The aftermath of the battles left Tempest and Ruberios in a state of recovery, yet both nations displayed remarkable resilience. Rimuru, as always, took the lead in ensuring the safety and prosperity of all those under his care. The orcs from Tempest were dispatched to Ruberios, working tirelessly under Luminous' direction to rebuild the cathedral and fortify the city against future threats.
Luminous, though reluctant to accept aid at first, had to admit that Rimuru's support was invaluable. Her knights coordinated with Tempest's skilled workers to reconstruct damaged structures. Streets that were once filled with chaos were now bustling again as the citizens of Ruberios saw the restoration unfold before their eyes. The collaboration symbolized the growing unity between Tempest and Ruberios.
Meanwhile, Tempest itself had already been fully restored, thanks to the advanced technology and magic of its citizens. Buildings were fortified with reinforced barriers, streets were lined with fresh cobblestones, and a new layer of magical defenses was added to prevent similar large-scale attacks in the future. The Labyrinth was also enhanced, with additional security measures and traps to prevent any unwelcome intrusions.
Having regained her adult form and all her memories, Chloe found herself wrestling with her feelings for Rimuru. Though she was eternally grateful to him for saving Hinata, the flood of memories from her time traveling only reignited her deep affection for him. She tried to act casual, often spending time with Rimuru under the guise of helping him oversee the rebuilding efforts, but her longing glances and shy demeanor didn't go unnoticed.
Shizu, who had been spending much of her time with Rimuru, picked up on Chloe's feelings. Though she remained composed, it was clear that there was a subtle tension between the two women. Rimuru, ever dense when it came to emotions, failed to notice the budding rivalry between Chloe and Shizu.
In the weeks that followed, Tempest regained its celebratory atmosphere. The people, inspired by Rimuru's leadership, were eager to move forward. The festival's success, despite the chaos that followed, became a symbol of Tempest's unyielding spirit. Adventurers continued to flock to the Labyrinth, merchants resumed their bustling trade, and diplomatic relations with other nations grew stronger.
However, amidst the peace, a sense of foreboding lingered.
Unbeknownst to Rimuru and the others, the days of peace were numbered. As the cracks in the seal widened, Artemis prepared to break free, his mind fixated on erasing Veldanava's flawed creation. His first target? Stay tuneded to find out.....
Beerus after watching rimuru built Tempest, evolve and become one of the strongest in the cardinal world finally decided to give rimuru a visit.
It was a clear day in Tempest, streets bustling with activity, everybody happy, working.
The bustling streets of Tempest fell eerily silent, a stark contrast to the usual lively atmosphere. The sudden, overwhelming change in the air was impossible to ignore. The temperature dropped, yet the air felt heavy—an oppressive, suffocating force that pushed down on everyone. People looked up at the sky in confusion and fear, whispering among themselves.
"What is this feeling?" Shion muttered as she instinctively reached for her sword, her hands trembling despite her strength.
Benimaru clenched his fists, his fiery aura flickering weakly. "I... can't move. What is this force?"
Suddenly, the Voice of the World echoed across Tempest with a message that reverberated not only in the ears but deep within the soul:
<
The announcement sent ripples of shock through everyone. Panic set in as people exchanged wide-eyed looks, murmurs spreading like wildfire. Who was this "Beerus"? Even the strongest warriors of Tempest, those who had faced and conquered countless enemies, felt something they hadn't in years—fear.
Rimuru, sitting in his chambers, bolted upright as the words echoed in his mind. Before he could process it, Raphael's voice sounded in his consciousness, trembling in a way he had never heard before.
<
Rimuru's usual calm wavered as he rushed outside, his aura surging in preparation for whatever was coming. Standing on the steps of his castle, he looked up at the sky, his eyes narrowing.
The pressure in the air suddenly multiplied, and Rimuru felt his knees buckle. It was unlike anything he had ever encountered. His body, capable of withstanding even the most powerful forces, was being forced down by sheer will alone. Around him, the people of Tempest—citizens, soldiers, and even his generals—fell to their knees, powerless. Even Veldora, the mighty Storm Dragon, who stood tall against gods and calamities, was on one knee, his face grim and sweat dripping down his brow.
Then, the sky itself seemed to tear apart. A radiant, divine light shone, forming a colossal, intricate golden door etched with runes and symbols of a language no one could comprehend. The door creaked open with a deep, resonating sound, and a figure emerged, stepping through with an otherworldly grace.
It was Beerus, the one and only.
He radiated an aura that was both beautiful and terrifying—a perfect blend of chaos and divinity. His presence seemed to bend reality around him. His form was tall and majestic, his piercing eyes glowing with an intensity that seemed to see through the fabric of existence. Behind him were six women, each one exuding a terrifying power in their own right. Velzar, Zerna, Erza, Beta, Sigma, and Delta followed closely, their beauty and grace matched only by the unimaginable strength they emanated.
Beerus descended slowly, each step causing ripples in the air, and as his feet touched the ground, the very earth beneath him hummed with power. He surveyed the silent, trembling crowd, his gaze sweeping over them like a god inspecting his creation.
Even Rimuru, with all his power and abilities, could not stand. His ultimate skills seemed useless against the sheer presence of this being.
"This... this is on a different level," Rimuru muttered, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he struggled to look up.
Beerus finally spoke, his voice calm yet carrying a weight that made the world around him seem insignificant.
"So this is Tempest... the little kingdom that rose from the ashes, defying expectations at every turn."
His words were laced with amusement, yet there was an edge to them that kept everyone on edge.
"You've built something remarkable, Rimuru Tempest," Beerus said, his eyes locking onto Rimuru. His gaze felt like a sword cutting through the slime's very essence. "But I wonder... will it endure in the face of true power?"
Velzar, one of Beerus' wives, stepped forward, her voice like silk yet filled with menace. "Darling, are you planning to test them already? Perhaps they deserve some time to prepare."
Beerus smirked. "Oh, I'm not here to destroy—yet. I'm here to observe. For now."
The tension in the air didn't lessen. Every person in Tempest, from the youngest child to the mightiest general, held their breath, waiting for what would happen next.