Ramiris's POV:
... I'm bored. Today will be like yesterday, and like the past hundred years. Nothing is happening here, why did I think it was a good idea to create my labyrinth in this remote place? Ulgrassia is a country full of spirit's worshipers, but they never pay me a visit. Why? It's the Spirit Queen's place, so they should properly pay their respects by visiting me, no?
My young fairies always try to cheer me up, yet I can't help but be bored to death. Eating fruits, waiting for potential heroes, sleeping, eating fruits, looking at my Colossus, waiting again and, yeah, eating fruits. That's not a life for someone as graceful as me. I can't wait for the next Walpurgis, at least there I can troll Dino and taste dishes worthy of my majesty.
Hmm? Oh great, Milim's here. That brat is coming like a meteor as usual, leaving a crater in front of my door. Why is she coming today? Bragging about a new toy? Complaining about raw veggies? Messing with me?
Wait, she's not alone this time. I can see it, that's a child with her. Where did she find it? And what's her plan? I can feel troubles already. Haaaaa... Well, at least today I have something to do maybe.
I recalled my fairies and spirits, as it's useless to oppose this pink catastrophe with our trials. She's coming straight to my room, thankfully I thought about reshaping the floor in a simple line, so she won't explode a wall... Shit, I forgot my colossus out there. Please, don't tell me she-
-"Hi Ramiris, too busy being bored as always?" She entered with an arm she likely ripped off my precious guardian. Sorry, you were too good for this world. "Cheers up as I've found someone fun."
-"You can't help but pissing me off every time, huh?"
I fly toward her, in order to give her a taste of my 48 special moves. She evaded it like a coward just before I made contact with her face, and I continued toward the kid she brought with her. Shit, I don't wanna hurt him. Move aside before you take my kick.
...Eh? He trapped me in a net? How rude! You wanna die? How dare you mock me, one of the greatest people of this world?
-"Milim? Are you saying this... child here is the Spirit Queen?" He brought the net close to his eyes, with an irritating deadpan expression. "Wasn't she supposed to be taller and majestic? That's not her kid or something?"
-"Hey dumbass! Release me and I'll show you what it cost to become my enemy. That's not a way to treat a lady like myself."
-"Yep, that's her, Rimuru." Milim released me, for once she did a good thing. "Sorry, she's often in a bad mood because no one bothers to visit her in this faraway place."
Arrgh... I've been stabbed by a fellow Demon Lord, what a treason. You didn't have to say it out loud.
-"Oh, sorry. But why are you this small?" This Rimuru brat knows how to ask the most hurtful questions. "... Nah, forget it. I suppose that's a private issue."
-"Ngggh, a-as you say, it doesn't concern an outsider brat. So, what's bringing you here Milim?"
-"I'm just accompanying Rimuru this time. My bestie has something to ask you." She gave him a tap in the back, Milim's fashion. He must have felt the power behind it.
-"So, here's my request..."
He explained to me he wanted to give a spirit to a human who lost her previous one, to stabilize her magicules and improve her health. He also asked if I agreed to help summoned kids to save their lives, without forgetting to apologize for earlier. I'm sure he purposely skipped a few details about this human, but nevermind. I'm the Spirit Queen, the one who grants blessings for those who need it and who help Heroes. It will depend on their luck, but I'm obviously willing to give a hand.
-"Okay, but remember I can't force my spirits to do something they don't want. That's not how I work, so be prepared for potential failure, got it?"
-"Thank you, I'll bring her immediately." He left, running outside the room.
-"Weird kid... So, what did you see in him? That's not your style to bring humans or Majins with you."
-"You need to work on your senses, Ramiris." Milim gave me a mocking grin, that's why I can't stand her, she always makes fun of me. "He could be one of us if he wanted, he just reduced his aura to look inoffensive."
Seriously? You mean I argued with a potential Demon Lord? Bah, I'm sure he's like the young ones, not a real challenge for me.
While he's away, Milim told me about this country in Jura Forest, saying how it seems full of fun things to do, with good people. That scum, she dared to tell me she plans to live there, and she really got besties? Dammit, leave me alone in my empty hole and go back and have fun. I don't need you, I'm an adult, and I won't cry.
-"I'm back." Already? Rimuru returned with a girl who's leaning on his arm.
She's walking with difficulty, as if she's on the verge of collapsing. Wow, she must have suffered a large drawback from her spirit loss. I can see her magicules desperately trying to remain stable, that's a miracle she's alive.
-"So, can I be saved here? The kids too?" She looks tired, but her eyes have a spark of hope.
-"It's possible, yes. But, I'll be honest, you'll have to pray for luck, as it's not guaranteed. Follow me."
Soon, we arrived at my most secret room, the Dwelling of Spirits. Rimuru helped the girl to climb, and she prayed for a new companion. We didn't have to wait for too long before a fire spirit descended. It's ego-less, but quite strong. Nowhere near the Ifrit that brat stole from me ages ago, but it will be enough to stabilize her body. They returned, and when she finally realized what happened, she began to cry.
-"F-finally, I can- *hic*I can live without fearing for me or my friends anymore.*hic*"
-"Good for you Shizu, and thanks again Ramiris for your help." Rimuru turned to Milim who seemed to be waiting for something. "You too Milim, it would have been way harder without your idea."
-"Heh, that was nothing." She says that, but can't hide her satisfaction to be praised. "Oh? Shizu fell asleep."
That's true, she must have spent the last of her strength by letting out her emotions. I asked Milim to bring her to a nearby room, she needs some rest, while I have something to discuss with this Rimuru.
-"So, I won't do it for free, you know. Especially when Milim destroys my stuff." I point toward my golem, completely in pieces. "Apparently you're some big shot in Jura, I suppose it won't be too hard for you to compensate for my loss."
-"Hmmm..." He's looking at it, inspecting the remains. "I can recycle the materials, and create a body. As the Spirit queen, do you mind if a Demon possesses it to become your servant?"
-"What, you can summon them? Okay, I can manage if it's not a battle junkie like Guy who won't listen to me. Deal."
As he's creating a doll, tall like a normal human, Milim returns after transporting that girl into a quiet room.
-"Say Rimuru, do you mind if I return now to the city?"
-"Do as you wish, I'll bring Shizu with me later. And if you can keep an eye on those two for me, and stop them if they start to destroy the place." He stopped with his work, and seemed to think about something, before turning to Milim. "But, if you can restrain yourself, please. I don't want another Mithra today."
-"Geh... I-I'll keep that in mind. See ya, Ramiris."
And she's gone. It might be a new record, usually she stays for an hour at least. Haaa, this summoning should work, I won't stand remaining alone like a loser again.
Rimuru is already doing it, he finished his doll fast. Soon, a dark figure looking like a Greater Demon appeared. Rimuru granted him the body, plus some of his magicules, and asked him to serve me in a century-long contract. Upon accepting, he fused with the doll, and awoke as my new servant. Rimuru granted him the name Beretta, and gave me the master key of the contract.
He looks so cool, and quite strong too. I had reservations about this majin, but he's the real deal. Next time I see Dino, he won't be able to mock me anymore... Weird, isn't a summon sign supposed to disappear once it's purpose was fulfilled? Why is it glowing like that?
-"Hey, Ramiris. I think you should back off a little."
-"What do you mean? I'm not some fragile princess y'know." He better stop looking at me like I'm a brat or he'll lose my sympathy.
-"He's right, my Lady." Beretta seems nervous, he seems to know what's happening. "This will be dangerous, they're coming."
-"Who are 'they'? You can't be talking ab-"
I couldn't finish as the sign exploded in an eerie light. When it faded, I could see four shadows in the dust cloud. Soon, their appearance was revealed, and gave me the same feeling as when I'm with Guy, Rain and Misery... You're kidding, right? I don't feel so good...
-"Lady Ramiris!"
Third POV:
Today in the Labyrinth, a world changing event was triggered, even if a certain pixie would be unable to witness it as she's currently busy succumbing to a heart attack. And the shock will be so great, her brain would throw out all memories of it until they meet again.
No wonder, as for the first time in history, all Primordials who remained in Hell responded to a summon. The spell was designed to leave a small gap for them to open, like an invitation to encounter the one who's considered equal to the abnormal old hag.
With Shizu still resting, Milim already returning to Tempest, and Ramiris now in a coma, only the Slime and the 5 Demons will fully know about this fateful day.
Talking about the Slime, he's walking toward the quartet, without any fear.
-"The old hag told me many things about you all, and I suppose you know me well, especially the one who stalked me since the beginning. I don't think we could get a better occasion to meet in the flesh for a while, so here we go. Greetings, I'm Rimuru Tempest."
Jaune's POV:
So, here we are. All those years after Mithra first kicked our butts, we met with her son. The one who's her equal, in life and death.
I already know what the others plan to do. Blanc is willing to follow him, Noir is being Noir, and even Violet considers it, just to avoid being left aside. As for me... Well, it wouldn't be so bad. But, I have to test him myself. Is he really that strong? I want to see it firsthand, and hopefully he'll meet my requirements. No way am I gonna serve a weakling, be it weakened compared to his prime.
After the old hag almost killed me, I cursed my own weakness. All those years, I did what no one ever expected of me: I trained. Be it about magic, swallowing my pride and asking for help from Mithra about Nuclear magic, or about swordsmanship I discovered with my servant, I trained.
Never again I want to feel this helpless. As a Primordial, I can't afford to be weak. So, sorry for you, but you'll serve as a good opponent for testing my current level. And if you're really the big shot Mithra sold us, then I'll gladly follow you for life.
-"I have to say, it's an honor to finally be in the presence of someone as promising as you." Oh shit, Noir's already trying to get in his pants. "But, while I can, I have to punish this foolish member of my lineage for having stolen my place as the first summoned."
-"Noir, is it? You do realize if you really were the first, you would have risked getting trapped in a contract with Ramiris instead?"
-"..." This Rimuru knows how to ask the good questions, Noir can be quite the idiot when he wants. "On a second thought, I should probably congratulate you for your keen senses, Beretta."
-"Yeah, yeah. That's good, but don't expect we'd all fall on the spot for your cutie face, Slime." I'm materializing my sword, and this Rimuru understood what I'm about to do. "If you want my respect, show me you're worthy."
-"A duel, eh? It's been a while. Jaune, I assume? Be my guest, come at me."
Ah, I like those who're cash. No need for blabbering, right to the point. The others stepped back, Noir gave me a stern gaze but I don't care. I'm me, I always worked like that.
The slime got ready, but without drawing out a weapon on his own. He invited me to make the first move, with an innocent-looking smile on his face. He's underestimating me, I'm not the same as 170 years ago. If he's not careful, I'll make him cry.
I rushed toward him, casted a few spells to see how he's moving before going for his head with my blade. He evaded them all, but didn't retaliate. When I swung my sword, he just evaded again. And the following strike. And again, even when I'm combining my swordplay with an array of spells. What is he doing? You won't defeat me just by acting passive. Do something dammit.
-"Hmmm... Those spells remind me of Mithra. And your moves are similar to Hakurou, that's funny to see the Hazy Style being popular even in Hell."
-"So you know about it. Let's see if you can still afford making that face if I get serious."
It doesn't matter if he knows this style, I have far more experience with it than him. My teacher showed me a fair amount of tricks and advanced moves, how will you react to this?
I lured him into a trap with a few explosive spells. They're not as bombastic as what I used to do before, but deadlier. I won't give him time to rest, and while he'll try to dodge this spell's rain, I'll go for the hit on his back.
As expected, he still won't bother to counterattack, and treat my spells like they're mere nuisance. He's getting annoying, but this will force you to make a move.
*slash*
-"...Huh?"
-"...*shriek* Lord Rimuru! What did you do, Jaune? I'll fucking kill you."
-"Hey, it wasn't supposed to happen." I'm trying to defend myself from this surge of killing intent, as I look back to the detached head who fell on the ground. "I just wanted to force him to get serious, why would I kill hi-"
*splosh*
"-Hey, wha' happened? Who turned off the light?" Dammit, something is glued to my face, and I can't get it off. "Shit, even my [Magic Sense] is jammed, I'm in complete darkness."
I couldn't see what kind of attack it was, but I might have a clue. I completely forgot in the panic, but this guy is originally a Slime. Losing his head isn't fatal, unlike with Humans... Hey, what's that smell? It stinks like an explosive spell ready to explode... Oh shit!
*booom*
...Well played, now I'm smelling like charred meat, and I'm sure my face is black like charcoal. I can see Violet rolling on the floor, mocking me.
I didn't have the time to recollect my thoughts, as the Slime pointed a weird ethereal blade at my throat. Hoovering all around me, multiple orbs looking like crystals trapped me, ready to assail. I can feel it, I'll have a bad time if they hit me. They give an uncanny feeling, as if my soul will be damaged by it.
-"Enough, I yield." I let go of my sword, and raised my hands, admitting my loss.
-"I like this prank, they all fall for it." He dispelled the orbs and his blade, before turning toward the others, who gave him a flabbergasted look. "Yeah, I used my head as a bomb. Got a problem?"
No one argued, as the results were here. He defeated me without even looking at me like a threat. Shit. My legs gave up. All this training for such a mediocre result. I don't think I'll be able to face him or Mithra after such disappointment.
-"You better stop criticizing yourself so harshly." He's putting his hand on my shoulder, without releasing any sign of reproach. "You can't use your full power here, and you just wanted to test me, so it was obvious you wouldn't go all out either. And I may not look like it, but I'm still the old hag's equal, so don't go underestimate me... And I'm not a mind reader, your face just gave it all."
-"Ah. Thanks, I guess." I got up, as I need to retain my dignity. "Well, now I don't have anything against serving you."
-"So, we're all on the same page. After this little game, I will follow as well." Violet confirmed her intentions.
She knew of my plan, and waited for the result as the cowardly brat she is. Blanc just nodded, while Noir had difficulties to restrain himself from praising our future lord with all his might. At least he knew better than breaking his image before actually getting into a contract, maybe.
-"Since you're all agreeing to follow me, I have to tell you I won't establish a contract right now."
-"Huh? Why not, lord Rimuru? Did we do something you would find unpleasant?" Noir is looking like a sad puppy, on the verge of tears. "I'm ready to do everything to redeem myself."
-"...Is he always dramatic like that?" whispered my future lord, probably pondering if he should pick Noir or cast him aside.
Do I tell him? I'm sure Mithra never did, as she was too disgusted to keep it in her memory. And I hesitate between letting out the whole truth, and temper with it to preserve Noir's chances to serve him. If I do the latter, that idiot will own me one, but I don't want my loyalty to be questioned.
-"To be honest, since you first appeared, he's been locked in his castle prying on your achievements. And... I'm sorry, this idiot is acting like, how do they say in the mortal world? Oh yeah, a bitch in heat when it's about you."
-"...Oh." That was the expected reaction, rest in peace Noir. "Hum, let's say he's passionate... At least I'm sure he's sincere."
-"...Wow. You're taking it better than we anticipated."
-"Let's say I had my share of weirdos, even if this guy seems to be on another level," he's looking at Noir, who manages to play a tragedy alone. "Hm-hm. You can stop now, Noir. I'm not casting anyone aside, it's just for practical reasons."
-"Oh, I'm deeply sorry about my ranting." Noir composed himself so fast I'm sure they're several guys in his head. I returned with the others before our lord continued.
-"So, I won't make a contract now, simply because I'm still weak. Let me finish, Noir." The idiot certainly wanted to argue our lord isn't weak, but he's making a fool of himself. "I'm not at the level of the Awakened yet, and I want you all to be able to use your full strength in this world. I'll do it when I evolve, and I plan to give a suitable body, and a name."
-"Oh my, no wonder. You're aware of the burden it will put on you." Blanc is beaming with excitation, and for once I feel her. "And we're blessed to have found someone who's planning to reward us to such an extent. Truly the best lord we could have dreamed of."
-"So, before I let you go, I still have one last question."
This time, lord Rimuru looked serious. His gaze gave us chills, it reminds me of Mithra when she's ready to lash out her anger. No doubt, they are a family.
"What did she do? Mithra."
Huh? He's talking about the old hag? But why with such a menacing tone? Oh yeah, she told us they were once opponents just before they died. Is he still holding a grudge against her?
"She was clever enough to not entirely spill the beans, but I'm sure she did questionable things the first time she met with you. I have known her the longer, and I'm ready to hear the worst. So, what did she do?"
...Oh, that. So we have to talk about our traumatic experiences. I would've preferred to let those memories be forgotten in the deepest parts of my mind but, here we go.
We took turns to explain in detail those chaotic days. Until the end, lord Rimuru kept a deadpan expression. When we finished, nothing. Just silence. A deep, uncanny silence, lasting a good minute, who started to frighten us. Until he suddenly approached, and patted my shoulder, and Violet's head.
-"I'm sorry about this brainless antics. Especially for the two of you, as those spells were some ideas of mine she borrowed."
-"I-it's nothing, really. It was her who used those on us." Violet is blushing, and I think I did too. Such displays of sympathy are too much for mere servants.
-"But I must say, she seems to have taken a liking to y'all. Especially you." He turned to me, with an amused look. "Apart from me, no one ever survived after calling her 'old hag'. See that as some sort of privilege."
I have mixed feelings about being 'privileged' by that mass of muscles, though.
"So, do you want to take your revenge on her?" He smiled, as if he planned something mischievous. "Nothing too dangerous, but quite fun. It will serve her right."
*A few moments later*
-"...That explains a few things. It would be glorious, but are you sure it's safe?" asked Violet, she developed good survival instincts when it comes to the old hag, more than anyone.
-"I swear you risk nothing. And if she tries to use force, tell her I have a jar full of Shion's old food ready. She'll understand."
At those words, Noir started to shiver uncontrollably. If this guy has this kind of reaction, it must be enough of a threat even for her.
-"So, we'll take our leave, my lord." Blanc saluted, a sadistic grin befitting her usual haughty self. "We have some preparations to do as long as she's knocked out."
-"Do so, and you'll have to tell me how it goes, next time."
We returned to our realm, and made haste to prepare the prank. All of our closest servants were called, as we need more hands to make it perfect. And honestly, they deserve a good laugh too.
Rimuru's POV:
And that's a good thing done. I don't think I'll have to wait for too long before we meet again. Now they're gone, Beretta went to wake Ramiris up, and I asked him to be quiet about this. As for Shizu, she'll get better soon, just need to wait a little before we can return to Tempest.
-"Nnggh... What happened?"
-"You're good? You fainted suddenly." Let's play innocent for now.
-"...I had a weird dream. I saw the remaining Primordials coming from your summoning circle."
-"A weird dream for sure. No way I could pull off something absurd like this with my power." Thank you for being so easy to manipulate, that's a shard in my foot less. "Maybe you got too excited about getting a new subordinate."
-"Maybe, yeah. At least, I'll have someone here with me to cure my boredom."
Mmh... So, she's getting lonely. That explains why she seemed so enthusiastic to get visitors, even if she hides it behind her annoying facade.
We talked for a while, waiting for Shizu to recover enough. Beretta went on his way to prepare some drinks, and I learned some useful things about the pixie's past and her powers. This labyrinth could be a masterpiece if used correctly. The old hag would surely think like me, and drool over the moolah one's could make with it. But that's not the only reason as to why I asked Ramiris this:
-"Say, do you want to relocate to my place?"
-"...Say what? Really?"
-"I mean, you're bored and alone as hell here. No one hardly comes to visit you, that's not a good way to live if you want to retain your sanity. And the Dryads would be so moved if you were to live in the forest. "
I mean that, really. Sure, her power could be a real treasure, and having the support of a second Ancient Demon Lord is extremely valuable. But, as a fellow unwilling loner, I understand how this situation is burdening her. And in Tempest, no one will mind having another Demon Lord living among us, not after Milim said she'll do it too.
-"Thank you so much, Rimuru. You're the kindest guy I've seen in a while." She's frantically let out her joy, moving around the whole room.
-"But I have something to ask you before. And I hope you'll keep your word on this matter."
According to Lulu, no one really likes Clayman, while Milim and the other youngsters tolerate him. Milim because he does interesting things who helped her cure her boredom (and because of sweets), Carrion and Frey because they're sometimes collaborating to increase their influence and power. But his shitty personality (who suddenly got worse a few decades ago) and his tendency to plot and manipulate are making him the black sheep of the Demon Lords.
So, it's not risky to get Ramiris onboard about our current problem with him. One day, we will surely confront each other. But I need the pixie to not give away anything about our future plans by inadvertence.
Her being in Tempest won't be a problem, as Clayman is seeing her as a pathetic weakling, according to Ramiris herself. But her flaw of blabbering and giving many details without paying attention could make it difficult if it reaches Clayman's ears.
Normally, it would be unlikely for a spy working under him to effectively reach Tempest's inner core with our forces. And I'm also working on a wide-effect barrier fueled by my [Soul Master], who'll help me keep an eye on suspicious wanderers. But we don't know if he's plotting alone, or if he's backed up by someone else. There's also those masked majins who managed to escape, so I don't want to rely on luck. We may be powerful enough to beat him and his army if we want, but it's better to lure any potential threat lurking in the shadows, if they exist.
-"So, if you're able to keep your promise, I'll gladly welcome you."
-"You bet I will. I never liked this moron anyways, and no one will argue if you overthrow him. I'll leave in a few days, I have to prepare a few things."
So, now it's official, another Demon Lord is coming. And with Lulu staying for a few days, I have a chance to officiously lay the foundation for diplomatic relations between Ruberios and us. This is getting better than what I hoped, such a good start will help us to catch up with the powerhouses. And we'll need it, as I fear what Feldway could do. This guy is so obsessed with VeldOne he could do something outrageous to bring him back...
Oh yeah, that's another problem. How the hell am I supposed to reveal I'm his friend, and the last guy who saw him? If I mess up, it could spectacularly backfire. Especially with his scary sister, aka Velzard... When the day comes, I really hope neither the old hag, nor Veldora will bring me bad luck.
A few hours later, in Blanc's castle, Mithra's POV:
Nnggh... Ow, my head. They didn't lie when they said Milim is in another league. I'll think twice before helping Rimuru about that kind of problem. And I hope I'll get some excuses when I get back, that punch flew out of nowhere.
-"Hmm? Hey, everyone. She's awake."
Wait, Jaune's sistah? What is she doing here, in Blanc's place? I can feel trouble incoming. The four heads, plus their top brass, are all entering. I don't like those little smirk they got. And the weird thing is Noir being here too, in lieu of masturbating on Rimuru's daily life.
-"We have two good news," he's starting his overly dramatic acting. "First, we were summoned by lord Rimuru, and pledged in advance our allegiance."
Oh? What a surprise, it happened faster than I hoped. They'll have to tell me how it went, it seems I've missed something entertaining.
-"And second, we have a surprise for you." Violet brought a box, packed up like some gift. "He gave us some advice, and we hope it will suit your tastes."
...Sus. That's not like him to give away some ideas of that kind for me. I opened the package, and inside was a glamorous dress, reminding me of what Blanc could wear when she wants to act like an Empress. That fucker, he knows I refuse to...
Wait a minute.
-"And if you prefer something cuter," this time it's Jaune who brought what seemed to be a custom high-school girl's uniform. "We even have clothes fitting for your inside youth. Which one do you want to try first?"
-"..."
I fled. At least I tried. But Blanc's son and the swordmaster guarded the door, and this room is infused with a spell which forbids teleportation. And I'm too weak right now to force the passage with all those top Demons ready to stop me.
-"Now, why won't you let it go? We prepared all of this just for you." Jaune forced me to sit down, and started to laugh with her sistah.
-"Yeah, it would be so good to finally see you wearing something new," said the latter, who's really getting along with her friend since it's official. "You only wear strict or boyish clothes. It's good enough, but you should try to highlight your femininity once in a while."
-"Fufufu. I'm ready to save this for posterity." Noir took with him his artifact, apparently he'll be recording. "Lord Rimuru will be pleased to witness it later."
...Rimuru, you asshole. You want to play it like that, huh? Reenacting our tradition of pranking each other, while trapping me with something that odious. Be my guest, then. But be careful, as one day, I'll take my sweet revenge.