Tempest Event!!!

Days passed, and the bustling city of Tempest was abuzz with excitement. Rimuru had decided to hold an event—a grand tournament that would showcase Tempest's strength, unity, and prosperity. Invitations had been sent far and wide to other nations, including powerful human kingdoms, various races, and even the Demon Lords themselves. It was an opportunity to demonstrate how monsters and humans could coexist, how Tempest had evolved under the rule of a Demon Lord.

Though Rimuru's vision of peaceful coexistence was admirable, I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that this event was, at its core, a risk. Tempest, while strong, had only grown over the years, and the world beyond the Jura Forest could harbor hostile intent. The likes of Granbell Rosso, with his vast influence and cunning mind, could easily target such a gathering, or worse, other forces might take advantage of the openness to launch an attack. The very idea of revealing Tempest's strength to the outside world was a delicate balance—one that could attract dangerous attention.

As I observed the preparations unfolding, I made a decision. It was time to ensure that this event went smoothly without endangering Tempest's safety.

I walked through the darkened halls of the city of Eternal Nights, hidden deep within the Jura Forest. The shadows were thick, and the air was dense with the essence of power and secrecy. There, in the heart of this place, I called for my trusted allies, knowing that their skills would be essential in maintaining Tempest's security during the tournament.

"Diablo," I said softly, summoning him from the shadows. He appeared before me with his usual elegance, his red eyes glowing faintly under the dim lights. His posture was impeccable as always, but there was a hint of curiosity in his gaze.

"Yes, my lord?" he asked, his voice calm and steady.

I wasted no time with pleasantries. "Rimuru is hosting an event in Tempest, a grand tournament to demonstrate the city's strength and how humans and monsters can live together. However, as you and I both know, such exposure is dangerous. The outside world will see this as an opportunity. Let's give him a hand."

Diablo's expression remained unchanged, but I could tell he was already considering the implications of the situation. "Indeed. There will certainly be those who would seek to undermine this peace, perhaps even target Tempest itself."

I nodded, my eyes narrowing. "Exactly. Granbell Rosso is one example, but there are many others out there. We need to keep a close eye on the event, and more importantly, make sure that nothing goes wrong."

"Understood, my lord," Diablo replied immediately, ever loyal. "How do you wish to proceed?"

"I need you to disguise yourself as a merchant," I instructed. "Infiltrate the tournament as part of the audience, blending in with the crowd. You'll be able to move through the event without suspicion. Alongside you, I'll have the Eminence in the Shadow act as your allies. Velzard, Testarossa, Ultima, and Carrera are well-suited for the task. They'll need to keep watch, silently observing any suspicious activity."

Diablo inclined his head. "I understand. Disguising myself as a merchant will allow me to remain inconspicuous while I monitor the event. As for the Eminence in the Shadow, their presence will ensure that we have enough power to act should anything untoward arise."

"Exactly," I said, a dark smile tugging at my lips. "I'll be watching as well, from a distance, but you'll be the one in the thick of things. You and your team are to be vigilant. Any sign of trouble—whether from the humans or other powerful entities—act swiftly. Neutralize the threat without hesitation."

Diablo's eyes gleamed with understanding.

"I shall prepare for the task immediately."

Days had passed since the tournament began, and I remained in the shadows, watching as Rimuru's grand event unfolded through the projection.

The coliseum was alive with energy, filled with nobles, kings, queens, and influential leaders from across the Cardinal World. The air buzzed with conversation, alliances forming and breaking in the span of a few words. The stadium was a masterpiece, towering over the city, a testament to Tempest's prosperity under Rimuru's rule.

Seated in the high-tier noble section, an elegantly dressed Youm the King of Falmouth leaned toward a neighboring ruler, his voice laced with curiosity.

"Astonishing, isn't it? A city ruled by a Demon Lord, thriving beyond expectations. Who would have thought? Monsters and humans, living side by side like this?"

The Queen of Sarion, a regal woman with piercing eyes, sipped her wine and chuckled.

Queen of Sarion: "A clever ploy. Rimuru isn't just showing us Tempest's strength—he's proving that a Demon Lord can govern better than some human rulers."

Across from them, a noble from the Western Nations scoffed, adjusting his embroidered coat.

"If you call this prosperity. Don't be fooled, Your Majesty. The monsters merely put on a civilized mask, but at their core, they remain beasts. A Demon Lord is still a Demon Lord."

A merchant, dressed in rich yet simple attire, interjected smoothly, his tone calm yet persuasive. Diablo, disguised as a well-traveled trader, had blended seamlessly with the crowd.

Diablo (Merchant Disguise): "And yet, it is these 'beasts' who have built a trade empire that rivals even the wealthiest nations. You must admit, the craftsmanship, the economy—Tempest is no mere den of monsters. It is an economic powerhouse."

A Dwarven Lord, his thick beard braided in golden rings, let out a deep laugh.

Dwarven Lord: "Aye! The quality of Tempest's goods is undeniable. The steel, the enchantments, the innovations—I've seen weapons here that would put the Empire's finest to shame."

Holy Empire Representative: (coolly) "And yet, this very power could become a threat. A Demon Lord amassing strength, drawing in nations—what happens when Rimuru decides coexistence is no longer enough?"

Queen of Sarion: (raising an eyebrow) "And what happens when a human king decides the same? Should we not judge by actions rather than fear?"

A ripple of murmurs spread through the section. The debate was thinly veiled—many saw Tempest as a rising superpower, while others feared it as a threat to the balance of the world.

Meanwhile, seated quietly among them, Velzard, posing as an aristocratic noblewoman, listened with an amused smile. Beside her, Testarossa played her role as a diplomat flawlessly, charming the merchants and nobles alike, while Ultima and Carrera blended into the crowd, their sharp eyes scanning for potential threats.

The tournament raged on in the arena below, the warriors of Tempest showcasing their might. The nobles watched with fascination, some with admiration, others with suspicion.

And unseen by all, I continued to observe through the projection, waiting for the moment when someone made a move.