Mariabell's secret base, Mariabell's POV:
I'm near a breakthrough, I can feel it. Thanks to [Greed], I have gained a good insight on how this lizard's power works. This Anti-Skill is obnoxious to deal with, but if I can use it for myself, then I'll become nigh-unstoppable.
Yet, I have a few things blocking me. First, I'm not strong enough to absorb this power as I am now. Well, I should say 'we'. [Greed] admitted he can't work on it until he evolves further. And I too need to reach a higher plane of evolution.
Second, I have to keep this seal in mind. For now, we managed to avoid damaging it, and we must ensure it will stay as it is.
And lastly, there's now way I'm gonna implant it on myself without making sure it's compatible with any type of body. Would be pathetic if it kills me from the inside because it's overtaking my power or something.
I'll have to use a few lab rats, some that I won't mind losing at first. But if that's successful, then I'll get a powerful weapon that I could 'lend' to my pawns.
[Greed] told me an ingenuous way to use its abilities. I knew I could stir desire to take over someone's mind, but making their strength's mine didn't even pass my mind until now. To be honest, I can't really do it in a direct way, the Skill isn't potent enough to go that far. But the trick he taught me will suffice.
The sub-skill [Loan Shark], that he kept hidden. By calling for a target's desire, I can lend him power, mine or some that I transfer from somebody else. The cherry on the cake is that I get interest for each loan. The borrower becomes linked to me, allowing me to tap into his reserves if I need it. I can even decide to take back what I've lent, and steal a benefit by the way.
I've tested it with one of the toys I got from meddling with the undergrounds, this filthy man called Vega. A hoodlum from Ingrassia, who was a subjugation target from the Guild. Thankfully we managed to snatch him before they could dispose of him.
His Unique Skill [Scavenger] got my attention. It allows him to gain the properties of anything he eats. And when I say anything, I mean anything. We even tested with equipment, he ate it like it was paper.
Since consuming powerful prey will make him more powerful, I lend him my power, as my interest grows alongside him. I feel it slowly building, my abilities and magic already gained a whole level. And when he grows strong enough, I'll take it all back.
As a bait, I told him that I would make him my lieutenant if he managed to get through the trials I'm giving him. Of course, he'll die. There's no way I'm gonna let this wretch become my underling, I know how these guys work.
He's bowing as long as he's weaker than me, but the day the tables turn, he won't hesitate to trample everything. I wonder what kind of dense, naive airhead would give this sort of person a chance.
Outside of him, I used this trick with Razul, so I can use some of his absurd strength. I've also done it with some small fry that I will use as spies, they're so unremarkable they won't stand out in any way.
The power they got is some sort of telepathy net. I'm still struggling to use it without getting headaches, but with it, I'll have many ears and eyes in the West.
They'll be even in Tempest, thanks to a few monsters I've lured. If I can pay back that Mithra for the mess she caused in the Council, breaking my mind controls. I've learned my lesson, I won't be using a power so easy to detect and dispel in her territory. The telepathy will be encrypted, no one will notice unless they directly enter the spies' minds.
-'[It's good to see you're not letting your grudges get the better of your judgment.]'
-'I know. That women and the slime are way too strong for us right now. Granbell too was a mountain, even if he seemed to be in the lower end of the Heroes. But soon, they'll see. Their land and people won't be safe from my grasp.'
Tempest has grown large and powerful so fast it's like they're mocking me. I don't care if I'm facing two Demon Lords and another legendary lizard, it won't stop me from stirring unrest under their noses. We only need to not get caught before being able to hunt them.
Lake Siss, Gabiru's POV:
Raaaaahh! Everything goes wrong these days. Yesterday I almost blew the lab by mistaking a solvent for another while Vesta was knocked out. This morning I got scolded by Sir Rimuru about my questioning toward his power of resurrection…
I understand his logic, but I can't accept it so easily. How many of Tempest's residents lost a loved one before we came under his and Lady Mithra's definitive protection?
No, no. Stop thinking about it, Gabiru. I'm not in his boots, he's trying to use his abilities wisely. He's right, if he brings back the dead without a care on the sole basis of reuniting families, where should he stop? As he said, the revived could also grieve their own ancestors, and it could continue at infinity…
At least, I know he tried with our mother too, it was kind of him to tell me. I'm sad she refused, but her last words were a gift. She said she's proud of me and Souka, but how should I tell my sister?
I know she'll burst into tears, and I can't help but feel guilty. That day our mother passed away, she wasn't here as she replaced me for a mission at the last minute. She couldn't bid farewell, she even cursed me afterwards when she got the news.
It's egoistic, I know, but I would have wanted to allow them to be reunited. Even our father, he's strong and wise, but it wouldn't be bad for him to have someone to shoulder him for the many years to come.
-"Oh! Sir Gabiru! Good to see you."
-"Ah, you guys. You returned from your day-off?" I saw my three friends coming back from the caves.
-"Yes, it felt refreshing. You came to breathe the air of our land too?"
We talked for a long time, I forgot my worries thanks to their cheerfulness. I'm so grateful to have them as my friends, they know how to bring a man back to his feet. After a while, we arrived to the girls' subject.
-"Hey guys, did you see that stunning Kijin near Akamaru's house lately?" Sukerou asked with a wide smile.
-"For sure, it's on my way to work. She's a real beauty. It's almost like I'm seeing Lady Shuna as an adult." Yashiri was daydreaming.
-"Good for the man, I heard he's been a widower for years. But maaaan, I'm jealous. I want a girl too." Kakushin cried over his lack of romance.
What? A woman resembling Miss Shuna? I see. It must be her real mother, I assume Sir Rimuru still revived someone. I'm happy for her… While I'm at it, this morning I saw a girl who had a striking resemblance to Lady Testarossa too. It isn't a coincidence I think.
My friends must have noticed I'm feeling down somehow, they may think it's because I'm also unsuccessful with girls. I won't say it doesn't affect me either. So they changed the subject.
-"Sir Gabiru, is it true a tournament will be held between the executives soon?"
-"Hmm, yeah. Don't worry guys, I will do my utmost best. I'll also cheer for Souka, I want to see how much she has grown."
-"Yeah, show them that you're stronger than they think. They're underestimating you, for real."
-"You think?" I was confused, why did they think I was being underestimated?
-"Yeah, they gave you a side job with Vesta, and didn't give you a big role in the last war either. It was all for Benimaru, but I'm sure you could be as good as a commander." They heated themselves. "Not only him, but it's like some are favored by our leaders compared to others. They don't know what they are missing."
-"...Maybe you're right. I must be sure to show to everyone my true value then. It would be unfortunate if my talents were to go unnoticed." I raised my fist, as a renewed fire burned inside me. "Behold, Tempest. Gabiru's here!"
-"Yeaaaah! Gabiru! Gabiru! Gabiru!" They began their usual cheering, raising our morale even further.
They're right, I was too easygoing until now. I took for granted my position, while I should show what I'm capable of. I want to make my father and Souka proud, and make myself shine in a new light. The days of the goofy Dragonewt who made blunder over blunder at the lab are over.
Cerberus' hideout in the West, Third POV:
-"Here we are, Rimuru. Are you sure you don't wanna tell me why you're so curious about Damrada?" Yuuki asked as he showed the path to the meeting room.
-"You'll know soon enough." Rimuru smirked, teasing the boy proves to be amusing. "Just help me calm him if he shows hostility. I don't want to have a high-level Saint wreaking havoc while I'm only here to chat."
Yuuki raised an eyebrow at the mention of 'Saint', as he's oblivious to Damrada's real identity.
Cerberus had finished dealing with the other underground's organizations. The leaders held a meeting to see how they would spread their influence deep into the Empire. As he promised, Yuuki called Rimuru to meet with the man of the East.
-"Since we're early, you can speak with him before our meeting. I don't know if you're interested in staying afterwards, but I suppose it depends on how it goes." Yuuki opened the door of a lobby, before turning away. "I'm gonna call him. Make yourself at home."
-"The Empire… It would be better for everyone if Rudra can listen to reason for once. Even in his prime, that blondie could be unreasonable." Rimuru leans back on a wall, remembering what he knows about the first Hero.
-'Yeah.'
-'I think I could bring Lucia next, I have enough data to know I can manage it. She'll get mad at her brother's idiocy.'
-'Mmh.'
-'...Ciel?'
-'As you say.'
-'Hey Ciel. Am I bothering?'
-'Mmh? Ah, sorry. I'm on a new project, and I'm trying to focus. I'm curious about your Skills. What if I can forcefully evolve them with [Degenerate]?'
-'I see, that's a big project you're dealing with. Good luck then, just avoid creating a mess.'
-'Pfft, what could possibly go wrong with a little tinkering?'
Rimuru kept silent about the fact that she jinxed herself. He decided to trust her, she had [Great Sage]'s power, even if it broke. It's far from Gabiru mistaking hipokute and weed. And with what he did to his own soul before, he knew he wasn't in position to give lessons.
He resumed his thoughts about Rudra and Lucia. He wondered if that idiot blondie would back off if his sister came back, or if he was too deep in his own shit to stop.
He snapped out when the door opened again. Yuuki accompanied a middle aged man with blond hair and a goatee, wearing an expensive black suit.
Damrada recognized Rimuru from the description he heard. His mischievous smile was a facade, hiding his wariness. He had enough confidence about his skills to fight and flee, but facing a Demon Lord in such an unfavorable environment could be disastrous for his plans.
-"I hope you won't mind me cutting corners with the usual courtesy formulas, Demon Lord Rimuru." He leans on the opposite wall, facing the slime. "I assume you're here for a good reason, since you seem to know who I am."
-"Straight to the point, that's good for me. And yes, I know you. Damrada, prime minister of the old Nasca Kingdom, and close friend to Emperor Rudra."
-"...I wonder if I let a few hints escape somewhere, or if someone in the Empire sold intel about me." He laughed coldly and tensed, preparing to flee if needed.
-"I have my own source, and be at ease. I'm not here to hunt you or anything." Rimuru showed his hands as a sign of good will. "I have a request for you."
Damrada kept his senses in alert, but seemed at least inclined to listen. Yuuki looked alternatively between them, wondering if it was safe for him to stay and hear Rimuru dropping another bomb.
"My words won't have any meaning if I don't properly explain the situation, so I'll ask you to only listen at first, and wait for me to finish." He turned to Yuuki. "If you could stay outside until I call you. There will be a few 'secret' things."
Yuuki went to another room, and Rimuru conjured an anti-spying spell. He then proceeded to explain what he knows and how he got the information. To further prove that he wasn't toying with Damrada, he told a few silly stories that weren't in any history book, or that even Guy never heard off.
It's better for Rudra's reputation that these stories stay unknown to Guy. The content includes for example a time where Rudra got so drunk he slept in a stable and a goat defecated on his cape.
Once he recalled those goofy moments, Damrada sighed from relief. The one before him isn't a threat, but someone who certainly held the key to his own plan. With a grieving smile, he announced the truth to Rimuru.
-"I'm sorry, but we must consider Lord Rudra as dead. You'll find it ludicrous, but he got replaced by something else. An ego born of a Skill."
-"Michael took over?"
-"Hm, yes. I'm surprised you accepted it so easily."
-"Well, Veldanava admitted it was a possibility for the strongest Skills to further evolve with time. So if the Creator said it, why not consider it." Rimuru explained while taking the most honest expression he could. He had proof that it was feasible, but he obviously hid Ciel's existence.
-'He admitted it, and yet he still exchanged Skills. Was he too dumb to realize that Michael would do anything to return to his true master?' Ciel asked, dumbfounded. She shivered at the thought of being exchanged with someone else when she was a Skill.
-'Oh, I assure you. No one knows the true extent of his stupidity, not even me. How many times did I give him a beating after learning about his dumb ideas?' Rimuru sighed. For the first time in this life, he was ready to punch his cosmic friend again.
"Another one to bring to life, more work for me. But that's a real problem. I don't know if Michael will be reasonable enough to listen to what I have to say." Rimuru scratched his head, before his eyes widened. "Shit, Velgrynd."
-"The Ultimate Dominion? Yes, she certainly is under its influence." Damrada shook his head, dejected. "She still thinks it's the real Rudra, never realizing he's gone. Not only her, but all the other imperial guards are oblivious too. I'm the only one who understood it as I was the one tasked in finding countermeasures against Michael."
-'That's dangerous. If this Manas gets hostile, then the old hag could be a target. They shouldn't meet if we become opponents. She already knows about the Domination Circuit, but we still don't have a way to dispel it entirely.'
Rimuru wasn't pleased with this development. Velgrynd being under Dominion means that Michael won't mind using every trick he has. The slime thought he should warn Guy once his buisness is finished, as their game was now obsolete.
-"Haaaa… I can worry about that once we've finished. Do you think Michael is aware of your shenanigans? It will be hazardous to return to the Empire if he does."
-"I don't think so. His 'birth' occurred for a few years already, and I never felt threatened by him for now. According to Lord Rudra, Michael wasn't fully awake and too busy taking over his soul.
Still, I must go back there once to search for reinforcement. I'm not the only one who will leave the Empire. Well, I should say betray, that's how they will see us." Damrada sweatdropped, as he weighed the full extent of what he said. "Gadra could be reasoned with. He joined us only in spite of Ruberios, to take revenge for his friend. It ain't much, but better than nothing."
-"You've made up your mind, I see."
-"I have no other choice if I want to uphold my promise… Rimuru Tempest, allow me to work with you."
He extended a hand, and Rimuru shook it, officializing their cooperation. While the news wasn't that good, Rimuru at least got valuable intel which allowed him to think of a new course of action. But a sudden call from Veldora brought another set of problems.
-'Rimuru, come back immediately! We have a visitor, the kind you don't want to mess with. Feldway is here, and he's asking to talk with you and Mithra. Be quick, Diablo is already shit-talking with him.'
-"...Fuck. Sorry Damrada, I have urgents matters waiting for me." He huffed, recalling that even Veldanava complained about how unbearable he could be. "Wait for me to contact you before you return to the East. Tell Yuuki to continue his job as planned."
-'It will spell headaches, I can see it coming as huge as Veldora's ass in his dragon form.' Ciel joked in an attempt to relax him before meeting with the chief of the Angels.
Near Ameld River, third POV:
Rimuru teleported to where Veldora and a few others waited. Apparently, Feldway felt Pico wandering around on his way to the city and ordered her to pass the message instead.
When they heard the name, the Primordials, be it Demons or Angels rushed here. Mithra came with Shion, Benimaru, Kumara and Veldora. The tension rose quite fast between the demons and Feldway, as the latter can't really stand his demonic counterparts.
Rimuru recognized him easily, he was as Veldanava described his normal form. A blondie with sharp dark-blue eyes, and an androgynous face. Unlike what Rimuru remembered, he was wearing a red military uniform instead of the black armor and white robes he usually had.
-"So, you're the one called Rimuru." He said with a calm yet unsettling voice, ignoring Diablo who stopped trashtalking. He scrutinized the slime for a few seconds, his expression changing, being somewhat appeased. "You really possess my Lord's blessing, I can't believe it."
-"Dino spread the word, heh?" RImuru looked at the Fallen who stiffened. Dino was for once totally awake due to the situation. "Well, that's what I wanted. Made it easier to reach you."
-"Heh, you're quite smart it seems. Anyways," Feldway showed a more serious expression. "I'm here to inform you, Rimuru and Mithra, that I will test you using the Empire."
-"...Of course, you're not the type to give your trust on such matters easily. But why the Empire?" Rimuru asked, but knowing what Damrada revealed earlier, he supposed the angel was working with Micheal.
-"I assume you know of the Emperor's stupid game with the lobster. First, I must tell you that Rudra's dead, and a new friend of mine took his place. You may not believe me, even if I say the name Micheal?"
-"...I do." Rimuru put on a perfect act, as if he first heard it now. "Veldanava will be satisfied to learn that his assumption about an ego born from a Skill went true. He'll be less about his brother-in-law's death. Well, it's only one more soul to bring back anyways."
-"Perhaps, but Michael and I are ready to receive any punishment he'll deem fit once he's back. Before that, I want to see for myself if you're living up to your reputation. We will use the might of the Empire, and launch an invasion. If your country manages to surpass it, with its sole strength, then I'll be willing to say you're fitting the bill."
-"How thoughtful to warn us but, how can we be sure you're not trying to trick us?" Mithra asked, her severe gaze piercing Feldway's. "I too have heard about you. You have a ruthless reputation, you know?"
-"Hah, don't worry. Unlike some demons, I know how to stay true to my word without a fault." He glanced at the Primordials, their aura flared due to the mockery. "If needed, I will even swear on my name, and the name of my Lord. How about that?"
-"If you're ready to go to such lengths, then we can trust you." Rimuru made a sign to the demons, telling them to calm down. "Knowing you, you would prefer to disappear before breaking your oath on his name."
-"Good for me too. But since you had the decency to warn us about your test, you won't mind laying some outlines, don't you?" Mithra still confronted Feldway in a staring contest.
-"I don't mind as long as you stay reasonable. I said it was a test, we're not planning a distasteful full-scale war without rules. Unless you break your part of the agreement, that is." Feldway let escape a little surge of aura as a threat, showing he'll be implacable if they try to violate the terms. "But I'm sure it won't cross your minds."
His move made everyone except Rimuru and Mithra react and raise their guards. The demons didn't hide their murderous intent, and Kumara started shaking uncontrollably. It wasn't unnoticed by Rimuru, who went to see her.
-"Hmm? Ah, I recall one of the Imperial Guards did launch an expedition against some Cryptid nation a few years ago. You can blame those foolish humans for their cruelty, as you're the sole survivor. It would have gone better if your kin had put up a fight though."
-"SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Kumara yelled on top of her lungs and tried to attack him, but Rimuru held her in place. She thrashed around, blinded by rage. "I forbid you to say anything about my people! Trash! Scum!"
Shion and Testarossa helped Rimuru to calm her, the demoness showed her disdain at what Feldway did. After shouting hysterically, Kumara finally fell on the ground, and started sobbing.
Witnessing her distress, Rimuru turned to Feldway. Those who saw his eyes stepped backward by instinct, including the angel. In lieu of his golden eyes, were two empty voids, reminding of nothingness.
-"Don't. You dare. Try it. Ever. Again." He spoke while imbuing his words with power. He completely concealed his aura, adding to the eeriness.
-"...My apologies. I have overstepped my boundaries." Feldway was surprised in feeling himself backing off. 'Is it because he got Lord Veldanava's blessing?'
-"Be careful from now on, that was my only warning." Rimuru switched back to his usual self, no trace of his outburst left. "Let's talk about the rules of this test. You had two conditions if I remember. I also have a few to submit to your side.
First, you said you didn't seek a total war. Then, both sides will swear to not target any non-combatant intentionally. Only those who are on the battlefield count."
-"Not a problem, I agree. But be mindful that I can only vouch for myself and Michael. I have no control over the actions of those foolish, warmongers humans." Feldway retrieved his calmness.
-"Good enough. Second, since it's Tempest versus the Empire, we won't call our allies. From our side, we'll make sure that Milim, Guy, or any other will stay neutral." Rimuru invoked a paper and a pen, writing the pact while talking.
"For Michael, not using Dominion on a neutral party. For you, since you came in this body, no switching to your true form. Also, not using your authority as the leader of the Angels to call the other Original ones. If you do, I'll consider you're cheating by calling another party for help."
-"Oh? You didn't include Armageddon in the list?" Feldway raised an eyebrow.
-"I won't, since it's part of Michael's abilities. As long as no neutral countries are targeted."
-"I see, you're quite honest. It's an acceptable request, I agree. Those three are included, as long as they don't interfere." He pointed at Dino's team, who relaxed now they're certain they won't have to bother in this. Feldway then looked at Mithra, who answered with a glare full of disgust. "You don't have anything to say? You're included in the deal."
-"Rimuru can speak for both of us, he knows you better. Continue."
-"And last, Velgrynd."
-"Mmh? What about her?" Feldway frowned. He hoped this slime wouldn't dare ask for her to not get involved, it would be a pity since he was moderate until now.
-"I want a show of goodwill from you and Michael. I assume you have put her under Dominion to keep the Rudra's acting." When Rimuru said her name, Veldora understood what's entailed and clenched his fist. "I want you to allow her to visit Veldora once."
-"...I think you're asking for too much. What are you after?"
-"Don't worry. I swear we won't try to dispel it, or tell her the truth about Rudra's fate. But I want to be sure she isn't used as a mere puppet for your plans." Rimuru let his blessing flare, to show Feldway what this is about. "We're talking about your lord's sister here, even if you only have eyes for Veldanava.
I won't say anything about the use of Dominion when we'll be in the midst of the war. It's war after all. But while we're still at peace, I want to be sure you didn't subdue her completely, as it's unneeded. What is your answer?"
Feldway thought for a minute, while Mithra patted Veldora's shoulder. Then he nodded to show his accord.
-"Wonderful, that's all for me." Rimuru signed the paper he imbued with a binding power. Mithra signed it too before presenting it to Feldway. "I made a copy for myself. If you sign here, this treaty will serve as a safeguard. It will consume if one of us breaks our oath. Be sure to give it to Michael and make him sign too."
-"That's a pact of great quality. Very well, let's make it official." Feldway acquiesced, and signed it. Once it's done, he turned back and walked away, before stopping after a few steps. "...Lord Veldanava, how was he?"
-"...A huge chatterbox who had millennia of loneliness to break. A bit annoying at times, but a great friend I enjoyed talking with." Rimuru politely smiled. "He said you are his trustable follower, but quite overbearing, thinking only about your duties. Try to take a break sometimes, it helps ventilate your brain."
-"...Heh, he said something similar a few times. I'll keep it in mind." He looked at the sky. "You have at least three months, but not much more before the invasion. Good luck."
He teleported, allowing Rimuru to take a deep breath. Mithra kept her senses on alert.
-"That was the leader of the Angels? What a scumbag."
-"I won't ask you to be on good terms with him, I don't like that birdie either." Rimuru stretched his limbs. "At least, the hardest is done. Now we only have to defeat them, and we'll have the path clear until we finally help our guys escape from the Lost World and revive the goofball. Pretty straightforward."
Mithra let it sink into her mind. Her expression became somber, as something bothered her for some time already. Rimuru's words seemed a bit off to her, she needed to be sure.
-"Rimuru, you know it's not that easy. We have another problem."
-"What? Are you afraid Oryos and the others will be mad at us for having taken so long after our petty quarrel?" He said with a grin.
-"!!! You don't rememb- NNNGGH?!"
Mithra fell on her knee, as she felt her stomach burn. A perilous sensation that spread to her whole being. Rimuru got worried and helped her stand up.
-"Hey, hey! What's wrong?"
-"Mmmmpf… It's nothing. Maybe Ul's poison from our latest training. She caught me off guard." She managed to keep her act together, as the fire ceased as fast as it started.
-"I see. Take a break, that's not like you to make such a mistake. I'll go see Kumara, she told me to meet her in the Labyrinth." He left once he was sure Mithra was okay.
As for her, she stayed here, in disbelief. She couldn't buy it. She didn't want to accept it. That burst of power inside her, was the thing she feared the most right now.
For the rest of the day, she sat on the river's bank, throwing rocks to make them ricochet. She didn't turn her head when the demonesses approached.
-"What are you doing here, looking so pathetic?" Ultima asked awkwardly. She was trying to look annoyed but she felt Mithra's was down.
-"...He forgot." She threw another rock. "He forgot why we're in this world in the first place."
-"Mithra? You can tell us if you need an ear." Testa bent, ready to give support to one who helped her get better.
-"..." She broke her record with 10 ricochets.
-"What? You don't trust us? After all this time you screwed with us in Hell? Tell us dammit!" Carrera held her by the collar, fuming to see Mithra staying silent. As it did nothing, she got enraged. "LOOK AT ME OLD H-"
She stopped when she saw Mithra's face. There was no trace of anger, nor contempt. It was a look totally unknown to them. Mithra looked tired, as if she was on the verge of giving up.
Carrera released her, shocked. Even without words, the demonesses began to understand what's lying underneath. Mithra returned to her activity, her head and shoulders dropping.
-"Sorry. I want to be alone for now."
-"...Call us if you need. We'll be here." Testa left, followed by the others.
They wandered along the river, mulling over Mithra's pitiful state. They never thought they'd see her being so vulnerable one day. At some point, Carrera blew a tree with her punch, out of rage.
-"...That was a joke, right? Tell me it's a bad joke."
-"I wish it was. We were all delusional." Testa sat on a nearby rock, holding her head. "standing up against Guy, Velzard and Feldway, they seemed untouchable."
-"The worst is this situation being out of our reach. I'm ashamed to call myself a Primordial if I can't do crap about it." Ultima continued walking at a slower pace, barely paying attention to the road. "What in the world is able to put such a curse on individuals that strong over multiple lives?"
***
Rimuru arrived at the training ground in the Labyrinth, used for the sessions with the demons. Kumara waited, turning her back to him. He approached, planning to give her a hug and a deserved moral support after what happened.
-"You know Rimuru, I'm afraid. I'm afraid I'm not up to the task when the time comes. To be useless once more, and all of my life. That's why I need to find my answer now." She turned toward him. Her tears had dried for a while, giving place to a gaze full of determination.
-"You don't need to do that, not in your state." Rimuru was concerned, fearing she would break with what she planned.
-"I have to. Or I'll never find the courage again." She exuded the aura of a beast, and readied her claws. "I request a battle against you."