"That's... a dragon-type Danger Beast?!"
Najenda was shocked to see a dragon-type Danger Beast appear above the Imperial Capital. Even from outside the city, she could feel the intense heat rapidly rising in the air. The gusts of wind from the dragon's wings carried waves of scorching heat, pressing down on every corner of the capital. She could hardly imagine the kind of power this beast must possess.
Saeko and the others were equally astonished. But after her initial shock, Mai felt something within her resonate. With a sudden understanding, she spoke up:
"That's Rei Ao!"
All eyes turned toward her.
Lubbock, his legs trembling, swallowed hard.
"Y-you're saying that giant dragon... is Rei Ao, the guy who just went into the capital?!"
Leone also looked skeptical.
"A person turning into a dragon? You must be joking."
Mai, still gazing at the massive dragon's form as it descended into the Imperial Palace, replied firmly:
"I'm sure of it. That's Rei Ao."
In the chat group:
Kato Megumi: "Is that... Rei Ao?"
For the first time, Kato Megumi's usually calm expression showed a deep shock. But she wasn't the only one stunned.
Stella: "Yes, that's Rei Ao. Or more precisely... the Crimson Lotus Dragon God."
Frieren: "A human transforming into a dragon... Could Rei Ao have the blood of a dragon?"
Frieren observed with intense curiosity. This was the first time she found herself so interested in a human—although at the moment, Rei Ao didn't exactly appear to be just human.
The members of the sub-group were equally amazed.
"Is this truly the Rei Ao-sama whom Ayame-sama serves?"
"He looks like an actual god..."
The three people from the Iron Fortress were in awe of Rei Ao's divine-like power.
…
At Hagun Academy:
"That dragon... is it really Rei Ao?"
Shizuku Kurogane asked, stunned, as she looked toward Stella, who now shared her dorm.
"..."
Stella stared at the massive Crimson Lotus Dragon in a daze. Her heart and soul stirred with a sense of recognition, telling her clearly that this was indeed Rei Ao, the one who had given her the contract—the Crimson Lotus Dragon God.
…
In the headmistress's office at Hagun Academy:
"His powers go beyond ice and time?"
Kurono Shinguuji realized now how little she truly knew about Rei Ao. Despite their... rather intimate interactions, she still only had a superficial understanding of him. Even the world's number one Blazer wouldn't be a match for Rei Ao, not even for a single round.
She smiled, a bit thrilled that the man who had made her feel the joys of being a woman was so mysterious and powerful.
"..."
Sensing something, she looked down at her tight-fitting skirt.
It was... wet.
…
"Hiss! So, Saeko-senpai was handled by a dragon?!"
Takagi Saya gasped in disbelief.
If that were the case, it would certainly explain why Saeko had been so broken. Her partner wasn't even human!
Even though there was a misunderstanding, both Miyamoto Rei and Shizuka Marikawa were equally shocked.
…
"..."
In her room, Yumiko Miura was measuring the depth of her own belly. Then she glanced at the enormous dragon, realizing that just one of its scales was larger than her entire body.
"There's no way that would fit, right? No way at all!"
…
Unlike those who weren't enemies of Rei Ao, who were simply shocked, the soldiers and citizens of the Imperial Capital were filled with terror. To them, this enormous red dragon, its scorching winds sweeping over the city, was nothing less than a powerful, destructive beast attacking the capital.
Rei Ao, however, paid them no mind. He extended a claw and gently pressed down on the palace.
Boom!!!
The side of the palace crumbled in an instant.
Still unsure of what was happening, Mine felt the wall behind her collapse, followed by a wave of searing heat rushing in.
"!!!"
The black-haired girl in front of her, Kurome, widened her eyes, as though she had seen something terrifying.
Mine knew Kurome wasn't looking at her. There was something behind her...
Her eyelid twitched as she braced herself mentally and slowly turned around.
"..."
Hiss!!!
An enormous, fiery eye was staring directly at her.
Out of all the scenarios Mine had imagined, she had never expected something like this. No, calling it a shock would be an understatement—it was terrifying.
"Hmm?"
Rei Ao recognized Mine. At the same time, he noticed a girl who bore a striking resemblance to Akame—her sister, Kurome.
The massive eye pulled back, allowing Mine to finally see its owner.
"A-a dragon?!"
Not just a dragon—a massive, terrifying Danger Beast.
Her first thought wasn't fear, surprisingly. Instead, she thought about how the Empire had finally brought this upon itself. Surely even the Empire couldn't handle a dragon this enormous.
But before she could revel in the Empire's impending doom, the dragon extended its claw toward her.
Panicking, Mine shouted at Kurome:
"Hey, give me back my Teigu, or we'll both be dead!"
Rei Ao: "..."
This reckless girl must have mistaken him for an enemy.
[Stop yelling. I'm 'infiltrating' to save you. Can't you tell?]
"Huh?"
The dragon... was talking!
~~~
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