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***
Feldway returned to the "Heavenly Star Palace" (Tenshinkyū) as if fleeing.
His body, reduced to dust by Diablo, ached, but he was safe now that he had arrived. Although there were no signs of recovery yet, it should heal with time.
The point was to buy time.
Only a limited few could teleport directly to the "Heavenly Star Palace." Ivaraj was in the lower world, and breaking through the "Heavenly Hub Tower" (Tensōkaku) was nearly impossible.
Feldway intended to rest his body here and plot his comeback.
Diablo’s strength had been outside his calculations, but next time, Feldway would win.
He was convinced he could win.
He had learned Diablo’s fighting style, and after watching Yuuki fight, he had learned how to incorporate 'Instant Movement' into combat. No matter how strong Diablo was, he was no longer a threat to Feldway.
However, there was an uncertain element.
Demon Lord Rimuru.
That terrifying slime had managed to return from beyond the terminus of spacetime.
It was an unbelievable event.
This meant that the "Time-Leaping Tremor Crush" (Chrono Saltation) would no longer work on Rimuru.
"Tch, he should have just perished at the end of spacetime..."
Muttering this, Feldway walked along the ravaged path, aiming for the throne.
However, there were unexpected guests already there.
"Yo. You got beaten pretty badly, huh?"
Sitting sloppily on the throne was Dino, who was supposed to be in the middle of conquering Ramiris’s labyrinth.
Pico and Garasha were there too.
They were each relaxing on chairs other than the throne Dino occupied.
The fact that all three had returned meant they had either fled from the labyrinth conquest, or perhaps...
"I heard Vega lost. Is that why you ran back?"
When Feldway asked this, Dino shrugged.
"Look, there’s no running or anything. It’s impossible. Even the 'Insect Demon Lord' Zelanus got taken down by Zegion."
"——What?"
That was a shocking report.
He had heard of Vega's defeat, but he thought Zelanus was still alive and well.
Feldway gnashed his teeth, realizing his assessment had been too naive.
"Diablo?"
"No, I told you. Zegion beat him."
He thought it might have been Diablo, but Dino emphasized that Zegion was the one who defeated Zelanus.
Rimuru’s subordinates included many strong individuals to be wary of, but apparently, they were a greater threat than Feldway had anticipated.
"——That implies you were beaten by Diablo, right! Hahaha, that’s laughable. Now you finally understand how dangerous he is, don't you?"
"Yeah, yeah. That guy is seriously dangerous."
"Zegion was trauma-level too. Honestly, I can’t even tell which one is stronger."
"......"
Diablo and Zegion.
And Rimuru, who ruled over them.
They were enemies that had to be defeated to achieve Feldway’s ambition.
There were still many other obstacles, starting with Milim.
(Where did I go wrong? Depending on how much Ivaraj rampages, I might have to rework the strategy——)
As Feldway was lost in thought, Dino spoke to him.
"More importantly——"
——At that moment, Dino’s atmosphere changed.
From his usual aloof attitude to something sharp, like a honed blade.
Feldway almost noticed a sense of incongruity, but his consciousness was stolen by Dino’s question.
"The Holy Relics I kept carefully stored here are missing. Do you know anything about that?"
Dino asked.
"What did you say?"
That can't be——Feldway thought.
Feldway turned his back on the throne and began to walk.
Ahead lay the door leading underground to the "Sanctuary of Peace" (Seiandō).
It boasted strength comparable to the "Heavenly Hub Tower" and played the role of barring intruders.
However, it had been smashed to smithereens, leaving the stairs completely exposed.
The Holy Relics were enshrined in the "Sanctuary of Peace."
For them to be left unguarded like this was an unacceptable event.
After all, the Holy Relics were the bodies of the "Star King Dragon" Veldanava and his beloved wife, Princess Lucia.
Dino had found them, placed them in the Holy Ark, and stored them carefully... it was a top-secret matter known only to a very few.
Incidentally, the Holy Ark was a coffin of Spirit Ice. It was an object equal to or greater than the one Luminous used to seal "Chronoa," and it should have been indestructible to those belonging to the darkness.
This place was safer than anywhere else in the world; that was an undoubted fact. That is exactly why Feldway had stored his main body here.
After all, Feldway had helped when this place was created. He had double and triple-checked the safety.
And yet, if the door to the "Sanctuary of Peace" was destroyed——
"——Ivaraj?"
Feldway asked without turning back to Dino and the others following him.
"Can't think of anyone else, can you?"
Dino asserted clearly.
"......"
"It’s your blunder, Feldway. If you hadn't lowered the defenses of the 'Heavenly Star Palace,' the holy bodies of those two wouldn't have been stolen."
As Dino pointed out, the "Heavenly Star Palace" had been greatly ravaged. Even facilities that were difficult to destroy had been wrecked extensively.
Naturally, Feldway had noticed, but he had dismissed it as a trivial matter. He intended to think about the reconstruction of the "Heavenly Star Palace" after the Cardinal World was destroyed.
However, the loss of the Holy Relics was a problem he could not ignore.
It was still forgivable if the body Veldanava was supposed to inhabit upon resurrection was lost. Being an immortal "True Dragon," resurrection was possible even from "Nothingness."
However, the Holy Relic of Veldanava's beloved wife, Lucia, could never be reproduced again.
(When Lord Veldanava resurrects, I will have no face to show him——)
Feldway thought genuinely.
Although Feldway had reached the extreme conclusion of trying to destroy everything out of a deep-seated grudge and the belief that Veldanava had abandoned him, deep down in his heart, he still sought his master.
Feldway’s misfortune was that he didn't want to admit that to himself.
Feldway’s eyes reflected the Holy Ark, destroyed and exposing its miserable state.
"Damn it..."
Dino’s words were true.
It was no longer a place to pray for peace of mind.
"Ivaraj... to do as you please..."
No, that’s probably wrong——Dino wondered if he should retort.
But he reconsidered, thinking it would be a hassle if Feldway argued back, and kept his mouth shut.
Instead, he prioritized confirming something else.
"Just to ask, this place was safe up until you occupied your main body, right?"
"What?"
"No, well, this was a place only you or Lady Velzard could enter, and even we couldn't come and go freely, so I was wondering if we can really conclude it was Ivaraj’s doing."
"......What are you trying to say?"
There was a hidden meaning in Dino’s unusually serious words.
Feldway, concerned by this, thought seriously.
Aside from himself or Velzard, no one could open the door to the "Sanctuary of Peace." That was why he hadn't anticipated this place being ransacked, but...
"Did you forget to lock it?"
Breaking the door was difficult, but it was a different story if it wasn't locked. Since the divine protection wouldn't be active, the strength would drop to a level where even Dino and the others could break it.
"Don't be ridiculous."
"Right... I think that's unlikely too," Pico agreed.
"Well yeah, maybe if it was Dino, but Feldway wouldn't make such a mistake," Garasha added.
Garasha, who had made a sharp point, backed down easily.
Even from Pico and Garasha's perspective, they couldn't imagine Feldway making such a foolish error.
"Hey, hey?"
Only Dino seemed dissatisfied.
But——struggling to return to a serious expression, Dino spoke his next words.
"Then, what about the possibility that Lord Veldanava has resurrected?"
The reason Dino pointed out that possibility was because of the door.
The door was thought to be indestructible from the outside, but its structure was weak against impact from the inside. The reason was that the protection only worked toward the outside.
Looking at the traces of the door's destruction, Dino thought it looked like it had been blown open from the inside.
Of course, it was possible that Ivaraj only destroyed the lock to enter, and his power went berserk when he exited. No, if he absorbed the Holy Relics inside, that possibility would be higher.
But still...
Dino couldn't deny the possibility of Veldanava’s resurrection.
It wasn't purely a joyous thought.
There was a question regarding the timing of the resurrection.
From Dino’s perspective, it was a guess he hoped was wrong.
If Veldanava had truly resurrected, why now?
Did he awaken because of the crisis of the world ending, just as Feldway wished?
(If that were the case, it'd be fine, but I don't think so...)
Dino didn't know anything. That was why it was terrifying.
He might be overthinking it, but Dino’s bad premonitions had a track record of hitting the mark with considerable accuracy——ninety-nine times that of his good premonitions.
That was why he voiced the deduction, wanting Feldway to deny it.
"What are you saying?"
"No, I'm talking about possibilities. If the two were still stored when you returned to your main body, then they went missing after that. That timing would be before Ivaraj’s army invaded the 'Heavenly Star Palace.' If he resurrected during that time and returned to the Cardinal World...?"
"......"
Feldway weighed the possibility Dino voiced.
From the time Feldway returned to his main body until the invasion of the Cryptids (Cryptids) began——there wasn't that much of a time gap.
The idea that Veldanava had resurrected was too absurd a deduction.
If that were a fact, it raised the question of why he hadn't made it public.
Feldway, who was manipulating Milim, should have been a target for Veldanava’s purge.
Even if his power wasn't perfect——
(No, is there a line of reasoning that he didn't show himself because of that? But for Lord Veldanava, that shouldn't be the case...)
No, it's not possible——Feldway concluded.
"It's impossible."
"......Right?"
It was a desirable conclusion for Dino and a regrettable one for Feldway, but both accepted it.
However, a troublesome problem still remained.
This one wasn't a possibility, but seemingly almost a reality... Pico and Garasha pointed it out.
"That means..."
"...Yeah, exactly. The theory that Ivaraj ate Lord Veldanava's Holy Relic is almost certain."
Dino nodded at this.
"Yeah. The 'World-Destroying Dragon' Ivaraj was already trouble enough, and now there's a possibility he's absorbed Lord Veldanava's power..."
Not just Veldanava, but Lucia’s power as well.
Since he understood the threat level, Dino didn't feel a sense of eeriness. It was definitely bad, but he could optimistically think that he wasn't the one who had to deal with it.
That’s why he could casually say "It's bad, huh" and throw the whole thing at Feldway.
However, that possibility was something Feldway could not ignore.
For the purpose of destroying the world, it was better if Ivaraj rampaged. However, if he became an Evil God so powerful that he couldn't be handled, it would be a major problem for Feldway, who planned to reconstruct the world.
"What are you going to do?"
Since it was someone else's problem from Dino's perspective, he asked simply to hear the plan.
Feldway was irritated by this, but finally realized the fact that the domination effect on Dino was gone.
"You, did you escape my influence?"
"Oh, just noticing now?"
"Don't joke around!"
"Just for the record, it’s not just me, but Pico and Garasha too."
"You made us suffer until now, but we don't need to listen to your orders anymore."
"Exactly. We are free!"
Feldway felt bitter.
He understood they had no intention of answering if he asked how they escaped the authority of domination.
To begin with, he had forcibly placed them under command because they were originally selfish and whimsical. If that influence no longer reached them, it would be difficult to control Dino and the others.
"Do you intend to betray me?"
Feldway had no right to complain.
Dino and the others were angry too.
"Hey, hey, wait a minute. You’re the one who betrayed our trust!"
"Yeah, yeah. You should have respected our free will, but you worked us hard without permission!"
"That's right. We don't intend to betray you per se, but we just can't walk the same path as you, that’s all!"
They each retorted as they pleased, declaring their severance.
Dino’s purpose in coming here was that he heard the 'World-Destroying Dragon' Ivaraj had appeared at the "Heavenly Hub Tower" and was worried if the "Heavenly Star Palace" was safe.
As he feared, the Holy Relics had been stolen.
It would have been good if it could have been prevented, but since they were too late, there was no use regretting it.
They just had to accept that it was no longer a problem they could handle.
So, meeting Feldway here was just a coincidence, and since they were able to vent their complaints while they were at it, they felt surprisingly refreshed.
Acting as if they had no more business with Feldway, they started chatting among themselves.
"Since Rimuru-san has returned, do you think Ramiris will hire us again?"
"Probably not."
"You do nothing but slack off, after all."
"No, no, no! Even Vester-san said he needs me! He promised to put in a good word if I was in trouble!!"
"Hmm. He's a good person."
"Isn't that unfair, just you?"
"Don't worry. I'll introduce you guys too!"
Dino spoke arrogantly, as if telling them to be grateful.
Pico and Garasha followed Dino while complaining.
There was certainly an invisible bond there.
"So, that's that. Do whatever you want now, Feldway."
Dino said, as if just remembering.
Hearing that, Feldway thought, 'Don't screw with me.'
"Stop saying selfish things! Do you have no great cause!? To revere a mere slime born just recently... have you forgotten your pride as an Original!!"
Enraged, he shouted involuntarily.
However, Dino replied aloofly.
"No, no, piling up useless years means nothing. What's important is 'how you live,' right? The strength of will is what makes the 'Soul' shine."
Dino unfolded his theory, looking at Feldway with pity. Then, his expression turned serious again, and he spoke as if giving advice.
"Your eyes are clouded right now. Remember your original intention."
That was Dino’s version of kindness.
Having said what he needed to say, Dino turned his back.
Pico and Garasha followed him.
"Stop doing meaningless things like destroying the world."
"Bye-bye, Feldway. We didn't hate you."
The three left saying whatever they wanted.
Left behind, Feldway stood in the empty space, dumbfounded.
"It's too late... I can't stop the plan here..."
He muttered to no one...
The current Feldway was empty.
He had lost his friend.
He had lost his comrades.
And his master was not here.
The plan had failed, and the rest depended on the 'World-Destroying Dragon' Ivaraj.
However, the question remained whether that was okay.
It seemed Ivaraj had even eaten Feldway’s memories.
Since the cause lay with himself, he had no right to complain.
But he felt that leaving it alone was wrong.
As Dino said, he didn't think Veldanava had resurrected. So the conclusion was that Ivaraj ate them.
(In the first place, what was Dino worried about? If Lord Veldanava had resurrected, my goal would have been achieved. It would be nothing but joyous, no problem at all. More importantly——)
The problem was Ivaraj.
Dino seemed to fear the possibility of Veldanava’s resurrection, but the possibility of Ivaraj absorbing the Holy Relics was the bigger issue.
If he had even gained the authority of the Creator, there was a fear he had become an entity that couldn't be handled.
If that happened, never mind reconstructing the world——but Feldway laughed, thinking 'Whatever.'
If Veldanava wouldn't resurrect, everything was meaningless.
He was trying to destroy the world because he thought Veldanava might resurrect to stop him. Veldanava would surely never forgive Feldway, who had even utilized Milim.
Even if the world was destroyed, Veldanava could regenerate it from nothing.
So he didn't need to worry about anything; he just had to start over from the beginning.
Therefore——the absolute worst ending for Feldway was Veldanava not resurrecting. Somewhere in his heart, he admitted that this was the most empty and despairing future.
Feldway, who boasted unparalleled strength despite losing to Diablo.
Such a Feldway suddenly felt a chill.
Dino had sharp intuition.
If such a Dino was viewing this with that much anxiety...
(What if... what if even this situation is according to Lord Veldanava’s expectations?)
It was foolish humanity that killed Veldanava.
That is why Feldway thought that even if they, who couldn't prevent it, were abandoned, they should accept it.
That is why humanity shouldn't complain even if they are purged. If they can be useful for Veldanava’s resurrection, they should rather rejoice.
Just as Michael thought, Feldway felt the same.
But——if stopping the destruction of the world was different from Veldanava’s will, then all of his actions would be meaningless.
It was a belated enlightenment attained by Feldway, who had never considered his master's true feelings.
"What is Lord Veldanava's true heart...?"
That mutter echoed through the "Heavenly Star Palace" louder than expected.
There was no one in this place who could answer that question...
***
Luminous looked down upon the battlefield.
Humanity's survival hung on the outcome of this battle.
If they lost, it was over——that was why they challenged it with the resolve to give everything.
『Do not falter even if you lose your limbs or your magic runs dry! Think of it as good fortune that you can find value in that life!!』
Luminous inspired all the warriors with 'Thought Communication.'
It was sophistry, and it was brainwashing.
However, it was also the truth.
In peaceful times, many would let it slide, but in this place, everyone was roused. That fact was proof that "power"——justice——dwelled in Luminous's words.
Everyone seeks value in their own life.
If there is a great cause that gives it to them, they can move forward without fearing death.
Thus, the battlefield was wrapped in a mysterious heat, and the tension ripened.
In the North, Louis, Gunther, Adalman, and Gadra were struggling against the bird soaring through dimensions——Habataki.
It was a troublesome opponent where it was a miracle (lucky break) they weren't wiped out at first sight, but thanks to Mai joining the fight, a thread of a counterattack came into view.
In the West, Shion and her group were doing their best against the beast dashing through the void——Kakeashi. Saare and Gregory, who had been running away, were also giving their all while complaining.
Especially Saare, who was maintaining the 'Holy Field' in parallel. He seemed to be exposed to unimaginable pressure, fully understanding that it would be over if he fell.
The Giant Race (Giants)——the "Binding Chain Titan Corps"——who were natural enemies to Luminous, were now reliable allies. There were other famous warriors too, and it seemed they were gradually chipping away at the enemy forces' momentum.
In the South, Ultima was unmatched against the fish swimming through the stars——Swim.
As expected, Luminous admired.
To put it clearly, the other forces were like a bonus. Even so, they showed coordination, steadily slaughtering the bizarre Cryptids that kept spawning so as not to hinder Ultima. That in itself was very important work.
And furthermore, the arrival of reinforcements led by Benimaru.
They slaughtered the demon-like monsters from the other world one after another, and the situation seemed to have reversed.
And yet——
In the East, there was no movement from the "World-Destroying Dragon" Ivaraj.
It was eerily quiet.
Luminous's 'Super Intuition' had been screaming maximum warnings from the start.
Now, she couldn't hear anything.
(The time for vigilance is over——is that it?)
Thinking this, Luminous was grasping the situation correctly.
Sound had vanished from the battlefield.
The strange silence was shattered by a wicked laugh.
『Kyahahahahahahahaha——!』
It was wicked, yet very innocent.
"Is essential 'evil' this terrifying——"
Luminous’s mutter spoke for everyone's feelings.
It wasn't a discussion of whether "World-Destroying Dragon" Ivaraj itself was good or evil. The problem was simply that its actions lacked any consideration for others.
Without malice, pursuing only its own curiosity——pleasure. That was an act incompatible with harmony.
An "Individual" that was "almost" complete, unaffected no matter what happened to anything other than itself. That was the horror of the "World-Destroying Dragon" Ivaraj.
"Not just this planet, but the world itself——is unnecessary to that thing..."
If they couldn't attract Ivaraj’s interest, all negotiations were meaningless. And if her goal was the destruction of the world, the very act of Luminous and the others trying to stop it would only please the "World-Destroying Dragon" Ivaraj.
There were few existences that fit the term 'enemy to be destroyed' so well.
And now, a change had occurred in that enemy's presence.
"Laughable. If you're going to act big, you should have stayed motionless until the end..."
The equilibrium of the battlefield was established by Luminous’s resurrection via Holy Magic and "World-Destroying Dragon" Ivaraj’s non-participation. If that collapsed, it wouldn't be strange for the battle lines to disintegrate.
If that happened, a tactical review would be necessary, but there was no such leeway. There were no forces left anywhere that could recover the points lost at the strategic level.
Although, the strategy itself was the best possible, so they had no choice but to accept this result...
King Gazel approached Luminous’s side.
"Demon Lord Luminous, what will we do? Do we throw all mobile forces at Ivaraj?"
Asked this, Luminous groaned, "Umu..."
If she took that move, they wouldn't be able to recover if any battle line collapsed. But as it stood, the collapse of the East side seemed unavoidable.
However, the progression of the situation didn't wait.
It came to fruition at the worst, most fatal timing.
"Wait! Ivaraj’s form changed? That is, that appearance is——"
As Luminous pointed out, Ivaraj’s appearance had changed.
It was useless to worry about whether power had increased.
Even at the point of first appearance, there was no way to grasp its depths.
Such an Ivaraj descended to the ground.
And that form was——
"...It looks like a beautiful woman, do you know who it is?"
Gazel asked Luminous.
Luminous didn't answer.
It was an unknown woman, but she looked familiar somewhere.
Yes——
It was like an adult version of Demon Lord Milim——
And on the ground, Masayuki reacted first.
No.
It wasn't Masayuki himself, but the memory of the "Hero" sleeping within him.
"——Lucia!?"
He shouted it out loud unintentionally, and Masayuki himself was surprised.
(Uh, Lucia? Who?)
The moment he thought that, forgotten memories were recalled.
That was the name of the person who was his sister in the distant past.
(Right, of course I'd be surprised and shout, but that's not the real person, right?)
The "Lucia" in front of him was a form the enemy transformed into.
It seems to be a pretty nasty situation——even Masayuki wore a serious expression.
And the situation became even more confused.
At the same time Ivaraj took Lucia’s form, her three Servants finished their transformations.
Had they really evolved, or was everyone just seeing a nightmare...
Even Velgrynd couldn't accurately read the upper limits of those three's power. Even if everyone thought it was unrealistic, it was understandable.
The abnormal situation wasn't just that.
Jahil’s corpse, left on the ground, began to squirm suspiciously.
And finally——
A mysterious presence that no one had sensed was looking down at the chaotic battlefield from far above.
『Fufufu, my "Wife" has come back to life. Soon my "Daughter" will come too. The family is gathering. I won't fail next time. I have to properly "Select" and leave only those with value.』
That someone muttered.
It was a cruel declaration——
But there was no one on the ground yet who knew it.
***
Guy.
And Carrera and Rain.
These three were facing Velzard with Testarossa's support.
Guy was the main force, and Carrera and Rain were skirmishers.
Velzard, who had begun to rampage, was truly a natural disaster.
Velzard had exposed her true nature.
Changing into her strongest Dragon Form, she was raging, crushing the surroundings.
And yet, that form was beautiful.
Her scales had more depth than white pearls, like jewels that charmed the viewer.
Her serene Deep Sea Blue (Blue Diamond) eyes were now shining gold as her true power was released.
The leaking Haki was fierce.
Radiating a vividly pure white brilliance, she overwhelmed the surrounding area with the dignity of an absolute ruler.
Even in a berserk state, she was filled with a mystique that anyone would be captivated by.
That was unmistakably the true form of the strongest "True Dragon"——the "White Ice Dragon."
But even so——
There was no color of fear on the faces of those confronting that tyranny.
Because the good news of "Rimuru’s Return" had been shared through Testarossa.
Guy reacted first.
"Is that right. If that bastard is back, tell him to get over here and help immediately."
"Even without you saying it, Lord Rimuru has his own thoughts."
Restoring Lady Milim to sanity comes first, Testarossa responded.
Looking at any battlefield, it was a critical situation. Testarossa couldn't possibly suggest prioritizing themselves.
"Exactly! There is no mistake in My Liege's judgment!!"
Carrera, who was concentrating on attacking, agreed with Testarossa. She didn't even grasp the circumstance that Rimuru had been missing, so she held absolute trust.
However, Carrera did grasp the situation in this location. Even while frozen, her consciousness had been stretched out over the battlefield.
That was why she was able to aim and fire "Judgment."
While it was normal for Carrera to believe in Rimuru, there was another person here defending Rimuru.
"Lord Guy, impatience is forbidden. If we just buy time, Lord Rimuru should arrive! So shouldn't we just deal with Lady Velzard moderately so we don't get hurt?"
A suggestion typical of Rain, where you could almost hear the sub-audio
To save me.
You could see through to the thought of 'let's not push ourselves and gain the benefit.' It was troubling because she had a point.
"Besides, the evacuation will be complete soon, and then Misery can join the fight. Moss and Esprit too."
Rain spoke nonchalantly. She was counting Testarossa and Carrera’s subordinates as if they were her own minions.
Still a smooth talker, Guy was exasperated but impressed.
If it was a rational Velzard, adding half-hearted forces would be meaningless. However, the story was different now that she was rampaging.
A solid powerhouse could maneuver to avoid taking Velzard’s attacks. As long as they didn't let their guard down, they wouldn't die, so they would serve as a distraction.
However, the dilemma was whether it was necessary to push that hard.
Guy had the desire to 'restore Velzard to sanity quickly.' However, simply repeating attacks wouldn't grant that wish.
As a major premise, it was unknown what was happening inside Velzard. Unless he grasped that, influencing her from the outside was impossible.
He needed to detach his Astral Body and dive into Velzard’s inner self to connect their Hearts (Cores), knowing the danger, but if he did that in the current state, his defenseless main body would likely be destroyed. Guy didn't distrust Testarossa and the others, but he knew Velzard’s danger better than anyone.
Maintaining the status quo as Rain said was an option, but...
"Guy, can you restore Lady Velzard to sanity?"
Testarossa asked while performing the divine feat of neutralizing the irrational Velzard’s onslaught with 'Void.'
"Yeah, I can. But not while fighting like this."
That was Guy’s unvarnished true feeling.
Hearing Guy’s reply, Testarossa thought
that figures. Like herself, Guy was utilizing 'Void' to deal with Velzard.
It was frustrating that he seemed to copy the technique just by "seeing" it, but in this phase, he was reliable. If Guy said it was impossible, there was no room to doubt those words.
To begin with, Testarossa had her hands full just controlling the 'Void.' To intervene in Velzard’s berserk state in parallel would be nothing short of suicide for Testarossa.
(......As expected, having Lord Rimuru help is the best option.)
Depending entirely on Rimuru was a pathetic story for Testarossa. And more than that, it was incredibly irritating that Rain’s seemingly thoughtless remark was the best solution.
She wanted to sigh
good grief, but the sense of despair where she couldn't see ahead had vanished.
Realizing that fact, Testarossa smiled wryly.
"Let us wait for Lord Rimuru."
"That's the only way."
Testarossa and Guy decided on the policy almost simultaneously.
Carrera nodded at this.
"Agreed. My attacks don't seem to work on Lady Velzard anyway."
Setting aside "Judgment," normal attacks couldn't breach Velzard’s defense power. She wanted to complain
how sturdy is she, but unleashing a major technique that might work was wrong.
Because this was a battle to return Velzard to sanity, not kill her.
Well, whether Velzard would become an ally after all that trouble was known only to God. Neither Carrera, Guy, nor Testarossa would know.
Still, they would do it.
Whether conscious or berserk, Carrera couldn't defeat her anyway. For Carrera, following Guy's judgment was best here.
Rain was even more pragmatic.
Since damage wouldn't go through even with the firepower-specialized Carrera, it was pointless for Rain to do anything.
It would be the same even if Misery or Moss joined.
The only one who could defeat her was Guy, and if he felt like it, it would have been over long ago.
That’s why she didn't hesitate.
For Rain, she just had to respect Guy’s will and fulfill her role——but she really wanted him to choose a safe and secure plan.
(If Lord Rimuru has returned, why not just get him to help! Because that’s definitely certain.)
That was Rain’s true heart.
Rain believed that if it was Rimuru, he could handle any situation. She even believed that if he teamed up with Guy, nothing was impossible.
Then, there was no need to risk danger now; just waiting a bit would do. That way, they could achieve the goal easily.
It was the most impure thought, but it was the truth. That was the reason Guy and Testarossa were irritated, but Rain’s thought made the most sense.
And just as everyone’s opinions mostly aligned——
"No~, was I a bit late? Glad everyone is safe!"
Such a carefree voice resonated over the battlefield.
With Rimuru arriving at the scene, the atmosphere of the place relaxed at once.
***
I 'Teleported' to the battlefield of old Eurazania in a huge panic, but the scene was tense in many ways.
Velzard in Dragon Form was rampaging indiscriminately.
Testarossa and Guy were utilizing 'Void' to offset Velzard’s attacks so that harm wouldn't come to those evacuating.
She would be mesmerizingly beautiful if nothing was happening, but there was no leisure to appreciate it now. First I had to return Velzard to sanity, then conduct negotiations & persuasion.
It’s a world crisis right now, and I intend to secure cooperation no matter what.
The cause of losing sanity seems to be Carrera’s "Judgment" but... this is, well, force majeure.
I want to believe I won't be pursued for responsibility since it’s definitely not my fault.
"You! Don't make excuses convenient for yourself and hurry up and cooperate!"
I don't get it.
Guy got mad at me.
But wait.
I did nothing wrong.
I've been through a lot too, you know?
Blown to who knows where, and as soon as I got back I had to deal with a berserk Milim.
Watching Diablo defeat Feldway——well, he got away though.
That couldn't be helped.
It’s already over.
It seems he jumped to a place different from this world with 'Instant Movement' (Teleport), but since I'd know immediately if he appeared here, I believed Ciel-san's words and left it be.
So, having gone through various hardships, I finally arrived here.
And yet, to be rushed suddenly, well?
"Got a complaint?"
"No, nothing."
Guy seems on edge, so provoking him isn't a good plan.
I’ll switch to work mode too, and first strive to grasp the detailed situation.
Leaving Diablo, who was glaring at Guy, I turned my consciousness to the whole battlefield.
Those who had been turned into ice statues seemed to have all been released. That’s exactly why they were now exposed to the danger of death, but they were retreating while being protected by Testarossa and the others.
The warriors gathered by commanders like Carrion, Frey-san, and Middray were trying to get as far away from the raging Velzard as possible. However, the area of influence was too vast, and they hadn't reached the safety zone.
Protecting them were Moss and Misery’s group.
A little distance away, Moss and Misery were maintaining a 'Defense Barrier' centered on Souka. With Geld’s reinforcement, they were successfully preventing damage by dispersing the aftermath of attacks Testarossa and Guy couldn't fully offset.
It was quite a splendid maneuver.
Without this work, many victims would have undoubtedly occurred long ago. As expected, Moss is capable, I secretly admired.
Inside that 'Defense Barrier' were Gabiru, Esprit, and Obera too.
Apparently, they undid Velzard’s ice statue phenomenon using 'Fate Alteration' which can be activated once a day with the Ultimate Gift 'King of Psychology' (Mood Maker).
<<That seems to be the case.>>
Seriously amazing.
I’m surprised such a thing is possible, but results are everything.
I knew Gabiru was excellent, but it seems he played a big role in this critical moment.
However.
What I don't get is why he's flirting with Suphia.
I doubted my eyes, but it didn't look like she was just supporting Gabiru who was supplying energy.
No matter how I looked at it, Gabiru and Suphia seemed to be lovers.
I must question him in detail later, I swore in my heart while grinding my teeth.
As for Obera, she didn't seem to be in perfect condition yet.
It’s unclear what kind of battle she fought, but if she exhausted most of her energy, I didn't think she’d recover in a day or two.
Even with supply from Gabiru, it wasn't nearly enough.
For the time being, rest should be necessary.
But since she couldn't say that, she was probably staying on the battle line pushing herself.
Serious. That one word sums it up.
In contrast to Gabiru, she seems even more so.
Striving to recover her own magic while not neglecting vigilance of the surroundings. Seeing such an Obera, I thought Milim had obtained a wonderful subordinate.
Incidentally, Esprit is working hard too.
She isn't doing any noteworthy action, but she is appropriately assisting Moss and Misery.
Despite looking like a prickly gal, she has a surprisingly kind side. Well, maybe she thinks it's natural to help since Carrera is working hard.
Anyway, the 'Defense Barrier' maintenance team seems to be no problem.
In this situation, what is the correct answer?
There was no need to worry.
The best move is to eliminate the weakness that is becoming a shackle.
It’s a harsh way to say it, but the forces concentrated in old Eurazania are a hindrance.
It’s just that the opponent is too bad, so there is no need to feel dishonored. On the contrary, they would surely be greatly successful in another place.
So, the policy is decided.
I expanded my 'Dragon Spirit Haki' to wrap around the battlefield.
Not just Velzard’s Aura, but even Testarossa and Guy’s 'Void.'
"You, what did you do!?"
Guy complained and tried to grab my collar.
I slipped through Guy’s hand by turning into slime form.
"Why dodge?"
"No no no, you dodge normally, right?"
Leaving myself to free fall, escaping from midair to the ground. Then, as if waiting, I settled into Diablo’s arms.
[Image]
Uh?
It’s terrifying that he’s as used to this as Shion or Shuna.
Well, fine.
"Hand him over here."
"Kufufufu, surely you jest."
For some reason unknown, an argument broke out between Guy and Diablo.
I quietly escaped so as not to get involved and promptly arranged the situation.
"As expected, Rimuru-sama."
A soft, good scent.
I felt a sensation of being gently wrapped up, and realized I was being held by Testarossa.
Umu. Wonderful.
It’s a very rare experience, so I am very satisfied.
Oops, this isn't the time to be saying that.
Unlike Gabiru, I am a man who can choose the time and place.
So, work start immediately.
First, replacing Testarossa and Guy’s 'Void,' I converted my 'Dragon Spirit Haki' into 'Void Collapse.' If I nullify Velzard’s attacks with this offset effect, the rest is an easy win.
"What splendid skill. I am impressed."
Testarossa stated with an ecstatic expression.
Guy, who was bickering with Diablo, also approached me with a bitter face.
"You sealed Velzard awfully easily, didn't you."
He said that, but I’m surprised too.
I thought I could probably do it intuitively, but when I actually tried, it succeeded easily.
Ciel-san supporting me was big, but it’s because my magicule (energy) amount has become ridiculously huge.
With this, it seems I could solve most problems with brute force.
Well, I won't though.
Even this time, my turn ends here.
"So, what did you intend to do from here?"
"What, don't you know everything?"
No no, I just got here, I can't know.
Without any explanation, I’m participating suddenly. You probably want to do something about the berserk Velzard, but I couldn't think of the means.
"Velzard becoming like that is caused by your Carrera!"
"Is that so?"
I tried playing dumb, but it was impossible.
"That is true. However, I believe it was the appropriate judgment in that situation."
"That's right!"
Before I knew it, Carrera was floating next to me, looking at me wanting praise.
Should I pat her head to respond to that request?
However, sadly, I am currently in slime form so patting her doesn't look good. I just simply praised her with "Good work."
Carrera is happy too, so it seems this judgment was correct.
Rain is here too. She is looking at me wanting praise similarly, but I feel like she didn't do that much, and in the first place, it feels wrong for me to praise her.
No, maybe... a separate matter?
"Is the work going well?"
"It went well."
Past tense huh.
No need to ask what happened.
"I couldn't go against Guy-sama's order and was dragged out to such a harsh battlefield——"
Putting Lord Rimuru’s request later, I am sorry——Rain apologized meekly.
"Guy is terrible, isn't he."
"Truly!"
Me and Rain whispering.
However, it was busted immediately.
"Rimuru you, don't seduce my Rain."
"Seducing, that sounds bad..."
"Hah? Lately she listens to your orders more than mine!"
Indeed.
I’m wondering about that too.
"That is true. Rain, you are Guy’s subordinate, so you shouldn't get too familiar with Rimuru-sama."
"S-Sister!?"
"You still intend to continue that?"
For some reason Rain calls Testarossa 'Sister.' Strangely it doesn't feel out of place, but Testarossa seems fed up. Or rather, she seems to hate it.
Here, Diablo interjected.
"Kufufufu, exactly. Know your place."
He acts high and mighty toward Rain, but this is still better than before——actually, they’ve become quite close. Since his weakness regarding the painting was grasped, he seems to pay respect in his own way.
Even so, Diablo acts high and mighty in all directions so it’s trouble. Now he tried to take me from Testarossa, creating a hostile atmosphere.
I am not a thing, so I’d like you to stop handling me as you please.
Anyway, I received the explanation of circumstances again.
Hearing that Carrera shot through the Divine Ancestor Twilight who had snatched Velzard’s body with the "Judgment" that can only be fired once a day. I was exasperated yet impressed by that decisiveness.
I’m the type to save trump cards as much as possible.
If it’s once a day, I’d try to manage without using it.
Being able to fire such a major technique without hesitation, Carrera’s decisiveness is simply splendid.
Although, since Carrera is a long-lived species, maybe the length of a day is like an instant. It was a plausible logic that she didn't mind that much.
"Well, erasing Twilight was a nice judgment though."
Aside from Velzard’s rampage, Guy seems to acknowledge Carrera too. Then I wish he wouldn't complain, but having a feeling it would be poking a snake, I kept quiet.
"Anyway, I'll hold down Velzard-san, so I can leave the rest to you, right?"
"Yeah. While I deal with Velzard, I’ll be completely defenseless though."
"Then I'll protect you properly. Probably."
"Hah? Probably, you say?"
"It’s a lie. Diablo will take responsibility and protect Guy firmly."
Dangerous dangerous. I cracked a joke intending to be playful, but I almost bought Guy’s anger.
Guy, still looking dissatisfied, is glaring at Diablo. Very close and heartwarming, I turned my eyes away from that spectacle.
The conclusion is the strategy where Guy restores Velzard to sanity while I hold her down. It seems he intends to work on the mental aspect, and Diablo will protect the main body which becomes defenseless.
Since there are no enemies other than Velzard left on this battlefield, I don't think there's that much to worry about. Letting guard down is wrong, but there doesn't seem to be a need to concentrate war power by being overly cautious.
"Then Rimuru-sama, what shall we do?"
Testarossa, asking that, seems to have her own answer.
"I'm sending Veldora and the others to the anti-Ivaraj battle. I want you guys to prepare immediately and head for reinforcements."
My order seemed to be as Testarossa expected. In the evacuation area a bit away, Souka and the others were meeting with Carrion and Frey-san.
Moss ran as a messenger, entering the selection of members to deploy.
I think it’s tough having just been released from ice statues, but it’s a world crisis so it’s not the time to complain. Everyone seemed to understand that, and the units were reorganized with orderly movements.
So, Testarossa’s true intent lies elsewhere.
"Arrangements are complete. So, who will you leave behind?"
The moment this question came out, Carrera’s eyes flashed too.
Rain is also looking at me with eyes full of expectation.
No, you are Guy’s subordinate. Since I have no command right, I lightly ignored her and conveyed the answer.
"Only Diablo remains. Testarossa, I want you to take those capable of combat with large-scale teleportation magic, is that possible?"
Hearing my order, Testarossa showed a slightly disappointed expression. And Carrera too.
"If it is your command, immediately."
Testarossa bowed deeply, conveying her acceptance.
Following that, Carrera showed motivation too.
"Leave it to me, My Liege! No matter who the opponent is, I’ll quickly eliminate them!"
Yup yup, truly reliable.
And yet, there was a disappointing guy.
Needless to say, Diablo.
Nodding with satisfaction, he preached to Testarossa and Carrera, "Fufu, Rimuru-sama trusts only me. It means you girls are still lacking!"
That's wrong.
I just kept him away from the battle line because I thought Diablo was exhausted...
Receiving Diablo’s provocation, Testarossa frowned in displeasure.
Carrera also became combative, so thinking 'good grief,' I scolded Diablo.
***
Testarossa accompanied by Carrera moved to action immediately.
I feel like there was a bit of trouble before saying 'immediately,' but let's forget it.
The cause is praising Diablo.
I am bad for letting him get carried away, so I’ll be careful from next time.
But well, I’m not the only one having it rough.
"Um, can I stay?"
"You go too!!"
Rain touched Guy’s anger and fled in a panic.
Even that part is charm I guess, but I thought Guy looks like he’s having it rough too.
Currently, Velzard is rampaging blindly, but there are no casualties.
Because I am nullifying all attacks by wrapping the entire battlefield in 'Void Collapse.'
So I could leave the reorganization of forces with peace of mind.
But, we can't stay like this.
It’s fine now, but Velzard’s movements are becoming increasingly active.
"So, Guy. How much time do you need to return Velzard-sama to sanity?"
Receiving the question from Diablo, Guy thought for just a little bit.
"Hmm. I can't say for sure without diving in, but it will take some time."
Hearing that, I become anxious.
"It’s not like days or weeks, right?"
I don't doubt the story that she can be returned to sanity, but the time required is the problem.
Since a battle betting the fate of the world is unfolding in Damargania, we can't waste time here.
Furthermore, there were other points of concern.
Assuming Velzard returns to sanity, it is unclear whether she is friend or foe.
I am confident I can defeat the current her, but that is the last resort. First I want to discuss, hear Velzard’s wish, and find a compromise.
However, the biggest problem was that there didn't seem to be such leeway.
"Ideally she’d cooperate voluntarily. In the first place, what is the cause for Velzard-san siding with Feldway?"
"It’s a lover's quarrel. Stupid."
"Seriously?"
"No."
Guy looked like he'd get angry, so I stopped the light talk there.
Guy says.
"Well, even if I say it takes time, I don't think I need a day. I'll do it not as the current me, but with a special calculation specialization."
"Calculation specialization?"
"Yeah. Close combat ability decreases drastically, but in exchange, calculation ability increases."
I see, that’s amazing.
The point here is probably "Overall it doesn't mean becoming weaker."
Originally, the Demon Race (Demons) is a race specialized in magic, so they don't prioritize close combat. Guy and Diablo are abnormal; even if they can only use magic, they are normally strong.
So, I’m not worried about that point, but...
"Just mentioning, while I am interfering with Velzard’s mind, I can't do any other actions. Don't expect my support, okay?"
Ah, as I thought.
There is the worry whether Velzard can be fully suppressed with 'Void Collapse.' If it’s just emission techniques it’s no problem, but if she notices us and resorts to direct attacks, it’s trouble.
Aside from me, if the defenseless Guy or the likely exhausted Diablo are targeted, there is no guarantee they will be safe. Before that happens, I have to do something.
I capture Velzard.
During that time, Diablo protects Guy whose consciousness is gone.
Alright, let's go with this strategy!
"No problem."
"Yeah. Then, I'm starting."
As soon as he said that, Guy’s appearance changed.
Into a stunning red-haired beauty.
"Wow. Seriously, you can become a woman too."
"Obviously."
"Rimuru-sama, if you desire, I also——"
"Alright, operation start!!"
Because I blurted out something unnecessary, Diablo looked like he was going to start saying something strange again.
I won't let him.
Before Diablo could finish saying something, I fired the signal to start the operation.
[Image]
Guy decided to trust Rimuru.
Therefore, he initiated the state change ritual for the first time in a long while, completing it in an instant.
Guy became a red-haired beauty, but the physical performance became poor. Defense also weakened, but whether overall power decreased was not the case.
Calculation specialization meant, in short, a form specialized in magic.
Defense could be supplemented by 'Multiple Barriers,' so depending on various situations, it was like being strengthened.
However, that too depended on time and circumstances.
In a case exactly like this one, judgment was very difficult.
Since he would direct his consciousness specialized in calculation fully toward Velzard, his main body would be completely defenseless. If he didn't trust Rimuru——and Diablo, it was a strategy he couldn't possibly take.
Then, it becomes a talk of why not leave Testarossa and Carrera to protect, but Guy’s pride wouldn't allow that.
If Rimuru judged it was okay, it was an impossible story for Guy to feel anxious.
(Well. Worst case, even if I die, that’s a story for then.)
Even if defeated and annihilated, although it might take several hundred years in the worst case, resurrection is possible.
For the strongest, Guy, defeat is not interesting. But since he has experienced it, it wasn't something to be absolutely avoided either.
Thinking that it could distract from boredom, he had no regrets even if that happened.
Besides——
Not just Rimuru, but Diablo had become reliable too.
He didn't know what happened, but he was unrecognizable compared to when they met a little while ago.
Originally, even from Guy’s perspective, Diablo was abnormal. Despite possessing combat sense rivaling Guy, he was a weirdo demon who didn't seek "Power."
However, he pursued "Strength" in the true sense, and was strongest in a different meaning from Guy. That he would never lose to an opponent under the same conditions was the true value of the 'Black King' (Diablo).
Such a Diablo’s existence value was about to line up with Guy.
(Moreover, he’s drifting with remnants of suspicious 'Void'...)
Guy could easily see through an opponent's capacity, but now calculation-specialized, he could grasp Diablo’s ability almost perfectly.
If Rimuru was the one who stopped Milim’s rampage, then it was likely Diablo who dealt with Feldway. In other words, even removing the restriction of equal conditions, there was no mistake he had reached an existence equal to Guy.
(Not bad. Well, he looks like a wreck all over, but he won't lose to some random guy.)
Rimuru’s judgment to leave only Diablo was something Guy could accept.
Even so, Guy thought.
Diablo is fine, the problem is Rimuru.
Even for the current Guy, he couldn't see through that existence itself.
(What is this guy?)
That was his unvarnished true feeling.
Even if he asked Rimuru, he’d probably just give a joking answer like "I'm just a slime."
So he didn't ask, but Guy was fully intending to question him when things were over.
Even now, Rimuru swelled greatly from slime form into a suspicious shape, coiling around Velzard.
It was like gently wrapping a baby——
Manipulating 'Void' freely, which even Testarossa struggled with, was incomprehensible, but treating the berserk Velzard like a baby was a situation where he could only laugh.
He was doing things Guy couldn't do with ease. It was a case where the abnormality of the existence called Rimuru was demonstrated to the fullest.
But——still, Guy trusted Rimuru.
Since there was no point worrying anymore, Guy decided to concentrate his consciousness on Velzard.
......
...
.
Guy, who slipped out of his Material Body and became the Spirit Body original to Demons, returned to the form of a man again.
Unlike the main body, the state of the spirit is free to change.
Guy, practiced at this, broke through Velzard’s multiple mental barriers and Dived toward the abyss of the "Soul" which is the essence of a "True Dragon."
Touching Velzard’s Heart (Core) was where the real work began.
Guy shed even his Spirit Body and became a completely defenseless Astral Body.
If he lost focus, his ego would be swallowed by Velzard’s mind, and the 'Aggressive Heart Erosion' (Spiritual Dive) Guy was performing would be broken.
If that happened, Guy’s consciousness itself would vanish, but even so, there was no anxiety at all.
There was no need to force it.
Politely, carefully, as if soothing Velzard’s raging heart, he just had to dive slowly.
If he pushed through forcibly with power, he would destroy Velzard’s Heart (Core). If that happened, the current Velzard would release all energy at the end of her rampage and vanish.
And then——a new "True Dragon" would be born somewhere in this world.
That was the worst case for Guy.
Even if he died, he could fully resurrect leaving his ego intact.
However, Velzard was not so.
Even if it was a "Soul" identical to the spirit particle, even if appearance and abilities matched perfectly, the personality would be different. Could that really be called the same existence?
He had never doubted it until now, but Guy suddenly wondered about it.
Although he felt hasty, without rushing, Guy broke through the barrier.
And he found her.
Velzard sitting hugging her knees, her mental self young.
"Yo, found you."
Guy spoke naturally and carefully.
This was the critical moment. If he messed up this conversation, Velzard’s trend would be decided at that point.
For Guy, it was a state of mind where he was being considerate of another for the first time in his life.
At first, Velzard didn't react.
But after a pause, she turned hollow eyes toward Guy.
And Velzard opened her mouth heavily.
"What. What did you come for? Did you come to laugh at me?"
Perhaps influenced by the state of her mind, Velzard was in the form of a young girl.
At Velzard’s question, Guy smiled wryly.
It was joyous there was a reaction.
At the same time.
He reacted involuntarily to the weak appearance shown by
that Velzard.
"Nah, I came to pick you up. Let's go home, Velzard."
Guy shrugged and answered.
That reply irritated Velzard.
It was always like this.
Guy was always condescending toward Velzard, just declaring unilaterally. He didn't ask for her opinion, just conveying his own will.
Without caring for Velzard, he declared as if it was natural to do so.
Velzard hated that attitude of Guy’s.
"What! Guy, you never listen to my opinion anyway. Always, always making me endure!"
Unable to hold back, Velzard shouted.
Once the fuse was lit, complaints flew out one after another.
"I had the duty to guide the world my brother left behind. That’s why I watched you all this time, monitoring so you wouldn't rampage. Even though I really hated it..."
That was true.
Velzard always took a step back, viewing even herself objectively.
Piling restraint upon restraint, she endured continuously.
Her sister Velgrynd chased the man she loved freely.
Her brother Veldora rampaged as he pleased.
Only Velzard endured all along.
"And that's all because Guy——You were acknowledged by my brother!!"
Guy was the existence acknowledged by Veldanava and entrusted with the world.
In other words, it meant an existence greater than Velzard.
Guy, the only existence besides her brother capable of destroying this world.
However, Guy didn't have such intentions in the slightest.
Arrogant, selfish, and kind Guy.
And yet, very cruel to Velzard.
Velzard watched Guy all along.
She wished to surpass him someday.
But before she knew it, that wish had transformed into a stronger craving.
And yet Guy didn't care a bit about such feelings of Velzard.
It was always so.
Absorbed in the game with Rudra, not looking at Velzard.
Just when that game ended, now he sides with a mysterious slime. No matter how much time passes, he doesn't care for Velzard.
That fact was frustrating, but Velzard was fine even with that. As she had infinite lifespan, if he turned to look at her someday, that was fine.
However, the situation didn't allow that.
"I was waiting all this time. Not leaving your side... I was the only one enduring... and yet, you tried to leave me behind!!"
"No no, there’s no way? You are my woman (thing). I cherish you and——"
Guy’s words lit a fire in Velzard’s frozen heart.
As per her anger, Velzard unleashed the dissatisfaction she held until now.
"No, wrong!! I don't want to be your possession. I wanted to be equal. Becoming stronger than you has no meaning, but it’s way better than just being protected!!"
Ah, I see——Velzard finally understood her own feelings.
Not wanting to win against Guy, she wanted to be useful.
So, Velzard’s emotions won't stop anymore.
She screams as she feels.
"Why do you have to side with such a suspicious slime now of all times!? You should have just quietly lived with me in the northern lands like always!!"
Velzard bared her anger, slamming her fierce will against Guy.
It became imaginary blades carving Guy’s body, but Guy didn't try to avoid that attack.
Just as if to accept Velzard’s anger and dissatisfaction, he was exposed to the attacks defenselessly.
Velzard spewed complaints at Guy like a toddler.
"No, that’s why——"
"Also... you acknowledge frail humans, yet you won't try to acknowledge me... What am I!? I wanted to be acknowledged by you all along, I worked hard all along... I have no position!"
The attacks gradually became weak, and eventually Velzard started hitting Guy’s chest feebly.
That was Velzard’s true feeling she couldn't hide.
Velzard didn't want to win against Guy, she just wanted to stand alongside him.
"Are you stupid? I acknowledge you, you know? My partner is only you."
"Stupid, you say!? I don't want to be told that by you who always does whatever you please!"
"Can't be helped right. If you hated it you should have said so? You worry too much about boring things."
"I worry!! Because, like this, you will be killed by Brother——"
Before she knew it, Velzard stopped hitting Guy.
And, she buried her face in Guy’s chest.
"What does that mean?"
Veldanava hasn't resurrected yet. Velzard’s statement ignores that premise.
Velzard remained silent for a while clinging to Guy.
Then, looking like she didn't want to say it, she opened her mouth.
"Brother has——resurrected."
The astonishing truth was revealed now.
***
It was a shocking fact, but there was little surprise in Guy’s chest.
He had a thought, 'maybe.'
Although there were no signs of resurrection, he remembered a premonition like a bug’s omen.
"When? When did that bastard resurrect?"
"......"
"Probably————a long, long time ago."
toward Velzard who told him as if cornered, Guy responded casually "Is that so."
Hearing this reply, Velzard became enraged again.
"Even if you oppose Brother, there is no way you can win! If you are going to be killed by Brother anyway, I'd rather grant you relief with my own hands!"
Understanding it was impossible herself, Velzard couldn't stand it.
Guy being killed by someone, that was absolutely unforgivable.
If that was Veldanava, there was no guarantee of resurrection.
If it came to that, she wanted to kill him with her own hands.
If she did so, at least Guy could resurrect.
However, Guy didn't care about such feelings of Velzard.
This is why——she thought, but Velzard thought it was very like Guy.
"Me losing to Veldanava is a story of the ancient past right? Next time I'll win!"
"......You called me stupid, but you are much more so. There is no way you can win————"
Clinging to Guy’s chest, Velzard said looking up.
"Might be impossible alone. That’s why, cooperate with me. You'll fight together right? Hey, Velzard?"
"——Wha!?"
Velzard was speechless.
At Guy’s excessive arrogance.
——And, at those words that were excessively like Guy.
That’s why Velzard slammed her true feelings at Guy.
"I hate you. Really really really really, I hate you. Hate hate hate hate——I hate you so much it’s helpless, and I love you."
Putting all her feelings, Velzard confessed.
Guy’s response to that was simple.
"Yeah, I knew."
Just a simple word as if to say it was nothing.
At this, Velzard could only be dumbfounded.
"Arrogant, to the point of being hateful——"
"Right? That is the proof that I am me."
"This makes me, worrying alone, look like an idiot..."
Beautiful drops flowed down Velzard’s white cheeks.
It was like proof that her frozen heart was melting.
"Yeah. I think so too?"
"......That's the part where you deny and comfort me right?"
"Why, that's a hassle. More importantly Velzard, hurry up and regain control of your body and return to sanity!"
Even now in the material world, Velzard remains rampaging. Rimuru will probably manage, but this isn't the time for long talk.
"As usual, not kind to me are you——"
"Is that so? You are my partner after all. I don't need to be considerate, like family right?"
"Partner... Family...? Familyyy——!?"
Velzard’s face buried in Guy’s chest turned bright red in an instant.
Velzard jumped away from Guy in a panic.
Not the meaning she wished for, it’s different, she thought.
(Because, Guy is kind...)
Guy is just trying to persuade her, she thought.
Without noticing such agitation of Velzard, Guy remained calm.
"Is it wrong? We’ve been together forever, in human terms isn't that 'Husband and Wife'?"
"Husband and Wife!?"
Hateful in his arrogance, Guy’s voice resonated in Velzard’s heart.
Never even confessed love, yet skipping all processes to Husband and Wife, Velzard was overwhelmed by the degree of Guy’s leap in thinking.
But, it didn't feel bad.
(Husband and Wife with Guy...)
Just chewing on those words, Velzard felt her heart becoming warm.
The flushed cheeks seemed hard to cool even with cold air that freezes all creation.
"Oi oi, don't space out like an idiot, hurry up and come back."
Without considering Velzard’s feelings, Guy said.
urged again, Velzard could only smile wryly.
Although thinking Guy’s attitude a bit regrettable, she was relieved by the usual interaction.
It’s back to usual, she thought.
"Yes, right... I really look like an idiot..."
"Is that so? But, I don't dislike it? That part of you."
At Guy’s words, Velzard laughed slightly.
The young Velzard was no longer there. Like her original self, beautiful and graceful, returned to a beauty with a smile as if worries had cleared.
Proof that hesitation vanished from Velzard’s heart.
Strong light of reason returned to her eyes.
With a shy smile that would captivate anyone, Velzard muttered small toward Guy, "I'm home."
***
Velzard, who became a beautiful female form, asked Guy with a serious face.
"Is it really okay? Do you really intend to oppose Brother?"
"It's too late for that. The Veldanava I know wasn't a guy who sneaked around in the shadows. If he was serious, he could destroy this world alone."
That was Guy’s true feeling.
That’s exactly why he could cut off his feelings for Veldanava within him without hesitation.
Veldanava had perished.
"You really are strong, Guy. I, you see, was scared of Brother. The resurrected Brother was sleeping in the 'Heavenly Star Palace' to recover his power. In the deepest room only I or Feldway could enter, forever."
"Hmm."
"And, he woke up just recently."
"You didn't stop Feldway because that was Veldanava’s will too?"
"Yes, that's right. Brother wished for the destruction of this world. That’s why I froze you to try and save you."
That was the truth for Velzard.
She cannot go against Veldanava. That is exactly why taking advantage of that plan, she thought to let Guy and as many others as possible survive.
So that they could live again in the new world.
Now that that scheme is gone, it’s All or Nothing.
Defeat Veldanava, or be destroyed and regenerated from zero.
"Consult me."
"Fufu,
you say that?"
"Well yeah."
Guy has complex feelings toward Veldanava.
He hasn't met him for thousands of years, but the nostalgic memories haven't faded.
No,
because of that——
He couldn't forgive the Veldanava that Velzard spoke of.
(That guy wouldn't pull such a petty stunt.)
That was the conclusion Guy reached.
The moment Guy designated Veldanava as an enemy was exactly this instant.
Velzard switched her consciousness too.
"I understand, I have resolved myself too. But, my betrayal will be found out by Brother immediately..."
Possessing the authority given by Veldanava, Velzard’s movements are completely visible. Before even that, with power borrowed from the opponent she opposes, it was impossible to even step onto the fighting ring.
Guy sensed that too and pondered.
(Unlike my 'Pride King Lucifer,' Velzard’s 'Patience King Gabriel' is a pure authority created by Veldanava. Leaving this as is feels bad thinking about the future.)
Since opposing Veldanava, they must win.
For that, they must take all possible measures, and crush possible weaknesses as much as possible.
At the very least, power borrowed from someone deemed an enemy must be settled at this opportunity.
"Your authority isn't just 'Patience King Gabriel' right?"
"Yes, that's right. I think you saw through it, but thanks to obtaining the Ultimate Skill 'Envy King Leviathan,' I was able to escape Michael’s 'Archangel’s Domination' (Ultimate Dominion)."
Velzard explained her authority to Guy.
That she deceived Feldway’s eyes by utilizing two conflicting Ultimate Skills.
"That implies, Feldway also hasn't noticed Veldanava’s resurrection?"
"Right. For some reason Brother hid the fact of resurrection. I thought he intended to stay silent until he regained power, but it seems he had another purpose..."
Velzard answered, though unclear what that was.
"Feldway is a pitiful bastard too."
"I wonder? Being too different from the past, it might be happier not to meet him."
"Is it that much?"
"Yes. 'True Dragons' are immortal, but if reborn the ego changes. Memories are inherited, but he isn't the Brother you know."
Velzard asserted.
Is that so, Guy nodded.
"Then, I'll beat him up without reservation."
"Specifically what will you do?"
"I'll think about that now, but first, have to do something about your authority."
As usual, Guy was playing it by ear.
Because he is the strongest, he doesn't need to think about things too hard. Although a bad habit, having a track record of managing somehow, Velzard couldn't complain.
(That’s why I get dragged around...)
Although there was dissatisfaction, it was troubling that that was also happy.
"What do you intend to do with my authority? Just in case, 'Envy King Leviathan' can suppress 'Patience King Gabriel,' so if I don't rely on the authority there is no problem."
Guy didn't accept Velzard’s claim that she could fight without relying on authority.
"That shady Rimuru said it, but apparently authorities can evolve. Your 'Envy King Leviathan' was born that way too probably, but you should be able to aim higher."
"Is that true?"
"Yeah. Even that Velgrynd, Rimuru seemed to manage something."
"Is that so..."
There was no hesitation in Guy’s words, and there was strength convinced that Rimuru could do it.
Almost becoming jealous of that trust, Velzard’s heart remained calm. However, told to entrust her body to a slime she doesn't know well, it wasn't something she could nod yes to easily.
Velzard doesn't hate Rimuru, and trusts him in a sense.
Certainly there is a shady side, but Rimuru holds the track record of correcting Veldora. Just seeing the point that he could discipline that rampager, he is admitted as sufficiently amazing.
Let's leave it to him——Velzard decided too.
"You say it lightly. Fine, to answer your expectation, I will try believing in Rimuru."
"I thought you'd say that. Then, I'll return and tell Rimuru, so prepare your heart and wait quietly."
Leaving those words, Guy’s Astral Body left Velzard’s Heart (Core).
Guy’s consciousness danced back to his own body in an instant.
[Image]
Guy, who became a female body, had released consciousness and was being held in Diablo’s arms.
Black and Red, handsome man and beautiful woman, very matching.
Guy is probably contacting Velzard’s Heart (Core) as an Astral Body now.
Just like when I touched Chloe’s Heart (Core) to save Hinata, he should be in a defenseless state.
I thought it was reckless, but he probably judged he couldn't save Velzard unless he did so.
There is a trust relationship between the two that others cannot enter. Praying for the success of persuasion, I decided to pray too.
And, several minutes passed.
Frankly, I had nothing to do and was bored.
Time flows differently in the mental world, so it wouldn't be strange for Guy and Velzard to wake up anytime.
So I have to stay alert, but Velzard’s cold air and magic waves are wrapped by my 'Void Collapse' so they don't affect the outside.
In short, nothing happens.
Since just watching is boring, I observed Velzard.
Velzard wrapped in my 'Void Collapse' is in a beautiful Dragon Mode.
That magicule (energy) amount is absolute, exceeding the evolved Velgrynd. Even compared to Veldora, it was a terrifying level almost equal.
Me, holding down such a Velzard without trouble.
Surprised at myself, but my magicule (energy) amount seems to have become quite something too.
That such rough moves became possible seems to be thanks to obtaining 'Void God Azathoth.'
The more I hear, the more I think it’s an outrageous authority.
I was blown to the end of the world by Feldway’s "Time-Leaping Tremor Crush," but that led to giving Ciel-san research time.
I received various explanations too, but needless to say I understood almost nothing.
I prided myself on being reasonably smart, but told concepts like "Speed of light is not constant" or "Time is not immutable" like 'That’s just your opinion right?', I couldn't even understand what relation that had to abilities.
There is a phrase 'giving up is crucial' in the world.
I decided to remember only the practical parts like a small citizen.
What that means is, Ultimate Skill 'Void God Azathoth' is, in extreme terms, a story about a clump of overwhelming energy.
The 'Void Collapse' I am using now, its true identity is [Absolute Collapse Factor] (Minus Energy) accumulated in the World of the End.
Even Ciel-san seemed troubled handling it, but as a result of researching taking infinite time, she said it can be diverted easily now.
Yup, amazing.
Like changing from a nuclear reactor to a fusion reactor? When I asked, <<Different>>, she asserted with a serious atmosphere.
She seemed to want more praise, but asking me for detailed attentiveness is wrong.
Well, anyway.
Experimenting with this energy seemed dangerous even inside the labyrinth.
It seems it wasn't something where you could hold back, and the World of the End was the best experiment ground.
Helping the enemy——I pitied Feldway.
By the way, when I used it for magic activation as a test, a huge explosion occurred.
It was the first step of first steps, Elemental Magic: Fireball, but it went up in huge flames. It became a maximum magic burning down a vast range rivaling or exceeding Nuclear Magic: Nuclear Flame.
This was already out of the question for my level of control...
