Chapter 38: Kill the Ballad of Ice III

A fifteen-year-old girl sat in a moving wagon, legs crossed, hood covering her face. The time was early while three other individuals were in the wagon: a young girl who also covered her face and two grown men that smelled of alcohol. She tapped her boots against the wooden floor, trying to drown out their annoying drabble.

"Ha-ha, you'd think those damn fools would've learned rebelling against the Empire is suicide!" said one of the men, retelling a public execution that happened in the Capital a few days ago.

"I'm not sure people have," replied the other man. "Rumor has it, there are many others who agree with these rebels. Might even be an underground unit of them, planning and gathering treacherous soldiers for their cause."

"Bah, probably just a bunch of nonsense. A conspiracy like that arises every week. I'll never forget the month everyone worried Danger Beasts would develop human intelligence and wear our skins!" The man laughed, spit flying everywhere.

"Heh, that may be, but you never know. Lots of citizens are agitated with the upper brass lately. Have you seen the taxes recently? Criminal, I tell you."

"Aye, I wouldn't mind laying a paw on one of those Teigu. They say ordinary folk could never use them, but I could, given the chance. Most of those high and mighty Imperials wouldn't be so tough without them."

"It'd be nice to spend life in luxury instead of working back-breaking work every day, but everyone knows the Empire gives power to people they want. But, it's as you said, resisting them if futile. Anyone foolish enough to fight back would be eradicated."

"That reminds me; I did some work around the frontier, and found the remains of a tribe that was wiped out. Ever hear of the Partas Clan?"

When he uttered that infamous name, the young girl's gaze drifted over to the men.

"Sounds familiar… Oh yeah! They were those tribe of savages residing in Northern Frontier Lands. Slaughtered over a territorial dispute is what I heard. That was around four or so years ago."

"Yes, that's how the tale goes. I happened to come across their ruined village. Quite the sight. Their bodies were never properly buried, so many of them are lying deep in the snow, the weapons that took their lives still lying there."

"Serves those brutes right. Always going on about how their tribe was superior and how us "soft folk" were cowards for not living in hostile conditions with a Danger Beast around every corner."

"Hehe, damn right! They though themselves fearsome enough to rival the Imperial Army with no Teigu, but, they were the fuckin' weakest of them all!"

And that's when she decided to act. The young girl rose from her position before planting the heel of her white boot in the man's face with such force, he flew off the wagon onto the dirt road below.

"The hell!" yelled the other man, drawing a hunting knife. He jerked his arm towards the girl's head, a killing intent surrounding him.

The girl grabbed his wrist before driving her palm into his gut, forcing him out of the wagon as well. The wooden vehicle rocked back and forth as the horses pulling it became rowdy because of the commotion.

"Darn it, Esdeath!" yelled the grown man who owned this cart. He turned, tipping his straw hat with an expression of annoyance. "Look, I agreed to carry your hide to the Capital because of the handsome compensation, but we agreed I could pick up paying customers along the way."

"There was a problem needing correcting, Gerald," said Esdeath, slipping off her hood, her pale hair practically glowing in the sun, before jumping off the wagon. She approached the man who claimed her tribe was weak. She grinned because of the fear in his eyes.

"W-what are you! A young girl like you shouldn't be strong—"

He gasped when she stomped his stomach. "I am the last member of the Partas Clan. Next time you want to run your tongue about who's weak, remember this embarrassment."

An even wider grin cracked across her face when his pain and fear rose. She only meant to show him how weak he really was, but now she considered using the rapier at her side to entertain herself before continuing her journey.

"Woah!" yelled the girl who was in the cart with her. She had been so silent, Esdeath forgot about her presence. A black hooded jacket concealed her face, but her wide smile shined. "You're like, really strong! It must make you angry when people call your family weak."

"Not really. I just didn't like him saying we all were weak. My tribe was weak because they died; I'm not because I lived."

"What a harsh viewpoint. Still, hard to argue since you took those guys down so fast I could barely keep up. Guess you could say…you put that man between a boot and hard place!"

The wind blew while a deep silence ensued. Esdeath raised an eyebrow. Was that her attempt at telling a joke…?

The girl rubbed the back of her head. "Hehe… my material still needs work. Anyway, seeing a girl around my age as strong as you gives me hope I can be in the Imperial Army."

"You wish to be a soldier?"

"You bet! That's why I'm on my way to the Capital. After years of training, I know I can pull it off!" The girl snapped her fingers. "Oh right, I should introduce myself."

She removed her hood to reveal silky, silver hair tied into in a long braid. Her vibrant demeanor matched her beige-colored eyes, radiating a youthful energy. She appeared to be the same age as Esdeath if not younger.

"I'm Najenda. Let's be good friends, Esdeath. So, what are you headed to the Capital for? With strength like that, I bet you want to be a soldier too."

Esdeath smirked. "I seek to challenge and kill the Great General Budo to prove my strength."

As she predicted, Najenda gasped, likely in disbelief over what Esdeath said. However, instead of an appalled response, Esdeath got a surprise when the silver-haired girl laughed, grabbing her sides.

"Good one! Looks like I have competition in the comedy business."

Gerald spit at the ground. "Get acquainted later you two. Hop your ass up here before those fellas ask for a refund, would ya?"

VVV

Esdeath hoped the long ride to the Capital would be a quiet one devoid of any unnecessary frustrations. An aggravating obstacle arose in the form of Najenda who talked and questioned her the whole way. The girl was animated, friendly, and had a lax demeanor about her—very different from Esdeath. However, her fascination was endearing in a weird way so Esdeath told her tale.

She recounted her tribe's death five years ago at the hands of a rival tribe. She told her how she'd trained the past five years, hunting every Danger Beat she could to gain strength. After, getting bored with the challenge the Northern Frontier gave, she drifted between villages, hunting Danger Beast and doing high-risk jobs for fun and coin.

And that led to her current mission—challenging the strongest man himself. Esdeath decided to finally put her strength against the country's strongest, her insatiable appetite for battle needing quenching. Najenda didn't take it seriously. She was dead serious.

There was one part she redacted: her newfound strength after the encounter with the dragon. Ever since bathing in its blood, she developed supernatural strength, and it only got grander as she learned how to wield it.

When Esdeath finished retelling the past, Najenda, eyes glowing with awe, said, "Wow…you've been through so much. And you're not sad or vengeful about your family dying?"

"Wasting energy over a trivial matter is meaningless. They were weak, so they died—that's all there is to it. I can only improve my skills so I don't become weak like they were."

Najenda's eyes scanned the wooden floor, doubt brimming from here. It made sense. Whenever Esdeath explained the simple nature of living things, people gave her the same look of doubt or resentfulness. Those raised to believe all life was equal would have a hard time swallowing this ideology.

"That's a cynical way to put it, don't you think? I mean…yeah, they died, but I don't think that makes them weak. Strong people die all the time."

"Wrong. When they are strong, they live and survive. It's not until they allow themselves to become vulnerable, do they die. If you let yourself falter for even a millisecond, that moment of weakness can mean death, and there's no one to blame but yourself for allowing it to happen."

After rising, Najenda's shouted, "You're wrong!"

Esdeath raised an eyebrow before laughing under her breath. She waved off Gerald who glanced back at them with a look that said, "Is there going to be another altercation?" Najenda was angry, but there wasn't any intent to attack. "How am I wrong?" asked Esdeath.

Najenda took a deep breath before sitting again, hugging her knees. "Sorry, I didn't mean to yell. You see…when I was little, a group of outlaws attacked my village. They destroyed, killed, and plundered as they please. When I was cornered, my parents sacrificed themselves to let me get away…"

"And? You think that makes them strong?"

"It's not the strength you're talking about, but yes—I do. Sure, they weren't physically capable enough to kill the criminals, yet they had the courage to face death to allow me the chance to live. I believe…that takes a special kind of strength."

Esdeath laughed louder this time, amused by the case Najenda was making. "You think they're strong because they died? Foolishness; if they were strong, they wouldn't have to make that choice in the first place. The strength you're referring to is a fallacy meant for the weak."

Instead of a passionate response, Najenda caught Esdeath off guard with a soft laugh. "Considering how you grew up, makes sense you'd think that way. Me though, I don't buy it. Strength is measured by more than power." Najenda flashed a toothy grin at Esdeath. "I wonder which one of our ideologies are better, my rival?"

Her smile vanishing, Esdeath became the one who's temper rose. There were two offenses that were just committed: Najenda questioned Esdeath's convictions with her childish delusions, and she dared compare the two enough to call them "rivals."

Of course, Najenda probably meant this in a buddy-buddy way, which annoyed Esdeath more. "… Would you like to decide which is better now?"

"Nah, as I am, I couldn't' beat you one-on-one."

That settles it, thought Esdeath, this is somebody I'll never understand. "If you're not sure of your own strength, why do you want to join the Imperial Army?"

"Even though my parents helped me get away, I still encountered trouble shortly after. I would've died if it wasn't for good fortune: A cavalry from the Imperial Army happened to be riding by, and they came to assist." Najenda's face became red. "That's where I met…him."

"And by him you mean…?"

"Rokugou, a general of the Empire. I'll never forget it…the way he dispatched several men with a majestic flick of his whip. After clearing out the outlaws, he personally stayed behind until everyone got help. When I met him, he patted me on my head and said everything would be okay. It was then I decided…I wanted to serve this country by his side…"

Could this girl be any different from me? "The reason you want to join the military is because of some petty crush?"

Najenda rubbed the back of her head. "Yeah, yeah, I know how it sounds. I doubt he'd ever see me in that light. Regardless, it'd be an honor to serve beside him."

"You seek strength only for the acceptance of another; we really don't mix well."

Najenda puffed out her cheeks. "You say that now, but just wait until you find your knight in shining armor. I guarantee you'll want to be strong for him too."

The list Esdeath made regarding her requirements for the perfect partner came to mind. "… Preposterous."

Without warning, Najenda moved from her spot right next to Esdeath. Their faces were mere centimeters apart as Esdeath blushed. "H-hey, who said you could sit so close!"

"Hehe, for such a fearsome warrior, you're really pure."

Esdeath's eyebrow twitched. How does this girl get under my skin so damn easily!

"Since you're so strong and all, you should enlist with me! We can work as we rise through the ranks and maybe become generals ourselves one day. Who knows, we may even get a Teigu of our own!"

"I have no interest in fighting for the Empire. Instead, as I've told you many times now, I want to challenge the strongest of the land, General Budo." Esdeath sighed when Najenda giggled again after she shared her true goal.

"You're really dedicated aren't you. I tell you what: I'll assist you in your fight." Najenda patted the gun holster on her side. "I may not be great at swordplay, but I've been called a prodigy with firearms."

She was going to deny any assistance from her, but a funny image popped in her head. The thought of this girl losing her wits once she finds out Esdeath was serious made any possible complications from allowing her to assist worth it.

Snickering, Esdeath said, "Do as you wish. You might very well die, though."

"Hehe, sure. I'll stay back and take care of the small fry while you handle General Budo. I don't think I'm courageous enough to stand against him." Najenda widened her eyes. "Perhaps, if I could've been raised near the mountains like you, I could've been a little bolder!"

Esdeath didn't respond at first; however, Najenda looked at her as if she was waiting for a response. "Was…that supposed to be another joke?"

Najenda hung her head, her sad demeanor akin to a puppy that's denied its meal. "It appears I have struck out once more…"

"I'm not really one for someone to gauge their comedic skill against."

"Maybe another time then." Esdeath blushed when her shoulder became a pillow since Najenda rested her head on it. "Wake me up when we arrive, will you? I'll need all my strength for when we, hehe, challenge General Budo."

Nope, I'll never understand her… Esdeath's apparent new friend being so casual with her was off-putting, especially to someone like her from a tribe where this sort of thing wasn't the norm.

Still, she'd need to conserve her strength for the upcoming bout, so she rested while smiling to the thought of Najenda losing her mind when she finds out the truth.

VVV

When Esdeath came to, the day shifted into the late evening, the sky above her having a pinkish radiance. But, more importantly, she heard the noise of townsfolk. She sat up—letting Najenda's head hit the wooden floor—and saw the hustle and bustle of the Capital. She finally arrived in the massive city for the first time.

"Ow!" yelled Najenda, rubbing her head. "You could've woken me up more gently—" The silver-haired girl paused before she looked around, wide-eyed. "We're finally here… I've made it to the Capital at last!"

"Yeah, you have," said Gerald, pulling the reins, stopping the horses. "This is as far as I can take you two. You're on your own from here." After Esdeath and Najenda hopped out, Gerald tipped his hat. "Hope you know what you're doing, crazy girl. If you screw up, I never knew you."

Once Gerald rode away, Najenda grabbed Esdeath hands before jumping up and down. "The two of us are in the most high-profile place in the entire Empire. We should do some sight-seeing!"

Esdeath yanked her hands away. "How many times do I have to repeat myself? I'm here for a fight."

"Oh, right," she said while winking. "Well, you're in luck. Today is the Empire's annual tournament for the Imperial Army. The strongest soldiers all compete in a friendly bout to determine who's worthy of promotion. Also, and this is the part you'll like, all the generals should be in attendance!"

"Truly…?"

"Yep, I heard those two guys you beat up talk about it."

It was Esdeath's lucky day. Originally, she planned to stake out in the Capital for a few days, observing the movements of the military, waiting for when General Budo showed himself in public. However, fate was on her side on this day.

Licking her lips with a hungry expression, Esdeath said, "How fortunate; seems those buffoons did have a use. Would you happen to know where this tournament is taking place?"

"Hmm, it's a popular event in the Capital, so they'd be holding it in the stadium deeper in the city." Najenda pointed to the huge structure visible from where they were. The Capital's stadium was in plain sight even from the far end of the Capital.

"Let us be on our way then."

"Hehe, right. Maybe if I'm lucky, General Rokugou will be present as well."

The duo traveled through the busy streets of the Capital, weaving through pedestrians and vendors screaming about their low prices. If Esdeath wasn't so focused, she would've let Najenda sidetrack them. The silver-haired girl constantly talked about the sights and said they should get ice cream or some exotic meats.

While Esdeath enjoyed both of those things, the only thing on her mind was Budo. This would be her greatest challenge, and the best opportunity to prove her strength. The only fear in her mind is what boredom would come if she beat the man commonly referred to as the strongest in the Empire.

And so, the young girl resisted Najenda's wished to partake in the consumerism the Capital offered. On the Northern Frontier, they believed these luxuries made the citizens soft. Esdeath, being the opposite of soft, would not lose sight of her mission she'd trained five years for.

At last, Esdeath looked up at the massive stadium a few meters from her. Najenda caught up to her, almost out of breath. "Geez, was a break too much to ask for?"

"Will we have to infiltrate this place?"

"Nah, events like this are usually open house: First come, first served. Looks like it's already underway, so we'll be stuck with nosebleed seats, though."

"Luckily for us," said Esdeath, walking inside, "we're not here to be spectators."

"Wow, you're really dedicated to this joke, aren't you?" Najenda followed behind, still somehow not catching on that Esdeath was out for blood.

Once they reached the stands, the crowd talking among themselves, Esdeath ears tuned into the clashing of iron. Down below in the ring, the soldiers wearing imperial uniforms were dueling. They fought passionately, but the atmosphere was very casual. There were over a dozen other soldiers standing ringside, probably other competitors.

Esdeath's interest lied somewhere else. Her eyes drifted top the luxury box overlooking the arena. She spotted several men, but only one caught her eye. Her eyes widened when the Great General Budo entered her gaze. Even with the distance between them, she could tell he was the strongest human she'd ever seen up close.

This is even better than I hope, she thought, a twisted smile across her face. Someone like him… If I can defeat him, that'll be the ultimate vindication!

Esdeath broke out of her stupor when Najenda tapped her shoulder. Her eyes were saucers. "I-it's him… I'd recognize that red hair anywhere…"

Najenda referred to the middle-aged man standing opposite of Budo. His presence wasn't as strong, but he was capable as well. Esdeath could feel herself begin to itch at the sight of so many promising foes. To think I never wanted to visit the Capital. There are strong warriors everywhere!

"I've gotten to see him after all these years. Do you think he'd grant me an audience?"

"Let's find out!" Esdeath bolted towards the ring, bloodlust consuming her. After zigzagging through people, hopping from seat to seat, and reaching the lower rim, she jumped onto the ground before approaching the ring. She smirked when the crowd began to murmur in confusion.

"Holy crap you're fast!" yelled Najenda, appearing next to her.

Wow, I thought I'd lose her. She's quicker on her feet than I thought.

"Look, as much as I admire your dedication to this gag, we seriously cannot be down—"

Ignoring her, Esdeath approached a young girl in business attire because of the microphone in her hand. Her blank expression turned into one of surprise as Esdeath ripped it away. Holding it to her mouth, she pointed up at Budo and said, "I am Esdeath, last surviving member of the Partas Clan. Come down here and face me, Great General Budo, so that I may test my power!"

After her loud declaration, the crowd erupted into a sea of shock and outrage. They all yelled in anger about how she dared demand such a thing from the respected general in such a callous way. There were also people shouting things like "savage" at her, likely because of the notoriety of the Partas.

The commoner's reaction didn't matter to her. Rather, she locked eyes with Budo. The general's stare was sharp and powerful, and he didn't have any discernable reaction to her demand. He wasn't taking her as a serious threat, but he wasn't brushing her off as raving lunatic either.

"Wait a moment…" murmured Najenda, Esdeath turning to receive the shocked look she anticipated. Najenda raised her arm, shaking and sweating nervously, and yelled, "You were freaking serious the whole time!"

"I tried to tell you, but you refused to heed my words. That, and the image of you freaking out in my head amused me."

Najenda rubbed her head, her composure lost. "Oh crap, oh crap! I've tagged along with a crazy girl, and now I'll be executed or thrown in jail for life! This will ruin my chances to serve in the military! And this is all happened in front of General Rokugou, no, no, no!"

"Hey, you wretched girl!" yelled one of the soldiers who was previously dueling. There were two male soldiers armed with one-handed swords. "How dare you intrude and demand such a thing! With the general's permission, we'll educate you on how things work in the Capital!"

The two soldiers glanced at Budo, likely waiting for an order. The general nodded, eyes still locked on Esdeath as if he tried to read her. Hehe, so that's it, old man? You mean to test my strength with these weaklings?

Esdeath had an eye for strength, so sizing up the two soldiers was simple. They were no match for her. "Think I shall make an example." Esdeath drew her rapier and waited for her opponents to make the first move. "Come forth, if you dare!"

Both Soldiers rushed her, swords at the ready. Esdeath smirked, spotting many openings between the two within seconds. Their form was amateur enough for her to have many options for a counterattack. Naturally, she went with the one that'd cause the most agony.

She took a step forward, ducking under a swing the first soldier aimed at her. The second had his sword above his head, ready to bring it down on her. The moment he brought it down, Esdeath capitalized.

She used her rapier to run him through at the knee. His downward swing stopped before he wailed in pain, blood splattering for the wound. Esdeath reveled in his screams of pain. "Enjoy this pain, for fodder such as yourself wasn't enough to make me blink!" Now for the other…

She foresaw the other soldier using the chance to strike her flank. However, the soldier acted differently from expected. He continued to run in the other direction…on a path to Najenda, who was still freaking out.

"Look out, you fool!" yelled Esdeath. She gnashed her teeth, angry at Najenda's incompetence and confused why she cared.

With the soldier within reach of Najenda, he thrust his sword, attempting to finishing her in one fatal stab. It was over…so it seemed.

In a move so swift only someone with a trained eye could've seen it, Najenda avoided the stab by moving her head to the side, pushed off her back foot, and dove behind the soldier before shooting him in the leg with her handgun. The soldier went down mid-thrust, likely stunned at Najenda's speed.

Those movements… She's competent. Esdeath saw a different person across from her. The goofball Najenda from a few minutes ago vanished, and this new Najenda with the aura of a warrior appeared. She's been hiding her power from me.

"Blast," said Najenda, pulling her jacket's collar, sighing heavily. "I went and used my full strength on a solider. We're in the same boat now, eh, Esdeath?" Najenda faced Esdeath, flashing a cocky smile. "I'm not gonna be outdone by my rival in front of Rokugou."

Esdeath flicked her hair. "Strong words."

Before their standoff escalated, about twenty soldiers that stood outside the ring gathered around the two young girls in a circle. They held all sorts of weaponry: spears, swords, bows, and other common arms. None of them were at Esdeath's level, but this many at once would be troublesome.

Najenda held firm to her gun. "Not looking good, Esdeath."

"This is but a mere annoyance," said Esdeath, in a battle stance. "If I back down from this swarm of insect, I cannot call myself strong!"

Before Esdeath could go berserk, a man's voice yelled, "That's enough!" The one who issued the order was General Rokugou himself, his blood-red hair draped across his face with a whip at his side. His casual attire, robes and sandals, made him look more like a commoner than a general.

"General Rokugou!" exclaimed Najenda, taking a step forward before bowing. "Do you…happen to remember me, sir? You saved me when my village came under attack from bandits."

The general seemed confused at first, but after studying her and mulling it over, his eyes widened. "Now I recall! You're the girl I rescued after my cavalry happened to ride by your village." He smiled, scratching his beard. "You've grown into quite the young lady it seems."

Najenda put a hand to her chest, blushing. "My name is Najenda; I've been training so I can join the Imperial Army…and hopefully, serve under you!"

"Heh, if you wanted to enlist, there are more practical than this, you know?"

"This clown just happened to tag along with me," said Esdeath, standing across from Rokugou. "I won't ask again: Bring me General Budo!"

Rokugou laughed nervously. "Uh, yeah, that's not going to happen. Sorry, little lady, but he's not someone you can stand against. You're no slouch, but he'd need little less than a flick of his wrist to take your life."

"Is that so?" Esdeath glared daggers at Rokugou before she let bloodlust overtake her. "Then perhaps I'll prove myself by dispatching you first!"

Esdeath soared over the circle of soldiers and ran for Rokugou. The general's smile faded while he reached for the whip at his side. But before he made a move, Esdeath increased her speed to get into range. "Got you!" she yelled, thrusting her rapier at his gut.

But then, someone blocked her attack. It wasn't Rokugou, but someone Esdeath didn't expect.

"I can't allow you to do that, Esdeath," said Najenda, hooking Esdeath's arm with her own. "If you have a death wish, that's on you…but you will not harm the man who saved my life!"

"As if you could stop me!" Esdeath left her feet to deliver a kick. Najenda blocked that before aiming her gun at her. Najenda's shot hit the ground because Esdeath kicked off her shoulder, creating distance and causing her to miss.

Najenda aimed at her, but Esdeath wouldn't allow her to shoot again. She rushed her with swordplay, swiping and thrusting her rapier. Najenda, being handy with firearms, shouldn't be great at close-combat as well. Especially since Esdeath's could handle a rapier better than most masters.

Yet, Najenda evaded with grace. Esdeath cursed under her breath when none of her attacks so much as cut the silver-haired girl. "What's wrong?" asked Najenda, sticking her tongue out. "Off your game today?"

Esdeath smirked when she slashed, but pulled back at the last second. Najenda fell for the feint before Esdeath performed a leg sweep, making her fall to the ground. "Just waiting for you to slip up, Najenda!"

Najenda looked worried, as she should be with Esdeath's rapier about to pierce her neck. Right before Esdeath delivered the fatal blow…she hesitated. What the— Shaking it off, she continued the downward trust, but stopped just short of her neck because of the gun pointed at her.

"You got me," said Najenda, her gun aimed at Esdeath's head, "but I have you as well. I'm not strong enough beat you, and it seems that applies vice versa."

Esdeath internally kicked herself. I allowed her to duel me to a draw? Damn! Why did I hesitate…?

The tense moment between the two stopped when Rokugou began laughing. "What a grand fight! Though I hate to break it to you, after watching—facing Budo is certainly out of the question."

Esdeath clicked her tongue. "I and this girl are not equals! Last I checked, you needed saving from me a moment ago, did you not?"

"You're foolish to think he needed 'saving,'" said the deep voice of General Budo, hands behind his back, walking onto the ring. He settled his sturdy glance on Esdeath. "He could've dodged and snapped your neck with his whip in an instant."

Finally, he's here. His presence is more overwhelming up close; wonderful! "So, you've finally entered the stage, old man." Esdeath removed her rapier from Najenda's neck, eyes trained on her true target.

"Oh boy," said Rokugou, concern over his face. "This is exactly the situation I hoped to avoid…"

"Don't do this, Esdeath!" yelled Najenda. "I know how confident you are, but he's not someone you can face! His Teigu has the power to—"

"Quiet; I know all about his Teigu, Adramelech. I thoroughly studied the old man's abilities and history during my travels."

Najenda picked herself up. "Well, if you know how powerful he is, then why are you hellbent on facing him? Just because you can't beat the strongest in the Empire, it doesn't mean you're weak! You have to realize how insane this is!"

"… I realize I'm outmatched, but's that why I need to face him. If there is an opponent stronger than me, I must face them and become even stronger. If I don't…if I avoid those who are stronger—I'll become weak…"

The grave of her mother came to mind, then her father dying in her arms. Stomping her foot against the ground, Esdeath yelled, "I'll never allow myself to become weak!"

"Esdeath…" murmured Najenda. "That's not—"

"I've heard all I need," said Budo. "Her convictions are unfaltering, so I shall agree to the challenge."

"Woah there, big guy," said Rokugou. "As abrasive as the young lady is, having you tussle with her in front of this crowd isn't the best look. In the end, she's just a kid."

"No…she's not an average kid."

"One of your famous character assessments?"

"This isn't a mere child spouting empty banalities; she believes every word she says. Such a dark, twisted aura…but also very alluring and extraordinary. This girl is one-of-a-kind. And so, I'm curious as to what she'll do."

Esdeath pointed her rapier at Budo. "Well said, old man. A friendly warning: I'll aim for a vital spot."

Budo held out his left palm. "If you can lay a scratch on me, I'll acknowledge you as an equal. Surely, your Darwinist desires will be quenched with that?"

"An equal, huh?" Smiling, Esdeath lunged towards the general, ravenous for the clash. "I'll surpass you instead!"

Within seconds, she already had three plans of attack. Depending on what Budo would do, she'd implement one of them in an instant. However, Budo wasn't making any moves, not even a twitch of his eyelid. Underestimate me, will you?

Then Esdeath turned on another gear and closed the distance. She grinned, performing this move better than when she attacked Rokugou. Logically, even the old man wouldn't react in time to stop himself from impalement. It was her win…

And. In an instant, Esdeath screamed upon experiencing a shock, every part of her body going through hell. Faster than her eye could track, Budo used his Teigu to shoot electricity through her body. The agony was so potent, it was as if pain was the only sensation she had.

It lasted a few seconds but seemed like an eternity. When it subsided, she stumbled a few steps forward before falling to her knees, then face down on the ring. It was over, just like that.

Five years of training and planning, undone in five seconds. Esdeath willed her body to stop shaking, but the aftereffects were powerful. D…damn…

"Goodness, Budo," said Rokugou. "Did you really have to go and use Adramelech on the poor thing? Her chances were low enough as is."

"She wanted to conquer her weakness by facing me. Holding back would've angered her more. Now, she'll learn how small she really is, and reflect on why living up to her own ideology is impossible."

A surge of energy shot into Esdeath after Budo's words. She used her strength to press off the ground until her wobbling knees had to pick up the slack and hold her upright. The pain could knock most out, but Esdeath ignored it, staring back at Budo's winded eyes.

Najenda gasped. "How are you—"

"As you can see, old man, that wasn't enough to stop me. If what I just felt was your maximum power, it seems I worried for naught." Esdeath grinned through the discomfort, enjoying Budo's surprise at her still holding on to conciseness. "Shall we begin the second round?"

"Hold on!" yelled Rokugou, a serious look. "Are you human! You keep pushing yourself, kid, you'll really die!"

"Nonsense, because you see...now that I've experienced it once—I will not be hit with that attack a second time." She rejoiced for a moment, Budo finally showing some signs of taking her seriously. And he should, for Esdeath was certain she'd get him this time.

Before the clash could happen, someone clapping caught her attention. The person in question wore expensive robes, his hefty form approaching her. He twisted his long mustache before stopping front of her, wearing a gentle smile.

"Prime Minister Honest?" said Rokugou, his confusion mirroring the audiences.

"Simply marvelous!" he said with outstretched arms. "You've put on quite a show, young lady. Yes…you are very promising indeed."

Not caring for this man or his words, Esdeath said, "Do you mind? You're in the way."

"Esdeath!" yelled Najenda, freaking out again. "You can't talk that way to the prime minister; he could put us—I mean, you to death for disrespect!"

Honest laughed, holding his massive gut. "No, that's quite alright. From what I've seen, I expect that kind of moxie. But, getting to the point, I've come here for an offer, Esdeath: be a general for the Empire!"

… What?

Both the generals and Najenda opened their jaws, as did Esdeath. This had to be a trick or a joke. He was giving this offer unexpectedly so she'd lower her guard, and that's when he'd order her arrest. Yes, that had to be it…but still…

He seemed genuine.

Rokugou furrowed his brow. "What are you up to, admitting this young girl? You don't have the authority to appoint generals like that. This girl has neither served nor assisted the Imperial Army in any way."

"Those are both true, but I'm certain I can convince the council to admit this girl into our ranks." Honest winked at Esdeath. "I didn't get where I am by being unconvincing."

Is this man…serious? "Whether this offer is real or not, I have no desire to be in your army. My people believed true strength can only sharpen out there, in the rugged elements. A life of luxury while others fight my battles isn't what I desire."

"Heh, the Partas had a very warped view of the Empire. Esdeath, I'm giving you the chance to command your own army, partake in extraordinary battles on the battlefield, and live a life dedicated to crushing those beneath you. I'm offering you a chance to achieve glory beyond your wildest dreams!"

"My own army…?" She played it all out: combating against thousands of other soldiers, the thrill of the bloodshed and battle, having soldiers she could craft however she pleased. She'd get to test her skills as much as her heart desired.

"What are you playing at, Honest?" said Budo, glaring daggers at the prime minister. "It's not like to you to make such decisions this spontaneously."

"I see brimming potential in this girl unlike I've ever seen." Honest smiled ear to ear, glancing at Budo from the side of his eye. "And also…I hope to nurture this seed so that she might even surpass you one day. Wouldn't that be great for the Empire?"

Upon witnessing Budo and Honest, it was obvious: These two were not fond of each other. The personal or political tension mattered little to her; what mattered was the opportunity in front of her the prime minister offered. Still, there needed to be more assurances.

"I have three demands," said Esdeath holding up three fingers.

Honest nodded, hands behind his back. "Name them."

"I'll conquer or suppress any force you wish me too, but I want complete control over tactics, the soldiers in my ranks, and a personal elite guard of my choosing."

"That shouldn't be a problem. Next?"

Esdeath moved her jaw from side to side, unsure if this next demand was worth it. Eh, what the hell. "I'd like this silver-haired fool behind me to be in any division she chooses. I couldn't care less what happens to her after to that."

"Oh, Esdeath... murmured Najenda, sniffling before hugging her from behind. "I knew you valued our friendship deep under that gruff exterior!"

After pushing Najenda off her, Esdeath continued. "This last part is more of a…luxury." With a hand on her hip, a smirk escaped. "I'd like my own torture chamber to punish those I see fit."

The prime minister wasn't aghast, rather he seemed entertained. "I'm sure we can work something out."

"Oh man…" said Rokugou, scratching his head. "This girl is gonna be a doozy. She might even give those Rakshasa Demons a run for their money in terms of eccentricity."

She scanned the ground until the item of her desire, the microphone, came into view. Picking it up, Esdeath faced the audience. If she was going to serve the Empire, she wanted to let its citizens know who she was.

"When I entered this city, I cared not for the Empire. However, now your prime minister has appointed me as a general, that has changed. From now on, my victory is your victory, my strength is your strength, and I'll never allow that strength to waver. So, I ask you all, citizens of the Empire…embrace the name Esdeath, for I will lead the Empire to everlasting glory!"

The crowd erupted into a cascade of cheers and applause. Over and over, they chanted Esdeath's name, fully embracing their new general. Deafening was the amount of noise the crowd made to show their approval of the newest general to the Empire.

"Wow…" muttered Najenda. "With just your natural charisma, you made this crowd—who were jeering at you a short while ago—embrace you completely."

"Words have power to them as well, and I do not fall short in that regard either." Esdeath turned to Honest, arm outstretched for a handshake. "We have a deal, Honest."

Honest shook her hand, a grin across his face, the bond between the two sealed. "Yes, we do, General Esdeath. May we be successful in all our endeavors."