Ding ding dang dang!
In the grand palace hall, Akame wielded a seemingly ordinary long sword, her figure moving like a shadow. Each strike she launched at Arata Hayashi was precise and lightning-fast, yet Arata only lifted his hands occasionally to block, standing perfectly still otherwise.
"Good… although your control of magic isn't yet perfect, you've already begun to exhibit the power of a knight-class warrior," Arata commented calmly, observing Akame's strikes as if reviewing a lesson.
The unrest in the palace had been suppressed after Arata had taken control of the emperor. Now, this training was entirely Akame's initiative — she wanted to adapt to her newfound demonic powers faster.
Akame's body glistened with sweat, her breathing heavy as the training continued relentlessly.
"Okay, that's enough!" Arata finally said, halting the session.
"Master… am I useless?" Akame's voice trembled as she struggled to remain standing, guilt flickering in her eyes.
Arata shook his head. "No. You've done incredibly well. You may still be a low-level demon, but even most mid-level demons wouldn't stand a chance against you."
"Indeed," Leona said, walking over with a pot of wine. Her cheeks flushed slightly. "Akame, your current strength is terrifying… and to think demons are so rare. It's quite astonishing."
Through Arata's explanations, Leona had come to understand the benefits of being a demon: eternal youth, enhanced strength, and even near-immortality. And of course, Arata himself was undeniably… appealing.
"Why the look?" Arata asked, glancing at her. "If it were you, I wouldn't refuse."
"You big pervert!" Leona grumbled, though her eyes betrayed a hint of excitement.
Arata ignored her for now and turned to Akame, who was still catching her breath. "Your magic is depleted."
"Ah… I'm sorry, Master," Akame murmured weakly.
"No worries. I can help you." Arata stepped forward, placing his hands gently on Akame's shoulders. "It's a master's duty to assist his servants with their demonic power."
"Magic replenishment?" Akame asked, confused.
Before she could react further, Arata's gem-like eyes met hers. The surge of energy flowing from him left Akame momentarily dazed. The feeling of magic coursing through her body was unlike anything she had ever experienced.
Even Leona, standing nearby, could hardly contain her surprise, her face turning redder with every passing moment.
After an unknown span of time, Akame's senses returned, her cheeks flushed and her wings and tail stretching out fully. The demonic transformation was as alluring as it was powerful.
"Are you okay?" Arata asked, gently pinching her wings.
"Ah!" Akame's pupils shrank as she steadied herself with her sword, her face crimson and legs trembling.
Arata released her wings with a meaningful glance. Truly… a pleasant surprise, he thought silently.
"Master! I… I lost my composure…" Akame stammered, embarrassed.
"No, it's adorable," Arata said with a faint smile. But his mind wandered elsewhere — curious about her tail, naturally.
"Hey, Mr. Devil!" Leona suddenly tugged at the corner of Arata's coat, breaking his thoughts.
Arata turned to her, smiling faintly.
"I… I want to be a demon too," Leona admitted boldly, taking a deep sip of wine.
Akame stared at her intently. She didn't know why, but something about this moment stirred her curiosity.
"So, Mr. Devil, what do you say?" Leona asked again, stepping closer. Arata could feel her sincerity and determination radiating from her.
"Of course, that's no problem," he said with satisfaction.
Leona's eyes sparkled as she began undoing her coat boldly. Akame, observing carefully, finally intervened. "Just the outer layer will do."
Leona blinked, slightly embarrassed. "Oh… right. Standard procedure," she muttered, taking another sip of wine.
"Then we begin," Arata said, placing a small soldier chess piece on the floor.
Leona, slightly unsteady, grabbed his hand, and for a moment it felt as if she had been swallowed by waves of power. Calmly, Arata withdrew his hand and prepared for the next step.
The reincarnation ceremony began.
A dark red magic circle appeared around Leona. She felt a strange sensation along her back and tailbone — her wings and tail emerging, breaking out from her body in a burst of energy.
Arata quickly held them, examining and commenting, "Not bad… very resilient."
"Hiss!" Leona inhaled sharply, struggling to maintain her composure. She now finally understood what Akame had experienced earlier.
"Master, have you touched enough?" she asked, pretending calm, though her voice betrayed her fluster.
Arata smiled and released her wings and tail. Leona quickly retracted them, her boldness tempered by her inexperience.
She was no longer fully human.