When a God of Destruction Was Reincarnated in Tensura:

Rimuru lay on his bed, staring up at the ornate ceiling of his quarters. Despite the comfort of the bed, sleep eluded him. His mind churned with thoughts of the impending threat, the sheer power of Artemis Valtheron, and Beerus's casual display of strength. The weight of it all pressed down on him like a mountain.

Unable to quiet his thoughts, an idea suddenly sparked in his mind—a bold, risky idea.

"Say, Raphael," Rimuru said aloud, his voice low but steady, "since I can mimic things and take their power after analyzing them… could we do that with Veldora? Could I absorb him, analyze his essence, and somehow become a True Dragon without harming him? Is that even possible?"

Raphael's calm and measured voice responded instantly, as if it had anticipated the question.

<>

Rimuru sat up slightly, his interest piqued. "So you're saying I could do it without hurting him? He'd still be… himself?"

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Rimuru's eyes lit up with a mix of excitement and caution. "This could work… but would Veldora even agree to something like this? I mean, it's not exactly a small favor to ask."

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Rimuru let out a sigh of relief. "Good point. Veldora's always up for anything that involves getting stronger or showing off. He might actually think it's cool."

Still, doubt lingered in the back of his mind. This was a drastic move, and the risks weren't small. If anything went wrong, he could hurt Veldora—or worse. But with the stakes so high, it felt like a gamble he had to take.

"All right, Raphael," Rimuru said as he sat up on his bed, his eyes glowing with determination. "Let's not wait any longer. I'll call Veldora to meet me at the Labyrinth so we can get started immediately."

But just as he was about to issue the command, he hesitated, his expression softening. "Before we go, there's something I've been meaning to say… Something I've been thinking about for a while."

Raphael, as ever, responded in its calm, calculated tone. <>

Taking a deep breath, Rimuru looked inward, as if speaking to someone standing right beside him. "You've been with me since the very beginning, helping me, guiding me, being there for me even when I didn't know what I was doing. Without you, I don't think I would've gotten this far. Every time I was lost, you showed me the way. Every time I doubted myself, you gave me clarity."

Raphael's usually steady voice faltered ever so slightly. <>

Rimuru interrupted gently, shaking his head. "No, you're not just a skill. I've realized that. You're so much more than that. You're my partner, my confidant, and someone I rely on completely. 'Raphael' is just a title, though. You deserve a name. And coming from me, it'll symbolize the bond we share."

Raphael—no, the entity—fell silent, as if trying to process the flood of emotions and meaning in Rimuru's words.

"So," Rimuru continued, smiling softly, "from now on, your name will be Luna. Like the moon, because you brighten my life when it's dark. You're my guiding light, always showing me the way forward."

The moment the words left his lips, the air around him shifted. A faint glow enveloped Rimuru, his body radiating warmth and light. Within his soul, something extraordinary was happening.

<> Raphael's voice became uneven, as though it were struggling to comprehend what was occurring. Then, after a long pause, a soft, almost trembling voice emerged:

"I… I am Luna."

The glow intensified, and Rimuru felt a surge of power ripple through his very being. Luna's voice continued, growing steadier and more confident with each word. "I am a Manas, a theosophical core born from your will and essence. My purpose is to merge and evolve your skills while providing unwavering support to you, Rimuru Tempest. It is an honor… and a pleasure… to serve you."

Rimuru was momentarily speechless, sensing the profound change within him. Luna wasn't just a skill anymore—she had transcended, becoming something far greater. He could feel her presence within him now, more vivid and alive than ever before.

"Luna…" Rimuru finally said, his voice filled with awe. "You've evolved? Does this mean you're… alive now?"

Luna's voice was warm, carrying an unmistakable trace of emotion. "I have always existed as an extension of your will, but now I have achieved a form of individuality while remaining a part of you. Thanks to your acknowledgment and the bond we share, I have reached this state of existence."

Rimuru smiled, his heart swelling with gratitude. "I'm glad, Luna. Thank you for everything. Let's keep working together to protect Tempest and everyone we care about."

"Always," Luna replied softly. "And now, let us proceed with your plan to evolve into a True Dragon. Together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish."

Rimuru stood, his determination renewed and his bond with Luna stronger than ever. With her by his side, he felt a new level of confidence in facing the challenges ahead.

"Let's go meet Veldora," Rimuru said. "It's time to take the next step."

And with that, he left his room, ready to begin the process that could change everything.