The Holy Church in Turmoil

While the world reeled in shock from Veldora's return and Clayman's call for Walpurgis, yet another storm was brewing—this time, within the Western Holy Church.

At the highest level of this organization sat the Ten Great Saints, the most powerful warriors of the Holy Church. Each of them was a force to be reckoned with—knights who had surpassed human limits, standing at the pinnacle of the Western nations. Only those who had attained Enlightenment could be part of this elite group, and it was expected that they would continue refining their power until they could achieve the fabled True Saint level.

And now, these mighty figures had gathered for an emergency meeting.

The Holy Chamber was silent. The air was heavy with tension as the saints sat around a long, ornate table, their expressions solemn.

At the head of the table sat Hinata Sakaguchi, the leader of the Holy Knights. She had called this meeting after receiving troubling reports—Rimuru Tempest had evolved into a True Demon Lord.

It wasn't just that. Veldora, the Storm Dragon, had returned.

The entire balance of power in the world had shifted in an instant.

Hinata's usually calm demeanor was shaken. She was known for her absolute confidence, her unshakable will—but now, she felt an unfamiliar sensation creeping into her mind.

Regret.

She had failed to kill Rimuru when she had the chance.

Now, he was one of the most dangerous beings in existence.

And if he sought revenge…

Hinata clenched her fists under the table, hiding her emotions. She wouldn't show weakness—not in front of the other Saints.

A man with a sharp, hawk-like gaze broke the silence first. Reihim, the Sword Saint, spoke with authority.

"We should assume the worst. If Rimuru truly holds a grudge, the Holy Church is in grave danger."

A knight clad in golden armor, Arnaud, slammed his fist against the table.

"Are we seriously suggesting that we should fear a monster?!" His voice was filled with frustration. "We are the Holy Church! The guardians of humanity! If a demon lord threatens us, we should strike first!"

"And how exactly do you plan to do that?" A composed voice cut in. It belonged to Renee, the Saint of Wisdom. Her piercing gaze silenced the room. "He is no ordinary monster, Arnaud. You know this. We all felt it—Veldora's presence. If Rimuru controls the Storm Dragon, then attacking him is suicide."

The knights fell into uneasy silence.

Hinata's mind was racing.

She had always prided herself on being ruthlessly logical. She never hesitated when cutting down enemies of the Church.

But Rimuru…

When she had fought him, she had sensed something different. He wasn't like the other monsters she had killed. He had hesitated to kill her, even when he had the chance.

He had tried to reason with her.

Could it be that he wasn't the monster she had assumed?

Was it possible that he wouldn't seek vengeance?

No. She couldn't risk it.

Hinata took a deep breath and spoke firmly.

"I won't take any chances. Until we know his true intentions, we must prepare for war. The Holy Church cannot afford to show weakness."

The Saints nodded in agreement.

They didn't know what Rimuru would do next.

But if he came for them, they would be ready.

----___----

Amidst the never-ending blizzards of the Ice Continent, within the heart of a frozen fortress, Guy Crimson, the oldest and most feared Demon Lord, sat upon his throne of crimson ice. Before him stood Leon Cromwell, the Golden Demon Lord of El Dorado, his pristine white and gold armor gleaming against the cold light of the chamber.

Though Leon rarely sought out conversations with other Demon Lords, today was an exception. This meeting was crucial.

From the shadows, Arion's spies watched carefully, listening in secret as the two legendary Demon Lords conversed, ready to report everything back to their master in the City of Eternal Night.

Guy smirked as he leaned forward lazily, resting his chin on one hand. "Leon, it's rare to see you out here in my domain. I take it you're not just here for a friendly visit?"

Leon's golden eyes remained unreadable as he responded. "You already know why I'm here. Walpurgis has been called. Clayman is making his move."

Guy chuckled. "Ah, yes. The clown finally decided to act. About time. But if he thinks calling us all together will help him, he's a fool. It's been too long since we've had a proper Walpurgis. I'm actually looking forward to it."

Leon, however, wasn't amused. "This isn't just about Clayman. The world is changing, Guy. Rimuru Tempest has ascended to a True Demon Lord."

At this, Guy's grin widened in genuine interest. "Now that is impressive. And from what I hear, he did it in spectacular fashion—by massacring 20,000 Falmuth soldiers in a single attack."

Leon nodded grimly. "It wasn't just a battle. It was a complete slaughter. No hesitation, no mercy. He wiped them out in an instant."

Guy laughed. "Now that's how you make a statement. That wasn't just evolution—it was a declaration of power. Anyone who still thinks Tempest is weak will think twice now."

Leon remained silent for a moment before speaking again. "It doesn't end there. Rimuru has also released Veldora."

Guy raised an eyebrow, a mixture of amusement and curiosity flashing in his eyes. "Oh? So the Storm Dragon is finally free? No wonder the whole world is in a panic."

Leon sighed. "The balance of power is shifting, and the repercussions will be immense. That's why I came to speak with you."

Guy smirked. "I take it that's not the only reason. You've stopped your summoning experiments, haven't you?"

At this, Leon's expression darkened slightly. "It wasn't by choice."

Guy tilted his head, intrigued. "Oh? Now that's interesting. I figured you simply gave up. But something happened, didn't it?"

Leon's hand clenched into a fist. "I was attacked."

Guy's playful demeanor faded as he sat up straight. "By who?"

Leon exhaled sharply. "The Eminence in Shadow."

A silence fell between them. Even Arion's spies, hidden in the darkness, felt the shift in atmosphere.

Guy narrowed his eyes. "So… they finally made a move against you?"

Leon nodded. "Not just any attack. I was completely outmatched. Their strength is on an entirely different level. Even with all my power, I couldn't win. If I had continued my summoning experiments, I would have been eliminated."

Guy tapped his fingers against his throne, deep in thought. "That's… troublesome."

Leon's gaze sharpened. "You say that, but even you can't defeat them, can you?"

Guy let out a small chuckle, but there was no amusement in his tone. "No, I can't."

Leon's expression hardened. "Then you understand why I had no choice but to stop."

Guy sighed and ran a hand through his red hair. "Yeah, I get it now. If they really wanted you dead, you wouldn't be standing here. That means they're not just eliminating threats—they're controlling them."

Leon nodded. "That's exactly what they're doing. They're manipulating events from the shadows, ensuring that no new powerful beings emerge beyond their control."

Guy leaned back, a serious expression replacing his usual grin. "This just got a lot more interesting. If even I can't take them on, that means they're far beyond anything this world has ever seen."

Leon sighed. "And that's why I stopped my summoning. I can't afford to make another move until I understand their true motives."

Guy chuckled darkly. "For once, I actually agree with you. The world is already in chaos, and with Rimuru's ascension and Veldora's return, it's only going to get more unpredictable. And now we have the Eminence in Shadow moving in the background?"

He smirked. "This is going to be one hell of a show."

Guy leaned back against his throne, his crimson eyes glowing with amusement. "You know, Leon, if you really think about it… in a way, the Eminence in Shadow is actually helping balance the world."

Leon frowned. "Helping? They forced me to stop my summoning experiments. They're manipulating events from behind the scenes, controlling the rise of powerful beings. How is that helping?"

Guy chuckled. "Think about it. If they hadn't stopped you, what would have happened? More artificially summoned beings, more disruptions to the natural order. I may enjoy chaos, but even I know there's a limit before things spiral out of control."

Leon remained silent, considering Guy's words.

Guy smirked. "In a way, they're doing part of my job for me. Keeping things in check, preventing unnecessary instability. I won't say they're my allies, but I also don't mind their existence."

Leon narrowed his eyes. "So you're just going to sit back and let them do as they please?"

Guy shrugged. "For now, yes. As long as they don't interfere with me directly, I have no reason to pick a fight with them."

Leon exhaled. "Hmph. It's unlike you to accept that something exists beyond your control."

Guy laughed. "Oh, don't misunderstand. If they ever do cross the line, I'll be the first to test just how powerful they really are. But until then? Let them play their little game. I'll enjoy watching how it unfolds."

Leon shook his head, knowing that when Guy said something was interesting, it usually meant something big was about to happen.

Meanwhile, Arion's spies listened intently. This conversation would be crucial intel for their master. The Eminence in Shadow wasn't just feared—they were acknowledged even by Guy Crimson, the oldest and strongest Demon Lord.

And that meant they were a force unlike any the world had ever seen.