— –Rimuru– —
"She is one of the Primordial Daemons. Violet, the Primordial of Purple." Hinata explained with a frown.
"Indeed." Diablo chimed in, his smile growing unsettlingly wider. "She likes to pretend she's cold and calculating, but it's quite easy to get under her skin if you know how. If you wish, Lord Rimuru, I can resolve this matter for you."
Rimuru couldn't help but notice Diablo's demeanor, his barely restrained excitement akin to that of a loyal dog awaiting a command. For a moment, the image of a wagging tail nearly materialized in Rimuru's mind, but he quickly turned his attention to the room. The tension among the nobles was palpable, their expressions shifting from confusion to fear. Even Queen Towa, despite her weakened state, looked deeply unsettled.
"That… it can't be…" Towa murmured, her voice trembling. "The crown was a gift from our goddess. It has been passed down through generations as a test for our queens. With its power, we were meant to protect the kingdom."
Diablo chuckled softly, the sound almost condescending.
"No, there is no mistake. This crown is Violet's handiwork." He said, inspecting the tiara one last time before handing it back to Towa with an almost dismissive air. "Its true purpose, however, is far from divine."
The weight of his words sent ripples of unease through the room. The nobles exchanged fearful glances, their eyes darting toward Hinata for confirmation. Among them, a pervasive dread began to take root.
There was only one known successful Primordial summoning by Humans, that of Guy Crimson. He had been summoned by the High Human king of the Super-Magic Empire. Guy Crimson had one mission: to eliminate an enemy kingdom. However, he did much more.
Using the bodies of the fallen kingdom, Guy Crimson summoned his two attendants, Vert and Bleu. Then, he proceeded to destroy the human empire. But he didn't destroy them in one attack. No, he did it slowly. The Humans suffered for as long as Guy Crimson wished them to, and only then were they allowed to die.
Ever since that massacre, anything to do with Primordials was highly forbidden. They were bringers of chaos, of death. A Primordial Daemon would bring forth a new era of calamity.
Humans had forged this rule with the blood of the kingdom of High Humans. Countless kingdoms had been destroyed to preserve this peace. Testarossa and her former kingdom, Silberia, were prime examples of this. The kingdom had been left to ruins after they discovered the royal lineage carried the potential to become a vessel to Blanc.
In hindsight, Rimuru had really played a dangerous game summoning Testarossa and Diablo. Had they turned against him, there might not have been anything he could have done at the time to stop them.
Though, as Rimuru glanced back at Diablo's eager smile, he couldn't help but wonder if all Primordials were as horrifying as the tales told.
Glancing across the room, he saw Hiiro, his hand reaching for his blade as his eyes locked onto Hinata's. He was preparing himself to defend his queen, but thankfully, that would not be necessary.
"Alright." Rimuru said, his voice calm but commanding, slicing through the room's tension like a blade. All eyes turned to him, their mingling hope and fear reflected in their wide gazes.
"I wasn't expecting to find something like this," Rimuru continued, his smile reassuring. "But this doesn't mean Raja is doomed. In fact, this might even be an opportunity."
Murmurs rippled through the room, but Rimuru raised a hand, silencing them as he explained.
"The queen's body has been poisoned by the crown, yes. But that also means there's still time to cure her. If we can rid her of the contamination, we can prevent her from becoming a vessel entirely. That would eliminate any chance of Violet using her for an incarnation."
Hinata's gaze lingered on Diablo for a few moments, her expression firm but contemplative. Finally, she let out a soft sigh, stepping forward and addressing the room with the authoritative tone of a Paladin.
"By procedure, a Paladin's duty in a situation like this would be to eliminate any potential threat." She began, her hand resting lightly on the hilt of her sword. "However, I am willing to overlook this one for now. When it comes to the Primordials, Violet is the easiest to reason with. We've contained her before, and I am confident I can handle her if she decides to cause trouble." Her sharp eyes swept the room, silencing the murmurs. "In fact, I came here knowing there was a possibility Violet was involved."
The nobles exchanged uneasy glances, whispers spreading like wildfire until one of the senior-ranked nobles stepped forward. His posture was stiff, his voice wary but resolute.
"Sir Rimuru." He said after clearing his throat. "If I may speak frankly… you mentioned curing the queen. If that's truly possible, perhaps it would be prudent to address any further discussion after her condition is stabilized."
Rimuru spared the noble a brief glance before his focus returned to Queen Towa. She still lay weak and pale, her breathing shallow despite her composed expression. Raising his palm, Rimuru activated one of his more recent creations, a spell designed for summoning Ramiris in an instant. A small flower sprouted in his hand, growing rapidly before blooming in a burst of light that revealed the tiny, fluttering figure of the Elemental Queen.
"Huh?" Ramiris looked around, her fists raised in alarm. "Who are we fighting? Is it a big one? Bring it on!"
"We're fighting some Primordial's poison." Rimuru explained with a chuckle as he saw her preparing to fight any of the nobles. "Could you help me cure the Queen, Towa?"
"Primordial's poison?" Ramiris blinked, her gaze shifting to Diablo, who responded with a casual, innocent smile. Rolling her eyes, she fluttered closer to the queen, inspecting her with a critical eye. "Yup, she's in bad shape. Alright, leave it to me."
Hovering over Towa, Ramiris extended her hands, her wings fluttering rapidly as a gentle white glow began to emanate from her.
"Purifier." She whispered, her voice calm yet laced with focus. The glow spread outward, enveloping the queen in its soft light.
Towa let out an uncomfortable groan as the magic took effect, her body stiffening as her pale skin began to darken—turning a sickly purple. The nobles gasped in alarm, and Hiiro instinctively stepped forward, hand on his sword. But before he could act, Shuna gently rested her hand on his shoulder, stopping him.
"Trust her." Shuna said softly.
The group watched in tense silence as the purple hue consuming Towa began to bubble and boil. It was as though the poison was being forced to the surface, transformed into raw magicules that the queen's body rapidly absorbed. The process was visibly taxing at first, but as the minutes passed, Towa's complexion began to improve. Her pale skin regained its healthy color, her hair shimmered with restored vitality, and the weariness etched into her features faded.
The room collectively held its breath as the last traces of the purple poison evaporated, leaving Towa visibly more energized. She exhaled deeply, her chest rising and falling with renewed strength. Her eyes fluttered open, clear and bright, as she sat up slowly, glancing around the room with a look of wonder.
Ramiris, having poured her all into the process, collapsed onto the bed beside the queen with a soft plop. Her small face looked dazed, her energy momentarily drained. But in true Ramiris fashion, she quickly bounced back, sitting up and flashing a smug grin at Towa.
"This…" Towa murmured, her voice trembling slightly as she stared at her hands. Slowly, she clenched and unclenched her fists, testing her restored strength. "I can't remember feeling like this in a long… long time…"
Her gaze softened as she reached down to gently pick up Ramiris, her hands steady and reverent. Meeting Ramiris' eyes, she offered a radiant smile that seemed to brighten the entire room.
"Thank you." She said, her voice warm and heartfelt.
"Hehe, no problem! Just another day for the great Ramiris!" With a playful hop, she flew onto Rimuru's head, nestling comfortably in his hair as she basked in the lingering warmth of Asmodeus' recovery magic.
Towa stood up from her bed, moving her body as if testing her own strength before finally nodding to herself. She took a deep breath to steady herself, and after a moment, she looked at Rimuru.
"Thank you." She said again, her voice firmer this time. "Could you give me a few minutes to prepare myself? There's much to discuss with this discovery of Violet's involvement. I'll meet you in the council room shortly."
— –Violet– —
Inside her grand palace, Violet lounged in a high-backed chair, idly toying with a beautifully crafted chess set. Her delicate fingers hovered over a pawn, tapping its head rhythmically as she hummed a soft, haunting tune. A warm light filtered in through the arched windows, illuminating the polished marble floor and casting long shadows across the room.
Yet as she reached to make her next move, her hand froze mid-air. Her smile faded, replaced by a thoughtful frown.
"Hmm…" Violet tilted her head slightly, her golden eyes glinting with annoyance as she gazed out of the window. "I suppose that was to be expected."
She could sense through her connection to Towa that she had changed. The vessel she had meticulously prepared was now useless.
"Too quick." She murmured to herself, stepping away from the chessboard. Her bare feet made no sound against the cold marble as she walked to the window, her gaze distant. "Quicker than I would have liked… but if Noir is so enamored with him, I suppose it's no surprise he managed to pull something like this."
She remained silent for a few moments, her mind churning as she considered her options. Slowly, her lips curled into a vicious, predatory smile.
"No matter." Violet mused, her voice low and dangerous. "I can't risk him leaving just yet."
She raised a hand and snapped her fingers, the sharp sound reverberating through the vast room. In an instant, two Daemons appeared behind her, kneeling with their heads lowered. Each one radiated an aura of power, their eyes glowing faintly as they awaited her command.
"It's time for a proper test." Violet said, her tone dripping with cruel anticipation. Her gaze flickered to the chessboard once more, where her abandoned pieces sat waiting. "Let's see how far his game can go."
"As you command, Lady Violet."
— –Rimuru– —
After a few minutes, the doors to the meeting room opened, and Towa stepped in. She wore a simple yet elegant dress, her appearance far removed from the frail figure Rimuru had first encountered. Cleaned up and exuding confidence, she moved with a regal air to her seat at the head of the table, Hiiro trailing behind her like a vigilant shadow.
"Before we begin, I would like to thank you once again." Towa said with a gracious smile as she bowed her head slightly. "Many have tried to cure me before, but aside from granting me temporary relief, none have been able to cleanse the poison that had taken hold of me. What you've done is nothing short of a miracle."
Ramiris had already returned to Tempest by now, so Towa's gratitude was directed entirely at Rimuru. He returned her smile warmly, nodding.
"I'm glad to have been of help. I'll be sure to pass on your thanks to Ramiris." He replied.
For the next few minutes, the room was filled with lighthearted conversation, polite exchanges, and the expected noble pleasantries. Rimuru played along, knowing it was necessary to set a cooperative tone. But as the atmosphere settled and all eyes naturally turned to him, he decided it was time to address the real issue.
"We've danced around the matter long enough," Rimuru began, his tone taking on a serious edge. "It's time we discuss Violet."
"I agree." Hinata followed. "She has her eyes set on this country. I have no doubt that once she notices your poison has been cured, she will act. We don't have much time until Violet takes action."
The tension thickened further at Hinata's words, but Towa remained composed. Her expression hardened, and her gaze swept across the room, pausing on each person as if gauging their resolve before locking onto Rimuru.
"I apologize if this is too forward." She said, her tone calm but direct. "But you mentioned earlier that Raja isn't doomed. You have a solution, don't you?"
"Indeed, I do. But before we get into that, I'd like to speak about Raja's situation." Rimuru answered with a faint yet sincere smile.
Towa nodded, gesturing for him to continue.
"Over the years, Raja has suffered greatly from a lack of viable exports. The poisoning from your mines has left many of your workers sick and unable to sustain the kingdom's economy." Rimuru explained, his tone steady but somber.
"Beyond that, the land and water have become increasingly contaminated." Shuna picked up seamlessly. "While Tempest is willing to offer resources and farmland from our forests as a favor to Hiiro, that would only delay Raja's inevitable collapse. The kingdom is in critical condition."
Towa's expression grew pensive as she absorbed their words. She hesitated for a moment, then nodded slowly.
"I'm aware of Raja's plight." She admitted. "It's precisely why I was willing to rely on the crown. The poison from our mines has seeped into the water, and from there, it has spread to our land. Unless we treat this contamination at its source, Raja cannot hope to recover."
"My queen—" One of the nobles interjected sharply, almost shouting in alarm. But his protest died in his throat when he caught the resolute look on Towa's face.
"Our mines are depleted, our land and water are poisoned, and our forests have been overhunted to compensate for failing crops." Towa confessed, her voice unwavering. The room fell into stunned silence, the nobles exchanging wide-eyed glances as the weight of her words sank in.
"My queen…" Hiiro murmured, his tone laden with concern.
Towa ignored him, keeping her focus on Rimuru. Her steady gaze met his as she spoke again, her words carrying the full weight of her resolve.
"Sir Rimuru Tempest, if you have a solution, I would like to hear it."
Rimuru blinked, momentarily caught off guard by Towa's candidness. But thanks to Thought Acceleration, the surprise was processed and resolved in less than a millisecond. But the more time he had to think about it, the more he understood her.
Towa was someone who was willing to poison her body and kill herself for the safety of her country. The writing was on the wall for her country; it was dying, and unless someone took extreme measures, it would eventually collapse. Maybe not in her lifetime, but even then, Towa would be willing to put her life on the line to save it.
If anything, it made Rimuru feel slightly embarrassed. He had prepared himself to plunge the knife that was Violet and twist it in order to force her hand, but in hindsight, it was unnecessary. Towa didn't need to be cornered. She needed someone to listen and offer a lifeline.
Clearing his throat, Rimuru softened his expression and met Towa's gaze directly.
"I would like to formally invite Raja to become a Vassal Nation of Tempest." He said, his tone firm yet kind.
"What would Tempest do for Raja?" Towa's lips curved into a faint smile at his words, her composure steady.
"As a vassal nation, Tempest is willing to cure Raja. To help restore the glory of its past." Rimuru continued.
"What price would Raja have to pay?" Towa's smile faltered slightly, her voice cautious but curious. Judging by her tone, she had no doubt that Tempest was capable of fulfilling the promise.
"Gold, and in the near future, I would ask Raja for a simple favor. For Raja to make an announcement to the world. One that would not damage the people or nation in the slightest." Rimuru replied without hesitation. "And before you tell me that your mines are depleted, the problem isn't a lack of resources. It's the poison in the mines preventing you from accessing them. Your mountains are still rich with gold deposits."
Towa fell silent, her expression contemplative. The room remained quiet as her advisors exchanged glances, but no one dared interrupt her thoughts. After a few moments, she spoke again.
"Sir Rimuru." She began, her voice steady. "Would you mind stepping out of the room while I discuss this with my advisors? I've heard that Hiiro is like a brother to your wife, so perhaps he could show you all around Raja while we deliberate."
Rimuru stood and smiled, inclining his head slightly in acknowledgment.
"Of course. Take as much time as you need."
— –Testarossa– —
Testarossa moved with grace through the bustling crowds, her pristine white hair catching the light and drawing occasional glances from passersby. She paid them no mind, her focus unwavering as she ensured everything was progressing according to plan. Rimuru's unexpected delay in Raja had shifted responsibilities, leaving her to handle the initial meeting with Demon Lord Leon.
In theory, Rimuru's absence wouldn't matter. This first step was merely to lay the groundwork for negotiations between Tempest and El Dorado—hardly the kind of engagement Leon himself would waste his time attending. The finer details of trade agreements would likely be delegated to his subordinates.
Still, Testarossa had prepared for every possibility. Should Leon personally appear, she had standing orders to contact Rimuru. Whether he would intervene or leave the matter in her hands was another question entirely, but she was confident she could handle herself regardless.
Her sharp crimson eyes flicked to her left, where Shizue stood, her arms crossed as she scrutinized the intricate Magic Circle being prepared nearby. The subtle frown etched into Shizue's face was telling, though she said nothing.
"Do not worry." Testarossa said, her voice as smooth and reassuring as ever, a faint smile gracing her lips. "Should the worst come to pass, I will engage Leon myself. You will lead the retreat group. Even if I am destroyed, I am a Daemon, my true essence cannot be erased. On the other hand, Lord Rimuru would be most displeased if you were to die."
Shizue let out a small chuckle, her expression softening.
"People die when they are killed…" She murmured, shaking her head. "Chloe giggled like mad the first time she told me that."
"The child?" Testarossa's approving smile grew. "She does have potential. Were it not for Blanchette, I might have considered taking her as my own student."
Shizue's eyes lit up at the mention of Blanchette, warmth replacing the earlier tension.
"I have to admit, I was surprised when you took her in, but from what I've seen, you've been an excellent teacher. Have you considered teaching the other children as well? Even just a lesson here or there, I'm certain you know more than I do."
"I wouldn't be opposed." Testarossa replied with a small laugh. "As long as it doesn't interfere with my duties to Lord Rimuru."
Shizue smiled back before her gaze returned to the glowing Magic Circle. Her smile faded as her thoughts seemed to turn inward. Without warning, she drew her sword, the blade igniting in brilliant golden flames that shimmered with raw power.
"Say… Testarossa." Shizue began, her voice calm but edged with intensity. "Do you think it would be stupid to challenge Leon to a fight?" The golden flames surged along the blade, illuminating her determined expression.
"Horribly." Testarossa answered without hesitation, her bluntness cutting through the tension like a knife. "I have witnessed his battles with Jaune. Regrettably, you are not yet his equal. Were you to confront him now, he would simply erase your very existence."
Shizue's grip tightened on her sword, her golden flames flickering for a moment as her shoulders tensed. Then she exhaled, the fire dimming as she sheathed her blade.
"I figured as much." She said quietly, though the faint frustration in her voice was unmistakable.
"Your resolve is admirable, Shizue." Testarossa's gaze softened slightly as she looked at her. "But battles with beings like Leon require more than strength. They demand mastery over every aspect of oneself. You will reach that point in time, but for now, patience and preparation are your greatest allies."
Shizue nodded, the fire in her eyes dimming but not extinguished.
"I understand." She said softly. "Thank you, Testarossa." Then with a chuckle, Shizue shook her head. "Still, what I wouldn't give to give him a good punch in the face."
Testarossa's crimson gaze flicked toward Shizue briefly before settling back on the glowing Magic Circle her lord had personally designed. She tilted her head slightly, pondering the dynamic between Shizue and Rimuru. She didn't see why her lord placed such trust in this human. There was no lust between them—none that she could perceive, at least. It wasn't as if Rimuru wanted her in that way.
And yet, there was something undeniable in the way he interacted with Shizue. A warmth. A depth of trust that Testarossa couldn't quite put into words. It puzzled her, though she wouldn't dare question her lord's choices.
"I don't understand." Testarossa finally said. "Leon wanted to save you, did he not?"
Shizue blinked, momentarily surprised by the question.
"Huh?" She murmured, before sighing deeply. "Yeah… he did. It's just… well, it's complicated. A long story."
"I have time." Testarossa answered.
Shizue studied her for a moment, as if trying to gauge her sincerity. Then, to Testarossa's surprise, Shizue chuckled, a genuine, almost carefree laugh. It echoed softly through the air, breaking the tension. Finally, she began to speak.
She started at the beginning, recounting the moment she was brought into this world and the overwhelming helplessness that consumed her when Ifrit joined her. She described the terror of losing control, the constant, exhausting struggle with the Spirit, and how it felt as though her own life was slowly being chipped away. Her voice wavered when she mentioned her first pet, Pizu, and how she'd been forced to kill it with her own hands after Ifrit had taken over her body.
As the preparations for the Magic Circle continued, so did Shizue's story. Her voice ebbed and flowed with the emotions of her memories. There were moments when she chuckled at the absurdity of certain events, times when her face darkened with a frown as painful memories resurfaced, and even moments when her voice cracked and tears welled up in her eyes.
As Testarossa listened, her expression remained neutral. For her, it was a window into the Human experience, something she rarely gave thought to. Yet, ironically, something that she couldn't stop thinking about ever since her visit to Blanche's grave.
"Lady Testarossa, our preparations are complete." A Hobgoblin announced, bowing as he stood by the Magic Circle. "We are ready to depart at your command. We have received word that they are prepared to receive us."
Testarossa nodded in acknowledgment, her gaze shifting back to Shizue.
"Miss Shizue." She began, her voice calm but carrying a rare warmth. "After hearing your story, I would like to amend my earlier response." She stepped into the center of the glowing Magic Circle, her pristine white dress catching the ambient light. "I believe Leon would accept your challenge."
Shizue blinked in surprise, her brows lifting as she processed her words.
Testarossa allowed a faint smile to curve her lips. One tinged with subtle amusement.
"It's not something I can claim to understand fully, but I suspect that Leon would grant you the closure you seek. Jaune often said that Leon has a soft spot for those he cares about, a pushover, as she put it. Though, I would suggest taking that assessment with a grain of salt."
Shizue chuckled, a mixture of disbelief and humor flickering across her face.
"That doesn't exactly sound like the Demon Lord Leon I know." She said, shaking her head.
"Perhaps not." Testarossa replied with a faint smile. "Now, if you'll excuse me, duty calls."
Letting out a final chuckle, Shizue shook her head as she stepped into the circle behind Testarossa. Once everyone was inside, Testarossa let her magicules flow into the Magic Circle, causing it to flare with a bright light. The Magic Circle consumed a surprising amount of magicules, enough that most would not be able to keep up with its demand, yet Testarossa's expression didn't change in the slightest.
After a few moments, all the people standing inside the circle vanished, teleporting directly into the outskirts of El Dorado.
— –Rimuru– —
He looked at the massive lake behind Raja, but he had to hold back a chuckle because Towa was standing next to him with a determined expression.
It had been surprisingly easy.
Hiiro had shown them around Raja, but not even an hour later, they had been called back for the queen to give them her answer. As long as he could cure Raja and protect them from Violet, she would accept.
In the case they couldn't fulfill their end of the deal, Towa had simply asked him to take her citizens into the Forest of Jura and protect them from the aftermath of Violet's response.
To his surprise, Shuna had been the reason they had accepted so readily. Not only because of her friendship with Hiiro, whom the queen trusted with her life, but thanks to her speech. The speech she had given so long ago in Dwargon.
If he were to be honest, he had almost forgotten about it. So much had happened since that first greeting to the world. Hell, he hadn't even met Ramiris at that time.
The first impression left on the world from Tempest was that speech. And perhaps it was chance, or perhaps fate, but that speech had moved Towa.
"Let us join forces, as allies and partners, to forge a future where every nation stands strong, wherever race finds its place, and where every individual can thrive. Together, we can create a world where power is tempered by wisdom, where strength is balanced by compassion, and where our combined potential knows no bounds." Rimuru echoed, turning to look at Shuna. "That's quite the place."
"I simply spoke the truth." She answered, letting out a soft smile.
"I should put you in front of a crowd again and let you work your magic." Rimuru joked before shaking his head to focus on the real mission.
'Uriel.' He called forth in his mind, and using Law Manipulation, he lifted the entire lake up above the ground. Since Hinata and Towa were watching, he might as well give them a show before simply eating it all up and cleaning it before spitting the water out.
As the water flew into the sky, it revealed the shining Magic Circle under the lake, letting out a bright light as well as the unsettling poison that had contaminated their kingdom.
[Requesting permission to modify Raja's water biome.] Raphael asked, her voice as cold as usual yet still carrying a hint of anticipation.
'In what way?'
[Notice. Due to the effects of the poison, Raja's underwater Flora and Fauna have been heavily damaged. In order to restore them to their natural stage, it would require 28 years of uninterrupted growth.]
[With the usage of a number of your Skills, we can accelerate that progress and create an early foundation for Raja's future advancement and development.]
[Notice. This would also serve as a trial run for future enhancements of Tempest.]
Hearing her final words, Rimuru had to stop himself from rolling his eyes. Raphael just wanted to mess around, and she had given herself up at the end.
[...]
They both loved to experiment. In fact, they had been messing around a bit too much back in the Labyrinth. Yggdrasil was a whole mess on their own, and they were still figuring out how to fully manage them.
It was in their labyrinth phase that they had come up with the possibility of enhancing Tempest's landscape. To manipulate the Laws of the World to turn Tempest into a pure and unrivaled territory.
Well, that and the fact that they just thought it would be neat.
Sadly, that experimentation had been put on pause as they began to focus on other projects. Especially since they had to ensure their "war" with Luminous went according to plan.
'Raph, worst case scenario. Could we undo any modifications if anything were to go wrong?'
[Answer. Yes.]
[A full scan of Raja's entire water biome has been completed. Using it as a reference, a full restoration of its state back to the present is possible. It would only require magicules.]
'Well… in that case…' Rimuru thought, glancing back to Towa, who was looking at the floating lake with shock.
"Towa, would you mind if I improved the lake? It should help Raja in the future. I promise that if there are any issues in the future, I will personally ensure that they are solved the moment I discover them."
"Improve it?" Towa asked with some confusion. "That should be fine." She added, somewhat unsure.
Even though it wasn't a confident answer, that was enough for Rimuru.
'Let's do it.'
[Understood.]
[Activating Beelzebuth.]
In the blink of an eye, a massive storm enveloped the floating lake, causing it to vanish into Rimuru's Stomach. Beelzebuth then crashed down onto the Magic Circle, consuming it in an instant before dissipating.
[Notice. Poison has been thoroughly analyzed. The water has been fully purified.]
[Starting experimentation to enhance Raja's underwater Flora…]
[Process failed….. Process failed….] Raphael began to repeat to herself for a few moments before finally stopping. She had been using her version of Shizue's skill to splice together different plant species into her ideal organism.
[Notice. The following plants have been created using the current flora as a basis… Starlight Kelp, Glassy Bloom, Crimson Fanweeds, Frost Petals, Dreamvine….]
The list went on for a few moments, with each plant receiving an explanation of its properties. The Starlight Kelp, for one, was meant to be a variation of Hipokute, one that helped to continually purify the lake should the waste from the mines actually end up contaminating the water in the future.
The moment Raphael finished speaking, Rimuru teleported into the middle of the empty lake. Then, with a simple wave of his hands, countless seeds spread out across the entire lake before embedding themselves into the ground.
Rimuru analyzed his surroundings before nodding with a smile. The very next moment, all of the water he had consumed emerged once again, flooding the lakebed until the water level returned to normal.
Now underwater, Rimuru focused his magicules all around him, causing all of the seeds he had just planted to sprout. In seconds, the lakebed turned into a massive underwater garden.
[Starting experimentation to enhance Raja's underwater Fauna…]
[Process failed….. Process failed….]
[Process… hmmm.] Raphael stopped mid-sentence, sounding somewhat surprised.
'What is it?'
[Experimentation to create a guardian of the lake Monster failed. However, a living egg was created. Its vitality is higher than normal. However, it should not have survived.]
[Analysis complete, the organism has higher than normal adaptability. The recommended course of action is to release the creature in order for it to achieve proper growth in this environment.]
As Raphael spoke, she released the egg from his Stomach, and to his surprise, it was only the size of his fingertip. It looked fragile enough to break if it tipped over. Hell, even dropping it from his hand onto the bottom of the lake should be enough to crack it.
'Are you sure you want me to leave it here?' Rimuru asked with some hesitation.
[Affirmative. However, it is recommended to give Experiment #1034985… a name in order to ensure its survival during its early life.]
'A name, huh? Well, how about Nessie?' Rimuru asked, and as he thought the question he felt some magicules leave his body. 'Well, I guess Nessie it is.'
Placing the egg down, he covered it under some dirt to protect it just as Raphael suggested, and then he released all of the fish he had consumed earlier. Though just by glancing at some of them, he could tell that they had changed slightly. To his surprise, unlike the plants, most of the fish remained the same as they had been before.
[Notice. The required amount of energy to modify and enhance underwater fauna is far higher than that required to modify flora. Therefore, the new species were released along with the old to mate together and create the enhanced species.]
[In addition, several invasive species have been detected and removed from the ecosystem. They were fish that couldn't be eaten due to the natural poison they created on their bodies. Yet, given enough time, they would completely overtake every other species.]
'Another one of Violet's plans?'
[It is assumed to be so.]
— –Diablo– —
He had watched in silence as his lord recreated the lake.
The power of creation.
Well, not quite, not yet. To Diablo's knowledge, his lord had not achieved the ability to create something entirely from nothing. Instead, he enhanced and reshaped what already existed, molding it to fit his vision. Yet even this was beyond extraordinary. What would take others decades, centuries even, to achieve, Rimuru accomplished effortlessly, almost on a whim.
The transformation was stunning. The once-murky, poisoned waters now shimmered with vitality, brimming with magicules that promised prosperity to the surrounding lands. Diablo couldn't help but marvel at the perfection of his lord's actions.
When Rimuru leapt out of the lake, droplets of water cascading off his form, Diablo had to suppress a smile. Truly, how could such a flawless being exist?
"Alright, I'm done," Rimuru said as he handed a book to Towa. "Everything should be running smoothly now, but if something unexpected happens, feel free to call Tempest."
"Huh?" Towa blinked in shock, glancing between the lake and the book. "I—"
Before she could finish her thought, Diablo appeared at Rimuru's side in an instant.
"My lord, all preparations are ready." Diablo announced, his bright smile betraying his enthusiasm. "Are you certain you do not wish for me to resolve this matter myself? There is no need for you to soil your hands with someone as lowly as her."
Diablo's tone was calm, but his mind raced with possibilities. Knowing Violet, that insolent brat would undoubtedly disrespect his lord. She would need proper "education" before she could even dream of standing in Rimuru's presence. A few days of discipline, perhaps weeks, would suffice to break her arrogance and teach her reverence. After all, the glory of his lord was not something to be taken lightly.
Once Violet was subdued, Diablo could move on to Jaune's territory and repeat the process. Bringing both Violet and Jaune to his lord would solidify his place as the most loyal servant, leaving Testarossa scrambling to keep up.
'Checkmate, Testarossa. I would like to see you do something more impressive.' He thought, the corners of his lips twitching at the idea.
"No." Rimuru replied, cutting through Diablo's musings. "I'd like to meet Violet myself. I'll come with you."
The smile on Diablo's face grew at the answer. Though Violet might disrespect his lord, this also meant he would get to spend more time with him.
"Of course, my lord. As you wish."
"Then there is no time to waste." Hinata interjected with a frown. "Let's go."
'Ugh, this Human… she wants to ruin the quality time between me and my lord.' Diablo thought, but he hid his frown well.
"My apologies, Miss Hinata." Diablo said smoothly, turning his gaze to her. "But you won't be able to join us. Entry into the Daemon Realm requires one to have the capability to become a Spiritual Being. Unfortunately, that is beyond your current capacity." His smile widened slightly, a subtle edge of mockery slipping into his tone. "Perhaps, when you've become a proper Saint, you might reconsider."
Hinata's eyebrow twitched, her frustration barely restrained. She opened her mouth to retort, but Diablo cut her off with practiced ease.
"Besides…" Diablo continued, his tone shifting to one of apparent concern. "...considering Violet's subordinates, it's almost certain they'll act rashly once they realize Towa is no longer a suitable vessel. Whoever was tasked with overseeing her will likely act in desperation to salvage their failure. Would it not be better for a Paladin of your caliber to remain here and protect Raja from potential Daemon attacks?"
Hinata hesitated, her sharp gaze stabbing into Diablo, but she couldn't entirely dismiss his logic.
"Fine." She said at last.
"That's true." Rimuru answered with a nod. "In fact, even if Diablo hadn't suggested it, I would have."
"Uhm, I just wanted to check. A Daemon attack?" Towa asked with some concern.
"Don't worry, Towa, I can call for reinforcements from Tempest in preparation. Even if Violet herself came and my husband and Diablo aren't back, we can call Veldora to protect Raja." Shuna answered with a reassuring smile, which seemed to calm Towa down.
— — —
With their preparations finalized, Diablo raised a hand, activating the teleportation spell. In an instant, both he and Rimuru vanished, reappearing moments later before the Hell Gate that Diablo had meticulously prepared for their journey.
As the Hell Gate closed behind them, Rimuru and Diablo emerged into the outskirts of Violet's territory, a landscape that could only be described as grotesquely fascinating. A sprawling poisonous swamp stretched before them, the air thick with a faintly shimmering haze of toxins. In the distance, they could see a massive palace.
"This is Violet's territory." Diablo announced, gesturing to the environment with a flourish. "She has a particular fondness for experimenting with poisons, so much of the area is infused with her creations. Even beings with Abnormal Condition Nullification would find it… unpleasant, if not outright dangerous."
As expected, Rimuru seemed entirely unfazed by the toxic atmosphere. If anything, he appeared more intrigued than concerned, his eyes gleaming with curiosity as he reached out with his Skill, consuming fragments of the swamp and analyzing them.
"Yeah, this stuff would do some damage." Rimuru said with a chuckle, plucking a strange fruit from a nearby tree. He turned it over in his hand, inspecting it. "But look at this. There's no way plants should be able to thrive in this environment, and yet here they are. The Daemon Realm is really something."
"Indeed." Diablo replied, his smile growing wider. "Perhaps one day, my lord, you'd like to visit my own territory. Admittedly, I haven't dedicated much effort to cultivating it, as I prefer to wander the world. However, I would be honored if you used it to create something of your own design. Not that you require any assistance from this realm, of course, your work in Raja was nothing short of awe-inspiring."
"Really? You've never bothered to make your own place?" Rimuru asked, his tone tinged with genuine surprise.
For a moment, Diablo froze, a flicker of panic flashing through his mind.
'Was my lord disappointed? Had I failed to meet his expectations?'
"No—my lord." Diablo stammered, his usual composure faltering ever so slightly. "I mean—creating a permanent territory simply didn't appeal to me. To wander and experience the world in its natural state was far more… stimulating. But if it displeases you, I—"
His words were interrupted by Rimuru's chuckling.
"Relax, Diablo." Rimuru said with a grin. "I wasn't judging you. I was just surprised. Honestly, I'm curious. I feel like the type of territory someone creates says a lot about them. You might have some interesting ideas up your sleeve." He paused, tossing the fruit back and forth between his hands. "And I might take you up on that offer eventually. Once things settle down in the Cardinal World, I'd like to experiment more in the Daemon Realm. There's a lot of potential here."
Diablo's tension melted away, replaced by his usual reverent admiration.
"It would be my greatest honor, my lord. Whatever you envision, I shall dedicate myself wholly to bringing it to fruition."
Rimuru gave him a sidelong glance before shaking his head with a smile.
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Diablo. Let's handle Violet first. Then, we'll see."
"As you command." Diablo said with a bow, his excitement barely contained.
From the noxious swamp that stretched across the outskirts, they moved into a small forest filled with black, gnarled trees. These trees oozed a viscous, tar-like substance, the droplets hissing faintly as they fell to the ground. Rimuru paused here and there, his gaze sharp as he absorbed fragments of the strange material.
Their path led them through a variety of other peculiar landscapes before finally arriving at the Palace, which was surrounded by a massive garden filled with poisonous flowers. Nevertheless, it was quite beautiful, or well, his lord believed it was.
As they stepped into the garden, a Daemon clad in a sharp butler's suit materialized in front of them, bowing deeply. His crimson eyes briefly flickered toward Diablo before settling on Rimuru.
"Sir Noir—pardon me, Diablo." The Daemon corrected himself with a smooth tone, his demeanor polished and respectful. "Lady Violet was entirely surprised by your choice to use the door. It is most… unconventional for you."
He straightened slightly, his gaze turning toward Rimuru with measured curiosity.
"I can only assume this is the esteemed Sir Rimuru Tempest. My lady is eagerly awaiting both of you." The Daemon bowed again, gesturing toward the palace. "Please follow me."
— — —
Special Thanks to my Beta Readers/Editors: The one, the only, the amazing @Basilisk, and @Kiyan Tribe (FF.net/AO3/QQ/WN) | kiyan_tribe( Discord)
Go Check out Basilisk's great story "I'm a Daemon, so what?"
https://discord.gg/WTgN9J3YgK
~ A/N ~
Someone save me! Marvel Rivals has consumed the little free time I have! But what can you do when you are the Strange Goat? Tis my calling!
Anyways, took me forever to write the chap cuz I kept getting distracted. Usually, I go to like 8 or 9k but I didn't wanna keep everyone waiting longer. Hope you enjoyed it. Maybe a bit too many Pov switches, but I kinda had to for what I had/have planned. Lemme know what you thought.