3rd Pov
Walking down a long corridor filled with darkness...Glenda gulped nervously when the dozens of candles encrusted in the wall lit up.
Glenda : (I was told to come here...but this place is really creepy...)
Earlier, she had lost contact with Grandbell and after remembering the threat of Dawn, she resolved herself to stop now before her greed became her downfall.
Glenda : (I didn't know there was a corridor like this one under the church...even as a great saint...)
The architecture and gravure on the wall seemed rather old, almost antics...Glenda was sure if those walls were to be sold.
It would be worth a dozen stellar gold coins...
???: Those walls are beautiful aren't they, but you should touch them too much because they could trigger some misfortune.
Glenda : !!!
Startled by the sudden voice, Glenda looked up...coming from the other side of the corridor, a young lady appeared wearing her simple yet majestic kimono.
Flora : I am Flora, your new boss. It's a pleasure to properly meet you, Glenda.
Glenda : (S-this girl is my boss ? Wait, she is dangerous...my instinct is always right, this girl is a total freak...)
Taking a step back, Glenda then noticed something odd about what she just said.
Glenda : Properly met ? Have we met before ?
Flora : Well, you are a pretty good customer in my casino...a girl who had spent thousands of coins and cheated dozens of times surely brought attention.
Glenda : Casino ? Wait, then you are...
Flora : Code name : Fortune, we had a game of poker a few years ago, surely you remember.
There was no way Glenda would have forgotten that day...when she gained the position of great saint, money quickly gathered around her...
She who was greedy and built up a fortune went around messing with gold and fun...the underground casino being the best place for that.
Glenda became a regular there and earned a lot of attention...her identity was hidden along her appearance so she thought she was safe.
But after a few months, her confidence was shattered when she had a game with the owner herself...Fortune or rather known as Flora.
That single hour made Glenda lose all her profit and even indebted her...
Flora : You managed to pay off your debt the same year by stealing artifacts and other holy relics from Ruberios...interesting right.
Glenda : You...already know...
Flora : Don't worry, as long you work well, nothing will happen.
Flashing an innocent smile, Flora then reached for her sleeve and took out a large letter before tossing it on the ground.
Flora : This is an early payment, a first taste of what you'll get if you follow me.
Glenda carefully stared at the letter before he silently kneeled down and grabbed it, her hand gracefully opened the letter.
And immediately, her facial expression broke into surprise...
Glenda : This...(This is enough for a person to live several months like a noble...)
Flora : You seem rather satisfied.
Glenda : How can I be ? And this is just a first check ?
A wide smile formed on her face, Glenda followed her greed...offering money is the best way to gain her favor.
Glenda of greed was now offered a new life as the sub manager of the casino.
Around the same time, Hinata and her group arrived near Tempest...the city in view they could only merveil at the 2 years old nation.
Shizue : This place sure has grown in 2 years...
Yuu : In terms of growth, Tempest is unmatched...but aside from the city itself I'm more curious about the culinary development.
Hinata : On the way...we already saw some otherworldly dishes like ramen and others...Rimuru sure got it right...
Looking around, Hinata already noticed how safe the road leading to Tempest was...it seems those monsters managed to create a magic tool capable of pushing the savage monster back.
Litus : I-is this really a monster nation ?
Bacchus : I expected something else...but this city looks strangely human-like ?
While Hinata and the other high cadres didn't show it, the other great saint showcased their plain surprise.
Looking around as if they just entered another world.
But soon enough, their touristic nature vanished when a menacing presence imposed itself into the space near the group.
The saints unconsciously reached for their weapon when they felt the unholy appearance of a white haired lady...
A woman with crimson eyes who would have been the most beautiful person they ever saw if it was not for her demonic presence.
Testarossa : Greetings, knights of Ruberios...my name is Testarossa and I was tasked to escort you all to milord.
Hinata looked at the woman doubtfully, the way Testarossa didn't even bother hiding her intimidating nature was worrying.
But after giving a look at Shizue who herself was looking at Yuu, they all nodded at the same time.
Hinata : Sure lead the way.
The quick and efficient answer made Testa smile as she turned around and stretched her arm.
Testarossa : Then this way please.
Reluctantly, everyone did as she said and followed the primordial blanc.
On the way, Shizue slowed down to be at Yuu's level and spoke up...
Shizue : This Testarossa is a demon, right...
Yuu : Yes, the primordial blanc...one of the 7 rulers of hell.
Shizue : I suspected that but to think a primordial demon would be in Tempest...(So she is like Noir...)
Yuu : You shouldn't be surprised yet because there is more to see.
Shizue : I see...(At this rate, Tempest might already be superior to Ruberios in terms of military power...very impressive slime-san!)
Rimuru Pov
Things has turned difficult...honestly, after Ruberios's crisis, we decided to wait for their convoy and discuss the potential alliance.
But suddenly, we received some bad news...first before Reyheim could even reach Ruberios, he was killed on the way...along that, Falmuth's new king Edward mobilized mercenaries and his army.
One could think it's because of what happened in Ruberios and he wants to defend his nation but after further investigation...it's for war.
Lastly, we just received the news that a group of 80 paladin knights has left Ruberios...they are moving fastly toward Tempest...
They don't seem to follow Hinata and her group...but one thing is clear, they harbor hostile intent toward us.
Rimuru : This is troublesome...maybe since Hinata left before getting my message, she came here to fight ?
Raphael : (Notice : The whole situation is most likely a well planned plan by the mastermind we talked about a few days ago.)
Rimuru : I think so...
Right now, I was waiting with Benimaru, Shion, Souei and some other subordinates...we were in an empty spot in the forest.
Since letting Hinata free in the capital city with the current situation...she might be an enemy as much as she could be an ally.
Souei : Rimuru-sama, Hinata Sakaguchi and her group has arrived.
Rimuru : Finally, let's settle this then.
Stretching my arm quickly, I faced the west where I could see Testarossa leading a small group of people...my eyes first landed on Hinata before switching on the masked woman behind her.
Black hair and a white mask, she is the attendant that appeared with Luminous at the Walpurgis...
Hinata : I thought we would talk in an office or meeting room...didn't expect a warm welcome but still...
When facing each other, this was the first sentence spoken...naturally it acted like fuel to lit the ever smallest fire of tension that already existed.
Testarossa stopped dead in her tracks and turned her head with a murdering glare...whereas the people behind me weren't pleased either.
Rimuru : Sorry for that, but you have to understand our side...how can we trust you guys when over 80 paladin are marching toward Tempest.
Hinata : What ? 80 paladins ? What are you talking about ?
Mmh...she seems genuinely confused, so it's really the work of a mastermind...but that can't be proven right now, we need more concrete evidence...
Rimuru : You really don't know ? Then let me enlighten you, a day ago...a small army of 80 paladins left Ruberios, all armed and led by one of your saints.
Hinata : ...(How could this be ? Dawn-sensei placed an absolute order to not intervene with Tempest...a rebelion ? No, no one would be crazy enough to go against the hero of Ruberios...)
What is this expression ? She seems rather conflicted...well when you think about it, the sudden movement of those paladins is weird...
Dawn and Luminosu both declare and have no reason to be hostile toward Tempest...they both also possess the highest seat within the holy empire.
A third party must be involved...one that controls this group of paladins, someone influential enough to move things within Ruberios.
Shizue : Hinata...we should proceed calmly for now...
Hinata : I know...(But will they listen to what I have to say?)
This masked woman seems to be an important person...even Hinata is listening and respectfully addressing her.
Hinata : Ahh...Rimuru-san, this whole situation is a misunderstanding...can we talk this out ?
Actually, I would prefer this method over fighting but my subordinates aren't going to let this pass, I can already feel how they are ready to pound on those knights.
Benimaru : Oi oi, you come up to our leader and speak rudely, and now exposed, you are trying to talk this out ? Don't joke around.
Arnaud : Watch your words !
This is bad...at this rate, a fight will really break down...wait, maybe this is what they want ? Me and Hinata engaging in a fight ?
Shizue : Ahh, seriously...I guess I have to step up this time...
But as the tension reached its peak, and everybody was already handling their weapon...the same masked woman that kept giving me a sort of nostalgic feeling spoke up.
Taking a step ahead, she was first stopped by Testarossa who was now boiling in rage.
Testarossa : Does not make a single more step.
Shizue : Please...i will prove to slime-san that we aren't enemies.
Testarossa : As if-
Rimuru : Wait ! Slime-san ? Testa let her pass.
My eyes widened for a moment. The only one who called me Slime-san was...a ghost of the past, someone that I saw die right in front of my eyes...
But this woman...the moment she called me by that nickname, I felt a resonance with the deepest part of my soul.
Testarossa : As your wish, milord.
Aiding my words, Testarossa relaxed her arm letting the masked woman pass...soon enough, she was midway between me and Hinata.
Shizue : It has been a while...
Her arm stretching upward, my non-existent heart stopped as the suspense built up...this masked woman is really...
Finally, her gloved hand reached for her mask and slid it off...a pair of blue eyes glowed as they were revealed to the public...
Along that, the earring clutched on her left ear shone brightly...as if an illusion spell was lifted, a scar appeared under the lady's left eye.
Rimuru : S-Shizu-san ?
There could be no mistake...this woman was real, she was truly the Shizue Izawa I had met 2 years ago, the one who gave me her body...
Shizue : Hi slime-san...i know it's confusing but please, let Hinata explain herself.
Her words were slowly registering in my mind, however I just wanted to go and hug her...despite my lack of any internal organs and function, I could feel my eyes getting moisty.
But all this pent up emotion had to wait as Souei suddenly interrupted...
Souei : Rimuru-sama, there is some movement with the paladins...
Rimuru : Uh ? W-but...
My composure was long gone, I wanted to talk with Shizue...understand how she was still alive and all but at the same time, the ongoing threat was still there.
Shizue : Don't worry, slime-san...you are still the leader of this wonderful nation you created so take care of your duty first, we'll have plenty of time to talk after.
Rimuru : Shizu-san...
Her words easily comforted me...it might be a unique skill of hers how simple words could affect me this much...
My lips curved slightly as I turned toward Souei and nodded.
Rimuru : What happen ?
Souei : It would be best if Rimuru-sama saw it himself.
Rimuru : Let's share vision then.
Souei : As your wish.
Bowing down, shared vision worked via thought communication...sharing the vision of one of Souei's subordinates so everyone here could see.
Hinata : Wait ! Can we watch too ?
Rimuru : ...
Hinata : I mean...this matter concerns us too, I swear on my name that those paladins moved on their own so please...
I looked around, her requests were accompanied with a negative look from my side, but...a single look at Shizue made me decide.
Rimuru : Sure...
Hinata : Thank you, really...
Rimuru : Then let's start, Souei !
Kneeling, Souei instantly activated his skill as we all closed our eyes...those who didn't know the procede just followed along.
The surrounding fading, we soon found yourself in the sky...watching through Souka's eyes...right below were the group of paladins riding their horses...
3rd Pov
At the border of the kingdom of Falmuth and Blumund...approximately 80 official paladins recognized by the church itself were moving.
Led by the great saint Leonardo...he had a fierce and determined look.
Leonardo : (The great Luminaries gave me this chance...if lady Hinata really intends to betray us then I will have to slay her myself.)
That's right...a few days ago when Hinata left, the Clergy was dissatisfied with Hinata and the fact that Dawn was backed by their god...
The feeling of being abandoned by Luminous kept increasing as decades passed and before dying, Granbell atonned his last manipulation.
Contracting a plan to frame Hinata, the clergy still possessed quite a lot of influence...and among the church some worshiped them, their heroic tale being told and narrated all over the holy empire.
And some knights would rather follow their directive than the holy emperor or the supreme commander...this is a propaganda they have been setting while reigning in the shadows.
Leonardo is a naive knight...he had risen up to the rank of great saint but his worth was never properly recognized by his peers.
This is why when the Clergy approached him, he felt proud and successful...so when they accused Hinata of betrayal and showing the pettiest proof.
He trusted them...that trust just intensified when they gave him Dragon buster...the legendary weapon capable of « killing » a dragon.
Psychologically, Leonardo was trapped within the Clergy's web...in his mind, Hinata has betrayed them, if he managed to slay her then he will be hailed as a hero.
Though he didn't know that he was just a bait...so Tempest could misunderstand the sudden movement of the paladin and force a fight between Hinata and demon lord Rimuru.
But that's something, Leonardo couldn't know...
Leonardo : We are entering the territory of Blunmund ! Hinata Sakaguchi must have already arrived at Tempest, let's speed up !
His words followed by a battle roar, it seems those paladins were all in a similar case...in pursuit of fame and recognition.
All brainwashed by the Clergy's light...unfortunately for these young sprouts, they had to stop their journey here.
Leonardo : Huh ?
The great saint's eyes flickered when he noticed a thin slit forming right into the ground several meters ahead.
His instinct kicking, he strongly pulled the reins of his horse...
Leonardo : Stop !
Immediately, every paladin presence pulled back as they stopped right before the slit...
Paladin : What happened, sir Leonardo ?!
Leonardo : I just got a bad feeling...
And that instinct just saved him as the slit slowly deformed...the ground fractured as a large gap big enough to trap dozens of people formed.
A veil made of dust flew in the air, the wind and sound straddled and pushed the paladins back.
???: Stop right there.
Leonardo : (What is this pressure...did the monster nation act ahead?)
The veil settling, a familiar figure presented himself...leaving the paladins and Leonardo himself speechless.
A single man holding a sheathed sword in his left hand...he took a short breath before holding up his sheath, a loud noise then followed as he smashed the sword tips onto the ground.
Pure raw strength...crackling the ground, a phenomenon similar to an earthquake shook the land around.
Appearing out of nowhere and shaking the law of fate...in his low grace, the supreme commander of the holy army of Ruberios.
Dawn : Can you all really uphold the responsibility of your own action ?
His true hero haki blasting in the air, this was a simple method of intimidation.
Dawn : Anyone who dares cross this line will be considered a traitor, so now where is your resolve, knight?
Trampling on their pride, it was clear the moment he appeared...Dawn could already see and feel the shaking pupil of those so called paladins.
None of them dared walk up and speak...no one aside from Leonardo who was convinced that he was doing the right thing.
So after gulping his drying saliva, he took a step forward...
Leonardo : Sir Dawn...i think there have been some misconceptions here...we are moving for the sake of Ruberios.
Dawn : Oh ? You actually dared speak up ?
Leonardo : Your eminence is attached to Hinata Sakaguchi because she was your student but...if you knew what she planned to do in the monster nation, you would let us pass.
Dawn : You're funny, then let me at least hear you out.
The way he was given a chance to explain was like a revelation for Leonardo...he thought Dawn was giving him the chance to explain the whole situation so the doubt in the paladin's heart disappeared.
Leonardo : Hinata Sakaguchi is betraying us...she had made contact with the ruler of the monster before the Walpurgis...don't you all find it weird how the great right hand of god failed in defeating a monster ?
This actually surprised Dawn, not the information shared but how well Leonardo turned his back on Hinata when he was one of her followers...
Leonardo : She had planned to betray the holy empire ever since...the Clergy themself told me !
Dawn : Don't you remember ? I had forbidden any rash movement and sent Hinata to Tempest myself, what do you have to say about that ?
Leonardo : Simple ! This is your test, right...
Dawn : What ?
Dawn let out a genuinely confused look...he could actually know what he was thinking and influence his next action with his skill but decided to uphold as Leonardo was onto something interesting.
Leonardo : Listen well everyone ! His eminence Dawn Arceid-sama has settled the ground for us ! He had sent Hinata Sakaguchi to the monster nation knowing her betrayal and worked with the church to purge her !
This was the conclusion he had reached...his blind trust toward the church, the respect toward the hero of Ruberios.
Those myths just collided as he couldn't imagine a world where either the church or Dawn Arceid would betray Ruberios...so all his mistrust turned toward Hinata.
Leonardo : His eminence has come here to judge our resolve ! So raise your weapon ! Nothing will stop us now !
His inspiring speech somehow managed to raise the paladin's morale, slowly a war cry resonated throughout the space.
Leonardo : So did I pass, your eminence ?
Smiling joyfully, the great saint turned his attention to Dawn who stayed quiet...he didn't really know how to react honestly...
But his silence was once again interpreted by Leonardo to arrange himself...it was approved this time.
Leonardo : Great ! Then let's go everyone !
Raising his Dragon buster to the sky, he took the initiative and jumped over the small rift...
Paladin 3 : Wait...isn't the atmosphere getting colder ?
Paladin 5 : Who cares about that ! Let's follow sir Leonardo !
The morale increased, soon everything turned cold as the moment Leonardo set foot on the other side...a red line spurted across the air.
Leonardo : Huh ?
Dawn : Seriously...what do you people don't understand in « Listen to my order and shut up », it should be a basic rule and principle you learn when becoming a knight.
He groaned, annoyed, in his hand...Dimension was drawn, the blade covered in fresh blood...
Dawn : Well you still put up a pretty lame show...
Falling on the ground, Leonardo had his two arms and one leg severed...tears of blood torn from his eyes.
Leonardo : I-impossible...
Dawn : Now, I guess I have to stop you all by myself.
Moving his body, he stomped on Leonardo's head before playing with his head like it was a soccer ball.
Dawn : Since i'm compassionate I will just hold Leonardo here as culprit, the rest of you will keep your life.
Facing the shaking paladin, he released a cold spell...slowly and silently, a frozen mist enveloped everyone around.
The confusion spread across the group and that same confusion was the last sight the paladin witnessed before freezing.
Dawn : [Eternal Prison].
A layer of thin frost covering each individual around...they were trapped inside as fate itself froze...
This means as long as the spell will be active...those paladins will be in a sort of eternal cryogenic state.
Dawn : I'll free you all once your punishment is decided.
Looking down, Dawn snickered as Leonardo still struggled...he was shaking in fear and anger ? Well Dawn couldn't really understand what was happening in his mind.
Dawn : I planned to kill you quickly to set an example but...that boring speech of yours really threw me off.
Retracting his foot, Dawn's eyes glowed as Leonardo's fate changed...walking away slowly, Dawn ignored the painful scream coming from the former great saint.
Instead he looked up to see Souka flying above...her expression was serious and cautious...
Dawn : Well it should be around time, the Clergy attack...
One more thing about the situation is that Dawn already planned most of what would happen...the reason Reyheim never reached Ruberios and died before...
Is because Dawn decided that he should die before...without Reyheim's report, the Clergy has no idea of what truly happened during the Falmuth war.
For them, Veldora woke up and exterminated the human army...now they were bound to underestimate Rimuru.
Dawn : Even if Hinata and Rimuru don't fight...those stupid luminaries will act and try to kill them.
A sinister smile formed on his face, his presence slowly vanished as [Destiny beyond Fate] was activated...
Back to Tempest, the watcher group came back to their senses...a brief silence washed the space.
But at least, now they were settled...those paladins moved independently.
Rimuru : I guess we can all agree to hear what Hinata here has to say.
No objection...even if they had, they couldn't express them openly as Dawn just made it clear that Hinata went to Tempest on his order.
Killing her would make anyone his enemy...and he is a dangerous opponent that couldn't be dealt on the spot.
Testarossa : (Fufu, that ice magic was interesting...I wonder if I can replicate it?)
Having a different reaction, her joyful expression turned menacing when she looked behind...it wasn't Hinata or her group but rather the unwelcome guest that followed them.
Rimuru : Shizu-san, Hinata...let's go discuss somewhere else.
Shizue : Sure...
Hinata : Yes...
As for Hinata, she was feeling a bit down...seeing how Leonardo acted, perhaps if she had done her job better maybe none of this would have happened.
Yuu : (They are here.)
Despite knowing the situation, Yuu stepped aside and waited...soon a destructive ray made of pure energy flew past her eyes.
She watched silently as the attack traveled across the forest to attack Hinata...it was strong enough to push a hoe through a Saint's body.
Hinata : !!!
But Hinata isn't a child, she is a well trained knight who learned under many talented people...her body moved instinctively.
Turning around while taking out her rapier, she quickly covered herself while the ray of energy pushed her back.
Despite her consequent power, she was being pushed back...
Shizue : Hinata !
Realizing the situation, Shizue acted at her turn...burning silver's flame lit up around her arm as she burned down the gamma ray.
Her eyes gleamed wildly while searching for the source of that attack.
Benimaru : What was that ?!
Arnaud : The heck !
Moving to guard their respective master, everyone was on edge now...
Rimuru : (That attack just now...it was definitely aimed toward Hinata...)
Though Rimuru remained calm, he felt like the incoming attack wasn't a threat...instead he talked with Raphael to understand the situation.
But before that, he received another thought communication from Diablo.
Diablo : (Rimuru-sama, i just found out the rat that initiated Falmuth revolt...it seem the clergy of the seven luminaries is behind everything.)
Rimuru : (I see...then those who just attacked must be members of the luminaries...)
Diablo : (What should I do with them ? I got 3 in front of me.)
Rimuru : (Mmh...just kill them, they already caused me enough trouble.)
Diablo : (As your wish, kufufufu~)
Ignoring the last creepy laugh, Rimuru returned his attention toward his surroundings...all attention was on the forest.
It was calm and silent, a little bit too silent actually...
Rimuru : (Testarossa, find them.)
Testarossa : (Hai Rimuru-sama.)
Doing as she was ordered, her pupil glowed crimson...instantly, transparent arms appeared on the ground just beside a tree.
Aiming toward its shadow, the hands tried to grab something but that same thing escaped by jumping out of the shadow.
Hinata : So it was really you...you annoying Luminaries...
The two figures were clothed in a way where all skin aside from their hand was hidden...a veil hiding their hideous face.
Hinata instantly showed her fang in annoyance...
Dina : Kekeke, to think you would have parried that.
Salun : Very impressive as expected of his students.
Complimenting her with venom in their tone, they didn't like it...how she survived when they had to act like a lowly assassin.
Their plan already failed...and their identity discovered they could only shut everyone here by killing them.
Yuu : The third one is a bit late...
Shizue : Huh ? Third one ?
Dina : So you even knew that...you seem quite knowledgeable, Yuu.
The third one she was referring to is the one that is currently trying to get here...he was originally with the paladin group but splitted with them right before Dawn's arrival.
After hearing about the situation, Ars the third Luminary who disguised himself as Garde, one of the great saints...was now panickingly rushing over.
Salun : This is bad...we can't even cast trinity disintegration...should we run ?
Dina : No, Ars is not very far away...let's just gain time for now.
Rimuru : (You know...we can hear you guys...)
Sweetdropping, Rimuru didn't really know how to act...should he go serious and take them out ? Benimaru and the others also seem to want blood.
Shizue : Slime-san...could you let us take care of them ?
Rimuru : Mmh ? You sure ? I can help if you want...
Shizue : They are corrupt members of Ruberios...i realized this after joining such a big organization but you can't always rely on others to take care of internal matters.
Rimuru : Shizu-san...
Shizue : That's why, let us deal with them.
Seeing the determination in Shizur's voice, Rimuru smiled warmly and closed his eyes.
Rimuru : Fine...everyone ! Don't interfere with the people from Ruberios ! We will only stay back and watch !
Giving out his definitive order, everyone naturally followed them...being cleared from any obstacle, Hinata raised her rapier ready to fight.
Hinata : It will be hard...(I could normally take them out but I feel strangely weak...)
Shizue : Don't worry, i'll help you out.
As for Yuu, she was with the other great saints who were conflicted over the situation...
Yuu : You guys don't move, got it ?
Litus : H-hai...
Bacchus : Dammit...this girl is scary...
Fritz : She isn't the supreme commander's secretary for nothing...
The true fight or so has finally begun...
Through further in the forest...a man was running desperately while breathing hard...his clothes were torn and blood screamed out of his body.
Despair apparent in his eyes, he did his best to get away from the man who followed him silently...the tip of a sword grinching on the ground.
Ars...luminaries of mars who took the identity of Garde was currently trying his best to live...while behind him, a pure nightmare hunted him down.
Ars : S-stop !
His cry echoed through the forest, but no one heard it...he could just turn around watching those pale blue eyes approaching.
Each one of this predator's steps shook Ars's core...
Dawn : You really thought you could escape me ?
Ars : A-ah...stop ! Please !
Dawn : You know...begging is just a sign that you have lost...your control over the situation is long gone, so at least keep the remaining dignity you possess.
Smiling sweetly, Dawn drew his blade high...it was a true nightmare for Ars as he saw his life flashing before his eyes dozens of times already.
Dawn : Good night, luminary of Mars...I'm quite ashamed since Mars was actually my favorite planet within the solar system.
Those words were the last the luminary heard before having his head cut off...
Dawn's luminaries kill count : 2.