3rd Pov
Ruberios, inside the inner sanctuary...
An intense atmosphere overwhelmed the garden as Yuu and Luminous's eyes locked...there was an invisible tension after the last few words of the vampire.
« Dawn-kun, it's about time he stops holding back on himself. », this made Yuu clench her fist interpreting those words differently.
Yuu : What do you mean by that ?
Luminous : Don't worry, it's not anything you think of.
Stretching her glass of wine toward the sky, Luminous admired the bloody red wine...before dropping it on the ground.
The glass shattering sound echoed through the garden as the wine spread around.
Luminous : You didn't see what Dawn-kun was like 2000 years before so you wouldn't know...but he isn't at his optimal state.
Yuu : Optimal state ? (Now that she mentioned it...Dawn-san never talked about his past, i know he was from a noble family and that he had gone through a tragedy losing everyone he love but aside from that...)
Luminous : Ultimate skill : Lord of Stories, Autor...that's Dawn-kun's most powerful weapon.
Instantly, Yuu's eyes widened...her body froze as she registered the information.
Dawn's skills were a mystery for all, he had never mentioned or given any explanation about them, not even to Yuu herself.
And she always believed that no one in the entire cardinal world should know...she knew Luminous wouldn't joke with such a sensitive subject.
So only shock could be extracted from her...
Luminous : He had told me back in the days about his skills...it was quite the shock for me awhile.
In this world where skills are one's most powerful weapon, sharing them with someone is a sign of total trust or stupidity.
Dawn is someone who rather keeps everything hidden, yet he shared his secret with Luminous.
This was the proof that he won't betray her no matter what.
Luminous : But then I realized a sad truth...Dawn-kun had never used that skill since he joined Ruberios.
Yuu : What ?! (I already know that he could overwrite reality to a certain degree...was this not his strongest skill?)
Luminous : Lord of Stories from what I understood allow the user to overwrite reality itself...but not only that, it also changes fundamentally and to its very core the law and principle of the world.
Yuu : But that...he already showed this ability multiple times...
Looking down at the wine stain, Luminous shook her head.
Luminous : I had seen that ability in the past 2000 years ago...it was before his awakening as a True hero yet the intensity of that Rewrite was way above anything he had shown in the past 300 years.
It was faint at the start, then suspicion arose...Luminous thought he was holding back but no matter how difficult the situation was.
The intensity of his Rewrite never came close to 2000 years ago...it became totally clear when Dawn admitted that he couldn't use his technique anymore and that everything worked on instinct.
Luminous knew that in reality, he wasn't using the Lord of Stories anymore...and that the source of his current power lay in...
Luminous : His sealed memories.
Yuu : S-sealed memories ?
Luminous smirked, using her power to restore the glass of wine...landing back into her hand she took a slow sip and nodded.
Luminous : It's only my theory so I can't be sure but...I believe something must have happened after he left for his last journey...that lasted 1700 years.
Yuu looked down, she couldn't understand everything the demon lord said but she didn't seem to lie.
As a reader of Tensura, she knew very much about the character of Luminous but that wasn't accurate anymore...she was an awakened demon lord with Ultimate skill Asmodeus way earlier than the original.
This alone changed her character drastically.
Yuu : Why are you telling me this ?
Luminous : You sure talk coldly to your master.
Yuu : My master is Dawn-san...he is the one I follow.
Yuu's eyes turned cold for an instant, this wasn't something that really bothered Luminous after all the Fallen lights were working for her through Dawn.
In the past she might have not tolerated that...but now, could she really oppose it ? If she did then that would also mean she didn't trust Dawn.
This was a relationship of mutual trust...she didn't want to betray such a long partnership.
Luminous : You are too young to know all the details but to keep it brief...I might have to oppose Guy Crimson one day...and for that I need Dawn-kun at its strongest.
Jura Forest...the day of the battle has finally come, Rimuru departed with his troops and soon arrived.
Staying behind with Treiny Dawn localized Laplace and Gelmud.
Dawn : I'll go stop them.
Treiny : Very well...
Treiny was a bit hesitant at first but after Dusk finally woke up, Treiny believed that he wasn't someone bad.
Light spirit won't attach themself and shine that bright with a bad person.
Dawn : If my timing it's right then Rimuru should be observing the battlefield right now...
Leaping through the tree, Dawn soon reached his destination...two men watching the Orc war through a ball of crystal.
Dawn : I need Gelmud for now so consider yourself lucky Laplace...
His eyes shining dangerously, in a split of a second he appeared behind Gelmud...the menacing aura he excluded alerted Laplace who jumped away panicked.
A heavy blow then followed through the air slicing everything on its path...Laplace managed to dodge it with only a severed arm but the same couldn't be said for Gelmud.
His entire body was cut in half...blood spurted everywhere as a pair of eyes glared right back at Laplace.
Laplace : Hick ! Who are you ?!
Dawn : I'll give you 10 seconds to leave, so leave.
His bloodlust redirected toward the clown, Laplace hesitated a moment but soon set off when he noticed Dawn's blade.
Quickly running away, Laplace knew...that sword was dangerous and the user of such a weapon couldn't be any less dangerous.
Laplace : Shit ! I have to report this to boss ! I couldn't see his face because of that murderous intent...but this guy is dangerous for sure !
When aura or bloodlust become too potent, it can instill fear in those staring at it...what Laplace saw wasn't a human...
But a beast made of black fog staring at him like he was nothing but an insect.
Laplace : Not even a demon lord can handle such a monster ! Who is he?
By the time the 10 seconds passed, Laplace was already as far as he could...
Back to Dawn, he grabbed Gelmud's body and left for the Lizardman's Lake...his plan is to make contact with Rimuru while helping him.
He couldn't just barge into the war killing orc and helping him...it will also decrease his future military power if he helped.
That's why he wrote down a scenario...he is an adventurer who coincidentally met Gelmud, defeated him and then coincidentally went to the Lizardmen's lake
Dawn : Luckily, I have this quest with me...
A quest from the guild...finding some rare herb that only grows near the Lizardman's lake, the one who requested it was Ladt Mitteria...
Another member of the Fallen light who has double identity, a famous researcher in the magic industry.
The quest was accepted 7 years ago...but that wasn't a problem since no time limit was on it.
This was natural things to do for them as it served as an alibi...they have many more quests at various places for occasions like these.
Rimuru Pov
Mmh, everyone seems to be doing well...Benimaru is going all out with his Hell fire, Shion and Hakurou are pretty much rampaging too.
Souei should have rescued the Lizardmen chief by now...the only thing that remains is the Orc lord.
At this rate, everything will be done in a few hours...
Rimuru : Now...I should start moving too.
Looking around, it wasn't that hard to find the Orc lord but it seemed I was bested as I received a Thought communication from Shion who already immediately engaged the fight.
Not only her, Benimaru and Hakurou jumped in...followed by Souei.
But as strong as they were, the Orc lord managed to fend off their attack...isn't he a bit too resistant ?
Great sage : (Notice : Very high amount of Magicule is heading this way...)
Huh ? This was the first time I had such a notice from Great sage. Looking up I saw a silverish light falling from the sky.
Ehhh ?! I quickly flew aside to avoid it...soon enough the light crashed into the ground...there appeared a human dragging a corpse ?
Rimuru : (Who is that ? He looks menacing...)
Narrowing my eyes, I quickly flew down, landing myself near my subordinates who retreated after the appearance of this mysterious human.
He was just standing between the Orc lord and us...
Shion : Oi ! Who are you ? Don't you dare stand in the way !
Shion warned the guy while pointing her Odachi at him...I should stop her before we engage into a seemingly lost fight but something holds me off.
I didn't know why but I just felt like I shouldn't intervene now.
Rimuru : (Can you analyze him as a Great sage?)
Great sage : (Notice : A sort of barrier surrounds this unknown individual, further analysis is blocked...)
Rimuru : I see...so even you great sage...
I raised my guard a little, this guy is really dangerous...
Dawn : Don't worry, I'm an adventurer who happens to have a quest here...though I didn't expect to be caught in a war between monsters.
Benimaru : An adventurer you say ? This doesn't explain your sudden interruption.
Looking at us, I decided to study his appearance a little...he certainly had the clothes featuring an adventurer...
In fact his equipment looked great, at least better than what I gave Eren and the others before they left.
He was dressed with a small gear and an overall cape going all the way down to his legs...but something about him felt noble ?
Don't tell me it's that cliche super op noble adventurer...it often happens in manhwa and manga that stop after 20 chapters...
Dawn : I apologize for that, Red kijin...but I have a reason for this.
Benimaru : A reason ?
Nodding, he looked at the corpse he was carrying...the state of the corpse was miserable, cut in half with fresh organs and blood apparent.
If I was still human, I would have surely thrown up...
Dawn : This man was lurking around the lake, i coincidentally happened to hear him and one of his companions talking about the Orc invasion...
He didn't seem to lie...so he is the one who killed that guy ? A crow mask...it does appear like a villain...
Dawn : After that, we engaged in a short fight. I managed to eliminate this one while the other ran away.
Throwing the body away, I pondered about his words...so this is the mastermind ?
Benimaru : This guy...
Souei : Hai, this corpse is definitely the man who came to our village before the invasion, his name is Gelmud.
So he is really the mastermind, so there is no reason to label this unknown man as an enemy for now.
Shaking my head, I took off my mask and took a step forward, upon seeing my movement everyone stepped aside.
Rimuru : Now now, Benimaru-kun, it seems he isn't an enemy so for now let's focus on the Orc lord...
Benimaru : h-hai...
Rimuru : And you...can I conclude that you are an ally ?
Looking at the adventurer, his gray eyes met my golden one...that strange, he looked as if he knew me...
And it seems I let my question see through my expression as this adventurer shook his head.
Dawn : Sorry, I was just in a daze . You look exactly like an acquaintance of mine.
An acquaintance ? Wait, he is an adventurer just like Shizu-san...maybe he knew her ? After all, my appearance took after Shizu-san...
Dawn : As for your question, yes i'm your ally...it would be problematic if an Orc lord attacked the Western nation...
Smiling he turned around, my attention did the same as we stared at the Orc lord...it seemed while we talked he took action and went on devouring Gelmud's body.
A sudden burst of magicule blasted everyone back, I unconsciously held my arm to cover myself.
Rimuru : What is happening ?!
Great sage : (Notif : Individual Geld has started a demon lord Evolution.)
Demon lord ?!
3rd Pov
While everyone was taken aback, Dawn smirked...he had purposely thrown Gelmud's corpse near Geld so he could achieve a semi-evolution.
After all, he wasn't going to become a fully awakened demon lord with this...
Dawn : (Rimuru will manage it from here, rather than that I need to see if there is enough sacrifice...)
Scanning the area, human and monster's souls were that much different...in the route he had chosen, Rimuru will summon one of the primordial demons here.
Though among the four, Blanc...Jaune...Violet or Noir, he wasn't sure which one.
Because the route he had chosen was a story he had abandoned before being able to upload it.
The perfect route he has written...and imagined.
Dawn : It's not enough...
Turning around, he quickly left the scene and dashed toward a group of orcs...everyone on both sides were focused on Geld's awakening.
So Dawn could rampage without a care...
Dawn : (At this rate, it will probably be Noir who is getting summoned, this would be better as my history with the others isn't that good...)
Noir was an oddball, everyone knows that, while the others are total freaks...what happens when a human meets a demon.
Nothing good...due to her nature, Violet often pulled up to the cardinal world to cause a mess and because of that, in 2000 years, Dawn had to cross paths with her.
Whereas the other 3 were quieter...
Back to Ruberios, Yuu left the garden deep in thought...while regaining the base, she noticed Eleonor and Shizue weren't there.
Deciding it was a good moment to be alone and recollect her thoughts...Luminous's words resonated in her mind.
Yuu : Prisoner of his past, huh...I wonder what could have happened 2000 years ago..
She knew that even if she asked the concerned man, he wouldn't give her a proper explanation after all it was clear he didn't like the subject.
This was when the answer came on its own...the entrance portal shining behind dher, Yuu turned around realizing who it was.
Yuu : Horizon-san...
A man stood there, Snow-like hair and piercing orange eyes...his gaze would be comparable to a dragon staring down at an ant.
An intimidating aura spread through the room, Yuu was accustomed to that but if anyone else would be there, they would surely crawl in fear.
Horizon : Yuu, huh... I expect you to come back in a few more days.
Yuu : You don't look happy...
In reality, he didn't let slip any emotion...like a wall.
Yuu : (Right, he must know something...)
Horizon : Where is Dawn ?
Yuu : Still in the Jura forest...probably dealing with some orcs soon...
Nodding, Horizon just walked past her toward his room but before that, Yuu quickly grabbed his hand.
Yuu : I need your help.
The man could only sigh and shake his head, he didn't want to help but know Yuu's personality...
He won't be able to escape very long.
Horizon : What do you need ?
Yuu : Tell me what happened before you and Dawn-san joined Ruberios.
Horizon : ...(I'm already regretting this...)
Back to the Orc invasion, the fight between Rimuru and Geld was concluding, Rimuru had obviously won.
Staring down at a puddle of water where the Orc lord last stood...Rimuru had a conversation with him that earned his will.
Rimuru : Rest in peace, Geld...i'll take care of the rest.
Closing his eyes, soon everyone approached to celebrate while the orcs looked down in defeat...yet no one complained.
They knew they were in the wrong and that at last, their leader died in peace.
Further away, Dawn could be seen...his body was covered in blood, Orc blood as he had been massacring them for the best outcome.
His sword in hand, he gave a short stare at the people celebrating before shaking his head.
Dawn : (I felt Snowie, departing from the Ice continent...can't stay here much longer...)
Sighing, he sheathed his sword and approached the monster's group.
Dawn : May I have a quick word with you ?
Addressing Rimuru, everyone came to a halt remembering this human's presence...since their attention was on Geld and Rimuru.
They kind of forgot him...
Rimuru : Sure, by the way I haven't got your name yet...(Damn, he is covered in blood from head to toe...is he really human?)
Dawn : Call me Dawn, I assume you are the leader here.
Rimuru nodded before giving his name, before that he quickly gestured at Benimaru to restrain Shion from intervening.
Rimuru : My name is Rimuru Tempest, as you said I'm the leader of a small village in the Jura Forest.
Dawn : I see, may I give you a little advice ?
Rimuru : Advice ?
Great sage : (Notice : A barrier was erected by the individual : Dawn, any sort of sounds or voice will be trapped within the 5 meters around master.)
This startled Rimuru as he became wary of the situation but quickly ease up when Dawn lifted his hand.
Dawn : Don't worry, I just don't want the other to hear this.
Rimuru : What do you want ?
Dawn : You see, I noticed an odd presence following you...from my experience, it must be a demon.
Rimuru : A demon ?! (Great sage ! Is that true?!)
Great sage : (Unable to answer, advise master to keep listening.)
Rimuru gulped nervously, he looked around but nothing...
Dawn : Don't need to be so tense, that demon shows no hostility...it's more like he is waiting to be summoned.
Rimuru : How do you know that ?
Dawn : Let's just say my eyes are particular.
Smiling sincerely, Dawn pointed his eyes...they shone for a moment strongly showing off a mysterious power dwelling inside.
Rimuru : (Do you know what that, Great sage?)
Great sage : (Notice : Most likely, individual Dawn has the ability to see spiritual body and magicule flux to a higher degree...insuffisant data to form a concrete answer.)
Rimuru : (So he noticed some weird magicule following me ? But from his words i have nothing to worry...a demon, huh...)
Dawn : In general, demons feed themself of human soul and search destruction and chaos...
Rimuru : Don't tell me, that demon wants to eat me...
Chuckling, Rimuru's panicked and innocent expression was fun to see...it reminded him of so many memories.
Dawn : Haha, sure slime is often thought of as food but don't worry, I don't think anyone will be able to eat slime like you.
Rimuru : I-i see...(Don't tell me Rigurd and the others eat slime too...)
Dawn : Anyway back to the demon, you have to know that there are 7 factions in the demon world...among them stand the Black faction which are a bunch of weirdos.
Rimuru : (7 factions ? That's interesting...)
Dawn : The one following you doesn't harbor any ill intention, it's more like he is waiting to serve you.
Rimuru : But why ?
Dawn : I don't know, as I said they are weirdo...those black demon's actions are unpredictable...but if I had to guess, then you must have done something that earned their interest.
Thinking, Rimuru looked around...it seemed he was catching on to what Dawn wanted.
Rimuru : You want me to summon that demon ?
Dawn : You caught on, huh...yes, you see I know that demon quite well and for him of all people to follow someone, I believe he will be a perfect subordinate for you.
Rimuru : A demon subordinate, huh...that sounds quite dangerous you know.
Dawn : I guess it is...but-
Rimuru : But first, why are you trying to help me ?
Narrowing his eyes, Rimuru despite being carried by great sage, he was still cunning and smart himself.
He was also an adult who had some experience, he knew not to trust everyone...
Dawn : Why...well it's simply because I believe in you...
Rimuru : Believe in me ? But we just met...
Dawn : Mmh, it's hard to tell but after seeing you fight that Orc lord and taking his will...I believe you will achieve great things in the future...you could say I'm making a bet for the future.
Rimuru Pov
This man is clearly suspicious...but at the same time he doesn't seem to lie...should i listen and summon that demon ? I'm not sure.
Rimuru : (What do you think, reat sage?)
Great sage : (Notice : unable to answer.)
Mmh, this is like a dilemma...either I ignore it and move on but I might lose an opportunity or summon that demon and risk a fight...
I turned toward Dawn-san again, he seemed really confident about this...
Rimuru : I'll do it...
Dawn : Really ?
Rimuru : Yeah, I wanted to refuse but you changed my mind...
It felt as if he knew me...for a while now, i don't know how but it just felt like that...
Rimuru : So what should I do to summon that demon ?
Dawn : Oh right, you still don't know how to use summoning magic...
Rimuru : Mmh ?
Stretching his hand, I felt a small tinkle in the back of my mind as Great sage gave another notice.
Great sage : (Notice : Individual : Dawn is asking for permission to transfer information, yes or no?)
Rimuru : (Yes.)
Immediately after, the method of summoning demons and spirits appeared in my mind as if I always knew it.
That's some useful skill he got, I wonder who he really is...
Dawn : You should be able to do it now...
Rimuru : Yeah...i don't really understand why you help me but thanks...
At my words, I could see his eyes widen for a moment...what happened ? I wondered if he wasn't accustomed to thanks.
Maybe he had a rough past...well i shouldn't pry in someone's life.
Rimuru : (Great sage, use demon summoning!)
Once again, at my words a large summoning circle appeared around the lake...Benimaru and the others finally noticed it and took guard.
But I quickly gestured to them that it was my doing...with them out of the picture, i refocused on the summoning.
I felt almost all my magicule leave my body...my vision became blurry.
Rimuru : Ugh...
Great sage : (Notice : Magicule state is below its 2 % capacity.)
Shit, I forgot about that...what should I do ?
Dawn : I lend you some magicule.
Rimuru : T-thanx...
Looking at Dawn, I could see a sort of mana flux leaving his body to enter mine...a silver like mana, it's different from the one I usually see and feel in the air.
But with this, i understood one thing...that guy is monstrously strong, I felt like all my magicule returned whereas he didn't seem to have broken a sweat.
Dawn : I created a semi soul-corridor between us, for as long as it exists you won't be lacking magicule...(I wonder why Veldora didn't lend magicule...this caught me off guard.)
Finally after a few more seconds, the summoning circle stopped glowing and disappeared...a man dressed in an oddly suspicious black outfit appeared.
Black hair and bloody red iris surrounded by gold...so this is a demon...
Great sage : (Notice : Summoned demon has several times master's magicule.)
H-he is strong, and this demon is meant to serve me ? I can't think of anything he would gain from that.
I was about to speak up but Dawn-san took the initiative.
Dawn : It has been a while Noir...you look as weird as always.
Noir : Kufufufu, if it isn't the hero who bullied Violet...I didn't expect to meet you again here.
They really seem to know each other and bullied Violet ? Hero ? It seems Dawn-san is actually a big shot.
Dawn : Anyway, Rimuru, this guy is Noir...a powerful demon that has existed since the dawn of time.
Rimuru : E-eh ?
Since the dawn of time ? That sounds really dangerous ! And since he got a sort of name, he must be important among the demon world.
Noir : Kufufufu, it is my honor Lord Rimuru...please forgive me for this late introduction. I am a nameless arch-demon but some human decided to call me Noir.
Bowing, this was nothing like what I expected...
Rimuru : I-i see...
Noir : Please allow me to serve you from now on, I will accomplish any task you give me.
Rimuru : Task ?
Dawn : In general when a demon finds a suitable master, they would try to gain their favor by accomplishing whatever desire they have.
So this Noir really wants to serve me...but that seems really dangerous. Now that I see him I can understand why people call him weird.
Rimuru : Then, I'll think about a task for you later...for now just follow me.
Noir : Hai ! It is my honor to follow your grace !
Ugh...he is really weird, unconsciously I took a step back and hid behind Dawn-san...
Dawn : Weirdo...
Noir : Don't say that, her-
Dawn : Stop calling me that, I have nothing of a hero...
Noir : Kufufu, if you say so Hero.
3rd Pov
After this, Dawn bid his goodbye to everyone as from this point onward, it would be politics among the Jura forest.
A human like him shouldn't involve himself into this...and besides he already accomplished his goal.
With Noir being there, Rimuru's development will improve.
Now far away from the Shishu lake, Dawn stared at the sky waiting for one of his partners to come back...
Dawn : (By the way, it seems Milim saw through me...it must be faint since she used her skill through a crystal ball but I felt her piercing eyes for a moment.)
He shrugged, Milim is clearly one of the strongest current being alive...if she was serious, he won't be able to win this.
Dawn : Let's just hope, she won't randomly pull up to fight...
This would be truly troublesome, not the fight in itself but the useless attention he will get...
Shortly after, he felt a strong presence approaching...its freezing aura was enough to shake her surroundings.
Dawn : Snowie...you seem even stronger.
Snowie : Master !
Quickly landing, Snowie had become unexpectedly stronger since she met Velzard...maybe the resonance between them has something to do with it.
She wasn't a normal spirit anymore, she was born spirit with the magicule of a True dragon...her composition wasn't normal to start with.
Dawn : How is Velzard-san ?
Snowie : Mother is doing fine, she also expects you to visit her soon with more snacks.
Dawn : I see...well this will have to wait, we got some work to do.
Snowie : Hai.
Smiling, Snowie's appearance had changed a little...she still wore ice like armor but her face was fully displayed, long silver hair reaching her shoulder.
But that wasn't something new, the change was on her skin...some part of her body and face, noticeably from her neck to the side of her cheeks were covered in frost scale.
Dawn : (Maybe a new evolution...a draconic spirit?)
This was a mystery...but Dawn couldn't say he wasn't excited to see Snowie's full potential...she was basically a Charbdys but better in all points.
Dawn seriously believed that the current Snowie would take on the new generation of Demon lords by herself.
Dawn : Then, the next destination is Ungracia, I have to pay a small visit to Ramiris.