"Have you heard? Under the command of Lord Arashi Hayata, the revolutionary army has been completely destroyed."
"No way… wasn't the revolutionary army supposed to have a million soldiers? They only began their rebellion a few days ago!"
"It's true. The entire million-strong army has been wiped out, and countless high-ranking officers have been captured. Lord Arashi Hayata is truly brilliant."
Inside the imperial palace, a few guards huddled together, whispering in awe. Each time they mentioned Arashi's name, their voices trembled with respect.
At that moment, Arashi Hayata and his companions stepped out of the palace gates.
Though they were far away, their keen senses easily caught every word.
Najenda sighed softly. "Your Excellency, the Devil, it seems your reputation grows by the day."
A devil embraced by humanity?
Strange, yet somehow true.
Arashi smiled faintly. "Oh? I wonder if I've managed to win your heart as well?"
"…"
Najenda opened her mouth to respond but found no words. Her heart fluttered, an unfamiliar warmth blooming within.
Yes… even she, too, was not immune.
She looked at Arashi with complicated eyes, recalling everything that had happened since they met. Her lifelong dream had been to create a nation where people could live in peace and happiness.
Now, because of him, that dream was within reach.
Quietly, she asked, "Aren't Akame and the others enough for you?"
Arashi's lips curved into a teasing smile. "Who said there were only three?"
Najenda blinked in surprise. "How many more, then?"
"You'll find out once you become my dependent," Arashi said smoothly. "So… are you tempted?"
Her face flushed crimson as memories of how Akame became a devil flashed through her mind.
Yet, she didn't refuse. Instead, she whispered with uncertainty, "I'm… a little confused. Maybe let me think about it?"
After all, she had once been the commander of Akame and the others.
If she became a devil too… wouldn't that mean competing with them for the same man?
The thought made her inexplicably embarrassed.
Arashi's gaze softened. "Don't worry. My door will always be open for you."
Najenda didn't realize it yet, but the moment those words left his lips, her fate had already been sealed.
Arashi turned and said, "Leone, I'm taking Akame and Esdeath out for a while. You stay and guard the palace."
Leone nodded confidently. "Leave it to me, Master."
Esdeath smiled mischievously. "Master, are you taking me out on a date? But why bring Akame along?"
Akame said nothing — only glared at Esdeath in quiet annoyance.
Why is this woman so irritating?
Arashi glanced between the two women, a strange look in his eyes. Even though he knew Esdeath had become gentler since falling in love, the contrast between her teasing and her devotion was still… extreme.
But, he admitted inwardly — it was rather endearing.
The Far West.
Swish!
Arashi and the two devils spread their dark wings, slicing through the skies until they descended among a vast chain of volcanoes.
The air was suffocatingly hot, and the scent of sulfur burned their throats.
"This place is terrible," Esdeath muttered, narrowing her eyes as she observed the churning magma. "For a dangerous species to live here… it truly deserves the title of 'King.'"
Arashi nodded, his eyes glinting faintly. Deep within the molten flow, he sensed an overwhelming presence — one that even made him feel a twinge of danger.
This creature was no ordinary beast.
"Step back," he said calmly.
Akame and Esdeath obeyed, retreating without hesitation.
"Why, aren't you ready to come out yet?" Arashi's voice echoed through the volcanic valley as his aura erupted into the sky. The entire mountain range trembled, magma roaring like an angry ocean.
From the depths of the molten pit, a massive creature stirred.
Two blood-red eyes opened in the darkness — eyes filled with fury and primal strength.
"Roar!"
The creature's bellow shook the heavens. Shockwaves rippled through the air, distorting the world itself. Even Akame and Esdeath were forced to brace themselves.
"This power…" Esdeath murmured, her expression tightening. "So this is the King of Dangerous Species."
She looked ready to leap into battle, but Arashi's command kept her in check.
Boom!
The volcano exploded violently as the massive beast emerged — part dragon, part serpent, wreathed in flames.
Waves of scorching fire spread outward, turning the air itself into a blazing inferno.
"Tch." Esdeath stepped forward, summoning waves of frost. Ice clashed with fire, but even she could feel the intense heat pressing against her.
"It's so hot!" Akame said softly, her voice tinged with awe. "What a powerful creature."
Yet, she too stood still. The master had ordered them to wait — and they obeyed.
Arashi's eyes lit up with excitement as he looked upon the monster.
"So this world can produce dangerous species that rival the highest-ranking devils… fascinating."
Indeed, in every world, there were beings of extraordinary potential — just like Akame and Esdeath themselves.
"Roar!"
The King of Dangerous Species howled again, flames swirling around its colossal frame.
Arashi's tone turned cold. "You are strong. In this world, perhaps no one can defeat you."
He raised his hand, his voice low and resolute. "But unfortunately for you… you met me."
A pale blue magic circle bloomed in the sky, casting light over the entire volcanic field.
The King's eyes widened in panic. Its instincts screamed danger, but it was too late.
It unleashed a storm of fire toward Arashi — enough to scorch heaven and earth — yet Arashi only waved his hand dismissively.
Crack!
Thunder split the sky. The flames froze midair and shattered like glass before vanishing into nothingness.
A pillar of lightning crashed down from the heavens, swallowing the beast whole. The explosion tore the mountain apart, shaking the world.
When the storm of energy finally subsided, the King of Dangerous Species plummeted from the sky, its body smoldering, its roar fading into silence.
Arashi watched its fall, his expression calm yet thoughtful.
"This flame beast was quite something… perhaps its essence could forge a new imperial weapon."
Unconsciously, his gaze drifted toward Esdeath — and he smiled.