3rd Pov
Catching up with yet another sword, he forced Ivarage to go back on her trail...
There was no technique behind her sword, pure reflex and instinctive battle will...totally blowing Rimuru's arm away.
Rimuru : Ugh-
Ivarage : I was too late, huh...
Going back to Chloe, she had already voided the gap between them...her sword midway down finished with her execution.
Chloe : [Reverse Fate] !
An attack that can be considered lethal even by the most prominent norm in the cardinal world...Chloe's blade descended with a perfect form.
Devoid of even the slightest flaw, clear intention of killing the world destroying dragon...yet as time passed, a single melancholic noise reverberated through space.
Ivarage stretching her arm at the very last moment, simply caught the blade completely stopping its motion...the element of time devoured into its malice.
Chloe : !!!
Ivarage : How underwhelming.
She intended to replicate her previous action with Rimuru, destroying [Moon Mistress] and breaking this hero.
Her aura is already flaring up with malice.
Chloe : Now Rimuru-san !
Ivarage : Mmh ?
Unexpectedly, Chloe let go of her sword and stepped back...[Moon Mistress] glowed in a mystical light before exploding into a bath of energy.
Chains sprouted from the blade sealing Ivarage's movements, all coated in time attributes...the strongest version of [Infinite Prison] Chloe could perform.
Using a legendary weapon that crossed time alongside her as a catalyst...
Ivarage : (I can't break free ? Is the great spirit of time getting involved directly?)
She bit her lips using the opportunity to track down the spirit of time...as a platonic concept, those beings don't possess a clear physical or spiritual shape.
But they can still be interacted with under very specific conditions...Ivarage as the other half of Veldanava could naturally get and understand the process.
Her mind wandered into an unknown path, like a thread bound to the essence of time lost in that concept...Ivarage was met at the end of the path with a blinding light.
Ivarage : (So you are there...)
Shutting off the connection, the memories were now engraved into her mind and the being she bare witnessed added to her list of retribution.
Back to the present, Ivarage having used the time she could have escaped to track down Time...she was forced to tank whatever Rimuru was preparing.
The slime regenerated and his lost limb appeared behind the world destroying dragon, his left arm conveying with dark matter.
Rimuru : Devour it all, [Azathoth] !
The evolved version of Lord of Gluttony, Belzebuth...the very representation of the strongest ultimate skill, created by a Manas.
Born from the fusion of 4 ultimate skills, influenced by the glorious true dragon's force...
Void god, Azathoth...the voracious vortex formed in Rimuru's palm sectioned into threads of dark matter.
Quickly bonding onto Chloe's sword, the chains corrupted darkly crawling onto Ivarage's skin...
All the while, the target watched the phenomenon with fascination.
Ivarage : (This energy...Rimuru Tempest, he is more interesting than I thought.)
The tiniest smile gracing her lips, she attempted one last struggle in breaking free.
Ivarage : (A failure, huh...)
In the end, she was forced into the confine of Azathoth...vanishing from the physical world.
Chloe : D-did we do it ?
Rimuru : I think ? (Ciel, did we succeed?)
The vortex dismissing into his hand, Rimuru didn't waste time to ask his partner, however he received no answer.
A second passed, then two...then three, each lap made Rimuru more anxious.
Rimuru : (Ciel?)
He asked again before urging his hand over his chest, a burning pain corroded his soul.
Rimuru : Arght !
Chloe : Rimuru-san !
With the support of Chloe, he managed to remain standing in the air but none of his previous strength was present.
The sensation was even worse than when he lost the soul corridor with Veldora, his core crying in insufferable pain.
Rimuru : (T-this...C-ciel ! What is happening?!)
His thought fading as Azathoth remanifested, the purplish vortex extended to release Ivarage...the previously young appearance grew into that of a teenager.
Her features sharpened matching her new form, and along with her Rimuru's pain decreased significantly.
Ivarage : That was an interesting experience, your little friend inside was quite festy.
Rimuru : Y-you...what did you do to Ciel !
Ivarage : Heh- are you curious ? Why not ask her yourself, that bitch tried to use me as some sort of lab rat !
Rimuru : What...
His hand still clutching his chest, he glared at the world destroying dragon fearing the worst...as Ciel's voice had yet to manifest again.
But fortunately, her robotic tone resonated back, calming Rimuru.
Ciel : (Master ! I apologize, I wasn't able to fully detain Ivarage within the confines of [Imaginary Space].)
Rimuru : (Ciel ! I'm so glad you are safe!)
His words rendered the Manas speechless for another instant, reminded that her beloved master truly cared for her well being.
Ciel let out an imaginary smile and continued with her report.
Ciel : (As long as I am bound to master, nothing will ever happen to me, Master's fate shall be my destiny too.)
Rimuru : (Still, don't be so reckless...what happened in there ? Ivarage shouldn't have managed to get out of [Imaginary Space].)
Ciel : (Yes, but upon entering the [Imaginary Space], Ivarage extended her influence overloading the very space...the infinite capacity was exceeded meeting an unquantifiable force, it triggered a paradox that caused an unpredictable effect on the master's soul.)
All this sounded exceptionally bad, but at least Rimuru had an answer...it was like back then with Veldora and the unique skill : Predator.
Veldora had taken a large chunk of Rimuru's stomach because he was that strong...Ivarage did the same but at an infinitely higher degree.
Rimuru : (This damn monster...)
Ciel : (As result, over 80 % of the [Imaginary Space] was corrupted, the items and resources stocked were forcibly deleted for safety measures, master's soul also received significant damage...)
Rimuru : This isn't all there is, right...
Ciel : (Yes...Ivarage seem to have taken the opportunity to analyse the Nihilist energy that master hold...using it as basis she underwent a non rational evolution, explaining her new appearance.)
Rimuru : She grew even stronger...
The line was akin to a boulder crushing down his shoulder...a foe that the strongest hero and a transcendental being couldn't fare off as evolved positively ?
Chloe : A-this can't be...
Rimuru : What a cheat code...
Straightening himself, he forced [Pain Nullification] on himself and made Ciel form another new sword.
Rimuru : (Are there any other options?)
Ciel : (Negative, with our current force and set...defeat is inevitable.)
Rimuru : So that's it ? We lost...
Ciel : (...)
No words were needed, nothing worked on Ivarage and she herself wasn't exactly serious...
Ivarage : Nihilist...yeah, that's the closest link to reaching perfection...
A good mood, for the first time she experienced happiness...and that single emotion completely reversed her existence.
She who is malice and hatred will now seek happiness...the concept of « Happiness » is ambiguë and unique to each individual and the one Ivarage crave for is the worst for the rest of creation.
Ivarage : The foundation of that energy is destruction and creation...i need more insight into it.
And the sole being that could satisfy her curiosity and need is...RImuru Tempest, for that he has now become a top priority for the world destroying dragon.
Ivarage : I'll dismantle you slowly and rob everything you possess.
Readying for the third round, Ivarage couldn't take a single step when the « ground » formed by her aura exploded.
A large whole that quickly reformed onto itself appeared, two beings emerged while clashing their own weapon.
Sparkles followed by metal colliding, the sharp noise grew closer and closer to the group of Rimuru, Chloe and Ivarage who remained silent.
Finally, at last the two newcomers came into views...their blades clashing one last time before retreating from their fight.
One of them being Mirai, she landed right next to Rimuru and Chloe...her breath slightly ragged while her dominant hand shook frailty.
Rimuru : Mirai-san ?
Chloe : (Oh ? She got back on her feet ?)
Their eyes then turned toward the other newcomer, long silver hair reaching down his back and over his shoulder.
Two onix colored horns on top of his forehead, an expression indicating fury and miserable appearance as if he had lost nearly everything he possessed.
Rimuru : Feldway...
Mirai : Yeah, he was going up so I followed and intercepted him mid way...
Rimuru : Oh...how did he even get free from Velzard-san's time prison ?
He didn't see the primordial angel as a threat anymore, not after meeting a true powerhouse that Ivarage incarnated.
Feldway : Tch, why is everything going wrong...first that abnormal slime and now that heroine...
His plan involved in taking advantage of Ivarage's fight as distraction to get rid of Rimuru...but Mirai's intervention shut down that opportunity.
Ivarage : Seems like those are not the only guests.
Coming from above, another light explosion occurred as Velgrynd and Habataki came down from the dimension above.
The blazing body of Velgrynd generating flames hotter than anything known...her fire was constantly clashing with the newly booster beast.
Habataki with her mother's power, the malicious form of a three headed eagle growling...her aura eating out Velgrynd's fire.
While the hottest blaze expanded beyond the reach of this malice.
Ivarage : Habataki.
A single cold voice ripped the bird from all will as she fled her ongoing fight to join her mother's side.
Her three heads bowing silent from all noise, she was at Ivarage's feat...
Habataki : Mother...
Ivarage : Quiet, you disappointment.
Her harsh tone shook the bird to its core, unable to withstand the newly formed emotion...it only fueled the bird's hatred and malice.
Velgrynd : Running away now ?
And naturally, the prideful Velgrynd wouldn't just let her opponent leave...flying over in her draconic form.
She let out a roar filled with battle spirit, she failed to notice the change in Ivarage...
Ivarage : Tsk.
The roar blew everything on its path, a tunnel of wind formed...Ivarage's hair forced to a mess following the current.
Ivarage : This fake lizard dare barking before me ?!
Releasing her own roar, Ivarage's power overwhelmed Velgrynd, shutting her frozen...the flames that she gained upon receiving the Lord of Divine Flame turned stiff.
The world destroying dragon then released her potent corrupting aura, tentacles made of malice crawled at an instant pace toward the scorch dragon.
Ciel : (Emergency ! Activation of True dragon release.)
Having gained the authorization to enable skill without her master's approval, Ciel quickly returned Velgrynd to a state of spirituality before resummoning her back.
This time safe, out of the imminent corruption she was about to be subject to.
Velgrynd : Huh ?
Rimuru : Sorry Velgrynd-san but the situation changed quite a bit.
Velgrynd : I can see that ! That damn bird suddenly revitalized itself and matched my new power, it made no sense !
Rimuru could only give her a quiet answer, his mouth shut as the tension around raised deafeningly high.
No one really dared making the first move, particularly Feldway who stood on the side with no one...
Ivarage : Habataki, go down and help the other two...i expect the world to open before my patience fully runs out.
Habataki : As your wish, mother !
Sense of priority, as the strongest being alive...Ivarage has the right of the predator, the one at the very peak of the food chain.
Sending Habataki away in front of everyone present, the hidden meaning behind that bold action is that Ivarage herself didn't need another ally to take on the strongest representative of Veldanava's creation.
Velgrynd : No you won't !
Not taking this disrespect, Velgrynd acted on a whim again...she extended her arm ready to throw a nuclear cannon.
But frozen upon meeting the world destroying dragon's glare, it was like having a sharp scythe holding its edge right below her neck.
Cold sweat poured down her forehead, a testament of the threat this new Ivarage posed to the world.
Velgrynd : (How did that thing grow that much so fast!)
While she was stupefied, Habataki flapped her wings diving into the central world...the situation below couldn't be more uncertain now.
And there was nothing the people present there could do about it...they were basically taken hostage by Ivarage.
Ivarage : Now now, let's get back to our business.
Pointing her finger toward Rimuru, then Chloe...she ignored the other grandly, barely igniting the slight spark of interest.
No, there was one other that made Ivarage enable a deal.
Ivarage : And you, how about you join my side...think of it as a repayment for awakening my memories.
Her eyes locking on Mirai, the proposition was heaven shattering news...the already tense silence turned icy.
Mirai : You think I will accept this ?
Ivarage : You people have deemed the etiquette of a merciless and unintelligent being on my name, but I have a heart vaster than the biggest star.
Her speech was contradicted by her mean smirk she proudly wore, though her offer was genuine...it really didn't matter whether Mirai accepted or declined it.
Mirai : I-
Ivarage :Haha, I guess it can't be helped then.
Without waiting for her to answer, Ivarage drew her blade and enacted a vertical slash bending space at her will.
The strike was aimed toward the Mirai who barely managed to react, unsheathing her own sword...she carried it with the hilt but in the process, her grip loosened and ultimately, her weapon flew into the air.
Out of its owner's reach...
Rimuru : Mirai-san !
Mirai : I'm fine ! Careful, she is coming !
Alerted, everyone spreaded around in action...hell breaking loose, Rimuru particularly remained before Mirai protecting her.
His expression twisting in struggle, his arms shaking as he fend off the next strike of the world destroying dragon.
Rimuru : Arghh !
Ivarage : Hah !
In a simple motion devoid of martial form, she shattered Rimuru's sword once again...still the slime managed to deviate the incoming slash trajectory.
At a perfect timing, Chloe appeared in the evil dragon's blind spot...conjuring another time based attack.
Since her most powerful art failed to achieve the slightest result, she could only rely on improvisation...as uncertain as it is.
High risk comes with equally high results...being failure or success.
Chloe : (Just catalyze all the power in a single point...)
Her sword having shattered, Chloe opted for her second most reliable weapon...being her fist, the ethereal white glow coating her punch illuminated wildly.
Hundreds of gears could be seen turning on the back of her hands...the sound of a bell ringing again, she successfully connected the blow onto the upper part of Ivarage's head.
Chloe : !!!
But once again, nowhere near the result hoped was achieved...like a normal human punching a solid wall, Chloe was met with a sort of mountain.
Unshakable, her punch just gazed into Ivarage's skin and stopped burtally...
Ivarage : Is that all you got ?
Velgrynd : Get out of there, hero !
Chloe : Huh ?
Watching out for Velgrynd, Chloe reacted on dot...removing her fist and stretching her legs, she used Ivarage's body as support to jump away.
At the same time, Velgrynd appeared, her figure outlined in a mane of blue flames...the new peak procured by Lord of Divine Flames, Cthuga...
Velgrynd : [Cardinal Acceleration] !
Charging down back in her dragon form, she directly crashed onto the world destroying dragon and took her away.
The blazing flash was instantaneous, a single moment passed and Velgrynd had already covered thousands upon thousands of miles, Ivarage stuck at the front of her charge.
Ivarage : Annoying usurper !
Having enough of the pushover, Velgrynd was forced to a halt...literally midway during her charge, [Cardinal Acceleration] was brutally extinguished.
Velgrynd : Wha-
Ivarage : You know what's funny ?
Her hand clustered around Velgrynd's nose, her serpentine form wriggled around trying to break free.
Ivarage : I also learned some cool tricks from your friend.
A blade made of dark energy forming in her hold, Ivarage conjured a way too familiar sword art for everyone present's taste.
Ivarage : [Dawn Break].
Accompanied from her merciless smile, she swung down the blade...a bolting light flashed striking Velgrynd.
Fortunately, the scorch dragon was removed by Rimuru via his [True Dragon Release] before she could get torn into shred.
[Dawn Break], it is already a terrible technique to face...but it was also a great friend's sword art, to have the worst enemy use it...
Rimuru : Are you okay, Velgrynd-san ?
Checking her after the re-summoning, he bit his lips realizing that even as he used his skill...Velgrynd was still injured from it.
Slight fresh cuts around her skin, her dress was messy and the regenerative output was particularly slow.
Velgrynd : Yeah, though I didn't expect this...
Her pupils shaking, she looked up to Ivarage who engaged in a two versus one sword fight with Mirai and Chloe.
They were clashing at a nearly invisible pace, each passing moment could have shown Ivarage getting better with the sword.
Rimuru : Let's be more careful...if it wasn't for [Dawn Break]'s trajectory being memorized in my skill, I wouldn't have predicted and reacted in time.
Velgrynd : Tch, can't we use that sword of yours ?
Rimuru : No...my sword of tempest is already broken and these replicas won't be able to whistand your power.
The situation was really getting hopeless, the two were snapped out of their discussion when another loud shattering sound broke into distant space.
Chloe was blasted into the dimension above, a hole burned through her divine armaments right around her stomach area.
A screeching painful groan escaped her lips...
Ivarage : (I'm getting stronger...)
Spinning around, she followed her previous punch with a spinning kick...her figure blurred and before anyone could react.
She dented her feet into Mirai's stomach, cold and nightmarish memories resurfaced the heroine...
She stood her ground, but her pupils rented backward...her arms crawled to her injuries, holding her stomach while coughing a bunch of blood.
Mirai : Arg-
Ivarage : It's not done yet, young lady.
Giving her no spare time, Ivarage grabbed the heroine's hair holding her painfully...more blood being vomited.
Mirai shut her eyes close terrified, her muscles strengthening on themself predicting whatever next action Ivarage will take.
Rimuru : Mirai-san !
Velgrynd : Get away from her !
The two back into the fight, Velgrynd launched a heavy kick aimed to the head while Rimuru swung his blade aiming for the arm.
He prioritized getting Mirai out of the world destroying dragon, but to his dismay the blade simply broke upon contact.
And Velgrynd's leg was caught midair before it could even get close to its target.
Ivarage : (Those flames are so weak.)
They weren't hot enough to hurt Ivarage, it was just uncomfortable enough for her to find it displeasing.
The fire still burning, its reflection followed Ivarage's gaze...understanding the principle and learning, a pile of purple flames was created, fully devouring Velgrynd's own power.
Velgrynd : (What ?! Purple flames!)
They reeked of malice and surrounded Velgrynd's legs, a corrosive pain coated her skin...the part which was still within Ivarage's hold rot like a flower meeting poison.
Ivarage : Just die already.
The fire spreading up to Velgrynd's tight then hips, she was gracefully saved when a blur of silver crashed down.
Chloe being back poured all her weight using gravity to land on Ivarage's arm...even with all the momentum, it barely shook the evil dragon.
Ivarage : You are back already ?
Chloe : I'm sorry Velgrynd-san !
Conjuring a blade of light directly as the extension of her finger, Chloe did the only thing she could to save Velgrynd.
And that was cutting the scorch dragon's leg at the edge of the corrosion.
Velgrynd : You crazy !
It was so sudden, even so Velgrynd realized what she was doing and released the pressure around her leg...
Allowing herself to be amputated, she backed away and healed herself instantly after...
Rimuru : Get away, Chloe !
Since Velgrynd « safely » got away, the next one in reach was either Mirai or Chloe...having disturbed her, the heroine blessed by time was the obvious choice.
And compared to Velgrynd, Rimuru couldn't unsummon her...
Ivarage : Fine let you be the first to fall then.
Chloe : (I can't dodge!)
She quickly took a glance toward her surroundings...Mirai was still out, Rimuru too far away to get there in time and Velgrynd had just retreated and was still regenerating her leg...
Chloe : (I need to hold for an instant so Rimuru-san can get here!)
Clenching her teeth, she held her stance...Ivarage was opting for a front while approaching, her arm stretched aiming for the heroine's heart.
Chloe's perception slowing down, she shifted her balance to the side at the very last moment...not to evade the blow but to avoid a lethal injury.
Ivarage : Oh ?
Chloe : Ughargh !
The evil dragon's hand pierced right through Chloe's chest, a pool of blood spurted out with the heroine.
Chloe : Heh, I did it...
But instead of the center, Ivarage only managed to pierce through the side...near the serratus anterior.
With that, she grabbed the evil dragon's forearm, another binding circled Ivarage...this time the catalyst was Chloe herself.
Ivarage : This trick again ?
Chloe : Rimuru-san now !
A fresh smile crossed her face, she had full faith in Rimuru to find a solution...her eyes turned toward him who was rushing over.
His sword lightened up in a dark glow, another new technique surely prepared by Ciel.
Rimuru : It's a 50/50 then, let's do it, partner !
Ciel : (Hai master-wait!)
Rimuru : Huh ?
Chloe's heart dropped cold along Ciel's emergency warning, Ivarage too...not every stopped moving as the unexpected happened before them.
Tracking Rimuru's course, a new light emerged completely shutting the slime down...a cage made of geometrical form, transparent like a hollow wall of glass.
Rimuru : What ?
All motion stopped around him, his body stripped of its mobility...the constant flux of Ciel's warning rang in his mind.
Behind him, forgotten by all whereas he had successfully hidden himself to act on the most illogical demeanor...Feldway smirked triumphally.
Feldway : You left your guard done! Now begone [Chrono Saltation].
The cage shrinking on Rimuru until nothing but a speck of light shattering into dust was left...the sight of Rimuru disappearing.
His presence completely fading, the soul corridor that he had cherished and shared with all his allies, friends and family gone...
Chloe and Velgrynd in particular instantly knew that Rimuru was truly gone...not teleported somewhere else or sealed.
He was...gone ? A deafening silence befell the battlefield...a minute passed where even Ivarage failed to make a move.
Holding Chloe silently, she stared at Feldway with a dumbfounded expression...even she couldn't predict such crazy action.
Feldway : Pff-hahaha...
Finally, after a long break...the silence was broken by Feldway's insane laugh...he held his face dramatically, a mean and ugly grin contrasting to his angelic appearance.
Feldway : Lord Veldanava ! I did ! The last light is gone !
His cry resonated like a plea, the echo traveled across the silent space hoping to reach salvation.
Feldway's wings spreaded along his arms, his pupils shrinking back calling out for his master.
Feldway : Come back now ! I have set the stage as you wished !
Insanity or perhaps faith, he waited for Veldanava to come back...the idea set after his discussion with Manas : Michael.
He successfully carried the plan created on a whim of despair, and now...what ? Nothing happened, the previously joyous laugh of the angel died gradually.
Feldway : Huh ?
His expression dropping, the same eri silence took back its dominance...Feldway slowly realized that Veldanava wasn't coming even now.
He tried to rationalize the situation but failed as his ears perked up at Ivarage's own laugh.
Ivarage : What a crazy bastard, hahaha ! How about coming working under me, you worthless angel ?
A share of fun dwelling in her core, Ivarage tossed away Chloe who tried to overcome the shock, her body started diving down motionlessly back into the central world.
Velgrynd : Hero-
Trying to reach her, Velgrynd was met with a wall...in the corner of her eyes, she was reminded that Mirai was still present near the evil dragon.
If Velgrynd were to leave now, then Mirai would be left alone here with two psychopaths...
Velgrynd : (This is bad, I can't feel my connection with Rimuru anymore!)
The feeling of loss clutching onto her soul, she gritted her teeth and quickly flew upward to get her new human friend.
Ivarage : So what do you think ? My proposition isn't too bad, Veldanava abandoned your useless ass so work for me instead.
Feldway : Shut your mouth !
Ivarage : I took a liking to you so just do as i say from now on.
Clouded with corruption, Ivarage's aura brought the angel's worst fear to reality...Feldway forced to witness his will power being sucked.
His body stiffened taking a step back, his hands clenched around his head trying to control the negativity...a painful groan turned into cry escaped Feldway.
Feldway : Y-you mon-ster...
Similar to the vision that Rimuru and Chloe had before, Feldway whose will was already tattered crumbled even faster.
He too realized that at this rate he would just fall under Ivarage's game so with a last ditch of efforts, he temporarily shut down his own ego.
His eyes blanking out, becoming an egoless being at his turn...he let out a crispy roar filled with pain.
Ivarage : Oh ?
Feldway : Grahh ! AHH !
His body contorting, the extreme action he undertook was another proof for Ivarage's interest...a smile tickling her lips.
She was about to restrain him but waited too long as Feldway, now drived by his natural instinct rather than a mindful rationality.
He ran away, frantically at that...his shadow escaping back into the central world, bursting through the « ground ».
Ivarage : Heh, so his instinct took over...well whatever, I'll get you eventually, after everything rightfully belongs to me.
Licking her lips, she was quite satisfied by the course of the event...when a sudden peak of bloodlust forced the evil dragon to turn around.
She instinctively raised a blade guarding herself...but nothing came, it was just a baseless killing intent without backing.
Ivarage : This brat...
Before her, it was Mirai's doing...she was still holding her stomach in pain but her eyes were focused on their target again.
No weapon and without any possibilities to actually harm Ivarage, yet her instinct was honest and sure...just now Mirai released such bloodlust that even the world destroying dragon, an entity that transcends the boundaries of logic, felt threatened.
Ivarage : Your eyes really remind me of that guy...I guess you two are really related.
Raising her blade, a glittering glow reflected on the blade's edge despite the lack of any light source.
Ivarage's sword made with malice simply resonated with darkness, bonding with negativity itself.
Ivarage : In a way, this fierce personality of yours is a claim of your beauty, truly I really want to own you.
Alas that wasn't possible, because just now Ivarage felt threatened...this girl will definitely pose a threat one day, so it's better to end her story before she truly awakens.
Ivarage : I can understand why that shitty Author wanted to get rid of you, a potential that never truly bloomed even after countless restarts.
Bending her wrist, she striked down her sword...a lethal blow that will definitely kill its target.
Mirai's eyes however didn't waver, she faced the threat head on...her body still paralyzed by the pain, her bloodlust only growing.
The swift sound of air being splitted, the space breaking down like a snow banquet...everything was quiet in the process.
Ending with Ivarage's swing landing, flesh being torn apart, blood geezing like a river...but contrary to the original expectation behind her strike.
Ivarage who had intended to cut Mirai in half, leaving her to die as she fell down, her blade only left an irremovable mark.
Someone blitzed through the space at an unimaginable speed to stand in front of Mirai...protecting her with their own body.
Mirai : !!!
Ivarage : Oh ?
Mirai's eyes widened, her killing intent completely ceasing as her veil of bluish hair covered her vision.
Droplet of blood splattered into the air crossed her side, the action happened so fast that Mirai couldn't give a proper reaction.
The pain she felt was drained by the building adrenaline, her savior's body collided with her own.
Mirai : V-Velgrynd ?
Right, the scorch dragon arriving just in time couldn't resort to any other measure than using her own body as a shield.
Ivarage's strike had left a large scar starting from her shoulder down to her hips, her skin already bruised...the beauty that she cherished for so long, maintaining it perfectly was ruined.
And thus definitely with no possibility for the current era's healing magic or regenerative skill to work...it was the evil god, the world destroying dragon's doing after all.
Ivarage : Ha ! You guys are really stubborn ! Fine, if you want to be buried alongside her, then be my guest !
Her strike didn't end with a simple injury, after Velgrynd received the blow...a shockwave followed, the scorch dragon was blasted backward.
The sheer force sent her crashing into Mirai as both started falling down like a comet, breaking through the « ground ».
A flash of light trailed behind them as they landed directly into the main land, precisely near the border of the Holy empire of Ruberios and the Western nation.
The explosion that followed their crashing reverbeted throughout the continent.
A shockwave so powerful that it sent a pulse through the world...Mirai being the first to land, gasped in pain.
Her body struggles to regain its sense, she was being crushed by Velgrynd's weight as both hugged each other in their demise.
Mirai : Velgryng-san !
Her back now exposed, she ignored all her torment and forced herself up before examining Velgrynd,
She laid her down on her back with shaky arms, the injury was deep...Velgrynd didn't really have a need for her internal organs or blood.
But the blow she received had shaken her core and very fondation...
Velgrynd : Arght ! H-hah, i-i never felt so much pain before...
Mirai : Don't talk ! Idiot ! Why did you do that-
Tears stormed her eyes, because of her, someone else was hurt...and this time it is a True dragon, the very definition of the strongest race.
Someone else had sacrificed their back to save her...
Velgrynd : Stop whining already- *cough* ! I'm fi-*cough* !
Her body contorted violently as another urge of pain fixed her joint, Velgrynd was barely latching onto her consciousness.
But any more fights wouldn't be possible with such a broken body...
Mirai : N-no...
And that wasn't the only problem, the world itself was being overwhelmed now...Mirai looked up with shame.
Ivarage has now entered the world again, the world barrier starting to waver...
Her malicious aura spreaded completely turning the tile...the mortals who had gathered to fight the insectars above the ocean were being pushed back.
Peliod having survived restarted the production of warrior...that shouldn't have been a problem with the primordial's presence.
But the unexpected arrival of Habataki had tied down Testarossa, Ultima and Carrera...
Diablo himself could be seen frowning as he couldn't get rid of Michael...
this side of the battlefield was still on a rather stalemate reach...
Above them were the two other beasts fighting Veldora and Dino...the outcome of their fight is also uncertain.
Veldora and Kakeashi were still clashing with no clear winner, however the other battle clearly pending toward a certain direction.
Suiemu was winning, a rain of stars befalling...Dino was slowly falling behind, his body in a bad state.
His wings tattered in dirt, he was losing this battle and some of the stars had already fallen into the central world.
Generating a storm of natural catastrophe...
On the mainland, the mortals who had unified themself faced the insectar...with the enlightened individual, the powerful demi-human or even monsters.
All faced the enemies without back down but as the sun settled and reawakened to the next morning...mortals remained mortals, they exhausted their strength and supplies.
Another major factor is that the most prominent battle force siding with Veldanava's creation was being drowned.
Tempest, the subordinates of Rimuru...they all felt the connection with their master disappear, that bond was so strong and warm that once gone, it left a void in their soul.
Fears, anxiety and many more reactions broke their spirit and will to fight...and this soon spreaded across the entire allied force.
Even now as she was thinking, Mirai could hear and feel through [Universal Perception] the countless life taken, death in agony and massacre.
Mirai : I-i...
Myriad of voices overlapping...
« M-mom ! P-please save me! »
« Get your shit together ! We have to continue the fi-arght ! M-my arm ! »
« Run away ! This world is doomed ! »
« My son ! Please come help my son ! »
And all this misery was just a mere prelude to what was about to come...since Rimuru is gone, Chloe's condition is unknown.
Velzard and Velgrynd in critical condition...the two mediators Ramiris and Guy Crimson either gone or occupied.
The demons overwhelmed and angels scattered...
All of the world's last walls were defeated...leaving an open gateway for Ivarage to descend.
Her small figure reentered the central realm with an intimidating presence, her shadow towering the whole world...
All that awaited everyone was an endless pit of despair...Ivarage's aura became the sky, her appearance marked the defeat of the cardinal world.
Those who fought valiantly until dropped their weapon upon looking up...
Mirai : This is the end...
Alas, a final beacon of hope couldn't allow this world to succumb...a last fighter loomed through the other world, arriving anytime now.
Manas : Michael scowled at the reappearance of Ivarage...he was still struggling with Diablo, though after Rimuru's disappearance.
Even the black primordial wavered, his guard and the intensity of his assault decreasing significantly.
Manas Michael : (This reaction...and Ivarage who came back, does that mean it filled Rimuru Tempest?)
His theory was quickly shut down when Feldway emerged from the side, his eyes blank and egoless.
Incomprehensible groans left his salivating mouth, his state was no different from the billions of angels that died during this war.
Manas Michael : (Did he shatter his own ego ? Well that is fine, he served his use...)
Feldway was now rampaging like any other beast, thriving through corruption...he now directed his attention toward the World tree...
His own personal knowledge and the instinctive goal Fledway accepted while being affected by Ivarage's corruption.
Manas Michael : (I'll just abandon him now, he also gave me the coordinates to that specific world...i just have to use [Regalia Dominion] to control those pathetic phantoms, and they'll serve me as a temporal army.)
Still, something tormented the back of his mind...
Manas Michael : Lord Veldanava...is this not enough yet for you to come back ?
At the same time, Diablo appeared behind him...his claw ready for another ballad.
To which Michael responded by flying up, evading the confrontation.
Manas Michael : This is the end, Noir, you lost this war.
Diablo : Don't you dare run away now !
Manas Michael : Run away ? Don't be a sore loser, Noir.
Taking off, he directed his attention toward Sarion...where Feldway was rushing to, his intention clear to Michael.
Manas Michael : (I see, the great Holy relics are still present...)
Releasing his sword, he got rid of Diablo one last time before activating his spell...a large gate appeared on the ground near the elven kingdom.
A full on assault toward Sarion aiming for the world tree, once that is destroyed...then Veldanava will have no choice but to come back.
At least that is what Manas : Michael believed sincerely...Ivarage and her people had still yet to realize the World tree's location so Michael chose to do it himself.
Manas Michael : Phantoms ! Your king has moved, step within the central world and unleash your potential !
His voice carried into the gate, Feldway is the Phantom king...these simple beings will surely follow their king after meeting him again.
The usage of [Regelia Dominion] will only be for the case where the Phantom grows out of control and doesn't obey.
The gate illuminated, seconds passed and finally a first phantom crossed the portal, then a second and third...
The three ran enthusiasts into the central world...a smile gracing Michael's face.
Manas Michael : Great, they are pe-huh ?
Only for him to frown when he realized that those Phantoms didn't appear by following his words, rather they were fleeing something.
Their expression showed pure fear, as if they had just escaped hell itself.
Manas Michael : What is happening ?
He observed the Phantoms, they had no injuries so why were they so terrified ? Only after this question crossed the manas's mind that he shifted back his gaze toward the gate.
A sudden spark of light erupted like a linear flash, it bursted past the gate and took a drastic turn meeting each of the three escapee Phantoms.
Despite the large gap in distance between them, the light individually targeted them and successfully got rid of them.
Manas Michael : What th-
It happened so fast that Michael barely managed to follow the light's trajectory...and once the last Phantom fell before this overwhelming light.
The light blinked upward attracting the attention of all, it was a single string of hope that soared high enough ending its journey beyond the sky made of malice...
It pierced through the roof, disappearing into the endless darkness...
Only for a nebulus explosion to occur, the blast shook the heavens overpowering Ivarage's aura...clearing the sky earning it back its blue color.
A veil of warmness settled over the world, the mana all around was becoming agitated as if the very world was welcoming this new presence.
Showing a courteous sight, a ray of hope exploded into a shaped formation...representing an everlasting last hope.
An undying flame which serves the single purpose of passing a message to the world...
« As long as this last flame stand, Hope won't wield and succumb to the abyss of Despair »
At the center of the formation, there stood a lone man accompanied by a white fox that sat atop of his head.
The last hope, the True chosen hero by Fate, the mortal who was expelled from the final conflict...with his overwhelming intensity, a sword in his right hand...
A lifeless body belonging to Vega, the abomination created in the eastern empire...
He had finally returned to his home world...not without his own contribution to the war, having decimated the entirety of the Phantom race as his first stop.
He stood there stronger than he ever was...letting the world cry for his name, Dawn Arceid.
Kyuri : Daddy's home !
Dawn : (...) Way to ruin my entrance...
Kyuri : Hehe, let me enjoy it a bit more please.
Scoffing, Dawn had requested Kyuri to find the world where the Phantom had settled their base...it was a surprise even to him when he met Vega there.
Nevertheless, his plan didn't change...he knew that the Phantom would pose a threat in this war so he had to get rid of them before they could enter the cardinal world.
It is due to their tricky and cowardly nature...they brought it onto themselves, and thus a nightmarish massacre occurred as they got a visit from a true hero.
Manas : Michael opening the gate at this exact right time was just convenient...a perfectly timed moment that brought back Kyuri and Dawn here.
Dawn : Seems like the war progressed beyond control.
Kyuri : Yup, and we happen to be losing.
Assessing the situation, Dawn's gaze met with Ivarage who was grinning madly...she seemed more interested in how his presence will change the course of this disaster rather than fighting him.
Dawn : I guess it's time for me to cleanse up some trash.
A wild gleam rotating in his pupils, he stood mercilessly ready for the incoming battle...