The final echoes of the titanic clash between Rimuru and Guy Crimson still lingered in the skies like fading thunder. The battlefield in the heavens dissolved as Varvatos, with a casual flick of his hand, summoned a brilliant portal that enveloped the fighters and spectators alike. Within moments, the celestial duelists and their retinues stood once more upon the glistening marble of Nyvaris' Royal Courtyard—a vast open space adorned with ethereal flora, crystalline statues, and glowing mana-infused waterfalls cascading from floating platforms.
The moment their feet touched the polished floor, the air grew reverent. Standing at the head of the grand steps that led into the palace proper were three unmistakable presences—Testarossa, her piercing red gaze serene and deadly; Ultima, humming softly with an air of whimsy, and Carrera, arms folded and grinning like she'd already won something.
Guy Crimson blinked. His usually impassive face now wore a distinct look of surprise—rare and honest.
"What… are you three doing here?" he asked, a hand casually brushing his fiery red bangs from his face.
The three Primordial demons turned in unison, elegance and arrogance in every motion.
"Oh? If it isn't Rouge—or was it Guy now?" Testarossa said with a sultry smirk.
"We now reside in Nyvaris," Ultima added sweetly, tilting her head.
"Serving Lord Rimuru," Carrera finished, a spark of pride in her voice.
Guy's eyes narrowed, not with anger, but genuine disbelief.
"You're kidding… Three Primordials, under Rimuru's command? That makes four in total."
Varvatos, ever the observer, chuckled behind him.
"Oh come now, Guy. Don't you have two Primordials attending you as well? Misery and Rain, wasn't it?"
Guy sighed and rubbed his temple, clearly exasperated.
"Yes, but four in one kingdom? The world balance is shattered beyond repair..."
He paused.
"…I think I need some wine."
Varvatos laughed heartily, turning with a sweep of his black-and-gold cloak.
"Then let us go inside. We've just finished crafting a new vintage. I believe you'll love it."
The interior of the royal palace shimmered with divine craftsmanship. Floating runes illuminated the silver-veined obsidian walls. Thrones and seats lined a massive crystalwood table that hummed faintly with stabilized magic. At the head sat Varvatos, the Supreme One, draped in royal black and gold, his aura gently suppressed—but undeniable. Beside him, like stars orbiting a singular sun, were Velzard and Elmesia, both radiant, composed, and stunning.
Diablo, silent but commanding, stood behind Varvatos' right side—his crimson eyes scanning Guy like a predator watching a rival.
Opposite Varvatos, Guy took his seat and was promptly handed a goblet of golden-red liquid. He took a cautious sip—his brows lifting almost instantly.
"Tch... This is divine."
Velzard, seated beside Varvatos, smirked.
"Aged through time magic and infused with celestial grapes harvested from floating vineyards."
Elmesia leaned forward slightly, chin resting on her hand.
"Crafted during the convergence moon. Very few ever taste it."
Guy gave an honest laugh—short and rare.
"I'll admit, Varvatos, you've made a fine pick with Rimuru. That fight wasn't just for show—he's got the strength to back his new title."
Rimuru, seated between the three Primordials who now stood like silent guardians behind him, smiled modestly.
Guy took a long sip of his wine, then tilted his head toward Rimuru.
"So, tell me, Rimuru… with all that power you've shown today, don't you think it's time you took a seat at the Demon Lord Council?"
A silence followed—not tense, but heavy with meaning. All eyes turned to Rimuru, who sat calm, thoughtful.
He didn't answer right away.
Finally, he leaned forward slightly, setting his glass down.
"Is it really necessary?" Rimuru asked plainly. "If I join… would it be to protect the balance? Or to reshape it?"
That alone was enough to make the room pause.
But he wasn't finished.
"Besides, why would I even need to join the Demon Lord Council?" Rimuru continued, eyes focused on Guy. "Let's be honest—when it comes to strength, I have the Supreme One at my side." He gestured lightly toward Varvatos. "I'm more than capable of standing on my own. And Nyvaris… our army is strong, our people are united. We're not building a kingdom on fear."
He looked Guy directly in the eye now.
"Isn't that what the Demon Lords have relied on for so long? Fear, intimidation, power plays… That's not what I stand for. And it's not what Nyvaris is about."
Guy, for once, didn't smirk. He just studied Rimuru, the ghost of a grin playing on his lips. There was respect there.
Varvatos chuckled quietly, eyes gleaming.
"Well said," he murmured.
Velzard nodded, a soft smile breaking her usually stern face.
"It's rare to hear someone speak so clearly—especially when power is involved."
Elmesia leaned forward slightly, her fingers brushing the stem of her wine glass.
"You're not driven by dominance. That alone sets you apart."
Guy let out a long breath, tapping his fingers against the table.
"Tch… You're starting to sound more like a leader than most of us put together."
Ultima grinned.
"He's always been like that. We just follow someone worth following."
Testarossa added quietly,
"Rimuru-sama doesn't need to rule through fear. That's what makes his presence stronger than any title."
Diablo, with a rare but genuine smile, said,
"The Demon Lords ask him to join their circle. Not the other way around."
Guy chuckled and finally raised his glass.
"Then I suppose this isn't about recruiting another Demon Lord. It's about recognizing the birth of something new."
Varvatos lifted his own glass with a nod.
"To Nyvaris. To a king who doesn't chase power—but earns it."
Then, the doors burst open.
A thunderclap of presence followed by the sweeping gust of air—yet no one flinched. The marble columns didn't crack. The chandelier held. This time, everyone expected it.
"RIMURUUUU!!"
The familiar booming voice belonged to none other than Veldora, the Storm Dragon. He burst into the hall like a gale, arms spread wide, his cape fluttering dramatically behind him.
Rimuru, already mid-sip of his wine, didn't even blink.
"You're late."
Veldora laughed heartily. "Come on, I couldn't miss your grand duel with Guy Crimson! It was epic! That cross-counter clash at the end? BRILLIANT! And I believe you still owe me a spar, my friend!"
Guy, leaning on his elbow, gave Veldora a smirk.
"You never change, Veldora. Still as loud as ever."
Veldora, grinning, strutted over and clapped Guy on the back with enough force to shake a mortal.
"And you're still brooding and fabulous, as always! Glad to see you still standing after Rimuru kicked your ass—well, kind of!"
Guy, narrowing his eyes with a dry expression, muttered,
"I let him land that hit…"
Velzard, sipping calmly, added,
"Of course you did."
Elmesia chuckled quietly, clearly enjoying the show.
"Truly a table of monsters and madmen. I love it."
Rimuru, standing, waved his hand casually.
"Easy there, Veldora. We'll spar later, I promise. Not here, though. We'll head into the Labyrinth—you can go wild without anyone complaining about blown-up towers."
Veldora lit up like a child getting a promised toy.
"YES! Finally! I've been itching for this for weeks! Just say the word and I'll start charging up now—"
"Don't." Rimuru interrupted quickly.
"Not in the palace."
Varvatos, now thoroughly amused, spoke with his usual composed tone.
"The Labyrinth is ready anytime, Veldora. Just… try not to erase entire floors."
"No promises!" Veldora declared proudly.
Guy, glancing around the room, shook his head with a grin.
"So now you've got the Storm Dragon, four Primordial Demons, and Varvatos himself backing you… The world balance is really going to hell."
Rimuru, arms crossed, replied calmly,
"Or maybe… the world's finally getting some balance."
Velzard and Elmesia exchanged a subtle glance, both quietly impressed.
Velzard, smiling faintly, murmured,
"He's starting to sound like you, Varvatos."
Varvatos, gazing at Rimuru with eyes that had seen countless eons, nodded with pride.
"Which is exactly why I made him king."
Guy, still nursing his wine, muttered with a smirk,
"You sure know how to pick them."
Diablo, stepping slightly forward, added,
"And Lord Rimuru never breaks his promises. Veldora, your match will come in due time."
Testarossa chimed in with a teasing smile,
"I just hope the Labyrinth survives the two of them."
As laughter bubbled and tension faded into amusement, the world outside Nyvaris continued to buzz with questions, rumors, and awe. But within the capital, beneath golden chandeliers and within those ancient marble walls, the monsters of legend simply shared wine, laughter, and old promises.
The storm had passed… but the next tempest was only beginning to stir.