3rd Pov
Cladded in white garment, six pairs of pure wings decorating his back...Cornu, the invasive angel that had served Feldway ever since his creation...
This existence stood at the very back of the heavenly army that charged toward the recently developed monster nation, Jura Tempest Federation.
His rôle in this battle was to serve as a bait but still having to face the monstrous army of Tempest gave him chills.
Even if he was only watching his subordinates running into their doom from the furthest back...Cornu felt that his own fate wouldn't be too much different from those egoless angels.
Stepping in means death...
Cornu : This barrier, to think such an atrocity of a nation would be born within the sacred land of lord Veldanava...
Clenching his fist, he felt rage and shock...to think a single nation would monopolize the primordial demons and true dragons.
A balance breaker land that contradicts the nature equity norm of the angelic nature.
Cornu : This makes no sense, is this the lord's will ? No, this nation is abnormal...
Grabbing his head, madness thought filled his mind...this nation doesn't deserve to exist, it had to be destroyed.
His sharp features and predatory eyes turned malicious...even more when he made eye contact with the black primordial who had located him.
Cornu : Noir...as infuritable as always.
In a past age, the angels had once tried to conquer the underworld...but they were stopped because of a single demon.
Noir, black primordial...the third incoming of the great spirit of dark, this single demon was capable of resurrecting on the spot within the underworld.
No matter how many times he was killed, he would come back the next instant...guarding the gate of the underworld like a mad dog.
His spirit and nature is abnormal as well...and Cornu felt nothing but hatred for these demons.
Cornu : Blanc, Jaune and even Violet...
With Guy out of the picture, Misery and Rain staying at his side on the ice continent...all remaining primordials were here.
Normally, nothing good should come out from summoning those primordials yet they were working efficiently with the other monsters.
Defending the monster nation...again an anomaly, why would beings who seek desolation share the protection for peace ?
All these angered and brought confusion to Cornu, but all these feelings were suppressed once he laid eyes on the frost dragon who occasionally glanced at his direction.
Cornu : Tch, I can't move...
Awaiting his time, his body suddenly froze as a bright holy light exploded in the horizon...all motion stopped on the battlefield to look up.
The spell that Rimuru conjured was felt throughout the entire world...even in the far distance, the intensity could be felt.
Cornu wasn't different, he realized where that explosion occurred and started shaking...
Cornu : What is this...
His malice being washed away like a droplet fending into a river...this instant where even he was distracted ultimately served his allies well.
As his rôle was fulfilled without him taking any action...still, in that span of instant where he was too stunned to move.
A demon has sneaked up behind him...a pair of long claws extending from his hand, Diablo chuckled in merveil as he lunged toward Cornu.
Testarossa Pov
Swiping my wrist around, I chuckled softly as my whip splitted dozens of angels in a single loop...I repeated this gesture over and over.
Honestly, this war is boring...sure the scale is at an unprecedented level but the quality side is severely lacking.
They have the number but for a nation like Tempest, it's meaningless...utterly disappointing as they didn't even send those damned seraphim here.
Well in a way that compensate for the fact we demons cannot bring out the full extent of our power...because we would also affect our allies.
I wouldn't care normally, unleashing a wave of death blessing anywhere i sense hostility but then Milord wouldn't be happy.
We wouldn't want that, right...angering the lord I finally found after so long felt so refreshing that I mustn't let him go.
Testarossa : Still this has no end...
The early holy light that illuminated the world...it was clearly from Rimuru-sama, his energy could be felt across the realm.
It was an incredible display of power, it also had the side effect of revitalizing our morals...at least those goblins, orc, kijin and company.
As a demon, I wouldn't feel mental exhaustion even if this massacre continued for another millennia.
Well in an ironic way, Diablo and the other two brats looked up with pride and awe...to think a demon would look at holy magic in such a way.
Testarossa : Speaking of Diablo, he left a moment ago...
Turning my head toward the empty space he was at a moment ago, he seemed to have pride in not partaking directly in the battle.
He was merely observing, aside from him Benimaru too wasn't directly fighting...but he had a reason for commending the entirety of the army.
Not counting our demon corps naturally, I wouldn't ever bow my head to anyone aside from Rimuru-sama after all.
Testarossa : Oh ?
Tracking his presence, my eyes followed where Diablo went...high up in the sky, coincidentally a large explosion occurred in the sky.
Behind this never ending army of angels, a smirk grew onto my face when I realized the situation.
Carrera and Ultima must be similar though by now...unfortunately, I will have to back down for the moment.
Testarossa : These brats...
I sighed watching the two previously mentioned demons rushing off, leaving their position to break through the dense line of angels.
They all wanted to get that seraphim's head, I myself feel conflicted not wanting Diablo to get all the honor.
But somehow, I actually managed to get a hold over myself...instead of brainlessly leaving my post, I turned my head toward Benimaru in the distance and sent him a thought communication.
Testarossa : (We located a primordial angel, my three idiotic colleagues left their position to get him.)
Benimaru : (Roger, I'll send reinforcements to cover their position.)
Testarossa : (No need, I'll take care of it.)
Benimaru : (Huh, are you sure ? Carrera and Ultima received the largest side of the battlefield.)
I chuckled again and cut off the communication, this is just fine the reason i want to take over.
To take advantage of Carrera's uncontrollable nuclear nature and Ultimate crazy chargin battle way...they were dispatched singly with support on the side.
Now if I devour their space as well...I will finally have enough space to use my newly awakened Ultimate skill.
Testarossa : Fufufu.
I flew up, my eyes quickly scanned the vast area I was now supposed to take charge...some allies were struggling to make up for my colleague's idiocy.
My smirk kept growing bigger as I sent to everyone another thought communication, politely informing them to get out of the way.
Testarossa : Now then, shall I test this beautiful gift.
Once everything set in motion, I stood still watching the now unstopped swarm of egoless angels rushing toward me.
If I were to let them pass, it would be quite the catastrophe as I am now directly guarding the entire high front line.
But I didn't feel anxious, just excited as a name naturally came to me...Belial, Lord of Underworld...
Testarossa : Beautiful...
An armor of white flames outlined my body, I felt the warmth given to me by milord...spreading the white flames forward.
I at the moment could even picture the downfall of heaven, the flames turning everything into ashes.
Tesarossa : [Underworld of White].
The sky lit up in pure fire, the incoming angels were all erased one by one as the majestic wave of heat spared no one.
Ahhh~this is truly magnificent, a single name and a lord allowed me to reach the next level...
I now cannot wait any longer for the end of this war, to receive the praise of milord...
Testarossa : Ah~
Furthermore, the expression displayed on Carrera and Ultima's face is so cute, their bewilderment even stunned them.
To the point where Diablo is about to take down that seraphim...at this point, the battle above Tempest is going to conclude soon.
3rd Pov
While Testarossa's observation was right in many ways, she couldn't foresee the fact that a rising fireball was rushing toward Tempest.
Cornu, who had one of his arms ripped off because of Diablo's sneak attack, he was forced to back down but couldn't even find the time to heal himself.
As Ultimate and Carrera instantly followed up, they arrived in an explosive fashion each trying to rip off the kill for themself.
Carrera : Remember our bet !
Ultima : The one who catches the biggest prey wins !
Carrera : The right to order the loser for a week !
A bet made before the war, when the two had a tea time...Testarossa was also present though she refused to partake in their childish antics.
Nevertheless, this kill meant a lot for themself and their pride...
Cornu : When did they get here ?!
Diablo : Oya, and me who wanted to bring his head to Rimuru-sama...I guess my assassination skill needs some refinement.
Now being the target point of 3 primordials, Cornu had his skin gazed...small and deeper cut piercing his body.
Feathers were plucked out of his wings as nuclear explosions occurred near him...the situation was desperate.
Only for another wide range event to stun the battlefield...the pure white flame of death illuminated the sky in a splendid way.
Halting both Carrera and Ultima as they gritted their teeth.
Ultima : What the hell is that ?!
Carrera : When did that bitch...
Their shock gave time for Cornu to heal up and get away, only for Diablo to catch him off guard again.
Diablo : You sure do like to leave your back open, a shame we share the name primordial.
Cornu : Damn you-
Dashing forward, Diablo's claw closed the gap enveloping Cornu's line of vision, all he could see was the palm of Diablo's hand reaching closer.
But suddenly, the black primordial felt an urgent sense of danger as he quickly backed away...leaving Cornu in a state of confusion.
Just now, all he could was imminent death and yet the merciless black progenitor didn't finish him ?
Cornu : Wh-
But as hope finally resurged from this continuous darkness, Cornu wasn't even given the time to react as a scorching body suddenly blitzed throughout the sky.
Swiping him away as he burned under the intensity, not even ashes or remnants of his souls were left after the passage of this fireball.
Diablo who had dodged right in time watched in annoyance, a long serpentine body could be seen sourcing the power of the fire.
[Cardinal Acceleration], that is the spell that just vaporised Cornu into non-existence...
Velgrynd : Huh ? Did I fly over something ?
Mirai : Meh, probably some bugs, we arrived so let's get down (I can't sense Rimuru's presence, he must have already left...)
Velgrynd : Sure, though I'm honestly surprised you could withstand [Cardinal Acceleration] up close, even grabbing onto my scale as I flew.
Mirai : Just some trick involving my skill...nothing special.
As they chatted, Diablo approached the two with twitching lips.
Diablo : Welcome back lady Velgrynd, lady Mirai...
Mirai : Oh Diablo, why do you look annoyed ?
Diablo : Let's just say you both interrupted something of quite significant importance.
Velgrynd : Is that so, well whatever...where is Rimuru ?
Diablo's annoyance only grew upon Velgrynd's way of calling his master, still he forced himself to calm down seeing as the battle was still ongoing despite the loss of Cornu for the enemy.
Diablo : Rimuru-sama has left earlier for the barren land, the holy light that illuminated the world belong to him, have you properly witnessed the suprem-
Mirai : Let's go Velgrynd...
Velgrynd : Right...
Leaving Diablo who was still in his Rimuru simp moment, Mirai quickly reached the ground joining up with Benimaru and Velzard who had just arrived a moment ago.
Mirai : Benimaru, what's the situation ?
Benimaru : Ah Lady Mirai...well for Tempest, we are cleaning the defense pretty well...i can't say for the other nation but i did hear that Ruberios, Dwargon and Sarion managed the crisis on their own.
Mirai : I see, the barren land is currently under high tension...send a message forbidding any entrance within the vicinity.
Benimaru : Huh.., i-i...
Velzard : Just do as she says, the sheer pulse of energy coming from the barren land can already vaporize any weak being...at this rate, Ruberios is going to be engulfed into a sea of poisonous aura.
Even if Velzard was silent for most part of this world event, she has keenly watched over everything...Rimuru's evolution, Feldway's intervention, the sky shattering over and over.
She simply waited, not bothered to intervene as things were just following a settled route.
Benimaru : I see, I will get to it right away.
Taking his leave, he quickly contacted Souei before going back to command the army...a slight feeling a uncomfort dwelling instinctively.
The three ladies he had left behind were all outsiders, yet they seemed too comfortable ordering Tempest's direct executive around.
Velzard : So what next, Mirai-chan.
Mirai : Things got more complicated...but first we need to get to the barren land and set a barrier.
Velgrynd : This isn't very complicated, but are you going to let that slime do the fight ? Who is he even facing there ?
Velzard : Feldway, and from the look of it...he isn't in a normal state, i took a peek and his appearance is similar to Veldanava's, surely his true or battle form.
Velgrynd grew silent, sure she knew a bit about Feldway...first creation of her late brother, leader of the angels, a former imperial guard...
She was wary of him ever since he approached Rudra and joined the empire, but brushed it off as surely her brother's influence.
She thought that Feldway merely followed Veldanava's thought, having trained Rudra himself...maybe the first creation agreed to the late emperor's ideals.
Velgrynd : That rat is quite cunning, Rimuru is strong. I won't deny it after losing to him but...are you really certain in leaving the matter solely in his hand ?
Mirai : I didn't say that, both you and Velzard-san will set the barrier...i will go inside and help him.
Velgrynd : Huh ? Are yo-
Velzard : This won't do, little miss.
Unexpectedly, Velzard stood her ground...she shifted into her adult form glaring at Mirai with an unreadable glint.
Mirai : What ?
Velzard : I made a promise to Dawn-kun, to protect and take care of you if something were to ever happen to him.
Mirai : This isn't the time fo-
Velzard : I know you are special, fighting a war of your own...but please consider the fact that for me, Dawn is family...and you are probably the most precious existence for him.
Meeting her golden eyes, Mirai finally noticed what emotion went through Velzard at this moment.
Worry, fear and anxiousness...
Velzard : We are not that close, maybe you'll never consider me as someone important but that doesn't really matter to me either...I rather rot in hell for an eternity than failing Dawn here.
Mirai was forced to take a step back, she really didn't expect the representation of ice to show such a side of herself.
Velgrynd was even more surprised as this went against her view of the cold hearted big sister that Velzard was.
Mirai : I...
Velzard : You are strong, but right now even a true dragon would be indecisive there...just stay on the side and watch, let the adult take over.
Patting her shoulder, Velzard intended to step in personally...the fact that even after death, she would come back makes it even more obvious that she shall be the one helping instead.
Velgrynd : I really didn't know you at all...Velzard.
Velzard : Even us True dragons are subject to change, just like how you pursued Rudra...i chose my own path.
Velgrynd : I see...
Velzard mustered a small smile before turning into her dragon form, majestic white scales covering her skin as a frozen mist instantly blurred the area.
Velzard : I shall depart right away, once you get there set up the barrier and do not remove it at any cost.
Flying off, Velgrynd grew silent...she turned toward Mirai who stood still, a gloomy atmosphere surrounded her.
Velgrynd : We should...go too ?
Mirai : Yeah...ne Velgrynd, do you believe in fate ?
Velgrynd : That's a random question but yes, it was proven long ago that fate does exist...but I guess people tend to interpret it differently.
Mirai nodded, she stretched her two arms forward and quickly slapped her cheek...at the end, she made up her mind.
Mirai : (I can't let Velzard-san fight, I have to be the one...because-)
Turning around, her eyes glowed dangerously as she stared at the back of Velzard's draconic form in the distance.
Mirai : (You are precious to my father, I can't let you die too...)
Reading the string of fate, a dangerous death flag towered above Velzard's head...[Fate Paradox] would easily manage to solve the issue.
But...Mirai was warned by her manas that the usage of such skills would endanger more than save because of Ivarage's lone existence.
Within the confines of the spooky palace, Kyuri arrived landing right in front of the prison containing Ivarage's body.
Her eyes narrowed dangerously when she lifted her chin, as she expected Michael was present...
Behind him was Varja, whose body glowed signing that she had accepted and used the souls of the eastern empire's population.
Kyuri : Shit, I was too late...
Even if they made a sort of deal, Varja could at any time come back on her word and intervene.
Kyuri was confident because she understood what the world destroyer truly wishes, but she didn't take into account the possibility of Michael's action.
Manas Michael : Mmh ? How come a pesky beast entered this cursed realm.
Kyuri : Ahh, I messed up, didn't I...
Lickign her paw, she ignored the manas to focus on Varja...she was in a trance state, her eyes closed as teinting glow growing fainter every instant.
Kyuri : (Is she evolving ? I see, since mere souls cannot influence Ivarage as a whole, they used those souls for Varja herself...)
This way, the existence known as Varja will grow tremendously stronger whereas it would have been wasted on Ivarage.
This is the best use of mortal souls in this situation, alas as long as the star seal remains sealing the main body.
Manas Michael : I don't know what you are exactly but begone.
Raising his hand in a harmful way, he clearly intended to sent the fox crashing somewhere but Kyuri took the initiative and ran away.
Kyuri : (There is no way i'll defeat a manas one on one, tch i need to retreat for now.)
Even if this will leave many doors open for doom...it was better than engaging into an unwinnable battle.
Michael, who didn't expect the sudden run away, stared at the retreating back of the fox for a long moment before returning his gaze toward the evolving Varja.
Manas Michael : Now then, come under my control world destroyer.
Placing his palm over the wicked dragon's forehead, he activated his skill [Regalia Dominion] despite knowing full well that Ivarage wouldn't be affected.
Ivarage doesn't possess an ultimate skill that fits Michael's principle after all, but he can also control weak mind.
Ivarage in a way fit this description because its ego was born not long ago...but that alone wouldn't be enough.
So Michael, under the influence of an external presence, came up with another solution...
Manas Michael : Be honored wicked being, I bestow upon you the wonder of the god creator's authority.
The Author influences his decision, using the authority stolen from Manas : Lucia...they can put Varja into a constant state of evolutionary sleep.
Due to the Authority and Ivarage's opposite nature, the mix of both will undoubtedly create a recoil of both forces.
This will only work because Varja is merely a part of Ivarage's power...while she also gullibly accepted the mortal's soul leaving her defense open.
Manas Michael : Now bow down and spread your wings for the great lord's return.
Varja's body glowed uncontrollably as she aspired the Authority...in the end, the Author never trusted Varja.
Rather, he wanted a tool strong enough to cause the necessary destruction and carry out his own volition.
Now that weapon would be born, as Varja opened her eyes...this time devoid of any will, the darkest shade of magicule burst from her body.
Shaking the entire dimension, Michael let out a dry smirk as he looked up at the main body of Ivarage...
Manas Michael : This much should be enough, just fulfil the rôle you were graced...a mere tool for the true living.
Emotionlessly standing, Varja went right away to carry the first following order given by the manas...
« Go gather the True dragon core, the creator has waited long enough ».
Dino Pov
Crossing the line of the 99th's floor, the struggle was minor...but upon reaching the supposed final ground where our target should be hiding.
I felt a sense of extreme unease, I looked back to see Pico and Gracia sweating...following their gaze, I realized the mess we just stepped in.
Guarding a gate that surely led to our destination were 4 dragon kings...they had yet to notice us but surely, if a fight were to break down...
We would be found out and alert the enemies of our presence...
Gracia : Dino...go ahead, I'll distract them all.
Pico : I'll help out too.
I wanted to convey my worry but found myself incapable off, instead I just nodded coldly and stepped aside...
Now surely wasn't the time to overthink and hesitate...I hid my presence even further before blending into the shadow.
Gracia : I count on you Dino, you only got one chance.
We didn't need words to understand the strategy, they are going to become baits at their turn...focusing all the attention onto themself.
I will sneak in by myself and carry out the elimination of Ramiris...
Ramiris Pov
So far everything is going well, Rimuru's outburst outside had shaken up even the Labyrinth but I was able to quickly stabilize everything.
My major task in this conflict is to keep the Labyrinth running as the structure in itself is a barrier and bastion.
As long as I will stand, even if the others outside are defeated...they will have a place to go back and gather.
It is also a shield for me, the spirit queen...but well, I doubt anyone would be crazy enough to assault a place guarded by true dragons and countless majin.
Or so i thought...
Ramiris : What's happening ?
A sudden explosion occurred outside the gate leading to the residential refuge...i opened the map and zoomed to the location.
To find two intruders fighting the dragon kings Milim gifted me...crap, they aren't in their best shape !
Ramiris : Apito, Kumara ! The first gate !
Kumara/Apito : Hai !
Right now, I had only a few of what should have become the Guardian of the Labyrinth...even if their strength cannot be underestimated.
The two clashing with the dragon kings are primordials...I need to contact Benimaru and Velzard-sa...wait she is gone ?
Ramiris : Whatever, I can't risk the lives of the citizens...
I gathered my thoughts, condensing them into an explanation before sending them to the outside, but my communication was blocked.
I sighed annoyed before dropping my gaze left.
Ramiris : I was too late, huh...
Squinting my eyes, a greenish barrier covered the room I was standing in, Beretta instinctively stood in front of me.
His hand stretched defensively...I felt the air turning cold when a shadowy figure made its presence known.
Ramiris : So it's you...Dino.
Dino : Been a while chibi...not so chibi...
But something was off, his appearance wasn't that of the Dino I knew...he was cladded in a long dark robe, wings sprouted from his back...
Before my eyes was the true form of the sleeping ruler...truly a wolf disguised as a sheep, he is a threat right now...
Beretta : Ramiris-sama, stay behind me.
Ramiris : No Beretta, he isn't an opponent you can face right now...
Protecting someone can only be done when you are stronger than your opponent or the one you are saving.
Beretta is the weakest in this closed space...i don't know what Dino did but I can also feel my control over the labyrinth decreased.
Beretta : But-
Ramiris : You dying would be a useless sacrifice, I will deal with him.
I'm more concerned about the two primordials outside...wait, he is awake right now !
I couldn't help but muster a grin, confusing Dino...
Dino : You smile in this situation ? Do you believe that just because you regained your outer appearance, you can face me ?
He saw through right me...even if I now look like an adult and my memories are that of my former self.
My power didn't return to my prime, because my skill doesn't work the same way as any other under Veldanava's system.
Thus Dawn-kun couldn't reverse everything...but even so, i'm confident enough that i won't lose against Dino.
Ramiris : You can say, though I was laughing at your colleague, they must be facing quite the unexpected predicament right now.
Dino : Huh ? Are you talking about that fox cryptide or queen bee ? Maybe those dragons ? Don't underestimate us too much will you.
Two swords appeared in his hands, I recognized them as I had once seen Dino in this serious state...well rather than serious, this was his original form when he served under Veldanava.
Excalibur and Caliburn, the two blades that made him known as the best sword user within the star king's reign.
Right now, he isn't using the lord of Sloth, Belphegor...a power that originally contained him more than anything.
I wasn't sure what kind of ability he had awakened but he is clearly using the influence of another ultimate skill.
No I actually know...Astarte, an angelic skill that mainly serves as a compass for his other skill.
Evolving his other skills in the direction desired, Belphegor must be going under change as we spoke...to be more of a battle oriented skill.
Dino : You are wrong...I have already abandoned both of them.
Ramiris : Huh ?
I took a trembling step back when he unleashed his new power...my thought racing, a silver light covered his body as each of his movements became less visible.
Dino : (I started doing so the moment I got those weird visions...unconsciously, I realized that I had to evolve myself...this led to the birth of my new skill, Astaroth, Lord of Fallen.)
3rd Pov
Flapping his wings, Dino disappeared from his location only to reappear right in front of Ramiris,
His swords filled with killing intent, fortunately for the spirit queen...she reacted in time backing down before ducking.
The space where her neck was standing shattered, Ramiris quickly tried to make some distance but failed as Dino stuck to her like a wild beast.
Ramiris : (I need to set up a barrier, this is bad...the strike of his sword is infused with some kind of anti-material energy, it might as well affect the concept I embodies!)
Being on the defensive, Ramiris realized once again why Dino was called the sword of god...his technique was outstanding in every way.
If it wasn't her previous experience in dealing with skilled swordsmen...in fact she even helped in raising one of those monsters.
Pattern and basic weaponship was engraved in her memories...her senses weren't inferior, so evading critical blows became possible.
Ramiris : (But i can only do so...)
She tried to model a new labyrinth in this closed short space but failed as her power was already drained by the bigger structure outside.
If she were to lose control, then she would put in danger all the citizens that took refuge in her labyrinth.
Dino : You are no match for me.
Cutting her running route, destructive power circled around his swords...he plunged his caliburn at her right side.
Forcing her to evade in the opposite direction, only for his right hand to follow as excalibur blurred through the space.
Closing off the only opening she had to dodge, Ramiris quickly conjured a barrier...Only for it to shatter like glass upon contact with Dino's power.
Dino : You tried to fool all of us thinking that you regained your full power...but unfortunately that's all it could do.
Descending, a beautiful crescent slash ripped the space under the path of his swing...Excalibur glowed dangerously as Astaroth applied the element of destruction...
This might not kill Ramiris on the spot but it will be enough for her to crawl back into a smaller form, making the labyrinth collapse at the same time.
She couldn't let that happen yet fate seemed to be against her...as her foot slipped when she tried to find a countermeasure...falling, with a sharp blade coming for her neck.
Ramiris : (I'm going to-)
Dino : This is your end !
Time slows down, it is said when you are met with a near death situation...time starts to pass slowly, your life flashing before your eyes...
A sense of regret as you relinquished everything you accomplished and as yet to accomplish...Ramiris went through this for a short instant.
Happy and sad memories, she was born independently...a spirit that originates from the earliest stage of creation...
Ramiris : (N-no...)
Her eyes remained open watching her execution arrive...her vision suddenly faded as a shadow jumped between her and the blade.
Pushing her backward, the sound of metal being screwed followed...this unexpected intervention left both the spirit queen and angel stunned.
As Dino tried to follow up and launch another offense...but his arm was blocked, the one who just jumped in...
Beretta, having more of her body destroyed and even soul damaged...she clutched onto Dino's arm, not letting him go.
Berreta : Lady Ramiris ! Please run !
Ramiris : W-what ?
Her confusion turned into shock when she realized the next action of her appointed bodyguard...energy gathered around the demon doll's soul.
It was a sacrificial spell...Beretta's purpose was always to protect Ramiris, even if it mean dying without the chance of return ;
Dino : You !
Ramiris : Don't do that !
Unleashing her authority, she tried to decrease Berreta's power input but failed as completely shutting it off would unavoidably harm her.
The sacrificial spell was already done at 90 %, there was no stopping now...but Dino had other plans.
He kicked the doll's legs, breaking its body apart...the glow in Beretta's eyes started wavering at an alarming rate.
Yet she still didn't let go of him...her arms adamantly stuck on Dino's right arm.
Dino : Tch, die already !
Raising his left arm, he stabbed the doll several times...the outside structure was beyond broken, not even enough to support the charge of a soul.
Yet, Beretta remained sane...she kept her fighting until the end.
A perforating light lit up the room as finally...Beretta brought Dino with her as her soul imploded on itself.
Ramiris : Ugh-Beretta !
The blast forced Ramiris to cover herself, a burst of magicule irregularly flowed around the room...before settling down, a veil of dust invaded the space.
Ramiris got up quietly as she scanned the now silent room...her eyes dropped cold when Dino's figure was revealed through the dust.
Unharmed, he simply covered his mouth before swiping the dust away.
Dino : Pathetic.
Not even his clothes were damaged, that just showed the gap between a simple demon and a primordial...still, his nonchalance angered Ramiris.
Rageful mana escaped her body, she clenched her fist, bragged her hair so hard that strands of gold befallen the ground.
All under the cold gaze of the angel of sloth...their next confrontation was going to begin, when another loud shattering sound resonated.
Right behind Dino, the barrier that closed this space was pierced...broken leaving an opening as a lone form made its entrance.
Ramiris's expression calmed down as the strongest guardian of this labyrinth appeared...Zegion, his hands dragging the unconscious corpse of both Gracia and Pico.
Dino : Huh ?
Zegion : Mmh...
Scoffing, the insectar looked around...his eyes met with Ramiris, her distressed state made him realize the lack of Beretta's presence.
He understood that this demon is now gone...nodding sadly, he quietly tossed his two previous victims toward Dino, who ignored them.
The corpse flew behind him...Dino kept a strong hold over his blades, acknowledging Zegion as an opponent worthy of his attention.
Zegion : You intruder shall not leave this place alive.
Dino : How annoying, if it wasn't for this pathetic doll...i would be done by now.
Following Zegion, two other figures emerged...Kumara and Apito, now the situation was reversed.
4 against 1, the sacrifice of Beretta had saved Ramiris for real...even if it didn't wade the direct threat, she still managed to cover the spirit queen and accomplish her given task.
Zegion : My name is Zegion, I will be the one who buries you.
Dino : To think they still had such monsters hiding among those beasts above.
Even as Dino was threatened, he honestly couldn't see himself lose...he was at his very peak after all.
The final battle within the Labyrinth was now going to begin.
In another world...
Standing in the middle of a sea made of corpses, human corpses...Dawn gazed upon his sword, Shin Exalia plugged into yet another corpse.
This was his routine...traveling across countless worlds, at some point he had realized that centuries in the other worlds would result at a few milli-seconds in the central world.
His connection with Kyuri was closed...surely because the fox was busy dealing with the war, so Dawn was left waiting without meaning to know what was happening there.
Still he waited and waited...losing count of how many journeys he had begun...and in this new world, once again he experienced bloodshell.
Peace, war, modernity or mediocrity...he saw all kinds of scenarios pass before his eyes.
And this time, this world welcomed another war...he met people, royalty, peasants and many more.
Forging bonds through those countless worlds...love, friendship, kinship or even happiness in itself often made him waver.
But in the end, he waited to go back...accomplishing what he was meant to do.
???: Demon god of Revolution, we thank you for your benevolence.
Approaching him from the back, a man wearing a crown kneeled before Dawn...he was a demon that ruled a nation of this world.
A place engulfed in war as humans and demons failed to co-exist...Dawn sided with the demon after seeing the nature of humanity here, corrupted and ugly.
Waging a full out war, the millions of human life that dared to go against him were all annihilated, and this battlefield was the end result of this conflict.
Dawn : I am merely doing what I appointed as right.
???: Still allow me to pledge my utmost loyalty, milord.
Dawn : You are the king of a nation, a demon king and I am human...bowing down to me is equivalent to submitting to the same bastard that I just killed.
???: Haha, for me you are more than just a human...you are a living god, us demons will repay you with whatever desire you may have.
He earned countless titles, Demon god of Revolution is only one of many...even his clothes were different, flashing different medails and embroidery from different ages and worlds.
Memories swirled in each of them...Harbinger of Justice, the First Hero, God of Execution, Harmonizer of Peace, the Last Blade of Harmony...
He didn't just side with good or evil, he didn't pursue peace but shaped the world he entered to the direction he considered right.
And as reward, he only ever chose one thing...countless relationships ended with another name.
Dawn : Then believe in me, I shall help you when time is at its worst.
???: Very well, from this day onward...we shall believe in you, Rimuru Tempest.
The name Dawn Arceid was only revealed to a few during those journeys...the condensed amount of Faith gathered by Dawn under the name of Rimuru was colossal.
Faith is an intangible concept that isn't affected by time or space...the closed path cannot stop the flux of faith.
Countless people have started praying for Dawn, or rather Rimuru...a name defines one's identity, as age passes.
Dawn's face will be forgotten, those who loved and admired him will start to believe in the name he had left behind.
Dawn : My fight started the moment I was born, and I shall ensure victory no matter what.