The fact that Najenda could hold the important position of General within The Empire at such a young age was due not only to her own talent but, more importantly, her background. Regardless of the era, making it in the world requires influence and connections; otherwise, one easily becomes just another dish on someone else's table, where everything of value is consumed and the remaining scraps are tossed into the trash... especially in the world of Akame ga Kill!
When people are killed, they die!
The Law of the Jungle is manifested here to its absolute limit!
Thus, Najenda performed exceptionally in all aspects—whether in wisdom, combat, or adaptability, few in the Imperial Army could surpass her. Coupled with the traits of her Teigu, Pumpkin, she caught the eye of the Minister. However...
It was precisely because she understood Pumpkin's traits that Najenda felt utterly shocked. Just moments ago, Pumpkin had unleashed a powerful beam unlike anything Najenda had ever seen!
Did this mean... she had almost died?
The user of Pumpkin can increase its power by deliberately putting themselves in danger; conversely, the current situation can be judged by that very power. The abnormal strength of Pumpkin's blast immediately caused Najenda's vigilance to spike to the maximum!
"Who exactly is that person... is she really dead?"
The attack had been far too sudden, and their clash had lasted only an instant. Najenda had only caught a glimpse of her opponent's appearance—knowing she was a woman—but had no other information.
When did such a powerful figure appear in the Northern Country?
Why hadn't I noticed at all?
Najenda remained warily fixed on the distant dust and smoke. Even though Pumpkin's terrifying attack had just landed a direct hit, she still had no guarantee the opponent was dead. Judging by the ability to use ice, she was likely an Imperial Arms User as well.
All Teigu Users have a hidden Trump Card; Najenda was no exception. She had to assume the opponent wasn't dead... and might even launch an attack at any moment!
"This time... I've run into a tough one..."
A smile appeared on Najenda's face, but the beads of sweat on her forehead suggested her heart was far from calm.
On the other side.
"Cough, cough... so that thing is an Imperial Arm?"
"To possess such formidable power, I truly was ignorant..."
After detecting an attack, Esdeath had immediately led her Army here and spotted the person firing the beams from afar. Thus, the excited girl had leapt up without hesitation to charge the opponent, only to be given a harsh initial warning.
Taking a direct hit from Pumpkin while its Crisis Buff was active was something even Esdeath found difficult to endure. Golden blood even began to seep from her body.
"If I hadn't become a Chrysos Heir and took a hit like that directly... I'm afraid not even ashes would remain, right?"
The physical enhancement the Chrysos Heir status gave Esdeath was incredibly powerful; ordinary weapons couldn't even scratch her skin, yet a Teigu had done so with ease! It hadn't just breached Esdeath's defense; it had caused serious internal injuries. If not for the ice in her hands blocking the majority of the attack, Esdeath might not even have been able to get back up.
But even so, the pain throughout her body reminded Esdeath... she absolutely must not be hit by that thing a second time!
If all Imperial Arms possess such power, then the Southern Empire is indeed a massive threat. No wonder Lady Imperator didn't move against The Empire immediately; with our current strength, it would indeed be difficult to defeat them.
First impressions are vital. Esdeath had never seen an Imperial Arms User and didn't know what kind of power a Teigu possessed, but this initial warning had certainly left a deep impression. Whether now or in the future, Esdeath would likely harbor a trace of wariness toward Imperial Arms.
"But I only need to suffer such a loss once."
"You won't get a second chance to hit me!"
Esdeath lightly licked the golden blood flowing from her arm. A crimson light gradually flickered in her eyes, like a bloodthirsty monster preparing to break free from its human skin!
However, beneath that golden blood and just behind her elbow—a spot Esdeath completely failed to notice—a faint blue light emerged from the wound, gradually transforming into Blue Scales with unique patterns...
—
"Is she coming?"
Watching the dark shadow rushing toward her through the smoke, Najenda's eyes narrowed. She immediately pressed Pumpkin's trigger, firing a beam of light. The smoke was dispersed by the beam, allowing Najenda to see exactly what she had hit.
Was that... a military uniform?
Oh no, a decoy!
"You fell for it after all..."
A cold voice, like that of the Grim Reaper, suddenly appeared by Najenda's ear. It meant the opponent had unknowingly moved behind her and could take her life at any second.
"For the Northern Region to have a powerhouse like you was indeed something I didn't expect, but you seem to have forgotten where we are."
Najenda didn't panic at all. While she had been wary of the dust earlier, she had already grasped the current situation. The Noble's territory had already been breached by her Imperial Army, while this assailant's Army seemed to still be far away, having not caught up yet.
This meant... Esdeath had to face the entire Imperial Army here all by herself!
"This is a military camp!"
A smile appeared on Najenda's face. she wasn't fighting alone, for behind her stood countless trusted subordinates.
"Don't go laying hands on someone else's Boss so casually, you!"
A flippant voice came from behind Esdeath. A chain suddenly entangled Esdeath's hands, slowing her attack speed.
"Such methods won't be enough to hold me..." Esdeath's brow furrowed slightly. With a punch that looked weak and effortless, she easily broke free from the chains.
She only then noticed that a green-haired guy and several Soldiers had unknowingly come behind her. However, because their strength was too low, Esdeath hadn't taken them seriously.
"But for me, this is the perfect time to strike!"
"Thanks, Lubbock!"
The Soldiers under her command certainly couldn't damage the woman before them, but that didn't mean Najenda would sit by and watch. That soldier named Lubbock had used his actions to buy her time, and Najenda would respond with her own.
"Release Constraints, Pumpkin!"
The Teigu's Trump Card was activated at this moment. Pumpkin's power received an unprecedented boost once again, aimed straight at the defenseless Esdeath right in front of her!
Boom, boom, boom—!
"It's our victory, Lubbock!"
A confident smile had already appeared on Najenda's face. She didn't believe anyone could take this hit head-on.
However, within Pumpkin's Shockwave, although golden blood flowed from Esdeath's body, she did not vanish. Instead, an even more obvious change appeared...
Those were Blue Scales!
And as the wounds increased, the scales increased as well!
★ ★ ★