Chapter 1: Bonds Forged in the Storm
The cavern walls shimmered dimly, the air heavy with ancient mana. The lingering scent of sulfur and stagnation hung in the atmosphere. Rimuru's azure slime form gently quivered, while Joshua, a smaller translucent black slime with faint golden streaks running through his body, observed their surroundings.
Both slimes stared at the towering golden dragon encased in layers of magical seals. The pressure alone made the air feel like it would crush weaker beings. However, the brothers could feel the playful curiosity radiating from the sealed dragon.
"Kukuku… To think two strange slimes would stumble upon this place... I, Veldora Tempest, am truly a lucky dragon."
The sheer weight of the voice echoed through the chamber, forcing both slimes to instinctively brace themselves.
Rimuru's core trembled slightly. "A talking dragon...?"
Joshua remained silent, his instinctual sense of danger kicking in. Yet, there was no malice in the voice—only loneliness and amusement. His mind worked rapidly, analyzing the situation.
[Warning: High-ranking spiritual lifeform detected — Veldora Tempest — Catastrophe Class.]
[System Analysis: Threat Level – Extreme. Recommended Action: Escape.]
Joshua ignored the suggestion. Instead, he focused on the seals binding the dragon, his golden streaks flickering faintly as his Divine Observer skill began scanning.
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Skill Analysis
Divine Observer: Allows the user to perceive, analyze, and identify magical structures and lifeforms with divine-level precision. Capable of breaking down complex enchantments over time.
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Joshua's small body flickered, his golden streaks glowing dimly as countless layers of magical runes unfolded in his vision. Even sealed, Veldora's mana output was astronomical—enough to erase entire nations.
"Oi, Joshua... what are you doing?" Rimuru asked cautiously, sensing his brother's focus.
Joshua's voice echoed directly into Rimuru's mind through Telepathic Link.
"I'm analyzing the seal... It's ancient, but there's something... odd. The layers are designed to contain him, but they also sustain him."
"Sustain him?" Rimuru echoed, his curiosity piqued.
"Yes... He's not trapped to die—he's trapped to suffer."
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Veldora's crimson eyes narrowed slightly, amused by the smaller slime's observation.
"Oh? You are quite the perceptive one, little slime... Even the mages who imprisoned me barely understood that. Fascinating."
Joshua's streaks dimmed as the scan completed. The system's voice echoed in his mind.
[Seal Analysis Complete: Probability of Partial Interference – 3% | Probability of Complete Removal – 0.0001%]
[Warning: Attempting interference may trigger defensive protocols.]
Joshua remained silent. His instincts whispered that Veldora's fate was unjust—another victim of the world's fear of power. His angelic half, despite his incomplete nature, felt the burden of such suffering.
Rimuru, sensing his brother's turmoil, bounced forward slightly.
"Hey, Mister Veldora... Would you like to make a pact with us?"
The dragon's laughter echoed through the cavern.
"Kukuku... A pact? You would form a bond with a feared calamity like myself? What foolish little creatures."
Joshua's voice finally emerged, soft yet unwavering.
"Loneliness... is a greater curse than power."
The laughter faded, leaving behind a heavy silence.
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Name Bestowal: Tempest Brothers
A flicker of warmth stirred within the ancient dragon's heart. His crimson eyes softened as he gazed at the two slimes.
"You truly are strange beings... Very well, I shall grant you my name. From this day forth, you are Rimuru Tempest and Joshua Tempest — brothers born under the storm."
A rush of divine energy filled the cavern as the name took root in their very souls.
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Joshua Tempest — Awakening Skills
Divine Observer ➔ Heavenly Appraisal: Grants absolute analysis of any existence or structure, including divine mysteries.
Darkfang: A unique predation skill that consumes enemies and assimilates their powers through both demonic and angelic energy.
Duality Core: Allows the user to switch between Angelic Purity and Demonic Wrath, granting different sets of abilities based on alignment.
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Joshua's body flickered violently, his form shifting between deep black and faint gold before stabilizing. His system's voice echoed softly in his mind.
[Name Acknowledged — Joshua Tempest]
[Half-Angelic/Demonic Hybrid — Evolution Commencing]
[Unique Skills Awakening...]
Rimuru's azure body glowed faintly as well, his consciousness growing sharper as his Great Sage began unlocking higher thought processes.
Veldora watched with mild surprise.
"To think you two would evolve just from receiving my name... What curious little creatures."
Joshua's golden streaks pulsed slowly as he gazed up at the dragon.
"We'll set you free one day... That's our promise."
Veldora's laughter echoed once more—louder, yet warmer.
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End of Chapter 2