"Rimuru POV:"
As we walked towards the city, I couldn't help but glance at Veldora, who was deep in thought. Seeing him wrestle with his emotions and fears had been both challenging and rewarding. I knew that underneath his tough exterior, there was a heart capable of great love and care. It was just a matter of helping him see that for himself.
As I looked at them, I felt a warmth spread through my chest. This was the beginning of something beautiful. Veldora was ready to embrace it, and I was ready to stand by his side, guiding him every step of the way.
When Veldora finally embraced Veloria, I felt a sense of pride and relief. His journey towards accepting his role as a father was not an easy one, but it was necessary. Veloria needed him, and I could see that he needed her just as much, if not more. The bond they were forming would not only bring them closer but also make them stronger.
The fact that Veldora was creating and perfecting this new technique was also significant. It was very different from any of his previous techniques and too complex for him to understand the depth of his own creation. A slight mistake in handling it could result in his concept being erased from all layers of the Tensura World, preventing him from resurrecting himself.
If his concept were erased only in this layer, it wouldn't be a major problem, as Veldora's immense power as well as him being a True Dragon would allow him to resurrect himself.
It is true that True Dragons are capable of resurrecting themselves even if their concept is erased. They can come back even after dying, even if their soul and core are completely destroyed. This is due to their immense power and the fundamental aspects that form the foundation of their very existence. As well as being an abstract existence, they can return even if their concept or the concept they represent is erased.
However, things become complex when we go beyond a single layer and reach the true essence of the world that Veldanava created. Veldanava designed the Tensura World with infinite size and layers, but what sets the Tensura World apart from the Fiction World is the unique layers within it.
Veldanava created infinite layers within the Tensura World, with each layer transcending the others. Each layer contains its own infinite Omniverses, Multiverses, Universes, worlds, infinite timelines, infinite alternate timelines, infinite realities, infinite parallel worlds, and infinite time and space axis, which are different from each other as well as transcend each other.
These layers, these worlds have their own dimensions, their own Creators, their own Voice of the Worlds, and much more, with each world within a layer transcending the others, just like the layers within the Tensura World.
And Veldora's new technique harnesses such tremendous power that, if used to its full potential, it could destroy anything from all layers, rendering it completely non-existent across the entire Tensura World.
Even beings like the True Dragons would be unable to withstand its power and would be erased completely. If Veldora manages to utilize this technique to its fullest extent, only a few entities, such as Veldanava, Milim, and a few others, would be capable of withstanding it.
Only I, Ciel, and Veldanava would be able to restore the destruction it causes and bring the individuals back, as we transcend these worlds such as Tensura and see them as mere fiction, mere playthings.
However, it is still far from perfect, and Veldora can't even harness 5% of its true power. The problem is that the thing preventing him from using this technique to the fullest is himself. He is not calm; his mind is still not ready to handle such power. His resolve is not strong enough to bring forth its true power. The chaos within his core only worsens the situation, making it even more difficult for him.
But I am sure that, in time, he will achieve absolute control over it. Now he has a reason, a person to love and care for. The chaos in his core will finally start to die down a little, and he will be able to control his own power a little better.
He himself doesn't know how much power and potential he has in him. It's crazy how much potential he has, truly fascinating. But he is not the only one.
There are several more people like him who don't know their own power and potential. They can reach new heights, shattering the shackles that are binding them to their current state.
Veldanava, the world you have created is truly fascinating!
But I wonder why you decided to do that. Why did you choose this path? Are you really that eager to go against me, to go to such lengths? To leave your own family, your own daughter like this?
Why did you refuse to acknowledge the truth and try to live with lies, despite knowing that one day those lies would come back to bite you? And that's exactly what happened. Look at what has happened to you. Did you really want that?
I really want to know what you are planning so badly right now that I'm literally thinking of changing things and being aware of it, but I have to restrain myself. After all, you still haven't decided on any of the options I gave you all those years ago.
But I have to say, this game of yours has really become interesting. I wonder who will win, you or me? The pieces are starting to move, the strategies are being applied, and the game has begun.
The playground is the entire existence, and the worlds and beings within them are the pieces we move.
Every action you took has changed the very fabric of realities, shaping destinies and altering the balance of power. It's a delicate dance, one where the slightest misstep could lead to catastrophic consequences.
But the game started the moment you were born and it is still ongoing. The time of our confrontation has drawn near.
I wonder how others will react. I am looking forward to seeing their faces; after all, it's interesting and entertaining, isn't it?
That's the main reason I am allowing you to continue your game—because it's interesting.
Well, let's not think about that. Thinking about it will only make me want to know more, and I'd rather wait for it than be spoiled. After all, this is more thrilling than anything—the thing that I am wanting, the entertainment.
Let's change the subject because the more I think, the more I become curious about it.
About Veloria, watching her interact with everyone, her laughter ringing through the air, it is too serene.
<
While I was preoccupied with my thoughts, Ciel suddenly spoke to me through our minds.
I wonder what she wants to talk about that she is using this method.
>>Yes, what is it, Ciel?<<
<
Haa,
>>I can't hide anything from you, can I?<<
<
>>I am not trying to change the subject. I know it's pointless.<<
<
>>No, they have nothing to do with it. It's just that I was wondering why he decided this. Anyway, no point in thinking over it, as it will be meaningless.<<
<>
>>Yes, I'm listening.<<
<
>>Wish, huh... Can't we talk after the introduction of Veloria?<<
<
>>And why is that?<<
<
>>Fine, I guess. But is it something serious?<<
<>
That's the answer she gave me. I guess I should see what she wants to say. It could be something interesting.
"Ciel POV:"
Hehehe, this is going well. Now, things will become more interesting. With my wish granted and Master's acceptance of my request, it will be intriguing to watch others' reactions.
Now that Master is about to start our plan, we won't be able to have as much fun as we did before, so this is a good opportunity.
As I walked beside Master, Veldora, Shizue, and Veloria, I felt a sense of excitement. My wish for Master was for him to show his true self to the world, to stop hiding his true personality. This is going to be interesting.
Also, as the second final phase of the game begins, Master won't be able to interfere as much, so things might become boring. However, if Master were to return to his true self, there are several scenarios that could be avoided and changed into more intriguing ones, which would make the game more interesting. And that's what Master wants.
Since neither party has exposed their cards yet, many things are still to be revealed. Taking all this into consideration, this is the best time for Master to return to his true self while simultaneously avoiding any unnecessary scenarios that could potentially make the game boring.
Yes, this is the best course of action and will be most beneficial for Master in his game.
"Third Person POV:"
While both Rimuru and Ciel were deep in thought, everyone else continued heading towards the city. However, their sudden silence caught the attention of the others, and soon, the entire group fell silent.
"Her bro, what happened? What are you thinking about so deeply?" Veldora was the first to break the silence.
"Huh? Haa, Veldora, it's nothing. I was just lost in thought. Don't worry about it." Saying this, Rimuru brushed off Veldora's question and resumed his contemplation.
Once again, they continued walking, but after a short distance, Rimuru stopped and addressed everyone.
"Hey, guys!" he said as he came to a stop.
At his voice, the others stopped and looked at him curiously, wanting to know the reason behind his pause.
"Yes, what is it, Uncle?" Before anyone else could speak, Veloria asked Rimuru with genuine confusion.
"Nothing in particular, Veloria. It's just that you guys should go ahead; Ciel and I will follow you shortly." Rimuru responded to Veloria while appearing beside Ciel.
"Why is that, Rimu? Is something going on?" Shizue asked Rimuru this time.
"Well, nothing serious, dear. It's just that there are some things I'd like to discuss with Ciel, alone." Rimuru replied to Shizue's question.
After hearing this, Shizue nodded in understanding. She had been getting the feeling that something significant was going on that she wasn't aware of, but she knew that when the time came, Rimuru would tell her everything. That's why she decided not to pry too much into it.
Just like Shizue, Veldora also nodded in understanding, but his reasons were a bit different. Right now, he was more interested in talking with Veloria and getting to know her better rather than prying into Rimuru's matters, which he often found beyond his comprehension.
So, he simply saw this as more time to spend with Veloria and didn't think too much about it.
As for Veloria, she didn't fully understand what was going on, but seeing Veldora nod, she simply copied him and nodded as well.
In contrast to everyone else, Milim was quite annoyed by the fact that Rimuru was becoming more and more secretive lately and didn't share things with her as much as he used to. However, despite her annoyance, she knew that if he was hiding something, it is for her benefit. But still, a part of her, which was extremely dissatisfied with this, and because of that, she couldn't stop herself from speaking up.
"What are you going to talk about now, alone? Aren't we besties? In these past few years, you've started to change; you weren't like this before!" she said, beginning to whine.
Seeing this, Rimuru smiled faintly, knowing exactly where this was coming from.
"I know, Milim. I know that I've been keeping more and more things from you over the past few years, but trust me, when the time comes, I'll tell you everything," he said, gently patting her head, which was more than enough to calm Milim for the moment.
"If you say so, but you'd better tell me everything later. Hmph!" Milim replied, huffing as she headed toward the city.
Seeing Milim leave while huffing and puffing, Rimuru let out a light chuckle that went unnoticed by everyone. Soon, everyone had left, leaving just the two of them alone.
"Shall we head inside?" Rimuru asked once everyone was gone.
"Yeah," came the reply.
After receiving a short reply from Ciel, Rimuru waved his hand, and a portal materialized. Soon, the portal transformed into a gate.
The gate slowly opened, revealing only pitch-black darkness—so dark that it was impossible to see what lay on the other side. It was as if the darkness was absorbing everything, leaving nothing behind. Even the most fearless and formidable individuals would fear, unsure of what lay beyond.
As the gate opened, Rimuru and Ciel stepped through it, leaving behind a multitude of unanswered questions.
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And that's the end. That's all for this chapter.
Please let me know your thoughts on the chapter in the comments. It really motivates me to write new chapters.
Word Count: 2.25k