Taking the first push, Tiranov lunged forward with speed, his opponent managing to avoid his clawed attack and returning it with a punch across his face. He recoiled from the blow, but quickly recovered and brought his knee up, striking the woman's gut and knocking her back.

She demonstrated her own recovery speed, flipping over her shoulder and planting her feet on the wall before lunging out and slamming her shoulder against his chest. The force caused Tiranov to step back, but quickly raise his hand up and slash at her with his claw. She avoided the attack while in the air, narrowly dodging it as the wall was cut from the pressure of his attack.

"Now that's a bit of power to it!" The woman cheered as she sent two quick punches at Tiranov, who managed to parry both hits before swinging his hand up for another slash. She dodged the attack, and through the process of spinning around him, delivered a powerful punch to Tiranov's back. He went forward from the strike, but landed on his hands and kicked back, striking her across her face and knocking her through the wall into one of the empty rooms.

Rushing into the room, Tiranov had only a moment to bring his arms up when the woman retaliated and jumped out. The following double legged kick had enough force to send the airborne Tiranov crashing back against the opposite wall, cracking from the impact.

'This woman's skill with Lionel surpasses Hota!' Tiranov thought, his grin widening as the woman closed the gap between them and punched his face, the two of them crashing through the wall into Harakala's room.

"W-What's going on!?" The woman shouted in shock, Tiranov's excitement snapping as he realized the assassin was now in eyesight of her target.

"Lady Harakala, get down!" As Tiranov and the woman rolled in preparation to lunge, the man was quicker and tackled the assassin across the room. She flipped him off her with the pressure of her legs, but as he hit the wall he slammed his fist into the stone and threw a chunk of it at the woman before she could get close to Harakala.

'Damn it, Harakala in danger puts this at my disadvantage.' Tiranov realized as he got between the women, throwing his fist forward and clashing with the assassin.

"The thrill of this fight can wait, right now I got to take care of you!" He shouted, slashing with his free hand. The assailant managed to dodge, only suffering a cut on her cheek before she kicked him back and lunged forward.

Tiranov then slammed his heel down before she could reach Harakala's bed, pressing forward and delivering a solid knee to her chin. The two then threw their heads forward, slamming their foreheads together as a shockwave of force nearly shattered the windows.

"Shit!" The assassin grunted in pain, a large gash bleeding as Tiranov's headbutt surpassed hers and she was knocked back against the wall. She only had a second to recover when Tiranov brought his hand up again, prepared to cleave the assassin in two as his eyes glowed bright.

'BELOW!?'

Tiranov barely registered his senses when the floor beneath him was destroyed and a red spear came right at his head. Tiranov was taken off his feet and slammed against the ceiling by the full length of the spear, Harakala staring in shock at the sight.

"Tiranov!"

'He reacted in time!?' While the noblewoman was shaking in fear, the new assailant looked up in shock to see Tiranov having caught the crimson end of his spear with his teeth, keeping his head from hitting the ceiling with his hands.

"Arh mahn." Tiranov mumbled between his teeth, pushing himself back and releasing the spear as he recovered from the last-minute attack. "That was close, you did well to hide yourself up till the last second there. Too bad you had Incursio of all Teigu."

"This guy's got better reflexes then I thought." The blonde said, eagerly grinning as she cracked the knuckles of her paws.

"That was more then reflexes." The man stated, stepping forward into a readied stance with his spear. The man was covered head to toe in armor, the Teigu Incursio as Tiranov stated. And through it, the man had the same eyes as Tiranov, instantly caught on by both men.

The room became silent as the two assassins stared down with Tiranov, the latter of the three shifting the right of his cloak to the side as he raised his hand up again.

"Come."

The break in the silence resulted in the two assassin's lunging forward, Tiranov quickly catching Incursio's spear by the red blade. He then pushed it down to the floor while jumping to the side, striking the woman's gut with his shin, and sending her through the hole she punched him. He then curled both his hands into claws and began to trade slashes with Incursio, sparks coming off the spear as Tiranov prevented him from landing a solid blow.

Although for every attack Tiranov deflected, the assassin prevented him from landing a slash. Neither gained the advantage until the woman came crashing back through the wall, growling as she rushed for the two. Tiranov attempted to knock Incursio back with a kick, but was caught between his elbow and suffered a solid blow from the woman that nearly sent him through the next wall.

Tiranov only had the time to shake the fog out of his head before lunging forward, slashing Incursio's spear down and bringing both his arms up. Neither assassin could stop him in time as he struck them with a lariat, continuing with the momentum until he slammed through the wall and sent all three crashing down onto the courtyard.

They all took a second to stand up, the rain hitting against them as they regained their footing. But once they were up, Tiranov could grin once again to the two as his excitement grew.

'He's something else from the other guards.' The armored man thought as he pointed his spear to Tiranov.

"Think you two can keep going? Cause I've been waiting for the chance to stretch my legs with a fight." Tiranov stated as he got down into his stance, the glow to his eyes dimming as scales started to form across his body.

"So he's a Teigu user after all."

"And that Teigu isn't anything from the logs." The two assassin's spoke to each other, Tiranov's grin appearing dark as the lightning flashed behind him.

"Go for the kill?"

"Go for the kill."

With the plan set, both assailants rushed forward. Tiranov was initially caught off guard as they went even faster then before, but quickly recovered as he blocked both their attacks.

'Guess getting pumped up was the right idea after all!' He thought to himself, feeling Incursio's spear cut through his scales and the combined power alongside Lionel's strength knock him several meters back. He then planted his feet to the ground and instantly stopped, clashing with the spear once more before narrowly dodging the woman's punch and returned it with his own.

Her guard was bypassed by his sudden counter, the force of his punch causing her to cough out blood before getting sent flying back. Tiranov then ducked under Incursio's spear, jumping back when he slashed down and destroyed the concrete beneath him.

'No doubt about it, Incursio's the better fighter between the two.' He concluded as the armored assassin jumped up, gripping his spear firmly as he thrusted the blade up. Tiranov returned the thrust with his claw, the clash sending the rain on them flying off before they began to swing powerfully.

Each attack seemed faster and stronger than the last, the combined pressure nearly keeping them dry during the raging storm. When their feet touched the ground they sent one last blow at each other, their guards shifting before they both threw their heads forward. Both held their ground as they pressed against each other, staring directly into each other's Tyrant eyes with determination.

"Not bad, no less expected from the bearer of Incursio." Tiranov complimented with a grin, Incursio pushing back with equal vigor.

"To see a man like you push against my strength like this, I admire fiery passion like that!"

Just as Tiranov was planning to rear his hand back, he was blindsided as the woman reappeared and struck the right of his head with a amped up punch. He swore he heard a crack from the impact, showing that the strength of Lionel was reaching its peak from her instincts.

Incursio followed the punch with a swing of his spear, slashing Tiranov across his chest. The two assassins were however surprised as Tiranov quickly brought his legs up and caught them with his feet. He then went with the momentum of the two's attacks, flipping over his back and slamming both their heads into the concrete ground.

He then jumped back from where they landed, wincing from the wound on his chest and panting as he watched them get back up.

'This is a rather interesting situation.' He thought with labored breaths. 'I can see through their attacks almost perfectly, but with both their intents flooding my instincts and their stamina it's getting hard to follow them.'

"Can't believe we've ran into such a foe with what was considered a simple target." Incursio stated as he looked to Tiranov, impressed by the single man holding his own against two Teigu users. "Not looking too hot though, out of shape?"

"Out of practice." Tiranov responded, grinning in return.

"Could've fooled me." The woman said, wiping the blood off her mouth and spitting out a loose tooth. "Could've killed a normal person ten times over with half those hits you've landed."

"Shows how compatible you are with Lionel. Your wounds are closing quickly." He pointed out, seeing the sharpened tooth already grow back to replace the one she lost.

"So you recognize both our Teigu then. Which means we can't let you escape here alive."

"A rather comforting thought, but you really should reconsider." Tiranov responded, pointing up to the storm. "You notice the lightning's starting to pick up?" At the moment he stated that, a bolt of lightning went off by the palace, a second being even closer. "You both know that there's a Teigu that controls the weather like this. One the Empire possesses?"

"Your bluffing." The man argued, only for another flash of lightning to respond.

"Can you take that chance? Maybe you kill me, but then he shows up and kills two members of Night Raid." Tiranov stated. "Is that the kind of victory you assassins are willing to obtain. A noblewoman and her guard? I've seen enough fights to know when to call it quits, sometimes it's best to retreat then to die needlessly."

"…" Both assassins were silent as Tiranov smirked to them, the rain washing over them as they weighed their options.

"…We should retreat while we have the time." The armored man eventually said, getting an annoyed grunt from the woman.

"Damn it, I hate having to run from a fight like this."

"Find me outside of this… murder… business you got going." Tiranov said with a grin, winking to them. "I'd gladly take either of you on again. Alone or together."

"I wouldn't make such an offer handsome, not when we've damaged you that bad." The armored man responded.

"Next time it'll be different. I'll make sure it's more exciting for the both of you." A lightning then boomed closely, getting him to shrug. "Better get going, he's not gonna be as nice as I am."

"We'll settle this next time." Incursio stated as he jumped away quickly.

"See ya around tough guy, hope you're ready for round two!" The woman winked as she pounced to follow, leaving Tiranov alone in the rain.

"Oh thank god!" He gasped out as he collapsed back, falling onto his ass as he panted heavily. The scales on his body then slowly flattened, returning to his normal skin. "I never loved my eardrums exploding as much as I do now. If they stayed for a few more seconds my bluff would've been called."

'So… that was Night Raid.' He thought to himself, hearing guards running out as he looked into the sky. 'They really are strong. There's room to grow, but that strength's there.' He then closed his eyes, letting himself fall onto his back as he basked in the rain.

'How are people of such reputation so trusting? I didn't feel that kind of pressure since I got here.'


"You did well in your defense of Mrs. Harakala." Budo congratulated Tiranov, the latter sitting on his bed with bandage wrapped around his torso. "Our guards were spread thin, but we were expecting Night Raid to attack one of the nobles further away from the Capital."

"They attacked at the most opportune time; they probably had an inside source." Tiranov responded, wincing at the still fresh wound.

"We'll find whoever the traitor is." Budo stated confidently. "It looks like your skills are as rusted as you claimed. Although I suppose you were attacked by assassins, making it no small feat you survived."

"I got lucky." Tiranov chuckled. "Any other Teigu it might've gone differently. But because it was Incursio I could read his moves clearly."

"Right, one of the assailants was former Captain Bulat. It was impressive you defended yourself from him." Budo praised. "But this second one, you claimed she was different?"

"She was fighting like a beast, packed a hell of a punch the more pumped she got."

"But you didn't see what her Teigu was?"

"No, she kept it hidden." Tiranov lied, looking to Budo as he did. His fight with Night Raid put multiple thoughts into the man's head. And before he could find the answers he wanted he was going to hold his cards to his chest.

"Unfortunate, learning another one of their Teigu would prepare us even further." Budo sighed in disappointment. "I'll be pulling you out of your guard duty for a few days, give yourself time to recover."

"No, I'm fine to-grck!" Tiranov attempted to stand up, but grunted in pain before Budo pushed him back onto the bed by his shoulder.

"That's an order. We need you at your best for when this war reaches its climax." The Great General stated. "I'll work on getting you back into shape, but I won't until I know you're back to 100%."

"Excuse me?" He questioned back, referring to his abs that were covered by the tight bandaging.

"If you were half as focused fighting as you are making a hassle, you wouldn't need training." Budo responded as he walked out. "You won't leave these grounds until you're healed. Am I clear?"

"…Crystal." Tiranov sighed as he laid down on his bed, immediately tapping on his bicep as he lost patience mere moments into his bedridden position.

'Grounded moments after being treated, Budo really wastes no time.' He thought with a groan, rubbing his nose in irritancy. 'That smell's back too! That stupid medicine burns my… this is familiar…' The burning of his nostrils was met with confusion, the man recognizing the scent from just before the assassins attacked. 'It's a bit different, less potent but that's definitely the same drug.'

Tiranov's confusion was halted as he heard the door creak, looking to the door and see Liver enter and respectfully bow. "Sir Tiranov, it's comforting to see you in good health. I apologize for the intrusion."

"It's fine, need something?"

"General Esdeath wished to speak with you about your experience fighting Night Raid. I'm here to escort you."

"Budo's ordered the guards to leave me in here until I heal."

The room remained silent as Liver looked up from his bow. Of Esdeath's batch Liver was the only one Tiranov felt no inherent bloodlust. But at that moment their eyes met, Tiranov's body reacted on it's own, jumping over the man as he crossed the room in a blink and swiped his hand at where Tiranov's neck once was.

"Forgive me sir, but I believe that's not a problem." Liver called out as Tiranov landed behind him, crouched as he looked at him in surprise.

"It was that easy?"

"I know a poker face when I see one, and I'm sure Great General Budo does as well." Liver stated. "Now if you would follow me."

Tiranov sighed as he was caught, standing up and putting his cloak on as he followed the aged man. He saw the guards look cautiously at Liver, but remained silent for the sake of themselves. Tiranov felt the guards weren't any pushovers, but Liver's obvious skill and talent made him not one to question lightly. Add in the ring Teigu on his finger, and he held his authority rightfully.

"Ah, thank you Liver." Esdeath thanked the man when the two arrived, sitting outside a café close to the royal palace. "I sent Daidara and Nyau ahead to ready the troops, they're waiting for you to prepare for the mobilization."

"Of course, General Esdeath." Liver responded, bowing to her before walking off.

"You've had a rather eventful return home." Esdeath commented when Tiranov sat, having ordered the two drinks before he arrived. "I must admit, I feel jealous now that I wasn't the most noticeable fight in the first day of your return."

"I wouldn't say that, hard to top knocking me to the ground with a single blow." Tiranov responded, taking the glass and observing the liquid. It was brown and transparent, but he didn't smell any alcohol. And the fizz at the top confused him.

"It's a new beverage, the citizen's refer to it as soda." Esdeath explained, seeing his inquisitive stare. "I don't believe you were around when they first made it."

"Don't think so, don't remember hearing about it." He agreed, taking a small sip and chuckling. "Hehe, it bubbles and pops."

"It's different from most drinks at first taste." She nodded. "I assume Liver informed you of why I requested you here?"

"What, you didn't want the company?" He joked, putting his drink down as he looked to the general. "You wanted to talk about Night Raid."

"We had solid leads that Bulat had been in their ranks, however there was no eyewitnesses to confirm it." She explained. "We've sent agents to suspected locations for their attacks, Teigu users. Even they were killed. Surviving a fight to a draw is no small feat."

"I may be sloppy fighting people, but if there's things I can fight better then anyone it's Danger Beasts and Tyrants."

"I believe those can be considered one and the same."

"You've never hunted an adult Tyrant, have you?"

"Apparently I haven't." Esdeath smirked, leaning forward and paying close attention. "Enlighten me."

"They're bigger than any Tyrant that could be found here, twice the normal size and ten times as destructive as a Death Tagool." He explained, recounting his experience. "A whole army could be thrown at one, and I doubt a single human would live. They transcend what we recognize as Super-Class. All the Danger Beasts that live in Anachak, they're children compared to what's out in the rest of the world."

"Danger Beasts that surpass Super-Class, how many have you fought?"

"I've lost count, each battle was close enough to being my last." He admitted. "If one came here I'm certain with you and Budo we'd minimize the casualties, but a portion of the Capital would be lost. As much as a threat the Revolutionary Army is, if one of those Tyrants came here it could wipe out half the country in hours."

"I see, that would explain your battle with Night Raid perfectly." Esdeath noted. "Incursio was created with the flesh of a Tyrant, and from your report the second assassin likely possessed a Teigu created from another Danger Beast. If you've fought monsters like that, they only had their human nature to thank for their survival."

"They're not the only type of monsters I've slain." Tiranov noted, his gaze to the tattoo that was visible above Esdeath's chest.

"Oh, so you can sense even the blood of a Danger Beast after years of digestion. Is that through scent or a supposed sixth sense?"

"A bit of both. I'd never forget the feeling of a Corotifsu."

"How much have you hunted in the north?"

"Enough to know only the stronger breeds of Danger Beast reside there. And humans."

"I'm sure you've heard of the campaign planned against Moroz? It's all the nobles are talking about, with their guards being spread more between them." Esdeath mentioned, getting Tiranov's attention. "The tribes there have been noted as powerful, defeating all of the Empire's attempts to quell them. With the terrain and their hero Numa Seika in mind, I believe it would be the perfect opportunity to have you regain some of your skills. It'd also be a way for us to see just how much the Founding Hunter's blood affects a warrior."

"I suppose it would help knock off the rust. How long until you leave?"

"We plan to leave within the week. From there our campaign will march to the north and be there in a matter of weeks."

"I should discuss it with Budo, if he clears me it'd be a perfect opportunity."

"You don't require the old man's permission." Esdeath stated, confusing Tiranov. "You possess the Tyrant Sigil, politically you hold little power, but in terms of the military you're your own wing. A general for hunting Danger Beasts and criminals. As the sigil represented for a thousand years."

'A symbol of authority?' Tiranov thought, surprised at the notion. 'All this time… but I thought…'

"Whatever the case, the old man's trying to leash you with your naivety. He hopes to include you in his own ranks to prevent you being a problem in his plans."

"A problem?"

"I'm honestly surprised he let you anywhere near Harakala. What with the rumors and bribes." Esdeath said, smirking as she saw the confliction. "Feel free to look into it more, Budo can't prevent you from doing your duty."

"…Thank you for the information, Esdeath." Tiranov responded as he stood up, the general drinking from her glass.

"Remember, you have the end of the week to decide on joining my army. I'm sure that will be more than enough time to consider."

"I'll think about it. For now, I should do my job." The man only looked up from the table before walking away in silence, a noticeable weight seen in each step taken.

'I wonder what decision you'll make.' Esdeath thought, placing her glass down as the man's cloak went up as the wind gusted, his bandages flying off as they were ripped apart in an instant. 'Shall I have another pawn? Or will fate bless me with a worthy opponent?'


"The lady's at it again?" A guard asked as he walked to the front door of the manor, the two guards stationed there sighing in understanding.

"Yep, found two while out looking for wood to replace the destroyed floor."

"Jeez, if they weren't such savages I'd feel bad for those southern bastards." The guard groaned, looking away as he did. "But I guess there's worse ways to go out."

"You know the disturbing part? Rumor has it her husband knows about it and encourages it."

"I've heard he helps mix the medicine in. Man, think they're both just-!" All three guards froze as bloodlust was felt in the air, turning to the source and raising their rifles.

"Freeze!" The leader shouted, pausing when they saw Tiranov approach from the shadows.

"Sorry there, I didn't scare you three did I?" He asked, walking in the open towards them.

"Just gave us a scare sir, we figured those assassins you fought had come back." One answered, getting a chuckle from the man.

"I suppose that explains the added security." He said, noting he could smell more guards then there were last night. "May I enter? I wish to make sure Harakala is fine after the incident. I didn't see her after reinforcements arrived."

"May want to give her a few minutes, she's in the middle of a "session" again. If you know what I mean."

"Another? But she had one just the night ago?"

"Lady Harakala is a young woman, she simply wishes to enjoy the fruits of her youth while she can."

"Well, could I at least wait inside? It's been a rather cold night."

"Of course sir, we-" The guard was stopped from opening the door, the leader staring at Tiranov in suspicion.

"Lady Harakala noted you were always warm. You said so to her yourself."

"I hardly see why that's relevant."

"You wouldn't go for a sure way in if you didn't think you could enter on your own."

"…Walk away." Tiranov said after a moment of silence, his eyes and hair turning dark to match the night as he glared at the three.

"Sir, I'm sorry to say this but you're under arrest."

"Sir, you can't just-!"

"I have been given orders to not let Hunter Tiranov enter the building."

"Is this your choice?" Tiranov asked, looking at the guard as he aimed his rifle.

"Yes sir. Now please make this easy and go quiet…ly?" The guard was dumfounded as his world flipped, not noticing when the ground was above him when he collapsed with a wet squelch.

The two guards left watched in horror as he was cleaved in half by a mere swipe of Tiranov's hand, blood dripping from his fingers as he stared at them with fury. They were frozen in fear as he reached his hand towards them, closing their eyes until they felt two sharp pains on their faces.

"Play dead." He ordered, stepping past them as he left two bleeding scratches on each of their faces. "No one will question a few humans being spared with as much blood on you. Make it sound good." The two only stared in terror as he entered the manor, leaving them as they passed out from shock and collapsed in the pool of blood from the leader.

"The smell was coming from the cellar." He said to himself, walking through the manor before picking up the scent again. "That painkiller medicine… and something else. A muscle relaxant?" He wondered, closing and opening his fist the closer he got to it. He couldn't feel what the airborne drug did, his body seeming to filter it out of his breath at each exhale.

He wouldn't know until he opened the door, and even then his hand paused short of the handle.

'This smell… decay?' His hesitation burned away as he clenched his teeth, ripping the door off it's hinges and throwing it across the hall. The moment he looked down froze Tiranov in place, his senses overwhelmed by the putrid stink of decaying flesh.

'So many bodies…' He thought in dismay as he stepped down, walking into the center of the dimly lit cellar. All around him laid piles of corpses of men, all from the southern tribes in Anachak. The mixture of either appearing the picture of health or skin and bones as the corpses were crawling with maggots.

"Who… who could stomach this?" Tiranov spoke to himself, raising his hand in defense when he felt something grab his ankle.

"Please…" Tiranov stared in horror as one of the bodies he thought were corpses was holding onto him, maggots infested in his shoulders and half his face. "You… can't… stay…"

"You poor bastard…" Was all Tiranov could say at seeing the man's condition, kneeling down and taking the man's hand. "How did this happen?"

"The… the bitch would bring us here… she offered me a job and I took it. But she… she threw me down here, saying I wasn't… good enough." The man gasped out, his body in agony as the maggots spread through. "The… the drugs have spores in them. You have to leave… now… before you end up like us…"

"…How many of you are still alive?"

"If they… aren't covered completely in maggots… they're still alive." Tiranov closed his eyes as he tightened his grip on the man, clenching his teeth with fury as he noted all of them were yet to be covered, surviving in pure agony. "The lord… the bastard isn't human. I saw what he was doing, he's a monster, a pure… evil… monster!" The man began to cry as he looked up to Tiranov, shaking with unresponsive anger. "You have to… you have to kill him! The bitch is still doing this, even after he's been gone for months!"

"Kill her! Kill him! Please! Before anyone else is turned into a nest!"

"…" Tiranov was silent as he looked down to the pleading man, his eyes wide in anger as his eyes shifted from black to red, glowing vibrantly in the room.

The man beneath him only caught sight of the cross-shaped pupil when Tiranov plunged his hand through his back, piercing his heart and ripping a cluster of maggot-infested flesh out.

"Tha…" Was all he could get out before he expired, his body going slack as the agonized life left his eyes.

Tiranov looked to the flesh in his hand, seeing the infection of green flesh bled together with dark red as the maggots traversed in evident panic. He then crushed it; tiny screeches heard as he crushed all of the creatures. When he opened his hand, his fingers sharpened into claws and he stood up, his cloak rising up from an increase in pressure.

"This room… must be exterminated." He said with cold indifference, appearing out of the room with one step. All the infested bodies then exploded in green and red blood; the shrieks of the maggots silenced as Tiranov looked to the ceiling.


"A shame that one didn't last as long as the others, he was almost passing." Harakala said to herself as she flipped a page in her book, a motionless body of a southern man next to her as she laid in bed.

'If only Tiranov would have accepted the offer. A man of that quality, I could only imagine how satisfying he would be.' She thought, upset at Tiranov's refusal to her yesterday. 'I will just have to try again the next time I see him, perhaps I'll use a stronger stimuli when we meet. What aroma to catch a stubborn southern man would work best?'

"Guards, I'm done for the night. You may dispose of the body." Harakala said, ordering her security in. "Guards? Come here." When there was no response the second time, she sat up in annoyance. "Guards! Get in here right no-"

The woman jumped in panic when the door nearly cracked in half, the walls around it suffering similar damage before the door was ripped off. The woman reached for the gun at her nightstand, taking aim until she saw Tiranov stand in the doorway.

"Tiranov, you're here!"

"…" Her words were met with silence, the woman seeing the serious gaze in his eyes as he looked at her.

"Are we under attack, where are my guards I thought they would have warned me?"

"…"

"T-Tiranov?" Harakala became more hesitant the longer Tiranov remained silent, her gaze going past him and flinching in fear as she saw her guards laying in a pool of blood. "S-Stay back!"

"…Is that all you can say?" Tiranov tilted his head when he finally spoke, his crimson eyes wide as he glared at the woman. "A monster doesn't give orders. Not to me."

"I mean it!" Harakala shouted as Tiranov stepped in. "I'll kill you! Don't even think about getting closer!"

"The death you caused, and you think that will deter me?"

"Bastard!" She shouted, firing her gun and hitting Tiranov in the head. But rather then drop dead like she had hoped, Tiranov closed the distance and grabbed Harakala by the throat, lifting the naked woman out of her bed and holding her over him. "L-Let me… unhand me you cur…" She choked out, looking down at Tiranov as he stared up in cold rage.

"A monster doesn't give me orders. Not one that beds an abomination." Tiranov then swiped his free hand up, slicing the woman's hand off and didn't even react as she screamed in agony, trying to rip herself free from his clawed grasp.

"You… you can't do this! When the Imperial guard hears of this-"

"You deserve no mercy, not after the death you caused." Tiranov didn't care for her words, reaching his hand up and gripping her head between his clawed digits. She screamed in pain as his fingers dug into her skin, his grip on her throat tightening as he stared with cold eyes.

"Y-You… you can't… I'm not supposed…"

"A monster will die whether it wants to or not." Tiranov responded, his fingers digging deeper until they reached Harakala's skull. "You are a plague on the Empire, and I will exterminate anything that threatens it."

'Is… is this how I die? To a southern rat that I deserved to taste?' Was all Harakala could think, feeling Tiranov continue to press his fingers deeper, her skull cracking as he continued to add pressure.

"Die and rot in hell, monster." Tiranov said, giving one last squeeze of both hands, crushing her head completely in that moment and letting the body crash to the ground with a limp thud. Her blood stained his face as he looked down to her motionless body, his eyes slowly reverting back to black as he turned to the window.

No words were said, he just stared at the palace with malice. His cloak raised again from the pressure building up around him, a black mist seeping out from his skin like a vile aura.

"Oh, looks like the fun will be starting soon." Esdeath smiled, feeling Tiranov's bloodlust from the palace. "Hope you won't mind the mess, old man."


"She's dead?" Budo responded, looking up from his desk as a pair of injured guards were reporting.

"Y-Yes, Great General." One of the two said. "The mistress was killed; the killer left the mansion like a massacre."

"We tried to bring the body in for the cremation Lord Stoggam requested but…" The second guard spoke, unfurling a cloth and revealing a woman's forearm, covered in blood. "This was all that was left of her."

"I see… send the arm to the Incineration squad, we'll have Specialist Bols perform the cremation so there's enough ashes to seal." Budo ordered.

"Yes sir!" The two guards saluted, walking out before Budo sighed. He then looked to the window in his office, Tiranov looking back with wide eyes. The blond shook his head and pointed out his door, Tiranov disappearing from sight.

'It looks like you've made your choice.' He thought with regret, standing up and walking out of his office. He walked down the halls until he reached the courtyard of the palace, where Tiranov stood in silence, his cloak blowing in the wind as he stared in rage at the Great General.

"Tiranov."

"How many?" The man asked in return, his right hand clenched tight as it was stained with dry blood. "How many more monsters are there?"

"Far more then you can kill in one night."

"Twenty, I killed twenty men and women with the filth she had." Tiranov spat, tossing the house sigils of nobles he killed onto the grass, the Great General unflinching as the man snarled. "I witnessed piles of bodies, hundreds of men, women and children! And those were the ones that were left to rot!"

"How many bodies is the Capital sustained on! How many can the people of the court ignore before they bring justice to the man that's letting this go by!"

"Tiranov, the answer to this is complex."

"No, it isn't! It is remarkably simple!" Tiranov growled, his teeth sharpening as he glared. "I'll do it myself! I don't care if my body is destroyed, I'll kill the fat pig and rid the Empire of his filth!"

"To kill him now, with a revolution on the horizon of those that employ assassins to do the unthinkable, would be to doom this proud country to their ways."

"If they're killing vermin like Harakala, then they're the ones with the answers!"

"You're letting your emotions get the better of you." Budo responded. "To kill him in the throne room, or in the palace entirely, cements his blood as worthy of staining it's halls. He will die when this revolution is crushed, I will see to it personally. But until then, we must do what is needed."

"Those people needed you." Tiranov spoke, his rage seen in his eyes as he stopped shouting. "I dug mass graves for those people, leaving their murders' heads on pikes as a symbol of their vengeance. That is what is needed, not a general sitting on his hands letting corruption poison his country."

"Anachak will survive, but only if we can do this through legitimate means. I give you this chance to surrender yourself peacefully, I can overlook this action and keep you safe from the Prime Minister's reach."

"Even now you skirt your responsibility." Tiranov said, frowning to Budo as the wind stopped. "I confronted you on hopes there was some sense of duty in you, that there was something living in these walls that wasn't a heartless monster."

"I am not like them."

"You're exactly the same!" Tiranov's boiling point had been reached, and he lunged forward with rage filling his soul. Budo narrowed his eyes when the man charged him, tossing his cape aside and revealing his royal armor, lightning sparking across his arms.

"Thunder Pulse!" Throwing his arms forward, a loud boom was heard as Tiranov was struck with a powerful shockwave, knocking him skidding back before correcting his stance.

"Thunder God's Rage…" Tiranov commented, recognizing the twin Teigu on Budo's arms calmly before snarling. "Adramelech is tainted with your use!" He then rushed forward again, throwing his arms behind him and exposing his body as his scales formed.

"Thunder Pulse!" Budo fired the shockwave attack again, Tiranov dodging it by jumping in the air. He twisted his body before bringing his knee down, Budo returning the attack with a punch. The resulting impact caused a burst of air, Budo leading and pushing Tiranov back.

The man landed without hesitation and rushed ahead, slashing his claw out when he reached the Great General. Budo blocked the attack with Adramelech, sparks going off as the two glared at each other. Tiranov began to swing wildly at Budo, the man demonstrating discipline and strength as he blocked each of Tiranov's attacks.

"These people relied on you! The Great General who allows scum to torture, rape, and murder them! They're treated as less then cattle, and you let it happen!" Tiranov brought his leg up, slamming it against Budo's arm and sending a shockwave powerful enough to crack the marble pillar across the courtyard.

"You will not damage the courtyard!" Budo stated, surprising Tiranov as he fired a bolt of lightning from Adramelech's left rod. The pained screech that came out sounded monstrous, Tiranov rolling back from the blast before stopping on his back. "This fight alone is something I cannot forgive, but the damage done deserves a fate worse than death!"

"That's what you're concerned about?" Tiranov asked, his voice hollow as he got up on his elbows. "Your people… humans… are being killed at the leisure of monsters… and you're concerned about fancy cut rocks?"

"This palace has stood for a thousand years, guarded by my family for generations!" Budo announced, proud of his lineage as he slammed his fists together and extended both rods of his Teigu. "I will not allow it to be destroyed to any extent, not to a renegade who refuses to listen to reason!"

"Well said, well said Great General!" Budo turned his attention to the voice behind him, Prime Minister Honest grinning proudly as he clapped in amusement. "Such conviction, I knew that your family legacy would bring you to do the right thing!"

"This mongrel hardly deserved to set foot within a hundred miles of our great Capital, and he has the gal to damage the foundation! Such action is beyond forgivable, sinful that deserves nothing less then to be sent straight to hell!" Honest stated, his vile presence flooding out as Tiranov pushed himself up to a knee. "Kill him! Kill him a thousand times over for his insubordination! It's what your father and his father would do!"

"A monster like you… possessing Erastone, rotting the Empire with your vile soul…" Tiranov growled, his body shaking with rage before he lunged right at the man. "I'll kill you!"

"What an overwhelming bloodlust." Tiranov didn't have time to react as a blade cut across his torso, two deep cuts gushing out blood before Esdeath kicked him away. "How much of that did you feel, I wonder?"

"Esdeath!" Tiranov snarled, ducking as a pillar of water went over him. He managed to turn and slash a second pillar, but was knocked to the side as Daidara swung his axe against his back and into the dirt.

"Surviving attacks from General Esdeath and Great General Budo, as well not being cleaved in two by Belvaac. Truly you are a man of worth." Liver commented as Tiranov slowly pushed himself up, his three wounds bleeding profusely. His scales had done little to protect him, no better then if he was without them.

'To face these Teigu, all designed to kill Danger Beasts…' Tiranov winced, looking to see Nyau holding his flute at the ready, waiting for him to make a move. 'And with Scream ready to weaken me the moment I retaliate, a battle between Teigu results in death, but odds such as this… suicide puts it lightly.'

"Blood has been spilt in the palace; do you feel proud knowing you stained the land of your home?" Budo questioned Tiranov, the lone fighter getting up in silence. "You have no chance of winning, surrender and die with dignity."

"What dignity is there in submission?" Tiranov spat, blood going down his lip as he glared at Budo. "You act as though this is the first wounds I've ever suffered, that I'd keel over from a little blood?" He then stomped his foot down, cracks forming as the pressure around him increased. "I am a slayer! I've bathed in more blood then you've all seen combined! If you wish to be the first monster I exterminate in the palace, come at me!"

"Well said, Tiranov Ubiytsa!" Esdeath congratulated Tiranov, pointing her rapier at the man with a proud smile. "To fight is to live. If you die now, you will die proud!"

"Then what are you waiting for, Demon?" Tiranov responded with a competitive smirk. "Will you be the first I slay?"

"A direct challenge, what resolve!" Esdeath then lunged forward, preparing her blade as she accepted the challenge.

'The power behind her is incredible, and her technique is beyond what I can handle.' Tiranov thought, watching the woman approach with glee. 'One on one I'd be lucky to end the fight with both of us dying. But with Adramelech, Belvaac, Black Marlin, and Scream supporting her, I stand no chance.' His eyes then widened as he remembered Scream, grinning wide and revealing his sharpened teeth before opening his mouth.

"GRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWW!" A monstrous roar erupted from Tiranov's throat, bellowing with fury as everyone was deafened with a shockwave. The roar physically stopped Esdeath's advance, the pressure surprising her as she was forced to cover her ears.

'He's roaring louder then Scream!?' Nyau thought in shock, his attempt at playing the flute Teigu being silence amidst Tiranov's bestial scream.

'His voice alone could stop the two strongest fighters in the Empire and the Three Beasts at once.' Honest thought, stroking his beard with his free hand as he ripped a chunk of meat from his "snack" as if nothing was happening. 'No matter, he has to stop roaring eventually, and Esdeath will skewer him like the pig he is. I wonder how Tyrant meat tastes?'

The roar from Tiranov slowly went away as he closed his mouth, Esdeath preparing to continue her charge before the man slammed both his hands down into the ground. The earth beneath them nearly imploded from the force, a shockwave of wind going off as the entire courtyard fractured and earth was sent everywhere. The impact was powerful enough not only to destroy the ground and disrupt everyone's footing, but rise up the walls and nearly destroy the pillars holding the roof up.

"Let this be your warning! My Declaration of Extermination!" Tiranov shouted as he jumped high into the air, holding his limbs close before extending them out. The action caused a pair of wings to protrude out from his back, his eyes glowing as they and the rest of his features turned blue. "I will slaughter the monsters that infest this Empire! There will be nowhere safe! And I will see to it you are all exterminated!"

Tiranov then flew off at high speed, looking over his shoulder in time to see a swarm Wyvern Danger Beasts fly right at him. He avoided the first pair, but was bit in the torso by the third. He growled before twisting his body, decapitating the beast before continuing his retreat. The rest of the Wyverns were careful to avoid being so easily killed, flying past him and slashing across him with their talons. They didn't cut as deep as the humans' attacks, but he was suffering more wounds as time went on.

With an annoyed snarl he stopped in the air and flew back, slashing through one before biting into another's throat, ripping out its jugular and throwing the beast at the palace courtyard. Budo raised both arms of Adramelech as it descended before firing an orb of lightning, disintegrating it with little effort and obliterating two more Wyverns in the process.

The two shared one final stare, Tiranov's eyes wide with anger while Budo's narrowed with refined determination. The stare ended as Tiranov dodged a Wyvern, slashing with both arms and obliterating it into chunks of meat. He then took off to the south, leaving the Capital without looking back.

"He escaped."

"And he'll be back." Esdeath smirked, sheathing her sword. "I expect we're far from seeing the last of him, not with a Declaration of Extermination on us."

"And yet I hear excitement in your voice." Budo called out, unable to see but can feel the psychotic grin spreading across the woman's face.

"For the Founding Hunter to announce a Declaration of Extermination, this hunt will be unlike any before."

"As excited you are for this hunt, I must ask you to put that behind you for now." Honest said as he approached the two. "If the Revolutionary Army adds him to their ranks, then they'll be more of a problem. Not only must this be kept hidden, but I expect you to head out for the north immediately General Esdeath. So that we may focus our efforts on these terrorists and be rid of them for good."

"But of course Prime Minister." Esdeath responded. "I don't want to be distracted from the main act. We'll eliminate the north and their hero. And when I return, we'll see what will become of the Founding Hunter and the Revolutionary Army."


'Damn it… that escape was harsher than I would've wanted.' Tiranov winced, his wounds still bleeding as he flew. 'I have to exterminate them, every last vermin crawling in your empire. But this hunt won't be like my last, I have to eliminate monsters worse than Danger Beasts. I'll need to recover, somewhere the Empire can't reach me.'

'I stood no chance on my own, even if I recover fighting the entire Empire alone is suicide the way I am now.' The man admitted to himself, his eyes narrowing as he changed course. 'I need to find allies, people who can properly wage war against the monsters infesting the Capital.'

"I need to find Night Raid."