Chapter 115: Esdeath's Approach

He then encased Sheele’s upper body in diamond, infusing it with vibrant life force to sustain her final breath.

Having done this, he ignored the panicking members of the security force, shattered the giant beast’s skull with a thunderous blow, and immediately used the same method to preserve Sheele’s lower body from the pool of blood.

He focused intently, ensuring her internal organs suffered no further damage while the nourishing life fluid gently revitalized her.

The beast’s head began to regenerate. As its crimson eyes fixed on the youth, he unfurled his wings and vanished into the night sky before it could strike.

Rescuing Sheele was the priority. Moreover, the spiritual energy stored within his diamond orbs had been largely depleted; to avoid any mishaps, he did not branch out to eliminate the security team or the red beast.

Pushing himself to his absolute limit, disregarding the strain on his own body, he descended beside Akame within minutes.

Ignoring Akame’s shift from wariness to shock and grief, Qi—who had been sitting cross-legged—suddenly opened his eyes. He took the two halves of Sheele’s body while simultaneously withdrawing his other self back into the diamond orb.

"Akame, go back and notify the Boss. I need a moment before I can return." The situation allowed for no further explanation.

Clutching Sheele, he rushed into the mountainside and sealed the cave entrance with diamond; he did not want to be disturbed at such a critical moment.

Akame stared at the diamond-blocked entrance, her gaze lingering for a moment before she turned and sprinted at full speed toward the base. Though she did not know why Qi had done this, she trusted her comrade.

...

"Big Brother, what’s wrong? Why did you stop?" Tatsumi looked at Bulat in confusion.

Bulat listened intently, his focus sharp. "Tatsumi, I think I heard something! Stay on guard."

Tatsumi immediately stood back-to-back with Bulat, scanning the surroundings vigilantly. After a few minutes, nothing seemed to have happened.

"Tatsumi, find a tree and hide. I’m going to scout ahead." Bulat crept forward, activating "Incursio."

Using his ability to turn invisible, Bulat approached the source of the sound silently. As he drew closer, he sensed several powerful auras. Relying on his invisibility, he continued to close in on those presences. Pushing aside the foliage on a winding path, he caught sight of several figures and held his breath.

Even while invisible, he felt a jolt of alarm. But just as he intended to withdraw, his eyes drifted to one particular figure, and he could not help but let out a soft gasp.

Realizing his mistake, Bulat retreated rapidly, though not in the direction of Tatsumi’s hiding spot; even if Tatsumi joined him, they would be no match for these enemies. Especially the tall woman in the center, wearing a white military uniform with long, sky-blue hair—it was Esdeath.

How could this woman be here? They were not far from the base, and the group seemed to be heading directly toward it. There were five of them, but the leader was not Esdeath; it was a sleazy-looking middle-aged man. He thought of the eight intruders—had the intelligence already been leaked?

"Since you’re here, you might as well stay," Esdeath said with a sadistic, satisfied smile. With a wave of her hand, a massive ice wall rose from the ground, blocking Bulat’s path of retreat.

"Are you from Night Raid? So, we really are near your lair? It seems the intelligence was accurate after all; I thought this trip might be a waste of time," Esdeath said as she strolled forward.

Bulat revealed himself; maintaining invisibility consumed his stamina rapidly. "Esdeath, I, Bulat, have always wanted to cross blades with you. But what brings you to this wilderness?"

"Hunting prey, of course. Someone reported finding the Night Raid base. I don't believe many people in the Empire would dare lie to me, so I came to see for myself. It’s a pity, though—you’re not the trophy I was hoping for," Esdeath said with a hint of regret.

"Bulat, do you still recognize me?" A robust old man stepping out from behind Esdeath spoke up.

"It is you, General Liver," Bulat said, his gaze shifting from Esdeath to the strong old man. It was because of this man that he had made the noise that gave him away.

"I am no longer a general. Since General Esdeath saved me, I belong to her." The old man bowed slightly behind Esdeath. "General, Bulat was once my subordinate. I wish to settle this grudge with him."

"Oh? Is this the 'Hundred-Man Slayer' Bulat you often spoke of? His aura is indeed quite strong. Very well, he is yours. We will head to the base to find more prey. Liver, do not disappoint me." Esdeath stopped, turned, and walked away.

"Yes, General Esdeath."

"Big Brother, what happened?" A young figure suddenly leapt out from beside the ice wall.

"Fool! Can’t you see the situation? You should have returned to the base to warn the others! Why come here?" Bulat scolded, frustrated by his recklessness.

"But I couldn't just leave you alone, Big Brother." Tatsumi stood beside Bulat and drew his broadsword.

"Another small fry. Nyau, Daidara, you two stay behind and play with them. I’m going to their base to enjoy myself. Lead the way." Esdeath didn't even glance at the new arrival, as his aura felt too weak.

"Yes, Lady Esdeath."

"Yes, General Esdeath. Killing him will surely grant me plenty of combat experience."

Bulat did not try to stop Esdeath from leaving; his eyes remained fixed on his former superior, General Liver. "Weren't you imprisoned for refusing to bribe the Prime Minister and taken back to the Capital? How did you become a dog for the Empire?"

"Bulat, I have never served the Empire. I only serve Lady Esdeath. With your strength and prowess, General Esdeath would surely value you. Any interest in working for her?" Liver stood straight, his eyes burning as he looked at his once-prized subordinate.

"I refuse," Bulat replied without a moment's hesitation.

"You need not worry about your past crimes. Once you are favored by General Esdeath, all your pasts can be wiped away, and you will gain the power that even those filthy bureaucrats fear and grovel before."

"I said, I refuse. You might find your current state comfortable, having lost hope in the bureaucracy, but I intend to stand on the side of the people. As for General Esdeath, who colludes with the Prime Minister—I cannot stand her."

"Sigh. In that case, I have no choice but to carry out General Esdeath’s orders and settle this grudge here today."