Ciel: <>
Voice of the World: <<>>
******
Armed Nation of Dwargon
King Gazel Dwargon, the ruler of the Armed Nation of Dwargon, sat at his desk with a serious expression, deep in thought. The recent reports from Anrietta had brought troubling news, each one a fresh source of stress. The most recent report, however, was the most concerning: an impending battle between the Orc Lord and Rimuru, a newly emerged power in the Jura Forest.
As he was lost in these thoughts, a knock at the door interrupted him. A guard entered, informing him that his guest had arrived. With a nod, Gazel straightened his posture, adopting the regal demeanor expected of a king. "Send him in," he instructed.
Moments later, the door creaked open, and Fuze, the Guildmaster of the Free Guild's Blumund branch, entered the room, looking visibly nervous.
"Your Majesty," Fuze greeted, bowing deeply.
"Welcome, Fuze. Please, take a seat," Gazel responded, gesturing to a chair opposite his desk. "I assume you know why I've summoned you here."
"I can guess. It's about the new lord who has appeared in the Jura Forest, correct?" Fuze settled into the chair with a cautious smile. "The same lord who is set to face the Orc Lord tonight."
"Indeed," Gazel nodded, with a serious expression. "Before I share what I know, I'd like to hear what information you've gathered about this new lord."
"I must admit, Your Majesty, that despite our reputation as a kingdom of information, details about this new lord and his city have been incredibly scarce," Fuze sighed, his brow furrowing in frustration. "If it weren't for the three adventurers who managed to befriend this Rimuru, we would have virtually no reliable information. Even then, most of what we know comes from anonymous tips."
He paused, collecting his thoughts before continuing. "According to these adventurers, Rimuru is a powerful Majin who has a considerable amount of named monsters under his rule. Despite his apparent strength, they believe he possesses a good character, which gives me hope that we might maintain peaceful relations—at least unless something drastic happens."
Gazel listened carefully, a small, satisfied smile forming on his lips. "It appears that, for once, Dwargon has the upper hand when it comes to information."
Fuze blinked, surprised by the king's statement. "What do you mean, Your Majesty?"
Leaning back slightly, Gazel's smile widened. "Unlike you, who heard about Rimuru through secondhand reports, I had the opportunity to meet him personally," Gazel said as a look of surprise appeared on Fuse's face. "Well, it would be more appropriate to say that Rimuru was the one who approached me."
"Rimuru approached you on his own, Your Majesty? What does this new lord of the forest want with you?" Fuze asked, surprise evident in his voice.
Gazel recounted the entire conversation he'd had with Rimuru, including the remarkable Full Potions that Rimuru had presented as a gift.
"What? Potions that can regrow limbs?" Fuze exclaimed, quickly catching himself as he realized where he was. "Apologies, Your Majesty. It's just... the existence of such a potion is astounding."
"Indeed, it is," Gazel nodded, understanding the Guildmaster's reaction. "But that's not the only matter of concern. Rimuru intends to establish a nation within the Jura Forest."
"A nation of monsters in the Jura Forest..." Fuze leaned back in his chair, an exhausted sigh escaping him. "That could have significant repercussions for us and our neighboring human nations, especially those bordering the forest, not to mention the Demon Lord-ruled territories. What does Rimuru intend to do about them?"
"I don't believe even the Demon Lords will pose much of a problem for him," a chuckle escaped Gazel's lips.
"You think Rimuru could take on a Demon Lord?" Fuze stared at the king in disbelief.
"If my subordinates' and my estimation is correct, Rimuru has the power to challenge even Dwargon itself, with all its armies, and possibly emerge victorious," Gazel replied, his voice grave. Fuze felt a cold pit of dread forming in his stomach as he absorbed the implications of the king's words. Gazel, on the other hand, looked at the man in front of him with pity in his eyes as he realized that he hadn't even mentioned the White Primordial that accompanies this monster, and he didn't intend to either, believing that he had already caused enough chaos in Fuze's life and saw no point in adding to it.
"If my instincts are accurate," Gazel continued, "Rimuru Tempest might be as dangerous as Veldora himself, if not more so."
"As terrifying as a True Dragon..." Fuze's face paled. "No, you said more terrifying... How could that be possible?"
"His power might not be comparable to Veldora himself, but unlike that crazy dragon, this monster is quite intelligent and cunning," Gazel's eyes narrowed as he considered his next words. "He already possesses a kingly aura and knows how and when to flaunt his power. This kind of person is not someone you can ignore; otherwise, the world itself will force you to acknowledge his existence at the most inconvenient time."
"So, what do you suggest we do?" Fuze swallowed hard, his nerves on edge.
"Isn't the answer obvious? A man as sharp as you should already know what I'm hinting at," Gazel chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair. "But if you need me to say it outright, then so be it. Convince your king to ally with this new nation after I, the King of Dwargon, will officially recognize Tempest as a sovereign nation."
Fuze frowned, thinking carefully. "It's easy for you to say, Your Majesty. Dwargon is a powerful nation—one that cannot be attacked without severe consequences. But Blumund is a small country. We must tread carefully for the sake of our survival. If we ally ourselves with a nation of monsters, we risk making an enemy of the Holy Empire of Lubelius, one of the Western superpowers. Is it really wise to provoke them?"
"You're right. For Dwargon, such a gamble is manageable. We've never been on particularly good terms with Lubelius anyway," Gazel nodded thoughtfully. "But for Blumund, the decision rests with you and your king. Don't rely solely on my word. Observe Tempest yourselves, weigh your options, and do what you believe is best for your people."
"Now, enough of politics," Gazel stood up from his seat, signaling the end of their discussion. "Let's have a drink and rest for a bit. I suspect tomorrow will bring yet another round of headache-inducing news."
Fuze managed a weak smile, grateful for the brief reprieve, though his mind was still reeling from the implications of what he had just learned.
******
Ogre village, the night of the invasion.
Today was a night heavy with tension in the Ogre village. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a pale light over the village and the atmosphere was thick with anticipation and fear, as the villagers prepared for the imminent Orc attack. Despite the newfound strength of their new chief, Edelgard, the uncertainty of the coming battle left everyone on edge.
However, the villagers, especially the village Elder and those who had seen many winters, were shocked by the chief's bold decision. Instead of following the traditional strategy of hiding the noncombatants—the elderly, the children, and those unable to fight—Edelgard had ordered everyone to gather at the entrance of the village. This was the very place where the Orcs were expected to launch their assault.
The village Elder couldn't hold back his concern any longer. So he approached Edelgard as the villagers assembled. "Chief, is it truly wise to gather everyone here? Wouldn't it be safer to shelter the children and the others somewhere more secure, away from the front lines?" Elder asked with a furrowed brow and a voice laced with worry,
Edelgard turned to face the Elder with a stern and hard expression. "Elder, I hold your wisdom in the highest regard," she said, her voice carrying the authority of her position, "but do not question my decision in front of the village." As she spoke, she released a controlled burst of her aura, a force that sent a shiver down the spine of every Ogre present. It was a reminder of the immense strength she now possessed, strength that was far beyond anything the village had known before.
"I understand your concerns," Edelgard continued, her tone softening as she addressed the Elder more personally. "But I have my reasons. This village, these people—they are under my care now. I will not dishonor my husband's memory by allowing harm to come to them. He gave his life to protect this village, and I intend to do the same." Her words were said in such a tone that left little room for argument.
The villagers, who had been nervously whispering among themselves, fell silent as they listened to their chief's words. Unbeknownst to them, Edelgard's new Unique Skill, [Kijin Empress], was subtly at work, easing their anxieties and fears, aligning their emotions with her will.
The skill was a gift from Rimuru, crafted with a particular vision in mind. He had modeled it after Empress Edelgard, a character from a video game in his old world, ensuring that the Ogre Chief's wife would embody the same regal authority and power. That is also why he named Ogre Chief's wife Edelgaurd so that she would rule over Ogre village for him and according to his wishes.
******
Unique Skill: Kijin Empress
Sub skills:
[Ruler's aura] - the user exerts spiritual pressure over targets in the surrounding area, freezing their bodies in place and bending them to the user's will.
[Axe Mastery] - the skill grants its user unparalleled efficiency with any axe, along with the knowledge and muscle memory of the greatest axe wielders in the world.
[Multi-Slash] - The skill allows the user to slash multiple targets simultaneously.
[Ultraspeed Regeneration] - Grants the user incredible regenerative properties, healing any injury or damage that doesn't instantly kill them in moments.
******
Despite being unaware of Rimuru's true intentions, Edelgard was deeply grateful for the power she had been given. Her loyalty to Rimuru was unshakeable, strengthened by the knowledge that this power would help her protect her people and her children.
Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a shout from one of the Ogre scouts. "Chief! They are here!" The scout's voice echoed across the village, filled with urgency and dread. "Orcs will be here soon!"
As soon as the words left the scout's mouth, the tension in the air thickened once more. Warriors immediately tightened their grips on their weapons, ready to rush forward and defend their home. The sound of steel on steel, as swords and axes were unsheathed, filled the night air.
But before they could take even one step, Edelgard's commanding voice rang out. "Stop! Only I will be stepping outside the gates of the village!" Her words brought the warriors to a sudden halt, their eyes wide with shock and disbelief. "Warriors! Stay here and protect the people. Do not even think about interfering in my battle!" Her tone left no room for debate.
With steady steps, Edelgard walked through the village gates and positioned herself at the forefront, the only barrier between her people and the oncoming Orc horde. The sight of her standing alone, bathed in the cold light of the moon, was both awe-inspiring and terrifying.
A few moments later, Edelgard unsheathed her jet-black axe and steadied her nerves as she laid her eyes on the approaching Orc Lord and his army.
******
The dense, ancient trees of the Jura Forest trembled as the earth quaked beneath the march of 200,000 Orcs. The air was thick with the stench of bloodlust and desperation, a vile miasma that clung to the leaves and dirt. At the head of the horde stood the Orc Lord, towering over his minions, his eyes burning with a hunger that could devour the world. His grotesque form was a mass of bulging muscle and steel-like skin, pulsating with the power he had stolen from countless victims. Every step he took reverberated through the forest, echoing the doom he promised to bring.
Across the battlefield, the lone figure of Edelgard stood in defiance, her gaze fixed on her husband's killer. Her cold, piercing eyes were devoid of fear, but beneath the surface, a storm of emotions raged. Her white hair whipped in the wind, and the black axe in her hand felt as though it was thirsting for the blood of her enemies. In normal circumstances, even the bravest of the Orcs would have hesitated to approach her, sensing the death that radiated from her very being. But now, driven by their leader's overwhelming bloodlust and madness, they charged forward without a second thought, a mindless horde intent on destruction.
The next moment, a deafening roar echoed through the forest as Edelgard lunged forward. In the blink of an eye, she was already upon them, her axe cleaving through the air with such a blinding speed that the Orcs had no time to react.
Edelgard swung her axe, and the skill [Axe Mastery] activated with flawless precision. The first blow sliced through the Orc general leading the charge as if he were made of paper, his body splitting apart in a fountain of blood. The second swing decapitated another general who attempted a cowardly strike from her blind side; his head tumbled to the ground before his body realized it was dead.
The Orcs scrambled to raise their weapons, but it was futile. Edelgard was a blur of motion, her [Multi-Slash] skill allowing her to cut down scores of Orcs in a single sweep. With every strike, her axe moved with unparalleled efficiency, guided by the collective knowledge of the greatest axe wielders to ever live. Two hundred fell before her, their blood staining the earth, their screams a bitter symphony to the ears of a widow who had lost her husband to these monsters.
The Ogres who watched from behind the village gates stood in stunned silence, awe, and fear mingling in their eyes. Even Edelgard's own children, who had known her as a gentle and loving mother, could barely recognize the warrior that now stood before them. The battlefield was littered with the bodies of the fallen, and the woman who stood on top of them was littered with her enemy's blood with no sign of stopping anytime soon.
Meanwhile on the battlefield, even though it looked like Edelgaurd had the upper hand right now the situation wasn't that simple at all. At that time only she knew that using her Unique Skill was taking a toll on her body. Moreover, even though Edelgard was cutting down Orcs with prime efficiency, the numbers were against her. For every orc that fell, another took its place, driven by the Orc Lord's insatiable hunger and will. The tide of bodies was endless, and the longer the battle dragged on, the more the scales tipped out of her favor.
Edelgard's mind raced as she assessed the situation. There was only one way to end this, and that was to take down the Orc Lord himself. Without hesitation, she made her decision. With blinding speed, she maneuvered through the throng of Orcs, cutting down any that dared to stand in her way. Her target was clear: the Orc Lord that led this horde.
The Orc Lord's eyes narrowed as he watched Edelgard approach. Her determination was palpable, but he did not falter. With a bellow that shook the very trees around them, he charged toward her, his massive cleaver raised high. The ground splintered under his weight, and the air hummed with the raw power of his presence.
Edelgard met his charge head-on, her axe clashing against the cleaver in a shower of sparks. The force of the impact sent shockwaves rippling through the forest, toppling trees and scattering debris. They exchanged blows with the speed and ferocity of a lightning storm, each strike powerful enough to shatter the earth beneath them.
But as the battle raged on, Edelgard quickly realized that the Orc Lord was no ordinary opponent. Every time she struck, the Orc Lord absorbed the blow, his flesh rippling as he regenerated the damage almost instantly. His cleaver swung with brutal precision, nearly catching Edelgard off guard more than once. His sheer size and strength began to overwhelm her, pushing her back with every clash of their weapons.
The Orc Lord roared and brought his cleaver down with a force that would have split a mountain in two. Edelgard barely managed to parry, the impact sending her skidding backward, her feet digging furrows into the ground. She panted, her chest heaving as she struggled to maintain her focus. The Orc Lord was relentless, and even with her [Ultraspeed Regeneration], she could feel the toll the battle was taking on her body.
The Orc Lord sensed her hesitation and pressed the advantage, his attacks becoming more frenzied, more brutal. Edelgard could see the madness in his eyes, the unyielding hunger that drove him. He swung again, and this time, Edelgard wasn't fast enough. The cleaver grazed her side, clashing against her with a deadly force. Pain shot through her, but she was glad that the armor, a gift from her new lord, Rimuru, had saved her life.
Even so, the realization dawned on her—this battle wasn't winnable. Not like this. The Orc Lord's army was endless, and his regenerative powers rivaled her own. No matter how many she killed, they kept coming, and her strength was not infinite.
With a growl of frustration, Edelgard leaped back, putting distance between herself and the Orc Lord. She could feel the weight of the Orcs' gazes on her, thousands of eyes filled with hatred, fear, and bloodlust. But she wasn't foolish enough to let pride dictate her actions. She knew the fate of the last chief who had let his pride rule him, and she wasn't going to make the same mistake.
"Damn it!" Edelgard gritted her teeth, frustration boiling over. "Even after gaining this new power, I still can't end this monstrosity!" The fear she had kept at bay now gripped her heart as she realized the terrible truth—if she fell here, her village, her people, everyone she cared about would be slaughtered by these monsters.
Her mind raced, searching for a solution. She couldn't fall here, not like this. But as she looked at the overwhelming horde before her and the monstrous figure of the Orc Lord, doubt crept into her heart. She needed a plan, a way to turn the tide, or everything would be lost.
But then, just as despair threatened to overwhelm her, hope reignited in Edelgard's heart as she heard a voice she desperately wanted to hear. "That was a splendid performance." She whipped her head around, and there, beside her, stood her new Lord, Rimuru, a calm smile on his face. "I am glad I chose you to lead this village."
Edelgard's heart swelled with pride and happiness. The fatigue that had begun to weigh on her shoulders lifted as Rimuru's words confirmed that her efforts had not been in vain. "Thank you, Lord," she replied, her voice trembling with emotion as she dropped to one knee right there on the battlefield. For a moment, the chaos around her faded away—the looming presence of the Orc Lord, the relentless march of his army, none of it mattered. She knew, without a doubt, that her Lord wouldn't let any harm come to her or her people.
"Stand up, Edelgard," Rimuru said gently, placing his hands on her shoulders and helping her to her feet. "You did well, now stand back. Let me take care of this."
"Lord, please," Edelgard pleaded, her voice filled with urgency. "Let me support you. I can't just stand back and watch while my people are the ones being attacked."
"Edelgard, did you forget what I told you before?" Rimuru asked in a voice that sent shivers down Edelgard's spine. "The moment I took this village under my rule, you and all of its residents became my people. So stand back and let me deal with this Orc Lord that dares to threaten my people."
Edelgard hesitated for a moment, her warrior's spirit yearning to fight alongside her Lord, but she knew better than to disobey his command. Reluctantly, she stepped back, her eyes never leaving Rimuru as he turned his attention to the Orc Lord.
Then he turned towards Orc Lord and started walking towards it leisurely. "Well Mr. Orc Lord, let's see what are you made off."
To be continued...