Chapter 395: Simulation Start, Akame ga Kill!

[Do you wish to consume the chance to use the Multiverse Simulation?]

"Yes!"

[Ding! The Multiverse Life Simulation is about to begin. This dimension will enter a state of slowed time, and the host will experience a dimensional transfer in five seconds. Please prepare accordingly]

[World selected: Akame ga Kill!]

[Dimension transfer countdown: 5, 4, 3... 1. Multiverse Life Simulation begins!]

As Wood listened to the familiar notification chime in his ear, he experienced a brief sensation of drowsiness. When he opened his eyes again, he found himself in a new world, with a completely new identity.

"Hey, rookie! What are you dazing off for? General Najenda is calling for you! With your half-assed attitude, you'd be dead in an instant on the battlefield."

This simulation felt different from the previous ones. This time, Wood was not alone but found himself in a military camp, surrounded by soldiers wearing armor similar to his.

Before Wood could fully absorb the information and memories flowing through his mind, a fellow soldier gave him a shove, pushing him forward.

"First time on the battlefield, huh? Don't worry. The first time you see such cruelty and bloodshed, it's normal to feel disgusted or angry, even for a veteran like me. Though these borderland rebels are enemies of the Empire, General Esdeath's actions are extreme..."

The voice trailed off, and then, "Anyway, enough talking. Hand me your map. We need to plan our advance route and regroup with General Esdeath, so we can defeat the rebels more effectively."

The person speaking to Wood was a strikingly beautiful woman with lavender-colored hair. Her beauty belied a toughness and competence in her demeanor.

When Wood heard her instructions, he belatedly realized he was holding a scroll of paper—a military map—which he quickly handed over.

Taking the map, the woman inspected it carefully without further comment. As for Wood, still somewhat dazed, he stepped back and began to absorb the memories that were flooding his mind.

Just as he began processing his new memories, a boy with green hair—who wore a uniform similar to Wood—grinned mischievously and wrapped an arm around Wood's neck. "Well, rookie? Najenda is beautiful, right? I figured you'd be fearless, but when it comes to her, you were like a deer caught in the headlights. Clever move, though, acting that way to get her attention!"

The green-haired boy sighed dramatically, "Damn it! Why didn't I think of that earlier? Anyway, we agreed that Najenda wasn't your type, right? You're just here because you were bored of your comfy lifestyle."

As the green-haired boy spoke, Wood's memories started clicking into place. He finally remembered who this young man was.

In this new world, Wood was still known as Wood. However, instead of a mere foot soldier, he hailed from a wealthy merchant family—the family heir, to be exact.

Wood had always been fascinated by martial arts. With his natural talent, he grew up without a single rival among his peers.

That was what eventually drove him to come to the battlefield. He wanted to meet opponents stronger than himself—worthy opponents. In order to pursue this dream, he even abandoned a comfortable lifestyle and the chance to inherit his family business.

As for the green-haired boy next to him, he was named Lubbock, and he was not only Wood's comrade but also a close childhood friend.

Lubbock was also from a wealthy family of merchants, which explained how he and Wood ended up growing up together. However, unlike Wood, who was the heir, Lubbock was the fourth son of his family.

While Lubbock didn't have a direct claim to his family's fortune, his family's vast wealth guaranteed him a life of luxury.

But instead of taking the easy route, Lubbock chose to enlist as a soldier, serving in a highly dangerous battlefront in the southwest region.

While Wood came seeking strong adversaries, Lubbock had only one motivation—the beautiful general in front of them, Najenda.

Before coming to the southwest front, Najenda had been stationed in the region where Wood and Lubbock grew up, and Lubbock was instantly smitten by her beauty.

To follow Najenda, Lubbock abandoned his comfortable lifestyle and enlisted. He even worked his way up to become part of Najenda's personal guard.

As for Wood, joining the military had never been part of his plan. It was all because of Lubbock's persuasive words that he eventually ended up enlisting alongside him.

Lubbock's feelings for Najenda were his biggest secret, which he managed to hide from everyone, except for Wood, his childhood friend.

And since the secret was out, Lubbock decided that dragging Wood into his plans wouldn't hurt. He convinced him by highlighting the thrill of fighting powerful adversaries and dangerous beasts—which, of course, intrigued Wood.

"Like I would use some cheap trick to impress her! I was just distracted and didn't respond right away. Anyway, if you care about her so much, why don't you take some initiative, Lubbock?"

As Lubbock leaned in, worried about his friend, Wood pushed his head away dismissively.

No doubt, Najenda was beautiful, with striking looks and a spirited aura. However, Wood had seen his fair share of beauties and wasn't interested in Najenda.

Lubbock was a classic "Onee-san" (older sister) fan. They were only around thirteen or fourteen years old, while Najenda was at least in her twenties. For Najenda, they were nothing more than boys.

"You wouldn't understand… True love doesn't always mean possession. Sometimes, love means protecting the one you cherish, even from afar."

Hearing such classic "simp" lines made Wood sigh internally. Lubbock was clearly too timid, but wanted to act like some noble guardian.

"Well, even if you are an angel, you'd be the "green-haired angel" of forgiveness. With that color of yours, I can tell you're headed for heartbreak."

Najenda was pragmatic and completely dedicated to the Empire's future. Wood could tell she wasn't the type to fall in love easily.

It meant that Lubbock's love would inevitably go unfulfilled. Moreover, he couldn't even express it, as doing so would likely ruin everything given Najenda's character.

"Anyway, as long as you uphold our agreement not to go after my goddess, we're good. Her wish is for peace and prosperity for the Empire. If I can help her fulfill that dream, maybe—just maybe—I'll have a chance someday."

Though Wood hadn't mentioned it, Lubbock understood there was no chance for him right now—Najenda's heart was with the Empire.

Only when the Empire was liberated would she be free of that burden, and perhaps then, Lubbock might have a slim chance.

He also knew it depended on his friend—Wood—not becoming his rival in love.

Lubbock was proud and good at hiding his talents, but next to Wood, he could not help feeling inferior.

They were both from wealthy families, but while Lubbock was the fourth son, Wood was the heir—set to inherit his family's business.

Lubbock was strong and was even the user of the Imperial Arm, "Cross Tail," but Wood also wielded an Imperial Arm and was far stronger.

Before becoming an "Imperial Arm user," Wood was already regarded as the best fighter in their town. Even hired guards from his family couldn't defeat the young Wood.

In terms of appearance, while Wood wasn't necessarily astonishingly handsome, among their peers, few could compare to his looks.

With money, looks, and strength, Wood was the constant object of admiration for the local noble girls.

And because of this, Lubbock had always been wary of Wood becoming his rival, potentially stealing Najenda from him.

"You have nothing to worry about. I'm only interested in strong fighters. Besides, I'm just a young boy, not chasing after older women. I'll leave that to you, the 'Onee-san' fanatic. If anything, between Najenda and Esdeath, I'd rather go with Esdeath."

Wood referred to Esdeath, another general of the Empire, a beautiful, tall woman with long blue hair that reached her knees.

Not that Wood knew her personally—he had only seen her in a recent battle.

She was also an "Imperial Arm user" and one of the strongest, capable of manipulating ice—similar to the Admiral Aokiji Wood knew from another world.

"You're interested in that demon of a woman? It's probably just because she's powerful, right?"

Hearing the name Esdeath made Lubbock shudder. He might have liked older women, but Esdeath was a different story entirely.

There was no denying that both Najenda and Esdeath were beautiful, but after witnessing Esdeath's brutal treatment of the rebels alongside her Three Beasts, Lubbock couldn't feel any attraction towards her.

"No, I'm not saying I like her. I just think her strength is impressive—she'd make a good opponent..."

Lubbock gave Wood a knowing look.

He understood his friend well. Wood was the type of person who lived for the thrill of combat, a true battle maniac. He could not focus on anything other than his pursuit of powerful foes.

If Wood was interested in women, with his wealth and advantages, what woman wouldn't fall for him?

While Wood and Lubbock were chatting, Najenda had finally decided on the route of advance and began preparing the soldiers for departure.

Wood and Lubbock, being part of her guard, were naturally tasked with staying by her side.

Najenda led her imperial troops, numbering in the thousands, through a roundabout path over several days. They intended to attack the rear of the rebel forces and trap them in a pincer alongside Esdeath.

But as they reached the heights overlooking the valley, something felt wrong.

This was the rear of the rebel's main base. Even if not heavily defended, there should still be some garrison. But as they advanced, they didn't encounter any resistance at all.

The rebels might have been uncivilized and poor, but they certainly weren't foolish. Leaving their main rear entirely undefended was simply unthinkable.

"There's a strong smell of blood in the air, and the humidity is higher than usual. Looks like the battle's already begun," said Wood.

Najenda knew that Wood was also an "Imperial Arm user" and that his senses were exceptionally sharp, so hearing his observation, she became visibly worried. She quickly ordered the troops to move forward at full speed.

She felt a deep sense of guilt. To ensure her soldiers' safety, she had taken a longer, safer route, which ultimately delayed their arrival.

Timing was everything on the battlefield, and failing to attack as planned could result in Esdeath being overwhelmed by the enemy's increased pressure.

But when Najenda and her troops rushed into the rebel encampment, the sight before her was entirely different from what she had expected.

Just as Wood had said, the battle had indeed already begun. But instead of Esdeath being overwhelmed, it was the rebels who had been utterly crushed.

The rebels had not overwhelmed Esdeath—rather, despite being outnumbered, Esdeath had completely decimated the rebel forces.

Najenda and her soldiers arrived just in time to see Esdeath lounging arrogantly on the throne of the rebel king. Her slender sword was thrust into the ground beside her.

The supposedly proud and fierce rebel prince was now groveling at her feet, licking her boots like a dog. Esdeath exuded an air of complete dominance—she was a true queen.

"Najenda, you're late. But never mind, these pitiful rebels are hardly worth the effort—I could have handled them alone.

I suppose I'll let you take credit for some of this victory, but all the spoils of war belong to my troops. No objections, right?"

Seeing Najenda approach, Esdeath kicked the rebel prince aside and spoke to her dismissively.

"Since your forces defeated the rebels, I have no interest in claiming credit or spoils," Najenda responded. "However, more important than that, what do you plan to do with these defeated rebels?"