Well, I hope you all have somewhat enjoyed the prologue. I only said that because I don't expect my stories to meet your standards of what can be described as a novel experience.
Well, give me a break. I'm not exactly what one would call a novel writer, but that doesn't excuse you guys from being cyberbullies.
I mean, everyone has bad writing in their stories, but if you, the readers, can actually make sense of it and actually enjoyed it despite the bad grammar, then it is fine.
Like, seriously, because when I'm writing on my drafts, it keeps glitching out, which ruins all of my hard work.
I mean, surely you guys are not the only ones with this kind of problem, right?
That's why I'm writing this using both Writing Journal and ToolBaz, where I can write without glitches. If there are any issues with the writing, ToolBaz will help me with the story.
Well, anyway...
If you have any more ideas, let me know in the comments below.
Now, on with the story.
Disclaimer: I do not own Akame ga Kill or "Akame Ga Kill: Return of the Red Dragon Emperor" by "animemaster212". They belong to their respective owners.
Enjoy.
PS: I have even gone so far as to imagine how to tell a story, such as hearing many backstories from YouTube videos, like Dr. Bob, who went out of his way to explain the stories of any SCPs he could, with all the enthusiasm he showcased.
Even if you are not an SCP fan, there is no denying that Dr. Bob is the best when it comes towards story telling. And of course, WesHammer who's ability to tell his stories from Warhammer 40k will always be a blast to hear.
The morning light filtered through the stained glass windows of the Night Raid headquarters, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the room. Najenda sat in her chair, leaning back as she sifted through yet another report. The Empire, it seemed, had outdone itself once again with its depravity. Each page chronicled a litany of gruesome atrocities—blackmail, extortion, and acts so grotesque they left a bitter taste in her mouth. Over time, she had desensitized herself to the horror of it all; the Empire had become a predictable cycle of abuse and retribution.
But today was different. Her fingers traced the edges of a document that sent ripples of intrigue through her already numbed senses. This was no ordinary report detailing the Empire's relentless tyranny; it spoke of a figure that had risen from the depths of chaos, a specter of retribution known only as The Phantasm. The term sent a shiver down her spine, awakening her curiosity. As she read on, she found herself both alarmed and fascinated. The Phantasm was no mere assassin; he was something otherworldly, a wraith-like presence haunting the Capital, exacting revenge with chilling efficacy. Tales of corpses, grotesquely mangled under the weight of inexplicable forces, filled her with equal parts admiration and concern.
Najenda was no stranger to the world of shadows and murder, but this one was different—unpredictable and capricious. While Night Raid had its own mission to dismantle the Empire, here was an individual who acted purely as a wildcard in this convoluted game of power. Some might see The Phantasm as a kindred spirit, another soldier in the fight against tyranny, yet Najenda understood the danger of unpredictability.
"Who are you?" she murmured to herself, contemplating the reports of the destruction left in his wake. She felt a pang of respect alongside the unease—the Empire's security measures would tighten, and for every act of vengeance, the cost would rise. Yet, in the grand chessboard of rebellion, creatures like The Phantasm could be either harbingers of opportunity or chaos.
Najenda sighed deeply, her mind racing with possibilities. She could ignore this phantom and let their paths cross when fate deemed it appropriate—or she could dig deeper into this mystery. Would the elusive spirit be a friend or fool's gold?
Leaning back further in her chair, she contemplated her next choices. The sun crested high above the horizon, illuminating the world outside, but casting shadows within her heart.
"Hey, Boss..."
Najande is brought to reality when she hears someone. She sees Sheele, another member of Night Raid and a resident airhead, coming towards her and greeting her with a wave of her hand.
"Oh, hello, Sheele..." Najenda said to her, "How was work?"
Sheele's pleasant expression turned downcast as she said, "Uhm... gotten better... I think? At least, I didn't clog the toilet again."
Najenda looked at him in a deadpan manner, making Sheele sigh and say, "I... actually did that... sorry..." She apologized before looking at what Najenda was reading, "Oh, is that the report you have there?"
"Indeed..." Najenda answered. "And it involved the deaths of three Imperial Soldiers in the middle of the night."
"Oh, and what's wrong with that? It's just another report," Sheele stated.
"Well, that's the thing. Reports have stated that the corpses were killed horrifically, such as being killed from crotch to neck with an implement..." Sheele widened her eyes and paled at what she could picture, "One looks like it has been crushed to the ground, like a flattened pancake of gore..." Sheele is aghast at that, "And the last... well, he just got beheaded. That's it."
Sheele had heard the report and could only stare in shock and horror at understanding it. "I see. That's... Uh... a rather strange report."
"Indeed, the Phantasm has struck once again in the night," Najenda mentioned the elusive wildcard, which made Sheele widen her eyes in surprise.
"Oh, it's him again, right?" Sheele said to Najenda.
"Him? Her? Them? It doesn't matter what the Phantasm is called. What truly matters is that the higher-ups ordered us to find anything about the Phantasm, and they emphasized rather thoroughly that they want to ally with the Phantasm, not be its enemy, especially when they know that this Phantasm is no ally to the Empire and, in fact, has an absolute grudge against the corrupt regime." Najenda explained it all to Sheele.
"I see..." Sheele said, nodding in understanding. "In that case, is there any particular mission regarding the Phantasm?"
Najand just sighed and said, "Not really. Everyone is still busy with their own tasks and calls it a gut feeling, but I think that whoever this Phantasm figure is, it is tantamount to suicide, comparable to facing Esdeath. And we all know how dangerous she is." She shivered at the mention of the Ice General herself.
Sheele nodded in understanding, having read the reports herself. She had witnessed the aftermath of the Phantasm, seeing a lot of destruction and corpses mangled as if something had crushed them. Their bodies were also left in a horrid state, as if they had been burned alive.
Then she had an idea, "Boss?"
"Yes, Sheele?" Najenda responded, confused about what Sheele wanted.
Sheele then takes a deep breath and says, "May I handle the Phantasm?"
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
Then, Najenda started to laugh out loud, almost as if she heard a joke, as she said, "Oh, Sheele. I didn't know you were actually better at telling jokes than I am. I'm jealous, but good job being a comedian, by the way." She laughed uproariously, even wiping a tear from her eye, as she continued to laugh. Meanwhile, Sheele continued to look at her with an emotionless gaze.
After much silence had passed as Najenda looked at Sheele's expression, her laughter started to cease as she gave a worried look and said, "You serious?"
"Yes." Sheele simply responded in her own serious tone.
Najenda can only spluttered at what she had just heard as she said, "You can't be serious?"
"I am." Sheele responded once again, nodding at her question.
"Sheele..." Najenda said, pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration, "Have you not heard what I just said? This Phantasm is as dangerous as Esdeath, and although that may be an exaggeration without evidence, I am not joking when I make such a comparison. And I know you are strong, but being with someone who kills people doesn't mean you're invisible. Lastly..." Najenda stopped herself, clearing her throat as she tried to fake cough so as not to sound offensive, saying, "Uhm... Well..."
"Let me guess, is it because I am an airhead, right?" Sheele bluntly called out, making Najenda wince at how Sheele brutally admits it like that.
"Well, I wouldn't say that..." Najenda tried to steer away from that kind of conversation before shaking her head and said, "Regardless, the Phantasm is dangerous, even capable of crushing an entire army if he has to. If even a dozen Imperial Soldiers can't handle this enigmatic wildcard, then what chance does a single assassin from Night Raid have?"
Sheele sighed at that answer, technically not denying how right she was as she said, "Maybe, but I don't need to fight these Phantasms. I just want to meet him and try to convince him that he can ally with us. Then maybe... well..." Sheele fidgeted around nervously at the implication.
Najenda remains skeptical of Night Raid's resident airhead's request but she just sighs and says, "Alright. I guess I have no other choice."
"So, can I?" Sheele said, her eyes gleaming hopefully.
"I am, but don't get ahead of yourself. Whoever the Phantasm is, he is powerful, and if he tries to fight you, then you must run and survive. I, alongside all of Night Raid, wouldn't want to lose you in a mission without them knowing. Especially Akame, since... well, even you know how she is when it comes to losing friends." Najenda explained to her, especially in regards to Akame.
"Don't worry, Boss..." Sheele said with utmost determination, "I'll be okay."
"Good..." Najenda said with a nod as she wrote something on a piece of paper before saying, "Now, I should narrow down on a possible Imperial Military Outpost in the Capital and you'll do your solo reconnaissance mission on who or what is the Phantasm. Remember not to provoke him. And also remember that if he is too dangerous, there's no shame in retreating. Got it?"
"Yes, Boss..." Sheele said with a nod of determination, "I won't let you down."
"Good. You're dismissed." Najenda called out as Sheele walked away, preparing her own mission while Najenda was once again looking at the report she had just received.
"Whoever you are. Whatever you are..." Najenda commented as she looked at the report of the Phantasm, "I truly hope that you are not bad or worse than the Empire."
In the shadowy depths of the night, the imperial outpost glimmered under the faint light of a crescent moon. Soldiers clad in armor stood stoically, their silhouettes sharp against the rugged landscape. Although they held a numerical advantage with over a hundred strong men defending the South entrance, the monotony of their vigilance began to wear on them. The air was thick with boredom, a palpable weight pressing down on the men.
"Man, this sucks," one soldier grumbled, frustration lacing his voice. His companion, leaning against the battlement, nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, no kidding... I thought joining the Imperial Army would be exciting. All that training, and for what? Just to sit here guarding this desolate stretch?" he sighed, scanning the darkness beyond the fortress walls.
"Can't help it," an older soldier chimed in, his voice gruff but comforting, "The Empire needs to have all its entrances guarded at all times. It may be boring, but it's still our job. Duty comes first."
"Yeah, right..." the first soldier shot back, rolling his eyes. "I just wish there was an attack. I'd love to enjoy killing some rebel scum. Didn't practice my sword arm for nothing," he grinned, flexing his bicep for dramatic effect.
Their banter was abruptly interrupted by a shout from one of the sentries. "Hey, guys! Something just appeared at the entrance!"
The soldiers perked up, weapons at the ready, pointing toward where the sentinel gestured. In the darkness, a figure emerged, cloaked in mystery. As it drew nearer, the soldiers could make out a supernatural aura surrounding it—a glowing visage with ethereal hair that shimmered like moonlight and a spear emanating an unearthly radiance.
"What the hell is that?" one soldier whispered, eyes wide in disbelief.
"Is it a merchant?" another joked, though his voice trembled with uncertainty.
"What kind of merchant has glowing hair?" came the reply.
"Maybe it's a special wig?" came the answer.
As the figure drew closer, a cold rush of unease swept through the ranks. "Halt! Identify yourself!" one soldier bellowed, his voice firm despite the tremor beneath.
The figure continued its approach, silence cloaking the air like a shroud.
"Maybe he didn't hear us?" suggested another, but before he could finish, an unearthly speed blurred through the stillness, and the specter lunged forward.
In a horrifically smooth motion, the glowing figure stabbed one of their own through the gut, effortlessly lifting the soldier, wide-eyed and gasping, as blood arched in the cold air. Chaos erupted as soldiers shouted in shock, horror painting their faces at the ghastly sight.
The figure was revealed—drenched in an otherworldly glow, it was a monstrous being known among whispered tales as the Phantasm. As the spear exploded with a blinding light, the impaled soldier was lost to an eruption of blood and gore, splattering the ground and each soldier present.
An icy wave of dread descended upon the remaining guards. They raised their weapons, hearts pounding, as the Phantasm's eyes locked onto them, a chilling glare that seemed to pierce their very souls.
"S-st-stay back... I'm w-warning you..." a soldier stammered, voice quaking desperately, but the Phantasm merely scoffed before unleashing a torrent of crackling electricity from its spear. The soldiers writhed in agony, screams echoing into the night as they collapsed. The charred remains of their comrades lay strewn about, the pungent scent of singed flesh mixing with the wet earth.
"The time has come," the Phantasm's voice echoed hauntingly throughout the clearing, rich with implacable resolve. "Let my people live in peace, as I shall bring retribution upon the dogs of betrayal. Let you all know nothing but anguish, for these shall be the consequences of your demise."
With a primal roar that split the silence, the Phantasm leaped upward, twirling its spear in a dance of impending death. Soldiers braced themselves, desperation creeping into their hearts as they prepared for what seemed their inevitable end.
As blades clashed against the ethereal spear, the night erupted into chaos—a grim symphony woven with the strains of screams, the sound of clattering armor, and the crackle of electricity illuminating the darkened sky. One by one, the soldiers fell, taken by the terror of the Phantasm, the embodiment of vengeance against those who betrayed the innocent.
In the aftermath, as silence reclaimed the grounds around the outpost, the ethereal figure stood amidst the wreckage, glowing steadily under the moonlight, a guardian of the forsaken, resolving to continue its quest for justice in the shadows of betrayal.
Well, that's the end of the chapter. Hope you think that it is better than anything I could have hope although if people would actually be interested in such a possibility but look, I am trying, okay?
I am trying to make Akame ga Kill more interesting and unique. I mean, come on. Even you guys will admit that Akame ga Kill is both cliche and kind of too over-the-top edgy, right?
After all, we have already seen lots of anime that are just down bad with it's 'mature' content like Kingdom of Ruins, Island of Giant Insects and Redo of Healer and all of these are bad anime who tries way too hard to be dark, gritty and edgy with over-the-top violence and fan service that it comes across as so unbelievably bleak that nobody cares, okay?
Sure, I guess there are fans of these anime but really, that's just because their standards are very, very low to begin with, unfortunately.
Now, I should be rather hypocritical when I would go out of my way to rant of my criticism and opinion on anyone's story in FanFic but not only is it because everyone would unanimously agreed that the writing suck balls but if I were to be given criticism on the story, I would, well give up on the story and try something in order to not make the same mistakes.
Trying to rewrite it...
Improve it...
Anything that could it make more readable and interesting...
This is what I want and with me being fans of 'Iron117Prime' and 'free man writer' who knows how to their work and respecting the source material, all the while having no qualms changing and adapting some that doesn't suit both the author and the reader's preference that they would think that it is better than canon, then that is what I am about to do.
I have been known for always being an avid reader, having gone out of my way to read books from the library since my mom basically granted me the chance and literature is everything and so is fan works, especially in regards to the first FanFiction I have read, 'Azure of the Three Kingdom', a Koihime Musou/BlazBlue Crossover that I am very overblown by how absolutely good the writing is, from it is so seamless and smooth and how in character interactions are, it is awesome to read, especially.
Then there is Wattpad and the less said about what the hell am I reading, the better.
Still, though...
If you have any stories from Wattpad that you know that looks promising on the surface with it's concept but poor in it's execution with too many amateur writings and cringe worthy content, let me know in the comments below.
I mean, unless you guys could get their permission for me to take inspiration from them, also let me know.
Well, anyway and as always...
Ciao...