Starting to swallow, a soldier asked.

" What is this monster ? "

Just as scared as he was, other soldiers refused to step forward to where the death knight's corpse was. Having arrived after the departure of Night Raid, the troop of soldiers, alerted by the calls of the inhabitants of the district, had very quickly found the corpse of the monster which now lay in the middle of the street. His legs had been cut off, two huge holes were visible in his abdomen, his forehead had a third hole, and the rest of his already decaying body seemed to melt and turn into a strange black mud.

Seeing the general appearance of the monster, as well as the condition of the neighborhood, which was now devastated, a soldier asked.

" What happened here ? "

" The hecatomb ... "

Being in the army barracks, Rubedo was quietly enjoying a meal served by Yuri. Being behind the young woman, Sebas remained with his eyes closed, and perfectly still. However, thanks to his developed hearing, he could hear the discussion of two soldiers, talking about the discovery of a huge monster with a human appearance and equipped with black armor and a huge shield that no soldier can had the strength to lift on his own.

Hearing this, the butler understood what it was about.

"Galadriel-sama has decided to act. "

Paying little attention to the discussions around her, Rubedo ends up stopping to eat, on hearing.

" Hello, allies of justice. "

Grumbling Rubedo saw a young woman and her dog give her a military salute.

" Rubedo-san, I came to report. " Seryu announced, who since Ogre's death seemed to regard Rubedo as her new superior.

" I don't remember asking you to hang out with me. " Rubedo retorted.

" Rubedo-san, according to the news, the high authorities believe that Night Raid is planning a powerful attack on the capital and claim that they are responsible for the destruction of the district of Haidora! Therefore, groups must be formed in order to create groups of night patrols. "

'' Do you really think I'm going to work at night ? " Asked Rubedo, already very little motivated to patrol during the day.

"But, Rubedo-san… it's our job, as soldiers of justice, to ensure the protection of the capital, against Night Raid ! The Emperor is counting on us to eradicate Night Raid. "

" It is indeed true, Rubedo-sama. " Yuri assured her.

" What ? " Cried Rubedo, looking at the Pleiad.

" We should not forget your main mission. "

Getting ready to retaliate, Rubedo finally understood what Yuri meant. Even though she had become an army sergeant, Rubedo still had a long way to go, in order to have a chance of obtaining one of the titles of generals, allowing her to seize the power of the country's armies. Once she got that job, she could allow Galadriel to do whatever she wanted with the military secrets that will be delivered to Rubedo. But for this the young woman was obliged to accomplish several feats, which will be heard by all, even by the Emperor and Honest.

Remembering that Galadriel-sama's orders took priority over her laziness, Rubedo finally declared.

" Yes, you are right, Shekyu! Night Raid must be eradicated. "

Tilting her head to the side, hearing Kurome say her first name, Seryu repeated.

" Shekyu ? "

Seryu finally smiled, thinking it was a nickname the sergeant had given her. However, the real reason was that Rubedo still hadn't managed to remember the first name of the soldier she wanted to strangle, due to the many times she had intervened to entice her to patrol with her.

" Ok, Ruru-chan ! Let's team up. "

Immediately Yuri barely chuckled as Rubedo twisted the fork she was holding in her hand.

Flying over rocky ground, the bandaged man eventually saw a huge mansion in the distance, the walls of which appeared to be made of black metal. Letting himself down, the man left the sky and walked towards the tallest tower of the mansion, where there was an opening wide enough to let a man in.

Stepping inside, the man in the bandages entered the interior of the mansion before putting his feet on the ground. Then, immediately, he dropped to one knee, before bowing down. Leaving his shoulder, his cat preferred to find a hiding place in a dark corner.

" Master, I'm back. "

In front of him, seated in an enormous throne, a male figure could be seen, despite being surrounded by the darkness of the hall which was very poorly lit. Simply being seated on his throne, the figure was surrounded by six women, dressed as maids, who were perfectly aligned at his sides.

" What are the news, Dijon ? "

Lifting his head, the man cried out.

" Master, you got it right! The strange energy you felt was created by the arrival of a player! I fought one of his creations, and I was able to steal his memories. "

" Oh ? Excellent work ! But tell me, do you know the name of this player ? "

" Of course, master! This is Galadriel ! Galadriel Melkor. "

Immediately, through the darkness of the room, the silhouette's gaze could be seen, as it shone the iris of both eyes. One was scarlet red, while the other was golden.

" Galadriel… of Ainz Ooal Gown ? "

" It seems to me, indeed, master. " Approved Dijon.

Immediately, the male figure let out a groan, before falling silent. Not seeing him move any more, one of the maids asked him.

" Are you okay, Dunk-sama ? "

Still still motionless, the figure suddenly directed a finger towards the young woman's forehead. Without her having time to understand, her head exploded, while the rest of her body collapsed to the ground, at the feet of the other servants who did not dare to move.

Then rising, the so-called Dunk towered over the young women with his figure exceeding three meters in height. However, ignoring them, he walked in the direction of Dijon. Remaining prostrate, the man in the bandages kept his gaze downcast, feeling an intense aura begin to surround him, as he felt as if it began to crush his heart.

Finally, stopping in front of him, Dunk ordered him.

" Tell me, everything you know, Dijon. "

While talking to each other, several nobles began various discussions, while they were in a luxurious hall. Being chuckling, while drinking a glass of champagne, a man ends up catching the arrival of a young woman who had been heard about her during the last few days. Deciding to walk towards her, the young man cried out.

" Aria-san, what a joy to know you are alive. "

Being dressed in an elegant dress, the young girl showed him a smile that shone with a thousand sparkles.

" Dodoria-san, I haven't had the honor to speak to you for a long time. "

" You flatter me, my dear! I admit I was scared, having learned of the Night Raid attack on your family! Like my friends, I understood that your whole family had been savagely killed, just like you. "

" I was very lucky, Dodoria-san! Thanks to my bodyguards, I was able to escape from my home! Unfortunately, this was not the case with my mom and dad! They were killed by Night Raid. "

" You see me sorry! I give you all my condolences! But tell me, I admit being also very surprised to see you among us. "

Squinting his eyes, while showing skepticism in his eyes, he cried out.

" Normally, the empire has seized your torture! By what miracle did you manage to take it back? "

Immediately, ceasing the polite words, Aria put on a dismal gaze, while declaring.

" Dodoria-san… you know very well that knowing the right people in this city is enough to have everything you want! All I had to do was give the little money I had to the right person to get my father's fortune back. "

" Oh ? I see … " Dodoria said, showing a smile identical to that of the young girl. " And what is the name of this person who has helped you so "nicely"? "

" It's a secret … "

" Galadriel ? " Roared a man.

Hearing the name, Aria couldn't help but turn her head in the direction of three men who were talking to each other.

" I do not know where this woman comes from, but she is attracting all the admiration of the people as well as the hustlers who live in the countryside. "

" It's certainly not good for us! Another person asserted! For now, she is not trying to attack us directly! However, if she continues to increase her popularity, who knows what this 'new' heroine might do? She could very well create a revolt against us. "

Sneering then an old man put his drink down, before finally saying.

" What are you afraid of, gentlemen? Galadriel is just a simple mercenaries who busy themselves by killing the monsters and bandits who try to attack our beautiful city. "

Finishing his drink, he opened one eye, which showed only sadism.

" And even if she tried to take advantage of her popularity to harm us, we have one thing she doesn't have: money! Whatever happens, if this mercenary tries anything against us, she will end up executed. "

Hearing this, Aria put her own drink, while quietly listening to the conversation of the nobles.

Then, later that night, the young woman left the party room, without anyone noticing. Usually, this kind of party had always amused her, on the rare occasions his parents had allowed him to come. She had always made sure to catch the eyes of men and make sure to find a future husband worthy of her rank.

Yet today she was rather in a bad mood. Having heard the conversations of the nobles, she had noticed how boring they were. Also, now that her father was dead and she inherited his fortune, everyone thought she was vulnerable and tried to talk to her, in order to find a way to steal her quietly.

For all these nobles, a lone woman like Aria was nothing more than an easy target to obtain.

" These stupid nobles… "

" Aria ! "

Hearing a cold voice behind her back, the young woman turned around before immediately placing one knee on the ground.

" Albedo-sama. " She cried, recognizing the succubus. " I am honored to see you again. "

" Tsss! Forget your lies and tell me instead if you have fulfilled the mission that was asked of you. "

" Of course. "

Immediately, rummaging under her clothes, Aria pull out a sheet of paper, containing a list of names.

" Here is the list of all the nobles who see Galadriel-sama as a threat! Apparently, they don't like her becoming the city's new heroine at all and are afraid that she will take advantage of her popularity with poor people to provoke a popular uprising against them! As a result, some of them have come together and already want to act against it. "

" I see. " Simply said Albedo, reading the list. " Apparently, Galadirel-sama was right! Even an insignificant girl like you can help us! And fools think they can get rid of her just because they have the money! Decidedly, the stupidity of humans will never cease to amaze me! But apparently you seem to me to be a little smarter than them. "

" Thank… Thank you. "

But suddenly Albedo's hand gripped her hair and forced her to stand on tiptoe. Then, showing a hateful look at the frightened girl, the succubus cried out.

" My lady has decided to trust you! So, I very much hope for you that you do not betray his expectations by going to give information about Nazarick to these stupid nobles! If so, know that you will be the person who will suffer the most. "

" I would never dare, Albedo-sama. " Aria assured immediately, trying not to cry for fear in front of the succubus. " I will be Galadriel-sama's slave for the rest of my life! I promise you. "

Fixing her gaze and seeming to appreciate the terror that could be seen in her eyes, Albedo ended up dropping it on his butt. Then, creating a dimensional gate, she declared.

" Wait for your new orders and do nothing without our permission. "

Then, she disappeared, leaving Aria, completely paralyzed. To tell the truth, she wanted to run away. Flee far from the capital and the empire. Escape as far as possible from Galadriel. Still, she knew it was the worst idea.

Given her power, it was obvious that Galadriel could rule this entire world, and Aria didn't even want to imagine the horrible death Galadriel would have in store for her if she could find her. This was the reason why she preferred to work for herself and thus secure a future.

Getting up, Aria then headed for her mansion, where she was going to have to stay for a few days, before Albedo returned to see her with a new mission to perform. Honestly, Aria hated her home now.

It wasn't the house she didn't like. No, it was being all alone. Now that her parents and guards were dead, Aria was the sole resident of the mansion and the girl was scared of living there alone, having no one to protect her, if Night Raid found out that she was still alive. If the group of killers returned to visit her, she would have no one to protect her and maybe Galadriel would let her get killed without reacting.

If she wasn't so terrified of Albedo, she could have asked him for permission to be able to live in Nazarick. However, she had abstained for fear of eventually being forced to live in one of the dungeons in the torture room.

Continuing to walk, Aria suddenly caught a silhouette. Sitting against a wall, a young woman of her age, dressed as a beggar, was motionless, her hand simply extended to Aria. Noticing Aria's luxurious clothes, the young beggar decided to take a chance and beg for some coins.

" Please ! "

Standing still, and staring at her, Aria couldn't help but display anger in her eyes. For her, beggars were the cause of what had happened to her. After all, if these damn beggars had never existed, she would never have thought of torturing them.

Even though her logic was completely hypocritical, Aria refused to face the truth and admit that she was the only one at fault. And then, honestly, she needed to release all the stress that she had accumulated in her, these last days. To let off steam on this beggar was perfect.

" You… " She growled, raising her fist to hit her.

Immediately, the young woman put her arms in front of her face, to protect herself. Immediately, seeing her react like this, Aria stopped, before being surprised when she saw her face in the face of the beggar.

Without understanding the reason, Aria remembered all the tortures she had suffered in Nazarick. She had been whipped, amputated, lacerated, devoured alive… she had known hell. And now, she finally felt incapable of hurting anyone, without it reminding her of all the pain she had felt.

It was then that she realized that she was like this girl, rather than the inhabitants of Nazarick.

Opening her eyes, the beggar was surprised to see Aria staring at her. Then, finally, the young nobleman pretended to go away, while shouting.

" Follow me. "

" What ? "

" Follow me, if you want a future. "

Enjoying the birdsong, Galadriel sat on a rock, while she assumed her human form. Dressed in her armor, she was nonetheless, without the rest of her team, as she awaited someone's arrival.

Finally, starting to smile vainly, the demon heard footsteps behind her back. As she had expected, she knew that Aura and Mare would manage to persuade Night Raid to come see her. And, indeed, she ends up seeing, Najenda, in the company of Mine, Lubbock and Mare.

Two days ago, Leone had taken advantage of Darkness's presence in town to speak to Galadriel and ask her to agree to a meeting with his boss. And, of course, Galadriel had to agree.

Soon, Night Raid would soon become his new soldiers.

Immediately fading her smile, she stood up before taking a step towards Narenda. Then stopping in front of the leader of Night Raid, the demoness held out a hand.

" Najenda, I guess. "

Staring at her for a few moments, Najenda finally squeezed her hand, before asserting.

" Enjoyed to meet you, Galadriel-sama. "

" Sama? Come on, Najenda-san, you don't need to be so formal with me. "

" Your former companions gave you a lot of praise! And even Tatsumia started talking about you like that. Plus, after hearing your story, I feel compelled to understand how much better you are. "

Smiling inwardly, Galadriel was looking forward to finally meeting someone intelligent in this world. Knowing very well what she wanted, Galadriel asked her anyway.

" Najenda-san, may I know the reason for this meeting ? "

" Galadriel-san ... I would like to offer you an alliance. "

" An alliance ? "

" Two days ago my comrades clashed with Jaldabaoth's right arm and fought against one of his elite soldiers! Even though they won against him, it was obvious to them how serious Jaldaboath's threat is! Galadriel-san… as far as I know, you are our only hope. "

" Oh ? " Galadriel said, pretending to be surprised.

Looking at Mine and Lubbock, she asked.

" You managed to survive after such a fight? I am impressed. "

" We have to be honest ... we were just lucky. " Lubbock asserted. " If this masked woman had attacked us for real, we would be dead! When to the soldier in armor… "

Shivering at the thought of him, Lubbock said.

" Damn it! If we won against him, it's not because we were stronger, but simply because there were more of us. "

Thinking about his own wound which was covered in bandages, Mine groaned, knowing the boy was telling the truth. Shalltear had survived her strongest shot, and oddly enough, she had decided to go away next.

"Why is she gone ? Did she find us so insignificant that she thought killing us was just a waste of time ? "

" And you, Mare? What do you think of this fight? "

" Jal… Jaldabaoth to very powerful soldiers, Galadriel… sama! You will have to be very careful with him. "

" I see. " Galadriel agreed.

Looking next, Najenda, Galadriel asserted.

" I appreciate your offer! Sincerely! Nevertheless, I must refuse. "

" What ? " Lubbock and Mine were surprised.

Remaining stoic, Najenda asked.

" May I ask you why ? "

" Because you are not powerful enough! You want to create this alliance in order to destroy Jaldabaoth, don't you? Sorry to tell you, but he has an army of creatures and demons whose power is beyond comprehension! If you ever join me in this war that will soon take place, know that you will surely die in the first battle :! For a person like Jaldabaoth, there is almost no difference between the power of Akame-chan and that of Tatsumi-kun! To be able to hurt him, each of you should at least multiply your power. "

'' So you want us to sit idle as this war brews ? " Wanted to know Lubbock.

" Not at all ! What I'm asking you to do is improve yourself! Increase your power, surpass the power of your teigus… and defeat your enemies! I know you already have a fight to win. "

" You want to talk about Esdeath ? " Najenda asked her. " Can we at least ask for your help in killing this woman ? "

" Sorry, but I have to refuse again! This war does not concern me! This is your fight! Not mine ! And indeed, if you do not have the necessary power to defeat Esdeath, know that you will have no chance against Jaldabaoth. "

" Hey, what are you talking about ? " Cried Mine. " Don't you understand the importance of our fight! I don't see why we will help you defeat Jaldabaoth if you refuse to… "

" MINE ! " Suddenly shouted Najenda.

Startled, the trio behind the young woman stared at her, as she asserted.

" Galadriel-san is absolutely right! If we want to become stronger, in order to save our lives, we have to fight! Besides, she already has a lot to do to have time to take care of Esdeath! It's up to us, Night Raid, to do it! However … "

Looking at Galadriel, she wanted to know.

'' Once Jaldabaoth is dead, what do you plan to do? Do you ally with the empire or ally with the rebel army ? "

" Neither ! Listen, i don't really want to get stuck in your stories! All I can tell you is that I will not be your enemy! I would be perfectly neutral! Your stories knowing the true meaning of the world "justice" is yours. "

" Perfect ! " Najenda announced. " In that case, if you take care of Jaldabaoth, we'll do the same with Esdeath! And, I hope, at the end of these battles, that we can enjoy our victories for a drink. "

'' I'll think about it. '' Said Galadriel.

Then, finally, turning around, she walked away.

Smiling again, she was delighted that her plan had been set in motion. Yes, Galadriel was going to let Night Raid improve, exceed their limits, discover every secret of their teigus… only to then see them get beaten by Demiurge. And once she defeats him, before their eyes, no water will ever dare to make her enemy. Instead, she was sure they would beg her to work for her.

"I will soon have new teigus. "

Level power :

Esdeath : 51

Dijon : 48

Bulat : 39 ( + 1 )

Mine ( with teigu ) : 37 ( 45 max )

Akame : 35

Leone : 35

Sheele : 34

Lubbock : 30

Ieyasu : 28 ( + 3 )

Tatsumi : 28 ( + 2 )

Sayo : 27 ( + 3 )