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DN : [398] One Million!
🕑 Added 2024-12-29 16:00:03 +0000 UTCKurome’s words left both August and Esdeath momentarily surprised.
Even Akame, standing nearby, was astonished as she turned to look at her younger sister.
"You want to go?"
"Yes."
"Alright."
Both August and the two sisters stared at Esdeath in shock. Neither Akame nor Kurome had held out much hope, yet Esdeath agreed so readily.
"Esdeath, what’s your plan?"
"They’ll simply come along. The battlefield is still mine."
"Fine."
August understood—she was essentially bringing along two spectators.
Still, he didn’t object. After all, letting the sisters witness firsthand what true power looked like wasn’t a bad idea.
...
Three days later, the Revolutionary Army, allied with the foreign tribes and led by Sheele and others, began their grand march toward the Imperial Capital.
Receiving advance intelligence from Laura, August, along with Esdeath and the Akame-Kurome sisters, positioned themselves on a plain outside the capital.
To march into the capital, the army had no choice but to pass through this area. The terrain elsewhere was unsuitable for large-scale troop movement.
Hovering in mid-air was a golden airship—Vimana—with four figures aboard: August, Esdeath, Akame, and Kurome. They waited patiently for the arrival of the alliance’s forces.
Boom!
As the sound of marching troops echoed and clouds of dust rose on the horizon, a vast, dark wave of soldiers appeared in the distance.
Their uniforms made it clear that most of the troops were foreign soldiers, their darker skin and attire reminiscent of Native American or tribal costumes.
Mixed among them were numerous soldiers clad in armor—likely the Revolutionary Army’s forces.
The sight of an army one million strong was both awe-inspiring and daunting, even for August, who was witnessing such a spectacle for the first time. He couldn’t help but wonder—what would happen if he dropped an ancient nuclear bomb right into their midst? Would it "flatten" them all?
At the rear of the allied forces, the Revolutionary Army’s leaders and tribal chiefs gathered.
"We’re about to enter the Imperial Capital’s territory. Is the spatial Teigu ready?"
The southern tribal leader turned to Sheele, seeking reassurance.
"Relax, everything’s prepared. However, my power is limited. At most, I can transport a thousand people."
"A thousand is more than enough. This mission is a surprise attack. As long as we create chaos in the capital, the rest will fall into place once our main forces arrive."
"Of course," Sheele replied with a smirk.
Her words dripped with irony. Transporting a thousand people? Ridiculous. Did they truly believe Teigu users were omnipotent? It was a blatant lie.
Her true intent was to watch from the sidelines as the Empire clashed with the Revolutionary Army and its allies. Regardless of who emerged victorious, she would benefit.
With the spatial Teigu in her possession, Sheele felt invincible. Smiling faintly, she slipped away from the group unnoticed.
Back on the battlefield, August turned to Esdeath, watching as the massive army approached.
"Well, what do you think?"
"Leave it to me. This will be the most exhilarating battle of my life."
"Then I’ll await your triumphant return."
"Of course."
Without hesitation, Esdeath leapt from Vimana, landing gracefully below.
Akame glanced at August, her curiosity piqued by their exchange.
"Await your triumphant return?"
Something about that phrasing struck her. It sounded as though August held the dominant position, even over Esdeath, the queen of the Empire.
Her curiosity about their relationship deepened.
"Watch closely, Akame," August said, his tone calm. "You’re about to witness what a true warrior looks like."
"Understood."
Akame’s crimson eyes locked onto the battlefield. Below, Esdeath stood alone, facing an army of one million.
To face such odds single-handedly was beyond imagination.
Even during the Empire’s golden age, when it mobilized its entire military might to hunt the world’s most dangerous creatures to forge the Teigu, such overwhelming odds would have been deemed insurmountable.
"Report! A single figure has been spotted ahead!"
The sighting was quickly relayed up the chain of command.
"What? Just one person? Who is it?"
"Based on appearances, it’s Queen Esdeath of the New Empire."
"What?!"
The news sent shockwaves through the ranks.
Esdeath’s reputation preceded her—every leader present knew of her terrifying power, even if they hadn’t faced her directly.
"Intelligence must have leaked! There’s a spy among us. How many troops has she brought?"
"Just… her alone."
"What? Just her? Are you certain?"
"Yes. The surrounding plains make it impossible to conceal additional forces."
"This is incredible! If we kill Esdeath, the Imperial Capital will be ours for the taking. She’s practically walking into her own death. No matter how strong she is, she can’t possibly defeat an army of one million!"
The Revolutionary Army’s leader was ecstatic, as were the tribal chiefs.
An isolated Teigu user, no matter how powerful, could be overwhelmed by sheer numbers. The prospect of defeating Esdeath was a dream come true.
"All units, advance! Target: Esdeath. Kill her!"
The command echoed through the ranks, igniting the troops with fervor.
The massive army surged forward, intent on surrounding and eliminating Esdeath.
Meanwhile, the Revolutionary Army’s forces deliberately held back, letting the tribal soldiers take the lead. Their plan was clear—use the tribes as cannon fodder and seize the glory for themselves.
