Since Leona had become a demon, she could now serve as an opponent for Akame's training.
Meanwhile, Arata Hayashi was freed from his duties and began reading through the treasures the emperor had brought him — rare books from across the palace. These were not just texts on magic or demonic arts, but also compendiums of martial techniques from all over the world.
[Origin +6][Origin +7]
Seeing the notifications pop up, Arata's lips curved into a faint smile. Each book might provide only a fragment of information, but the sheer quantity was enough to satisfy even a scholar of his caliber.
At that moment, a distant conversation echoed through the palace corridors.
"Boss, raiding at night… isn't this a little overkill, Hill?"
"Is something wrong, Myne?"
"This… this is definitely wrong."
"Main… it's almost time. Look around — no one is stopping us."
"True… but unbelievable."
Hearing this, Akame and Leona paused their sparring.
"Are these the new members the master mentioned?" Akame whispered.
"That must be them," Leona nodded. The two glanced toward the direction of the voices.
Arata closed his book and looked up. Sure enough, he saw two familiar figures: Shelle and Myne, part of the original night raid group. More and more people were gathering for the operation. Chelsea's allegiance was unknown, and Arata had no interest in the rest.
"You must be the new members, right? I'm Leona. Hello!"
"I'm Akame. Nice to meet you!"
Leona and Akame stepped forward, introducing themselves confidently.
"I'm Myne. Pleasure to meet you."
"I'm Shelle. Hello, senior."
With Najenda's brief introductions, the four quickly became familiar.
"Okay, now that we know each other, let's continue training," Arata said. "You must master your class powers as soon as possible."
"Yes, Master!"
"Understood, Master!"
After responding, Leona and Akame resumed sparring.
Meanwhile, Myne couldn't help but steal glances at Arata, noticing his calm demeanor and sharp features. Is this… the Devil? she wondered, perplexed. He didn't look dangerous at all.
Hill, on the other hand, remained expressionless, showing no reaction. Najenda's eyes widened in disbelief. Master… Master? she thought. In just a short time, Arata had already shared his power freely with others.
The next day, the imperial court descended into chaos. The emperor, under Arata's control, issued one command after another.
Minister Ernest was dismissed and replaced by Najenda. The former General Bud's position was given to Akame. Leona was appointed governor of the imperial capital, overseeing security forces.
Though only three appointments, it was a massive reshuffle of power.
Naturally, ministers and nobles protested strongly. Najenda, Akame, and Leona's positions were unprecedented, and none of them left the palace that day. Minister Ernest himself did not appear at the morning court.
All eyes were on him, waiting for his next move. This hero, who had long held influence in the empire, would never accept losing power quietly.
Night fell like water, and the palace halls were brightly lit.
"You said Ernest invited me to dinner?" Arata asked, seated atop the throne.
"Yes… right now," Najenda replied, a hint of tension in her voice. "I didn't expect him to respond so quickly."
"It's not his fault. The entire court watches him. Delay and it's over for him," Arata said, closing his books and stepping down. "Let's go deal with him."
Leona, and Akame followed closely.
The streets were unusually quiet. Shops closed early, and a strange tension lingered in the air.
"Master, someone is watching us," Akame whispered.
"Let them watch if they like," Arata said calmly, leading them to Ernest's mansion.
The estate was immense — rivaling the palace itself. Guard posts were every three steps, sentries every five. Security was tight.
"We're just going in like this?" Myne whispered, clutching her pumpkin cannon nervously.
"What else?" Arata replied with a smile. "At worst, we'll only face a few imperial weapon users."
As they spoke, a tall man in ornate clothing approached.
"Haha, Lord Arata Hayashi is right," Ernest said, smiling warmly. "I don't want to be your enemy. I don't know how you controlled the emperor, but… why don't we join forces?"
Despite wanting to eliminate Arata immediately, he had learned enough about yesterday's events to know this was no ordinary opponent.
"And what gives you the right to negotiate with me?" Arata asked, smiling faintly.
"Just because I'm a former minister?" Ernest replied, smirking.
"Of course, that's not all," Ernest said, clapping his hands. Figures emerged behind him — guards, the Four Rakshasa Ghosts, and Ouka, the former security captain, all masters in their own right.
"Your Excellency Devil," Najenda whispered, "these people are Ernest's inner circle and former army officials. They're formidable."
Arata blinked, addressing Ernest: "Is this all you rely on?"
"Certainly," Ernest said with a grin. "Even if you control the emperor, without my cooperation, the empire descends into chaos."
Ouka stepped forward. "I advise you return my position as security captain, or—"
Crack!
Blue lightning struck Ouka before he could finish. Boom! The earth shook violently, and Ouka turned to ash without a sound.
The mansion fell silent. Ernest and his subordinates stared in shock.
What just happened…?