3rd Pov
The sun rising to welcome a new morning, the war that mixed heaven and realities has finally ended.
All the chaos has been erased as if it never happened yet in the heart of all, none dared to deny the existence of this war.
In that motion, for an entire week...no conflicts or hostility between race or nation happened.
Everyone was just too busy rebuilding their house, helping the nation regrow...as for the powerhouse such as Luminous or Elmesia.
They took the opportunity to increase their influence...since there were no injuries due to Rimuru's mass resurrection spell, it also healed every single individual in the world.
It was a period of great peace, as if the world was frozen for a whole week...
Everyone was busy in their own right, as for Mirai...she was still unconscious-some were starting to get worried so Rimuru was conveyed to her side in the afternoon and analysed her.
Rimuru : What is wrong with her ?
Ciel : (She is in a stable condition but it seems like her consciousness is rejecting the notion of « waking up ».)
Rimuru : I see...she must be scared since her precious people are gone...
The sole casualties of this great war, that without counting the definite death of the entirety of the Eastern Empire who left a gap in the world population, economy and basically everything.
But that's a worry for later, the territory belonging to the former greatest nation was an empty fertile land.
Coming back to Mirai's situation, Rimuru had learned about Dawn's story...all of it, he had to when he made everyone recall his name and existence.
Analysing all about Dawn, he witnessed that three layered game of fate...and thus sympathized with Mirai and him even more.
Rimuru : Take your time, Mirai...we'll all wait for as long as you need.
Patting her head, she was fine but no one would like to wake up into a world without your family...even more when that family was her everything.
Still she has some people left waiting for her awakening...Rimuru was among them, a debt is a debt after all.
Rimuru : Thought, it would be good if you don't take too much time...in 3 weeks time, with the other world leaders, a ceremony will be held...a funeral for him, so I hope you could attend.
This funeral was planned right after the end of the war, a month...the reason for this delay is to let the population regain a bit of their strength so all could come to the ceremony.
Chloe also chipped in mentioning that this day could become a symbol for the world's potential unification.
And from her idea, right after the funeral...everyone agreed to spend the evening in Tempest, which will become the new « world » capital and the first ever world meeting will be held the next day.
Rimuru : Things are striving toward the right direction...it is only a matter of time before I achieve what i wished, do you see that, Dawn ?
As he left Ruberios where Mirai was resting, he paid a goodbye to Luminous and Velzard on the way before going back to Tempest.
Meanwhile, in a separate room in Ruberios...the former genesis knight gang were all gathered, at least those that remained.
Sitting around a table, the cast of Eleonor, Flora, Lucas, Shuu and even Shizue...they shared a last toast after a hard day of work.
Flora : By the way, shouldn't you be in Tempest, Shizue-san ?
Shizue : Well...Hinata needs a bit of support, after all Dawn-san was important to her as well...and Tempest is doing fine without me.
It was a temporary measure, she will eventually go back to Tempest and start living there...maybe get an administrative position but that's her future sefl's worry.
Eleonor : Well Tempest has become the center figure of the entire continent...even after they lost a major trade route since the eastern empire's disappearance.
Shizue : With Dwargon and Sarion, they are the most productive nation nowaday...helping everyone, it's like accumulating debt.
Eleonor : Ahh...let's talk about something else ! Lucas, you decided to stay here and become an instructor, right ?
The sole male present placed down his glass that contained natural water, he nodded with a distant look.
Lucas : Yeah, thought i'm taking it slow since there won't be any conflict in the near future.
He who was critically injured survived and was given another chance at wielding weapons and a body full of vitality.
At the same time, he had lost all that counted for him really...wielding a sword after all this felt meaningless and hollow.
Lucas : I plan to work for another decade and then retire.
Flora : That's not too bad, huh...
Lucas : What about you ?
Flora : Well...
Flora took a moment to think, her finger twitched as a clear vision came up to her mind...it was not a secret to everyone present in the room.
Flora had lost all her skills...she still had the body of an enlightened but Eta died and along with her the unique skills that could be used for her previous job were gone.
Flora : I'm thinking of opening a small shop...
Eleonor : Oho ?
Flora : The location doesn't really matter...i want to grow my own flowers and sell them.
Shizue : That strangely fits you...
A scenery away from all battlefield, from the endless paperwork...just waking up in the morning, taking care of a garden and selling flowers.
Flora could imagine and picture such life with a smile.
Eleonor : I didn't know you had a passion for flowers...
Flora : I was just mildly interested, but above all I wanted to try to recreate a certain breed...a frozen flower that only grew in the northern part of Ruberios dozen of the era prior to ours.
Shizue : A frozen flower ?
Flora : Yes...when I was between the line of death and life, Eta and I talked in the middle of such a field...this reminded me of the leader who once briefly mentioned a white rose with a thin blue body, petals covered in a silky frost...
Eleonor : Boss really said that ?
Flora : At the time, he didn't seem to know what he was talking about but I'm convinced that this flower exists...I want to revive it on my own.
A career of retirement, she had already made up her mind...
Lucas : What about you, brat ?
Turning to Shuu who was quietly sipping his fruit juice, he was the youngest and by extension the one who had the most to achieve.
Everyone present had lived decades upon decades worth of action and fighting, Shuu had the future with endless possibilities for himself.
Shuu : I want to keep studying and researching things...
Shizue : Mmh, then how about going to school ?
Shuu : School ?
The mention of this establishment brought bad memories to almost everyone, though for the main concerned, he never really attended school.
Shizue : I heard that Rimuru-san wanted to open a school once everything stabilized...Tempest had already the foundation laid, we need only to find some suitable teacher and a program agreed nationally.
Flora : Will it be like an international facility ?
Shizue : I think so, it will help the integration of humans inside Tempest as well.
Eleonor : That's interesting...though will anyone even be able to teach Shuu-kun ?
They turned their eyes toward the boy who was completely oblivious, tilted his head to the side confused.
Shuu : What ?
Lucas : (This brat will teach the teacher for sure...)
Flora : Well he can definitely learn something new but-well yeah...
Eleonor : You'll need at least an educator at the level of a super genius...
Shizue took a moment to think, a prodigy of Shuu's level entering school with children of his age would definitely be underwhelming for him.
Shizue : But at least, he would make some friends...
Shuu : Friend ?
Shizue : Yes...you always hang around the people here or just remain in your laboratory alone, it's not healthy for young childrens to be this introverted.
Friends, a complex notion...it relies on pure luck and skill to create and maintain friendship, and Shizue has a former teacher who knew that a life of solitude would always end up sadly.
Shuu : I'll think about it...
Shizue : Great ! Take your time with it, I'll give you my best support.
Shuu : (School, huh...i was thinking about working with researchers all around the world to develop new technology but this doesn't seem too bad either.)
Flora : What about you, Eleonor ?
Passing to the last person, Eleonor's situation is a bit particular, she was mostly fine...not having suffered major injuries or power loss.
Also old enough to partake in any job, it could be said Eleonorhad the most open paths at the moment.
Eleonor : I don't know...I guess I'll stay in Ruberios for the time being and keep going as an advisor.
Flora : Mmh, something tells me this won't last long.
Eleonor : You think ? I guess you're right...
Looking away, in reality she is waiting...their leader's last wish and order was for them to be free and pursue their own path.
But Eleonor's heart still resonated with the previous request he had asked her...
Eleonor : My future honestly doesn't matter, I want to support his blood, that's enough for me.
Her conclusion left everyone silent, she has declared herself as the most loyal to their late leader.
But at the same time, they couldn't help but pity this girl...ever since the end of the war, she didn't cry once but they could tell she held it all in.
And when asked, Eleonor would simply answer that the one who should be given the first round of tears is still asleep.
Shizue : (She had already given her loyalty to Mirai-san, huh...)
Eleonor : Anyway, have you guys heard about demon lord Guy Crimson ?
Switching up the subject, what she meant is a recent news that shook the world...though still hidden from the public, most of the higher ups of the leading nations have received the shocking news.
2 days prior, Velzard returned to the Ice continent for multiple reasons...the main one being the demon lord inhabiting this land of ice who has already started to melt overtime.
But before reaching the castle, in quest of nostalgia...Velzard landed on the southern coast, it was a pure wasteland of ice without sign of any life.
The sight before he was completely deformed due to the war and time had taken effect upon it...but this was the very location she first met Dawn Arceid.
Velzard : This is where it all began for me...
Placing her hand over a team spike, she closed her eyes exactly reenacting the scene in her mind...a day of stillness.
She had come out to observe the surrounding waves and occasionally glanced at the rest of the world, it was a routine back then.
A daily life that broke down when a distortion of space/time occurred and a human boy appeared, flinching at her aura...he was special for sure.
Recognizing her on the spot but also striking a deal on the very same day...
Velzard : The only deal I could never regret.
Reopening her eyes, subconsciously...her power reshaped her surrounding, the ice melted and condensed to match the image she had in mind.
Her lips curled upward, she took another moment to admire the scene before leaving...her short journey ended once she reached the castle she once called home.
At the front gate, two maids welcomed her...Misery and Rain, primordial demons and those who didn't participate in the final war.
Velzard : It has been a while, you two.
Rain/Misery : Velzard-sama, welcome back.
Velzard : I'm not here to come back, where is Guy ?
Correcting them on the spot, she made it clear that this continent was no longer her home.
Misery : Guy-sama is currently in the main hall, he is waiting for you my lady.
Stepping to the side, she and Rain made way for Velzard to pass...but at their display of respect, when they were fully loyal to Guy.
Velzard grew a bit suspicious, her eyes glowed golden as she performed a full analysis of the castle...
Velzard : How odd, I half expected a trap or maybe an ambush...
But instead, a totally empty castle...minus the three primordials that originally lived here, the countless demons that once inhabited the castle were nowhere to be felt.
Rain : W-well, Velzard-sama will understand once she meets Guy-sama.
Velzard : Mmh, it's not like he is any threat anymore...lead the way.
Releasing her cold aura, Velzard has actively participated in the final war...she evolved again after the end, compared to Guy who had his physical body destroyed.
Between them, a gap has formed...one that couldn't be closed with just willpower or fighting skill.
Misery : Please follow me.
Bowing, Misery was the first to move and closely behind Rain...then Velzard took a step inside the castle.
Velzard : (Nothing has changed here...)
A sense of familiarity and stillness, this entire place was just like her past self...frozen in time.
Velzard : (I wonder what lies behind this final curtain of ice...)
Arriving in front of the large door that led to the main hall, also where the throne Guy used is located.
Using their power, Misery and Rain opened the gate...a chilling sound echoed as the doors were dragged open.
At last, a long corridor-like room adorned with many pillars that stretched up to the ceiling...at the very end of the room.
Suspended above dozens of stairs...Guy Crimson sitting on his throne but upon meeting Velzard's gaze, he sighed and got up.
The two immediately engaged themself into a battle of wits and their eyes radiating coldness.
Velzard : What a pitiful welcome.
She stepped inside, walking past the large carpet that hissed down the room...only after reaching the bottom of the stairs did she halt.
Behind her Misery and Rain remained quiet knowing what will soon happen.
Guy : Mmh, you've gotten more cocky since last time...
Velzard : You noticed ? It's something called « growth ». I recently started to appreciate this term.
Guy : Growth, huh...
Murmuring the word to himself, his hand flashed into a crimson fire as he lunged forward...his fist aiming for Velzard's face.
He in that moment pushed all his bloodlust and power in this singular blow...yet as if his action were mere familiarity for her, Velzard stood unfazed.
Her finger stretched forward, she had formed a tiny shield of ice right at the tip of her index finger.
And that alone fully suppressed Guy's attack, albeit leaving the surrounding area to explode due to their collision.
Velzard : Is that all you got ?
The difference was drawn, and Guy could only accept it...but instead of taking it bitterly, he let out a smirk and back away.
Leaving Velzard confused as he didn't try to keep a semblance of a fight going.
Velzard : What are you doing ?
Guy : You saw it, I'm no match for you anymore...frankly, I expected this but my actions lately have all been bad and against my principles.
Ruffling his hair, he made a confession about himself...
Guy : I messed up...
It was an apology but pure self reflection, with a resolute firm grip...he tore off the headband he always wore and turned around defenseless.
Velzard : What-
Guy : You must have noticed but this entire place is empty...in fact the ice continent is slowly melting down due to your absence.
Velzard : I would be blind if I didn't...
Guy : I sent them all back, and it's time for me to leave as well.
Giving away his intention, Velzard was surprised by his decision...Guy who was the incarnation of pride, the strongest in the world for a long time.
At the moment, he was a king who had lost his crown...a demon whose purpose died.
Guy : I'll go back to the underworld and rule that place again, since all the primordials have left...the newly born demons have been developing quite the superiority complex.
Velzard : So this is the end of demon lord Guy Crimson ?
Guy : Yes, still I will keep my name...no just call me Guy from now on, hopefully this is enough to atone for my sins.
The reverse summoning circle forming, a gate leading to the underworld rose from the ground before the throne.
Guy stared at the formation for a moment, recounting all the time he had passed here...from the day he met Veldanava, to his rivalry with Rudra...even the time he crossed blade with Dawn.
Guy : You can have everything I left behind, Misery and Rain also made their decision...
Velzard : I see...
Looking back, the two primordial maids were looking down,...they have been blasted from the previous blow but recover fast enough to stand in front of Velzard again.
Misery/Rain : We would like to pledge our loyalty to lady Velzard.
Velzard : ...
Kneeling, a change of master for a primordial was unheard but this was also Guy's wishes...it was his own mistake that led to his downfall.
Misery and Rain had nothing to do with that, and Guy wanted to be alone...shame and pride hitting each other gave him that boundary.
Velzard : I didn't expect this when coming here..;well you two can stay at my side, but are you really sure of this ?
Rain : Yes, truthfully...a week ago, Guy-sama gave us the option...
Misery : Us demons follow the strongest...the current Guy-sama isn't worthy of our service anymore.
Sharp words that stung more of Guy's pride, yet the rouge primordial felt unbothered...he just observed the scene taking place.
Velzard : Very well, from now on you two shall be Misery and Rain.
Overwriting their name with her own magicule, Velzard became the owner of two primordial demons in this instant.
Finally, seeing things go as intended...Guy smiled and quietly walked away into the pathway toward the underworld.
His hand raised as his figure shifted away...a weak wave twisted his wrist.
Guy : Take care of you three, gotta admit it wasn't too bad...these last few millennia I mean.
The door closing behind him, he left behind a silence...deep and frosty, Velzard looked over at the empty space where Guy just stood.
He was still a partner to her with whom she passed almost an eternity...this truly ended now, and the past Velzard has disappeared.
Velzard : Let's go, this place is making me sick...
Misery : At your will.
Rain : (Hehe, finally out of this damn ice prison!)
On the other side of the world, standing on top of a hill that oversaw Tempest...Ivarage stood under the shade of a tall tree.
A light breeze gently pushing her hair, she simply watched the sky..the city, the random animals or monsters that passed by.
Everything felt so new and meaningless, at the same time a taste of sweet filled her mouth...she just tried to understand more of this world...
Ivarage : Was this really worth fighting ?
Turning around, a familiar figure sat briefly under the tree...it was merely an illusion created by Ivarage's own mind.
Even so she spoke out loud as if waiting for an answer...
Ivarage : I guess I can only find out myself...
She was still under the watch of Rimuru, feeling his gaze everywhere she went...the reason she has to remain without the boundaries of the monster nation is also due to that.
Ivarage : Right, Dawn...
The figure smiled as Ivarage dispelled the vision, she walked to the spot he was just sitting and sat taking his place.
Laying down against the tree, she closed her eyes trying to enjoy this moment.
Just like that weeks passed by and once again the world united in one place...all eyes directed toward the holy empire.
Many had made the journey to get there just for this moment...and those who couldn't prayed with all their hearts.
Standing in front of the church for all the citizens and travelers to see...all the world leaders that held a strong standing stood in a perfect line.
Even Luminous didn't bother hiding her identity anymore...she appeared directly as the god of this empire, and no one could blame her for that.
The crowd was noisy and the sun was shining brightly...Rimuru who stood near the center of the line glanced around.
Rimuru : (I can't see Mirai...I guess she won't wake up in time.)
He honestly hesitated to stop the event and delay it just for her...but it would be a catastrophe politically, economically and rumors might emerge from this.
For that, he could only sigh at the lack of a single but the most important person for this moment.
Luminous : The sun has reached its peak, we shall begin the tribute.
Taking into account the time, fewer clouds towered above the city...Luminous took a step forward, her body releasing waves of divine like aura catching the attention of all and silencing the crowd.
As the leader of this nation, the master of the hero that fell during the war...she looked down at the countless subjects and people that gathered filling the streets of the holy city to the brim.
Luminous : Throughout the ages, countless heroes had appeared and left this world...some are still remembered up to this day, others are forgotten to the maze of time.
It was triviality, words only present to put up a show...yet she kept her voice steady hiding the true emotion she wanted to convey.
Glancing down to Rimuru, she gave him a nod and invisible signal for him to bring out what they had prepared.
Luminous : Today, we are seeing off one of those heroes...he was a born knight with a rightful sense for justice, a warrior respected by all...
Respect was never meant to be given but had to be earned by one's action, that being fear or admiration...
All kinds of emotion can lead to respect, but when it comes to a hero...the dominating feeling would be the sense called « gratefulness ».
Luminous : A life more precious than any other, one of sacrifice that absolutely cannot be forgotten...for a future where the world can advance toward a united path.
Could the world truly walk toward this desired path ? Luminous honestly doubted it, but just as Dawn was human.
These mortal creatures lived based on faith and self-conviction...hypocrite and naturally bad, but they will follow what is given to them, some may walk a stray path...others a life of devotion.
It is the right of good and evil...
Luminous : For this, I call forth the world to honor his deeds...may his glory never fade, my ace and friend.
Concluding her speech, Rimuru took the initiative stretching his arms allowing a large golden formation to appear above the ground.
Taking the shape of a magic circle, it slowly came down...materializing behind its path a structure built from this world's best effort.
A statue representing the hero that fell...a tall man carved with pure ore that bathed in the densest magicule pool found in Tempest.
Carefully crafted by the best artisan of Dwargon and detailed by the grace of the elf of Sarion...blessed by the elementals and the holiness.
A man holding a sword dragged down into the ground, dressed into a coat...a face full of expressionless motion, the carving was enlightened by the two spirits that swirled around him and a small fox sat on his shoulder.
Luminous : Make path !
The city splitting in two as a road formed in the sky above the head of all...Ramiris then stepped in, her body floating in a pure elemental form.
Transparent wings made out of seven colors followed her back, casting a blinding light she conjured a rainbow bridge that came gently wrapping a solid ground below the statue.
The holy city isn't a place where such a monument should rest, everyone had agreed on a location near the ocean in the north of Ruberios.
It wasn't a parade, yet the force deployed for this moment was incomparable to even an emperor's entry...
From the sky to the land, the shadow and heaven...soldiers from all races and origin were dispatched for the sole purpose of keeping away any potential threat.
The risk was almost non-existent but who knows...there are always some brain rotted people who could dare even the impossible..
After all, good exists because there is evil.
Rimuru : Mmh ?
When all the focus was on the ceremony ahead, Rimuru's eyes caught on something behind...he didn't make it oblivious, activating his universal sense to gaze at it.
But rather than something, it was someone...hidden in the shade of the church but upon noticing the slime's gaze, the presence simply faded.
Still this made Rimuru smile as he looked forward...
Rimuru : (So you woke up, Mirai-san.)
Mirai Pov
A dream is a culminated point where your desire and reality collide, a fake world where you can let go of everything.
Even if it's just for the span of a night, a few hours...maybe even just an instant, eventually it will force you back to wake up to the harsh reality.
I sat on the bed right after opening my eyes, the world around me awfully silent...looking down, I was wearing a white gown with long sleeves.
At my side, [Shin Exalia] was carefully laying on the wall...my soul and mind felt empty, I tried to call for Manas : Fate but no response.
Subconsciously, I knew she was sleeping inside my soul...a deep slumber perhaps filled with beautiful dreams...
Mirai : I should get out...
Despite the longing sense of loss, I was calm...as if a heavy weight had been lifted from my shoulder.
I grabbed [Shin Exalia] and changed my clothing back to my combat uniform...and started making my way out.
The wall around me switched to the corridor...the structure belonged to Ruberios's church, I slowly started remembering the path I had walked on countless times as Yuu.
Mirai : Are you awake ?
I randomly addressed my new sword to which [Shin Exalia] answered weakly.
Shin Exalia : (Yes...)
Mirai : How much time was I out ?
Shin Exalia : (Around 4 weeks.)
Mirai : So nearly a month...
I half expected this, still I couldn't have foreseen what was happening outside right now...my view reached the entrance gate of the church.
I didn't go out directly, instead I halted my march and hid far away enough to observe without interrupting.
As my breath got caught in my throat, I arrived at an unimaginable scene...my eyes widening but I quickly hid myself further when I saw Rimuru looking at me.
Laying against a pillar, the thundering sound of loud cheers resonated outside...i held my heart tightly with deep emotion.
Mirai : In this real...
My voice breaking down, it took me a moment to stabilize my pulse...I peeked my head again fully catching the details happening outside.
The sky radiated in divine and natural colors, the world itself seemed to be moving...a large statue with a familiar stature was being transported away from the holy capital.
True dragons escorted it, dragonewt and pegasus knight...wyvern rider, dragon king and sky based kin followed behind.
A road of rainbow on which so many people I knew walked on pursuing the statue...
Mirai : They didn't forget...
Tears rolled down uncontrollably, I felt so conflicted...because I knew that once I would wake up, I would be forced to live in a world where nothing I loved existed.
Yet this contradicting scene...they remembered Dawn, they remembered him and my father...
Mirai : Ah...
My knee gave out, I fell on my butt...my hand covering my lips muffling the sobs I released incoherently.
I'm so glad they didn't forget him...in reality, I resented Dawn and father- because they would leave me totally alone.
They did it for me but at what cost...I was scared of living in loneliness, in a place where no one would remember their sacrifice.
Mirai : Really...I'm so relieved...
3rd Pov
The journey from Ruberios to the northern coast was peaceful and silent...without the crowd following, only a moving statue with the world leader following on foot could be observed.
It took a few hours but no one complained, and once they reached their destination...the statue was carefully dropped, shaking the land.
At the edge of a cliff with a piercing view on the ocean...now it was just the close friend to the defunct and their closest subordinates.
Far away from the public eyes, one by one they stood in front of the statue admiring the craftsmanship before settling down a flower of their own.
Stepping up one after the other, the gift they brought conveying all their emotion...it was a seal to pass to the next age.
Slowly, the statue who was once merely a piece of carved ore was decorated...becoming a rich land of treasure and beauty.
Flowers of all colors and kind were deposited at the base...luxurious yet sentimental objects that could be called artifacts were laid in front for it to freeze along the statue until the end of time.
Rimuru stayed until the very end before making his way to the front...he looked up, being the one who had found the materials that allowed the building of this statue.
He had seen right after its finalization, the statue of his friend...yet in a mere day, this tribute has completely changed in terms of appearance and symbolism.
Rimuru : Maybe you would have preferred a quieter tribute.
A crown of ice from Velzard covered the spirit that represented Snowie, as for the other spirit Dusk was given Ramiris's light.
Eternal flames belonging to Velgrynd lit up their eyes, those details gave this statue a whole different level of worth and meaning.
Rimuru : Anyway, I brought this small gift...hope you like it.
Taking out a sword from his imaginary space, it was a weapon forged by Ciel and Rimuru themself...
There weren't many things that could be gifted, furthermore Dawn wasn't someone who enjoyed life itself...but swordsmanship was a core to his existence.
Rimuru : It's not as good as your own sword but it's still a mythical graded blade.
Stabbing the ground, he left the sword there without fearing any potential thieves...then taking out a patch of blue lilies, he gently planted them beside the countless other flowers.
Using his power to vitalize the land so it grows attached and never wither away...
Rimuru : Rest in peace, leave this world to us...
Closing his eyes, a last tribute of respect before stepping away...the ceremony is concluding now.
It was close to nighttime, but the day was still young...now, everyone will join in Tempest for a long night and the following day to try and reach the peace they all so eagerly desired.
The cliff emptied gradually, and once the sun fully settled down...the clearing became silent, only for another figure to emerge.
Having waited for all to leave, Mirai was at last here...while everyone feasted in Tempest, she alone stood in front of this last tribute for a hero.
Mirai : The moon is really clear, are you comforting me as well ?
Shining under the moonlight, the blazing flames comfortably lighting the statue's luminosity, despite the night sky.
Mirai could perfectly watch the surroundings, particularly the monument she came here for.
All alone, with only the sound of the wind and waves from this oceanic view...the water plain spreading behind, Mirai approached the statue walking past the many gifts left behind...she placed her hand over an inscription at the base.
Mirai : To the great hero, Dawn Arceid...
It was the name all remembered, she had hoped her father's name...the others who couldn't make it to the last festival could be listed here as well.
But she couldn't blame anyone, after all her story...her family's memories were things that only she rightfully possesses.
Mirai : Hero...right, I still haven't paid tribute, myself.
Looking down, there were all kinds of gifts...so finding something material would be meaningless, instead she wanted to be a bit more selfish.
Going to the side, she let herself fall on the ground...her bare hand clutching the ground, she dug and piled up a small formation made of stone.
Without any physical enhancement or magic, her delicate hands tainted in the experience of countless battles...were now being covered in dirt.
Mirai : Father, mother...I kept both of you waiting, at last I managed to give you a grave that will stay over time.
They couldn't be with her, but even the luxury of having a proper grave was too much back then...now she could at least give them that.
Mirai : I just woke up so I don't have much stories to tell you now...honestly, I'm still a bit lost, there is so much to do and I don't know where to begin or even how.
Sitting in front of the stone pile, she closed her eyes and joined hands to pray.
Her words will perhaps never reach the intended destination but she didn't care and just kept speaking.
Mirai : The world seems much better though, I don't know if it will last but I hope so...
The cold breeze hitting the back of her neck, from her waist...[Shin Exalia] glowed silver before taking a physical form.
She appeared beside her new master and bowed her head as well.
The two remained silent for a while, the moon rose up further in the sky and [Shin Exalia] finally broke the silence.
Shin Exalia : How are you doing ?
Mirai : Better than before...
Shin Exalia : Then it should be the right time to give you that.
Mirai : Mmh ?
The sword is an entity in her own right, [Shin Exalia] had accompanied Dawn all this time without ever leaving his side...not until that very last instance.
She has received instruction and upheld them all without failure.
Shin Exalia : You should remember back then...during the festival of Tempest, you spent some time with master Dawn as Yuu.
Mirai : Yes ?
Shin Exalia : At the time, he had asked you a question regarding your birthday...
The memory in question resurged in Mirai's mind, she looked at the humanoid sword confused.
Shin Exalia : You forgot, huh...we are already in the middle of the winter.
Coincidentally to her words, snow started to rain down slowly...the freshness of a winter day was almost non-existent for being possessing a resistance to cold.
So Mirai didn't really notice that winter had already started...
Shin Exalia : It wasn't predicted, in fact this is a pure coincidence that this day relates perfectly to the day you were first born, happy birthday Mirai Averion.
With that, she took out a brown teddy bear from the thin air...the gift that Dawn had chosen through the help of Elmesia back then.
He couldn't have gifted it to her earlier because of the war...but had it prepared to comfort her instead.
A birthday is a celebration to welcome growth...but it can also represent the beginning of a life.
This birthday marks not only the start of a new era but also a new life for Mirai herself...
Mirai : I...
She reached out for the bear and took it with both hands, it was made of a soft material...the design was simple and cheap.
Yet she liked it more than any other luxury...hugging it close, she allowed herself to cry once more...
She wanted to cry out all her tears so this day could be the end of her life as a protected child...she was now the duchess of Averion, a heroine of her own right.
Mirai : I-i m-miss yo-u a-all ! Wa-arghhh !
Painfully and bitterly, tears streamed down endlessly...there was no consolation needed, it was a necessary pace so she could be reborn.
This night concluded with the purest tears of a woman that received one last gift of her loved one before their grave.
The dawn came up to welcome a new day, near the north coast...Mirai had remained there the entire cold night.
Her tears had long since dried up, she was now just sitting on the edge of the cliff admiring the vast ocean...[Shin Exalia] had returned into her weapon form leaving her master alone.
This peace reflected the world given to her...in the distance, a vast land now empty could be seen.
Mirai : My eyes hurt...
Rubbing her eyes, her eyes lid was red from all the crying...making amends of the past, she started thinking about the future.
But that was found more difficult than she thought...with all the time in the world, she has neither attachment or point where to begin.
Ruberios was a land self necessary, Tempest too...her help isn't needed in any way, rather her heart longed for something else.
???: You stayed the whole night here, huh...it's not good for your body.
A voice came in to interrupt her moment of solitude, Mirai didn't have to turn around to recognize who...still, her eyes shifted to the side to fully picture the person in her field of view.
Standing tall beside her, it was an unexpected guest but Mirai didn't deny her...
Mirai : Velgrynd ?
Velgrynd : We received the news that your bed was empty and you were nowhere to be found this morning, it took Rimuru's intervention to calm them all.
Mirai : I see...maybe I should have left a note.
Velgrynd : That wouldn't have been bad.
Mirai : Why are you here then ?
If Rimuru had told everyone where she was, then why would Velgrynd out of all people be the one to reach her first ?
And she was alone, there was no sign of other strong beings approaching...
Velgrynd : Someone had to check up on you, and I volunteered myself...also I wanted to talk for a bit.
Mirai : About what ?
Velgrynd : Well the future, what else ?
Mirai : ...aren't you going to try and resurrect Rudra ?
It was part of the deal Velgrynd had, she knew where Rudra's soul fragment went...the otherworlds, and she with the help of Rimuru obtained the means to travel these and track his soul.
Velgrynd : Yeah, I plan to leave soon...
Mirai : It will take a long time, that's for sure.
Velgrynd : I know, but I already made up my mind...thought I did have a change of heart.
Mirai : Mmh ?
Velgrynd : The empire has already fallen, everything that I built at Rudra's side has disappeared...there is no legacy left, it's about time I moved out anyway.
What she meant to say is clear, looking over the ocean...the opposite coast on the other side of the sea belonged to the eastern empire.
Velgrynd : There won't be a new eastern empire, even if Rudra wants to reform one once he is back.
The time for change has arrived, Velgrynd too just like the rest of those capable of self-reflection.
Mirai : That would leave a big empty gap in the east...
Velgrynd : For now...actually, last evening I had a talk with Rimuru.
Mirai : Is it about dimensional travel ?
Velgrynd : No, he told me that since I was the last survivor of the empire...all the land would be given to me but I refused, instead and currently at the world meeting, they are discussing that.
Human greed must have made a comeback...the eastern empire was full of fertile land and the ruins alone could be beneficial.
Anyone from the west would die to get a parcel from there...and even now, those who sense the opportunity like bandits and building organizations must have fled to the desolate empty land of the east.
Velgrynd : How about you take it all, Mirai ?
Mirai : Huh ?
A shine swirled in her previously cold eyes, Mirai snapped her neck toward the dragon with surprise.
Velgrynd : I don't know all of your circumstances but from the short time we spent together...I could tell, you have a fire inside you that screamed to prove yourself.
Mirai : That's...
Velgrynd : I'm not forcing you, but please consider this option...if it's you, then I know this land I cherished would be able to be reborn.
Taking over such land, the eastern empire was massive in size...could Mirai really do it ? She questioned herself and asked if she had the qualification to rule.
But then a flash of the past came to help her make a decision...she was none other than the duchess of Averion, a title directly granted by her father in front of her people.
They weren't present but her title was real, and her father's words echoed once again...
Mirai : Right...I still haven't really surpassed them...
She muttered under her breath, the once foggy path cleared beautifully...Mirai slowly got up, a hand on the hilt of her sword.
Her eyes locked on the empty land of the empire...laps of vision started moving her heart, the laughter of childrens as she walked past a street, a beautiful lady waking each morning to make fresh bread, the knights devoted to their training at each dawn.
A nation of her own...she could revive Averion and make it even greater, her path...her destination was that.
Mirai : I will do it...
Velgrynd : Oh ?
Mirai : This land, I will create a duchy...the greatest in history...
Her words could be compared to a childish dream, but the firm resolution in her eyes upheld such strength that it stunned Velgrynd for a moment.
The scorch dragon smiled though, she gave her an approving nod and followed her in looking at the horizon.
The dawn leaving for the day, Mirai was fully back now with more energy than ever.
Velgrynd : I'll help you with that.
Mirai : What do you mean ?
Velgrynd : Haha, after I revive Rudra...I will leave his side, instead I want to help you create that vision of yours.
Standing face to face, Mirai and Velgrynd...a duo that couldn't have been foreseen.
A comfortable breeze brushing their skin and clothes, Mirai fully took in Velgrynd's own determination, her eyes weren't lying...
The contradiction of her words but the truthfulness in her attitude...Velgrynd didn't want Rudra's empire anymore, but that didn't mean she won't involve herself in this field anymore.
She could see what Rudra lacked in Mirai...and the ending he failed to achieve, maybe Mirai will be able to conclude his own story as well.
Velgrynd : So just wait for me, it won't be long before we meet again.
Without hearing her answer, Velgrynd shifted into her dragon form...casting a last glance at the heroine, she left afterward just as mysteriously as she arrived.
Mirai : I wonder, will all these threads of relationship be able to mend together ?
Hugging the teddy bear she had received last night close to her heart, she pondered over a meaningless question.
The future is filled with the unknown and that is precisely why it's fun...even the almighty god couldn't fathom the boredom of being all knowing.
It might be hard but the struggle along the way will ultimately lead to a greater salvation.
Mirai : This was a long story, that's for sure...
Turning back toward the ocean, Mirai carefully pulled [Shin Exalia] from the scabbard and brought the blade behind her head.
With her free hand, she grabbed a handful of her long white hair and swiftly cut down...before dedicating them toward the ocean.
Letting them fly along the wave, she shook her head adjusting her new form...
Mirai : It was my father and Dawn Arceid's story, but also my prologue...now is the time for me to begin my own tale.
The tale of the greatest hero's daughter...
End of the main story.
Bonus Part :
3rd Pov
On planet Earth, a modern world where magic is nothing but a human fantasy.
A place where humans reign as apex over the animal reign...buildings towering the land while the ocean is dominated by boats and bridges.
The sky looming with planes, it was just such a humanized world where no possible peace could truly be achieved.
Unlike the central world, a man here cannot change things on his own...to matter how big his ambitions are, in the end it would just be another droplet in the thing known as history.
This world is also the homeland of a certain aspiring Author...the current date, 5 August 2023.
A certain boy woke up from what seemed like a long dream...in his bed, the sound of a clock ticking and the bird chirping.
With a weak pace, he got up and slowly popped open the curtain to his widow.
The fresh blue sky and sun that shined bright illuminated the room...it took the boy some time before he could collect his thoughts.
Opening his mouth, touching his face as if he tried to see past the illusion...but no, everything was real.
???: This...
Turning his head toward the sole desk present in the small room, he grabbed a phone...his phone that was carefully put on charge.
Looking up at the date and time...5 August 2023, 11:23...
It was the years where he had turned into an adult...and before he had failed to fulfil his dream.
The boy was Elite3532, and he couldn't tell if what he remembered were true memories or just a delusion of his.
Still, he was back...a second time, a new chance to make it right-
Elite3532 : This computer...
His hand brushing against a dusty device, a laptop where everything began...where he wrote his first fanfiction chapter.
Editing videos and watching anime...instinctively, he opened the laptop and turned on the machine.
A sour sound of a moving engine followed, the dark screen lit up into a full blue before displaying the home page.
Typing the password on a whim, he accessed the content inside...the computer wasn't closed properly leading to a singular page being opened directly.
Elite3532 : An empty page...
On a basic software, a blank page waiting to be filled with words and sentence...Elite stood there frozen for a moment.
His finger dropped onto a stack of power that were set beside the laptop.
Looking through the first line, it was a compilation of plot and ideas he had...but all these end up as failures when published.
Elite3532 : Maybe, I should just try again...so there won't be any regrets.
Taking his seat, he comfortably moved before the laptop while tossing the stack of papers into a trash bin at his side.
His hands gently moved above the keyboard, staring at the blank page...a wave of nostalgia washed his mind.
Writing a story was a random discovery yet it became a part of him...he enjoyed creating a world with his own words and imagination.
Maybe it's a means to escape the gray reality of this world, or just to pursue a path of his own...but did a reason even matter for a man dedicated to make his dream come true ?
Elite3532 : A story...
His index finger pulled a first key, then second...followed by the rest, a combination of letters slowly formed into words.
And a title was produced, Elite stared at the screen once again...silently, wondering if that was right- a small hint of doubt crepting his heart.
Until the door bursts open, startling him...a woman barged shamelessly, his sister with a grin.
Sister : Yo, finally up ? What are we doing today ? Editing, writing ? Maybe searching for more ideas ?
There was a moment of silence after she introduced herself, it confused the sister as her brother simply stared at her with mild shock.
Sister : What ? Something on my face ?
Elite3532 : I...no-
Taking a deep breath, he calmed himself and offered her a smile, he was really back...this time, it won't be the same.
Elite3532 : I was thinking about writing a new story...
Sister : A new one ? About what ?
Elite3532 : It will be another fanfiction on Tensura, a last dance and after that I will retreat from this field and write my own novel.
He announced his future plan, which his sister listened in shock...leaving something you hold dear is never easy.
Sister : Well, if that's what you want...i'll support you.
Elite3532 : I know you...you always did.
Speaking with a long tone, he was confused even more but she brushed it off, instead she peeked her head forward to stare at the lit screen.
Sister : Did you already start ? What's the title ?
Elite3532 : Curious ? Well, I was thinking about calling this « That time I failed as an Author and got reincarnated in Tensura. »
Sister : An Oc story ? That's new...
Elite3532 : Yeah, but I believe it will turn out great.
A story about himself ? Not really but at the same time it is...confusing or not, he wanted to relay a story again...
And years later, after growing up...leaving his past behind, his dream was achieved.
He didn't write a story which was believed to be the very best but for himself, it was worth far more than any other tales.
Now driving onto a night road with pouring rain, Elite was going back after taking a short drive outside the city for some fresh air.
A background anime opening playing, he enjoyed the moment until the light of his car spotted something weird on the side of the road.
Seeing no one around, he slowed down and stopped at the level before pulling down the window.
His blood froze upon seeing an abandoned baby laying inside a crappy box...
Elite3532 : People these days...
Taking the baby in, he quickly drove to a nearby station to check on the child...but to his surprise, the baby was neither crying nor cold.
It was full of life despite her sleeping, a memory drove into Elite's mind...his lips opened and subconsciously, he called her by a name.
Elite3532 : Yuu...
The cycle was finally complete, a smile grew on his face as he knew exactly what to do.
Elite3532 : I guess I will have to adopt you, though my name won't suit you...we'll have to figure out a lot of things from now on, Yuu.
Hugging the child close, who knew what will ensure from this simple encounter...in the end, it's all up to history.
Afterword:
Welp, here we are...this is the official ending for "That time I failed as an Author and got reincarnated in Tensura".
Though I will be writing a epilogue and surely add some extra story...maybe going into deeper details for character like Flora...(Comment if there are any characters you want to see more, btw.)
Anyway, I wanted to ask now that the story is complete, who was you favorite character? Being canon or oc.
Without counting Dawn or Mirai, my personal favorite is Flora or Catherine...
Honestly, it's a bit weird to finally be able to write this...I really went through it until the end, this whole story, I enjoyed writing it and I hope you guys had a nice read.
Elite is out.