Rimuru's POV:
We arrived at the Academy where the kids are, and Shizu is kinda stressed, as she left them suddenly without explaining anything. She told me Ifrit almost took control once, and she decided immediately to go before the worst could happen. I think she shouldn't worry, as kids are surprisingly mature when it comes to this kind of matters.
On my part, I haven't told Shizu about Yuuki. I don't want to burden her, and it will be better if she remains oblivious of his links with Clayman. If she remains here for several months, the best play is to reduce the risks of him getting suspicious. And as she knows it's best to not reveal who I am carelessly, Yuuki will need time to get much info about us.
Several teachers greeted Shizu on the way, and we arrived in front of the door of Class S. Inside, I can feel five unstable presences, and one of them is behind the door, ready to attack. Shizu must have felt it too, as she easily deflected a sword when entering the classroom. The kid who tried to scare us fell on his butt, and a loud silence fell for a few seconds when they saw who it was.
"Prof Shizu!" They all said in unison and ran toward her, hugging her and some started to cry.
-"Hello, my little demons. I've returned, sorry for leaving so abruptly." Shizu returned the hug, and patted some heads. A tear appeared, she's trying to remain composed but I can feel she's a mess inside too.
-"That was mean," complained the blonde girl who's clinging on Shizu. "You should have told us why you had to leave."
-"I've taken care of them, as I promised," the taller of them said before sobbing.
-"I can see that, you did good, Gale. Here, I came with gifts for you."
Shizu brought the package with surprises for the kids. When they saw what they received, they cheered and took the gifts as if they were treasures. When they started to calm down, the girl who got a picture book, I assume she's Chloe, looked at me and asked:
-"Teacher, who is this person?"
-"You can call me Rimuru. I'm a friend of Shizu and I'm accompanying her for a special task."
-"It's thanks to Rimuru that I could return with wonderful news. I have found a way to save you."
The kids all looked dumbfounded for a moment, and ceased to smile, as if they couldn't comprehend what they just heard. The oldest then spoke timidly, probably scared to get told it was a dream.
-"You mean it? Can we be saved? Is that why you left so fast?"
-"I mean it," Shizu acquiesced with a smile faintly tainted by sadness. I don't think she told any of them her problem with Ifrit. "It's actually something who helped me too when I was young, but I didn't realize it until a few weeks ago. We'll have you get Spirits."
We explained to the kids how having a Spirit will put their rampant magicule excess under control for life. To further put them at ease, I also said that if someone wants to be a Hero, it's a good way to start by being blessed by them. I saw the one who attacked us having sparks in his eyes.
They accepted the idea fast enough, and started to get excited, wondering when it would happen. I told them we could do it right now by teleporting to the right place, as we ventured there before. At first, they seemed dubious and uneasy from the pace of the events, but agreed as they trust Shizu.
On the way to Ingrassia, Ramiris told me she created a few rooms of her Labyrinth as a temporary measure for the kids. Once they get Spirits, she'll continue it properly with my advice, as we got an idea for it. As such, I can get them directly in the Dwelling without having them know about Tempest for now.
So, I teleported everyone, with the kids getting stomach aches from their first spacial travel. They got better soon, and were in awe from the sight of the Dwelling. Ramiris welcomed us, and I mentally recalled her to not divulge anything about me or Tempest, just in case.
As the children took turns to get their blessings, with Shizu to watch over them, and me to 'boost' the results if needed, I sensed someone who shouldn't normally be here. What is Lulu doing in the shadows?
I brushed it off for now, as I'm busy with this task. It went well for the first four with my help for some of them. The one named Kenya didn't need it, as he got a Greater Light Spirit willingly to help him. It's now time for the last, I call Chloe Aubert.
The little one got strangely clingy with me, and I had to help her walk to the top, as she trembled like a leaf in the wind. Shizu laughed a little, happy to see I started to get trusted, but no one laughed with what happened next.
The ceiling made a loud creaking, and the walls trembled. Ramiris panicked, as she never saw anything like that before, and that's not reassuring. When it stopped, a weird Spirit appeared... Is it really a Spirit? When I look at it with my Skill, it doesn't give the same vibe, and looks way too human. It may look ominous, especially with its latent power, and the fact that it has a time attribute, but I don't feel any malice- Hold on.
Time attribute? That's too unusual, and that's an euphemism. Despite my experience, I only witnessed the time attribute once. It's too damn rare and difficult to use, so why does it manifest in this entity? And it got the same signature as Chloe... Could it be?
'[Answer: using our knowledge and data as a basis, the probability for it to be a power from another era of the individual Chloe Aubert is over 98%.]'
While I listened to [Great Sage], Ramiris tried to stop her, but failed as expected. It got closer to me, and looked puzzled for a while, before taking a rapid look toward where Lulu's hiding, and finally fusing with Chloe. So, I haven't imagined it, Lulu seems to know something about her.
When the fusion finished, we returned with the others, and the kids began to cry of relief. Now they're saved for good, they let go of all that pent-up worrying. Shizu joined them, and barely managed to thank us for it between two sobs. The only one who didn't react normally was Chloe, I saw it was an act. A good act, but I'm not so easy to fool.
The other kids got tired from this burst of emotions, and I asked Ramiris to show Shizu a room to let them rest. I'll take this time to talk with Chloe and search for answers. If she really got powers from another era, chances are memories fragments tagged along. If that's the case, it could prove to be a precious mountain of intel.
Meddling with time here cannot happen without the system allowing it, except for the Suspended World, according to Veldanava. It's too dangerous otherwise. So, her existence alone proves to be capital.
Chloe's POV:
So, the timeline really changed again. How many times has it been since we diverged from the normal path? I can't recall, there's too much to remember. The previous one was a disaster, Rimuru died faster than ever. The one before was too strange, as he didn't appear to save us and Luminous was the only awakened Demon Lord at the time. I don't know what happened after, as my soul got forcefully transferred for another try.
This one seems closer to what I know, thankfully. But according to my memories, it started to become chaotic again, less than two centuries ago. An unknown Demon who even messed with Luminous, less unrest and conflicts in the Western Nations thanks to her. How did it change the present time?
This Rimuru isn't the same either. He looks and acts differently, he seems stronger, and he managed to save Shizu... Well, I'm grateful. Until now, she almost never got to live past her final journey, it always was one of my greatest regrets.
Another bizarre thing is, why is Luminous here? She never interacted directly with Rimuru before Walpurgis, only watched him from afar. Ah, nevermind. If they met already, it can only be better for us... If they are on good terms.
-"Say Chloe, are you feeling well?" Rimuru said while patting my head, I missed this. "Don't hesitate to tell me, it's not everyday you get the blessing of a Time Spirit linked to you from another era."
-"What, how did you know?" It surprised me, never before he understood the true nature of what happened.
-"Heh, so you're aware. I suppose you have a few memories as well." He's smirking, and that's a little unnerving. But I don't think he had bad intentions, he may not be the usual Rimuru, yet he remains Rimuru. He looked at the door and continued: "I suppose you're aware of this too, Lulu?"
-"Haaaa, I never expected it would come to this." Luminous stepped in the light, and gave me a radiant smile. I see she missed me, but what is this nickname? Another first. "Welcome Chloe, we have many girls' nights to catch up."
-"Hehe, glad to see you're the same as ever. However, you'll have to explain what's going on."
-"Of course, but first..." Luminous looked intrigued with Rimuru's appearance, as I do. "What's this? It's different from your normal self, and honestly, you're losing in cuteness."
-"It's a way to go unnoticed in the human lands. For now I can revert to my usual look." He switched to his emblematic cute blue haired body, albeit a little taller. "And like that, they would have probably thought I'm Shizu's kid, and I wanted to spare her from the embarrassment."
*Pfft* Yeah, I can picture it. It happened a few times, and resolving the misunderstanding was always an epic moment according to him.
Since the others are resting with Shizu, we took another room to discuss without being bothered. We've put in common some of our knowledge- but I'm sure each one of us kept secret a few things- and I admit I'm taken aback. Rimuru got one of the best starts I've seen as of now, and already noticed Yuuki's implication with Clayman.
This Demon, Mithra, is like a wildcard. She will be a huge help, and did a good work too by laying good foundations for mutual peace. I think we have a passive as I remember chasing after an unknown Demon once... Would've been stupid if I really killed her that time. And I'm curious about her, as I never met one of Rimuru's parents. There were siblings sometimes, but that's it.
Luminous actions took me by surprise, she trusted Rimuru faster than anticipated the first time they met. She appears to have taken a liking to Tempest as a vacation spot, even if the construction is still in progress.
Nothing dangerous for us happened as now, thankfully. Maybe it's the time I'll finally see Rimuru survive to the usual perils he faces. Yuuki won't really be a problem as he'll understand he can't do anything, and now Rimuru has knowledge about his Anti-Skill. We just have to be careful about Granbell, and the mysterious soldier of the Eastern Empire who first killed Rimuru. Too bad I barely have any intel about this part of the continent after all my tries. It's as if this point of time and space is sealed to me as long as Rimuru hasn't surpassed it himself.
And yet, I got a bad premonition. Not about the Empire but something else, and I never felt that, it's unnerving. Unforeseen problems always appeared when the timeline changed, or when Rimuru was different, but here our situation is better than I hoped. So, why do I feel like something will come to shatter our hopes again?
...Maybe I'm just habituated to disasters, and can't think of a timeline where everything could go smoothly for once. It would be good if I could keep it easy for once before it starts to get serious.
-"I'm baaaack," a cinder-haired woman entered our room, an orb filled with malicious power in her hand. "I felt you returned, Rimuru. I see you're in delightful company, with the horny vampire."
-"Tch, you won't lose an opportunity to mess with me, gorilla. I have enough with the fox as a bickering partner. At least, keep your tongue in front of Chloe."
-"Oh? So you're Chloe." She came closer and patted my head. It surprised me, but I must say I feel comfortable, her hand seems strong and yet, so gentle. But will it be the same once she realizes who I am? "Did you like the picture book? Shizu told me you're fond of them."
Hehe... It's so Shizu-like, worrying and wanting to please us. And this Mithra really is a kind person, for making Shizu trust a Demon after her clash with Noir. I regret attacking her by pure speculation.
-"Mmhhh? Wait, this sensation... You're too strong for a kid, even if your power isn't manifesting normally. What's this?" Oh, she felt it? Not so strange, as she's also a powerful Demon herself.
Luminous and Rimuru took turns to explain to her my origins. I'm still weary of letting someone I don't personally know learn the truth, but as she's related to Rimuru it should be fine... Mostly.
-"That explains it... Wait, a Hero of ancient times who disappeared suddenly." Mithra's smile faded slowly, as she certainly recalled it. "Oh fuck, you're the brat who attacked me once out of nowhere last century, when I was dealing with a corrupt heir in one of the Western nations."
Yep, she remembers. Awkward, how do I explain it? Luminous is aware of this story without knowing it was Mithra, but it's another problem. Talking about her, she's trying hard to hold a laugh, the desire to mock Mithra seems strong.
-"Bah, nevermind. That's an old story now, as long as you don't try to stab me again." Annoyance is written on her face, and she's tapping with her foot like she's waiting for an apology. "I got quite freaked out that time, seeing a Hero so strong going after my head."
-"I would've wanted to see you scared as hell. I'm sure the Primordials are telling that story once in a while when you're not looking." Rimuru got up and is poking Mithra's side, who got a vein popping in her forehead. "So, what's this orb?"
-"Tch, you could use an ass-whooping yourself once in a while, Rimuru. That's Charybdis's Core. I remembered about it and went to pick it up just in case one of our enemies tried to use it. There's no better place than here to guard it."
-"Oh... Good initiative, I completely forgot its existence." Rimuru seems honestly impressed, and picks the Core to store it away. Then he turned to me and Luminous. "And now, what will you do? The others will rest for about an hour or two I think."
-"Mhhh... Since Luminous is here, I suppose we could go fetch my body." It may be soon, but why not? Granbell won't be able to unleash Chronoa and I'll get more time to adjust to it again. Since the timeline shifted, and for the better, I suppose we can afford another change. "Afterwards, I'll keep an eye on the others, to be sure no one will try to put them in danger. And honestly, I want to use the next months to profit of the calm days, and get along with Shizu..."
Since Tempest is mostly safe until the Empire's invasion I think, I want to use this time and find a way to apologize to Shizu for leaving her, in the name of the Hero Chronoa. I wonder if and how I should get Leon to find my traces. Each time he desperately searches for me, and that sweet of him, even if he's too much of an awkward, worrywart and overprotective... Meh, I'll wait for after Walpurgis, or it will be a headache for everyone.
Luminous agreed and we teleported to the Inner Sanctum after going out of the Labyrinth. Louis, Roy and Gunther were waiting for Luminous, and raised an eyebrow when they saw me. When they recognized who I am, they welcomed me diligently, and went to guard the crypt until we finished.
There, I saw the Ark protecting my body, and a finely decorated sofa. I see Luminous likes to admire my body as usual... *Sight* The first time I learned about her tendencies of leaning naked on the Ark, I chased her and tried to slap her face from embarrassment. I witnessed firsthand how she's able to outrun many when a pissed Hero friend is after her. At least, afterward she has the decency of restraining from teasing me most of the time.
Luminous took a few minutes to undo her spell. When it vanished, I felt my true body entering in resonance with me, and we fused. It's weird seeing Chronoa staying calm, with all the times she rampaged when outsiders disturbed her.
When the light faded, I saw Luminous drool a little, and I immediately materialized clothes for her greatest desperation. Sorry but I see you only as my best friend, and I saw enough of what you tried to do to get Hinata in bed. I apologize in advance, you'll be my scapegoat again.
Before we returned to Tempest, I reverted to my child's appearance. Now I'm used to explaining it to the class, but this time I'll have to face Shizu... And since Hinata probably won't return to the past herself, as Granbell can't unleash Chronoa anymore, I'll have to do it alone. Well, I have maybe a few months before I change back, unless a new threat appears.
I plan to stick with the class until the Walpurgis, no need to stay as a kid after Clayman and Yuuki are defeated. I'll take the opportunity of living in Tempest to prepare as best as we can, and roam tranquilly in its streets. I think I deserve some peace of mind while it's possible.
In the Labyrinth, the others woke up a little after we returned, giving Luminous enough time to talk and tell me goodbye. She plans to get a mansion here to profit from tranquility once in a while, far from Ruberios and her subjects. She won't admit it, but I see she's intrigued about Rimuru and Mithra, and doesn't treat them as strangers or colleagues. Not that she actually ever thought of Rimuru simply as a colleague, as he often got used as a dress-up doll for maid clothes. But with how they acted with her earlier, she may find it refreshing to be able to let go of her usual behavior.
Rimuru teleported us back to our class, but not before I got Ramiris giving me a wall of advice in case my Spirit goes overboard. I appreciate her concerns, however useless they may be. Despite her bad manners and temperament, she never failed to express sympathy for us.
Rimuru promised to visit us at least once a week, and returned to Tempest. Funny, I'm excited like a real child, our first classes with Shizu after we got our Spirits. How will it go?
...I just hope she won't act like the Demon Instructor she is. It was already a nightmare for Yuuki, the others won't survive it.