3rd Pov
Losing someone because of yourself is one of the worst feelings possible...Rimuru was right inside this cycle of regrets right now.
Looking at the corpse of Shion, he had fallen on his knees regretting so much, his decision, his blind love for the human race....and more.
Rimuru : Why did this happen...
His aura flared around dangerously, in the background Noir watched the scene confused.
Noir : (This is weird...how could Shion-dono have died in front of me ? Those humans are way too weak and even the otherworlder were pathetically weak...)
With him here, nothing should have happened yet it did...it seems like Noir's actions were subconsciously controlled.
He couldn't understand, and no matter how he bent his logic nothing came out.
Noir : (Was their death and our defeat here forced ? But it doesn't seem like the work of Falmuth's army, was it necessary?)
Pondering, his eyes then landed on his lord's back...he was still grieving and an immense rage could be felt.
Noir : (Was it for Rimuru-sama ? Clearly, something interfered with my thoughts and actions...)
This was a really uncomfortable feeling, that he had to bear while watching his lord go back on his feet, a murderous resolve sealed in him.
Dawn Pov
He did something...i could see the fate of this war changing, Rimuru will not wait for Eren and the others and massacre the enemy's army.
Leading to the birth of a tyrant, i have to change that...but my Lord of fate isn't working, that must learn the Author is interfering directly.
I still don't know how much he can alter and interact with...for now, i have to meet up with Luminous and leave for Tempest as soon as i can.
Dawn : Let's accelerate the process, Hinata.
Hinata : Huh ?
Dawn : [Destiny beyond Fate].
My eyes glowing, the next instant Hinata's body wavered as we found ourselves in front of the church of Ruberios.
Hinata : W-what happened ?
Dawn : I'll explain later, for now I have to talk with Luminous-sama, I'll see you later.
Before she could answer, I already went off toward the hidden sanctuary...on the way I saw Roy who was startled at my sudden appearance.
But like Hinata, I didn't give him the time to talk...the aura of Rimuru could already be felt across the world...to think he would be that much stronger.
I might have underestimated him, if he really wanted he could have destroyed Hinata but literally.
Dawn : I might just have 3 hours before he reaches the army and kills everyone.
This is happening sooner than i planned but that's fine, anyway while i was planning my next action, the large gate leading to Night garden was already in front of me.
You know, something cool with having a powerful skill is that you can flex anytime you want.
Dawn : [Destiny beyond Fate].
As I previously stated, it's not just living beyond but inanimate objects too...changing the course of fate of Atoms is possible too.
Setting this door from [Blocking me] to [Letting me pass], I crossed the gate without opening the door.
Dawn : This is really a fascinating ability.
Luminous : Indeed, to think 2 years later you would come back and be so different.
And as expected, Luminous noticed my presence and came to me.
Dawn : I can't say a lot happen but that will have to wait, I need another favor.
Luminous : You want to check on that war, right.
Dawn : You already know, huh.
Luminous : It was just speculation, anyway sure go ahead i'll take care of things here (Beside it seems you are more complete now, i'm curious to see what you are planning.)
Nodding, I quickly reactivated Destiny beyond Fate and left the garden.
Reappearing near the camp where Falmuth's army was resting, I internally cringed at the horrendous aura Rimuru was making.
He wasn't even here yet his power could be felt all over the forest, it was just hidden enough for normal people to not notice.
The work of great sage surely...
Dawn : Fate here is really unstable...changing them all will take months, so I really have to take care of the source directly.
And that was Rimuru, his fate was originally blurry but now it's just kind of corrupted, the story will go that way : Rimuru massacres his enemies, will fail in reviving Shion and the other, he will then start an era of fear and tyranny...
Dawn : The route leading to Evil Rimuru from the game Isekai memories, the cruelest demon lord feared by all.
This is a dead end, the route alone is filled with menace but it can get even worse because other variables can enter.
I should try talking with Rimuru for now and if he doesn't listen, I will have to force my way in.
I still have my last resort just in case...
3rd Pov
Flying over the enemy camp, Rimuru's rage kept intensifying each second...the different troup of Tempest already departed to destroy the Anti-magic area and barrier surrounding the capital city.
It was only a matter of time before Rimuru launched his own attack against the main army.
Rimuru : I'll kill them all...no one will be left.
Dawn : That's really cold from you.
Looking beside him, Rimuru's cold eyes didn't even waver at the sudden appearance of an outsider.
His friend stood there, a thing platform made of ice floating in the air.
Rimuru : What are you doing here ?
Dawn : I told you, I'll meet you later.
Standing in the air, the laughter and chatter of the soldiers below them could be heard...
Rimuru decided to stay silent while returning his gaze toward the enemy camp.
Dawn : S-
Rimuru : Are you trying to stop me ?
Dawn : Not really, I'm just wondering how far you will go.
Rimuru : It seems you already know what I'm going to do...no one will escape here alive.
A dark aura surrounded him, at the same time he received a thought communication from Souei.
Souei : (Rimuru-sama ! We have successfully destroyed the device maintaining the barrier around Tempest!)
Rimuru : (Good, now go back to the city now, I'll take care of the rest.)
Souei : (As your wish.)
Cutting off the thought communication, Rimuru turned toward Dawn one last time before raising his arm.
Magicule gathered around him before hundreds of lenses formed in the sky...the sun reflecting on them...
Rimuru : Are you going to stay and watch ?
Dawn : Let's just say I'm a witness for my nation.
Rimuru : Then I'll just ignore you.
Turning back to the battle field, Rimuru's aura flared up...his eyes glowed behind his mask.
Seeing that as a message for him to step back, Dawn nodded and walked away...once he was far enough Rimuru finally launched his assault.
A dome forming around the camp, the first step of this massacre...Anti-magic area was set by Rimuru.
Great sage : (Notice : Anti-magic area was successfully set, the enemy cannot use magic anymore.)
Rimuru : Everything set, huh...
Small particles akin to water droplets appeared all around the camp...soldiers came out noticing the oddity of the situation oblivious of the murderous aura from above.
Rimuru : It's time for the payback, you who sinned against my people...may the wrath of god pierce you...[Meggido] !
As soon as the word came out of his mouth, a piercing lazer ray fell upon Falmuth's camp...no armor, no shield, no weapon could protect them.
Being woman, man or even youngster...no one was spared and killed equally, a single ray piercing their body...
This magic wasn't using magic, spiriton or natural energy...it was just as deadly capable of eliminating A rank individual under Anti-magic area.
Great sage : (Notice : 1372 deaths, 1823 deaths, 2312 deaths...)
Notification of his kill count constantly made its way in his mind, Rimuru's heart stood cold.
Everything went smoothly, the 27 thousand soldiers consisted of Holy knights, Falmuth knights, mercenaries and adventurers...
All were mercilessly killed beside the king's tent where Rimuru was going to deal personally.
On the side, Dawn watched the scene with fascination...
Dawn : (We are already 40 % done, huh...i feel bad for the holy knight since they are in a way my subordinates but that's for the best.)
They were mainly youngsters or old knights, this was truly a shameful act to send them here knowing they will die.
It pained Dawn's conscience but at the end, he couldn't get attached to them...they were also a precious force of Ruberios but the loss was recoverable.
Dawn : (Anyway, everything is going well for now...i just need to make sure the resurrection go well...)
But suddenly, he felt a strange sense of danger washing over him...looking up, someone was charging toward him with full murderous intent and from its power.
Dawn : At least a true demon lord ?!
Dodging the incoming rocket, the mysterious being who just attacked was identified as Pirone...one of Clayman's 5 fingers.
A harpy...this startled Dawn as right now, she was definitely stronger than Clayman, maybe even close to Rimuru's current level.
Dawn : (She is really awakened, is that the Author's doing?)
Taking out his sword, he was forced to engage in a fast paced close combat, Pirone's claws were sturdy enough to clash with Dimension which was a legend grade weapon without reinforcement.
Pirone : KILL ! DESTROY ! KILL DAWN ARCEID !
Dawn : So i'm your aim, huh...that's making it easier !
Strengthening his arm, he swung his blade faster than before cutting right through the harpy's wings...
Pirone was forced to fly back in pain before gritting her teeth, a fast regeneration activating on itself.
Dawn : You seem to have lost your mind...i also don't see any sign of Clayman's mind manipulation...so you are totally under the Author's control.
Horn grew from Pirone's head, her wings also regrow but the double of them were present...she wasn't just a harpy anymore...
Dawn : (A mix of angel and demon ? Her fate is being rewritten constantly, she should have died from my sword swing earlier but it was rewritten...)
Since she was still a weak opponent, Dawn decided to make a few experiments...sheathing his sword, he breathed slowly while glaring at the monster in front of him.
Dawn : Particle deceleration...
Some tricks he learned from Velzard, the way to use Ice magic to slow down molecule to the point they became rigid...
Pirone could already feel her body turn into ice from inside, she instinctively felt the danger i tried to get away but her escape route was all closed when Dawn launched another spell.
Dawn : Frozen bind...
Chain made of ice bound her in the air, before she could even react, several pillars of ice formed around her.
Cornering her from every side, Pirone did the only thing she could and it was groaning in rage trying to break free.
Dawn : Snowie, make sure those bonds never break.
Snowie : (As your wish.)
The pale blue ice that symbolized Dawn's magic turned brighter and colder, reaching the absolute zero's degree.
Pirone's skin started to burn from the sheer coldness...still her regeneration kept up.
Dawn : Now let's see if you can come back from this !
Condensing the pillar of ice, they closed on Pirone...crushing her totally, blood could be seen splashing through the reflection of the ice.
Yet, the body still reformed itself directly inside the ice...
Dawn : What kind of monstrous regeneration is that...anyway at least, this confirms my doubt, she is using a low version of rewrite to regenerate...
A power that defies reality, this strangely amused Dawn...Pirone was too weak to control this power so she turned into this beast.
Dawn : Dusk, let's use that.
Dusk : (Really ?! You haven't asked me to do anything for years!)
Dawn : Because I was too dependent on my own ability...now that I have lost the Lord of Stories I need to rely on you two.
Dusk : (Hihi, then let's do it master!)
Smirking, Dusk took from behind her master...a lady with pale blonde hair, rather than a lady she was more of the innocent type...
Dawn : (A spiritual art I never really developed because of my low interest in it...but it's time I get back to training too.)
A bright light shone through his vein...all the way until it took form into the palm of his hand.
Dawn : You know...I'm still a knight of Ruberios.
Dozen of magic circle instantly appeared above and below Pirone...the sight could be seen across the Jura Forest, in fact some demon lords or other rulers must have noticed it already.
Dawn : This thing was originally called Trinity disintegration but at the end any good barrier could block it so i have to rearrange it.
He couldn't do it on his own since he barely practiced the technique but with Dusk who was a spirit of Light....everything turned easier.
Dawn : [Road of Faith] !
Above and below, every magical circle abruptly stopped...their shine only grew bigger as a holy sound crickled around.
Like a long road, light attached bounding the land and the sky...Pirone trapped in the pillars of ice in the middle of this was already halfway disintegrated from the pure heat generated from the spell.
The process kept going as finally, the light exploded....everything between from the sky to the land was disintegrated...
The cloud, the air, the ice...not even the forest that should be below was spared...
In a perimeter of 30 meters...everything was gone.
Dawn : You did well, Dusk.
Dusk : (Hehe, praise me more~)
Dawn : Maybe later...
Looking around, he tried to look for Pirone who was taken away by the Road of Faith, still maybe she could even come back from that.
But unfortunately no, it seems even Rewrite couldn't keep up with such a large scale spell...though Dawn was confident in killing her for another reason.
This spell was created with the intention of killing Dawn himself...
Dawn : (This is similar to Luminous's Sanctuary disintegration...maybe there is room to develop it even further...)
Admiring his final work, he shook his head contemplating a few things before returning his attention toward Rimuru.
The slime was staring right toward his direction...Meggido still in action.
Dawn : Oops, I guess I used a way too flashy technique...
Sighing, he could already tell how many people noticed his presence in the Jura forest...
Rimuru nodded, returning to his own business, flying down toward the king's tent...
On the other side of the world, near the border of Ruberios and the barren land...
Dagruel was groaning as he exchanged blows with his opponent...a human who possessed the power of a Saint.
Dagruel : You are strong, I didn't know Ruberios had another trump card aside from the Ace of God.
Standing on his way, Horizon White...heavily injured with his left arm totally distorted, he was tasked to push back the giant's force before they could set foot in Ruberios's territory.
Horizon : Tch, you demon lord sure are annoying to deal with...
Dagruel : Don't be too-
Stopping mid sentence, both demon lord and saint turned their head toward the Jura forest feeling the sudden urge of holy power.
Dagruel : What is that...
Horizon : Heh...I really can't fall down now, if i did i wouldn't be able to look at him in the eyes...
Dagruel felt great danger suddenly, it wasn't from the Jura forest but rather the human in front of him.
Dagruel : Guy told me it was just a simple task but...i might have to get serious.
Horizon : (Sub skill : Last survivor...with this at full power, i should be able to last long enough for Ruberios's renfort to come...)
Smirking, contrary to Falmuth's battle who was one sided...the battle between Saint and Giant was much more intense.
On the ice continent...
Guy and Velzard were sitting on the balcony while drinking some wine...they were aware of the recent events around the world but didn't really mind it.
Until Road of Faith was casted...naturally, they felt the power surge out of nowhere.
Guy : The Jura forest, huh...
Velzard : (So you are back...how ungrateful, not even visiting me.)
Despite her complaint, Velzard actually smiled before hiding it with a sip of wine.
Guy : First Veldora, then the ruler of monsters and now the famous Ace of God appeared in the Jura forest...it seems everything revolves around there.
Holding his glass, the situation was amusing him quite well...he also was the one who sent Dagruel to attack Ruberios at the same time as the Falmuth war.
Hoping to get Dawn out against the giant demon lord but it seems instead, he went ahead and meddled with Falmuth war.
Guy : Luminous already sharpened her fang enough to cause Rudra or me some problem...
Velzard : You seem oddly obsessed with that...are you that worried that she will break into your game with Rudra ?
Guy : Luminous herself isn't a problem, it's rather the cards she has...first Dawn Arceid, now she pulls out some new recruits out of nowhere capable of fighting Dagruel.
Velzard : (They must be humans trained by Dawn-kun...Snowie did mention something along those lines.)
Guy : Clayman and Milim seem to be on the move too...how interesting.
Velzard just stayed quiet on her side, but while listening to Guy's rant...the wine in her hand froze until no liquid was left.
Looking up with hidden murderous intent, her blue eyes turned yellow for an instant.
Velzard : (It seems inevitable...sorry Guy but I already sealed my resolve two years ago.)
In the Eastern empire...
Rudra listened to multiple reports from his subordinate, Velgrynd at his side...the hot topic was the sudden war between Falmuth and the newly formed Jura Tempest Federation.
Rudra : Still this doesn't make sense...why would the holy empire send knights to help Falmuth's army ?
Velgrynd : Perhaps they hold a grudge because of that rumor.
Rudra : Rumor ? Oh you mean the disappearance of Dawn Arceid in the Jura forest.
Velgrynd : It's only rumor but that alone should be reason enough to start a war...after all he is Ruberios's greatest asset.
On the side, Kondo who listened to their conversation gritted his teeth...
Rudra : You seem to have something to say, Kondo ?
Kondo : N-i mean, i don't think that rumor is true...
Rudra : Oh ? Can you elaborate ?
Kondo : I fought the white meteor once...that incident even gave him this title, i don't think a simple orc lord would be capable of killing him.
Rudra : You hold him in high esteem, huh...well i can understand why...if only i got my hand on him before that vampire...
Velgrynd : (Certainly, it's a big loss...he is the only True hero that appeared in the last few millennia...but in the end, he is just a foolish human.)
Closing her eyes, her reasoning was simple...Velgrynd is a true dragon and Rudra, a true hero known as the hero of the beginning.
On the other side, Guy Crimson and Velzard...both groups had powerful individuals and great influence.
Yet, Dawn sided with Ruberios...that was a foolish decision considering how much Guy and Rudra would have proposed for his service.
He is without a doubt, a game changing factor.
Rudra : Anyway, I'm more interested in that ruler of monsters, Rimuru Tempest was it ?
Velgrynd : The abnormal slime, huh...well he should be interesting if he comes out of this alive.
Rudra : It's unfortunate that he rules the Jura forest...after all he is on the way of my plan.
The jura forest stood in the way of the Eastern empire in his plan to invade the Western nation.
And Rudra doubted that he could talk this out with Rimuru considering the reaction the slime has taken until now.
Back to the Jura Forest...Dawn smirked as the massacre was reaching its end.
After dealing with Edmaris and Reiheim, Rimuru stood there feeling dizzy as the voice of the world spoke.
VOTW : (Notice : Rimuru Tempest has fulfilled the condition, harvest festival will now start.)
On the verge of falling asleep, he returned to his slime form and lay on Ranga's back.
Dawn immediately appeared beside him checking for any abnormality.
Dawn : It seems everything is going well...just in case i'll keep your fate in check.
Rimuru : Ugh...I don't know what you're saying but please take care of the last one...
Dawn : You mean that Razen, huh...well i think it would be better if you summoned another demon for that.
Rimuru : If you say so...
He was not really in the mood to think rationally, so immediately a demon summoning circle appeared...
Rimuru : Come demon ! I offer you every corpse present here ! So come and serve me !
Dawn : (So this time it's Blanc, huh...)
Coming out of the summoning circle, a large white cocoon formed before bursting revealing a beautiful lady.
Her white hair and red eyes shone in menace as she studied her surroundings.
Blanc : So you are the one who summoned me ? No, your magicule doesn't match it...
Her attention naturally fell upon Dawn first but immediately, she realized her mistake and looked for her summoner once again.
Her eyes widened slightly when she saw the slime...
Blanc : No way...
Rimuru : Listen demon...bring me the lurking rat who survived, I'll reward you even more later.
Blanc : Mmh...i wouldn't have obeyed such a boring request but you are interesting enough for that...very well.
Smirking, Blanc showed one of her psychotic terrifying smiles...with that done, Rimuru finally let himself fell asleep.
Dawn : You should go now, Ranga...I'll bring the king and priest with me.
Ranga : Very well ! (How does he know my name...)
Running off, Ranga had to keep his question for later...for now what was important was his lord's safety.
Dawn : Well, I'll put both of you to eternal sleep for now.
Turning to Edmaris and Reiheim, a quick fate manipulation to put them in undefined sleep was enough.
Edmaris : Wait ! I can give you ev-
Dawn : Shut up trash, as if a lowly king from a rotten nation would give me anything...
Now that Rimuru was gone, Edmaris tried one last attempt in reversing the situation but all hopes were shattered almost instantly.
Dawn : Aside, you new generation seemed to have forgotten who put the Falmuth's family on top of the nation.
Walking closer until he stood right above him, Dawn mercilessly crushed the king's remaining hand with his foot.
Dawn : I always hated your family guts, in fact it should finally be time for me to take revenge for my mother...
Edmaris : W-what are you saying !
Dawn : What I am saying is that you are just a pale imposter who has been ruling the kingdom of Falmuth for way too long.
Edmaris : G-AH ?!
Reiheim ! (Kiii ! Why is the supreme commander of our army here ! And why is he siding with the enemy!)
Applhying more pressure, there was no purpose behind this torture, it was purely for his own revenge.
Blanc : Fufu, it seems despite being summoned by a slime i met quite the interesting fellow.
Dawn : You should get to your task also...don't call Rimuru a simple slime, you might be quite surprised by his true nature.
Blanc : Mmh...i'll do as you just said if you answer a question of mine.
Dawn : Sure.
Without looking back at her, Dawn kept crushing Edmaris's arm...blood already started everywhere and his will power was beyond shattered.
Blanc : Are you the rumored human who traumatized Violet ? I can feel a power superior to even us primordials inside you.
Blanc is among the most prideful demons in the underworld...still this didn't stop her from thinking rationally, admitting someone being stronger is a mark of the strong.
Dawn : What if I was ?
Blanc : Fufu, nothing really i was just curious...anyway i should get to work (Also i felt Noir's presence in this forest...this might be more interesting than i thought.)
Smirking, she went off slowly toward the rat that managed to escape death...
Dawn : Well I should wrap this up then, goodbye King Edmaris...this might not be the last time we see each other so be very careful to learn from this encounter.
Reiheim : W-wait sir ! I-i think you mistook me for an enemy...i am a pries-
Dawn : Oh don't worry, if you are a true follower of Luminous-sama, I'm sure she will grant you mercy.
Finally, granting him a temporary rest...the course of fate changed, making Edmaris and Reiheim lose their consciousness.
Razen Pov
Ugh...i barely escaped death with this useless Shogo's skill, still to think the witch of the Western nation has failed.
The ruler of monsters might be stronger than we thought, anyway it seems he went unconscious for some reason...i might be able to rescue king Edmaris and get out of here..
Still, he summoned an arch-demon and this human joined side with him ? I should manage this if I'm careful enough.
But something is bothering me, I feel like I know that human...is he some famous adventurer ?
Blanc : Fufufu, your detection skills are lacking.
Razen : !!!
Flinching, I quickly got up and jumped away...the arch-demon was here...
White hair and red eyes, this strangely familiar...anyway a single nuclear flame should be enough.
Razen : You talk big for an arch-demon...
Blanc : Interesting, human's mouths keep getting bigger as ages past.
Razen : I don't know what you bla-arght !
Before I even knew, my left arm was pierced by a crimson spear...w-what just happened ? Did this demon do that ?
Blanc : Grovel on the ground, trash.
Razen : W-what are you ?!
Blanc : Fufufu, if you beg and give me some satisfying cry I might just kill you a few times.
S-she is dangerous ! I have to get out of here fast or I'm doomed !
Blanc : Thinking about running away now ? That's why humans are so pathetic.
Her evil chuckle froze my blood, this was when a realization hit me...
Razen : White hair and crimson eyes...d-don't tell me ! The devil of the scarlet lake incident !
Blanc : Oh ? You seem at least knowledgeable enough for that.
Fear, no terror filled my very existence...what kind of monster did you bring out to this world ! Ruler of monster !
Razen : N-no...
Using every bit of strength I could gather, I got up and ran away as far as I could but immediately, those scarlet spears chased me.
Razen : Raght !
One pierced my left thigh, another my stomach...I was pushed miserably a few meters away...
Razen : P-please...h-he-lp...
Out of despair, I tried to call for help knowing full well this wasn't happening...I can't beat a monstrosity like that...it's impossible !
I could feel the light leaving my eyes, the pain I felt was immense yet the regeneration that this body procured kept me alive...
I could only crawl while struggling my way away from this demon...
Dawn : ...
Razen : Huh ?
I don't know if it was the confusion or the despair i felt, but when i opened my eyes...all i could see were the shoes of someone...
The attack of that demon stopped, everything was silent as I looked up...the human that sided with the ruler of monster was there looking down on me with his gray eyes.
Razen : Y-you are a human too...help me please...
Dawn : You are smart, Razen...but you made one big mistake and that was to let your ego take over.
Sighing in disappointment, this false hope quickly caught up on me as he kicked my face sending me back to that demon.
Dawn : You should finish him already, the evolution of Rimuru is about to start, I wouldn't want to miss it because of some trash.
Blanc : Evolution, huh...so that was the weird feeling i had when arriving...the birth of a new demon lord.
D-demon lord ? What are they saying...is this our fault ? Did our greed cause the birth of a new demon lord and the appearance of one of the primordial ?
Dawn : That's right, so end this already.
Blanc : You know, it's annoying how casual you are with me, if I was on a bad day I would have killed you by now.
Dawn : Kill me, huh...well even if you did this wouldn't really work.
Blanc : Mmh ?
Dawn : Nevermind that, let's just go don't forget to bring that trash with you.
Blanc : You are the man and you want to let a lady like me carry the trash ?
Dawn : Didn't know demons had such morals, anyway fine just because we are losing time (I still have that pig Edmaris and Reiheim to carry...)
Ater those last words, I felt my consciousness swiping away everything turning black...
But before that, I swear I saw something even worse than the devil behind that human...