3rd Pov
Zegion...an insectar shaped like a beetle, he is a warrior who descends directly from Ivarage.
But after a tragic incident, he had to flee from his own kind...at the door of death, injured and having someone to protect.
He met Rimuru who gave him a name, a home and a new purpose in life.
The unofficially strongest guardian lord, Zegion...trained by Veldora, his body reinforced by Rimuru (Ciel) and blessed with a soul sourcing from destruction itself.
Now facing a powerful being in a real fighting situation for the first time, the insectar backed by two of his colleagues along with the spirit queen met the most prominent blade of heaven.
Dino : To think some cryptid made themself home in Tempest, your bloodline is pure as well.
Narrowing his eyes, he briefly analysed Zegion...then Apito and Kumara, the three of them were powerful.
Enough to even shake off any primordial...and with Ramiris who can act as a support, not many would be capable of even walking out of here alive.
Yet Dino barely felt a hint of anxiety brush his skin, his external facial expression remained calm and cold...if not harsher.
He had completely ignored his own friend's downfall and focused on the battle ahead...his fist clenched around Excalibur and Caliburn's handle.
In a swift movement, the sound of a blade meeting steel echoed fashionably through the labyrinth.
Zegion : You intruder must be eliminated.
Cryptid against angel, it is a fight which stands from equal fraction...the creation of Veldanava against Ivarage's.
As the fight began, Ramiris quickly got up and relinked herself with the Labyrinth...gaining her full authority back, she remodelled the floor they were in to isolate it.
After realizing that she won't be able to influence Dino as much as she thought...this wasn't a world like imaginary space where she would reign as a supreme god after all.
Ramiris : Be careful everyone ! Dino is much stronger than any of us individually right now !
Her words brought a sense of unease to Apito, still they had the advantage in number.
With Kumara using her elemental power at a safe distance, Apito's sneak attack on blind spot, Zegion's close combat, his remarkable toughness managed to resist and repel the two mystical blades.
Dino was left with no time to even breathe, he naturally didn't need it but his brain had to work constantly to evade and counter each offense.
His two arms moved around irregularly, a flash of his swordsmanship soared along the wave of his blades.
Even so, he still held his ground against three, his eyes even took the liberty of surveilling Ramiris who constantly healed the three cryptids.
Dino : (She can't use a skill capable of damaging me...if she did, i'll just take one of those damn beasts as a collateral shield.)
A cold thought was processed, his pupils shrinking viciously before shifting right and left, up and down.
Taking every factor in account, he twisted his wrist...allowing his blade to fly past Zegion's head, Dino used the th gap to shift his position to behind the insectar.
Zegion : Where do you think you are goi-huh ?
He tried to turn around, continue the chase but couldn't...his shoulder in axis to his turn was blocked by Dino's elbow.
Dino : You are still young, take it easy.
To be honest, Dino wasn't impressed by Zegion's ability...sure enough the aura he gave off was powerful but his martial prowess and experience were lacking.
Dino : Who taught you those dumb flashy moves full of imperfection ? He must be quite the terrible teacher.
Leaving Zegion behind, Dino launched himself toward Apito...since she aimed for his blind spot, she used Zegion's back as a protection to retreat.
As a queen bee, her speed is consequent...perhaps if she started fleeing, Dino himself might not be able to catch on directly.
But that issue was resolved the moment she adopted her strategy of aiming blind spot...Dino only needed to predict his next blind spot to create an opening.
Dino : Right here.
Apito : Wha-
Dino : Drop dead.
Apito's field of vision closed slowly, everything around her appeared blurry as her eyes followed Caliburn...moving toward her.
Her instinct screaming as the thirst of death closely swallowed her everything...
Kumara : Move out of the way !
A shout came in waking the queen bee, her body was pushed to the side...Gett, one of Kumara's tail beasts took her place.
The sudden sacrifice was unexpected and Dino could only cut down the rabbit-like beast, still he didn't leave Apito unscattered.
As Caliburn did manage to cut one of her wings who remained in range...
Dino : Those cryptid art are so annoying.
Gritting his teeth, he turned around holding up both his words as Zegion reappeared with rage.
His fist collided with the edge of the mythical blades, exchanging another series of elusive blows...while Ramiris tried to heal Apito.
Dino : No you won't !
Using his ultimate skill to intercept her, Dino literally cut down the healing spell while continuously fending off Zegion's physical blow.
Nevertheless, this action cost him to leave his back open as Kumara took the chance and swiftly burned some of Dino's feathers.
His back stinging like a sharp needle piercing through skin...the fifth had just begun.
Dino : (I need to get rid of Ramiris somehow-wait...)
Halting all movement, Dino seemingly froze...his guard completely down.
The sudden stunt left everyone following, even Zegion stopped his fist...
Zegion : What ?
Dino : Something isn't right...
Confused by his behavior, Ramiris tried to get a read over what could have possibly stopped him...expanding her perception through the labyrinth, then the outside world.
She felt every single particle in her being jolted in fear...
Ramiris : This...Dino, let's pause our fight now...
Dino : ...
Zegion and Kumara stood aside baffled as the angel made his swords disappear...they didn't witness the world as much as a seraphim whose origin dates from the dawn of time.
So they couldn't know...but just now, Ramiris felt a power that possibly threatened the entire central world.
Dino : Yeah, I need to go first...please take care of Gracia and Pico...
This just showcased the gravity of the situation, Dino was ready to leave his precious friends in the hand of the enemy.
As a seraphim, his primal goal is to protect the world from doom...the blade of Veldaava, that is his true purpose, to fend off the enemy of his lord.
The same lord who cherished his own creation...back when Veldanava was killed, Dino underwent a rampage annihilating several nations.
But he stopped by himself not because his thirst was filled but rather he owed it to Veldanava's love.
Ramiris : Yeah, but you'll have to pay the consequence of killing my precious aide later.
Dino : Whatever...
He really didn't care, all he had in mind was getting out of here and flying over the source of that malicious presence...
Leaving the labyrinth in a hurry, he bursted through the floors...shattering the wall not caring about hiding his presence.
Ramiris : You guys...take those two to a guest room and explain to them that the worst calamity has reappeared.
Zegion : May we obtain an explanation ?
Ramiris : Ivarage...is back.
The reason for the strong reaction despite knowing that Ivarage had already gained a will...is because of the current pulse of energy bursting from the barren.
Uncontrollable and chaotic...when Varja interrupted the meeting a few weeks ago, her power was controlled.
But the true trauma lay in the wild and unreasonable Ivarage, not the calm and self conscious Varja.
The beast that is currently rising the barren land is that terrifying beast who terrorized the world long ago...the one that ultimately needed Veldanava himself to step in.
Zegion : Ivarage...
Kumara : Mmh...
Apito : Huh...
Their reaction is quite understandable since Ivarage is their creator...their loyalty is in Rimuru but they can't just ignore their progenitor's presence.
Ramiris : All of you remain here, this is a fight being this world's capacity...I will depart once i get Veldora, the rest of you shall defend Tempest until the very end.
Her words left no room for negotiation...she wrapped a few more details before departing herself.
Behind her, Zegion was left standing...his gaze lowered and fist tightened.
He was supposed to be the strongest guardian that shall protect the labyrinth of any threat...yet he failed, Dino, a simple demon lord, had totally dominated the fight.
Zegion : (I need to get stronger...)
the seed of an ultimate skill already within him, he wasn't able to awaken it in time for this war...
The situation in the barren land was simply...chaotic, no beyond that term.
Rimuru who had just witnessed the coldest shower, in seeing Velzard's dragon core, teared out of her soul.
He was struggling in keeping the unconscious frost dragon and Obera/Milim from being stormed away by the release of Mirai's rage.
The heroine had fully snapped and tried to kill Michael but was stopped by the world destroyer dragon.
Now the two were engaged in a fight in the air, akin to Feldway and Rimuru's confrontation earlier.
Rimuru : (This is bad...)
He had Uriel protecting himself and those behind from the contagious aura...while looking up, he could already see the sky splitten, the space tangled like a broken glass.
Behind him, Obera was struggling to even stay standing...her body covering for Mlim who remained asleep.
Rimuru : Miss Obera ! Take Milim and Velzard, and get the fuck out of here !
Obera : Y-yes !
Obera isn't foolish, she knows that her presence here will change nothing in the balance...even below Mirai and Varja, the tension was as intense.
Manas : Michael, standing emotionless with a glowing frost sphere in his hand...he faced Velgrynd whose eyes shone with burning anger.
Manas Michael : You are next, scorch dragon.
Velgrynd : Seeing you using Rudra's body makes me want to puke, I'm going to destroy you.
Manas Michael : You don't seem to realize your own predicament.
His eyes showed no sign of alert of warryness...the only threat among the true dragon was always Velzard.
Michael himself wasn't confident in taking out himself, as for Velgrynd...with all those centuries of memories through Rudra.
He knew that she could never defeat him...furthermore when Manas : Michael possesses a certain ability called [Ultimate Dominion].
Velgrynd : Huh ?
A pulsating freezing sensation ran through her body, coming from the depth of her soul.
Velgrynd could instinctively tell it was from her ultimate skill, Lord of Charity : Raguel...a skill gifted to her directly by Veldanava.
One of the seven virtues ultimate skill who can be controlled by Manas : Michael...
Manas Michael : Now, you are completely rendered useless.
Velgrynd : !!!
In a leap, the distance separating the two was shortened, Michael raised his hand ready to tear out the second dragon core needed for his plan.
All Velgrynd could do was feel her anger sip into fear...her eyes trailing the manas approach.
It was unavoidable...until a clear mechanical voice entered her mind.
Ciel : (Completion of soul corridor, achieved...suppression of [Ultimate Dominion] effect, successful.)
The voice faded as soon as the announcement was made, Velgryd's perception slowed down...her body responded to her call once again.
She didn't get much time to be surprised, her eyes moved away as she instinctively evaded the incoming blow.
Manas Michael : What ?
Velgrynd : Heh, seems like your petty trick is the one useless now.
Shiting all her balance in her left foot, she stumbled her feet into the ground marking it with a dent.
Her right leg transitioned into the air, a coat of flames indwelling from the base of her foot to her thigh.
In a bold fashion, she aimed the back of her heel toward Michael's head, only to extract a loud noise upon impact.
A inch away from the designed target, Velgrynd was met with a wall...her eyes narrowed dangerously realizing the composition of this barrier.
Velgrynd : (Tch...so he can use Rudra's skill as well.)
Her guess was half right, he can not only use Rudra's power and memories but also all the skills from Rudra's soldiers who were resurrected.
Not only that, also the seraphim who had lost their battle...and returned to an unalive state.
Manas Michael : How unexpected...but even if a trash is given a great sword, it remains trash.
His eyes ethered in a dangerous glow, catching the still hanging leg of the scorch dragon...his other hand narrowed ready to pierce Velgrynd's chest.
Velgrynd : (But how is he amplifying it? [Castle Guard] can only work properly if he has devoted followers...this is why it is the perfect skill for Rudra.)
Kicking her leg, she coated herself in an energy of similar density to her [Cardinal Acceleration], burning up while forcing Michael to let go of her.
She quickly created some distance, landing back near where Rimuru was.
Velgrynd : Tch, in any case I can't break [Castle Guard] on my own.
Observing, she could still see the disappearing shape of [Castle Guard] all around Michael.
The ultimate defense that could even whistand a ultimate skill's rampage...
Manas Michael : ...
Velgrynd : Mmh ?
Her pupils dilating, she noticed that the manas's attention wasn't on her anymore...no, instead he was looking at something past her.
Looking back, another barrier was set up...behind she could see Rimuru, and a retreating Obera who was carrying both her sister and niece.
Her figure was already gone into the horizon...if it wasn't for her sharp true dragon sense, perhaps she wouldn't be able to see her.
Velgrynd : (Rimuru ? Now that I think, did he evolve again ? I can't see myself even landing a scratch on him anymore...)
His whole presence was different, he was already an anomaly so it didn't surprise her that much...after all, which slime can suddenly evolve into a species akin to a true dragon.
There was also that voice earlier...it was familiar yet foreign, she was certain it came from Rimuru.
Velgrynd : (Is it that weird talking skill of his ? I was startled and overwhelmed so I wasn't able to think straight, but now I'm positive, Rimuru has the power to fight Manas : Michael?)
The realization hit her pretty hard, the cold reality that she wasn't powerful enough...she could only bite her lips and process before accepting that truth.
Velgrynd : Rimuru...can you defeat him ?
Rimuru : ...
Looking back, Rimuru made a last check up on Obera to see if she was out of danger...before returning his gaze on Velgrynd.
Rimuru : (What do you think, Ciel?)
Ciel : (With the master's current condition, the stakes are at odds...Manas : Michael's abilities are still unknown, I suggest master to proceed with caution.)
A reasonable warning, Rimuru as of now is capable of defeating Michael but the unknow always hide mystery that could overthrow even a stake at 99 %.
Rimuru : Velgrynd-san, let me take care of it.
Summoning his sword of tempest, a primal glow emerged from the blade while calling for the scorch dragon.
Velgrynd : (This...deep connection, the soul corridor is basically glowing...)
The ultimate skill, Scorch dragon : Velgrynd was sacrificed earlier...to create the god of Void, Azathoth.
Yet, as the manager of all skill...the unifier of power and trusted partner of Rimuru.
Ciel would have never let a useful ability go to waste...even if it is to form an even stronger power.
Ciel : (Initiating back up, reforming through soul corridor with the individual : Velgrynd, successful...Lord of Scorch's abilities are now transferred to God of Void, Azathoth...)
The voice echoed in both Rimuru and Velgrynd's mind, while the latter looked almost amazed.
Her body dissolved in particles as she agreed to whatever was happening.
Ciel : (Activation of True dragon Nucleation, successful.)
The ultimate form of trust a true dragon can give is letting their concept be borrowed...[True Dragon Nucleation] basically allows Rimuru to perform [True Dragon Release] in the opposite direction.
He summoned Velgrynd as a spherical orb containing all of her power...fusing it with his sword.
Manas Michael : What did you just do...
The sheer raw power absurdly pouring out of Rimuru's sword even surprised Michael, he watched as Rimuru smiled comfortably.
Scanning his blade before snickering.
Rimuru : I guess Velgrynd-san is just that impressive.
Just now, he felt the connection and his own bond with the scorch dragon deepening tremendously.
The radiance of his Sword of Tempest, trail of magma flaring all around the hilt while a crimson fire hot enough to even burn the sun exalted the blade with its shine.
The aura release was enough to flip the atmosphere around...even if the effects were largely overloaded by Ivarage's rampant aura.
Rimuru : (Ciel, any more tricks in your sleeves?)
Ciel : (Yes, the analysis of Ultimate skill, Void god : Azathoth is completed at 75 %, acquisition of energy known as nihilist power was a success.)
Rimuru : (Nihilist ? What's that?)
Ciel : (It is a primal force that originates from the very beginning of creation, the power also possesses the name of Turn null energy.)
This didn't explain much but Rimuru decided to leave it aside, since Ciel was confident in using it, that was all he needed to trust her.
Rimuru : (Then let's do it!)
Ciel : (Hai, master.)
A cycle of memories entered Rimuru's mind, using the skill : Sword Memories...Ciel presented a whole new sword art.
Combining the experience of the best swordsman, the best trait of each blade that crossed the last few millennia...the good point implemented while the weakness was removed.
An ultimate weapon art that will culminate everything, encompassing the very concept of living perfection.
Rimuru : (Fuu...)
Taking a deep breath as he registered the information, his eyes flicked open as in a trail of blurry movement.
His body instinctively moved, a leap of his sword bent through space and time...flames erupted burning everything on the path of his blade.
He presented to the world the newest most destructive sword art...
Manas Michael : !!!
With widened eyes, Michael looked up alert...at first nothing but a show of fireworks happened but then...
The flow of time was simply shattered, the attack literally went against that law...an attack in the present that is so powerful that time itself lagged to register it.
Rimuru : [Void Collapse, Nucleus Scorching Descent].
Coated in nihilist energy, his sharp words brought his attack alive...an explosive surge of dread suddenly appeared before Michael.
It was a lone vertical slash that exploded like a waterfall...relying on pure destructive capabilities.
With no hope of dodging or evading...He wasn't even given the time to move when the attack severed his limbs.
But that's all it did, as Michael reactively activated the suspended world...freezing the entire creation just to evade a critical blow.
Still his left arm along as most of his body was erased under the shock...
Manas Michael : Wait...that attack wasn't aimed at me ?!
Realizing the dreadful fact, he turned around to see the world devastated by Rimuru's attack...the sword swing was traveling across the world, bringing the landscape to an empty stale.
Like a colored canvas turned blank once again...but at some point, the attack left the ground to soar the sky.
Michael's eyes turned cold upon seeing the attack reach out for Varja's back...successfully hitting the world destroyer, at the same time.
Creating an opening for Mirai who has been fighting the god of destruction all this time...their fight began in the barren land but extended as they flew across the entire world.
Clashing in the sky while moving at a soundbreaking speed, when Rimuru's attack landed...they were in a whole different place...across the sea in the middle of the ocean.
Yet, Rimuru had performed that attack with the intent to hit Varja...no matter the distance or destruction it would cause.
Manas Michael : How this be...how can a mere slime achieve such prowess.
He was unfamiliar with the Nucleation phenomena...to turn a true dragon into a distinct weapon was unheard.
But to think a simple sword swing was able to slice through Michael, even under the suspended world was absolutely stunning.
Manas Michael was confused...this is the work of a slime, the weakest of all monsters...
Manas Michael : No...you can't just be a slime, w-what are you ?
It was the first time ever since Veldanava that Michael felt himself confused...it was like meeting a wall, impossible to break or breach.
He was certain that Rimuru isn't what he seemed to be...an anomaly in its truest sense.
Rimuru : Me ? Well that's a good question.
Lowering his weapon, Rimuru was like in a trance...two names piled in his mind, he was Satoru Mikami, a human reincarnated.
But also Rimuru Tempest, the sworn brother of Veldora...the bestie Milim, the fifth true dragon, the true demon lord...
He never questioned his own nature, even now...he was just being reminded of what he was before.
A confident smile colored his face as he answered nonchalantly.
Rimuru : Is there even a need to question it ? I'm just a slime after all.
Mirai pov
I never thought of fighting the world destroyer dragon...after all, she was never my enemy to begin with.
Now that I think, what is my purpose in this world ? All this time, I just tried to live happily with my family.
Having them escape the harsh fate set on them...but is that still a valid reason ? For me, I just thought of fighting against fate as natural.
I felt a sense of duty to take down that entity who ruined me...but if I discarded that hatred and grudge of mine.
What is left...nothing, I'm honestly lost...I evaded this subject and just put it on the bills of my own destiny.
But then...when I saw Velzard's cold body fall, the glow in her eyes faded, the way our eyes locked for an instant before lowering to reach the ground.
I felt anger, disappointment and despair...I was scared that I let my negativity take over.
I convinced myself that I wasn't close to anyone...that all I did was for myself and my true family, i tried to form a wall to not get close to others.
Mirai : (I am so scared of losing someone again...when Horizon betrayed me, when I watched the maids that took care of me since childbirth be beheaded, when I saw father's body engulfed in a myriad of flames...mother's last comforting words.)
I didn't want to feel any of those horrible...sensations, but once again I was beaten.
I now understand, I used the excuse of failing father for my own despair upon seeing Velzard's dying body.
In reality, her cold exterior emitted such warmth...when she called me a child and assured her position, standing ahead of me, protecting me...
I subconsciously started to see her as a friend, an ally I could trust...
Mirai : (Dad...you are such a cruel man...)
He planned this all...why would he save Flora, Eleonor and the other ? They are competent but they fail in their own field against Dawn Arceid.
Even Horizon, why would he help and raise someone that betrayed me...now I understand why.
He didn't help them for himself but for me...to give me a new purpose in life, he did it subconsciously....
Influenced by fate, using that borrowed power so he would move without even knowing what he was doing.
Shaping the present to fit the future without knowing how...
Mirai : (You gave me a new family...friends I should rely on, the choice of judging the man i once loved...)
In the end, I am still the little princess that needs to rely on her father...this makes me happy and sick.
I was ready to sacrifice myself to win but now...he chained me back to this sense of belonging.
Now I can't ignore the pain and suffering of those I started seeing as a family...the igniting fire in my heart forced my body to leap forward.
A voice filled with hatred guided me...
Mirai : (Asking me to destroy that bitch...)
The thundering resonance of my blade colliding with the world destroying dragon's fist lit up the sky.
The absent shade in her pupils infuriated me, she wasn't immersed in the fight...no rather she didn't seem to have a will at the moment.
Yet her body moved well enough to fend off all of my attack...her punch made my arms shake, she is so strong.
Varja : ...
Mirai : tch.
I clicked my tongue, increasing the intensity of my offense while neglecting the defense...was it the right move ? I didn't know.
I might have awakened as a hero and be a powerful warrior...but against an unpredictable force of nature, my experience was cruelly lacking.
As time passed, our fight was deported across the world...flying up and down, my teeth clenched when we passed by a nearby kingdom.
Ivarage's raw aura fully sent to extinction all life, her destructive power turned the land into ashes...the angels in place destroyed in the process.
It happened once, twice, thrice...we flew past Sarion, Dwargon before landing into the eastern empire.
A trail of light followed our very passage...destruction followed, while the super nation wasn't wiped out.
By now, everyone around the world must have been alerted of our fight.
Ultimately, we found ourselves above the ocean...in the middle of nowhere, my breath was ragged as I struggled to keep the overflowing power merged in my body.
The glowing rune acting as extension for my veins...fate cannot affect Ivarage, thus the sole use I had left for it is...to reinforce myself.
My arms won't snap, my mind shall not waver, my legs will continue to fight, my soul must stand strong.
Yet once again, I couldn't find a way to harm Ivarage...we dived into the ocean, fist and blade crashing constantly against each other.
The beautiful maritime life was undoubtedly changed...the ecosystem dying.
Varja : ...
And all this while she doesn't show even the slightest ounce of emotion...or will.
Mirai : Just...die !
I kept feeling angrier, we bursted up through the chaotic waves...tsunami towering the ocean like skyscrapers.
Amidst this tempest roar of nature, we fought again and again...it seemed to be never ending, our stamina was unlimited.
My mind was influenced so i wouldn't feel tiredness and mental exhaustion...I was also ready for an eternal fight if needed.
But it crumbled faster than I could think...my own weakness catching up to me, the human nature I possess...impatience.
Mirai : (An opening!)
An imaginary target formed around her left wrist, near her stomach...i thrusted my blade forward, performing [Dawn Break Ex] in the most perfect motion.
I expected to inflict a ton of damage but that was a mistake...since she lacked willpower, I didn't expect her to be able to fake opening.
Faster than I could react, her right fist swimmed over the edge of my blade...my pupils trailed toward the action in shock.
Ivarage in an instant had punched the edge if my sword, the trajectory of my attack was completely dispelled, rendered useless.
My balance was broken along with any possibility for defense.
Varja : ...
Her bland expression as she readied her next action made me snap, I summoned a veil of cold fire protecting me.
A wall that would burn anyone that made contact with it, a layer of solid ice followed...
But that wasn't enough, Ivarage's fist brushed past my defense, the myriad of warm frost broke under her assault...
Still it at least gave me enough space to dodge-
Mirai : Huh ?
Or so I thought...the world suddenly turned grey, my body froze along the rest...t-this is [Suspended World] ?
My perception was still present but for the rest...everything was frozen.
Everything but Ivarage was an exception, she didn't even jolt from the sudden change, her fist continued her journey toward me as finally an unbearable pain spreaded across me.
Her first fiercely connected with my face...on my right cheek to be exact, the impact threatened to snap my head off of my body.
A rigging sound echoed in my mind while I lost consciousness...the blow was just that brutal, my whole body and soul shook like the tune of fresh fish caught in the net of humans.
My pupils rolled back into my skull...I understood clearly that I wasn't dead though.
Mirai : Ugh-
3rd Pov
Seemingly floating in a vast sea of darkness, Mirai reopened her eyes...Only to be back in her own consciousness.
The reflection of the void shaded her vision before the sensation of diving into an endless sea invaded her.
She let herself go, going deeper and deeper into this ocean...her body having lost all its strength, her eyes lost in the horizon.
Mirai : (I'm still alive...but right now, it feels like a single word of mine and I could end this life of suffering...)
The thought lingering in the back of her mind, it only came in now as the deadly calm silence of her own mindscape left her with a lot to think.
She didn't even have the strength to get up and swim back to the surface, finding the door to continue the fight.
Fate : What ? Giving up again after reaching so far into the future you involuntarily created ?
A bunch of words suddenly brought her back to the surface, like a hook pulling her violently.
Cold steps waving through the water, Mirai turned her head toward the source...her body still crumbled down, floating amidst the perfectly still vast sea.
Manas : Fate was standing there, her appearance was familiar to Mirai as it belonged to her little sister...Unmei Averion whose name was forgotten by the world itself.
Fate : Get up, there are people who are still counting on you outside.
Mirai : ...
Their eyes locking, Mirai didn't show any will to move...no instead she averted her eyes back toward the darkness that served as sky.
Mirai : I...i am at fault, if i just stopped to exist then the Author wouldn't have any reason to continue his chain of madness, then everything will gradually go back to normal.
Her voice was rigid, a hint of abandon clearly displayed through her inner self.
Manas : Fate stared at the one she considered as her master...shaking her head, she simply moved her lips again.
Fate : Existing has never been a sin, are you really going to pronounce such words when people sacrificed so much for your sake ?
Mirai : ...
Fate : I see, then I guess there is no other choice.
Closing her eyes, her figure faded away...leaving Mirai completely alone, once again.
Mirai : Yes...with this, i can just close my eyes and res-
???: And rest ? I didn't expect the daughter of a great hero to be so weak minded.
The surge of a new voice echoed through the mindscape...Mirai's eyes shifted open, her pupils shrinking magically as she looked up.
Mirai : (That voice...)
Her hands grabbed the water below, straightening her back...she sat up with a startled gleam brightening her gaze.
That voice, she could recognize it even among thousands...yet the moment her eyes fell onto the new presence, her heart dropped cold.
Mirai : Miss Luna ?
Luna : Yo-
Waving her hand with a warm smile, they met once again...but this time, Mirai felt the tint of familiarity, something that was lacking due their first meeting at the trial.
Mirai : Y-your voice...
Luna : Mmh...
Pondering for a moment, Luna flashed a sly smirk as she walked past Mirai to stand behind her.
Luna : You called miss Luna just now, that won't do.
With a hand full of warmth, she hugged the girl from behind...Mirai was stunned the whole time, barely realizing something she failed to gasp before.
Mirai : A-are you...
Luna : Yes, just call me mom or mother my sweet little child.
It all made sense now, why during the trial...Catherine Wisdon was a mere replica without will.
Two beings of the same kind and nature cannot exist at the same time...Catherine already existed in Luna, this is why her past body was mindless.
Mirai : I-i...
Luna : It's confusing right ? Hehe, did you really think I would send my husband and daughter in the future without me ?
Releasing the hug, she offered her hand this time...which Mirai grabbed instinctively, standing back on her two feet.
The girl was barely a head shorter than her mother.
Mirai : W-why didn't you tell me...
Luna : Well frankly, i didn't know myself...I was indeed reincarnated but never once had I regained my memories.
She wasn't part of some grand plan like Dawn or possessed a protection like Mirai.
Her own reincarnation was an initiative of her own...she couldn't even be sure of it succeeding.
Luna : After sending you away to another world, my life reached its end...but before that, I suggested the use of my skill one last time, while my consciousness was fading.
She had at that time predicted that much, the lingering sense of loss...that she had to leave her loved one and daughter on their own.
In an unknown future...so she made the desperate attempt of reincarnating herself, without knowing where or when.
Luna : Unfortunately, I wasn't able to recover my memories and in the end played a minor rôle in this story.
A regretful smile adorning her face, Luna picked a few strands of her white hair...to Mirai, Luna was pretty much a copy of how an Averion should look like.
Luna : I even managed to influence my appearance...white hair and blue eyes. I had anticipated the possibility of me forgetting who I was, so I made myself look like you two...with the hope of remembering once meeting my own reflection.
She had covered many possibilities, all for the sake of helping Dawn...how much she knew is still a mystery, but she had always been there with them.
Luna : So my daughter, are you sure you want to give up now ?
Mirai : Huh, i-i...
Luna : Pfff, i guess you take more after me than your dad...it's fine, you can give up but know that i myself won't allow that
Mirai : W-what do you mean ?
Mirai suddenly felt uneasy, her hand was still in the grasp of Luna's own...with a smile, the mother softly guided her daughter.
Luna : It is my duty and wish to guide you, even if it means forcing you to the designed path.
Mirai : W-wait, what are you doing ?
Unable to move, the last vision of Luna holding her hand disappeared as she was brought back to reality.
Her eyes snapped open but her body didn't listen to her...she was still under the effect of [Suspended World].
It was just an instant after she received that head shattering punch, her cheek swollen lightly with a tint of pain pecking her.
Whereas, Varja was still ongoing with her offense...her fist slowly closing the gap for this time, Mirai knew that if she took this blow, it would be akin to a death sentence.
Mirai : (I was forced out of my own mind...wait no, i need to dodge-)
Her mind raced but there was simply no way out...the fact that she could even move her mind inside [Suspended World] was a miracle in itself.
But moving...it wasn't possible without a deep understanding of that concept...
Mirai : (Fate...i need to force all my power into fate and get out of here!)
Panicking, in this desperate moment...as Varja's fist approached, death screaming out from her hand.
For the target, the moment seemed to be taking forever...and each passing instant grew her anxiety and despair.
Until finally, Varja reached her target...the fist an inch away from killing Mirai.
Mirai : (I'm dead!)
Her eyes wide open, she didn't even dare blink...a flash of light illuminated her vision as her life was displayed before her.
Everything and just like before, all died to her returning to the present...
Mirai : Huh ?
A confused expression growed as she witnessed a miracle unfolding before her.
Varja, who was impassive until now, her emotionless face morphed into pain as a supreme light traveled across the entire globe to reach her.
A powerful slash ripped Varja's balance, catching herself completely off guard.
Mirai : (Where did that attack come from ? It just appeared as if space was ripped...)
It just appeared behind Varja and struck her down...her composure flattened, the effect of [Suspended World] was also destroyed in the process.
Giving Mirai the authority to move again...
Mirai : (Wait...this distance, Ivarage is defenseless right now...and from where I am, any of my spells or attacks will definitely reach.)
This realization made her hesitate, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity...if she doesn't finish the fight right there, then the stakes will instantly shift toward defeat.
But her brain couldn't come up with a power efficient enough to defeat Varja...and even if she had found a possibility, she soon realized that she had no control over her body.
Mirai : (What ? My body...it's moving on its own!)
Her facial expression turned alarming, she tried to regain control but failed...realizing that it didn't come from the outside but her very soul.
Mirai : (Manas : Fate ! What are you doing?!)
Fate : (I am cutting the last string of uncertainty in your heart.)
Mirai : What ? Wait...no ! Don't do that !
Her sense started tilting as she watched her own body reach out...her arm stretched, the palm of her moisty hand welcomed the form of a dazzling light.
Its shine condensed into a sort of burning sphere made of an unseen color...that was Mirai's last hope, an ultimate spell with a single use.
She had vowed herself to create this attack with the singular goal of launching it at her mortal enemy, her nemesis...the Author.
But bringing it out here means that Manas : Fate intended to use it against Varja...and once used, Mira won't ever be capable of re-exploiting it again.
Fate : (The last hope that will bridge the future through your final duty...[Unbound Karma].)
Mirai : N-no...please...
Her despair only grew when Manas : Fate aimed the flaming orb toward the world destroying dragon.
Her reaction was mainly due to the fact that once used...she will lose all hope of defeating the Author.
Her kit and arsenal were proven too weak at multiple reprises...this was her only hope, to use her life as a bait.
And end this endless cycle of pain through that spell...whatever the following consequences are, even if it is her death.
But if Manas : Fate forces its usage now...then Mirai will become powerless for her final battle and thus lose all meaning for sacrifice.
Mirai : Retract that ! I don't want this...I am your master so obey me now !
Her willpower returning through despair, she partially regained control over her body...her right eye belonged to her while her left pupils shifted into a deep purple.
The runes spread on her skin started wilding up...a fight for dominance began in her body.
Her soul split into two distinct forces...this was Mirai's resolve, she fighted with all her might once again forsaking her previous abandon.
Fate : (...)
A silent answer, Manas : Fate continued with her operation...she ignored Mirai's cry of struggle knowing full well what was about to happen.
The future, the following fate...everything will go according to the scenario she meticulously shaped.
Mirai : N-no...
A pair of arms hugged the girl from behind...that warm, she recognized it instantly as her mother she had met just a moment before.
Luna or Catherine, her warm embrace spiritually dwelled on the outside but her true reach laid on Mirai's soul, the part she was controlling to be exact.
Mirai : W-what are you doing, mom ? P-please, let me go...I-I have to-
Looking back, she mustered a weak and fragile smile, the ghost figure of Luna returned the gesture while tightening the hug.
Luna : (It's fine, my sweet daughter...everything will be fine so don't be shackled by responsibilities, fate is on your side and so me-no everyone from the duchy is looking out for you.)
Mirai : A-ah...
Luna closed her eyes, spreading a wave of calm through her daughter...appeasing her mind and soul.
Mirai felt this storm of emotion, her despair fading like the sun leaving for the shade of the night...her fighting spirit decreasing, letting Manas : Fate fully take over.
Mirai : (Let it go...m-mom, I'm scared...)
Luna : (You were courageous this whole time, Mirai...I'm proud to have you as my daughter, so let us gift you with the best of all ending.)
Mirai : The best ending...I see...
Closing her eyes at her turn, it was now Manas : Fate's turn...both eyes were painted with purple, the glow contrasting with the pure karmic flame in her hand.
The Manas didn't wait long before rushing over the defenseless Varja, stretching her arm while activating the [Unbound Karma].
The light bursted upon contact with the world destroying dragon...it didn't do massive destructive damage or presented a grand show of power.
No...[Unbound Karma] is a spell that condensates all the pain and despair Mirai accumulated through her existence.
The loss of her parents and friends in each single attempt were recorded within [Unbound Karma], the negativity incarnated into a flame of pure whiteness.
The effect of the spell is simple...totally retribution, it will amplify the karma stacked and unleash all at the same time into a target.
Varja who was implemented the spell exploded into a fountain of light...implosing from within, sparkles of despair crawling out like tentacles.
Fate : (Operation successful...beginning of the last phase.)
As the light created by [Unbound Karma] was dismissed, the figure of Varja could still be seen...the fact that her physical body still remained was nothing short but a legendary feat.
Her eyes and presence however were akin to death...it took a moment for it to register its own state before allowing Varja to fall motionlessly toward the ocean.
Manas : Fate examined the scene for a moment before nodding...everything was going as she wanted.
Varja : Ahh...
An exasperated sigh...the world destroying dragon waking up from her slumber, raising back her consciousness.
She was now out of Michael's control...back alive and this time, she possessed the authority obtained from Manas : Lucia.
Killing Ivarage was never an option...but since the key was in her possession, they were forced to fight her since she was under Manas : Michael's control.
But now that she awakened...memories and information from the past flooded her head due to the gain of God's authority, Veldanava had left in Manas : Lucia.
Varja now remembered what she truly was...the echo of the omnipotent god, the one who was abandoned and knew nothing but hatred.
The arch-nemesis of the very creation generated by Veldanava...a part of the perfect being who embodies the very concept of omnipotence.
Ivarage and Veldanava, two sides of the same coin...it was now time for retribution, time for revenge...the rise of Ivarage.
Upon waking up, Varja's cry reached heaven and above...shaking the very structure of creation, her main and true body started reacting.
Shaking uncontrollably before snapping...the seal that had imprisoned her for so long was gone, the chaotic figure of Varja staring right back toward the sky.
Above heaven, a monstrous figure towered the central world...forcing its way in, his passage broke reality and swiped the heavenly star palace at the same time.
Now preaching into the central land, it collected back the 10 % of its power cloned into Varja...the draw back made her shift into a humanoid form.
A slightly younger version of Varja, with white hair and golden eyes...she was the opposite of Veldanava and with a reality breaking cry.
The door to the Cardinal world reopened...as she called for her children, the echoes of her cry reached for beings that existed solely waiting for the sake of their mother.
The insectar king, Zelanus who has been patiently waiting...an army of insectar waiting to be used in battle.
The beast Kakeashi imbued in overwhelming joy upon receiving the call of his mother...his bestial form adorned of a dragon face evolved with malice as she received a name the moment Ivarage's cry reached him.
The two headed bird Habataki, a golden feathered eagle that soared through dimension...her evolution was triggered through resentment.
Lastly the chaotic fish Suiemu, a tentacled monster that swimmed between the stars...its power amplified through hatred.
All four of them possess power capable of shaking the world, and now their attention was all directed toward the central world.
Where their beloved mother awaited her loyal children's arrival...
But along the line, not only enemies were running toward the cardinal world...in the line of a very small world, far away from anything that exists.
The hero that has been waiting to fulfil his fate also took a step in...his eyes glittered in a hollow shine.
Dawn : Finally at last...my journey is finally coming to an end.
The last act of this story has now begun.