But I'm not a member of the Jaegers."

"That doesn't matter. It's just a title."

"Fine."

With nothing better to do, August figured it wouldn't hurt to join in. After all, apart from Esdeath, there wasn't a single person or event in this world that could pique his interest.

Having already decided to let the World Tree sapling devour this world entirely, the fate of the world, its story, and its people didn't concern him in the slightest.

That afternoon, August arrived at the designated meeting place for the Jaegers' assembly. Esdeath and her Three Beasts were already there. August, however, sat off to the side, exuding an air of disinterest, like an outsider.

Knock, knock, knock...

The first guest arrived.

"Come in," Esdeath called.

"My name is Bols. Pleased to meet you all," said the newcomer as he stepped in, wearing a peculiar mask. Bols had formerly served in the Incineration Squad, a unit tasked with burning anyone condemned without question. He was also the wielder of the Teigu Rubicante, the Infernal Summoning.

"I'm Esdeath. These are Liver, Daidas, and Nyau. From now on, you'll be working alongside them."

"Understood, General Esdeath," Bols replied with evident caution. The reputation of the Empire's youngest and most ruthless general had clearly preceded her.

Bols quietly found a corner to sit in, scanning the room's occupants before his gaze landed on August. Though August appeared indifferent to everything, Bols instinctively understood that anyone in Esdeath's proximity couldn't possibly be ordinary.

Creak...

The door opened, and a man entered carrying a bundle on his back. However, upon seeing the group inside, he froze. After a moment of hesitation, he retreated, shutting the door behind him. Moments later, he returned, his expression tinged with resignation.

"I'm Wave, from the Navy, reporting in," he announced.

Wave had previously served in the Empire's Navy and was a Teigu user like Bols. His Teigu, Grand Chariot, was an armored weapon similar to Incursio.

"I'm Esdeath. Take a seat," she ordered.

"Yes, ma'am," Wave replied, sitting promptly. As a soldier, he understood the importance of following orders. Even though he was from the Navy, Esdeath, as a general of the Empire, outranked him by far.

Within half an hour, the remaining members arrived one after another. Among them were:

Kurome, from the Empire's assassination unit.

Seryu, from the Imperial Capital's security force.

Run, a former village teacher.

Dr. Stylish, a scientist from the Empire's research division.

With the arrival of these individuals, the Hunter team was complete. However, unlike in the original story, this version included three additional members: Esdeath's personal subordinates, the Three Beasts.

"Alright, let's cut to the chase," Esdeath began. "I've gathered you here to form a special task force: the Jaegers. From now on, you are the Empire's elite enforcers."

"But, uh, isn't the security force already responsible for the Capital?" Wave asked hesitantly, earning incredulous looks from the others. It seemed he had made a rookie mistake.

"We are not the security force," Esdeath clarified coldly. "We exist to handle extraordinary situations. For example, the rampant assassination group, Night Raid, is our primary target."

"Understood," Wave replied, realizing his error. The others, each with their own thoughts, refrained from further questions. Kurome, dressed in her school uniform-like attire, reacted subtly at the mention of Night Raid. A flash of killing intent crossed her eyes.

Kurome was well aware that her beloved sister was now a member of Night Raid. Her primary goal upon returning to the Capital was to kill her sister and turn her into a puppet, ensuring she would remain by her side forever.

"One more thing," Esdeath added, turning her gaze to August. "This is August. Treat him with the same respect you would show me. While he is not officially part of the Jaegers, his words carry the weight of my orders."

At this declaration, all eyes turned to August in varying degrees of curiosity and suspicion. Among them, Dr. Stylish's eyes narrowed. As a man of intellect, he quickly deduced that August's extraordinary status indicated a deeper mystery.

"Greetings. I'm August. Don't bother treating me like Esdeath. I have no interest in the Jaegers' activities."

"Suit yourself," Esdeath said indifferently. August's detached demeanor was nothing new to her.

"Lord August, such apathy is unbecoming. Justice must not be neglected," Seryu chimed in. Beside her, a small, adorable creature stood at attention.

"Justice?" August repeated with a hint of amusement.

"Yes, justice."

"Sorry, but to me, strength is justice. Victory is justice."

"What? That's a mockery of justice!" Seryu exclaimed, visibly upset.

"Listen, little girl," August replied coolly. "Stop throwing around the word 'justice.' The strong care about power and profit, not ideals."

"You..." Seryu fumed, her beliefs clashing violently with August's. However, she refrained from acting out, knowing the consequences of causing a scene at the Jaegers' gathering.

Unbothered, August dismissed her with a glance. Unlike certain predecessors who might have sought to save her, August found no interest in the heavily indoctrinated girl. To him, she was little more than a weapon—an unfortunate product of the Empire's manipulation.

___

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