3rd Pov
Euphenia, that is the name of the last world Dawn resided...a blooming world that awaited someone to collect all kinds of achievements.
Peace, treaty between nations, alliance, corruption needed to be cleared and many more...when Dawn arrived, it was merely a routine for him.
Thousands upon thousands, maybe a million ? No, he had already lost count of how many worlds he visited during this long journey.
Euphenia was no different, he just decided to shape it as he wished...it would often come to meeting an interesting individual and helping him/her raise.
Or just joining some military or the weakest but honest nation...this time however, he remained passive guiding an already established royal family.
Time passed and after only 2 centuries...a rift formed into the sky, at the time Dawn was having a tea party with the second prince and first princess.
He instantly realized what was happening as a genuine smile filled with hope graced his face for the first time in the last eternity.
An instant in the cardinal world is equal to almost the entire process of creation of the universe to its very end in a lower world.
Thus even if Dawn awaited another century before reaching the rift, he would still make it back instantly in the eyes of the people within the central world.
Dawn : (Bonds are formed and engraved in memories, memories must be cherished in order of keeping your true self alive...)
He announced that he would depart in 2 days...just the right time to give a final farewell to all the people that accompanied him in Euphenia.
It was a sad lost for the friends he was leaving behind but all understood his motive...he was revered as a demigod, unconsciously classed as an otherworldly being too powerful to fit this world's balance.
Power comes with responsibility, each individual through fate has a role to fill and no one should be there to rip off that destiny.
Dawn : It's finally time...
On the last day, he grabbed his coat, gently brushing it over his shoulder...his style has changed a bit overtime, his hair was slightly longer...and his features didn't age much.
He was still called a handsome young adult despite outliving the oldest creature in this realm...the only main difference compared to the him from before the journey lay in his eyes.
They were now carrying an unfathomable amount of...emotion and void, as a traveler he had met countless people and seen them leave.
Scenario upon scenario stacking like paperwork, his memoires full of happy and sad moments...yet he didn't regret a single of these encounters.
Because as he said...everyone he had met forged his current self, even as the strongest he could learn from someone much weaker, tenacity against hardship is an example of many things he experienced through his companion.
Dawn : Yeah, it was a fine journey.
A smile tickling his face, he patted the partners that followed him through all...
Dawn : (Are you ready Shin Exalia ? Dusk?)
He merely received a strong positive pulse from his blade and soul, they were already working on being ready for the incoming fight.
After so long, to suddenly fight a top tier opponent almost excited them...
Dawn : Then let's go...
Taking a step forward, he moved through the castle only to find it oddly quiet...there were no maids or knights that usually greeted him as he marched toward the main gate.
Ultimately, he was spoiled by his own universal perception skill...as outside, a massive crowd awaited him.
Dawn : They didn't have to do that...seriously...
With a sigh that hid his happiness, he walked out of the castle by its front gate...the blazing sun illuminated him as his vision adjusted.
Immediately, a powerful and cheerful crowd erupted in a loud acclamation...hundreds of thousands were gathered...the entire capital city was lit up as every single citizen came to bid their farewell.
The castle being located on top of a mountain made it easier to observe the true size of this crowd...Dawn scoffed open with a thin smile, his attention then shifted toward a corridor made of knights.
The royal army, the knight orders, the scouts...all were present as the knights knelt while making their way, their superior and captain held their sword straight standing behind their subordinates with tucked head downward.
The elder council also known as Senat, the royal family and even those arrogant mages from the special force, all stepped aside clearing out their personal pride.
There were also a few members of the allied nation...prince, noble or even ruler, all passed by and reunited in the mere span of two days after Dawn announced his departure.
Dawn : It just lacks a carriage and this would have become a royal parade...
His comment was ignored, as the King of this very nation stepped out of the crowd to approach Dawn.
His name is Reinhard Eclipse, with a sad smile he in front of all bowed on a knee...lowering his head before an unfazed Dawn.
Reinhard : It was a crushing news for me when I was told you were leaving...but who am I to stop you ?
Dawn : With someone like you as the king, there is no real need for an old hero like me.
Reinhard : Still allow me to sincerely thank you for all that you have done !
Following his words, many other prominent figures stepped forward...all took their spots beside the king Reinhard.
Bowing in respect to the hero who is about to leave...
Reinhard : Then shall we begin ? The rite of departure...
Dawn : Rite of departure ? I never heard of such a tradition in Euphenia...
Stella (Mage empress) : It is because we just developed it for the occasion.
Dawn : Oh ?
Stella is a talented mage who had lived longer than a century...still Dawn had seen her through every stage of her life.
He was a father figure and model to her more than any other man...
Reinhard : This is the least we can do, then great hero-
Stella : May a strand of glory pave your path, Unifier of Peace-
Vincent (Merchant Union's leader) : We shall not forsake the virtues imbued in gold that you inspired us, Weaver of Fortune-
Elistia (Saintess of the northern church) : The light will always follow the course of your justice, Agent of God-
Velios (Emperor of a faraway land) : Just like how you freed our world from oppression, i will pray for your success, oh great Liberator-
Eileen (Prestigious academy director) : Your company was greatly appreciated, I doubt greed or gold will manage to satiate you into staying, all i can for you is by remembering your name, hail for your future victories, Crownless Monarch-
Titles upon titles, a name is an identity...a title is naturally a proof of your accomplishment, people labelled Dawn with some many different surnames that he just accepted them.
All : To our greatest hero, we bless you on your next journey ! May glory and success pave your path, it was our honor to meet and fight alongside you !
The recital continued with the knights joined...the background noise followed up as if the world itself was talking to Dawn.
His face remained neutral but internally...he didn't feel like he could interrupt them.
Dawn : (This isn't a bad feeling...)
This time, he wasn't the one who will see everyone leave, he is the one who left ahead...with that thought, he walked ahead.
His steps resonated with each chant of praise as he marched past the corridor flooded above a red carpet made of the most luxurious hunted beasts.
The knights reacted at his passage, the mages fired magic to the sky letting it explode in a blooming explosion of colors.
Dawn : I thank you all too...
He inhaled into a low whisper before reaching the edge of the mountain...the cool breeze hitting his face, he turned back one last time toward all those that had come here to bid farewell.
Facing him like a united wall...this was it, the end of this long journey...
Dawn : Goodbye everyone, may glory follow you up until the end of time.
The breeze carrying his words to the audience, influenced with the power of fate...blessing this world under the sun veil of this farewell.
His feet leaping into the air, he didn't wait for a response as he flew toward the rift high into the sky.
His figure is fading in the distance...
Reinhard : Haha...so he really left...
Stella : What ? Are you feeling sad now ?
Reinhard : Who wouldn't...I bet once you get back to your puny tower, you'll cry all the tears you couldn't expose just now.
Stella : Shut up, brat...
Reinhard : Hahaha !
His laugh hid his own sorrow...but above all, he along those really close to Dawn realized...
Reinhard : Ne Stella...can you remember what he looked like ? This great hero of ours ?
Stella : Huh ? What a stupid ques-wait...
As magical as it is, along with his presence in this world...people would only remember a faceless hero that visited those lands before...
Dawn Pov
A cold and lavish sensation brushed my skin as I entered the rift...time and space connected creating a sort of roadway, the infinite moving creation spun all around unfolding like a expanding typhoon, as I traveled across the vast sea of worlds.
I really want to go back and see everyone again...but i have another place to stop by-
Dawn : (Kyuri...are you here?)
Kyuri : (Master ! The connection finally works again!)
Dawn : (Yes, we have no time to waste...i need you to localize a world for me, and go wait there.)
Kyuri : (Very well, I shall inform you of the current progression in the central world in the meantime.)
I nodded and started moving faster...a burning sensation blazing through my soul.
3rd Pov
A storm of terror hitting the very soul of every living being within the cardinal world.
The terrifying figure of Ivarage attracted all the attention unilaterally...from the weakest to the strongest.
All battles ceased, the angels who were previously invading the mortal land answered their instinct...raising their weapon while listening to the primal order they received during the age of the star king.
Protect the world from the worst calamity...all of those egoless angels devoid of fear or emotion rushed toward the world destroying dragons.
Feldway's order, the Tenma war authority...none of that mattered in front of a fully released Ivarage.
Even if it was a hopeless try, the remaining billions of angels flew toward the incarnation of malice and hatred, the resenting god.
Even so, the sheer number didn't matter for Ivarage...as her attention remained unwavering, his eyes devoured the scenery that is the cardinal world.
Ivarage : (My consciousness and will are stronger than ever, the seal placed by that damn traitor is now gone...)
A purplish destroying aura manifested around her body, her appearance was small...contrasting to the very nature of her existence.
A young girl smaller than the already petite Varja, but for the eyes of all...they could only see the manifestation of her power, a large dragon covered in dark scales.
Veins of purple coloring her body, a chaotic figure that announced the very end of creation.
Ivarage : (My memories are coming back...everything from the beginning to now, i remember everything...)
Compared to the composed Varja, Ivarage was the truest form of the world destroying dragon...the name Varja was attributed to the small manifestation of her power.
But Ivarage himself couldn't be named, this is also why Varja didn't possess the same resentment as Ivarage.
Those puny 10 % could only awaken those memories after making contact with Lucia's authority whose connection directly bonds with Veldanava, thus the Will of God.
And once free from her boundaries, Ivarage awakened...
Ivarage : (Fight ? Ambition ? Power...how dare they, how dare those puny mortal creations dare use me for their own gains!)
Anger and hatred infuriated her core, her aura amplified burning then erasing each angel that tried to get too close.
The entire central world was drived into a state of terror, as if gravity had increased tenfold...if it wasn't for Veldanava's blessing and action onto those lands.
Then the cardinal world would have suffered the same fate as some of the otherworld surrounding the central place...reduced to nothingness.
Ivarage's aura alone shook the entirety of creation, announcing her arrival and the hour of judgement by destruction.
Ivarage : And you think a pathetic human can name me ?!
Her voice dripped in pure malice, as Varja she was confused, seeking for the strongest foe to defeat...but all this was pure instinct.
She merely tried to destroy and absorb the strongest in hope of reawakening her true self...and now that it is completed.
She felt sickened, outraged at the prospect of others using her for their personal gain.
Being Manas : Michael or the Author...
Ivarage : All of you fools shall pay the consequences of your own greed !
Her aura spreading across the world, surrounding the entire universe and beyond...her rampage wouldn't stop at just struction now.
It was revenge...
Ivarage : Huh ?
But as she expected to see the world crumble, all life being sucked into an eternal torment of void...a thick layer of aura restrained her.
She instantly recognized that power...as only one being is capable of putting a halt to her power.
Veldanava, he had set this last emergency measure to protect life itself foreseeing a scenario similar to the current situation.
A world emergency system that will protect the cardinal world's citizens from dying on spot over Ivarage's presence.
Ivarage : Even now...you are a fucking eyesore, traitor !
And that only fueled the world destroying's rage and hatred...another piercing cry escaped her petite figure.
But this time, she calmed sooner...her pupils dramatically shifting downward...fixating Manas : Michael who was glaring right back.
He didn't seem to appreciate how he lost control over his strongest weapon...
Ivarage : Oh I know...I'll rip you to shreds first.
Her tone filled with killing intent, the world shook again as several distinct breakdowns happened in the sky...
The children that involuntarily created have arrived...soaring into the sky, a flash of thundering flare warned the very world of its arrival.
Habataki, a bird whose fur seemed to reflect the very essence of resentment...the simple fact of staring at him would awaken one's most dormant hatred.
That monstrous bird like no other appeared in a flash before landing behind its mother...its two heads moved independently as if awaiting a reaction from its parent.
Kakeashi, his bestial body broke into the central world like a fireball consuming the very essence of life...the body of a lion and the head of a dragon.
A myriad of eyes hovered all around his skin, stomach, neck or even his back...a multiple eyed monster which every step deformed the fabric of space.
Then Suiemu, a massive fish...but no one would consider him as such with his nebulous appearance.
A large body towering like a pillar, a round shaped mouth serving as head and thousands of tentacles shaking viciously at its basis.
All three beasts arrived and immediately got to their mother's side...but their arrival wasn't the only one.
Behind the attention-eating arrival of the three beasts, another portal opened...within the boundaries of space and time, it led to a particular dimension in which a powerful battle race resided.
Coming out of the rift, a figure cladded in armor like exoskeleton skin preached onto the central world...walking up to the world destroying dragon.
An army followed him...thousands if not millions of insectars of all ranks.
The existence leading them...Zelanus, also the king of insectar...
Zelanus : I greet my mother and congratulate her for her awakening.
Bowing on a knee, he was the most respectful out of all the main children...
Ivarage : Your name...
Zelanus : Zelanus, I am the king of insectar and I present to you the army that I have been cultivating for millions of years.
Ivarage : You didn't receive a name from me...
Instantly, Zelanus realized his mistake...he is the first intelligent cryptid born from Ivarage's magicule.
That's why he picked the interest of the star king dragon who took him under his wings...up until now, Zelanus whose confidence in his strength was supreme never obeyed anyone beside the god creator.
But once Ivarage awakened and called for her children, Zelanus instinctively moved...he arrived before his mother not considering even once the prospect of his own past.
Zelanus : I-I...
Ivarage : I asked you, who granted you this name.
Zelanus : L-lord Veldana-
His head was severed before he could even finish his sentence...flying to the ground, swiped by a single flip of Ivarage's hand.
The sudden death of their king made the insectars confused...but the chaos soon ensured to void as the three beasts behind their mother released their mighty destructive aura.
Ivarage : Heh...it seems like that traitor dared meddle with my own creation...as expected in the end he is just like me.
A sweet smirk flashed over her pale skin, she then turned toward the frozen insectar...her eyes glowed through the thick fog of deadly aura she was constantly releasing.
Ivarage : You all have lost your right as my tools, descend and rampage until this entire world is destroyed, those that remain shall be forgiven.
Her words pulsating into the insectar army's soul...they felt the crushing responsibility and burden left by Zelanus right before his execution.
Because of him, no insectars hold any value to Ivarage now...they are like criminals sentenced to fight, and only those that will remain shall return to the lowest form of existence in the eyes of the creator of cryptids.
At this, the insectars could only nod...bowing their heads in fear before the overwhelming power of the world destroying dragon and her main children.
Particularly Peliod who could be called the mother of all insectars...the mother of Apito and empress of who rules over the insects race.
Her eyes darted with terror as she witnessed her father and husband's demise...it was all too sudden and now, she could only bow her head and comply with the order, pressured by all this malice and hatred.
Ivarage : As for you three...
Finally turning her attention toward the three beasts that appeared bold enough to land at her side.
Normally, Ivarage would have left them with a fate similar to Zelanus but she was now a being made of consciousness and emotion.
Ivarage could feel the sincerity and loyalty of Habataki, Suiemu and Kakeashi...and upon sensing her gaze, the three beasts lowered their heads in respect.
Habatak/Suiemu/Kakeashi : We greet our dearest mother.
Ivarage : Good, at least some not so useless things.
The beasts didn't even flinch at the harsh way of their mother, no instead they dared not look back at her and awaited her orders.
Ivarage : Well i cannot harm the central world directly due so do it in my stead, all of you destroy this pathetic world.
Poiting her finger toward the Manas : Michael, Ivarage let out a dry laugh that seemed to contain even more malice.
Ivarage : Rampage, destroy and kill...for that purpose I shall give you three the name Executioner, make me proud, my childrens.
Joy and bliss, the three beasts that had already sworn undying loyalty to her could only grow to love their mother even further.
Habataki : I shall resent the world that sought mother's wrath.
Suiemu : I will hate my mother's enemy.
Kakeashi : I curse those who dared to forsake mother.
Habataki/Suiemu/Kakeashi : We pledge and offer our existence to our mother, your words shall become our destiny.
Worsd of praise and pledge under the new chaotic sun...all that followed is destruction and chaos.
Ivarage : Only void shall remain, now come back you traitor...it's time for retribution !
Sensing the impatience growing in their mother, at last all beings connected to the world destroying dragon moved simultaneously.
Habataki soared into the vast sky, Kakeashi bursted straightforwardly and Suiemu dived down...as for the insectars, all of them obeyed now seeking nothing but destruction.
The army of destruction running toward their goal, what they didn't expect is that a single strand of hope trampled through their line.
A circular slash that changed trajectory in thousands upon millions of directions...a beautiful ring tone of a sword being triggered downward then used unparalleled well.
Like a majestic flower that bloomed then burned through the enemy rank...a single sword strike cleared up the sky.
About half of the insectars who just got ready to fight were annihilated in the sky...not only that but the beast Kakeashi failed to see and evade the blow.
A crescent arc that sourced from the ground all the way up to the shattered sky and beyond...nearly splitting in half Kakeashi.
Kakeashi : W-what ?
A hateful grown escaped his bestial form as he registered the pain and agony circling through his body...the dozen of eyes forming all around his body started hyperventilating then all turn toward a single point.
Where the culprit of this sword attack was...all the battlefield froze for an instant, forced to watch the changed figure of Rimuru rising up.
[Void Collapse, World of Thousand blooming Changes], another one of Ciel's creations...furthermore it was improved through the combination of Nihilist energy and Velgrynd's dragon core.
Rimuru himself had felt a nightmarish fear upon Ivarage's arrival...he couldn't see any hope in vanquishing such a beast but soon realized that now wasn't the time to lose into despair.
He had received information about the world destroying dragons from those around before...and with conviction, he got up and swung his sword with the assistance of Ciel.
Rimuru : They managed to seal in the past, so why can't we do it in our more advanced era ?
Sure enough, the major factor of the victory millennia ago wasn't present...but Rimuru still couldn't simply bow down and accept defeat.
If Veldanava isn't here to protect his creation, then he shall be the guardian that will maintain hope alive until the very last drop of time.
Ivarage : This power...I want it...
And as a chain effect, Ivarage was attracted to the dragon core consumed inside Rimuru's sword but also Rimuru himself.
He was an anomaly like no other, his entire being reeking an unknown scent and power...everything Ivarage needed to get rid and gain.
And once again upon feeling their mother's greed and need...the cryptids all turned toward Rimuru, now intending to focus their malice, resentment and hatred toward him.
Rimuru : Heh, this is going to be rough...
And Rimuru was feeling the pressure, sure enough he had harnessed the power to confront anyone in the world...at least not lose instantly before a [Suspended World] user.
But each one of Ivarage's executioners were stronger than an awakened demon lord...their vast power would easily grant them Ivarage's version of the True dragon.
Rimuru : (Ready Ciel ? Velgrynd-san?)
Still he wasn't going to back down now, he took his battle stance and started channeling power through his blade.
His focus reaching its peak, it was broken when he felt a few new presence approaching.
Coming from tempest, Rimuru recognized the first to arrive as Dino...a demon lord he had met at the Walpurgis.
Rimuru : (Though his appearance is...quite different ? Is that his true or battle form?)
Dino : Rimuru Tempest...
The slime gripped the hilt of his sword, they were still enemy...but Rimuru himself knew that he couldn't afford fighting another primordial along the destroyer's army.
Dino : Wait...let's call it a truce for now, my purpose here is to protect the world.
Rimuru : What ? Are you really pulling out that kind of crap when you just tried to invade the world ?
Dino : The circumstances are different, Ivarage is a common enemy to everyone.
Rimuru : ...
Rimuru felt conflicted, he ultimately turned toward Ciel for a decision.
Ciel : (No lie or ill intention is felt through his words, the situation is a world crisis, I advise accepting his help.)
Rimuru : Fine...then please take care of that giant abomination of a fish.
Dino : Very well.
Rimuru : (Mmh ? I expected him to say something like « I'll fight on my own, just don't get in my way » but he actually listened to me...)
And that is because of his previous attack, Dino witnessed it directly and decided to place his bet on Rimuru.
It was already a lingering feeling but Rimuru is really similar to Veldanava.
He was arguably the strongest and best hope against Ivarage in the current time.
Dino : (That is enough for me to bet the future...in the end, i just have to fulfil my rôle, be a weapon.)
The pride of a sword is to protect its master...the sleeping ruler, owner of Sloth and known as a lazy buns.
In the end, he is still that sword...fighting until breaking.
Dino : Still it's too much, so Rimuru Tempest...go take care of Ivarage, i'll take on the rest myself.
Rimuru : Tsk are you crazy ? Even I can tell each one of those big beasts can give you a fair fight.
Dino : It doesn't matter, as long as Ivarage is gone...then all of these pesky beasts will crumble.
Dino took a short glance downward, his eyes narrowed as he saw Rudra...or rather the one in possession of the hero of beginning's body.
There was also Feldway who was on the ground...a puddle of cold water all around him.
Dino : (Look at you, Feldway...ending in such a state, you are really pathe-ugh!)
His thoughts were rudely interrupted by a flash of sickness, his consciousness wavering as a painful headache followed by a memory.
A cold outline curved the horizon, it was at a time close to the dawn of creation...a blue sun cleared the sky painting it with this nebulous shade.
Dino stood behind his master, Veldanava... the both of them were alone, a rare time as Feldway or Zalario would normally stay at his side.
Veldanava : Dino...don't you think a blue sun is kind of weird ?
Dino : If milord says so, then it must be true.
Veldanava : That's right so let's change it.
Stretching his arm toward the star, the sun suddenly turned warm...a mix of red and yellow colored the scenery.
Like a master and its painting...Veldanava simply changed the setting as he pleased.
Veldanava : Much better...
Along the now radiating warm sun, a cool breeze came clearing the star king dragon's mind.
He closed his eyes, enjoying the moment...a comfortable silence instilling.
Veldanava : Mmh...what do you think about this world, Dino ?
Dino : What do you mean by that ?
Veldanava : Well I guess you guys are too work focused to answer my question.
Dino : I-i apologize for my incompetence.
Instantly, Dino fell on his knees and apologized...he tried his best to rack his brain for an answer but no matter how.
He couldn't come with a satisfying response...for him, the world was just Veldanava's creation, that's all.
Veldanava : Meh, don't worry about it, instead make me a promise, my dear sword.
Dino : Your words are my command !
Veldanava : Then-
Dino : When the time comes, discard everything and lend your sword for this beautiful world...fate won't abandon it...
As the ray of hope will undeniably shine for those who persevere long enough...
Those words that Dino had forgotten, they appeared only once Dino had made up his mind...as if a testimony of his loyalty.
A challenge for him to remember the words of his master...
Dino : I remember now, milord...
Rimuru : Huh ? What are you whispering about ?
Dino : Nothing, let's get to the fighting already.
Rimuru : No, it seems we got a few more allies coming.
Dino : Mmh...
As Rimuru said, the signature aura of Veldora could be seen racing over...though Dino had expected this, he also believed that Ramiris would follow suit.
But she wasn't...instead her presence could be felt fading toward Sarion...
Dino : (She wants to trigger the world tree's authority...)
God's authority is the most prominent power...up to this point, Veldanava had carefully crafted and separated the creation authority into different sections.
The cardinal of heaven, the Voice of the World, the True dragon and lastly...the Administrator of the Star, Ramiris.
But the last can only trigger her power upon contact with the World Tree...a divine creation made by the star king directly.
Even now, the reason for the barrier channeled to protect the world from Ivarage's aura came from the World Tree.
And it is now only a matter of time before the world destroying dragon realizes that and targets Sarion.
Dino : (That stupid fairy must be aware of that, so she went there to safekeep our last line of defense...well though.)
Closing his thought process, he shifted his gaze away from Veldora as a scorching light emitted from Rimuru.
Turning around, Dino noticed Velgrynd stretching her arm with an annoyed expression.
Velgrynd : Being stuck in a sword sure feels weird.
Rimuru : With Veldora coming, we are four...just enough to cover the big shot (The only problem is the army of insectars...)
There are hundreds of thousand of them...most were small fry but enough to cause major destruction around the world.
Rimuru : (If only I could gather the force in Tempest...)
Then it clicked, all the egoless angels were rushing over and currently covering for them to have this conversation.
They didn't care about dying or felt the emotion known as fear...they were the perfect sacrifice and first line of defense.
Ciel : (Master does not need to worry, an emergency meeting has been plotted back on the mainland...counter measures are currently being held, Master should solely focus on the situation at hand.)
Rimuru : (I see, then I'll do as you say.) Dino, do you know how many angels are left ?
Dino : The number is astronomically high, I didn't even know the total amount of the heavenly army.
Rimuru : It seem endless...
The flux of angels going to assault the cryptid army was countless...all the angels present in the central world, to invade it were focusing on a single point.
But alas, even the weakest insectar was superior to the average angels...so it was truly a one sided massacre, topping that those whose luck allowed them to break through were simply erased by Ivarage's close aura.
Leading to many of the cryptids to reach the mainland...the fight for survival to destruction had already started.
Veldora : Rimuru ! I the storm dragon has arrived, ku-ha-ha-haha !
And thus Veldora arrived, his entire body bolted to a halt beside the group as he remained in his humanoid form.
His three staged laugh showed off his nonchalant about the situation,for him this was another battle and time to loose off.
Rimuru : Veldora ! I'm glad to see you, how Tempest ?
Veldora : Everything is fine over there, i blast those stinky chicken with my super storm barrel cannon, kuh-
Rimuru : Okay I get it, you can stop now...
Having someone like him in a tense situation isn't bad, since losing your calm for agitation is a straight pass for defeat.
But at the same time, you need to balance it out...between seriousness and relaxation.
Veldora : By the way Rimuru, why is that lazy demon lord here ?
Shifting to a serious tone, Veldora glared at Dino...he had briefly heard about his breakthrough inside the Labyrinth and didn't seem pleased to learn that he almost got Ramiris's head.
Rimuru : We called a temporary truce so let's not fight, we're all into this together.
Dino : Yes, besides I would be a fool to try fighting Rimuru with two True dragons at his side.
Velgrynd looked at him suspiciously, but quickly averted her eyes to study the enemy force.
Her eyes partially called for Habataki...the three beasts who received the title of Executioners...sure enough, Rimuru managed to injure one of them being Kakeashi.
But despite the wound being infused with scorching aura and nihilist energy...he was already regenerating.
Velgrynd : (They are simply observing us ? No, they are being wary of Rimuru...their eyes remain focused on him alone.)
She clenched her fist, never once was she ignored in such a way...no, she experienced such a feeling not long ago actually.
When she fougth Rimuru...he also ignored her to focus on Veldora, but the situation is different.
Compared to that slime, Velgrynd could see herself defeat those beasts.
Velgrynd : So each of us select one opponent ?
Rimuru : That would be for the best, we can't let them run rampant can we ?
Veldora : Ohoho ? Interesting ! Then I want that beast lion dragon thing !
Veldora was awfully excited as he transformed into his dragon form, a blast of storm followed as his full aura was released.
They were above the ocean and with the World Barrier constantly active, they could release their full power without bothering to care for the central world.
Dino : I will stick with that abomination of a fish then.
Velgrynd : So all that is left is the bird then.
The three of them had unilaterally chosen Rimuru to confront Ivarage...a mark of trust and confidence in his ability.
But...for Rimuru, it was pretty much clear.
Rimuru : (Ciel...we stand no chance do we...)
Ciel : (Indeed, the individual : Ivarage's power far exceeds that of master...after analysis, I wasn't able to find any winning route or strategy.)
Rimuru : (I can't even ask Veldora or Velgrynd to fuse with my sword...then I can only stall for time...)
He gripped his sword tightly while watching his three now companions leave for their own adversary.
Rimuru remained silent for a moment, glaring at Ivarage who returned the intention...a wicked grin sprouted on her lips.
Rimuru : (We have to do it Ciel...no matter how...)
Ciel : (Understood, I shall assist Master like I always did.)
Earlier, when Ivarage arrived...Ciel instantly gave in the suggestion of running away to gain more power but that is simply not reasonable.
Rimuru : In any case, if we fail here...the world is doomed.
Spark of black lighting and dark flames surrounded his sword, soon enough those two elements converted into a spiral of destructive energy.
The memories of great swordsmanship and art flowed through his mind...with a bit of sealed resolve and lacking hesitation, he dashed forward facing destiny itself.
Back on the ground, Manas : Michael finished his recovery...he was stunned at the event unfolding, to think his plan to control the world destroying dragon would backfire.
Manas Michael : So annoying...still in a way my goal was accomplished, so why...why is Lord Veldanava still absent ? Where is he when creation is threatened ?!
His fury fueled his own aura who was simply scattered before the stronger one...the sky and this world had now become a battlefield...
What should Michael do in this situation ? Veldanava isn't returning, the world is at risk on the verge of crumbling.
And there was Manas : Michael...lost and confused.
* thus *
A loud falling noise interrupted the Manas's thought, Michael turned toward Feldway who had broken out of the ice enchanted with time stop attribute.
It seems like Rimuru's sword art had melted and nullified Velzard's own attack...but as he was freed, Feldway's state couldn't be said to be good.
His physical body had crackles all over and his soul was shaking violently as if almost implosing.
Feldway : Ugh-this fucking bitch...
Manas Michael : ...
Judging as Dino was fighting alongside Rimuru now, it was a clear assumption, maybe even conclusion, that he had betrayed heaven.
And counting Obera and the rest of the unanswering Seraphim, they lost control over the egoless angels.
Manas Michael : (That leaves only Feldway and me...why can't they all understand the deep meaning of our noble goal...this world's purpose is to bow to its true ruler!)
This world is like a throne whose ruler has gone absent...
Manas Michael : No...the situation isn't hopeless, I'm still in possession of this...
In his hand, the glowing ice dragon core of Velzard...fortunately, Rimuru was too pressed to take it back.
If only he could gather all remaining dragon cores, then maybe...the world is just still too safe for Veldanava himself to come back.
Manas Michael : Feldway, get up...our mission has yet to be completed.
Feldway : Ah ? What are you saying ?! What is there even left for us...Lord Veldanava-
Manas Michael : Lord Veldanava is perfect...he is all knowing and supreme, the reason he has yet to come back is merely because this isn't enough.
His words echoed in Feldway's mind...in times of despair and loss, an angel's and human's psychology aren't too different.
When a crisis occurs inside the mind, the first stage following a loss is denial...assumption and questioning, blaming the other and yourself.
Feldway : (Not enough ? Are you trying to say that the current situation is still not enough to make Lord Veldanava move ? Yeah...that's right, why would he come back for a lesser threat like that...)
Absolute confidence in his master's power...
Feldway : (There are still too many rays of hope towering the world...)
Lifting his head, he glared right at the most brilliant star...the opponent he had fought before Velzard's arrival.
Rimuru who stood as a pillar for the world to rely on...he is so similar to Veldanava in essence but not only that, in the meantime Feldway was imprisoned, that slime had become even stronger...that terrifying growth rate and evolution state was absolutely balance breaking.
Feldway : (He is the last hope to stand against Ivarage...if he disappears then Lord Veldanava-h-he would have no choice but come back...)
His hand reached up for his face, half of his covered in darkness he tightly grabbed to the point of nearly ripping off his own body.
A maniac, crazy...inhuman smile replaced his lost expression, his body slowly healing in an aetheric glow.
At this very moment, just like the rest of the world...Rimuru had become Feldway's last piece of hope but for his own vision was fundamentally different from everyone else.
Manas Michael : (Wait...there is still that worthless trash trained by Damrada, what was his name again?)
Remembering a man who had obtained an intriguing skill when Michael took over the empire, before he fled the territory and his massacre over the entire population of the imperial capital.
Rudra had deliberately left that man behind due to his instability; he wasn't a proper part of his imperial guard.
And was deleted from Ingracia to the empire a while back then...given to Damrada to train, he was not talented, almost repulsive but his power left everything keeping their distance.
Manas Michael : (Vega...I had thrown him into that destroyed world to nurture his skill and take it but he might be more useful than I thought..)
His lips quivering, Vega's ability was mainly what people call as « eating » everything...he is like a living blackhole, with the unique skill : Scavenger, he can gain the property of any prey he eats.
Them being even god graded equipment...before Michael managed to take over Rudra, Vega had already made a meal of many powerful creatures and topped his buffed stats with the god graded armor and shield given by the emperor.
He was a foe that could easily develop in the middle of a war...that is why Rudra made sure to not involve Vega in massive invasion or direct conflict.
His potential was too dangerous...and his nature full of greed didn't suit Rudra's imperial taste.
Michael however, after finding out about him decided to give him a chance...
Manas Michael : Feldway, can you summon the phantom army ?
Feldway : The phantom ? Now that the world path has been broken open, I surely can...
Another major factor is that Manas : Lucia was in such a hurry to seal off the Path that she didn't leave the time for Feldway to get the insectars and phantom.
And once done, they couldn't just reopen the world as this would give the very opening needed for Dawn to come back.
But all that didn't matter anymore since everything already broke down.
Manas Michael : Summon them now, I also mixed a small surprise in it...(Vega, that bastard must have plenty of full course meals with all the phantoms in that world.)
That's right, the world Michael threw him in is the same place where all the Phantom resided...outside of the central world with the idea of nurturing him and now he could be retrieved for use.
Mirai Pov
I couldn't shake off that sickening feeling of fear and self hatred...the control over my body was returned, the warm embrace of miss Luna-my mother gone...
All that was left of me upon coming back was the chaotic sight of despair...the dragon whose power exceeded the boundaries of mortal.
My shoulders dropped as all that was left was this persisting feeling of emptiness...Varja alone was a threat no one could ignore but now...
Ivarage as a whole, is there even hope to fight this thing ?
Mirai : Why...why did you do that, Fate...
My lips quivered weakly into a quiet whisper...but I received no answer, they said it was for my own happy ending...
But is there even a point of being happy after sacrificing the very world I am living in ?
I stretched my arms toward the sky, toward Ivarage...my presence despite me being the closest to her was completely ignored.
The world seemed to be rejecting me at this very moment...everything tunneled shadowy around, I felt my heart pound with anxiety as another dreadful thought emerged within me.
I watched continuously as Ivarage gathered her army...realizing that the world has reopened, I looked back up this time with hope.
Mirai : Wait...if external being managed to break in the central world then-
Then father should be on his way back ! This single piece of information I foolishly gave myself was enough to stabilize my thought.
But as time passed, when Rimuru-san appeared to defend the world...the arrival of the storm dragon and demon lord Dino.
The beginning of this fight for survival...there was no sign of father...
Mirai : W-what is happening ? Why isn't he coming back ?
Tears dwelled in the corner of my eyes, my hands shook uncontrollably as the sky lit up from the fight...chaotic storm, scorching flames, shower of stars...a lot was happening but no sign of what I wanted to see.
Ultimately, I tricked myself with positive thought...but deep inside, I couldn't stop thoughts like « He abandoned me » « He won't come back » « Something happened to him outside »...
I tried to seal the negativity but failed, hugging myself as I trembled like a kitten abandoned in the cold.
Mirai : This is really all my fault...I deluded myself thinking everything was fine and going as planned, but reality was pending completely opposite...
Hope is such a narrow concept, selfish from the boots...I hate hope because it always comes by shortly then disappears into darkness.
Never letting grasp it...Fate, mother or even father...they all think I'm special but I really don't want any of this.
I started my life as a little princess with loving parents, kind maids and a beautiful legacy to inherit...but as I lived on, my very existence changed my destiny.
Luna...she said existing was never a sin but me, i'm different...my birth attracted the Author's attention and led to this situation.
I never wanted it...everything is turning me into some kind of special individual, even if I yelled at the top of my lungs that I want to be normal.
My pleas would reach void as ultimately the world will change, influenced by my very existence...
Mirai : Just like a parasyte lumped into a vast clean ocean...
My presence has spoiled and corrupted the course of fate...and now I'm paying the consequence of my own stubbornness.
I should have just disappeared long ago then...everything that is happening now, the fear and despair of humanity.
The cry asking for help, praying for even the slightest ray of hope in this sea cloud of darkness...
None of this would have happened, I hate Ivarage...I hate the Author, I hate Fate for giving me this life I never wanted...and above all I hate myself for existing.
Mirai : My family...if i was never born, they would have lived a happy life...
I whispered weakly, a sad smile that contained all my pain...my gaze lowered as I was ashamed for even trying to fight all this time.
???: You think so ?
Mirai : !!!
A warm touch reached for my shoulder, I jolted up confused...right now I was standing in the air, right in the middle of the ocean far away from all human activity.
Yet someone managed to sneak up behind me ? My awareness and sense are at their lowest due to my breakdown but still...
Mirai : C-Chloe ?
The lady standing behind me, the greatest hero known for having sealed Veldora...she was here for some reason.
A sword stashed on her wrist, her iconic mask reposing on top of her head...she smiled sympathetically at me and patted my head.
Chloe : I don't know your story but I definitely can't agree with your words just now. After all, can you call a family happy if one of its members is missing ?
Mirai :B-but...
Chloe : You bear a heavy burden, I can understand that feeling...surely you must know my own story, right ?
She is a time traveler whose purpose is to save Rimuru Tempest from his fate...we are really similar when you think about it...
I quietly nodded, her composure and the sharp spark in her eyes didn't allow me to even deny her claim.
Chloe : There was once a time I started thinking...was my journey even right ? Each time I regressed and restarted, a new Rimuru would exist...and die, his suffering was indirectly caused by my greed to see him live.
I never thought about it that way...then I am no different, I killed my family over and over...in the pretext of wanting to live happily together...
Chloe : But those vile corrupting thoughts never got to me because of Rimuru-san himself.
Mirai : W-why ?
Chloe : Because I madly love him...each time we meet, I'm relieved to see him alive, though the lingering disappointment of being the sole one who remembers our bond often tickles me, I kept thriving toward my goal...after all, the moment you start looking back is when you have to find the strength to look ahead instead.
I couldn't understand her reasoning...I simply didn't, my eyes darted into hers, her soft gaze against my cold one.
Chloe : Well it is something you cannot really explain, just know that if you ever meet your family and tell them that, they'll beat you into oblivion for even having such a thought.
Ruffling my hair, she finally let go and marched forward...the sky was lit up with the clash between ideals.
Chloe Aubert, she is strong but...is there really any hope concerning the world destroying dragons ? Even the army of cryptids is too much for a single person to handle.
It is only a matter of time before the angels are pushed back and destruction reaches the land...
Chloe : Rest for now, Mirai Averion...collect your thoughts and raise once again, for the time being this is a battle for the present.
Words were carried along the wind like a powerful pulse, she drew her sword, a chilling noise cutting through the air...
But that wasn't what caught my attention, no instead i was almost possessed to turn around...slowly, my pupils shrunk as an unimaginable sight welcomed me.
Countless armors and weapons in the hands of that many people...they were crossing the ocean by flying...
Mirai : W-what is this ?
Chloe : World emergency...when the angels all stopped the invasion, Luminous and the other leader all came to contact, the situation was briefed quickly resulting in the formation of a world alliance...all these people are those mobilized to protect the world.
I couldn't believe my own eyes...human, majin, beastman, even the president of the sky.
I could see people from Tempest like the goblin riders, the evolved lizardman and demons...
The pegasus knight of Dwargon, the elite mage army from Sarion riding their draconic transport...
I squinted my eyes, my vision deported toward the main land where even more troops gathered to fight the threat on land...even normal humans weaker than even an E rank monster...
Their bodies were shaking with fear, yet they moved forward knowing that this battle has such a low survival rate.
Mirai : Why ?
I asked, shaking myself.
Chloe : The world is bound to total destruction now, it is only your choice if you want to fight or not...increasing the odds even if it's by a minus one percent.
Leaving me with those words, she jumped away toward the fighting...but I couldn't relate to her in the end.
I'm really confused, I had made up my mind to achieve victory but everything backfired on me...the choice of fighting is my own.
Mirai : But can I really...
I turned once again toward the incoming world army...as they approached the site of fighting, the main purpose of this army is to fend against the cryptids.
I stood still as all of them flew past me...a spiral of people moved straightforwardly following Chloe's trace.
My body remained motionless taking in all as they passed by...I also spotted the magical signature of the primordials who outshined the rest flying ahead of the rest.
Ultimately, the flux of warriors reached past me...leaving me a all alone again-
Mirai : I-what am I doing ?
My thoughts drifted incoherently in the opposite direction...a choice must be made and my spirit was broken even after all those grand talks.
I wonder if I can get back up...b-but,Ii'm scared ! What if I allow myself another chance only to fail again ?
Mirai : It would result in just more pain...
My hand crawled up to my chest, grabbing the textile that separated my touch and heart...i felt even more dreadful.
Still my hand independently reached for the sword I carried around...a thought occurred to my mind at the same time.
Mirai : (Maybe...maybe just one last dance, a final attempt at salvation...)
My body twitches as I turn around, doubt creeping in my heart, fear constantly torturing my mind and this disgusting hope bridging my despair to the last bit of resolve I possess.
Yes, just one last fight...j-just one...