Chapter 275

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In a moment of distraction, only the white-haired Liwa of the three beast warriors remained. 

Liwa, a former general of the Empire and Brand's former boss, known for his bravery and wisdom, was framed and arrested for refusing to bribe. Later, he was rescued by Esdeath and pledged his loyalty to her. 

He possesses an Imperial Arm, a ring named "Black Marlin," which allows him to manipulate any liquid he touches. He is formidable near water but less effective in the palace. 

Yet, he faced an enemy stronger than Esdeath! Abel, with just a breath of the ice dragon, froze Liwa and the controlled liquid together.

In less than a minute, the three beast warriors were annihilated. The arriving Rakshasa Four Demons, unaware of the previous battle and the beasts' strength, underestimated Esdeath's recruits. 

The Rakshasa, two men and two women, are elite fighters from the Imperial Fist Temple and the minister's personal executioners, able to match standard Imperial Arm users unarmed. 

Their special training allows them to control any part of their bodies, similar to the concept of "Life Return." 

"Imperial Fist Temple Hundred Crack Fist!" Zhu Tian, one of the four, overconfident in his strength, attacked head-on. 

Abel, with his "Beast's Strength" activated, broke his arms with just two punches. 

The fight was one-sided, and Abel extracted the temple's secret techniques, seeing their potential to enhance his understanding of combat and the Life Return technique. Chaos ensued in the palace as Night Raid arrived. Without Imperial Arm users to lead, the regular soldiers suffered heavy casualties. The panic-stricken emperor and minister played their last cards while cursing Esdeath's absence. 

They then received dreadful news: General Esdeath was assassinated by Night Raid, her body brought to the palace. The empire's morale visibly collapsed. Who could they rely on now, with Esdeath gone? In this chaos, General Budou stood up to confront Night Raid. 

Akame finally met her sister Kurome, and they immediately engaged in combat. As Night Raid drew attention, Abel easily located the emperor and minister. "

So you've been hiding here," he noted. "Who are you, a Night Raid assassin?" asked the emperor, feigning calmness as taught by Minister Honest. But Honest himself was less composed, offering Abel pardon if he joined forces with General Budou against Night Raid, promising the title once held by Esdeath. 

Abel laughed, "You're offering a pardon? I've killed many, including the beasts, the Rakshasa, and Esdeath, your savior. Would she haunt you from hell for offering her title to her killer?" 

Stunned, the emperor and minister realized the killer stood before them. But Honest, thick-skinned, continued persuading, insisting Esdeath would be pleased by a stronger successor. 

"I've disliked her for a while," he admitted, "Your killing her is a favor. Why remain a feared assassin when you can be a revered general? Wealth, power, status, women – everything you desire can be yours. Why wait?" Abel, unmoved, replied, "A persuasive speech, but I sense no sincerity."

"What do you mean?"

"Remove this barrier and show me your sincerity." Abel stepped forward and touched the air in front of him. Suddenly, an invisible energy wall appeared, separating the two sides. 

Without this barrier, Abel wouldn't have bothered talking and would have ended their wicked lives with a couple of punches.

"It's a pity. I truly thought you could replace that madwoman as the new Imperial General and rule this nation with me. But since you've rejected my offer, you can die along with those fools outside."

"Your Majesty, it's time for these traitors to feel the power of the royal bloodline!" The emperor's face twisted as he yelled, "I will personally kill them all!" 

The ground shook violently, and the entire palace trembled. The strongest and original Imperial Arm, 'Supreme Throne,' hidden beneath the palace, was activated by someone of royal blood in times of national crisis. 

Known as the 'Supreme Imperial Arm,' it's said to have god-like powers. This is why the minister insisted on supporting the puppet emperor instead of taking the throne himself. As long as this power was in their hands, no rebellion could succeed. The Empire would last forever!

Abel felt sorry for the northern tribes. Their technological gap was too vast. While one side wielded mobile suits, the other was still hunting with bows and arrows. How could they ever win?

"Earthquake, run!"

"Mommy, I want my mommy."

"Look, what's that?!"

"That's... from the direction of the palace."

"Could it be a god descending? Bless us."

The citizens of the capital looked up towards the palace, where a mechanical metal giant stood like a deity.

"What on earth is that thing?" Leone emerged from the rubble, astonished.

"That's the legendary Imperial Arm. I never thought it was real."

A deep worry appeared in Najenda's eyes.