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To be fair, their performance really was impressive.
Trained since childhood, their bodies could execute extreme contortions and high-risk maneuvers effortlessly. Dangerous aerial flips? Child's play.
The audience gasped and cheered again and again.
After a long show, Akame and Tsukushi stepped down. Natalia and Amalia took the stage next.
At first, the crowd protested—they wanted more of the younger girls.
But the moment the two mature beauties appeared, cheers erupted again.
Different flavor. Same enthusiasm.
Alex planned to keep watching, but the troupe leader called him backstage.
"This is our new member, Alex," Sabatini introduced. "Get acquainted."
Akame and Tsukushi exchanged a glance, faintly frowning.
They had just received word—the bait was set, and the fish was about to bite.
And now the troupe had suddenly added a new member.
Unexpected variables were the last thing assassins liked.
Alex noticed the subtle shift and smiled casually. "Nice to meet you. I'm Alex."
They snapped back to composure. "Akame." "Tsukushi."
Introductions complete.
The performance lasted until nightfall and brought in a hefty sum.
After dismantling the stage, the troupe left town. With too much equipment to stay at an inn, they set up camp outside.
Akame and Tsukushi shared one tent. Natalia and Amalia another. Duncan and Koga shared the third.
Alex was supposed to bunk with the leader—but Sabatini preferred sleeping alone, so Alex got his own tent.
That night, sitting cross-legged on his blanket, Alex pondered how to level up his Development Abilities.
Luck? Easy. Gamble constantly and trigger it.
Blacksmithing? Forge weapons nonstop.
Magic? Cast spells.
Hunter? Kill monsters.
Mystery? Travel worlds and study high-mystery concepts.
Divinity? Increase the divine power within.
Godslayer and Demon King? Kill gods.
But Divine Core?
That one stumped him.
In the end, he decided to grind Luck first.
He crafted a die, focused on rolling a six—and threw it.
Six.
And Luck triggered.
Perfect.
He kept rolling all night, steadily increasing proficiency.
By dawn, Luck had leveled up to S-rank.
Alex was in such a good mood he started humming to himself.
The troupe woke, washed up, ate, and packed camp.
They were heading to the next city.
On the road, Alex noticed Akame and Tsukushi whispering.
When they passed Mount Shiranami, a group suddenly blocked their path.
Bandits.
Weapons drawn. Faces vicious.
Alex immediately understood.
These bandits had been arranged by the Empire's assassination unit.
The plan was simple: let Akame and Tsukushi shine, save the troupe, win their trust—and draw out any Revolutionary connections.
Oh, and clean up some bandits while they were at it.
Two birds. One stone.
For this era, the assassination unit was sharp.
As expected, when the bandits spotted Akame, Tsukushi, Natalia, and Amalia, their eyes gleamed like starving wolves.
"So this is that traveling troupe?" the bandit leader leered. "Heard there were beauties. Didn't expect this many."
He licked his lips.
One of his underlings grinned. "Money and women? Worth the trip."
The troupe was surrounded.
"Damn it—why are bandits here?" Sabatini muttered.
"Looks like we fight," Natalia said, grabbing a weapon.
Amalia handed out arms.
Duncan and Koga, however, were trembling so badly they could barely hold theirs.
Alex sighed.
Those two were already dead weight in his mind.
But Natalia and Amalia? He'd gained a new respect.
The bandits laughed.
"Oh? Planning to resist?"
"Your men can't even hold their swords."
"Are they even real men?"
The leader waved a hand.
"Same as always. Kill the men. Capture the women. Break their tendons—then we'll enjoy ourselves."
Cheers erupted.
They charged.
And that's when Akame moved.
She walked forward slowly, voice icy.
"So the rumors are true. All of you do this kind of thing?"
"Akame! Get back!" Natalia shouted.
But Akame didn't stop.
She kept walking toward them.
"..."
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