Mariabell Attack

The joyful cheers of the festival's final tournament were abruptly interrupted by the resounding roar of explosions. Shockwaves shook the streets of Tempest, and panic started spreading like wildfire. The sky above Tempest darkened as smoke began to rise, signaling the beginning of an orchestrated attack.

Simultaneously, far in Ruberios, another series of explosions echoed, signaling the second front of the assault. This was no mere coincidence—it was a coordinated strike led by the Rosso family.

The Attack on Tempest

In Tempest, Mariabell Rosso led the assault with a group of highly trained elite forces, a mix of mercenaries, powerful magic casters, and summoned creatures. They stormed through the outskirts, launching attacks on various critical points. Her strategy was brutal yet methodical, targeting Tempest's key infrastructure.

Rimuru's Contingency Plan

Before panic could fully settle in, a calm and familiar voice echoed throughout the city.

Raphael (via magical speakers):

"Attention, citizens of Tempest. Please remain calm. This situation is under control. You will all be transported to a safe location immediately. Follow the instructions of the Tempest police. Your safety is our priority."

Tempest had always been ready for an attack, thanks to Rimuru's foresight and Raphael's meticulous planning. Within seconds, transportation portals appeared all over the city. Tempest's guards, police, and volunteers guided the panicked citizens into the portals, which transported them to a secure floor deep within the Labyrinth.

The Labyrinth Refuge

The designated floor of the Labyrinth was an exact replica of Tempest's main town, complete with homes, restaurants, and markets. The citizens were amazed as they stepped into the labyrinthine refuge.

A Noble from Englesia: "This… This is incredible! They created a safe haven like this within the Labyrinth?"

A King: "Not only that, but the speed of their response! Tempest is far more advanced than we imagined."

A Queen: "To think they've evacuated the entire city without chaos… This is extraordinary."

The efficiency and preparedness of Tempest left everyone in awe.

Meanwhile, on the surface, automatic barriers had activated around Tempest's most critical buildings. These barriers were designed by Rimuru/Vesta/Rapahel and reinforced with magic by Raphael. Mariabell's forces found themselves frustrated as their attacks bounced harmlessly off the barriers.

Mariabell: "Tch. So they've thought of everything, have they? No matter. We'll breach these defenses eventually."

Her calm confidence showed, but deep down, she felt the weight of Tempest's ingenuity.

Projections for the People

To ease the fears of the evacuated citizens and prevent unrest, Raphael used the Labyrinth's magical projection system to display live feeds of the battles happening outside.

Raphael: "To all citizens, rest assured that your safety is our utmost priority. For transparency, we will now show you the current state of the battle and the identities of our attackers."

The citizens gasped as the projections lit up. Massive screens floated in the air, showing different battlefronts. On one screen, Mariabell and her forces could be seen clashing with Tempest's defenses. Her commanding presence and sharp orders revealed her as the mastermind behind the attack.

A Merchant: "Is that… the Rosso family?! What do they want with Tempest?"

A Knight from Blumund: "The Rosso family is a powerful faction. This must be a calculated move. But Tempest seems to be handling it well."

Another screen showed Ruberios, where Granbell Rosso was leading his assault. His forces were fighting against Luminous Valentine's knights, and the devastation was evident.

A Noble: "Granbell Rosso… So this is a two-pronged attack. How will Rimuru and the Holy Church handle this?"

A Citizen: "I trust Lord Rimuru. He always has a plan."

The Nobility's Conversations

As the people watched, the nobles and leaders gathered in small groups, discussing the situation.

King Gazel: "Rimuru has thought far ahead. To create a city this prepared for an attack is no small feat."

Queen Elmesia: "Tempest's technological and magical advancements are beyond anything I've seen. Mariabell may have underestimated them."

King of Blumund: "This is why we allied with Tempest. Rimuru has proven time and again that he is a leader who anticipates every possibility."

The Public's Reaction

Amid the murmurs of the nobles, the general public shared their thoughts.

Child: "Look, Mama! The bad guys can't even break the shields!"

Parent: "Yes, sweetheart. Lord Rimuru will protect us. He always does."

Adventurer: "I've traveled all over the world, and I've never seen a city this prepared. Rimuru truly is a genius."

As the chaos unfolded in Tempest, the live projections displayed an even more shocking scene that sent waves of fear through the evacuated citizens and nobles alike. The image shifted to a massive black dragon, its scales gleaming like obsidian and its red eyes glowing with unbridled rage. The ground beneath it cracked as it roared, shaking the very fabric of the barriers protecting Tempest.

The citizens gasped.

A Noble from Sarion: "That… that's the Chaos Dragon! But it was sealed long ago! How is it here?!"

King Gazel: "Milim Nava herself sealed it in the past. For it to reappear now means someone's tampered with that seal. But who…?"

Queen Elmesia: "It's Mariabell Rosso. Only someone as cunning and reckless as her would dare to awaken such a beast."

The projection zoomed in on Mariabell Rosso, standing at a distance from the battlefield, her confident smirk belying the chaos she had unleashed. Her golden hair flowed like a crown, and her piercing eyes shone with a hunger for destruction.

She held a small, enchanted artifact in her hand, which glowed faintly as she issued commands to the Chaos Dragon, now under her complete control.

Mariabell (mocking tone): "Run, little monsters, run. Let's see how your precious Demon Lord Rimuru handles this. Even Milim couldn't completely destroy it. This dragon is a force of nature—pure destruction, pure chaos. And now, it's mine."

The Chaos Dragon unleashed a devastating roar, and a beam of black energy shot from its maw, striking one of Tempest's outer barriers. Though the barrier held, cracks began to form.

Back in the projection area of the Labyrinth Refuge, Milim Nava, who had been casually snacking, froze mid-bite as her eyes locked on the image of the Chaos Dragon. Her normally carefree demeanor was replaced by a mix of shock, anger, and sadness.

Milim: "That's… that's Gaia! My pet! My friend! What have they done to you?!"

Rimuru: "Milim, you're saying that's your pet?"

Milim: (nodding furiously) "Yes! I raised him when he was just a hatchling. He wasn't like this! He was gentle and kind…

Rimuru placed a hand on Milim's shoulder, his expression calm but resolute.

Rimuru: "Don't worry. We'll stop him—and we'll find a way to save him."

Milim: (clenching her fists) "You'd better! And when I find whoever did this, they're gonna regret it!"

The Chaos Dragon's Rampage

The live feed shifted back to the battlefield. The Chaos Dragon smashed its tail into the ground, creating a massive shockwave that sent Mariabell's enemies and even some of her own forces flying. The sheer destructive force of the beast was undeniable.

Mariabell: "Perfect. Such magnificent power. This is what true dominance looks like."

As the dragon rampaged, Tempest's defenders mobilized. Shion, Benimaru, Diablo, and Zegion took charge, positioning themselves strategically around the Chaos Dragon.

Dragon, once Milim's beloved pet, now reduced to a mindless beast of fury, rampaged across the battlefield. The sight of its raw destructive power was both awe-inspiring and heartbreaking, especially for Milim, who had sealed it long ago to prevent this very scenario.

Milim stood beside Rimuru, her expression a mix of sorrow and determination.

Milim: "Gaia... I didn't want it to come to this. I thought sealing you would protect you... but now..."

Rimuru: (calmly) "Milim, we'll save him. Together. I'll make sure of it."

She looked at Rimuru, her fiery spirit rekindling.

Milim: "You're right. Let's do this. But no killing! We have to find a way to break Mariabell's control and bring Gaia back!"

The Chaos Dragon unleashed a deafening roar that reverberated across the battlefield, followed by a destructive energy wave that blasted the ground beneath it. Rimuru raised his hand, summoning layers of Multiple Barriers to deflect the attack, while Milim soared into the air, activating her Milim Eye to pinpoint weaknesses in the dragon's corrupted energy flow.

Rimuru: (to Raphael) "Analyze the control artifact. Find out how Mariabell is manipulating Gaia."

Raphael: "Understood. Analyzing... Artifact located. It emits a control wavelength embedded deep in the Chaos Dragon's core. Suggest severing the link or neutralizing the artifact holder."

Milim darted around the Chaos Dragon, her Dragon Nova attacks striking with precision but holding back enough not to inflict lethal damage. Meanwhile, Rimuru activated Omni Evolution, synchronizing his power level with the Chaos Dragon's immense energy output.

Milim: (dodging an energy beam) "Rimuru! I'll distract him while you figure out how to sever that control. Don't get hit by his tail—it's fast!"

Rimuru: "Got it. Be careful up there!"

As Milim engaged Gaia head-on, Rimuru used Beelzebuth to create energy tendrils that attempted to wrap around the Chaos Dragon's limbs and slow its movements. The beast thrashed wildly, smashing the ground with its claws and tail, but Rimuru's adaptive skills allowed him to predict and evade its attacks with precision.

Mariabell's Army vs. Tempest

While Rimuru and Milim dealt with the Chaos Dragon, the Tempest generals and their soldiers faced off against Mariabell's elite forces. The battlefield was a chaotic dance of strategy and raw power, showcasing Tempest's ingenuity.

Benimaru: (standing at the frontlines) "Zegion, take the left flank. Shion, you're with me on the right. Geld, protect the civilians in the Labyrinth. Don't let anyone get through!"

Shion: (grinning) "Time to show these fools why Tempest is untouchable!"

Zegion: (calmly) "Understood. Their numbers are irrelevant. Victory is inevitable."

Mariabell's army was well-equipped and disciplined, but they underestimated the strategic brilliance of Tempest's forces. Using a mix of magical barriers, illusion traps, and decoy units, Tempest soldiers led the invaders into carefully planned ambushes.

Mariabell: (watching from a distance, annoyed) "Impressive... but futile. No amount of strategy will save them from the Chaos Dragon."

Tempest's forces continued to overwhelm Mariabell's army with a combination of teamwork and superior tactics.

Diablo unleashed devastating dark magic, dismantling entire squads with ease while taunting his opponents.

Geld created defensive strongholds, protecting the rear lines and ensuring no reinforcements could breach the Labyrinth.

Shion, wielding her Greatsword, tore through enemy lines with brute force, laughing gleefully as she crushed opposition.

Benimaru: "Don't overextend! Focus on the objective—neutralizing their commanders!"

Meanwhile, the nobles and citizens watching the battle through the magical projections in the Labyrinth were in awe of Tempest's efficiency.

King Gazel: "Rimuru's forces... They're more organized than even some royal armies."

Queen Elmesia: "That's because they fight not just for survival, but for each other.

Back on the main battlefield, Milim and Rimuru intensified their efforts against the Chaos Dragon.

Milim: "Rimuru! The artifact is deep in his chest—can you reach it?"

Rimuru: "Leave it to me."

Rimuru activated Omni Evolution, adapting to the Chaos Dragon's movements and creating an opening. Using a combination of Beelzebuth and his Thousand Blades Moon Style, he maneuvered around the dragon's massive frame and struck with surgical precision, targeting the artifact's energy flow.

At the same time, Milim poured her emotions into her attacks, calling out to Gaia with every strike.

Milim: "Gaia! Remember who you are! You're not a monster—you're my friend!"

Her voice seemed to reach the dragon, and its thrashing slowed. Seizing the moment, Rimuru used Beelzebuth to envelop the artifact in a vortex of corrosive energy, severing its connection to Mariabell.

The Chaos Dragon let out one final, ear-splitting roar before collapsing to the ground, its body trembling as the corrupted energy dissipated.

As the Chaos Dragon lay on the ground, defeated but still trembling with residual corrupted energy, Raphael's voice echoed in Rimuru's mind.

Raphael: "Master, the Chaos Dragon's energy and core contain valuable data. I recommend absorbing it to neutralize the corruption and allow me to analyze it fully. This will also prevent Mariabell from attempting to regain control."

Rimuru: "Got it, Raphael. Milim, stand back. I'll handle this from here."

Milim: (hesitating) "Rimuru... will Gaia be okay?"

Rimuru: (smiling softly) "Trust me, Milim. I'll make sure he's safe."

Milim nodded, stepping back reluctantly as Rimuru extended his hand, activating Beelzebuth. A dark vortex swirled around the Chaos Dragon's massive form, drawing in its remaining energy and the corrupted core.

As the core dissolved into energy and was absorbed, Rimuru's body glowed faintly, and Raphael immediately began processing the influx of data.

Raphael: "Analysis underway. This process will allow me to understand and reverse the corruption caused by the artifact. Additionally, I can store Gaia's essence for Milim, preserving it until a suitable restoration process is found."

Milim: (tears welling up) "Thank you, Rimuru... thank you."

Rimuru gave her a reassuring nod, turning his attention back to the battlefield, where Mariabell's army was collapsing under the relentless assault of Tempest's generals.

From her elevated position, Mariabell Rosso stood amidst the chaos, her elegant gown now disheveled and her expression twisted in rage. Watching the Chaos Dragon fall and her elite forces being decimated, she clenched her fists, her frustration boiling over.

Mariabell: "How dare he?! How dare that slime ruin everything I've built!"

Desperate, she activated her Unique Skill: Greed, focusing all her energy on Rimuru. The skill's power lashed out like invisible chains, attempting to take hold of Rimuru's desires and twist them to her will.

Mariabell's voice echoed with malicious intent as her skill took effect.

Mariabell: "You desire power, don't you, Rimuru? Serve me, and I'll grant you everything you've ever wanted. Wealth, influence, dominion over the world!"

For a brief moment, the air around Rimuru shimmered, but then it dissipated entirely.

Raphael: "Unique Skill: Greed has no effect. Master's willpower.

Rimuru: (sighing) "You really thought that would work on me? My desires don't control me. I'm not like you."

Mariabell's eyes widened in disbelief, but before she could react further, Rimuru's aura flared.

Rimuru's expression turned cold, in a split second, he vanished from his position, using Spatial Motion to close the distance between them.

Mariabell: (gasping) "What—?!"

Before she could raise her defenses, Rimuru appeared right in front of her, his blade already drawn. The Thousand Blades Moon Style flashed as he delivered a precise, devastating thrust directly to her heart.

Rimuru: (calmly) "You made a fatal mistake, Mariabell. You underestimated Tempest, and more importantly, you underestimated me."

Mariabell staggered back, clutching her chest as blood began to seep from the wound. Her eyes filled with shock and rage as she crumpled to the ground.

Mariabell: (weakly) "This... can't be... I was supposed to... rule it all..."

Her voice faded as her life slipped away.

As Mariabell's lifeless body hit the ground, the battlefield fell silent. Her once formidable army lay in ruins, and the chaos that had engulfed Tempest was finally quelled. The citizens inside the Labyrinth, watching the live projection of the events unfold, erupted into deafening cheers.

Voices in the crowd:

"Rimuru-sama did it! He defeated her!"

"Tempest is unstoppable!"

"That dragon... I can't believe they handled it so efficiently!"

"Even against such overwhelming odds, Rimuru-sama never faltered.

On the battlefield, Rimuru sheathed his sword, his eyes scanning the remnants of the chaos. His generals—Benimaru, Shion, Souei, and others—were already organizing the cleanup and securing any remaining threats.

Rimuru: "Good work, everyone. The battle here is over, but we can't relax just yet."

Right when he was about to say something else, Souei appeared before him kneeling with a report:

Souei: "Rimuru-sama, one of my spies has sent an urgent report. Ruberios is currently under attack. It appears to be Granbell's forces leading the assault."

Rimuru's eyes narrowed, his suspicions confirmed.

Rimuru: "So it really is Granbell. Do we have any idea about the scale of the attack or their objective?"

Souei: "The enemy forces are large, well-coordinated, and seem to be targeting key locations within Ruberios. The cathedral and Luminous's stronghold appear to be their primary objectives."

Raphael: "Confirmation: Granbell's attack aligns with his knowledge of Luminous's secret. It is highly probable his goal is the sealed body beneath her stronghold."

Rimuru: "That's what I was afraid of. It's as we thought. Granbell's targeting Luminous directly. We need to get to her before things escalate any further."

He turned to Benimaru, his trusted right hand.

Rimuru: "Benimaru, you're in charge here. Oversee the cleanup, Shizu will allow help you and ensure the citizens can return safely. Prioritize rebuilding efforts and make sure everything's back to normal soon, im going to Ruberios with Zegion and Shion."

Benimaru: (nodding) "Understood, Rimuru-sama. You can count on us."

Rimuru's gaze shifted to Diablo, who was standing nearby with his usual devilish grin.

Rimuru: "Diablo, Keep an eye out for any stragglers or hidden traps Mariabell might have left behind."

Diablo: (bowing deeply) "Of course, Rimuru-sama. Leave it all to me. I shall ensure Tempest remains untouchable."

Rimuru, ready to teleport to Ruberios, with Zegion and Shion standing dutifully beside him. He was focused on the mission ahead when a familiar voice called out from behind him.

Chloe: "Sensei! Sensei!"

Rimuru turned to see Chloe running toward him, her face filled with determination. He waited as she approached, sensing her resolve but unsure of her intentions.

Rimuru: (smiling gently) "Chloe, are you and the others alright? I told you all to stay inside the Labyrinth where it's safe."

Chloe: (nodding) "Yes, we're all fine. Everything's safe in the Labyrinth. But..."

Her tone shifted, and her eyes were filled with urgency.

Chloe: "I want to go with you to Ruberios."

Rimuru blinked, surprised by her request.

Rimuru: "Chloe, no. It's too dangerous. You've seen what just happened here. Ruberios is in the middle of its own crisis, and I can't afford to put you at risk."

Chloe: (pleading) "Sensei, I understand the danger, but... I feel like I have to be there. I don't know why, but it's like something is calling me. Please, let me go with you."

Rimuru frowned, trying to discern if this was just a whim or something more. He glanced at Shion, who shrugged but kept her usual confident demeanor, and then at Zegion, who remained silent and focused, trusting Rimuru's judgment.

Rimuru: (sighing) "Chloe, this isn't a game. If something happens to you, I'll never forgive myself."

Chloe: (firmly) "Sensei, you've taught us to trust our instincts, right? I don't know what's waiting in Ruberios, but I feel like I need to be there. Please... trust me on this."

Rimuru paused, his mind racing. He knew Chloe was special, and her instincts had proven uncanny before. After a moment of consideration, he let out a resigned sigh.

Rimuru: (nodding) "Alright, Chloe. You can come. But you stay close to me at all times. No wandering off, no trying to fight on your own. Got it?"

Chloe: (beaming) "Got it! Thank you, Sensei!"

Rimuru turned back to his companions.

Rimuru: "Zegion, Shion, keep an eye on her too. If things get out of hand, I want you to prioritize her safety."

Zegion: (bowing) "Understood, Rimuru-sama."

Shion: (smiling) "Don't worry, Rimuru-sama! I'll keep Chloe safe no matter what."

With everything settled, Rimuru activated Spatial Motion, and the four of them disappeared in a flash of light, leaving the rest getting ready to escort the guests to their territories.