Chapter 23 Would You Like to Join Us?
The Empire's Most Wanted… the legendary Black Reaper. From Najenda's words before, Hei can clearly see two conclusions regarding his presence in the empire. One, there are revolutionary spies inside the Empire Army; two, Esdeath herself has somehow gathered the information regarding the characteristics and personality of Hei in the Elder Basin.
In fact, Najenda is currently powerless in her decision toward Hei's existence. The revolutionary army wants this Black Reaper, even though he murdered around five hundred soldiers of their own.
However, one thing is certain. By sacrificing five hundred revolutionary soldiers, this man obliterated more than thirteen thousand empire troops. As a result, the revolutionary army did, in essence, took a debatable victory in that battle.
As a matter of fact, the revolutionary headquarters did suppress Hei's accomplishments in the Elder Basin, and gave the glory to General Hector and his soldiers in order to preserve a high morale.
Such shameless action is currently making Najenda rather uncomfortable in front of the Black Reaper himself.
Nonetheless, now is not the time for those thoughts.
"Hei, am I right? I am Najenda, as you can see, the 'Boss' of Night Raid." Bringing Hei directly to the main room, the leader of the young assassins straightforwardly introduces herself.
"Hei."
Fixing his mask, the Black Reaper replies with his usual dry monotone, and unintendedly observes the smoking woman in front of him.
Najenda does not mind the impoliteness of the newcomer; on the other hand, she glances at the nervous Lubbock behind the Black Reaper with a stern look.
"I assume you understand why you are here?"
Secretly perceiving his environment with his powers from the BK-201, Hei turns back to the serious woman after ten seconds with an understanding of his surrounding dangers.
"Employment or eradication."
The answer is simple, but also extremely plain. In this instance, Najenda is a bit stunned at Hei's directness. She wants to explain something, but her mind fails to come up with anything to say.
Hei is right. The only two conclusions regarding this man in front of her are employment and eradication.
The reason is also simple. It all comes down to the formidable mind of Hei. The "Black Reaper", as higher-order revolutionary officials call him, has an absolutely superhuman intellect.
Such talent must be used. If not, then it must be eliminated, for nobody is willing to take the risk of having this man on their opposing side.
Silence falls upon the room.
Just as Najenda is about to speak again, something rudely interrupts the conversation.
"Hi, Boss, you are back already?"
The transparent water vapors on Leone's hair has brought the smell of nature into the serious room, cutting off the important conversation between Najenda and Hei.
At the same time, Sheele, Mine, Bulat, and Akame follow suit.
"Since everyone is here. I think we shall discuss the future of our guest."
Crossing her arms, Najenda sits back on her seat, and indulges herself into the telling of the battle of Elder Basin.
…
If one is watching the expressions of the Night Raid members, then he can definitely notice the changes on the expressions of the young assassins.
Indifference is the first emotion.
Shock gradually takes over the crowd.
At the end, horror is the only remaining reaction.
GULP.
The sound of swallowing distinctly shows itself into the quiet atmosphere, making it extremely abnormal.
"Are you certain this is the man?" the silent Bulat eventually becomes the first one to break the sound in such a strange mood.
"From the intelligence we have gathered, I am quite certain."
"That battle was unreal… This means, he has defeated the army of General Esdeath herself…"
"No. Not Esdeath herself. Soldiers extremely unformalized. The frontal assault was unimportant. The significant troops were only behind Esdeath's back. She would not have treated her elite army for five hundred soldiers."
Interrupting Sheele, Hei does not see the benefit of lying in his current predicament.
"Nature was the weapon. I merely ignited the powder."
"Wait, are you admitting the battle was completely your plan?"
Looking at the pinkette, Hei carefully nods his head as his reply.
"Woah…"
Psychologically defeated, the members of Night Raid finally realize with what they are dealing this entire time.
"Now, the most important question is," Najenda slowly shakes her head and refocuses on the masked man on the other side of the room, "would you like to join us?"