Morning light filters through the silk-draped windows, casting a golden glow across my chamber. The warmth nudges me awake, and I stretch lazily, enjoying the peace.
But the moment my consciousness fully returns, my gaze flickers to the corner of my vision.
The translucent blue interface of the system is still there.
"...You're still here?" I mutter, rubbing my temples.
[Note: complete System binding has been put on hold for 24 hours.]
[18 hours left before system self-destruct]
Clicking my tongue, I dismiss the message. "Whatever. Just don't harm my soul."
I get up and throw on my usual high-quality robes before making my way toward the dining hall. The palace is quiet in the early morning, its halls polished and gleaming under the sunlight. My footsteps echo faintly against the marble floor.
Then—
An immense surge of mana slams into my senses like a tidal wave.
I freeze mid-step, my eyes narrowing as my Magic Sense expands instinctively, scanning the source. My heart pounds against my ribs.
"What the hell…?" I mutter.
The mana is thick—dense—unlike anything I've felt in a long time. Chaotic yet refined, struggling to break free. And its location…
"… Jura Forest. Near Veldora's cave."
My breath hitches as realization sets in.
'Don't tell me… Is this the butterfly effect?'
Veldora is supposed to stay sealed until Rimuru frees him. But if something has changed…
Shaking my head, I immediately summon the system window. "Oi, tell me what's happening."
[Note: System cannot provide an exact analysis as host is not bound. However, System has detected the existence of an entity with a frequency similar to host. Lo]
I frown. "… You mean another reincarnator?"
[Affirmative.]
That makes me pause. Another reincarnator? That shouldn't be possible. There should only be one "protagonist," and that's—
"Wait." My eyes narrow. "I'm not the protagonist?"
[Correct. Host's luck level is extremely low.]
A dry chuckle escapes my lips. "Oh, so I'm the villain then? Like those stories where the MC crushes the arrogant protagonists?"
[Negative. If host were a villain, host's luck would still be higher than the protagonist's to overpowered his luck. Host's luck is simply too low.]
I feel a vein twitch on my forehead. "So you're telling me those luck values in system stories are all fake?"
[System cannot disclose that information unless host binds with System.]
I scoff. "Nice try, but I'm still not interested."
No matter who this reincarnator is, it doesn't concern me. I spent hundred years fixing this world so I could live in peace. I refuse to get dragged into another mess.
Just as I push the thought aside—
A voice echoes in my mind, sharp and commanding.
[Nova. Come to the throne room. Now.]
I stiffen. I know that voice.
Velgrynd.
My master.
Exhaling sharply, I rub the bridge of my nose. I have a bad feeling about this. Looks like peace will have to wait.
[Yes, master ] I replied to her with thought communication.