No one's POV

The fight between Ryu, the second rank of the Elite Seven and Merraid Oarburgh, the boss of the entire Oarburgh was underway. No words come from either warriors. Ryu took a step forward, dashing with great speed. He had the fastest reaction speed in the entire team. Tightly gripping the handle of his katana, Ryu instantly close the gap between them to attack. But Merraid took a step back as well, from her back, three wrigglers come out, the Oarburgh woman trying to prevent Ryu from getting close.

But Ryu's instinct and reflexes were greater, he quickly move aside and dodge those wrigglers, his cold glare trained on the Oarburgh woman. The assassin then raises his Prometheus Gun, and fired a three shot towards whom Merraid had deflect to the side. As she did so, Ryu was already close enough to get in her face, him raising his katana as he slashes it down.

Merraid(mind): He's fast indeed. Faster than Akame ever was. But...

Before the blade could hit her, the ground bellow Ryu exploded. It turns out, Merraid had planted explosive ants on the surrounding area and Ryu happens to step on it.

However for Ryu, he had already anticipated the explosive ants before hand. He had studied Merraid's fighting style when they first battled, and Gozuki's battle with her and Akame's own information when she was held captive. So he easily predict the blows and skid himself to the side minimizing the damage as small as possible.

Merraid(mind): He'd anticipated the trap.

Ryu(mind): I've already studied your fighting style.

Ryu close in the gap again, however he noticed Merraid's gaze had landed behind him, but he could guess what it was right away. The three wrigglers that she sent earlier was doing a sneak attack on Ryu. But Ryu had once again predicted her move and three bullets that Merraid had deflected earlier had also come into contact with the three wrigglers surprising Merraid.

Merraid(mind): He prepared those shots from the start for the Wrigglers? What an amazing battle sense he had. As expected of a Vampire.

Finally within range of his blade, Ryu sliced down on her, however he didn't feel his attack connected to his enemies. He realized why when he saw that Merraid had put wrigglers around her stomach where Ryu's attack would have been.

Merraid: I put up a wall of defense just in case.

Ryu: !

Ryu didn't react to Merraid's taunt because his body had reacted automatically when he saw Merraid's left claws were aiming at him. And Ryu knew he couldn't get hit by those claws. Because those claws had tiny insects egg embedded inside them. It was the same move she had used that defeated Gin. So he barely avoided the attack by ducking.

Merraid(mind): I knew it. He has good sense of danger. He understood the danger he's in.

Merraid was truly in awe of Ryu's combat skills. When it comes to pure swordsmanship and speed, Ryu far surpasses Akame when she was sparring with her. And not only that, he has good combat skills rivaling that of Gozuki when Merraid first battled him. Knowing sending any insects to Ryu recklessly will be pointless, so she close the gap instead. With her quick wits, she sent a barrage of claw strikes onto Ryu only for the boy to dealt with those terrifying claws with his katana.

Merraid(mind): None of my attacks are connecting with him either.

Ryu(mind): She has good combat style. However she has yet to go serious yet.

Knowing if Merraid drag the fight any longer, Ryu's comrades will show up any sooner. So she instead release all the wrigglers she had at her disposal as more and more insects started spreading out around her.

Merraid: I'm going to release all my insects... If you don't want to die, I suggest you hurry up and awaken your Vampire power.

Ryu: I believed I said it before, I don't know anything on this so called Lycanthrope. So why don't you enlighten me as we fight.

Meraid: Very well, I shall...

The battle continues. Now that Merraid had summoned more bugs, Ryu had to start fighting more carefully and avoided getting boxed in. He fired six shot from Prometheus while running around the area. However Merraid cut into his path.

Ryu: Tch.

Merraid: Lycanthrope are the monsters that infest the world.

Ryu: Monster eh...? What so different about them and Danger Beast around us?

Ryu said as he slashed horizontally at Merraid that was in front of him while also listening to Merraid's explanation about Lycanthrope.

Merraid: Oh they are different alright. You could say that a Lycanthrope is basically a humanoid Danger Beast because of their terrifying abilities. Unlike Danger Beast whom was used to built Teigu, Lycanthrope is basically human with Danger Beast blood flowing through you.

Ryu: !

Ryu noticed more insects coming from behind, however his six bullets that was shot earlier cut their path and destroyed half of the insects that had come towards Ryu. So the remaining half, Ryu cut them down with his Katana.

But focusing his attention on the bugs gave Merraid a small time for a counter attack. She closes in on Ryu and managed to land a frontal kick on his left waist. Ryu flew backwards and landed on the ground. However he started coughing up blood.

Ryu: Gahk!

Merraid(mind): Finally a solid hit. However he twisted his body just enough to shield his vitals. But that still took a lot out of him.

Ryu: A human with Danger Beast blood. How is that any different from the Gravekeeper from their ability to change into animals?

Merraid: They are totally different. Because unlike animals, Lycanthrope can use the Danger Beast power itself as if they were a part of them. They could even  freely control the Danger Beast that is identical to the Danger Beast blood you possess.

Ryu: Oh... Like you using this insects? So you're saying you're a Lycanthrope as well?

Merraid: Sadly this abilities to control insects is used by a Teigu. Now that you know too much about me. I can't let you live.

Ryu: How appalling. Since I was thinking the same thing. I've already cut down all of your bugs.

Merraid snickered and Ryu got a terrible feeling for this. He had thought he defeated the remaining of her insects, but instead, more and more started pouring out.

Merraid: Unfortunately for you, there are still more.

Ryu: !!

Merraid: You were pleased to think you'd seen the last of these guys. But people are always so quick to believe anything if it makes them feel better.

Ryu:...!

Merraid: Now. Finish him!

Sending more bugs towards Ryu, he prepared himself and readied his blade and his Shingu. He cut down all the 10 insects rushing towards him with great speed of his blades.

Ryu(mind): Even if I drive away the bugs, there's still the puppeteer behind them all...!

As Ryu was focused on cutting the bugs down, Merraid rushes in trying to deal the finishing blow. Still she was getting more worried since her bugs are truly running low.

Merraid(mind): But I still have enough left to make one last attack.

Glaring at Merraid that was rushing closer towards him, Ryu himself abandoned all defense and rushes forwards instead which caught Merraid completely by surprise. Ryu aimed his blade forwards towards Merraid's neck trying to beheaded her.

Merraid: Tch!

Clicking her tongue in annoyance, she abandoned her attack and raised her hand instead to blocked the attack. However that was exactly what Ryu wanted her to do. Using the blade as his feint, he closes in with his left hand where his Prometheus Shingu was lying and aimed a point blank on her abdomen.

Merraid: ?!

Realizing his true aimed, Merraid gritted her teeth since she had sent her bugs and hand onto a defensive position around her head had leave her open on her stomach. Ryu then fired his gun. All six bullet got a perfect shot that should gave Merraid a critical damage to defeat her for good.

Merraid: Gah!

Merraid groan in pain as she skid across the ground holding her stomach in pain. Six bullet holes were clearly visible there.

Ryu: Ugh!

Just as Ryu got a perfect shot on Merraid, she too had managed to sneaked in three venomous bees that had stung on Ryu's right hand. Still...

Ryu: You may managed to stung me. But those six shots were all vitals hit! It's over!

Merraid:...

Merraid look at Ryu while still holding her stomach. Both of them had sustained a reasonable amount of damage, but out of the two, Merraid was the one who sustained the most, having six bullets holes on her stomach, one should probably die there. However seemingly going through sheer willpower alone, Merraid jumped up to a nearby tree branch.

Merraid: I'll admit it Lycanthrope, you're a tough one even without your power. So I'll just have to get tougher.

Ryu(mind): Caterpillars? What is she up to?

Coming out from her dress were caterpillars, Ryu looking confused. He was then startled as the caterpillars began to make a cocoon around the Oarburgh woman, Merraid letting out a sadistic giggle as she does.

Merraid: These bugs may not be Teigu, but they come from the same root...and every Teigu has it's ferocious hidden technique...

Once the cocoon was formed, a crack was formed at the top. The cocoon was soon erupted open, revealing Merraid into an entirely different form. She resembled to that of a butterfly.

Merraid: A trump card, if you will.

Ryu: Just like the Gravekeepers animal transformation technique.

Merraid: Your composure tells me you have experience with this. But how do you like this?

Ryu(mind): All the wounds I inflicted on her before... they've completely healed...

Then her hand changed form turning more like a scorpion scythe.

Merraid: My body's been reconstructed. It's not so much 'healed' as 'out with the old and in with the new.' Even if it does get rid of my injuries, I don't prefer this technique.

And in the blink of an eye, Merraid had disappear from Ryu's sight and quickly appeared in front of him. Ryu was caught completely off guard, still his reaction speed was nothing to be underestimated. Ryu jumped back holding his katana in a defensive stance, still due to his late response, Merraid was able to land a hit, with her deadly scythe. Ryu let out a pained yell as he was cut down across his shoulder down to his lower chest, him falling to the ground.

Merraid: Because it makes it necessary for me to do my own attacks. And it's much more in my nature to control insects.

Ryu:...!

With her other arm, Merraid's nails were now extended, her lunging it down to land a killing blow. And elsewhere where Gozuki and the others was, they had finally defeated Cassandra as she lay death on the ground.

Mez: The... The Great Mez finally defeated her. She was nothing.

It was nothing but a bluff since all of them were all beat up.

Ibara: Even though she was just a small fry, she kept us for a long time... I think I could fall for her.

Green: Now let's go after Akame and Ryu. Especially Akame.

It turns out, Akame managed to get a slip and went after Ryu right before Gozuki and the Elite Seven came to the rescue.

Suzuka: We'll never catch up to either of them at this point...

Green: I'm still going!

Green went and chase after Akame. Back with Ryu, he managed to gain some distances from his opponent and circle around. However, for some reason his eyesight is not going so well. He could feel himself getting fuzzy every passing second. Trying to close the distance between them, Merraid's nails extended itself digging into the ground.

Jumping back a considerable distance, Ryu fires three shot, charging and changing their directions to hit Merraid. But thanks to Merraid's new form, she was able to dodge them all with incredible speed that already far surpasses Ryu's reaction speed. Merraid then shooting out a silk-like substance. It latches onto Ryu's leg, Ryu quickly cutting it off with his katana. In doing so, Merraid sped off with her wings, flying straight towards him. Once Ryu looked up, Merraid was already in front of him, the Oarburgh woman land a powerful kick his stomach, Ryu coughing up blood as he yells in pain.

Merraid: I'm sorry, is this too hard for you? Or is awakening your power was too much after all?

Ryu:...

Ryu didn't answer as he wriggle in pain. Merraid had always enjoyed torturing men, so seeing Ryu in pain brought a sense of delight within her. Ryu was breathing heavily, blood dripping down his mouth. Back into a corner, Ryu started to have doubt,

Ryu(mind): How am I supposed to awaken such power when I don't even know how to? And not only that, why didn't she take advantage at this fortifying technique sooner...? There's probably a draw back to it. Wait... what was it that Najasho said about the Oarburgh and their kin?

Najasho: You can't maintain a fortified state for long.

Ryu(mind): Then she can only maintain that form for so long. Once it runs out, that'll be my chance. But the moment I show at least a single chance of vulnerability, I'll die. I'll just have to come at her and get to the bottom of it.

Ryu: Eliminate!

Running forward at Merraid, the Oarburgh doing so as well, Ryu held a tight grip on his katana. With both of them yelling, their blades clashed against each other. The two were now locked into a clash of blades, parrying each other's strikes. Faced with oncoming death, Ryu could feel a power welling up within him. Like the Oarburghs, Ryu himself was activating the release of his limiters without even realizing it.

Merraid: I never knew you could rally such strength in order to stave off death, boy! You have far more potential than Akame! Had you joined the Oarburghs, you'd probably have inherited the title of Vampir of the Oarburghs!

Ryu: No intention to become one! Taking any job, no matter who you're sent to kill... Is something me nor Akame could ever do!

Doing a horizontal slash, he knocks Merraid's scythe from out of his view, shocking her.

Merraid: It was a nice adrenaline rush, but it still won't be enough to awaken your power!

He then goes for another horizontal slash, but he missed, Merraid spinning her body around as she does a spinning kick, hitting Ryu's face. Once again, he skids across the ground, coughing up blood in the process.

Ryu(mind): Dammit! My consciousness is fading. None of my attacks are reaching her. My eyes are not working properly.

Merraid(mind): Looks like he's reached his limit...I'll be sure to deliver the finishing blow before my upgrade runs out.

Ryu could sense Merraid getting closer by the second. He had honed his six sense long time ago. Still he continued to lay down there, his mind was somewhere else. Timed seemed to stop as his consciousness fades away. He was no longer in the flower field fighting Merraid, but instead he saw himself in a burned mansion.

Ryu: This is...!

It was then he realized that this was the same dream he kept having since the fight after the Gravekeepers. His body was moving out of sync with his mind. He was in his younger self with his hair not dark blue but pure white like the virgin snow. Lying down beneath him was two female.

???: Just what are you trying to do, kid?

Looking back, Ryu saw a woman probably in her mid teen. She had long silver hair and purple eyes and wears a black suit.

Ryu: I'm putting their memories to sleep.

???: What?

Ryu: If they forgets all about me, they should also lose her awareness that they're Kin! Doing this will mean they won't suffer from a thirst for blood. So I have a favor to ask. Can you at least let my little sisters go? You're a soldier aren't you?!

???: Sooner or later those girls will regain their awareness that they're Kin, and there's no guarantee they won't attack humans.

Ryu: If they do. I'll be there to stop them. And in exchange for this, I'll become your subordinate and pledge my loyalty to you.

???: If I take you up on that offer, you must never unseal their memories. Those two girls can never again remember who you are.

The woman asked in a surprised voice.

Ryu: I'm okay with that.

???: They won't be grateful to you. They won't pay you any thoughts. You'll be all alone remaining frozen as you gaze at them from afar.

Ryu: I'm prepared for that.

Ryu's eyes were full of determination and resolve. The woman sigh.

???: How can you bring yourself to go that far?

When asked that, the young Ryu look up with tears on his eyes as he smile.

Ryu: Because I want these two to be happy.

The young Ryu heard a groan from the two girls behind him. He look back and saw that they had opened their eyes.

??? 1: Big Brother...

??? 2: Big Bro...

The young Ryu smile at the dream and he knelt down in between those two lying girls and gently pat them in the head. The two girls close their eyes and smile embracing his warmth

Ryu: It'll be alright, Rose. Tsukushi. Even if we are far apart, I'll always be there for you two. Watching over you in the Shadow. So, go on and rest easy now.

Seeing his determination and resolve, the woman behind him didn't ask any further. But instead presented him with his first mission.

???: Very well then. So with your ability, I would like you to seal your own memories. And I want you to head on towards the Empire for me. Become one of their spies and work for them. The moment recover your sealed memories, I want you to inform me with all the knowledge you have obtained during your time there. In return, I'll shall look after your sisters for you. Is that alright with you?

Ryu: If it means keeping my little sister safe. I'll gladly do it.

Ryu(mind): That's right. How could I forget?

His consciousness return to him. And time itself seemed to have returned to normal. Merraid on the other hand, she had come closer rushing towards the unconscious Ryu trying to deal the final blow. She swung down her giant scythe at the boy grinning ear to ear thinking that she had won. However, her attacked didn't feel connected to her opponent. Looking down, her attack merely scratch the ground.

Merraid: What?!

Then noticing a wave of pressure coming from behind her, she look back to where the boy was. He was crouching, however he had pale blue aura surrounding his entire body. He looked back at Merraid and she could see that Ryu's pupils eyes turned into a slit form. Not only that, his eyes changed color from amethyst into pitch black while his pupils are now brighter blue. His hair grows longer and turned into white color, his nails become sharper, and he also grows fangs.

Merraid: And there it is. That's what I'm talking about. That's what I want to see.

Ryu: Reached the boundary huh?

The answer voice was, as if echoing from hell extremely cold.

Ryu: Unfortunately but here I am──

Ryu's face which was hidden was, slowly raised up. The pupils that were staring at Merraid was surged with azure flame. He gasped his fingertips tightly. All the wounds that he had received from Merraid had completely healed up. Ryu's hair was from its root to the hair ends were dyed in pure white, stretch up to his shoulders. Like tusk his canines became sharp, thrust out from his red lips. And then both his eyeballs let out light, as if from a fierce animal killing intent became two arrows, piercing Merraid.

Merraid: So that's what a Lycanthrope Vampire looks like.

From the military uniform's whole body blue flame like purgatory was blowing violently, the creeping absolute zero degree breath at his feet was freezing the hall. On the contrary the two conflicting power was, giving birth to fierce pressure at the middle point.

Ryu: Now we are of equal status in this regard, right Oarburgh?

With the voice as if bent rusting iron, Ryu answered. However Merraid had no answer to his questions. In fact, she felt like her life has truly ended now that Ryu had awakened. Immediately after, she rushes forward. Swinging its front leg, it mowed down. Even though it was a simple action, but he didn't think it would be that fast. While gouging out the stone floor, it approached with its overwhelming mass, Ryu for a moment released his blue aura and kicked the floor.

On mid air he gasped the hilt of the black sword, he pulled it out like that with one slash. It clashed with Merraid's arm whose was approaching from behind. His evasion route had been read as he moved ahead of it.

Ryu: As always you're fast

Merraid: Same to you. Your power has already exceeded its limit.

Exchanging a few words, together with the sound of metal clashing they took their distance. As if cutting into this midway, her giant scythe slammed down from above. Pulverizing the stone floor, and the ground vibrated as if the end of the world was coming. Landing at the distance, without changing her expression Merraid muttered.

Merraid: As expected, your speed is impressive...... seems my own movement couldn't catch you.

On the other hand, Ryu too who was gliding on the floor and stood still, aimed his sharp sight in front of him.

Ryu: Those pollens coming out from your wings are troublesome...... If that body is protected then normal attack couldn't deal any damage.

In that case, Ryu poised the black sword in front of his eyes. Merraid butterfly form was surely a dreadful threat but, in the end all he needs was one strike. Concentrating aura on his legs, as he raised his agility, suddenly he kicked the floor. The air was trembling, Ryu's figure disappeared. Merraid opened her eyes wide, turned back and barely able to throw up her hand. From behind the blade mowed down, she stopped it before her eyes.

Ryu: Nice response but──

That was a fake, a soundless sentence. Ryu blew the fist he concealed in his bust, then a kick. Pushing Merraid's body which was heavier than its appearance to the air. Immediately after "chin", he returned the sword, his body too kicked the floor and soared.

Ryu:《Ultimate Sword Draw......

Explosive blue flame emitted, all of that went to the sword in his hip in an instance. Too much compressed mana underwent a resonance, Kiiii──! high pitch tone color resounded.

Ryu:《Shining Night Battle Storm》!!

The technique of drawing the sword at great speed let out a roar. The slashing attack used by pushing agility to the utmost limit was, from the blackened scabbard continued to be unleashed. Reaching total 47 consecutive chaotic super speed attack. Because even speed too was separated from common sense, the slashing sounds almost overlapped and became one to the ear. As if the space had been severed together with a repulsive tone color, the meteor shower like sword flash storm rushed to Merraid.

Unbreakable sword slash attack was showering down on her body, Merraid was trembling with intense fear.

Merraid: I can't gasp it with my eyes!!

Unable to fully blocked the attack, Merraid's whole body was sliced down. Then Ryu closes in on Merraid for one final blow.

Ryu: Eliminate.

With his final attack, Ryu thrust his sword right through Merraid's chest.

Merraid: That was..im...pressive...

Dropping on the ground motionless, Merraid smiled as she accepted her loss in Ryu's hand. Ryu on the other hand landed perfectly on the ground with his aura dissipating. His hair and eyes return to normal color and length.

Merraid: I can't believed I lost.

Ryu: If you had more insects, the fight would have gone your way. You would have killed me before my awakening.

Merraid: I wanted Dora to live. So I gave here a lot of my insects. I suppose I was too optimistic. So this is what a Vampire Lycanthrope is capable of. Now please deliver the final blow.

Ryu stood right above Merraid. She saw Ryu figure and before he delivered the final blow he thanked her.

Ryu: You have my gratitude. Thanks to you, I finally remember what my True Mission was.

Merraid: I see...

Merraid seemed to understand Ryu's words and nod. *thud*thud*. He then heard a voiced of footsteps from behind. Both Ryu and the dying Merraid look to see Akame rushing towards them. But seeing that the fight was already over with Ryu's victory, Akame slowed down.

Merraid: Aha....ha...ha...

Ryu and Akame: ?

Merraid: And here I thought I wouldn't see you again Akame...

Ryu: Akame... You may deliver the final blow if you want?

Akame: Very well.

Merraid: I don't have anything clever to say for my final words... But all that comes to mind was one thing. Akame. Before I die, I want to see you naked.

Akame:...

Merraid: I'm sure you're shocked... I'm surprised myself. But I guess my sickness can't be cured even in death...

Akame slowly drew her katana as she approached Merraid.

Merraid: I want to die beholding something beautiful...

Then with a swift strike from Akame, she slit Merraid's throat. Normally a person would die in an instant. But thanks to her butterfly form, Merraid had brought herself little more time.

Akame: I was told to deliver the final stroke swiftly.

Merraid:...That's correct,

Akame: But we were friends and foes. And you thought me a lot...

Akame stab her katana on the ground and started undressing her clothes. Seeing that she was undressing, Ryu closed his eyes and looked away not wanting to get in the way on these two frenemies. Meanwhile Akame had undressed her last garment and stood on top of Merraid.

Akame: This is me...

Merraid:...Exquisite...

Akame: In your room... I was acting, but there is one thing I said to you was true.

Merraid:...?

Ryu:...

Akame said her last final words. Ryu was still looking away while closing his eyes listening to the two of them as they shared their final conversation. Though he couldn't see it, he could tell Merraid was smiling.

Merraid: Heh... I knew my eyes... weren't seeing things... Then boy...

Ryu:...

Merraid: Please cut me... until my life runs out...

Finally opening his eyes he looked back to see the clothed Akame and with a nod from the two Elite Seven, Ryu delivered one last swift strike on Merraid's neck decapitating her completely ending the last Oarburgh member. Seeing her dead body, Akame created a grave for the boss of the Oarburgh.

Oarburgh: completely wiped out