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In the current Imperial Capital, General Budo was akin to the nation's final bastion of justice—a steady pillar holding the fractured Empire together.

Esdeath, on the other hand, was a blade—a weapon whose sharpness instilled fear in countless nations and powers across the continent.

"So, you're General Budo?"

"Yes, I am. And who might you be, intruder?"

"August."

"Very well. Judging by your demeanor, you don't seem like a villain. Why, then, have you intruded upon the palace's inner sanctum?"

"Well," August replied with a faint smile, "the Prime Minister sent assassins to kill me. I simply returned the favor. Unfortunately, since he hides within the palace, I had no choice but to fight my way in."

"I see," Budo sighed heavily. "So this is the Prime Minister's doing once again. While your grievance may be valid, breaking into the palace is still a grave offense."

"General Budo, I'm not a citizen of your Empire."

"Whether you are or aren't, anyone who violates the Empire's laws within its borders is guilty."

August laughed, his voice filled with disdain. "Guilty? You call this crumbling Empire lawful? The capital is overrun by corruption and monsters, with none more wretched than the Prime Minister himself. Yet here you stand, upholding this mockery of justice."

Budo's face darkened, but he remained composed. He knew the truth of August's words. The Prime Minister's misdeeds were no secret, but as a military official, Budo was bound by tradition.

"The law forbids generals from interfering in political matters."

"Outdated nonsense," August scoffed. "This Empire is rotting from within. And you, General Budo, share the blame. You may not be complicit, but you've turned a blind eye to its decay."

"Hmph. My guilt is not for you, a criminal, to judge."

"A criminal?" August chuckled. "That's a title I've yet to hear."

Though August harbored no animosity toward Budo personally, he couldn't ignore the man standing in his way.

"General Budo," August said, his tone hardening, "I respect your integrity. But if you insist on opposing me, then I have no choice but to kill you."

"Hmph!"

Budo let out a cold snort, raising his hand toward August. A massive bolt of lightning erupted from his palm, streaking toward his opponent.

This was the power of the Teigu Thunder God's Wrath—Ademira. The lightning surged with devastating speed, wrapping around August in a brilliant flash that illuminated the area.

But to Budo's shock, the attack didn't even leave a scratch. It failed to break through August's defenses entirely.

"Is this all you've got, General Budo?" August taunted, his voice calm.

"Arrogant scoundrel!"

Angered by August's provocation, Budo's face twisted in fury. The metal rods on his arms began to glow, crackling as they gathered an enormous amount of electrical energy.

Bang!

Budo slammed the rods together, creating a thunderous explosion that condensed into a growing sphere of lightning. The air itself seemed charged with power as the sphere swelled to the size of a person.

August watched silently, unmoved by the display. He stood still, waiting for the attack to come.

The massive lightning sphere, glowing with destructive energy, roared toward August, its sheer force shattering the ground as it passed.

Snap!

With a single swipe of his hand, August shattered the lightning sphere into harmless sparks.

His ability, known as Insulated Claw, was a natural counter to any technique. It wasn't a learned skill but an innate power—unchanging, no matter the circumstances.

"This… this can't be," Budo muttered, staring in disbelief. His most powerful technique had been neutralized as if it were nothing.

"Budo," August said, his tone steady, "you should know better than to think you're invincible. The world is far larger than you can imagine."

"Spare me your lectures!"

Enraged, Budo charged forward, his body crackling with electricity as he launched a flurry of attacks.

Though Budo was the Empire's most formidable general, his strength extended beyond his Teigu. His physical prowess and combat skills were unmatched among the military elite. But he had chosen the wrong opponent.

August's close-combat abilities bordered on divine. His Heavenly Martial Arts—a gift of unparalleled skill—placed him far beyond the realm of ordinary warriors.

Boom!

Their first clash left Budo reeling. His eyes widened in shock as August effortlessly countered and struck him with overwhelming force.

Before Budo could recover, August unleashed a relentless barrage of attacks, raining blows upon the general like a storm.

With nothing but his physical strength and mastery of martial arts, August dismantled Budo's defenses.

Crash!

In a final display of power, August destroyed Budo's Teigu with a single punch, sending the general flying.

Cough!

Budo spat blood, collapsing to one knee. For the first time in his life, he found himself utterly defeated.

His Teigu was destroyed, and his body battered. If August hadn't shown mercy, Budo would already be dead.

"Why… why didn't you kill me?" Budo asked, his voice weak.

"Because it doesn't matter," August replied. "Whether you live or die, you're finished. Your fight is over."

Budo struggled to his feet, his determination unbroken despite his grievous injuries.

"As long as I draw breath, I will protect this Empire."

"Your loyalty is admirable," August said, his voice laced with mockery. "But blind devotion is nothing but foolishness."

"I owe my life to the late Emperor," Budo said. "For the Empire, I will give everything."

"Pathetic," August said coldly. "If that's how you feel, I'll end your suffering."

Swish!

A golden sword of radiant light pierced through the air, ending Budo's life in an instant.

At that very moment, Esdeath arrived with her Three Beasts in tow. She stopped in her tracks, stunned by the sight of August standing over Budo's lifeless body.

This was Budo—a warrior on par with her in strength—and he had been slain so easily.

Esdeath's lips curled into a smile, equal parts astonished and impressed.

"August," she murmured. His strength surpassed her expectations.

Yet beneath her joy lay a trace of doubt. Esdeath had always sought to conquer him, but now she realized the truth: this was not a man she could dominate.

If they were to be together, she would likely be the one subdued.

The thought unsettled her, but strangely, she didn't dislike it. Perhaps, for once, being conquered wouldn't be so bad.

___

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