3rd Pov
In the Eastern empire, the throne room was enveloped in a cold atmosphere as the recent news all came in...
The sudden dissolution of the demon lord council, the rise of Tempest, the alliance between Ruberios and the monster nation...
And even rumors that the white ice dragon, Velzard was seen in the sky of Ruberios...all this led to Rudra and his henchmen to gather and talk.
Rudra : I seriously hope you guys got me some good news for once.
His crimson eyes gazing down at each one of his ministers and generals, they all flinched.
Damrada : The West is in total shamble...we underestimated the control that Ruberios truly held on the human nation...
Rudra : I can see that...what about Luminous Valentine ?
Kondou : She was last seen in Tempest, from our most recent observation she should have regained Ruberios via teleportation...
Rudra : Tempest, do we have any news about them ?
This was getting really annoying for him, the main reason was the ultimate lack of information they had...up until now, their biggest enemy was Guy Crimson and Ruberios.
None of them really give out information about important internal matters, but Tempest seems much more open yet no useful information came in.
Calgurio : They recently announced a festival...and many guests were invited.
Rudra : A festival ?
Nodding, Calgurio took out a long list and started calling out some names.
Calgurio : Those are the publically invited guests, among them we can find King Gazel Dwargo from the Armed nation of Dwargon, the empress Elemesia El Ru Sarion for the Sorcerer dynasty, the new heroic king of Flamuth, Youm Falmuth...t-the goddess Luminous-
Velgrynd : They invited the fake goddess directly ?
Chuckling, Velgrynd could see that everyone was taking action now...but something bothered her, it has been a few days since she couldn't feel Velzard's presence at all.
And the rumors of the ice dragon above Ruberios didn't help.
Rudra : I see, is Dawn Arceid participating too ?
Calgurio : While his name wasn't listed...if Goddess Luminous does personally come, i can't see anyone else capable of standing as her guard.
At the mention of Dawn, Kondou flinched and gritted his teeth...remembering a certain battle of the past.
Rudra : Then assassination or any attempt of sabotaging this Festival is meaningless.
At first, before the recent event...Rudra wanted his army to trample over the Jura forest and take over the Western nation.
Veldora's disappearance certainly helped for that and so Falmuth war was instigated to slowly invade the west.
But after a while Damrada has come back to the empire with mild news..until now, their main leverage on Ruberios was Granbell Rosso who was also the Luminary of the Sun, Gran.
With such contact, the empire had a connection with the west...but Damarada had gone to check on Granbell since he was oddly silent.
Only to find that both the former hero and his granddaughter were murdered...their bodies were pale and the attack used had perfectly negated any possible treatment or regeneration.
This was when Damrada understood that he had to leave quickly...because the only few being capable of such damage would be an awakened being.
Something that would endanger his life more than necessary, thought he did bring back a good pawn from this ordeal.
Rudra : We were played beautifully...
Suddenly coming to an halt, everyone present grew tense as a disappointed sigh left the emperor's mouth.
Velgrynd : What do you mean ?
Rudra : Now that I think it was weird how every spy we sent to Ruberios was dealt with but not Granbell...it's clear to me now that Luminous had let him act and give us information.
His reflection was based on his confidence in Ruberios high cadre's power, he believed that the likes of Dawn and Luminous wouldn't be fooled by a small hero like Granbell.
The fact that he was disposed of at a convenient time also added to his suspicion.
Damrada : That might be...right.
Rudra : Well, I guess we'll have to stop trying to take over the economy of the west for now, you said someone followed you back here, who is it, Damrada ?
Rudra had understood that the West was now totally under Ruberios's control...they all unified under a single banner to fight off Demon lord Guy Crimson.
Damrada : Yes, he was a servant of hero Granbell who wasn't present at his estate when the murder happened, his name is Razul and all he seeks is revenge.
Smirking, Damarada bowed on one knee as he signaled the newcomer to enter, an insectar who reached its humanoid body.
The bloodlust and aura he excluded managed to make the officers inside shrink...while those who possess higher fighting ability looked at Razul with interest.
Rudra : I see, I guess this could do it.
Razul : I greet the emperor of the Nasca empire, i Razul offers you his allegiance if you wield to grant me a single wish.
Rudra : Speak, but i have to warn you...don't be too greedy.
Resting his chin upon his hand as he flared his heroic aura, no matter how strong and high willed the people present were.
All bowed in an instant, even Razul who had come in confidence was forced down as he witnessed the power of the Heroic emperor.
Only Velgrynd could still look up as her golden eyes studied the scene.
Razul : I-i want to be the one who takes down Dawn Arceid.
Rudra : Oh ? From what we know, he is the one who killed Granbell, so you just want revenge ?
Nodding, Razul was saved by Granbell in the past...he was also aware of the corruption that devoured his hero friend.
Heck, Razul even accepted that Granbell would die one day but the way he was ruthlessly killed made his insect blood cry.
He wanted revenge over anything, learning that Dawn Arceid was the reason for this thirst made Razul accept Damrada's proposal of serving the empire.
Rudra : Fine, I'll accept you in my rank and even let you have your revenge so serve me well, Razul.
Razul : Is it my honor, your majesty?
Bowing once again, Rudra's mouth curved into a sinister smile.
Velgrynd : (Are you sure ? This Razul is nowhere near the level of that hero.)
Rudra : (It's always better to have more pawns, I'll just use Razul's hatred to bother Dawn a little.)
Their thoughts communication was cut short as Rudra got up and raised his arm.
Rudra : We'll wait until the end of the Festival of Tempest to initiate the war, split the army into 2 fighting forces and strike Tempest and Ruberios by the sea.
Kondou : If I may, why are we splitting our force ?
Rudra : Do you really believe we can take on a grouped force composed of half of the previously known demon lord, a true dragon and a true hero at the same time ?
Rudra wasn't a fool, he knew that with Veglrynd...the Eastern empire had one of the best military but even he wouldn't cross the line of fighting Demon lord Milim Nava, Luminous Valentine, Ramiris who still held great power even in her weakened form.
On top of that, the new demon lord Rimuru couldn't be underestimated and lastly...the one that displayed a rather epic show a few weeks ago in the sky of Ruberios, Dawn Arceid.
Rudra : We need to occupy at least Dawn while we take over Tempest, because it will at least need me or Velgrynd to fight him.
He also counted Guy in the equation since Ruberios officially engaged in a war against demon lord Dagruel...
This means Guy will surely focus on Ruberios first while Rudra will attack Tempest...
Rudra : Dawn won't abandon Ruberios, he won't be able to leave as long as the giant and us keep the pressure.
The plan was set in march, it was only a matter of time before the start of the greatest war.
Back to Ruberios, Dawn was currently behind his desk as he filled the paperwork he had missed...at the same time he engaged in some short discussion with Velzard.
A few moments later, he stopped and looked up as a knock was heard hitting the door, giving them his approval, Eleonor pulled the handle and entered.
Beside her was Lucas chained up and passed out...
Dawn : Heh, I guess he got out of control...
Eleonor : He wanted to go to Horizon when we didn't know his location !
Dawn : I see, give me your report and get him to bed, I'll talk some sense into him later.
Eleonor : As you wish.
Velzard on the side looked amused, she had made her presence almost null so Dawn's guest wouldn't notice her.
Eleonor : So, I confirmed that Horizon was taken by demon lord Dagruel, looking further would had been dangerous...I also noticed that the number of giants deployed in that battle is nowhere near their entire military...
Dawn : Dagruzl surely just launched a random attack, perhaps he didn't expect a fighter on Horizon's caliber to be there.
Eleonor : Yes, after resourcing the entire battle I managed to find some remains of a giant that fought there. Looking up into their past I can positively say that a much bigger force is currently in the making.
This was clear, Dagruel this time was ready to pull up a full out war...he was one of the rare people who didn't fear Dawn's existence after all.
Dawn : I will put an end to this myself, for now I'll have every knight's orders mobilized to patrol around Ruberios...set a particular priority over the border with the barren land.
Eleonor : I'll transmit this order to Louis and Hinata then.
Nodding, Dawn looked down at his hand...it was twitching, he couldn't really hide it but a part of himself wanted to test his new capabilities.
Dawn : I think I'm starting to become a battle freak...
Eleonor : By the way...did you teint your hair ?
Dawn : Oh that...i'll explain later but this is now my look.
Grabbing a few strands of his now white hair, his eyes subconsciously trailed toward Velzard who was staring at him with a huge grin.
Dawn : You should go rest for now, also we'll leave in a few weeks for Tempest.
Eleonor : Tempest ?
Dawn : Yeah, tell this to the other as well, this might be the last time we all relax.
Taking his words to heart, Eleonor didn't question further and bowed before leaving...the moment her shadow crossed the door frame with Lucas.
Velzard brusted in chuckle as she released a teasing smirk.
Velzard : Your hair really changed, I didn't really pay attention but they are as white as mine now...
Dawn : This is the hair color I had when I was Origin Averion, my overall appearance is starting to change since I recovered my memories.
Velzard : I see, so...why don't you call me mommy ?
Dawn : Huh ?
Instantly, the neutral face he had kept until now crumbled as he looked up to Velzard with bewilderment.
Velzard : We look like each other, and our relationship is close to that of a parent and her infant, so why not ?
Her words might have held some significance if it wasn't for her wide smirk, it was clear and brutal teasing.
And despite knowing that, a flash of embarrassment crossed Dawn's face.
Dawn : D-don't joke around...(beside those huge milkers in your adult form, you are clearly mommy material...)
Keeping his thoughts to himself, he urged any form of hormone to get away and recomposed himself.
Dawn : (This body is truly great...i can influence every cell or particle that makes me, the novel truly understated the state known as Digital lifeform.)
This was truly a state above the realm of the living, though Dawn pondered...in this state he can indirectly walk inside the suspended world.
But he wondered if he could also activate it ? It was a foreign process yet that seemed so familiar.
Dawn : Velzard-san, how does Suspended world work ?
Velzard : Suspended world ? Well, it's very hard to explain, in fact even I and any user of this art have a proper explanation.
Dawn : I see...can you activate it ?
Velzard : I could, but this will definitely alert Rudra or Guy, I don't think it's a wise move considering your situation.
Nodding, Dawn could just sight...he knew that once the hostility started, there would be no break and at one point, Suspended world would be a major battle field.
Going in without prior experience could be dangerous...
Dawn : I guess I have no choice but just get used to my abilities for now.
Velzard : I'm curious too, so why don't we go for some warm up ?
Dawn : Gladly, my lady.
Chuckling, both get up at the same time...surely, they couldn't engage a fight here before properly throwing hands.
Dawn : It's sad, Rimuru didn't fully create the labyrinth yet, we could have got on seriously.
Velzard : Labyrinth ? You mean that Pixie's ability ?
Dawn : Yes, by now Ramiris should have started to move out to Tempest...they should finish the labyrinth before the Festival.
Velzard : Well, it's just a warm up so we surely won't cause much damage.
Dawn : I guess.
Smirking, it has been a while since the two of them fought...last time was decades ago when Dawn trained under Velzard's teaching.
Now in the deepest part of the holy sanctuary, both stood in what seemed to be a large cave...their aura lightly flaring.
Velzard formed a blade made of ice while Dawn took out Shin Exalia.
Velzard : Is this sword alive ? I can feel some kind of attachment to it...
Dawn : As a matter of fact, it is...i'll let you meet her later but basically Shin Exalia has all the memories of Snowie, consider her as your original daughter.
Velzard : I see...this reminds me how you and Snowie first fought me together.
Dawn : The good old time.
A hint of sadness, both of them shared this feeling...but they knew they couldn't dwell on the past too much.
Dawn : You can have the first move, my lady.
Velzard : Cocky aren't you, then don't mind if I do !
Bursting forward, the idea of limiting the damage was totally forgotten as the two of them clashed their swords.
Luminous Pov
What a calm evening-
Boom !!!!!!
Suddenly, the ground shook lightly...before another more intense shake happened, in a continuous series...
I jumped out of my throne in shock as before I knew, the entire land of Ruberios was shaking uncontrollably...
Luminous : What in the holy world is happening ?! Did Dagruel come back ?!
I shouted with a bit of panic hindering my voice, at the same time Gunthler appeared beside me and bowed.
Gunthler : M-my lady...
Luminous : What is happening ?!
Gunthler : I-it seem lady Velzard and sir Dawn have engaged into a...light spar...
His expression was pale as he reported the situation, my own mind went blank for an instant as I tried to understand his words.
Luminous : A-are they kidding me ?! I have to stop them before they annihilate my nation !
Groaning in annoyance, I expected Dawn to at least be responsible enough to not cause such mess but I underestimated his new persona !
In a few seconds, I reached where I could feel Velzard's aura. Strangely, Dawn didn't release any form of presence as if he was fading into the world itself.
Luminous : W-what the hell is that ?!
My eyes grew wide once I had reached the fighting location and source of this massive earthquake...
I could see Dawn and Velzard going at it, their movements were fast yet smooth...in a way, someone who didn't know would think this was a fight to the death.
The only thing that betrayed that possibility was their expression...both held a facial smile that held either pride or determination.
Luminous : H-he has become monstrous...
I already knew that in terms of power and fighting skill, I came short against Dawn...after all he specialized himself into that while I did slack off a bit.
But now, he can fight against a true dragon...the strongest one alive at that and hold his ground.
His words weren't fluke, right now he might be among those few being at the very top of the world...this was simply dazzling.
I came here to stop them but i couldn't help but keep staring at their fight, it was a beautiful and elegant dance.
Velzard was simply too beautiful for someone alive, when Dawn was moving in a way that matched Velzard elegance.
Luminous : This is...mesmerizing.
I was speechless, honestly the damage caused by their aura alone managed to freeze up the entire cave.
Yet, all I saw was them using swordsmanship...I couldn't fathom what would happen if they actually used skills and magic.
Luminous : Waiit ! I came here to stop them !
Waking up from this living dream, I quickly gathered magicule in the palm of my hand and shot a crimson ray toward them.
I was glad that it actually managed to get to them as they stopped and looked at me with an annoyed look.
Velzard : Why did you stop us ?
Dawn : I was just getting warmed up...
Luminous : You...
The vein on my forehead almost popped as I shot at them another ray of enemy, are they testing my patience or were they just oblivious of the damage they caused ?!
Luminous : You already destroyed this cave beyond repair ! Are you trying to bury Ruberios in an ice coffin !
3rd Pov
Thus, on that cold day...Luminous managed to stop a tragedy that could have been called, « The birth of a new land of ice ».
A few days then passed, and finally Dawn caught up with his work...honestly, the memories of Origin, who was a respectable duke, were useful.
As Averion didn't fall due to bad leadership, the idea and logistics used back then was useful to strengthen the current Ruberios.
Now dressed in a military coat which approached more to the noble like clothing, Dawn left for Tempest since he wanted to be there before the festival.
It was still a few weeks away, so he had a lot of time...using his new state, traveling from Ruberios to Tempest didn't take more than a moment.
Moving through space with zero time lag was surely convenient...
Arriving at Tempest's headquarters, he waited a few instant before getting greeted by Shuna.
Shuna : I apologize for making you wait, we weren't notified of your arrival, Dawn-sama.
Dawn : Don't worry, I just decided to come here on a whim. Is Ramiris, Shizue or Rimuru here ?
Shuna : Yes, Ramiris-sama is currently working on her project and Shizu-sama is assisting her, while Rimuru-sama is...a little bit busy ?
Dawn : Oh ?
Well Shuna welcomed him in their headquarter, which was a large building where most officers and cadre of Tempest worked.
She explained the situation while walking toward the office.
Shuna : Ever since the Festival was announced, some nobles came in advance and...asked for an audience with Rimuru-sama.
Dawn : I see...must be rough...
Shuna : Currently, a noble called Ragia Mull from...Falmuth is talking with my lord.
Dawn : Falmuth ? Didn't they got enough after the war ?
He sighed, he could almost be ashamed of his origin as Dawn was born in the past Falmuth.
Anyway, after a short walk...Shuna arrived in front of an office which served as a meeting room for Rimuru and his guest.
It was well isolated yet the loud shout from inside could be heard...
Dawn : This doesn't seem to be going well.
Shuna : Ugh...I apologize for the noise...
Dawn : Should I wait for them to finish ?
Shuna : Mmh, well Dawn-sama is one of our most important guests so i don't think anyone would complain if you decided to cut this audience short.
This was a clear invitation from Shuna to help Rimuru, smirking...Dawn nodded as he watched Shuna close her eyes and knock on the door.
Shuna : Rimuru-sama, an important guest has arrived and would like to greet you.
Rimuru : Oh ? Let him in then !
Hearing the approval, Shuna nodded to no one and opened the door...
Ragia : How impolite ! I am still talking and you are welcoming someone else ?! Don't you know that I was one of the most important supporters of the former King Edmaris !
Rimuru just ignored his antics, upon seeing the scene Dawn sweet dropped...behind Rimuru was Testarossa and Diablo glaring at Ragia's very soul.
They see me to be on the verge of cracking, if it wasn't for Rimuru...this human would already be in a state of mush.
Taking a deep sigh, Rimuru wore a bored expression that switched into surprise when he noticed Dawn making his entrance.
Waving his hand, Ragia didn't even bother turning around to see who the important guest was.
Ragia : Ah ! Maybe I could forgive your rude manner if you gave me something, you got a pretty face, I have to say.
Having now a lecherous expression, he bent down his head a bit and approached Rimuru with clear obsessive intent.
At that moment, Testarossa snapped and raised her hand ready to snap this man apart, but fortunately for the cleaning maid.
Dawn intervened before grabbing Ragia by the soldier and applying a bit of pressure...the man came down crashing as gravity went against him.
Dawn : You know, it's rude to make my eyes and ear bleed when I just came to relax.
The two primordials got startled when Dawn pushed Ragia down, they were too immersed with bloodlust to notice him arrive.
And since he holds no clear presence now...they totally failed in noticing him.
Testarossa : Dawn ? When did you come ?!
Diablo : Kufufu, what a good demonstration of strength...thought i would have liked to take care of him myself.
Rimuru : What happened to your hair ? You seem like a different person !
A mountain of remarks immediately befallen him, well he had plenty of time to explain his new look and state.
Ragia : D-Dawn ? As like Dawn Arceid ?!
Now shrinking in fear as he was still pressed by gravity, Ragia isn't a total fool...he was close to Reyheim who was a priest.
And so he had a lot of information about the hierarchy in Ruberios...this further increased his fear when the one standing above him was a famous figure.
Dawn : Do you mind if I take him out ?
Rimuru : Ah, just don't kill him...please ?
Dawn : Haha, I'm not that ruthless you know...(Tch, i was about to send him to hell.)
When the word hell reached his mind, he quickly looked up as he just noticed two new powerful aura that shouldn't be here yet.
Dawn : Oh ? Did you recruit Jaune and Violet already ?
Rimuru : You felt those two ? I mean they aren't really hiding...well they are respectively known as Carrera and Ultima, you can meet them later if you want.
Dawn : I'll do that, by the way...
Rimuru : Mmh ?
Dawn : Expanding the harem I see, have you thought about my proposition from last time ?
Immediately, Rimuru's face went under a different shade of red...this reaction didn't go unnoticed by the two primordials at his side who pondered at what that proposition was.
Rimuru : Y-you...
Dawn : Meh don't mind it, I'm here to pass some free time while checking up on Tempest since it developed really fast.
Rimuru : Ahem ! Y-yes, well Testa seems to get along well with you so she'll show you around.
Bowing her head slightly, Testarossa didn't show any dissatisfaction on that matter.
Dawn : Sure, i'll see you later then.
Turning around with a smile, Testarossa soon followed not before giving a last bow to Rimuru as both then left.
Now alone with Diablo, Rimuru sighed and looked down at the passed out noble...it seems Dawn used some kind of mind breaking technique.
Rimuru : How do I deal with that now...
Raphael : (Notice : Individual, Dawn Arceid already took precaution, there is no need for master to worry about this worm anymore.)
Rimuru : (I-if you say so...)
Diablo : Lord Rimuru, if i may-
Rimuru : Mmh what ?
Diablo : About what sir Dawn said before, if you want I can become a woma-
Rimuru : NO !
While leaving the building, Dawn and Testa started a discussion that got cut short when they heard a small yelp coming from ahead.
Looking up, Dawn's eyes met with a new figure which was Ultima...the usually prideful demon's eyes were filled with fear.
At her side, Carrera was giving her fellow primordial a questioning stare...the same could be said from Testa.
Ultima : W-why is he here !
Carrera : What are you saying ?
Testarossa : Oh, I understand now.
Remembering one of her previous discussions with Dawn, she knew that he was the one who traumatized Violet a few centuries ago.
But she didn't know that Dawn was also the one who took out Violet millennia ago.
Ultima : Tell me i'm dreaming...i'm seeing something horrifying (W-why am i seeing that damn duke Origin and hero Dawn Arceid in the same body!)
Since his appearance was becoming a mix of his two lives, Ultima was recognizing both features...
Sweat formed all around her body as her movement became robotic and ragged.
Ultima : I-i have to go first ! Rimuru-sama has called me !
Quickly running away, she then noticed that she had to cross paths with Dawn if she wanted to reach Rimuru's location.
Gulping, she quickened her pace to get this done faster...but once she got to Dawn's level, the hero smirked and set his hand on the loli's head.
Instantly, Ultima's body went rigid...her face paled as even her defensive instinct didn't dare act.
Dawn : Be a good girl, okay.
Ultima : Y-yes !
The scene dumbfounded Carrera whose eyes had grown out of their socket, she couldn't believe how tamed Ultima was...
After that, Dawn removed his hand and continued his walk followed by Testa...all the way, Carrera had switched her sight from the frozen Ultima and the retreating figure of Dawn.
Carrera : W-what did i just witness...
Ultima : A-haha...
Testarossa Pov
Well this was something, to think Vio-i ean Ultima would react that way...i would almost take pity on her.
Testarossa : So...mind explaining your change in appearance ? I doubt it's just estetic.
Dawn : Mmh, as much as i like white hair you are right.
Sighing, he let out a soft smile...his hair was now in a similar shade to mine, the sole difference is that he has this hint of coldness.
To explain properly, his white air reflected some kind of blue coldness...and his eyes, everything would indicate that he is an entirely different person...
Dawn : In a way, I have fused with my former life...my appearance is just adjusting to my new status.
Testarossa : I see, your past life, huh...you are really special.
I couldn't help but smirk as the gear inside my head assembled the puzzle, his previous question and Ultima's reaction.
I can get who his « past » life was, a certain duke that managed to traumatize Violet to the next level.
How amusing~
Dawn : Anyway, I'm thirsty for some otherworldly food.
Testarossa : Mmh, in that case i think i had heard that the storm dragon opened a small stand to make something called « Takoyaki ».
Dawn : This will do.
Nodding, I increased my pace and took the lead.
Dawn Pov
Earlier, before I left with Testarossa...when I stood in front of Rimuru, I felt my mind shift into a mindscape.
Realizing who the culprit behind this phenomenon was, I relaxed and looked ahead...in front of me appeared a lady with blue hair.
She looks exactly like Rimuru but only a bit more Feminine, perhaps because of her cold and analytical nature.
Dawn : It has been a while Raphael.
The woman opened her eyes, a pair of crimson pupils stared right back at me.
Raphael : It seems you have regained your memoires. I congratulate you for that, Hero bestowed with the power of Fate.
Dawn : Heh, I'm hurt you know...to think you knew all that and left me in the dark.
I talked in a joking tone, though Raphael struggled it off coldly...her eyes remained fixed on me as she tried to analyze my very being.
Unfortunately for her, even Ciel had a light struggle to fully perform and understand the digital lifeform nature, so Raphael will have to hold on to that for now.
Dawn : By the way, I was right.
At my intentionally break in sentence to fuel my next words, I could see Raphael tilting her head not understanding where I was going.
Dawn : I told you, one day you'll find a master worthy of you.
Her cold eyes widening for a slight instant, she returned to her analytical state before nodding.
Raphael : Indeed.
Dawn : Ahh, you are still as cold as ever...anyway-
Sighing to myself, I ruffled my hair for a moment before dropping my head down...my mouth curved into a half smile as I approached the Lord of Wisdom.
Dawn : I'm glad, I know that at Rimuru's side you'll be just fine.
Surprisingly and surely, it might be the only time Raphael allowed someone other than Rimuru to approach her.
My hand reached for her head as I slowly caressed her hair, she didn't show any hint of emotion or embarrassment but that was to be expected.
Raphael : I'm sorry...
Dawn : Huh ?
Raphael : We might have been successful in resurrection Shyria back then, but i failed to assist you further...for that, i realized that this was my very first failure.
Was she guilty ? I couldn't really blame her anyway...it wasn't her job to go that far for me because she was just a temporary gift.
Dawn : There is no need for you to feel like that, after all your purpose at that time was to help me revive Shyria...after that, your mission was completed.
Raphael : My main function was to assist you until all your regrets were gone...i failed in that.
Dawn : Origin Averion died without regrets...beside there are scars that you can't remove so don't beat down yourself, after all you have a new master now.
I could feel Raphael's head nod slowly, my eyes fell down a bit as I understood better why Origin was so disappointed in himself about Raphael.
In a few years, Rimuru had managed to develop more feeling in Raphael than Origin did in decades.
This just proves how fate worked, Raphael was meant to belong to Rimuru...
Dawn : I'll open my soul to you, so don't hesitate to analyze my skill and nature, it will surely help later.
Raphael : If you are allowing me...
Smiling, I closed my eyes again as my mind shifted back to reality, all this conversation happened under the effect of thought acceleration.
So not even a second passed in reality, I looked down at this oh so great noble of Falmuth and used the [Lord of Fate] to cut off his mind.
He should wake up in a few hours with memories lost...and for the next 20 years, he will have 31 small badluck per day.
It could be hitting his little toe on some furniture, having the wind blow a banana peel under his shoes, a flying monster suddenly stealing his belongings.
It won't be easy for him now...but who cared ? Well surely not me.
And now, before I knew it, a few days passed and I could see under my eyes how the capital Rimuru was slowly changing to welcome the incoming festival.
My stay here was quite relaxing as I would go back to Ruberios once in a while to take care of some matter...for the time being, Dagruel seemed quite silent.
While movements could be seen across the sea, as the Eastern empire prepared some kind of military campaign.
This was the calm before the storm, a last moment of laughter in this festival before a never ending war to the end.
Dawn : Which side are you going to use ? Bring it on, Author...let's see who will have the last word out of this.
I couldn't help but provoke as I stared at the horizon, the entire city of Rimuru laying under the hill I stood on.
Patting the head of my new small fox companion who had woken up a few days ago, I smirked confident in my future battle.