Night Raid's secret base was hidden deep within the mountains. Originally, it was just a cave, but over time, they had expanded it, adding individual rooms for the members.
[Ding! Trade Complete!]
After completing the trade, Rei Ao showed no interest in involving himself in Night Raid's internal affairs. While they held a meeting, he decided to rest in Akame's room, unconcerned about the unconscious Kurome lying on the bed.
His focus shifted to Mai, who had been silent ever since they left the capital. Her mind seemed troubled, and it was evident from her expression.
Rei Ao asked, "Mai, your thoughts are a bit scattered. Is it because of the people I killed?"
Mai's body visibly trembled, confirming his suspicion. Her eyes were filled with a complicated mix of emotions, and she gave a bitter smile, saying, "I'm sorry, Rei Ao. I... I just can't adjust my mindset so quickly."
Even though she knew they were Rei Ao's enemies, she had only recently been a regular person herself.
"It's alright," Rei Ao said, pulling Mai into his arms, resting his chin on her forehead to comfort her. "Take your time to adjust. That's part of why I brought you here."
"Mm…" Mai relaxed in his embrace, visibly calming down.
Rei Ao then turned his attention to Saeko and Ayame, who were watching enviously. "Next, I'll give you both a boost of the protective power. Focus on whether you notice any changes."
The two exchanged glances and nodded. Rei Ao bestowed the protective power once more, and immediately Ayame felt it.
"Rei Ao-sama, the mark is heating up!" she exclaimed.
Rei Ao's eyes brightened. It was working! He used his 'True Sight' to check on them.
[Name]: Saeko Busujima
[Level]: 9
[Abilities]: "Dragon Power," "Mastery of Swordsmanship," "Rei Ao's Blessing," "Inherent Device: Annihilation Spirit Blade"
[Name]: Ayame Yomogawa
[Level]: 9
[Abilities]: "Dragon Power," "Rei Ao's Blessing," "Frost Arrow Technique," "Inherent Device: Echo of the Moment"
"It worked!" Rei Ao said excitedly. Both women had gained two new abilities.
"This is…" Saeko and Ayame were shocked to see red dragon scales appear on their bodies.
"This is the new power granted by the blessing. Take your time to feel it," Rei Ao instructed.
The two women closed their eyes and concentrated, causing the dragon scales to fade away. When they opened their eyes, weapons materialized in front of them.
In front of Saeko was a long katana with intricate purple designs.
"Inherent Device: Annihilation Spirit Blade": A spirit blade that holds a curse capable of killing in one strike, with the ability to summon a blade spirit.
"It inherited Murasame's traits?" Rei Ao was surprised. 'Murasame' wasn't an ability, but an item, and yet it had influenced the power granted by his blessing. It was intriguing.
Next, Rei Ao turned his gaze to Ayame. Before her was a crystalline longbow.
"Inherent Device: Echo of the Moment": A bow capable of accelerating and decelerating the time of the arrows it fires, a result of the influence of Rei Ao's time-related ability.
Gripping their inherent devices, Saeko and Ayame immediately felt a deep connection to the weapons—an extension of their own souls.
"This is a fine blade!" Saeko's eyes lit up, clearly eager to use it.
"Thank you, Rei Ao-sama," Ayame said, her eyes practically glowing with admiration.
"I didn't grant you these powers just to admire them. Let's put them to use," Rei Ao said, signaling that it was time for action. He led the three women out of the room and toward Night Raid's meeting area.
As they entered, Night Raid's members paused, surprised by their sudden appearance.
"Rei Ao-san, what brings you here?" Najenda asked, her tone respectful.
"Tell me, where's the nearest place filled with danger beasts?" Rei Ao asked directly.
Danger beasts? Najenda was puzzled as to why he'd want to find such creatures, but she quickly answered. "There are two nearby mountain ranges where they're known to appear." She pulled out a map and marked the locations.
"Thanks," Rei Ao said, taking the map. He turned to Akame. "I'll collect my reward when I return, so be ready."
With that, he departed with Mai, Saeko, and Ayame. Since this world was filled with danger beasts, which were stronger than the zombies and Kabane he had faced before, it was the perfect opportunity to gain more experience and grow stronger. It would also give Mai a chance to train and adapt to her new strength. After all, a change in mindset often began with power.
"…"
Once they had left, silence fell over the meeting room. The others stared at Akame, with Mine eventually breaking the silence. "Akame, what exactly did you trade with Rei Ao for his help?"
"…" Akame remained quiet for a moment.
Najenda furrowed her brow, a suspicion forming in her mind. "Budo's dead. Lubbock, Brand, disguise yourselves and observe the Empire's next moves," she ordered.
"Understood!" the two replied before promptly leaving.
After they had gone, Najenda turned back to Akame. "Can you tell us now what you traded?"
"Yes…" Akame nodded and finally spoke. "For the first trade, to rescue Mine, I traded Murasame."
~~~
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