Chapter 130: What is The Plan???
The night after Beerus and his wives left, Rimuru sat alone in his private chamber, deep in thought. The room was quiet, save for the faint rustling of the wind outside. Despite the warmth of the room, Rimuru felt a cold chill in his chest. The weight of Beerus's warning lingered heavily in his mind, but what haunted him even more was how effortlessly Beerus had overpowered him.
He clenched his fists. "All the power I've gained, all the battles I've fought... and yet, I couldn't even touch him." The memory of Beerus flicking him unconscious replayed in his mind like a taunt, a constant reminder of how far behind he truly was. Rimuru leaned back, staring at the ceiling. "If I can't even hold my own against Beerus, how can I face someone like Artemis Valtheron?"
His resolve hardened. "I need to get stronger. Fast."
Rimuru closed his eyes and called out to the one entity he could always rely on. "Raphael, are you there?"
Raphael, the Ultimate Skill [Wisdom King], responded immediately in its calm, steady voice. "I am here, my master. How can I assist you?"
"Raphael," Rimuru began, "you saw what happened earlier. Against Beerus, I couldn't even land a single attack. And this Artemis Valtheron… if he's as strong as Beerus hinted, I won't stand a chance. Tell me—what can I do to get stronger?"
Raphael was silent for a moment, processing Rimuru's question. Then it spoke. "There are several potential paths for growth, master. However, each will require significant effort and may come with risks. Would you like me to detail them?"
"Yes," Rimuru said firmly. "I need every option."
Raphael began outlining possible strategies for Rimuru to enhance his strength:
Ultimate Skill Evolution: "Your existing Ultimate Skills—Beelzebuth, Uriel, and Omni Evolution—have untapped potential. By dedicating time and energy to refining their abilities, it is possible to evolve them further into higher-tier skills."
Rimuru considered this. His Ultimate Skills were already formidable, but if they could evolve, it might give him the edge he needed.
Absorbing Higher-Tier Beings: "You can consume powerful beings or artifacts imbued with divine energy using Beelzebuth. This would grant you access to new abilities and potentially increase your overall power exponentially."
Rimuru frowned. While effective, this method came with moral complications. He didn't want to harm innocent beings or disrupt the balance of the world.
Divine Energy Training: "By training to harness Divine Energy, also known as 'Godly Ki,' you could potentially ascend to a level of power closer to that of entities like Beerus." (She thought)
Rimuru's eyes narrowed. "Godly Ki… would that be enough to challenge Artemis Valtheron?"
"It would significantly increase your chances," Raphael replied, "but mastering it requires both time and guidance. Beerus himself would be the most qualified instructor, but he may not agree to such training."
Creation of a Unique Fusion Skill: "By combining multiple Ultimate Skills, it may be possible to create a new, singular ability that surpasses all others. This would require extreme precision and focus."
Rimuru's interest was piqued by this idea, though he understood the risks involved. Fusion could result in the loss of certain abilities or even backfire if not done properly.
Seeking Assistance from Other Higher Entities: "There may be other beings in the multiverse capable of assisting you. While Beerus refuses to intervene directly, others might be willing to aid you in preparing for the coming threat."
Rimuru sighed. This would mean stepping out of his comfort zone and possibly making deals with unknown powers, something he would rather avoid.(how would he even get there).
As Raphael finished its suggestions, Rimuru leaned forward, deep in thought. He knew he couldn't rely solely on himself. Artemis Valtheron's return wasn't just his problem—it was a threat to the entire world.
"I need to tell the other Demon Lords," Rimuru murmured. "They have to know what's coming. If we're going to stand a chance, we need to unite."
Raphael spoke again. "It would also be prudent to inform the leaders of the other nations, master. Their military forces, while not on par with the Demon Lords, could still provide valuable support. Coordination will be key to defending against Artemis Valtheron's ideology of destruction."
Rimuru nodded. "You're right. I'll need to call a council. Not just the Demon Lords, but also the leaders of Dwargon, Thalion, the Beast Kingdom, and even the Western Nations... This isn't just about Tempest—it's about the survival of the entire world."
Rimuru stood, his determination solidifying into action. He would start by summoning his own generals the next morning. Benimaru, Shuna, Shion, and the others needed to be briefed immediately. After that, he would arrange for a meeting with the Demon Lords and the leaders of the other countries. It wouldn't be easy to get everyone to work together, especially with the egos of certain Demon Lords, but Rimuru knew it was necessary.
Standing by the window, Rimuru gazed out at the moonlit sky, his reflection staring back at him. "Artemis Valtheron… I don't know what kind of being you are, but I won't let you destroy everything I've built. I'll protect Tempest, this world, and everyone in it. Even if it means surpassing my limits."
With that thought, Rimuru turned away from the window and began drafting his plans. The battle for the future had already begun, and he was determined to be ready for it.