A Grand Reception

Later that night, as the moon hung high over Tempest, the gentle glow of magic streetlights illuminated the streets, creating a serene atmosphere. The once-bustling city had quieted down, but Rimuru Tempest, unable to contain his curiosity and excitement, made his way to Yuuya and Velzard's new residence.

Standing at the grand entrance, Rimuru took a deep breath.

"Alright, let's do this," he muttered to himself before lightly knocking on the massive double doors.

The door slowly swung open, and Shuna, the head maid, greeted him with a polite bow, her voice soft and courteous.

"Lord Rimuru, please come in. Lord Yuuya and Lady Velzard are expecting you."

As Rimuru stepped inside, he immediately marveled at the grandeur of the residence. The faint scent of sakura blossoms lingered in the air, and the spacious corridors were adorned with elegant tapestries and ornate decorations. The marble floors glistened under the chandelier lights, and the soft glow of magical lanterns illuminated the hallways.

He thought "seems like they added their touch"

As he walked into the living room, he was greeted by Yuuya and Velzard, who were relaxing on a large, luxurious couch. Velzard was leaning against Yuuya's shoulder, swirling a glass of frost wine in her hand, while Yuuya's golden eyes gleamed with his usual calm confidence.

"Yo, Rimuru," Yuuya greeted with a small wave, his lips curling into a faint smirk.

"You're late."

Velzard's icy blue eyes narrowed playfully as she glanced at Rimuru, her voice teasingly cold.

"Making us wait, huh? I hope you brought something interesting to make up for it."

Rimuru chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head.

"Heh… yeah, about that. I actually brought someone with me… well, a few people."

Behind him, his generals began to file in. One by one, they entered the lavish living room, their expressions curious and cautious.

Benimaru was the first to step in, his crimson eyes sharp with cautious observation, his arms crossed firmly.

Diablo entered gracefully, his usual sinister yet elegant smirk plastered on his face.

Souei appeared almost like a shadow, slipping in without a sound, his cold, piercing gaze scanning the room carefully.

Hakuro strolled in, his wise eyes taking in every detail of the surroundings.

Shion, ever bold and energetic, practically stomped in, her amethyst eyes wide with curiosity.

Shuna, with her calm and elegant demeanor, greeted them with a gentle smile, her hands folded politely in front of her.

The beastmen general, Geld, followed closely behind, his towering frame imposing yet composed.

Gabiru, the ever flamboyant lizardman, strutted in with his usual dramatic flair, puffing out his chest.

Zegion, silent and stoic, stepped in last, his regal insectoid form glimmering slightly under the light.

Finally, Ranga, Rimuru's loyal wolf companion, padded in silently, his emerald eyes sharp and alert.

And Gobta, the ever-bumbling goblin, followed behind, slightly trembling with nervousness.

The room was now filled with Tempest's strongest warriors, and they were all gazing at Yuuya and Velzard with undisguised curiosity.

Before Rimuru could begin the introductions, Yuuya suddenly raised his hand, his golden eyes gleaming mischievously.

"No need for introductions, Rimuru," he said smoothly.

The entire room fell into silence, the generals blinking in surprise.

Yuuya's gaze swept slowly across the room, his voice calm and commanding.

"I already know all of you."

Benimaru's eyes narrowed slightly, exchanging a quick glance with Souei.

"He knows us?"

Shion tilted her head, frowning slightly.

"Huh? But… we've never met."

Diablo's crimson eyes glimmered with sinister delight, already intrigued by Yuuya's knowledge.

Rimuru blinked in confusion.

"Wait, what?"

Without missing a beat, Yuuya stood up, his movements fluid and deliberate. He slowly walked toward the group, his golden eyes locking onto each of them.

"Benimaru, the Flame General," he said first, his voice steady and confident, causing Benimaru's eyes to widen slightly.

"Souei, the Phantom Ninja," he continued, giving Souei a brief glance.

"Hakuro, the Sword Saint."

"Shion, the Berserk Ogre Princess."

"Shuna, the Priestess of Purity and head chef"

"Geld, the Orc Lord turned General."

"Gabiru, the self-proclaimed Dragon Warrior… still as loud as ever."

Gabiru's eyes widened in disbelief, and he practically stumbled forward.

"H-Hey! How do you know that?!"

Yuuya's eyes glimmered with faint amusement, but he wasn't done.

He turned his gaze to Zegion, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Zegion, the Insect Monarch. One of Tempest's strongest… and most loyal warriors."

He then turned to Ranga, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

"And of course, Ranga… the Tempest Star Wolf, always by Rimuru's side."

Finally, Yuuya's gaze settled on Diablo, his golden eyes meeting Diablo's crimson ones.

"And you…" he said slowly, his tone lowering slightly.

"Diablo, the Primordial noir… and Rimuru's most devoted servant."

Diablo's eyes narrowed slightly, but a twisted smile formed on his lips, clearly impressed.

The room was dead silent for a brief moment as the generals exchanged glances of shock.

Benimaru crossed his arms, his expression hardening slightly.

"How… do you know so much about us?"

Yuuya smirked, his voice calm and cryptic.

"Let's just say… I have my ways."

After letting the shock settle, Yuuya glanced around casually, as if searching for someone.

"Hmm… someone's missing," he muttered playfully.

Then he turned toward Rimuru, his eyes slightly narrowed.

"Where's Veldora?"

Velzard's gaze sharpened, and she crossed her arms, her voice icy and teasing.

"Yes… where is that idiot brother of mine?"

Rimuru coughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head.

"Eh… about that…" He chuckled nervously.

"Well… he kinda… heard that you were coming and, uh… he's hiding in the Labyrinth."

Velzard sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of her nose in exasperation.

"Tch… typical," she muttered.

Yuuya let out a small chuckle, shaking his head.

"Of course he is," he said with a mischievous grin, clearly amused by Veldora's fear of his sister.

Curious, Yuuya glanced toward the window, noticing the lively streets of Tempest still bustling with activity despite the late hour.

He turned to Rimuru, his golden eyes glinting with curiosity.

"By the way… why are the streets so busy? Is there some kind of festival going on?"

Rimuru smiled slightly, folding his arms.

"Actually, we're preparing for the Tempest Tournament. It'll be the first major event where we introduce Tempest and the Labyrinth to the world."

Yuuya's eyes narrowed slightly, already intrigued.

"A tournament, huh?" he muttered softly, a mischievous glimmer in his eyes.

"Sounds like fun."

For hours, Yuuya, Rimuru, and the generals sat around the lavish living room, engaged in intense conversation. The room was filled with the soft glow of magical lanterns, and the aroma of fragrant tea and fine wine lingered in the air.

Rimuru leaned back comfortably in his chair, arms crossed, as he outlined the security measures he was planning for the upcoming tournament. His voice was calm yet serious, revealing the meticulous care he was putting into the event.

"We'll have the Labyrinth as part of the tournament's attraction," Rimuru explained, gesturing casually.

"It'll serve as both entertainment and a challenge for adventurers. We're placing security squads at each floor checkpoint, and Diablo and Souei will monitor things from the shadows."

Benimaru nodded, adding his own thoughts.

"We're also stationing elite units around the arena in case of unexpected interference. The barriers should be strong enough to hold back most attacks."

Souei's cold, calculating gaze flickered toward Yuuya, clearly intrigued.

"But… if there's anything you'd recommend, Lord Yuuya, we would welcome your insight."

Yuuya leaned forward slightly, his golden eyes gleaming with knowing amusement.

He rested his chin on his interlaced fingers, his voice calm but laden with a cryptic edge.

"Hmph… well, you've done a fine job, Rimuru. Everything you've planned seems… efficient. But…"

Rimuru's eyebrow twitched, sensing the implication.

"But?"

Yuuya's lips curled into a faint smirk, his eyes narrowing with mischievous delight.

"You might want to add a bit more… muscle to the outer perimeter."

The room grew slightly tense.

Benimaru's eyes narrowed slightly, his arms crossing.

"Why?" he asked cautiously.

Yuuya's gaze sharpened, and for a brief moment, his aura flickered faintly, sending a chill down the spines of everyone present.

"Let's just say…" he began smoothly, his voice low and foreboding,

"…there are some rats slithering around. Some fools who think they can play gods behind the scenes."

Diablo's crimson eyes flashed with a sinister gleam, a twisted grin spreading across his face.

"Hmm… intriguing. You're saying we may have… uninvited guests?"

Yuuya gave a slow, predatory smile, his voice cold and deliberate.

"Oh, there will be guests alright…" he said softly, his golden eyes glinting with ominous certainty,

"…but they won't be leaving. At least… not in one piece."

The room fell into a heavy silence for a brief moment.

Rimuru's eyes narrowed, sensing the seriousness in Yuuya's voice.

"You already know what's coming, don't you?" he asked, his tone lowered.

Yuuya's smile widened slightly, but he merely shrugged nonchalantly.

"I may… have some prior knowledge," he said vaguely, his gaze glimmering with hidden amusement.

Of course, none of them knew that Yuuya had the book—the ultimate source of knowledge that detailed the future events of the Cardinal World. He already knew Granbell and Mariabell Rosso's plans, the schemes of Yuuki Kagurazaka, and even Feldway's grand designs.

But rather than alter the entire timeline, Yuuya had chosen to let certain events play out—only interfering when necessary. His plan was simple yet effective:

Granbell and Mariabell would make their move.

Yuuki and the Harlequin Alliance would scheme.

Feldway would eventually reveal his true ambitions.

And Yuuya would be there, waiting, like a hunter patiently stalking his prey.

As the conversation flowed, Yuuya's mind drifted slightly, contemplating the future events.

"Granbell and Mariabell… thinking they can revive the Chaos Dragon and attack Ruberios? Heh… let them try."

His golden eyes glimmered darkly for a brief moment.

"They'll regret ever setting foot in Tempest."

Then, his thoughts shifted to Yuuki Kagurazaka, the Harlequin Alliance, and their foolish world domination plans.

"Yuuki… tsk. A schemer at best. All bark and no bite. I think I'll give him and his little circus troupe a proper scare… just to remind them who they're dealing with."

Finally, Feldway's treachery loomed in his thoughts, and Yuuya's smirk darkened slightly.

"Ah… but Feldway… he'll be the real show. I'll let him think he's winning… right up until the moment I tear his plans apart."

After finishing the strategy discussions, Yuuya leaned back casually, flashing Rimuru a playful grin.

"By the way, Rimuru…" he said smoothly,

"I've been meaning to ask you something."

Rimuru arched a brow, curious.

"Oh? What is it?"

Yuuya's eyes glimmered with playful mischief, his tone casual yet teasing.

"Where's Veldora?"

Velzard's icy blue eyes narrowed slightly, her voice suddenly colder and more serious.

"Yes… where is that fool?" she added sharply.

"He didn't even have the decency to come and greet his older sister?"

Rimuru's face paled slightly, a nervous chuckle escaping his lips.

"Eh… well… about that…" he muttered awkwardly,

"He's, uh… hiding in the Labyrinth."

Velzard's eyes flashed with exasperation, and she crossed her arms, clicking her tongue in annoyance.

"Tch… coward," she muttered with a scowl.

Yuuya let out a low chuckle, clearly amused.

"Of course he is…" he said with a smirk.

He then stood up, his eyes glimmering with anticipation.

"Well, let's go pay him a visit. I still owe him a fight."

The generals' eyes widened slightly, all of them clearly intrigued by the prospect of seeing Yuuya fight Veldora.

Benimaru cracked his knuckles, his crimson eyes flashing with excitement.

"Heh… this should be fun."

**Diablo's eyes glimmered with sinister delight, his voice smooth as velvet.

"Oh my… I wouldn't miss this for anything."

Rimuru chuckled softly, motioning for them to follow him.

"Alright, let's head to the Labyrinth. Knowing Veldora, he's probably holed up with his manga collection."

Upon arriving at the Labyrinth, the group entered the grand structure, following Rimuru through the corridors.

They soon came to a large chamber, where Ramiris was sitting in a control room, humming happily as she monitored the floors of the Labyrinth.

Her eyes widened when she saw Yuuya and Velzard, and she practically jumped out of her chair.

"Waaaah! Y-Yuuya?! Velzard?!" she yelped in surprise.

"What are you doing here?!"

Yuuya smirked, his voice smooth and casual.

"Just looking for a certain cowardly dragon."

They turned the corner and spotted Veldora—lying in bed, surrounded by stacks of manga, his eyes glued to the pages.

The storm dragon's face paled when he sensed his sister's overwhelming aura.

Veldora's golden eyes slowly peeked up from his manga.

"Oh no…" he muttered.

"She's here… and she brought backup."

As Velzard's eyes narrowed and Yuuya's grin widened, Veldora's fate was sealed.