Days Later – Across the Continent
The sealed messages from King Gazel Duargo bore the emblem of the Adamant Hammer and the mark of the Dwarven Crown. Each was hand-delivered by a trusted envoy mounted atop majestic rock wyverns, gliding across the skies like harbingers of something new.
Raja – Palace of Flowing Waters
Within the crystalline halls of Raja, where water danced through floating pipes and magical canals, Queen Marina Solare received the scroll with curiosity. Clad in her flowing sapphire robes, she untied the ribbon and read through the letter, her serene expression slowly shifting into intrigue.
"Nyvaris…?" she whispered. "So King Varvatos has named a new ruler?"
The advisors surrounding her exchanged confused glances.
"We haven't heard of this… Rimuru," said Chancellor Kael, a tall man with silver hair. "And we've tried for months to contact Nyvaris through Dwargon. This is the first response."
Queen Marina smiled softly. "Then the summit is our opportunity to find out who rules the forest now."
She folded the letter.
"Prepare our delegation. I will attend personally."
In the great Council Tower of Siltrosso, where knowledge and magic ruled above all, the scroll was delivered to Archsage Amarineth, a blind elf whose third eye glowed on her forehead with ancient sight. She read the contents not with her fingers, but with her mind.
"A new king of Nyvaris…" she murmured.
"Do you know of this Rimuru, Archsage?" asked one of the councilors.
"No. And that is what makes it dangerous," she said, tapping the floor with her wooden staff. "Varvatos is not one to name kings lightly. If he supports this Rimuru, then so should we observe—carefully."
She turned to her apprentice.
"Begin preparations. I will go myself. This meeting may reshape the balance of our world."
In the verdant city of Verdanith, capital of Filtwood, the scroll reached King Roderick Greengale, a burly, kind-eyed ruler with hands hardened by soil and sword.
"Nyvaris is finally opening its gates?" he muttered after reading it. "By the gods… we might finally trade with them."
"Who is this Rimuru, sire?" asked his youngest daughter.
"Don't know. But if Gazel trusts him, that's enough to attend."
He stood with a groan and grinned.
"Send word to the House of Grains and the Merchant Guild. We may soon see Nyvaris firsthand."
Inside the heart of Nyvaris, beneath majestic mountain skylines and among the harmonized blend of nature and architecture, preparations were in full motion.
Varvatos' Grand Hall – Strategy Gathering
At the center of the planning table stood Rimuru, Varvatos, Diablo, and Velzard.
The air was charged.
"I want this to be more than a formality," Rimuru said, tapping the table map. "We're not just inviting leaders—we're inviting trust."
"And for that," said Varvatos, "we need presence, power, and poise. You already have that."
"Especially with us behind you," added Diablo, smiling with eyes half-lidded. "Shall I make subtle inquiries into the arriving envoys' backgrounds?"
"No interrogations," Rimuru said flatly. "This is diplomacy, not domination."
"Understood," Diablo bowed.
Benimaru, Haluro, Souei, and Shion were lined up in formation, overseeing drills with elite units. Haluro barked commands with precision while Souei silently passed orders via shadows.
"We need them to see our strength, without feeling threatened," Benimaru said, watching troops move in perfect sync.
"So a subtle flex," Shion grinned. "Just enough to keep any funny ideas in check."
"Exactly," Benimaru replied. "And we'll line the halls with honor guards—not weapons drawn, but symbols of unity."
Gobta ran up panting.
"Benimaru-sama! The flags have been dyed and the dishes approved by Shuna-sama!"
"Good work. Tell Shuna she's a goddess," Benimaru said with a nod.
Shuna supervised a team of artisans arranging welcome gifts—exquisite clothing, tapestries, and magical pendants reflecting the culture of Nyvaris.
"Make sure the Siltrosso delegation gets the enchanted ink and scroll set," she said softly. "It shows we know what they value."
Nearby, Ranga practiced his posture beside Carrera, growling awkwardly as she tried to adjust his stance.
"Don't slouch like some jungle pup," she snapped.
"But I am a wolf…"
"A noble one now," Testarossa said, adjusting his ribbon. "Try to act the part."
Ultima snickered. "Should I teach him to bow?"
"You touch me and I'll sneeze on your shoes," Ranga muttered.
At the upper terraces of the council tower, Velzard and Elmesia observed the horizon in the afternoon light.
"They will be watching Rimuru closely," Elmesia said, her golden eyes reflecting the sunset. "Especially the ones who still question Varvatos."
"Let them watch," Velzard said calmly. "We'll show them why he was chosen."
"He's grown," Elmesia smiled. "The way he moves. How he speaks now… he carries a weight."
"The weight of kingship," Velzard said with pride.
As the final banners were hung and magical barriers calibrated for security, the city of Nyvaris began to feel different. Bards rehearsed songs of welcome. Children whispered tales of visiting kings. The stars above gleamed brighter.
Within the palace, Rimuru stood alone for a moment on the balcony, gazing over the grand avenue where the summit procession would soon arrive.
A calm but firm voice broke the silence behind him—it was Varvatos.
"They're coming, Rimuru. Soon."
Rimuru smiled, hands resting behind his back.
"Then let's welcome the world."