Pov Dia,
The fight ended with a clear and overwhelming victory for Rimuru against the four children.
The benefit of this fight was that I got a glimpse of everyone's abilities.
Dia: "You four will now be part of my peerage, but let me warn you—this is not a game; it's a responsibility. Whether it's training, handling political matters, or pursuing your own goals, you are free to choose what you do, but you must train. I will not tolerate any member of my peerage becoming lazy and wasting their days doing nothing."
I released a small fraction of my aura to make it clear that I was serious and would not accept laziness.
"First of all, Shuna, I've observed and analyzed your skills, and they are exceptional. Your ability to boost the capabilities of your allies will be highly valuable. Additionally, your healing power is exactly what I was looking for—otherwise, I would have needed to recruit a Twilight Healing user for a healer in my peerage. I am almost certain that, with your abilities, you can wield sacred powers without needing faith in the Heavenly Father."
A Bishop left my Evil Pieces set and advanced in front of Shuna.
Dia: "Promise to use this power for my cause and for what you believe is right."
Shuna: "I swear."
The piece entered Shuna's body, granting her a surge of power.
Dia: "Now, Shion. Honestly, aside from your brute strength, I couldn't discern any other specific abilities. However, I am confident that with training alongside Carrera, you will not only grow stronger but also develop techniques that will allow you to overwhelm your opponents effortlessly."
At first, she seemed disappointed, but her expression quickly turned joyful when she realized I was accepting her regardless.
The Rook left the remaining four Pawns and positioned itself in front of Shion.
Dia: "Use this additional strength to support your allies and defeat our enemies."
With her incredible strength, she might very well be the physically strongest member of my peerage, apart from me and Rimuru.
I turned to Souei, who remained silent—as I suspect he almost always will be.
Dia: "Souei, you've shown me that you can exploit your opponent's weaknesses, swiftly identify their blind spots, and, most importantly, retreat when necessary rather than launching a reckless attack that would achieve nothing. Your discretion and composed behavior are qualities that Shadow Garden values deeply.
"So, I have a double offer for you: Would you join my peerage as my shadow warrior while also becoming part of Shadow Garden? The role involves undertaking tasks that may be unpleasant but are necessary. You won't receive recognition for your efforts and will likely remain an unsung hero. But you will serve the people of the Crimson Faction and protect them from the shadows."
It may sound harsh, but Shadow Garden doesn't fight for prestige—it fights for the people.
Souei: "I accept both proposals and pledge my loyalty to the organization."
My Pawn entered him, granting him a surge of energy.
Dia: "And finally, it's your turn, Benimaru. During the fight, you demonstrated strength, speed, and excellent control over flames. You also proved yourself to be a natural leader, capable of making quick and effective decisions. You may still be a child for now, but if you live long enough, you are destined to achieve great things. Your qualities are ideal for the role of a Queen, but unfortunately, Rimuru already holds that position. Therefore, you will receive a Pawn that has been mutated into a Queen."
I handed the Pawn to Rimuru, who absorbed it and transferred some of the Queen's abilities she possesses into this Pawn. Normally, this would be risky, and I wouldn't attempt it, but it is necessary for him to gain the skills of a Queen.
Once Rimuru returned the mutated Pawn to me, it didn't appear outwardly different except that its shadow now took on the form of a Queen Piece.
Dia: "This piece will enhance the Queen's traits if you promote into it. Otherwise, it will retain the strength and abilities of a regular Pawn."
With this new Pawn assigned, I now have only two remaining. I have no intention of including Kurobe in my peerage since what I value most from him are his skills as a blacksmith.