3rd Pov
No word could describe the current situation in the central world, by the time Mirai and Amaranth Varja began to fight.
Most of the remaining surviving life were extinguished, like a candle in the middle of a storm...more and more people died just from the clashing aura of the Evil god and Hero of Fate.
But contrary to Mirai's previously benevolent and warm aura...it was a murderous and suffocating one.
This hero who was the world's hope didn't care about what she had to protect, rather she was blinded by hatred and that only fed Amaranth Varja more, enjoying a nice meal.
A cosmic storm cleared the sky horizontally like a wild snake, a thundering crack appeared in reality itself, erasing the laws of the world one by one.
On the ground, Velzard could only lift her chin helplessly...the sight engraved in her mind like a priceless painting.
Velzard : They have truly left the realm where I could intervene...
She clenched her fist so tight that her regenerative skill activated on its own to heal her hand.
The wind blowing against her face, the previous task she was assigned on which is the protection of the world from the falling comet was rendered useless.
Since Ivarage herself got rid of them after her first clash with Mirai...all moving energy around the world was blown away just from their primary impact.
The power houses who remained down could only scatter and try to prevent a total extinction of life...for Velzard, she felt bitter and only watched the sky lifelessly.
Velzard : Veldanava...are you still not coming back even after this ?
Conjuring her snow crystal once again, the shield was imperfect due to her lack of magicule and also her current mental state.
She didn't protect herself but rather set the barrier behind her...
Velzard : You too are utterly foolish.
Without glancing back, she spoke to the only few relatively normal humans who dared cross blade with the world destroying dragon.
Eleonor offered a weak smile in response, she was treating her injured friends...only for them to survive because of the frost dragon's mercy.
Eleonor : Us humans are foolish by nature.
She looked down sadly while providing the best heal she could to Lucas who was fatally injured...he was holding on pure willpower.
As for the other, Shuu had fainted from shock and internal injuries after just brushing Ivarage's presence.
Flora on the other hand had a hole right through her chest...all the organs inside had melted including her heart.
She could already be considered dead but Eleonor still took care of her corpse...doing what she could just to preserve even a bit more of her family.
Eleonor : Lucas had already an arm gone when he followed us, it was our decision and we knew the risk...I should consider myself lucky to have survived without major injuries.
Velzard : And in the process, you lost two of your comrades.
Eleonor : I can't lie, I'm sad...even horrified but is my misery even worth a bit considering the world's downfall ?
Velzard : Downfall, right...the world is in shambles, is there even a reason to fight anymore...
At the pessimism of the true dragon, Eleonor scoffed...her eyes locked on the greenish glow that emitted from her hands.
She was about to open her mouth again when from the corner of her eyes, a flicker of blood coughed out of Flora's lips.
A pulse of beating crossed the surrounding's ears.
Eleonor : Huh ?
Her neck snapping toward the fallen lady, Eleonor grew bewildered...her hands trembled as with a soft groan, her supposed gone companion opened her eyes.
Eleonor : Flora...
Flora : Ugh-ahh...she really did it...
Her muscles and bones aching, stirring as if they were pulled from every direction.
But even as the pain should be unbearable for a human consciousness, Flora simply lay down on her back.
Eleonor : H-how are you...I saw your chest being dug with my own eyes...
Flora : Ah, Eleonor...I guess you survived as well...actually, I did die but only a part of me.
Her eyes shutting, a single tear rolled down her cheek as she reminisced about the event before she woke up.
Flora : From now on, I'm just Flora...it's about time I let go of my past.
Eleonor : Flora...then what about Eta ?
Flora : You should already know...I lost both my skills and a part of myself.
The unique skill [Alter Ego] was Eta's existence...and Flora's second personality representing her cruel and inner side.
And the skill that came with Eta, unique skill : Killer...it held a strong potential over death manipulation.
By sacrificing both skills, Flora managed to get a second chance at life...
Flora : Even so, at what cost...
She felt empty inside, Eta was as much of a sister as an alter ego to her.
Flora : (I'll just have to live on for both of us then...)
A raging beast, for Amaranth Varja...Mirai looked no different from the mindless dragon that she once was.
A hero should represent harmony while demon lords showcase chaos...that's the public image of both evil and good.
But Mirai didn't show that grace, her body was blown away several times...her arms ripped off, her legs shattered yet she kept going.
Regenerating by an absolute optimized usage of her skill, her eyes clouded in corrupted madness to the point where Amaranth Varja herself felt overjoyed.
Amaranth Varja : This level of malice is incredible ! I take back my words ! You are worth my time as well, Mirai Averion !
She received a low grunt for answer, the evil blade tearing through her flesh yet once again.
Mirai reacted by killing her own body, analysing and neutralizing...she foresaw the injuries she was about to receive by using the [Eyes of Fate].
Self inflicted that same wound before Ivarage could through [Destiny beyond Fate] then recovered with [Reverse Fate].
This process was repeated again and again, even if it took a toll on her mind and body...her rage blinded all her senses.
Even as [Shin Exalia] warned her, she couldn't make a rational decision from the situation.
Shin Exalia : (Your swordsmanship has regressed to that of a child throwing a tantrum, get your shit together!)
Mirai : (Shut up!)
Swinging the genesis blade, the slash had no form or regularity...purely drove on instinct and killing intent.
Shin Exalia : (You stubborn brat-fine ! Let's see where this takes us!)
A hue of energy outlined [Shin Exalia], correcting Mirai's movement by forcing a minor twist in her hand.
Just enough to cover her listake and lessen the burden she had chosen by not dodging any attack.
Amaranth Varja : I see now, in reality you resemble me more than your father !
Mirai : I SAID SHUT UP !
Her voice alone broke through reality to become a bundle of incomprehensible and corrosive words.
The runes on her body switched from a glowing silver to a crimson red, when it came to fate...there is a rule that all of its users had to follow.
The greater fate they were trying to change or impose, the greater price they need to pay
Being magicule, their sanity or just mental fatigue...the price could be anything belonging to the user.
And Mirai was constantly influencing fate to grant her wishes...if Ivarage is a millions times stronger, then her command is to become Ten millions of times stronger.
But as she grew, Ivarage adapted, forcing her to redo the operation...it triggered a glitch where both kept growing to surpass the other.
But for Mirai, she had to pay the price...her fate entangling in several different ways contradicting each other.
Relying only on Manas : Yue to not simply shatter.
Yue : (Calm down, is that really the kind of person you want to end up as?)
Mirai : (Shut up!)
Her immediate response was harsh but by no means did it perturb the manas, no instead Yue had already the perfect method to get Mirai out of her bloodshed trance.
Yue : (Sister...)
Mirai : !!!
This too was part of the final plan, it is coupled with Yue's own greed to belong somewhere...to calm Mirai and to forget her own future.
Yue : (Calm down now.)
Like a cold shower washing her back, Mirai froze midair...her arm rigid completely rupturing her form.
Amaranth Varja caught on that distant gap and took advantage of it, denting her fist into Mirai's side creating a clear opening.
Mirai : Ugh-
Amaranth Varja : Dreaming while facing me ? You have a death wish or what ?!
Sensing the danger, Mirai took a step back...her mind racing again, this time with a sense of reason.
But that little space she got for herself was filled in an instant by the evil god who readied another punch.
One coated with devastating energy.
Mirai : (I need to dodge this one!)
Taking support by stepping onto the air, she jumped to the side barely letting Ivarage's blow burn her cheek.
But as she saw the evil god flash past her, Mirai noticed a mean smirk adorning the dragon's face.
Mirai : Huh ?
[Shin Exalia] reacted first, moving on her own she rose to parry a dangerous delayed blow that aimed at the complete other side of where Ivarage went.
A dreadful realization hit Mirai at that moment...Amaranth Varja evolved and understood her capabilities now.
She took advantage of the distorted space to assess an invisible blow transcending space and time itself.
Amaranth Varja : So that's how you do...quite an amusing trick, don't you think ?
Her smirk only grew deeper, almost reaching her eyes...the continuity of the battle was even more intense.
Ivarage was destroying the space that separates her from Mirai, sending round after wave of crushing blows that couldn't be detected or seen.
Forcing Mirai to rely on her instinct and her sword's own will.
Mirai : (There is no pattern to adapt, neither opening to exploit...)
Shin Exalia : (In contrast, she is actually getting used to your movements and soon your defense will rumble.)
Mirai : (I know!)
Her agility was rendered crippled as more attack reached her blind spot in continuous flow.
It was clear that Ivarage aimed for those intentionally while her main body charged straight forward...she couldn't be killed and used this advantage at its fullest.
Amaranth Varja : This is fun ! Haha~why don't you show more ?!
Mirai : Nugh-you !
Amaranth Varja : Look ! Even when I rip off your arm or blow a hole into your chest, you come out unscattered !
And this was what drove Ivarage in keeping this fight going, the feeling of evolving was infuriating and absolute.
Even the true dragons, supreme ruler of the food chains and beings that reign as the apex were ridiculed before her.
So for a human to match her expectation and grow, what else could she do but ask for more.
Amaranth Varja : I can feel it ! The next wall is melting !
A vortex of magicule darker than the darkest matter gathered around her fist, it soon swirled into an asymmetric sphere before being fired like a cannon.
Amaranth Varja : [World Ender] !
A ray of dilating beam, absorbing all light in the world...the sky was lit down into an endless darkness.Everything went extinct, life was robbed from the land and the air sucked from the atmosphere.
All absorbed by the [World Ender] beam that traveled not only in the present but also past and future...growing in power in an instant.
Mirai was pierced by it in the past and died in the future, yet the present remained uncertain...her fate was sealed as even Manas : Yue's warning couldn't reach her ears.
Mirai : (Huh ? I can't feel anything anymore...)
Her body was like floating still in an endless sea...her eyes still worked fine but her finger felt numb, her knee frozen and all the senses around were dead silent.
She couldn't see or feel, all light had been robbed so there was no reflection she could use to observe...
Mirai : (Shin Exalia ? Manas : Fate?)
No answer, she was completely alone, swallowed by the intensity of the moment.
Death knocking, in a desperate motion...her [Eyes of Fate] remained active, a cooldown displayed before her with only a single second down before reaching null.
Mirai : (This can't be the end...)
Her pupils dilating, she suddenly felt every sense of the universe...as if the entirety of creation spoke to her directly.
A murmur telling her to not give up, another ordering to death right here...she was in the end an anomaly.
The world acknowledged her existence and effort but didn't care if she died or lived...after all, she disturbed the balance of all things.
Mirai : (Die ? No...I can't die yet-my parents gave me a future...)
A fire lit up in her chest, where her heart belonged...this single ember was burning bright enough to illuminate her surroundings.
Mirai : (What if there is no light anymore ? My world's light is already gone...no, I just have to become that light!)
Through pure will power, her arm snapped forward...her legs bulked breaking free of whatever held her still.
The fire in her heart spreaded across her body, the runes reawakened stronger than ever...her skill resonated with her will.
The scale clearly indicates an unfair odds, on one side her death was overwhelmingly destined...
The scale pending on one side slowly rebalanced following Mirai's rage...her lips prayed open, all the emotion she accumulated bursted sincerely.
Mirai : As if I will not let my parent's legacy die here !
She had a lot more to achieve...the title that was passed down on her, the world that needed rebuild, tomorrow's morning...
She still had to give her parents a proper grave, she had to see the bright future that lay beyond this crisis...at least for those who sacrificed themself for her.
Mirai : Awaken ! Evolve ! And SHATTER!
From the deepest depth of her destiny, she destroyed everything at her turn...[Destinity Breaker] would be a proper name for this new technique.
Her cry echoed through creation like a ringing bell, the powerful burst of her power gradually returned all that was stolen.
The light, air, vital force...everything regained its color and concepts.
Mirai found herself floating completely drained, she had just reversed the impossible...cut down the tragic fate of all with her own hands.
Mirai : (I-I did it...)
But that was all, her body reached its limit and her mind wavered...falling without resistance, the threat was still looming.
As Ivarage's [World Ender] was neutralized...the ray of dark light still traveled aiming to hit Mirai and sealing her fate definitely.
All she did was weaken the effect so the world could still live on...in a way, it was a sacrificial spell as of now, she alone was in danger of imminent death.
Mirai : (So cold...)
Yue : (Well done, you achieved the impossible.)
Mirai : (Is that so...)
Yue : (Now rest, the savior has arrived.)
The Manas's comforting tone reassured Mirai, her eyes slowly closing...the wind hitting her back as she fell.
A warm and careful touch came in to support her, followed by a swirl of violet particles...all noise died.
Mirai : Huh...
Her blue eyes shined like jewels reflecting the moon, her skill deactivating returning her original appearance.
Half closed, she still met a pair of golden pupils...this someone had just appeared catching her before she could crash down.
His hands firmly held down to her shoulder and legs, a relieved smile crossed his angelic face as he muttered words of solace.
Rimuru : I got back right in time.
Rimuru Tempest...he had suddenly appeared without anyone noticing, his hand in a fast motion cleared the [World Ender] beam with a single word [Azathoth].
He then proceeded to safeguard Mirai, he had directly witnessed her willpower and heroic act...if she hadn't saved the world in that critical instance.
Then Rimuru would have arrived too late...the void in which Rimuru had woken up is the after world in which Ivarage destroyed everything.
And that included everyone's souls...then no matter how he traveled back in time, there would be no one left as across all reality, everyone would have already died like they never existed.
The Heroic Will resonating with Mirai's existence was precisely that counter...originally, she would have failed to stop [World Ender] and all should have concluded right here and now.
But the Will echoed with Mirai upon Rimuru's arrival, her cry of hope succeeded in vanquishing despair, opening a whole new branch for the future to bloom.
Rimuru : Thank you, Mirai...leave the rest to me now.
Mirai : I...see-(Dawn...so that was also part of your plan, we all played our part, huh...)
A tiny smile forming onto her lips, she let herself drift into the hands of unconsciousness fully believing in the seed of hope that Dawn, her father...everyone placed their bet on.
Rimuru Pov
Really, how many has it been now ? How many times this single family has saved the world unbknown or seen by all.
I had heard this term « hero » a lot of times, from Kenya who idolized this romantic individual, Hinata who was a hero of mankind, even the emperor Rudra, directly named hero ruler.
But all of them come short as a true hero in my definition...they only bore that name in extension of their powers.
Maybe they had the self will to sacrifice themself if needed but as of now, only this single family truly incarnated the essence of a hero...
My eyes softened when Mirai closed her eyes. I could never let her die here...it is not only my duty as a person but also a friend.
Rimuru : Ciel, bring her to a same place.
Ciel : (Right away.)
Mirai's body slowly being transported away, I could instinctively tell where she was sent...to Velzard-san's side.
The Heroic Will burning in my chest...
Rimuru : Right, I can worry about them once I'm done with her.
Turning my whole attention toward Ivarage, I was met with a frowning woman...her appearance has matured since the last time we fought.
Her eyes were digging a hole into me, clear anger displayed on her face.
Amaranth Varja : Why...why must all those I take a liking either run or get saved ? This is so annoying...
A dark aura enveloping her, I raised by guard unsheathing my sword...but at the same time, I knew that close combat fighting would be useless.
After all, she can't be killed physically...
Amaranth Varja : Ahhh, thought i got to say...what the hell are you really ? I can't sense anything from you.
Rimuru : Me ? Haha, I'm just a slime you know...just your friendly neighbor slime.
Cracking a joke, I lowered my sword and stretched my left hand instead...pointed toward Ivarage, I couldn't feel the intimidation and overwhelming difference between us anymore.
Amaranth Varja : A slime, huh...well seeing how the most entertainment I received came from humans, I shouldn't underestimate those blue blobs.
Rimuru : How kind of you, now devour her whole [Azathoth].
Ruhing straight, a vortex of darkness...it was crude and instantaneous, the space separating us was devoured by my skill and like a raging beast.
[Azathoth]'s mouth opened wide swallowing Ivarage who didn't resist, she merely smiled content of just observing.
Rimuru : (Ciel?)
Ciel : (Yes, Ultimate skill : Void God, Azathoth has successfully locked the target, however due to the density of Ivarage's nature, it cannot be absorbed.)
Rimuru : Figured it won't be that easy.
[Azathoth] shrinked on her, and instead of the usual result where all things within range would be gone into my [Imaginary Space].
The dark vortex got stuck outlining a humanoid form, and with a mere swing of her hand...Ivarage completely broke free of the God of Void's embrace.
Amaranth Varja : This old trick is a little bit outdated, don't you think ?
Rimuru : It's still working fine, just not against mundane absurdity such as yourself.
Amaranth Varja : I'm more interested in this thing in your soul...it feels strangely familiar.
Can she see the Heroic Will ? I was told by Ciel that Dawn and Ivarage might have a deeper bond than what's known...
I had to cut my thought short when a streak of destructive aura flew across to hit me in the face.
But sensing no threat whatsoever, I didn't move either...the harming energy simply vanished as if rejected by my existence.
Ciel : (Turn Null barrier has been enforced, all threats from now on will be erased under nihilist energy.)
Rimuru : (That sounds like a cheat code defensive art...)
Still that sneak attack just now was powerful, it could surely kill most if any other person...anyway, this leaves me to ponder.
How should i deal with her ? I confidently stated that I will but my strongest ability doesn't work...I won't lose to her but at the same time I can't figure out a way to win this.
Ciel : (Master, the Heroic Will is reacting again.)
Rimuru : And what does it say ?
Ciel : (To leave the rest to them?)
Rimuru : Them ?
I asked, confused, only for this feeling to grow when the Heroic Will popped out of my chest...a boiling sphere of light appeared floating on its own volition.
Rimuru : What ?
Ciel : (...Error, Heroic Will : Dawn Arceid had forcibly severed its bond to master.)
S-Severed ? What's going on...
Dawn : [I remember it all now, thank you Rimuru...as this bet would have never bore a positive result without you.]
Rimuru : What are you saying...why do you sound like you're going to sacrifice yourself again ?!
And did he recover his memories or what ?
Dawn : [It isn't a sacrifice, it is an opportunity...the seed of hope is destined to vanquish the evil god as per Veldanava's plan but I have my own solution.]
The Heroic Will radiated a powerful light strong enough to cover the world in a state of pure illumination.
Still, I didn't bat an eye and stared at the Will...
Dawn : [Don't you think so, Amaranth Varja?]
Amaranth Varja : So it's really you, utterly fascinating...but that's strange, I can't feel any hatred or killing intent from you.
I stood by the side watching them interact, Ciel's voice came in, breaking my focus.
Ciel : (Anomaly restored, master i have a confession to make as well.)
Rimuru : What is it ?
Ciel : (Before the beginning of the war, I had a private talk with Dawn Arceid in which he asked me for a favor.)
Rimuru : A favor...
Ciel : (Indeed, an encrypted code that I deciphered but found nothing in...it appears that this code was made in a way where only Dawn himself could understand it, he used that code to recover a part of his memory just now.)
So we have been playing along with his wits, even Ciel who was once the Lord of Wisdom appears to have become a pawn in this grand scheme.
Ciel : (I am ashamed to reveal that I have completely been outplayed.)
Rimuru : So what is his plan now ?
Ciel : (Everything is unveiling in an unpredictable way, from the information available Dawn is attempting to give Ivarage or individual : Amaranth Varja a chance at coexisting.)
Is he serious...even after all that evil dragon has done ? The world is in ruin because of her...
Rimuru : Why are you trying to save the enemy...I can't understand you anymore, Dawn.
But one thing was sure, this wasn't a fight I should involve myself in...they told me my rôle was to save the world but I don't know anymore.
The best I could do is to watch until the end and intervene if needed...
Ciel : (Actually, master could-)
3rd Pov
It wasn't part of Veldanava's plan, a rebellious protest from Dawn...he slowly approached the evil god without even a proper physical or spiritual shape.
Dawn : [I had already defied fate itself, faced a fragment of god so adding another sin of this magnitude won't change much.]
Amaranth Varja : I'm glad to meet you again, however you have lost all your charm...
After all, he had lost all of his skills and power...even his swordsmanship and body, none was left for a proper confrontation.
Amaranth Varja : What are you planning ?
Dawn : [Eradicating the worst evil.]
Amaranth Varja : So kill me ? That doesn't match your current condition though, don't mistake me i'm being docile because you are my most favorite person but don't expect my mercy to extend for much longer.
Dawn : [You aren't exactly right, besides the fact that you are conversing with me is enough, don't you think so?]
This left Ivarage thinking, she still didn't know what Dawn was trying to achieve...but she had to admit.
Her actions up until have strayed away from her goal, she who was satisfied with being perfect want to return as such.
But her feelings only grew since her awakening...she wanted to learn more and became curious, this trait alone was contradicting her wishes at being perfect.
Amaranth Varja : Right, I wasted enough time...I should just get rid of you once and for all.
Dawn : [It's already too late for that, your mind is already filled with doubt...knowledge is akin to an addiction and you are paying the price of falling into the disgrace you tried to get rid.]
His words sharp, from behind him a large seal operated to block the surrounding...Ivarage recognized it instantly and tried to run.
Her eyes trailing down where Rimuru was, he had just formed that seal in the same property as the star prison that created the spooky palace.
Though much different and adaptable for the current Amaranth Varja...
Amaranth Varja : Sealing me ? That's your lame plan ?!
She was faster than the seal could raise, Amaranth Varja soared upward, soon leaving the range in which Rimuru had locked the seal.
She looked down expecting some kind of intense pursuit, but found no movements...her attention attracted by the bright brilliant light.
And without her knowing, a portal formed behind her...a part of herself tiny enough that it matched and blended into her own power...
Kiyuri emerged from the gate directly diving into Amaranth Varja forcing both of them to crash into the seal's field...
The prison closing right behind them, chains immediately snapped from the edge of the seal to bind Ivarage and Kyuri recognizing both of them as one and unique being.
Amaranth Varja : You bitch...
Kyuri : Self insulting is a hobby we don't have to share, heh.
Amaranth Varja : Tch-
Trying to break free, her hands were tightly bound...the chains shone in reaction to her resistance.
Amaranth Varja : (I can't break free, that damn slime...what is he really?!)
She was angry but that wrath quickly subdued as reason took over.
Amaranth Varja : So what now ? Do you expect me to beg you for freedom ? History will just repeat, one day I'll get out of here stronger than ever.
Dawn : [There will be no next time, everything will conclude here and now.]
Amaranth Varja sensed a lie, she was confused by this unfounded confidence...he must have a trick up his sleeves.
But no matter how she racked her brain, no conclusion came up...perhaps she was missing a piece-
Amaranth Varja : (A piece...could it be her ?)
Looking back, the only thing that has changed from the previous set up is Kyuri's presence...
The white fox was smirking warrily, the chains also binding her...all her nine tails to her necks, still she flashed a smile and held out her tongue.
Kyuri : Beh~
Amaranth Varja : How pesky...
Kyuri : You claim wanting to return as perfect yet you aren't even the full of yourself.
Amaranth Varja : You are under my clutch, I'll devour you whenever I want !
Kyuri : I was going to return anyway.
This reaction started the main body...since Kyuri and Amaranth Varja are one in origin, they are Ivarage.
99 % and 1 %, you could say only 99 % was needed to completely overpower the central world.
They are one yet Amaranth Varja never felt the true need to return as a whole set because Kyuri's existence was neglectable.
Eventually, she would be absorbed like the rest of creation...so hearing her willingly going back was quite surprising.
After all, once Amaranth Varja returns as a fully fledged Ivarage...not only her power will increase but Kyuri's persona will also disappear.
Kyuri : Let's see who will have the end word.
Her body disappearing in particles, the chains loosened before dropping due to the lack of physical form to retain.
Amaranth Varja : What the-
The particles entering Amaranth Varja's back, the effects were immediate...an increase in their powers, she felt refreshed and new.
Back as a whole being, yet in the furthest back...a sense of unease started growing.
Dawn : [You seem confused, let me explain the last paradox that will sign your doom.]
Amaranth Varja : ...
Dawn : [Kyuri and you are exactly the same being...just both of you choose different paths.]
One tried to adapt and coexist with the world, the other remained on their original standing.
Ivarage's nature was that of evil, so naturally Kyuri was born with much less influence and power...still she was born from Ivarage's good.
In the future where she will become that, Kyuri is a persona that has to be acknowledged.
Dawn : [An internal battle has now begun, you or Kyuri...a single fragment agains the rest that is malice.]
1 against 99, this was the uncertainty that Amaranth Varja felt...Kyuri was gone but her essence infected Ivarage's core.
The goodness started rebelling and this fight will decide what Ivarage will become.
Amaranth Varja : Ah ? Pathetic, do you really believe in such a fairytale-like miracle ?
Dawn : [Naturally, as of now Kyuri stands no chance...that's why I am still here.]
His own spherical figure dissipating, he left Amaranth Varja startled when he too entered her core following Kyuri.
His voice resonating in her mind directly-
Dawn : [You received emotion and acted illogically unbound by your thirst for perfection...that alone is an exploitable breach leading to your downfall.]
His intent was felt throughout her core, she realized that all this time...his rage, his skirmish against her, his words...all influenced her to be interested and attracted.
They were meant for her to grow curious...to create a weakness.
Amaranth Varja : You-
A pulse bursted around her body, her eyes blanked...her consciousness taken back, her existence forced into an existential conflict.
Evil and good fought inside her core, the shape of Kyuri and Amaranth Varja spiritually appeared within the realm of their ego.
While on the outside, Ivarage awakened as a whole...returning as her original full self, a mindless beast of destruction.
Her cry upon waking shattered Rimuru's star seal, the previously pretty humanoid form shredded for a chaotic purple western dragon.
His presence alone alerted the world of its revival and Rimuru had to step in realizing the greater threat that Ivarage had become.
Rimuru : What the F is that?!
Amaranth Varja was a conscious being but the true Ivarage is a mindless beast, it has no weakness to exploit and will destroy anything in range.
A cross fight between Ivarage and Rimuru outside, Good and evil inside will now occur...
A realm below the soil of subconsciousness, one's existence can be categorized like an ocean...the deeper you dive, the closer you get to the true soul ».
At the deepest plain, you can find the inner realm...a place that is neither spiritual or material but purely meta-physical.
You cannot access naturally, only beings made of pure information particles or those that aren't affected by them can even hope to understand.
Within Ivarage's inner realm, two fields were fighting for dominance...a land burning with chaos and destruction on the left while a paradise recovering plain on the right.
At the center of both worlds, Kyuri and Amaranth Varja rose their influence...it isn't a battle where skills or power were involved.
But purely a battle of nature, the desolation was clearly more abundant yet all this hell couldn't just swallow the good will.
As for Dawn, he was able to regain a humanoid shape though his appearance was different...it belonged to Origin Averion.
After all, he was in Ivarage's realm of consciousness...here all materialize as what she knew and saw, for her Dawn and Origin are the exact same being but she has acknowledged him as a white haired and blue eyed man.
Dawn : This is a total mess.
The entire realm was matching Ivarage's name as the evil god or world destroying dragon...like a endless nightmare that spreaded across the horizon.
Amaranth Varja : Kuh-how does that make sense ! Die already !
Growing frustrated, Amaranth Varja as the representation of Ivarage's evil was advantage...as stated it is a 1 against 99 odds.
The sky was crimson with a shade of purplish aurora extending like energy veins...only a small parcel was that of a blue sky.
Amaranth Varja failed to understand how that tiny goodwill...a mere fraction of Ivarage's existence named Kyuri could rival against the rest of her true nature.
Amaranth Varja : (This sensation...I need to get rid of all this right now!)
Even if she had to return to an egoless state, she started destroying her own feelings that she tried to develop.
That is her sole weakness, her own curiosity...
Dawn : Unfortunately, you aren't capable of that...if getting rid of an addiction would be that easy then drugs would have left the human's world long ago.
Amaranth Varja : Youu-
The unease inside her only grew, Dawn descended slowly...the moment his feet touched the ground, the chaotic land under his legs became pure.
A tiny radius around his body followed...only then did Amaranth Varja realize what was on motion.
Dawn : But the true source of your addiction is me, your hatred...your malice, love and joy, all are aimed toward me.
Each step he took toward Amaranth Varja encrypted the world, evil reverted to good...and as he approached-
Amaranth Varja had cracks appearing all over her body.
Amaranth Varja : Ugh-
Dawn : Through Kyuri, I have become a catalyst for your emotion...her affection is the reflection of yours.
Hints started piecing up in Amaranth Varja's mind, the fact that she instantly grew attached to Dawn after he excluded pure rage on her.
How his mere presence led her to grow further as a living being with an ego.
Amaranth Varja : You had explicitly become someone that could please that damn fox...
Dawn : That's right, Kyuri is by extension a part of yourself...you both are the same, but with different paths.
At core, Kyrui and Amaranth Varja...their personalities are the same, preference and dislike...eventually, Amaranth Varja will discover savors reflecting Kyuri's.
Dawn : Now let me ask you, can you get rid of your feelings for me ?
Stopping right in front of her, his face an inch away from hers...Dawn could see Amaranth Varja's shaking pupils.
She was digesting the tad of bitter sweet information revealed to her.
Amaranth Varja : Ah...you are really the most insane mortal I have seen.
Dawn : Only an insane being would be here right now.
His hand grabbing her chin, more of her skin crumbled upon contact.
Dawn : This is not a matter of victory or defeat anymore, you can feel it as well...you want to change and break free of your destiny, the choice is yours to make now.
Byt the time she came to her senses, her surroundings had already been half reversed...evil and good had reached a state of balance.
But more and more shifted toward the other side to destruction...Amaranth Varja could feel it and had to accept it.
It wasn't Kyuri who was winning but rather Amaranth Varja herself who was giving that influence away.
Amaranth Varja : This is so dumb, you are clearly going to disappear anyway...the moment you die, I will just refill all the negativity.
Dawn : Who said negativity was evil ? All living people know sorrow and hatred, that also is part of the freedom we inspire.
The notion that people are able to be selfish or corrupted, that is just a sign of freedom...anyone can become whatever they want.
Though there might be no escape to destiny itself.
Amaranth Varja : So you are saying evil and good aren't meant to clash but coexist ?
Dawn : No, I'm saying evil and good must clash so they can coexist.
A perfect balance just how this trap that lured Amaranth Varja until now was...
Amaranth Varja : I see, there is no escape, huh...from the start, you didn't intend to get rid of evil/me, you wanted me to accept that fox.
Dawn : Yes, you will find an answer overtime and at the end of your journey, if you still wish to return as a perfect monad being, then I won't be there to stop you this time.
Amaranth Varja : ...the choice is mine, huh...
This was a sign of sincerity, Dawn gave her the freedom of choice as well...keeping the fight going will just lead to the deterioration of her own desire.
Amaranth Varja : Fine, I will see that world you are ready to sacrifice yourself for...and make a decision afterward.
Relaxing her body, the whole realm stabilized as harmony and chaos merged to exist as one.
Kyuri approached hesitantly, it was her decision and she accepted her own fate.
Kyuri : I guess this is where we bid our last farewell.
Dawn : You make it sound like you are going to die.
Kyuri : I'll live on for both of us, still I can't help but feel regrets...
Amaranth Varja and Kyuri will both lose their name to become one, Ivarage...their bodies glowing, it is the consecration. The finality of this story.
Kyuri : I had experienced a lot, eaten delicious food, slept on comfortable beds and tasted all kinds of luxury but amidst all these, I enjoyed my time with you the most.
Smiling, she gave him a toothy grin...her eyes wet as her form dissipated, her essence reuniting with her true self.
Amaranth Varja followed closely behind, leaving Dawn all alone in the inner realm.
Dawn : I can't fully remember but I'm sure I enjoyed those times as well.
Closing his eyes, at the crossbridge between good and evil...he could finally let down his guard and breath.
A last breath of salvation...
Dawn : Right, it's time to go back...I feel like I still have a promise to uphold, what was it again though ?
Meanwhile, on the outside...Rimuru defended himself against a rampaging Ivarage.
The fight was annihilating, the cardinal world on the verge of being destroyed just from the world destroying dragon's aura.
This forced Rimuru to remain on the defensive until a full proof barrier was set, only then did he jump into action and took Ivarage into the grave of a destroyed dimension.
Their fight kept going on for long hours, then days...no sign of Ivarage waking up or Dawn, it was just Rimuru and a tamless beast.
At some point, Rimuru had started searching for a way to kill Ivarage...but before he could reach an answer, the world destroying dragon ceased all movement.
Her draconic form releases a dreadful energy that got subtilized by itself to reach a more neutral stage.
Rimuru remained wary when Ivarage shrinked to her humanoid form...her appearance once again different from his previous memories.
Long white hair but her eyes two different shades of color, her left was of a brilliant gold while the right showed a pale blue.
Rimuru : Did Dawn failed ?
He asked himself while readying his hand to cast Azathoth...but dismissed his action when Ivarage casted him a solemn look.
Ivarage : He succeeded, I won't be a threat anymore.
Keeping his eyes on her, Rimuru was still wary...his eyes scanning the new Ivarage trying to see if there were any lies.
Ciel : (No animosity can be felt from the individual : Ivarage, her destructive leakage is also controlled.)
Rimuru : (Really ? Then where is Dawn now?)
Ciel : (I can't localize him...)
Rimuru's eyes twitched, he bit his lips and decided to ask Ivarage directly.
Rimuru : Where is he ?
Ivarage : His will has just left my inner world, as for where he went I can only guess to the people he wanted to bid a last farewell.
Rimuru : Farewell...
His fist curling tightly, Rimuru could guess from that...the central world.
Rimuru : I need to go back quickly...
Ivarage : Are you hoping that your presence there will change something ?
Rimuru : ...
Rimuru turned around wordless, he asked Ciel to open a portal and at his will...the central world became a single step journey.
Rimuru : You'll have to come with me, however I can't trust you.
Ivarage : So what's your reassurance ?
Rimuru : Seal off your power.
Ivarage : If that's all you need, let's form a contract.
Rimuru : A contract ?
Ivarage nodded, it is truly a reassurance rather than a binding since either of them would be able to break it easily.
Ivarage : All I ask is freedom, in exchange-
Rimuru : Forget it, in the end I can just keep an eye on you...
Ivarage : If you are content with it.
Having Ivarage around is much better than having her somewhere outside of his watch...Rimuru just have to let Ciel surveil Ivarage at all time.
Rimuru was also impatient, already picturing what was happening in the central world...there, Velzard's eyes locked with a forming shade.
Having escaped the inner realm, Dawn stood in front of the frost dragon...his appearance materializing by burning all the remaining memories he has.
Dawn : It seems I managed to keep my promise, Velzard.
Those naturally came to him, he didn't exactly remember the content of the said promise but as a puppet of his own self consciousness.
He spoke without a hint of doubt...his lips curving into a smile, at last he finally felt free from all his duty.
Velzard : I-Dawn ?
Dawn : Yeah...I'm back.