Rolling on the ground, Lupusregina tried to dodge black lightning that threatened to strike her down. However, not wanting to let her run away, Galadriel appeared in front of her, and pretended to kick her. Crossing her arms in front of her, Regina blocked her attack. However, this didn't prevent him from being thrown back, as the bones in his arms began to crack.

being completely dominated, the Pleiad dropped to one knee as Galadriel walked up to them.

"STAND UP! And attack me! It's an order!"

"I ... I can't."

"And why?" Galadriel roared.

"Because ... Because I can't attack you! Anyway, what could that do? I could never hurt you! I'm too weak! I can't even hurt an enemy of Nazarick! I'm a lousy warrior. "

Immediately, Galadriel felt more rage inside her.

"You idiot! You don't understand that this is when you're deceiving me."

" That ... ? "

Barely able to say a word, Regina felt Galadriel grab her by the hair again, so that her face was level with hers.

"Cocytus failed once! Shalltear got manipulated by the enemy! And today, do you think I held a grudge against them? No! Because they only did that. obey my orders and they did their best! It doesn't matter whether they succeed in their missions or not, all that matters is that they learn from their mistakes to become more successful in the future! is the same for you, Lupusregina. "

Letting go of the pleiad's hair, she declared.

"I don't want a warrior who spends her time bemoaning just one loss! Regina, if you don't like that loss so much, what are you waiting for to improve? Do you think that it is by crying that you will arrive? Do you think that it is by behaving like a coward that I would be proud of you? Do you think that your creator used his power to create a crybaby. "

Eventually reacting, Regina ends up whispering.

"My ... My master didn't create a coward."

"So what did he create?"

Gritting her teeth, Regina finally wiped her cheeks quickly, before getting up. Then, getting into a fighting stance, she asserted.

"Someone who should make you proud."

Then, she rushed over to Galadriel, and punched her, using all of her power. Positioning the palm of her hand in front of her fist, Galadriel managed to stop her attack, not without creating a powerful gust of wind, which lifted the hair of the two girls. Yet despite feeling her hand tingle, Nazarick's mistress smiled.

"I'm counting on you, Regina! Because to me, all of Nazarick are family! Train yourself, get stronger and be the one to defeat this guy who dared to take you down."

"AYE!"

"Cocytus? Where are you from?"

"From a land of ice ... across the ocean."

Having remained in the forest, Budo's soldiers remained vigilant as they watched Budo questioning Cocytus. Sitting on a tree stump, the Viking-like man seemed to be completely calm, as he stood in front of one of the Empire's generals. However, the soldiers thought he was still stressed when he saw him make strange movements with his body, as if he wanted to scratch or stomp his foot.

Cocytus was not afraid of Budo. If he moved like this, it was because he was having a hard time getting used to his human form. Having two arms instead of four was a handicap for him, while he felt trapped in his clothes. In addition, he still had difficulty articulating properly as his new larynx was more developed than his usual shape.

But the worst part, for the ice monster, was that he was now blessed with all five senses. In his monster form, he possessed only sight and hearing. Now he was also endowed with smell, taste and touch. Even before his meeting with Budo, he had been completely shocked, smelling the scent of the forest: something he had never known. Still, he didn't hate it. For Cocytus, it was an interesting way of fighting with abilities that were not his own.

"The human body is quite interesting! They are weak physically, but they have a lot of things that I don't have."

"What did you come here to do?" Budo wanted to know.

"I'm here to… defeat Jaldabaoth."

"Jaldabaoth ...? The monster that destroyed the countries of the north?"

"Yes! Across the ocean, ... there are also many countries ... including mine! You have before you ... the only survivor of my people."

"Um? In that case, are you here for revenge."

"That's it. "

"Why are you here? Jaldabaoth is elsewhere."

"Finding me here or in the northern countries, ... that won't change anything! Anyway ... Jaldabaoth will come and destroy your country! He only lives to destroy."

"What are you hoping for by coming here?"

"Help you ... defeat Jaldabaoth."

Staring at Cocytus, Budo tried to find out if he was lying or not. Finally, the general asked him.

"Why do we need you? If your people have been destroyed, how could one man defeat this demon?"

"Because you will get destroyed too." Cocytus assured. "Your army is too weak ... to defeat Jaldabaoth! You will be slain."

Hearing this upset several soldiers.

"What did you say, asshole?"

"Repeat that! We'll show you our power."

"SHUT UP ! "

Freezing with fear, hearing Budo's deep voice, his soldiers did not dare to make the slightest movement. Continuing to stare at Cocytus, Budo questioned him.

"Do you really think our empire can never defeat Jaldabaoth."

"Indeed! After all, I heard that ... Esdeath, your best warrior, could do nothing ... against that demon! Besides, if she did come back alive ... that means he hasn't used ... all of his power. "

"And you, do you think you're stronger than Esdeath or me?"

"It's obvious. "

"I saw you use the power of ice to kill those demons! How did you get this power?"

"Just like the powers of Jaldabaoth ... my powers are innate! They were granted to me, during the destruction ... of my country! And I intend to use them ... to kill Jaldabaoth."

Hearing this, Budo ends up creating lightning around him.

"I'd rather be honest! I find it hard to believe you."

"That's normal! Masi if you really want to test my strength ... let's fight."

Being in town, several people began to watch the Darkness team, walking through town. Seeing the looks full of admiration from certain, Gazef declared.

"Myyyyyyy lady! I think it is not necessary to say that your reputation is already made."

"Our reputation." Galadriel retorted. "Darkness is not a person, but a quartet."

Seeing men and women staring at Galdriel, Narberal growled.

"They don't deserve to watch you."

Seeing CZ nodding her head, Galadriel pretended to be surprised.

"Oh? I didn't know I belonged to you! Narberal, am I to understand that you think of me as a simple object that belonged to you?"

"What ...? No, no! Not at all! I ... I ..."

Seeing her with a red and embarrassed face made Galadriel laugh. Walking beside her, Cz began to say.

"Galadriel-sama ..."

"Um? Who does he have?"

"Thanks ... for Regina."

Smiling, Galadriel-sama put her hand on her head, before asserting her.

"I would do anything for my friends' children."

"Leave me!" A voice roared.

Turning her gaze, Galadriel saw two women, one of whom was dressed as a maid. The second, dressed like a beggar, was pushing back the maid, who was trying to force her to follow her.

"Mila… you have to come with me! You'll never have a real street if you stay here."

"Do you want me to trust a noble asshole? No way to become his toy that he can kill according to his mood."

"Aria-sama is not like that!" Retorted the maid. "It's true that she always seems pissed off, but she's never violent with us."

"So what? A noble is always ..."

"Aria-sama?"

Astonished, the two women saw Galadriel walking towards them.

"Darkness?"

Staring at them, Galadriel struggled to hide her anger.

"Aria has it again? She rounds up people to kill them then? No, Albedo would have told me! But if she does, Aria is going to regret that she took advantage of giving her a second chance."

"Galadriel-sama?" Actor Pandora wondered.

"Narberal, with me," Galadriel told her. "Gazef, CZ ... I have a mission for you."

Being amazed, all the soldiers saw Budo kneel down, while the right part of his body was frozen. For his part, Cocytus, seemed breathless, while he had been touched several times by the attacks of Budo. According to him, the general must be level 48. Impressive for a human. But very insufficient to allow him to do real damage to Cocytus. Even though he was disabled due to his new body, the ice monster had to pretend to be exhausted, to make it seem like his strength matched Budo's.

Seeing that they were evenly matched, Budo could only grit his teeth.

"Is that a joke? A guy like him… his power is the same as Esdeath's! And he claims that it will never be enough to defeat Jaldabaoth! Damn it! In that case, could we really defeat this devil ? "

"Shall we continue?" Asked Cocytus.

However, he saw Budo position his hand in front of him, and motion for him to stop.

"I still don't trust you! Nonetheless, from Esdeath's reports, as well as what you just told me, it seems imperative to me to immediately find common ground between us, as well as to start bringing together information about Jaldabaoth! If the survival of my country depends on it, I will put my pride aside and count on myself to help me in our future battle against this demon. "

Nodding, Cocytus chattered his teeth, forgetting that he no longer had his mandibles.

"Glad to see that there is wisdom in you."

"18 ... 19 ... 20!"

Breathless, Aria let her body collapse to the ground. Dressed in a sports outfit, she struggled to finish her daily weight training session. Ever since she had returned home, Aria had made a resolution to become more powerful. Even though it seemed like it was unnecessary, she wanted to feel more powerful, in case Night Raid decided to come back and kill her.

Seeing her with her face covered with sweat, a maid knelt beside her, before handing out a towel.

"Aria-sama… it would be best if you took a break."

"STUP UP!" Aria ordered her, pushing back her towel. "I have to keep going! I have to get stronger."

Getting ready to do a series of push-ups again, Aria heard someone knock on her door.

"Aria-sama?"

"WHAT?" The blonde roared. "I forbid you to disturb me during my workout."

"Uh ... is that ... Albedo-sama is here."

Immediately, the maid beside Aria saw her grab her towel and wipe her face at full speed.

"All the maids are there to greet her," she ordered, trying to keep her cool. "Bring her the best liquor and the best food! Even if she's not going to touch it, she must be greeted like a queen. I'll be there in two minutes."

Barely having time to put on proper clothes, Aria arrived in the living room of her residence, breathless. Immediately she caught sight of Albedo, sitting on a couch, displaying the same disgusted look, as she caught sight of the human. Around her, various maids were kneeling on the ground, as Aria had ordered them to do.

Imitating them, Aria cried out.

"Albedo-sama, it is a pleasure for me to know you here! I hope you have been properly received."

"It's okay." Another voice assured. "I have to admit the food is much better than the hostel where I used to eat."

Startled in surprise, Aria caught sight of Galadriel, sitting on another couch, with Narberal. Seeing her eating a plate of appetizers, Aria couldn't help but feel her body freeze, knowing full well that Galadriel's presence was surely not due for a simple courtesy call. Aria knew she must have done something wrong.

Seeing her remain silent, Albedo stamped her foot on the ground, pulverizing a slab of marble.

"Stupid human! Is that how I taught you to greet Lady Galadriel?"

Startling with fear, Aria bowed further in front of Galadriel. "

"Lady Galadriel-sama! What a great honor for me to have the right to your visit! Obeying you and making you happy are my one and only concerns."

There was then a heavy silence. Simply staring at the blonde, Galadriel finally said.

"Aria ... do you have any idea I'm here?"

Feeling her body shiver, just listening to her name, Aria twitched her brain. She had no idea. She really believed that she had succeeded in each of her missions. And if that wasn't the case, she was sure Albedo would have used violence on her already, if she had known the slightest bit of failure.

"I ... Didn't I complete my last mission?"

Noting that she was asking this question, randomly, Galadriel stared at the maids around her. All were women, most of whom had old bruising marks, or who appeared to be malnourished. Initially, Galadriel believed it was due to Aria's mistreatment. Yet she doubted that was it.

"Aria ... why have I tortured you?"

"Because ... Because I had the bad idea to think of dominating you and killing you! And ... And because I killed humans."

"Well ... in that case, may I know why I see new maids at your place? By any chance, have you decided to resume your bad activities?"

Finally realizing the reason for her presence, Aria straightened up a bit before shaking her head.

"Not at all, Galadriel-sama! I swear it isn't! I haven't tortured anyone until I came back here! The women who work here are treated well."

"Oh? Then can you explain the terrible state of their bodies to me?"

"I ... They are former beggars or prostitutes! They were beaten up by some and most couldn't eat their fill! A few of them have only been here since yesterday! That's why that they still bear marks of their former life on the streets. "

Listening to him silently, Galadriel fixed his gaze and noticed the honesty in her voice. Then, turning her gaze to a maid, she let her demonic aura manifest, making everyone in the room tremble with fear.

"You… are you confirming that Aria is telling the truth?"

Trembling with fear, feeling her demonic aura, the maid struggled to nod.

"Y ... Yes! If I have bruises on my face, it's because soldiers had fun hitting me! Aria-sama is often in a bad mood and is always demanding but ... she takes care of us."

"Oh? So, Aria, you've become a good Samaritan? Is that why you now have about 20 maids?"

"Uh ... no ... I ...! Initially, I only wanted to recruit two or three girls! However, they asked me for permission to bring friends to her! And in the end, even today, they ask me for the right to enlist other women among my servants.

A little surprised by this, Galadriel asked.

"And do you have enough to pay them?"

"I ... Not really! We agreed that I would give them board and lodging! However, since I am not working, I only live on the inheritance of my parents, who could quickly disappear if I had to pay them all. "

"And why are there only women?"

"Because ... I was thinking that ... it would make you enjoy your stay here, in case you decide to come."

Daring an eyebrow, Galadriel remained silent. Then, finally, she sighed.

"We came for nothing! Aria, know that I will not doubt your word and decide to trust you, without seeking to investigate your actions! Therefore ..."

Staring at the blonde, again using her demonic aura, Galadriel warned her.

"I really wish for you that you don't lie to me! Because know that going back to work with Neuronist will be an appreciable sentence for you, compared to what I would do to you, if you ever dare to betray my trust."

Thinking that she was going to urinate on herself, Aria held back from crying in fear as she cursed.

"My soul is yours! I swear it's true."

Appreciating her frightened face, Galadiriel stood up before directing her hand towards her. Then, suddenly, she put her hand on Aria's head, before smiling at her.

"In that case, I trust you! Nevertheless, I advise you to pay your maids! And for the money, don't worry! Since you have decided to do a good deed, I will give you some money as a reward. "

Surprised, Aria then saw a magic circle appear in the living room. Then, Galadriel and her two maids disappeared there, leaving Aria alone with her maids. For them, it was the first time they had been able to see Galadriel and now they understood why Aria had asked them to worship her. She was a supreme being that neither of them wanted to be angry with me.

For her part, still kneeling, Aria found it hard to see that Galadriel had praised her choice to take in beggars. She understood how merciful Galadriel was and that she had decided to trust her.

And this made Aria strangely happy. To be congratulated by the demoness was like a reward. And so as not to betray her confidence, she got up before returning to train.

"I'm going to resume my training! You, resume your household chores."

"Aye, Aria-sama!"

"And above all, never forget something: no one should know that Galadriel-sama is the Queen of Nazarick! If any of you reveal this to the Imperial Army, I swear Galadriel will have her name and that I would do nothing to prevent him from punishing her! We are forbidden to betray Galadriel-sama! "

"AYE!"

Meanwhile, a man dressed as an executioner had his hands in the air, while CZ's weapon was pressed against his back.

"Please ... Please don't kill me."

Ignoring him completely, Actor Pandora put his hand on his head, before assuming his appearance.

"Tomri ... executioner of the imperial palace! I dare not imagine the number of people you tortured."

"I… I… I just followed orders! That's all! I'm innocent! I…"

Coughing up blood, he collapsed to the ground, with a huge hole in his stomach.

"We too obey orders." CZ assured, without the slightest emotion.

"He should be happy." Actor Pandora asserted. "Normally our laaaaady would have preferred to torture him ! However, we don't have the right to waste time! CZ-chan, I'll leave this body to you! You don't have to give it to Kyouhukou ! I'm sure he'll be happy to make it disappear! As for me ... "

Still looking like Tomri, he started walking in the direction of the Imperial Palace.

"I will begin the first declaration of war against the Emperor."

Level power:

Esdeath: 51

Budo: 48

Dijon: 48

Bulat: 41 (+ 3)

Mine (with teigu): 37 (45 max)

Akame: 35

Leone: 35

Sheele: 34

Seryu: 32 (Koro, 44 max)

Ieyatsu: 32 (+ 7)

Sayo: 32 (+ 8)

Lubbock: 30

Tatsumi: 29 (+ 3)