The once silent and vast Jura Forest had been reshaped into a marvel of civilization and order. On this day, the air was alive with movement. Caravans from Filtwood, Raja, and Siltrosso were preparing for their first official trade with Nyvaris. Rimuru, the newly appointed king, stood among his closest, overseeing the final logistics.
At the heart of Nyvaris, near the grand inner plaza, Testarossa, Ultima, and Carrera stood alongside Benimaru, Hakuro, Veldora, Gobta, and several key staff and engineers.
Rimuru, with his hands on his hips, scanned the carts being loaded. "Double-check the magical insulation runes on those crates. Siltrosso requested cold-preserved ingredients. We're not sending them half-frozen mangoes."
Carrera, arms crossed and smirking, chuckled. "You're starting to sound like Shuna."
Gobta waved frantically from across the square. "Hey, hey! Rimuru-sama! I think one of the Filtwood wagons just set a wheel on fire—again!"
Ultima sighed, floating forward with a glowing palm. "Step aside, I'll handle it."
Suddenly, a ripple passed through the sky.
A tremor of immense energy rippled like a pulse through the very space surrounding Nyvaris.
Rimuru paused. His expression turned alert.
Veldora, lounging lazily nearby, opened one eye and grinned. "Oh? That's familiar. It's been a while since I felt that energy."
At the Royal Tower, in one of the council halls decorated in obsidian and gold, Varvatos sat discussing diplomatic strategies with Velzard, who leaned gracefully at his side, and Elmesia, elegantly poised with a scroll in hand. Diablo, sharp-eyed as always, stood near the balcony, peering down at the activity below.
Varvatos's eyes narrowed. "He's here."
Velzard, cool and regal, blinked. "Who?"
"Guy Crimson."
Elmesia set her scroll aside and straightened slightly. "That was faster than expected."
Diablo smiled. "Shall I go greet him?"
Varvatos rose. "No. I will go. Rimuru should meet him personally."
Outside, Rimuru had already sensed the arrival.
Guy was no stranger to Nyvaris. He had visited the city before, when it was still in its early stages of development. However, what he was feeling now was entirely different. The city had transformed—grown in both beauty and power. Towering spires of obsidian and crystal glittered in the sunlight, while lush gardens of vibrant flowers bloomed in neat, symmetrical patterns across the once barren landscape. The streets were wide and pristine, the structures designed with elegance and an undeniable presence. There was a strange but comforting hum in the air, as if the city itself were alive, watching, waiting.
Varvatos then allowed the barrier to part with a thought, creating an opening for the Demon Lord to pass through.
The moment Guy crossed into the city, the transformation was even more apparent. He looked around, his crimson eyes narrowing in surprise. He took a deep breath, savoring the energy in the air. There was a serenity, a harmony, that had not been here before. The city exuded power, calmness, and an aura of unshakable order. This was not the Nyvaris he had visited—this was something much greater.
Varvatos, standing at the edge of the grand plaza, grinned. "It seems like you've noticed the changes, Crimson king."
Guy Crimson turned, his expression amused. "It's certainly... different. This place feels more alive now. More... complete."
Varvatos chuckled softly, his golden eyes glinting. "That's because it is. It's taken time, but Nyvaris is exactly as it should be. And now, it's time for you to meet the one who will lead it."
Without further words, Varvatos snapped his fingers.
In the blink of an eye, Rimuru found himself in front of Guy. The sight of Rimuru—his presence calm, yet commanding—caught Guy's attention immediately.
Varvatos gestured toward Rimuru. "Guy, meet Rimuru Tempest, the new King of Nyvaris."
Guy's eyes narrowed as he sized Rimuru up, clearly interested, but still skeptical. "So this is the one you've chosen, Varvatos?"
Varvatos smiled. "It took you long enough, Crimson King, to come pay your respects to Nyvaris' new king."
Guy's lips curled into a smirk. "I'll see if he deserves my respect first."
Rimuru, standing tall and composed, nodded in acknowledgment, a calm smile on his face. "It's an honor, Guy Crimson. I've heard much about you."
Guy's eyes flicked over Rimuru's form. Something felt different, something he couldn't quite place. There was an energy radiating from Rimuru that hadn't been there before. It wasn't just that Rimuru had grown stronger—there was a presence, an aura that told Guy this wasn't just any king. There was something much deeper at play here.
Guy tilted his head. "Varvatos, you introduced me to Rimuru during the festival, but I would never have guessed you'd make him a king. Quite the bold decision, don't you think?"
Rimuru's smile didn't waver, though his expression grew more serious. "I believe everyone deserves a chance to show who they truly are. I hope to prove that I am worthy of your trust."
Guy's golden eyes flickered, intrigued by Rimuru's calmness. "Interesting…"
He was about to speak further when—
Varvatos snapped his fingers again.
In an instant, the entire group—Guy, Rimuru, Varvatos, Velzard, Elmesia, and Diablo—were transported to another dimension.
The sudden shift left them all slightly disoriented. They found themselves standing in a vast, empty space—a place unlike any they had seen before. The ground was solid, yet there were no visible landmarks. There were no walls, no ceilings, no horizon—just an infinite expanse of emptiness stretching out in all directions.
Velzard and Elmesia both looked around, eyes wide, trying to make sense of the place.
"What is this?" Velzard asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and awe.
"This is an empty dimension," Varvatos explained calmly. "Far from the Cardinal World. I've created it specifically for this purpose. I believe, Guy, you wanted to see just how strong Rimuru truly is."
Guy's smirk grew wider, and he nodded approvingly. "You read my mind, Varvatos."
Rimuru looked around the dimension, his eyes calculating. There was no telling where they were, but the sheer isolation of the space made it clear this wasn't a typical arena for combat. Guy Crimson, the Demon Lord of Chaos, had come here to test him—this was not a mere formality; this was a trial of strength.
"Now, Rimuru," Varvatos said, his voice laced with amusement. "Let's see if you can live up to the Crimson King expectations."
Rimuru's expression remained composed. "I'll do my best."
Guy's aura flared, dark and ominous, swirling around him like a storm. "I've seen many power plays, and I've encountered many kings. I wonder if you can truly stand up to what's coming."
Rimuru stepped forward, his body humming with a different kind of energy—an energy that hadn't been present before.
Velzard, her gaze fixed on Rimuru, leaned in closer to Elmesia. "Do you feel that? There's something different about him. Something... new."
Elmesia nodded slowly, her eyes narrowing with intrigue. "Yes. I think Varvatos made the right choice."
Diablo stepped forward slightly, his posture as perfect as always. "I believe Lord Rimuru will surprise us all."
Guy chuckled darkly, his flames rising around him. "Let's see, then. Prove it, Rimuru. Show me if you truly deserve my respect."
And so, in the heart of the empty dimension, with only the vastness of the space surrounding them, the final test began.