As Satoru and Veldora continued their conversation, Satoru decided to take the opportunity to learn more about the world he was now inhabiting.
"So, Veldora," Satoru began, "tell me about this world.
Veldora puffed out his chest proudly, his golden eyes gleaming. "Hmph! Let me educate you, little one. At the pinnacle of this world stand the True Dragons! We are the strongest beings in existence, unmatched in power and majesty. There were originally four of us: myself, Velzard, the Frost Dragon; Velgrind, the Scorch Dragon; and Veldanava, the Star Dragon and the Creator of this world."
Satoru blinked in surprise. "Wait, four dragons? But if you're sealed here, does that mean the others are ruling the world or something?"
Veldora's expression darkened slightly. "Not quite. Veldanava, our eldest and most powerful sibling, perished—or perhaps disappeared—long ago. His death left a void in the balance of power. Now, it's just me and my two sisters, Velzard and Velgrind. They've each carved their own territories, but I've been stuck here for centuries because of that blasted seal!"
Satoru's curiosity was piqued. "So you're saying you're all that's left of the True Dragons? That's… intense. But why didn't Great Sage mention anything about you guys before?"
There was a brief silence before Great Sage responded. <...>
Satoru sweatdropped. "Uh, Great Sage? You there?"
<...Affirmative.>
"Why didn't you tell me about these True Dragons? They sound kind of important!"
Satoru sighed. "Well, I guess you've got a point, but still…" He turned back to Veldora. "So, you're one of the strongest beings in this world, huh? That explains why you're so full of yourself."
Veldora laughed heartily. "Hahaha! Of course! But don't forget, while we True Dragons are at the top, there's also another being worth mentioning: Beerus."
As Veldora spoke about the Cardinal World, Satoru's ears perked up at the mention of Beerus. He flinched slightly, his mind racing.
"Wait… Beerus? Where have I heard that name before…?" Satoru thought, his mind rifling through his memories. Then it hit him like a freight train. "No way… Beerus? The God of Destruction from Dragon Ball Super? Are you kidding me? Wait, wait… this has to be a coincidence, right? It's probably someone else with the same name… but still…" He decided not to voice his thoughts, instead letting Veldora continue.
Veldora, oblivious to Satoru's inner turmoil, continued speaking with pride. "Beerus is the God of this world, and his strength is unparalleled. Even in his prime, my elder brother Veldanava could not have matched Beerus's current power. He truly embodies destruction and order. It's said that his very presence can reshape the balance of the world. Hmph, not that I've ever been afraid of him, of course."
Satoru's mind was reeling. "Stronger than Veldanava? And this world's God of Destruction? If it really is the Beerus I'm thinking of, I need to tread carefully… but there's no way, right? No way!"
After Veldora finished explaining the power dynamics of the Cardinal World, Satoru nodded, trying to appear calm while his thoughts were still racing.
He was about to leave and continue exploring when he noticed Veldora's expression shift. The dragon, once confident and boastful, now looked sad.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Satoru asked.
Veldora turned his gaze away, huffing. "Hmph. It's nothing. Just go, little slime. You've learned what you wanted."
Satoru frowned, picking up on the melancholy in Veldora's tone. "Come on, you don't have to play tough. Let me guess—you're lonely, aren't you?"
Veldora puffed out his chest in defiance. "Lonely? Me? The mighty Veldora? Don't make me laugh! I merely—"
"If you don't want to admit it, that's fine," Satoru interrupted with a smirk. "But how about this? Do you want to be friends?"
Veldora froze, his golden eyes widening. "F-Friends? With you? Hah! Don't be absurd. Why would the great Storm Dragon need friends?"
Veldora froze, his golden eyes widening. "F-Friends? With you? Hah! Don't be absurd. Why would the great Storm Dragon need friends?"
Satoru rolled his eyes. "Fine, if you don't want to, then never mind. Forget I said anything."
A moment of silence passed. Then, Veldora cleared his throat awkwardly. "W-Wait! I didn't say no… It's just… you caught me off guard. You're quite bold, aren't you?"
Satoru grinned. "So, is that a yes?"
Veldora huffed, looking away. "Hmph. Fine! I'll accept your friendship, little one. But only because I find you amusing! And because I've been stuck in this cave for so long… it might be nice to have someone to talk to."
Satoru chuckled. "Great! Then it's a deal."
As they solidified their newfound friendship, Veldora turned curious. "So, where exactly are you from, little slime? You're not like the other monsters I've encountered. You're far too intelligent and… how should I put it… capable of withstanding my magicule pressure."
Satoru shrugged. "Well, I'm not from this world. I came from another one entirely. I was just an average guy living a boring life, and then one day, I got stabbed by some random dude. Next thing I know, I'm here, reincarnated as a slime."
Veldora's eyes widened. "Reincarnated, you say? Fascinating! That explains why your aura feels… different. It also explains why you've managed to survive in this cave despite all the powerful monsters and my overwhelming magicule leakage. You're no ordinary slime, that's for sure."
Satoru chuckled. "Yeah, I've been figuring that out as I go. Speaking of which, I've got one more question for you, Veldora. This seal you're trapped in—what's the deal with it? Is there any way to break it?"
Veldora's expression darkened. "Ah, this accursed seal… It was placed on me by that meddlesome Hero who dared to challenge me centuries ago. It binds me here, suppressing my power. I cannot escape on my own, and the magicules in this area have fused with the seal, making it even harder to break."
Satoru frowned, turning to Great Sage. "Hey, Great Sage, is there anything I can do to help him?"
Great Sage responded after a moment.
Satoru's eyes widened. "Absorb the seal? Is that safe?"
Satoru turned to Veldora with a grin. "Well, looks like I might be able to help you after all. It's going to take some time, though."
Veldora's golden eyes lit up with hope. "Truly? You would do that for me?"
Satoru shrugged. "Why not? You're my first friend in this world. Besides, I've got nothing to lose. Let's do it."
Veldora laughed heartily. "Hahaha! You are an intriguing one, little slime. Very well! Let us join forces. Together, we shall conquer this world!"