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"All right. I'll take you to meet up with the others."
Alex gave a casual wave and set off at once.
Another piece had fallen into place.
With Gozuki dead, the news should already be spreading. The rest would come on their own. At the latest, before dawn.
…
Chat Group
Yotsuya Miko: "Once this mission's over and the captain completes another ultimate quest… heh."
Mikoto Misaka: "I wonder if something special happens after clearing a certain number of ultimate quests."
Hestia: "Alex is my captain, you know. You girls are way too slow."
Luo Hao: "I am proud of my younger brother."
Tokisaki Kurumi: "When I condense my divinity, I'll clear tons of ultimate quests too!"
Erza: "Let's not get ahead of ourselves."
Yue: "So, Sister Erza, have you decided what kind of god you want to become?"
Shinobu Kocho: "I already have!"
Alex: "A godhood is no small matter. Think it through. There's no rush."
Of course, he wanted to establish his own pantheon as soon as possible. But this wasn't something you could force.
With so many world protagonists already in his ranks, once they ascended one after another, the power they would wield would be immense.
As these thoughts drifted through his mind, Alex returned to Longxi Town and landed lightly.
The moment his feet touched the ground, he sensed several unfamiliar presences. Not Akame and the others.
"That was fast."
"Honestly, I didn't expect you this soon."
"Looks like we won't even have to wait until dawn."
He stopped walking and spoke calmly. "Since you're here, come out."
At his words, three figures stepped out of the darkness.
Leading them was Najasho, captain of the Elite Seven, flanked by Pony and Natala.
Najasho drew his Teigu, the Water Dragon Sword, in a smooth motion. He didn't activate its ability immediately; the backlash was unavoidable.
"My father's death has to be connected to a shady bastard like you!"
"Doesn't matter what the truth is. Killing you is the right call!"
Pony's voice trembled with fury. She activated her Teigu, Yū's Pants, and her speed surged instantly.
"Can't we talk this out?" Alex sighed softly.
He raised a finger and pressed it lightly toward her.
Unlimited Blade Works activated in an instant, dragging Pony into its sealed dimension.
"Pony!" Najasho barked, lifting his blade and pointing it at Alex. "Release her, or I'll make you suffer."
Alex's ability was terrifying, yes. But Najasho was still No.1 of the Elite Seven. He had both the strength and the nerve to face him.
"His power is strange. Be careful," Natala said gravely.
Especially that ability to make someone vanish without warning. It was chilling.
"I'd advise against attacking," Alex said calmly, hands clasped behind his back. "I wouldn't mind killing you once."
"Who wins isn't decided yet!"
Najasho burst forward.
In the same instant, he activated the Water Dragon Sword. His combat power multiplied several times over.
Rapid footsteps pounded against the ground. He leapt high into the air and brought the blade down with full force.
Boom!
The sword tore through the air with an explosive crack.
Alex didn't even bother dodging.
He raised his hand and caught the Water Dragon Sword barehanded.
Without hesitation, he yanked Najasho forward and threw a punch.
His First Authority, War Against Heaven and Earth, activated. The blow punched clean through Najasho's chest.
Instant kill.
Natala froze.
Her mind went blank at the sight.
The captain of the Elite Seven… killed just like that? No defense. No counterattack. Not even a chance.
"Who… who are you?" she asked, drawing a shaky breath.
She tried to steady herself, but her trembling hands betrayed her fear.
"I told you. Don't be so nervous," Alex said mildly. "If you don't attack, nothing happens."
With these three accounted for, everyone who needed to be here had arrived.
"Who exactly are you? I've never seen you in the Empire."
"There's no record of you in the assassination organization either."
Natala's voice was low but steady as she pressed for answers.
Alex didn't reply.
Instead, he flicked a hand toward the shadows beside him.
The next second, several figures stepped out.
At the front were Akame and Kurome, along with Tsukushi and the others. Myo and Cornelia followed close behind.
This lineup was more than enough to wipe out most enemies.
Even if Najasho and Natala fought together, escaping would have been nearly impossible.
"Ask whatever you want," Alex said lightly. "I'll be waiting in the room."
Before leaving, he waved his hand again.
Green magic flowed from his palm.
Revival magic activated.
It spread over Najasho's fallen body, repairing his wounds and reigniting the extinguished flame of his life.
As for Pony, trapped within Unlimited Blade Works, she was released as well.
With Akame wielding One Cut Kill: Murasame, plus Myo and Cornelia present, there was no chance for them to stir up trouble.
Not to mention Guy and Green lurking nearby like seasoned schemers, ready to ambush.
As Alex walked away, the green glow faded.
Najasho struggled to his feet, horror still lingering in his eyes.
That first instant of death… it wasn't something that could be erased.
"Akame?!" His gaze locked onto the familiar petite figure before him. "Why are you here?"
And in the very next second—
He understood everything.
"..."
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