Chapter 275: Chapter 275: The Final Battle
Chapter 275: The Final Battle
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A convoy moved slowly along the road.
Inside one of the cars, Najenda and Aoki sat across from each other.
"The three major foreign races, along with our country, form the primary powers of this world," Najenda explained. "It's said there are some small nations hidden deep within the sea, but they're difficult to locate."
Aoki glanced at his system interface.
The progress for "The Supreme of One World" was stuck at 80%.
Still 20% to go.
However, he had already challenged the four major forces of this world.
Should I search for those small nations?
After a moment of thought, Aoki said, "Let's stop here."
"Are you sure?" Najenda asked.
"Yes," Aoki replied with a nod.
He already had an idea for the remaining 20%, though he wasn't certain it would work. Regardless, even if it came down to dealing with those small nations, there was no need to involve so many people.
As they talked, a majestic city loomed on the horizon.
Najenda gestured toward it. "This is a border fortress. Since the empire's collapse, the war between us and the Western Kingdom has temporarily ceased. But both sides know it's only a matter of time before it resumes."
Reaching this point meant they were leaving the Western Kingdom's territory.
Aoki turned his gaze back to her.
"Then this is where we part ways. I'll find Kurome and Akame first, then deal with Esdeath."
Najenda's expression turned solemn. "I'll leave it to you. Take care of yourself."
Aoki smiled faintly and vanished.
Najenda stared at the spot where he had stood moments before, feeling a deep sense of relief for maintaining a good relationship with him.
During their time in the Western Kingdom, she had witnessed Aoki's true power—a force beyond comprehension.
If Esdeath is a natural disaster, then Aoki is a world-ending calamity, she thought.
He alone could destroy an entire nation.
---
The bonfire crackled, its flames dancing brightly. A large iron pot hung over it, filled with a medley of ingredients that released a rich, tantalizing aroma.
Akame sat nearby, her crimson eyes fixed on the pot, unblinking.
Aoki couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.
He understood, though. This was likely the last normal meal Akame would enjoy for a long time.
Kurome sat beside him, nibbling on a piece of beef jerky with a contented expression.
"Sis, I've realized that being patient makes food taste even better!"
Akame didn't even glance at her.
"An hour without food feels like an eternity to me."
Kurome: "…"
She used to be the same way—unable to go long without eating. But now, she was slowly adjusting.
Still, the beef jerky was delicious.
"Aoki, do you have more beef jerky?" Kurome asked eagerly.
Aoki pulled out another bag. "Eat sparingly," he warned.
He hadn't hunted many monsters recently, so his inventory was limited. These were all reserves.
"Got it!"
Kurome grinned happily, clutching the bag with both hands and nibbling on the jerky like a hamster.
Meanwhile, Akame drank the last of the soup from the pot.
She had devoured the entire meal, yet her stomach remained flat. It was a mystery where all the food went.
Setting down her bowl, Akame looked at Aoki with determination.
"I'm ready. Let's do this."
Aoki met her gaze. "I'll remind you again—this is a one-way path. Once you transform, there's no going back."
"I understand." Akame nodded resolutely.
Seeing her resolve, Aoki didn't say more. With a flick of his finger, a sharp wind blade sliced through the air, leaving a small wound on Akame's pale, slender arm. Blood trickled from the cut.
Aoki pressed his finger to Akame's wound, and a surge of blood poured into her body.
"Ah!"
A painful expression crossed Akame's face as veins bulged across her body, threatening to burst.
Kurome grabbed Aoki's arm, her voice trembling. "Is this normal?"
"Don't worry," Aoki reassured her, his tone calm as he continued the transfusion. However, a trace of surprise appeared in his eyes.
He had created many demons before, but Akame was able to endure an extraordinary amount of blood. It wasn't just her innate strength—her exceptional talent played a significant role as well.
Moments later, sensing Akame had reached her limit, Aoki withdrew his hand.
Akame collapsed onto the ground, unconscious. Her body twitched slightly, as if reacting to the transformation taking place within her.
Suddenly, her hand reached out and gripped Murasame.
"What's happening?" Kurome asked, startled. Her face turned pale as she instinctively tightened her hold on Yatsufusa.
Aoki studied Akame carefully for a moment.
"It's likely an instinctive reaction," he explained. "I'm not entirely sure of the specifics, but it shouldn't be a bad thing. You had a similar reaction when you transformed."
Kurome exhaled in relief, though her tension didn't completely fade.
"When will my sister wake up?" she asked.
Aoki stroked his chin thoughtfully. "It's hard to say. The stronger the person, the longer it takes to complete the transformation. Considering Akame's strength and talent, it might take up to a week. And with the influence of Murasame, the process seems to be slowing even further."
He retrieved a vial of blue liquid and injected it into Akame's arm.
"This potion should help stabilize her during the transformation," he said. "It'll prevent her from losing herself during the initial stages."
Just as Aoki finished speaking, his expression shifted. His gaze turned sharp, locking onto the darkness ahead.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
The sound of crisp footsteps echoed through the silent night.
Kurome immediately recognized the familiar rhythm. Her face hardened, and she instinctively gripped Yatsufusa.
Aoki placed a hand over hers, stopping her.
"Leave this to me," he said softly.
Kurome hesitated, then nodded, stepping protectively in front of her unconscious sister.
From the shadows emerged a striking woman with snow-white skin, long blue hair, and a powerful, dangerous aura.
"Esdeath," Aoki said calmly. "It's been a while."
"Hahaha!" Esdeath's laughter rang out, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "You finally showed yourself!"
She stared at Aoki, her gaze filled with anticipation. "The others were strong, but you… you're the most thrilling prey!"
Aoki smirked. "I heard from Kurome that you skipped the final battle between the Revolutionary Army and the Empire to develop a technique specifically to fight me."
"That's right," Esdeath confirmed, her voice filled with pride. "And I succeeded! This technique is so powerful it consumes my vitality. I haven't used it on anyone else."
"Then I'm honored to be your first test," Aoki replied, his tone light.
Esdeath's expression shifted slightly. She narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing him.
"Something's different about you," she murmured. "Looking at you now… I feel a strange sense of unease."
Aoki chuckled. "As expected of Esdeath. Your instincts are as sharp as ever."
A wild grin spread across Esdeath's face.
"Hahaha! This is getting even more interesting! Show me what you're capable of, Aoki! Let me see how far you've come!"
Aoki took two steps forward, his voice steady. "Don't worry. I will. And I'll give you everything I've got."
As he spoke, his body began to transform.
He grew rapidly, becoming a towering three-meter-tall giant. His short black hair lengthened into flowing silver locks that cascaded to the ground. Four horns sprouted from his head, his ears stretched into sharp points, and an overwhelming aura radiated from him—both sacred and majestic.