An oppressive silence reigned in the vast expanse. Only the wind blew gently through the surrounding high mountains, carrying with it a strange feeling of unease. The air seemed heavy, saturated with an unknown and palpable energy.
Anos Voldigoad slowly opened his eyes. Lying in the middle of a green plain, he felt an unusual weight, as if something was missing. He quickly straightened up, his muscles tense, his eyes scanning the horizon, accustomed to assessing each situation with deadly precision.
But… something was wrong. His body seemed weaker, less responsive. The enormous demonic power that once inhabited him… had disappeared.
"What the…?" he murmured, his brow furrowed. A gaping chasm opened in his consciousness. Where was he? Who had brought him here? And above all, why did he no longer feel his immeasurable power?
As he tried to gather his thoughts, a strange noise rang out a few meters away from him. A small figure straightened up, not far away. It was a creature that was visibly human, but its body radiated a familiar aura, although just as weak as his own.
"Well... this is not where I expected to wake up." Rimuru Tempest sighed as he stretched. His humanoid form, while pleasant and practical, seemed more... rigid than usual.
He turned to Anos, his gaze questioning.
"You feel weird too?" Rimuru asked. "I feel like I should know something important, but everything is blurry."
Anos remained silent for a moment, observing this strange creature. He felt as if he knew it, but it was like a memory buried under layers of oblivion. "No matter where we come from," he finally said, "we must understand this world first."
Their eyes met, and though both felt disoriented and weak, there was an unspoken understanding. This was no ordinary world. Something, or someone, had brought them here, stripping them of their abilities and memories.
Suddenly, a low rumble shook the earth beneath their feet. The previously clear sky tore into a storm of black clouds. Lightning flashed across the sky, and huge dark creatures emerged from the surrounding shadows. They seemed drawn to something—or someone.
Rimuru looked around, a hint of panic in his eyes. "Looks like we don't have much time to wonder."
Anos drew a sword he had found at his side, a simple piece of steel that seemed ridiculous compared to his former power. Yet his fighting instincts had not abandoned him.
"Maybe it's a test." Anos stared at the approaching creatures, their forms distorted by the darkness. "But I've never failed a test."
Rimuru nodded, trying to summon his usual magic, but nothing happened. No gluttony, no unique skills. Just... him.
"It'll be hard without my powers," he murmured. But a confident smile played on his lips. "Well, it wouldn't be fun if it were too easy."
The two got into position, ready to face the unknown that was inexorably advancing towards them.
End of Chapter 1: Awakening in the Unknown
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