3rd Pov
Amidst the joyful atmosphere that the festival started, inside one of the many restaurants of Tempest, a room full of powerful individuals each capable of shaking the world.
An invisible and tangible tension escaped and filled the room, the only sound audible at the moment was the fork and knife settling on the food that was just served.
Enjoying a good meal while being in guard of the guests sitting on the other side of the table, no one broke the silence after a good 30 minutes.
While Velgrynd wasn't much interested in the situation, she was the only one who really enjoyed the delicious food served in Tempest, and could understand why some reports said that Tempest started a culinary revolution.
Finally, after finishing his plate...while gracefully swiping his mouth off with a napkin, Rudra opened his eyes, those crimson pupils started right back toward Dawn who kept an unusual grin plastered on his face.
Rudra : Surely, I wasn't expecting this small sightseeing to turn into such a meeting.
The situation was almost amusing, at first Rudra just came to Tempest to witness the birth of this new nation.
A nation right in the heart of a new force capable of fighting the Eastern empire and Guy, an alliance between human and monsters, something unprecedented.
So he was curious and decided to visit himself...yet, at the cross road in the middle of the capital...
He bumped into Dawn and Guy, at that moment they all knew...this day might turn bloody as the main force of each side came face to face on a mere coincidence.
Dawn : This is a festival where people laugh and enjoy, let's wait for the war to fight.
Guy : You sure became cocky, though I didn't expect to see you with Blanc...
Guy flashed an arrogant smirk, he was at first surprised to see Testarossa in the material world, with a name at that...but that was before he realized all the remaining primordials had been summoned.
Their presence felt around the capital Rimuru, Guy who was already annoyed to see his world balance and demon lord council shatter.
Grew even more after witnessing the frightening evolution of Tempest.
Testarossa : Fufu, don't mind me Rouge or should i call you Guy ? I'm just a mere guide accompanying an important Guest.
Distinguishing the word « Guest » from her speech, she was making clear that Guy wasn't welcomed here.
The tension just increased from this point as the first demon lord chuckled and raised his glass of wine taking a slow sip.
Dawn : Let's not escalate this further, might as well let him enjoy a last good meal before the war.
Guy : You talk as if it will be my very last one.
Dawn : Well it seems like you are smarter than I thought.
Guy : You-
Rudra : Pfff, you became really funny Dawn-kun...by the way this is our first true meeting, right.
Interrupting Guy while breaking off the provocation launched by Dawn, Rudra didn't want them tio fight, at least not yet.
Because he wanted to have a conversation with Dawn...as he said, both were aware of each other's existence but never once had they met face to face.
Dawn : Indeed, should I get up and bow ? Your majesty~
Rudra : As Guy said, you sure are cocky...better be careful, this might come back to bite you in the near future.
Dawn : What is a kitten's bite to a lion?
As their conversation went on, the guards that Rudra brought with him grew annoyed...they wanted to lash out at Dawn for disrespecting their emperor.
But at the same time, the menacing presence made them stop...their instinct acted on its own making them stand still.
While Testarossa let out a light chuckle, she must have realized that instead of a conversation...Dawn was just randomly teasing and berating both of them.
Velgrynd : And what a lion to a dragon ?
Finally snapping, Velgrynd who had stayed quiet slammed her hand on the table...the raw strength she used splitted the table into pieces.
The loud impact made the land shake as cracks formed around the four walls surrounding them.
Dawn : Oh my~I should get the eastern empire's address to send the reparation fee.
Not bothered or impressed by the show of strength, Dawn got up...with him, Rudra and Guy too.
Their eyes flared in their respective color as lighting struck the air, a tense and invisible string that could snap at any moment.
Testarossa : As interesting as this is, I would advise all of you to stop, we are in the middle of the capital city.
Rudra : You talk big too, Blanc...it's not because you finally got a name that you are at my level.
Grabbing the sword at his wrist, it wasn't his mythical graded sword...it was a simple and basic durable sword.
In a motion, Rudra moved through the space ready to strike Testarossa...the scabbard still present, it was clear that this wasn't an attack meant to kill but rather to knock out the opponent.
Testarossa : Aren't you ashamed to attack the woman first ?
But instead of worrying or even flinching, Testarossa stood still...her arm rested behind her back as her smirk showed pure arrogance.
Her eyes could still follow the movement of the incoming blade, and she trusted that it would never reach her.
And as she expected, the vertical slash provided by the eastern emperor was stopped abruptly...Dawn who had just raised his arm.
His own sword in hand, blocked the attack without even moving...despite the high momentum Rudra used, despite the accurate and efficient slash he performed.
It didn't even faze Dawn who had his arm lifted, his hand tightly holding the sheath of his still hidden sword.
Dawn : Not so fast, you little brat.
Rudra : Heh, you can at least back up your arrogance !
The excitement could be felt through Rudra's smirk, at the same time when their eyes met...Dawn could see those red pupils shine for a moment.
Dawn : (It seems Michael is ready to take over Rudra's body...)
Entranced in his own thoughts, Dawn groaned when Guy appeared right beside him and sent him fly into the wall.
Guy : Talk big but still leave an obvious opening.
Testarossa : Two against one ? Not very fair, you know.
Rudra : Yeah, when did you even intervene, you redhead.
Standing tall, the guards behind Rudra immediately took out their weapons and raised them toward Testarossa.
As for Velgrynd, she slashed out her fan and covered her face...a look of curiosity looming as she started toward the broken wall Dawn was sent into.
Guy : Dawn was just being annoying, I had to correct him a bit.
Rudra : As much as I can understand your feeling, sneaking up like that just shows how pathetic you are.
Guy : You wanna go too ? It has been a while since we fought directly.
Rudra : So you want to lose ? We can settle this for real.
Both hero and demon glared at each other, seeing the incoming conflict, Testarossa sighed and bent down to take Kyuri.
Who jumped off of Dawn's lap when he parried Rudra's attack, the fox wasn't much worried for her master, instead she was cleaning her paw as if she knew what was going to happen.
And surely, chaos breaks down when the debris from the broken wall moving, coming out from below Dawn massages his neck with an impassable look.
Dawn : Damn you got me well, thought the kick was so weak that I barely felt any pain.
Walking back slowly into the room, he stopped momentarily before unsheathing Shin Exalia from its scabbard...
The beautiful silver blade shone in coldness as it vaporized into thin air, the next instant the blade was already in front of Rudra ready to strike him down.
The clear bloodlust behind that attack made Rudra act instinctively, swinging his sword up; he was barely on time to intercept the enemy attack.
And to his luck, Dawn sword didn't stop even a single...the cold blade easily swiping through his own dull blade.
At that rate, Rudra was bound to lose his head...Velgrynd was too far to react in time and Guy was still looking at where Dawn stood a moment ago.
It seems, if it wasn't for the bloodlust released...neither he or Guy would have managed to see Dawn's movement, at least not in a hundred of a thousand of milliseconds.
Rudra : (Shit ! Castle guard!)
Forced to rely on his ultimate skill, it wasn't activated on its optimal option but at least he was enough to save his life for now.
The impact between the ultimate barrier and Dawn's attack immediately bursted into an explosion...being at the third and last floor of this restaurant.
The explosion took out the entire top of the building, wind enraged blew in a random motion pushing the people visiting and walking around Tempest away.
The friction shook again the entire monster nation while forcing those who remained in the room to escape before they were taken in the clash.
The guards accompanying Rudra were instantly killed whereas Velgrynd flew high in the sky standing on thin air.
Her eyes narrowed when she started to notice the light trail of silver light moving amidst the dust veil generated by the previous clash.
Followed by the sound of metallic blade hitting one another...it was clear and a constant that right after Dawn and Rudra engaged themself into a pure fight of sword.
Guy : Well well, this sure turned messy.
Realizing that she wasn't alone, Velgrynd looked up to see Guy flying slightly above her...it was painful to admit but Guy moved faster than her this time.
Velgrynd : Don't talk to me, you deranged demon.
Guy : Kuh, you hurt my fragile heart, Velgrynd.
Taking a dramatic pose, he soon stopped regaining a more serious expression as his gaze followed the sword fight below.
Each swing and contact generated enough power for the inhabitant and adventurer around to panic, they couldn't comprehend what was happening, constantly being pushed by gale of wind.
At the same time, many cadre and police of Tempest were running toward the scene...Testarossa was stargina t the fight for a moment before turning around and seemingly contacting a few people via thought communication.
Before her eyes wavered and looked up, she stared right at Velgrynd and Guy who nonchalantly ignored her.
In a motion of prideness, she jumped and flew to their level.
Testarossa : This is a clear violation of Tempest's law, I have to unfortunately take both of you to custody.
Guy : Pfff, are you serious ?
Velgrynd : How bori-
Her words were abruptly interrupted by a blonde haired man sent flying right beside her...
Rudra Pov
What's up with this guy ! I knew Dawn Arceid was strong, I even witnessed and watched over his progress in case he became a nuisance.
But how come he is keeping up with me ! Did he suddenly get an insane power up in a few weeks or what ?!
I couldn't help but shiver as I brought out Deva...taking a serious stance, I was able to follow and counter his offensive as this time, I didn't underestimate him.
Uriel's absolute guard was constantly on...slowly, I realized how I was being pushed back slowly.
Our sword was heavenly matched, this meant his weapon...this blade was on the same grade as mine ! My Deva who was made and given to me by Veldanava-sensei !
How ? Where did he find such a weapon ? And this swordsmanship...he isn't even using a formal technique...but it feels like he knows my every move.
Dawn : Why are you sweating ? Surely, you don't expect to defeat me with a pale copy of Veldanava's sword ?
His words made my blood boil, I gritted my teeth and increased my pace...sending a vertical slash, I quickly set my foot straight so as to leave no opening afterward.
As much as I hated how disgustingly strong he has become in such a short amount of time, this was a rare clash I could enjoy and give myself in.
Our footsteps quickly danced around the small battlefield we had created...the settling dust didn't bother our vision as each impact generated gales of wind strong enough to knock off weak people.
We just operated at a pace where only a handful of people could follow....
Rudra : Wait...I recognize this sword ! Did you copy my fighting style just by watching ?!
This was clearly Veldanava-sensei's sword style, the way Dawn is perfectly alternating defense and offense, in an unparalleled grace.
A dance so perfect that it would make you shine among all the other stars...it clicked in my mind when our blow started to constantly bend into draw.
Dawn : You just noticed ? Well it seems you still have a lot to learn, kiddo (Beside I'm not copying you, Veldanava did teach me his swordsmanship too.)
Smirking, I watched him remove all his guard...instead, he rushed forward sword at the front...what is he planning ?
He wouldn't give me such an opening knowing my talent as a swordsman...nonetheless, the more I think the closer he was getting.
Rudra : Fine ! You want to challenge me head on ! Then let's do it !
In a span of rage, I myself let down my defense...focus all my strength in my arm, i held Deva with both hands before swinging down.
At my action, Dawn didn't even budge and continued on his pace...a light smile filled with satisfaction cornered his lips.
As if telling me he was testing rather than challenging me...who do he think he is ?! A mere 2000 years old youngster capable of beating me ?!
Rudra : Requiem ballad !
Dawn : The first sword : Europa.
My eyes widened as I watched him move, his horizontal swing against my vertical one...i couldn't believe how beautiful and nostalgic the movement he just performed was.
In a matter of instant, our sword crossed the path, a burst of lighting and wind flew everywhere before he twisted his wrist.
Deviating my sword into the ground while allowing him to fly right at me...it was clear that he had won this duel and I couldn't even be mad.
I had a lot of questions but had to poston them as I let go Deva and jumped backward...his slash performing the air right in front of my eyes.
I gulped as it flew past me...yet the action didn't end yet, using Deva's handle which was heavily encrusted into the ground, he supported himself to launch a round kick.
I somehow managed to get my arm in front blocking the first blow while grabbing his leg but this soon proved inefficient when he used the already fast momentum to crash his elbow down my chin.
I felt like a thousand bells rang in my head for an instant before waking up, Dawn was already on the ground...his legs stabilized on Deva's blade.
His right arm had his sword tightly enforced while his other hand held my collar tightly...he had me totally cornered !
Dawn : Told you, you're just a brat.
At that moment, I could feel how sincere his words were...he had called me a brat in its purest sense, and that swordsmanship just now...
It was clear, it's a very old method of training the Nasca kingdom had...it was taught to my parents way before my birth actually.
I wasn't much interested in its history but myself i had learned those techniques and was my base before training with Veldanava-sensei.
If this Dawn...who had called me brat and used that sword at a level of mastery even I couldn't comprehend, then he might just be a reincarnation of a knight of that time.
I was already suspecting that since his soul was just that odd...his talent and power too, but to think he would be an ancient warrior of this caliber ! I should have gotten him back then by all means !
Dawn : I won.
Defenseless, I could only watch as he decided to spare me instead of chopping my head off.
His right did let go his sword to instead take a fist shape, in a martial motion he sent a heavy hook right into my guts.
Before smashing his left foot onto the ground, using it as a support point I groaned in pain as I watched his right leg raise.
Rdura : (Shit...this gonna hurt!)
Before planting his foot into my stomach, I felt like a part of myself was destroyed while the surrounding was blown out.
The next instant, I felt myself flying through the clouds...my consciousness barely holding, I couldn't even comprehend how he was affecting a spiritual being to that degree.
3rd Pov
Looking up from the ground, Dawn let out a short sight...
Dawn : I didn't expect him to be that strong...I won this time, but it was in a contest of pure swordsmanship and close combat.
Ruffling his hair, if skills were involved...the outcome might have been a bit different, he was confident in winning again but not without losing something.
Dawn : Welp...i have to shush them away now, it's still a festival, can't have some crazy people fight in the sky.
While he was in his own thoughts, Velgrynd had flown over the injured Rudra and transformed into her dragon form to let him rest.
The heat intensified by the scorch dragon's anger was enough to cover the entire forest in a small canicule, this wasn't something to be worried about for people who possessed a resistance to heat.
But it was concerning as every second that passed would affect the ecosystem in the future...taking this into account, Dawn quickly moved through space and stood in front of the angry dragon.
Turning his head around, he could see Guy and Testa standing further away...it seems Testarossa knew the difference in power and the overwhelming damage she could cause if a fight broke off.
Dawn : (Seems like Rimuru is also coming...i have to get this done in a few seconds at best or things will go down badly.)
Velgrynd : You damn human ! How dare you injure Rudra like that !
Dawn : It was self defense, not my fault if this brat is weak.
Velgrynd : You !
Growling in anger, Velgrynd's crimson red scale started to burn lotus...while Dawn covered Shin Exalia with Blade heart.
Both of them were on the verge of acting when everything turned cold...it took a moment for Dawn to realize that the whole world had stopped.
His own body instinctively froze before returning to its senses...experiencing for the first time the effect of the Suspended world.
Dawn : (Did Guy activate it?)
While everything had lost its color, Dawn turned toward Guy who just clicked his tongue...it seemed he wasn't the one behind this.
???: Ara~mind if i join this eventful party ?
Turning around again, this time Dawn had to look up to see a woman whose beauty even exceeded Velgrynd, her long white hair coupled by her shining golden eyes.
A tight black shirt clearly way too provoking laced down to her short dress, a constant yet dreadful sense of cold death loomed around her.
Guy : Didn't expect to see you here...Velzard.
Velzard : Oh Guy, did you miss me so much that you had to cause trouble here where I planned to find some culinary wonder ?
Guy : You backstabbed me well though.
Both glared at each other, the tension and rivalry between them could be felt kilometers away...stil Dawn was grateful that Velzard had used Suspended world.
At this moment, beside himself...only a handful of people can move within this frozen world and Velgrynd wasn't among them.
Rudra on her back could but he was still recovering from the previous blow.
Velzard : As much as fighting you could entertain me, I'll have to ask you to leave, Guy.
Guy : What ? Crashing into our small party and now forcing the guest to leave ? You became even more cold hearted, Velzard.
Despite the sarcastic remark, Guy already knew that there was no point in fighting or causing more trouble...
They were in Suspended world, a frozen state where no skill or power could be used, being able to move here is already a feat leading you to the very top of the food chain.
Dawn : You guys are talking as if i wasn't here...
Velzard : Oh my~sorry, I was too disturbed by the sight of a hobo demon.
This remark irked Guy who just intensified his glare toward Velzard, seeing the successful provokation...
Dawn let out a sly smirk as his hand reached for his pocket, the sound of him taking out something attracted the attention as all eyes went to him.
Dawn : I see, well luckily my dear Velzard, I got a gold coin to spare.
Using his thumb, he flipped the coin in the air tossing it toward Guy who catches the money on instinct.
Guy : Huh ?
Dawn : Had to feed the homeless somehow, right.
Velzard : Pfff-
Guy : You piece of-
Dawn : Just avoid buying Alcohol please, money is precious.
Flashing a victorious smirk, Dawn carelessly turned around to face the frozen Velgrynd...Guy who just went through the worst humiliation he had ever felt gritted his teeth.
He was about to lash out and jumped toward Dawn to shred him apart when he felt his movement getting slower.
Guy : What now ?
Velzard : Isn't that...
Without anyone noticing, a spell was casted on the surrounding...since neither Velzard or Guy were the source of it.
It only left Dawn as the culprit, his back facing them...they couldn't see his face deforming into a cocky grin as he could finally test a few things under the Suspended world.
Dawn : (So my skill works here...i can move freely and fight too, i still can't figure out how Suspended world works on itself but my digital nature converts everything automatically.)
Velzard : (That's cardinal deceleration...one of the spells i don't really use and taught Dawn-kun, though i'm curious as to how he is using it here...)
Cardinal declaration is a spell based on pure magic not skill, it consists in slowing down every information particle composing the air in the surrounding.
Every movement and action then freezes or rather becomes so slow that it turns out inexistant.
Velzard who had her ultimate skill had to use Cardinal deceleration and decided to throw it off, she did teach it to Dawn since he had a very high compatibility with Ice element.
Velzard : (But to think he would use it in a world where everything is frozen...)
This was totally illogical, how could he freeze information particles when they were already immobile, this could just mean that he somehow found a way to not just freeze those particles.
But something beyond, that could even work within the Suspended world.
Velzard : (Or maybe...he managed to affect the frozen information particle and directly the digital lifeform...i'll have to ask him later.)
Dawn : Well, I have to plan on entertaining you guys anymore so you should leave.
Clapping his hands, he arranged Shin Exalia into her scabbard and went down to grab Deva before tossing it back to its owner.
Having dropped the sword directly on Rudra's head, the heroic emperor groaned in pain as he woke up from his previous blow.
Rudra : You...wait, the world is frozen ? What did I miss ?
Dawn : Nothing much, just some black joke about a homeless man.
Rudra : Homeless ? What ? Ugh ! This hurts like hell ! What did you add to that kick !
Holding his stomach as the after effect from Dawn's kick kicked in...Rudra had to admit, this kind of blow could be the perfect torture method.
Rudra : Ahh...anyway, you didn't kill me, I'm surprised...what are you planning ?
Trying his best to compose himself, Rudra looked ahead...standing up on Velgrynd's back, his hand unconsciously went for Deva's handle.
Dawn : I just wanted to give a correction to a little brat.
Rudra : So you are really a reincarnator ?
Dawn : There is no need to hide, I am.
Rudra : So the kid I watched 2000 years ago was in reality much older than me ? How funny.
Dawn : You lived longer, anyway take Velgrynd and go away ! I got a festival to enjoy.
Waving his hand in a motion as if telling him scram, it was clear that the respect he previously held as Dawn Arceid was gone once he recovered his past life memory.
Rudra : Ugh, fine...I'll retreat for now.
Sighing, Rudra could only comply for now...but before leaving he turned toward Guy and spoke.
Rudra : I understand now...despite being wary of Dawn, i still underestimated him...Guy, our game will end soon so give everything you got.
Guy : I'll crush you right after I destroy that cheap hero.
Dawn : Oh my~both are targeting me ? Don't worry, I'll make sure to pay for you guy's funeral once I'm done.
Spark of aura and murderous intent flew everywhere, fortunately those three didn't start a true fight here.
As they knew that sooner or later, they'll meet on the battlefield at a more appropriate date.
Dawn Pov
Everything went as planned, i had provoked Guy more than i would actually do...the reason for that ?
Well, because I'm trying to lure out the Author...he is an entity that uses other characters to fight for him.
I was his piece to destroy the course of Tensura, changing its ending and making the story his...but that backfired.
Now, with his recent action I realized...he probably can't control every strong character...he controlled Pirone, but she was merely a npc.
He probably has some limitations and conditions to meet before being able to control and give power to a character.
And the strongest and more important the character is...the harsher are the condition...i provoked Guy and Rudra so they would potentially let their guard down.
And accept the hand of the Author, the temptation too big for their own greed.
Velzard : Why did you let them escape ? You could have ended everything here...
Dawn : Well, I feel like everything I had tried to build until now would just go to waste if I ended the story now.
Velzard : Oh ?
Dawn : Besides...in a way, I didn't want to kill Rudra because of our bond.
Velzard : Bond ?
No one knows...but back then, when the northern continent was still filled with High humans, when Averion shone at its brightest ?
The pact made to stop the High human from intervening with the empire's internal business, a piece of the empire was given to the high human.
And that piece of land later became...the Nasca Kingdom, its foundation solidified when Guy was summoned through Averion was long gone at that time.
That nation had used in the past my own swordsmanship as reference for their training since Origin Averion was a sort of nightmare for them.
Dawn : Yeah...Rudra and I are closer than you think.
And...my sister, Rachel Averion, who I had left in the hands of Catherine, she had lived a good life until the end.
As Catherine made sure my two little siblings could take care of themself before leaving...Rachel, at a later age managed to marry the prince of Nasca from our era.
And later, her grandchildren gave birth to Rudra and Lucia...that means, this makes me Rudra's great uncle.
Dawn : Fate sure got me tangled in a weird cycle.
I sighed while I flew over Testarossa, she was still frozen mid air...once the flow of time would come back, she would most likely faint due to the direct exposure of Guy and Velzard aura.
So better if i helped her now before she embarrassed herself.
Dawn : By the way, why are you here Velzard ? I thought you wanted to stay in Ruberios ?
Velzard : Well, at first I wasn't interested...but after a talk with Luminous I realized everyone was going so I decided to at least check out the festival.
Dawn : I see...did you fly from Ruberios to here ?
Velzard : No, look over there.
Pointing her finger at a seemingly random location, I focused my eyesight and soon saw several carriages.
Velzard : Your little subordinates and those human knights came on foot so i decided to accompany them, just dropped earlier when i saw you guys fight.
Dawn : Make sense...
Though, with all the destruction and chaos we produced, this will make a stain on Tempest's reputation, better if I alter everyone's memories and rebuild everything that was destroyed.
Fortunately, I got a pretty useful power for that...fate is sure a good skill to have.
Velzard : Also, I'm curious...
Dawn : Mmh ?
Without paying much attention to what she was saying, I continued to wipe out the memories of everyone in sight.
Before attacking the restaurant top floor, this is a bit tricky but i wonder if Reverse fate could work ? Chloe's reverse fate would definitely do the job.
But mine is a bit different...it does work on inanimate objects but it's not exactly a time reversal, I guess I just have to rebuild everything with magic.
Velzard : I see that the white primordial is here, what were you doing with her ?
Dawn : Oh Testarossa, she is a good friend of mine...I guess since she is more of a graceful lady, I can get along with her due to my former noble status.
Velzard : I see.
I couldn't help but notice a sly and vicious grin forming on her face, ignoring that I continued the process to cover the mess that just happened.
Next step is to remove the dust, I'll just make it seem like a huge gale of wind passed through Tempest, it should be enough.
Well that should be enough, i didn't rearrange the inside of the restaurant room so i'll just pay them the difference...
Velzard : Mmh, she is really pretty, are you interested in her ?
Dawn : What are you saying...
I sweatdropped while turning toward her, the color in my eyes left as I watched Velzard studying Testarossa's face...slowly floating around the white primordial.
Velzard : I'm actually interested in what kind of partner you'll get in the future, so I'm checking the potential candidate for now.
Dawn : Ahh...i don't see Testa as a potential romantic partner, the same could be said for her too....
Besides, I had already lived two lives where I lost both women I could have loved...while Catherine could be said to be successful we never really became husband and wife.
And Luna...well, history said it all...i don't deserve to love someone romantically, my goal and purpose given to me in this second chance won't even allow me to restart it over.
I am just a weapon to serve my own purpose.
Velzard : Well, if you say so.
Perhaps, Velzard saw my dejected and cold look so she stopped the teasing...i really don't like this topic.
Swiftly switched the subject and I did a last check up before signaling Velzard to remove the Suspended world.
In an instant, the world regained its color...the people below gasped not understanding the situation, even the executive of Tempest as they looked around trying to remember what they were doing.
Ultimately, they went off with an uneasy feeling...well, everything went well and my skill worked on everyone beside...
Rimuru : Oi ! What happened ! Suddenly everything turned gray and I couldn't move !
Appearing out of nowhere, Rimuru panicked upon seeing Dawn and Velzard together in the sky.
Though he directly froze when he noticed something really weird, his eyes curved into a crescent shape as a smug grin formed ready to tease.
Dawn : I'll explain things later, for now we should leave before someone notices us.
Rimuru : Wait...before that, I didn't know you were interested in Testa.
Dawn : Huh ?
I raised a brow before I realized my position, since I had Testarossa in my arm...carrying her like a princess, her sleeping face frowned for a moment as she adjusted herself for a better position.
Her head directly hugged my chest...and despite the intimate position, I didn't feel any excitement or superfluous feeling...
Dawn : Damn...I feel like this is going to be a long day...
I could even feel Raphael giving me a smug look, not even my fight with Rudra earlier was as tiring as this.
I sighed and just flew off, I have to drop Testarossa somewhere before any more people see me, or misunderstandings are really going to spread.
Though I'm curious to see Ultima's reaction to this...
Velzard : Well, I'm going back to the others, so see you later.
Dawn : Sure...also could you-
Velzard : Mmh ?
My mind stopped working for a moment as I dozed off. I wanted to ask her to watch over HER for me but there is no real need.
Dawn : Nevermind, the festival had already technically started so let's grab some food later.
Flashing me a smile, Velzard just vanished...leaving me, a sleeping Testa and grinning Rimuru.
On the way toward the headquarters building, I had to go through a bomb-like amount of teasing...Rimuru using this opportunity to avenge himself from my previous tease.
At some point, even Rapahel sent me a few thoughts communication...it did annoy me but I managed to tank it all.
Dawn : At last, i can finally enjoy this festival after a very rough start...