The Eastern Empire’s Invasion: The War for Tempest Begins

The day of reckoning had arrived.

Across the skies, an armada of colossal airships loomed, their hulls bristling with cannons and magical artillery. On the ground, an ocean of soldiers stretched beyond the horizon, clad in sleek, mechanized armor, marching forward with unwavering discipline. Tank-like vehicles, eerily reminiscent of those from my original world, rolled forward with devastating magical weaponry, their barrels glowing with an eerie, blue light—mana cannons designed to tear through magical defenses.

The Eastern Empire had arrived in full force.

Deep inside the Labyrinth, Rimuru, Benimaru, and Veldora stood before a massive projection, displaying the battlefield above. Ramiris fluttered anxiously beside them, chewing on her nails.

Benimaru's crimson eyes studied the strategic map of the battlefield. His voice was calm, but his warrior's blood was boiling.

"They're coming in waves, like a tide. A mixture of cavalry, mechanized forces, and elite magical battalions. Their battle formations are tight, well-coordinated."

Veldora smirked, crossing his arms. "Hmph. It's been a while since I had a proper battle. Maybe I should—"

Rimuru raised a hand, cutting him off. "Not yet."

Veldora sighed, but grinned. "Fine, fine. But if it gets boring, I'm stepping in."

Ramiris was fidgeting, glancing at Rimuru. "Uhh, you sure about this? This isn't just some small fry attack. These guys are serious!"

Rimuru's golden eyes gleamed. "I know."

His forces were already in place.

Benimaru and his command units were stationed at the front, leading the Kurenai Army, Tempest's elite warriors.

Hakuro, Shion, and Gobta were spread throughout the battlefield, ready to strike with their unparalleled speed and swordsmanship.

Geld and the Orc Army had fortified their defensive positions, waiting for the first wave to clash.

Zegion, the Insect Monarch, stood hidden in the shadows, his presence unknown even to the enemy.

Gabiru and his Dragon Warriors patrolled the skies, preparing for an aerial battle against the Empire's flying units.

Most importantly, all the civilians of Tempest had been evacuated into the Labyrinth, ensuring no collateral damage.

Rimuru leaned forward, eyes locked onto the battle projection. "It begins."

The Empire's first wave hit like a thunderstorm.

Their mana cannons fired, sending blazing streaks of energy crashing into the outer defenses of Tempest. The ground shook, explosions echoing across the battlefield.

Benimaru raised his katana. "Return fire."

A wall of magic erupted from Tempest's forces.

Firestorms, ice spears, and wind slashes ripped through the advancing army, tearing through their ranks like paper.

Hakuro, moving like a ghost, blurred through the battlefield, his sword carving through the heavily-armored Empire soldiers before they even realized they were dead.

Shion roared, her massive greatsword swinging like a meteor, cleaving tanks and enemy squads in half with a single strike.

Gobta, riding Ranga, weaved through the enemy lines, using lightning-fast attacks to dismantle their formations.

The Empire's troops faltered. Their confidence shattered in the face of Tempest's overwhelming power.

But then, the real battle began.

From within the Empire's forces, elite spellcasters stepped forward, chanting in unison.

A massive summoning circle formed in the sky.

A deep, earth-shaking rumble echoed across the battlefield as a colossal, golden-armored behemoth descended. A Divine Golem—an artificial deity, created through forbidden Eastern Empire magic.

It stood over 100 meters tall, its golden body shimmering with protective enchantments.

The soldiers of the Empire roared in victory.

Benimaru narrowed his eyes. "So, they finally brought it out."

Rimuru smirked, watching through the projection. "Zegion. It's your turn."

Zegion appeared before the Divine Golem in an instant.

The Empire's forces barely had time to react. One moment, the battlefield was chaotic, the next, Zegion stood alone, facing their strongest creation.

The Divine Golem swung its massive arm down, the sheer force tearing apart the ground beneath it.

Zegion didn't move.

The moment the golem's arm was about to hit him—he disappeared.

SLASH.

A single cut.

A golden-armored arm spiraled into the air, severed cleanly.

The battlefield fell into stunned silence.

Zegion, his face impassive, stood atop the golem's shoulder. "Pathetic."

Then, in a flash of light, he struck again.

The colossal Divine Golem split into pieces, collapsing to the ground, utterly annihilated.

The Empire's forces recoiled in horror. Their ultimate weapon had been dismantled in seconds.

But the Empire wasn't done yet.

Deep within their ranks, a platoon of elite mages unveiled their true trump card—

A spell designed specifically for one target.

A spell meant to take control of Veldora.

In a flash of light, the spell activated. A massive rune circle stretched across the battlefield, locking onto Veldora's energy signature.

Rimuru's eyes widened. "They're trying to take control of Veldora?!"

Veldora scowled, feeling the magic press against his soul. The Empire's forces had prepared well.

But they had made one crucial mistake.

Veldora was no longer the same dragon from before.

A storm of lightning erupted around Veldora, his golden eyes glowing with uncontained fury.

"Hmph. You dare try to control me?!"

He flexed his will, shattering the magic circle instantly.

The entire battlefield trembled.

The skies darkened. Thunder roared.

Veldora grinned, his aura flaring. "Let me show you what happens when you try to chain a storm!"

And with that, he disappeared in a burst of lightning, reappearing above the Empire's main forces.

A deep breath. A low growl.

Then—

A cataclysmic roar.

Veldora's Storm Breath tore through the battlefield.

A hurricane of destruction engulfed the Empire's forces, their tanks, soldiers, and artillery reduced to nothing but dust in an instant.

The first wave of the Eastern Empire... was annihilated.

Rimuru leaned back, watching the devastation unfold.

Benimaru smirked. "That was easier than expected."

Ramiris sighed. "This is only the beginning."

Rimuru nodded, eyes gleaming. "Yeah… the real battle starts now."

From the shadows, Feldway watched, unfazed.

"Time for the second wave."

And deep in the heavens—the Seraphs stirred.

The War for Tempest had only just begun.

The world stood on edge.

From the grand halls of the Demon Lords to the fortified citadels of the Eastern nations, every ruler, general, and strategist had their eyes on the war in Tempest.

In the frozen throne room of the Ice Continent, Guy Crimson reclined lazily on his throne, swirling a goblet of wine, eyes gleaming with amusement. Beside him, his new aides, Misery and Rain, stood stiffly, watching the war unfold through magical projections.

Rain scoffed, her arms crossed. "I expected nothing less from Rimuru, but even I have to admit, that dragon of his is a monster."

Misery analyzed the battle, her mechanical mind calculating. "The Empire underestimated Tempest. Their strategy was solid, but their intel was outdated. Veldora's current strength was far beyond their comprehension."

Guy chuckled. "They'll learn soon enough. I'd step in myself, but this is too damn entertaining."

Inside the magnificent cathedral of Ruberios, bathed in golden light, Luminous Valentine leaned against her throne, an unreadable expression on her face.

Across from her, Hinata Sakaguchi stood in full battle regalia, one hand on her sword's hilt.

Hinata's sharp eyes studied the battlefield projection. "The Eastern Empire isn't just attacking blindly. They're adapting. This isn't over."

Luminous exhaled slowly, tapping her fingers against her throne's armrest. "Let them try. Rimuru isn't someone who can be overwhelmed with brute force."

She paused, glancing at Hinata. "But if things escalate further… we might need to step in."

Hinata nodded. "I've already dispatched scouts."

In the fortified capital of Dwargon, King Gazel sat in his war chamber, surrounded by his top generals. A magical transmission orb hovered before him, connecting him directly to Rimuru.

Gazel's voice was calm, but firm. "I assume you're handling things well?"

On the other end, Rimuru's face appeared, relaxed but serious.

"More or less." Rimuru smirked. "They thought they could steamroll us. We crushed their first wave."

Gazel let out a deep breath, nodding. "I won't interfere unless you request aid. But be careful. This is just their opening move."

Rimuru nodded. "Yeah. I've got my best on it."

The transmission ended, but Gazel remained in deep thought. The Eastern Empire wouldn't give up so easily.

Meanwhile, deep in the heart of the Eastern Empire, inside a vast war room lined with golden banners, Emperor Rudra stood with Velgrynd at his side.

The room was filled with tension.

Before them, Damrada, Lieutenant Kondou, and the highest-ranking generals of the Empire studied the war reports. Their forces were being decimated.

A general clenched his fists, veins bulging on his temple. "Impossible! Our troops outnumber Tempest's forces a hundred to one! How are they holding out?!"

Damrada, his face calm but his fists trembling slightly, muttered, "They aren't just holding out… they're annihilating our advance units."

Kondou exhaled sharply, his usually emotionless face showing rare frustration. "Our intel was flawed. Tempest's military strength has evolved beyond our expectations."

Velgrynd's ruby-red eyes narrowed, her fiery aura flickering. "Rimuru… how much power have you gathered?"

Rudra remained silent, his golden eyes glowing with an intense, unreadable gaze. His fingers drummed against the golden throne.

Then, he spoke.

"Adjust the attack pattern. Deploy the next phase of the assault."

The generals straightened, awaiting orders.

Rudra's voice was ice-cold. "Bring in the full force of the Single Digits. And prepare the Control Seal."

Velgrynd's eyes widened slightly. "You're still going through with that?"

Rudra nodded. "Yes. If we can't crush Tempest with brute force… we will control it from within."

Far away, in the shadows of a ruined fortress, Yuuki Kagurazaka leaned against a balcony, watching the magical projections with a knowing smirk.

Beside him, Laplace, Tear, and Footman of the Harlequin Alliance chuckled among themselves.

Laplace, adjusting his hat, grinned. "Oooooh boy, this is getting good. The Empire's getting whooped."

Tear giggled, swinging her legs. "Poor babies. Did they think Tempest would just roll over and die?"

Yuuki's smirk widened. "This is exactly what I wanted."

Footman chuckled darkly. "Oh? Planning to make your move?"

Yuuki folded his arms. "Not yet. Let them destroy each other first. Once both sides are weakened… that's when we strike."

His eyes gleamed with ambition.

"I'll make this world mine."

From the highest tower in the City of Eternal Night, bathed in moonlight, I stood with my lovers, watching the war unfold through a vast projection.

Velzard leaned against me, a dangerous smirk playing on her lips. "They're all scrambling like ants. How entertaining."

Testarossa, arms crossed, studied the battle intensely. "Tempest is holding its ground well, but the Empire is adapting. This will escalate."

Carrera's golden eyes gleamed. "The real war hasn't even started yet."

I nodded, sipping my wine. "This time, we'll watch first. The Demon Lords need to get involved. This is no longer just Tempest's fight—it's the entire world's."

The battle had begun.

And the Cardinal World would never be the same again.