Chapter 135: Hope!!!
In the divine realm, Beerus reclined lazily on an opulent throne, surrounded by luxury. His wives—Zerna, Erza, Velzar, Beta, Delta, and Sigma—attended to him in their own ways. Zerna fed him delectable fruits, Erza massaged his shoulders, and Velzar skillfully poured an exquisite golden nectar into his chalice. Meanwhile, Beta, Delta, and Sigma engaged in playful banter nearby, occasionally offering him compliments or teasing remarks. The atmosphere was one of utter indulgence.
Yet, even amidst such comforts, Beerus's attention was elsewhere. His golden eyes shimmered faintly as he watched Rimuru through a projection that floated in the air before him. His interest was piqued, his usual air of nonchalance giving way to a genuine curiosity.
He chuckled, the sound low and rumbling, as he observed Rimuru's rapid evolution and transformation into a True Dragon. "He's impressive. To think he's grown this much in such a short time... even faster than I anticipated. He's not just sitting around waiting for doom; he's acting. It's rare to see mortals with that kind of resolve."
Erza, noticing his change in demeanor, paused her massage and tilted her head curiously. "You seem impressed, Lord Beerus. Is this about that slime you tested?"
"Yes," Beerus replied, his gaze still fixed on the projection. "That little slime is turning into quite the powerhouse. I gave him a warning about Artemis Valtheron, and instead of panicking or freezing up, he's already moving to prepare himself and his allies. He's evolving at a rate that would make even some gods jealous."
Velzar poured another drink and smirked. "Coming from you, that's high praise. You don't usually take such an interest in mortals."
Beerus leaned back, sipping his drink thoughtfully. "True. Most of them bore me to tears. But Rimuru… he's different. He has the potential to truly shake the balance of his world—and maybe even beyond. It's rare to find someone who not only possesses such overwhelming power but also knows how to wield it responsibly."
Zerna, who had been quietly listening, smiled gently. "He must remind you of Veldanava, doesn't he? Always striving for more, pushing boundaries, and protecting what he loves."
Beerus nodded slowly, a flicker of nostalgia crossing his face. "He does. But there's something else about him. He's unpredictable, and I like that. He's not bound by the same arrogance that most beings with power fall into. Instead of relying on his strength alone, he actively seeks to grow stronger. And that skill of his… Azathoth now, was it? It's absolutely fascinating."
Beta, lounging nearby, grinned mischievously. "So, are you rooting for him, Lord Beerus? You've never been the type to openly cheer anyone on."
Beerus smirked, finishing his drink in one gulp. "I'm not rooting for anyone. I'm just enjoying the show. That slime still has a long way to go before he's anywhere near my level. But… if anyone can pull off the impossible, it might just be him and that if i allow him to. Artemis Valtheron will push him and his world to their limits. Whether they survive or crumble… that's up to them."
Delta stretched lazily, her crimson eyes glinting with amusement. "It sounds like you're looking forward to the fight as much as they are."
Beerus leaned forward, his expression turning sharp and predatory for a moment. "Of course I am. Watching mortals defy the odds, clawing their way toward victory, is one of the few things that actually entertains me. And if Rimuru succeeds… well, let's just say the multiverse might have to keep an eye on him."
The wives exchanged knowing glances, recognizing that Beerus, while feigning indifference, was genuinely invested in the outcome.
As the projection shifted to show Rimuru interacting with Veldora and later merging his skills with Luna's help, Beerus laughed softly. "Look at him go. The kid's like a sponge, soaking up power and wisdom wherever he can find it. If Artemis Valtheron doesn't take him seriously… well, that might just be the fool's undoing."
For the first time in centuries, Beerus felt a spark of true excitement. This wasn't just another game or another fleeting interest. Rimuru Tempest was shaping up to be something truly extraordinary. And Beerus, the God of Destruction, wouldn't miss a single moment of it.
The next day, as the morning sun cast its golden rays over Tempest, Rimuru stood in the grand hall of his palace, waiting for his most trusted generals and advisors to arrive. When Benimaru, Shion, Souei, Diablo, Zegion, Madox, Rigurd, and Hakuro entered the hall, they immediately noticed something different.
Rimuru stood taller than before, his presence commanding and regal. His aura, once calming and approachable, now radiated a profound, almost divine power. It was as though he had ascended to an entirely different plane of existence. The generals exchanged glances, their unease palpable. Even Shion, usually brimming with unshakable confidence, hesitated for a moment before stepping forward.
Benimaru broke the silence, his voice tinged with awe. "Lord Rimuru... you've changed. Your presence… it's overwhelming."
Diablo, who always viewed Rimuru as the pinnacle of perfection, was practically trembling with excitement. "Magnificent! My lord, you've grown even more splendid. Truly, this form suits your divine essence!"
Rimuru smiled, his tone calm but firm. "Yes, I've undergone some changes. After what Beerus told me, I realized I couldn't afford to remain the same. I've evolved into a True Dragon and enhanced my skills to prepare for the threat he warned me about."
The mention of Beerus caused the room to fall silent. Each of them vividly remembered the overwhelming power of the God of Destruction, whose mere presence had brought them all to their knees.
Shion clenched her fists, her expression determined but tinged with frustration. "Lord Rimuru, that Beerus... he was beyond anything I've ever felt before. If someone even stronger than him is coming, then what can we possibly do?"
Rimuru's gaze swept over his gathered allies, his tone carrying both gravity and reassurance. "Beerus told me about Artemis Valtheron—a being sealed by Veldanava himself. His power is unlike anything we've ever faced. If his seal breaks, this entire world will be in danger. But we're not going to sit back and let that happen. I'm not going to let that happen."
Zegion, ever calm and analytical, nodded. "Then we must prepare. We'll need to surpass our limits, no matter the cost."
Rimuru nodded. "Exactly. This isn't just about me getting stronger—it's about all of us. Together, we've built this nation. Together, we'll protect it. Each of you is already incredibly strong, but we need to push even further. I'll help you however I can, whether it's training, skill enhancement, or new weapons. Whatever it takes."
Hakuro stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Lord Rimuru, you've already surpassed our expectations countless times. If you believe we can grow stronger, then I have no doubt that we will. But we'll need a clear plan to maximize our potential in the time we have."
Rimuru's expression softened, grateful for their unwavering loyalty. "I'll oversee your training personally. I've also made preparations to enhance your skills and provide each of you with the resources you need. But I won't sugarcoat it—this will be the most grueling challenge we've ever faced. Are you all ready for that?"
Benimaru stepped forward, his crimson eyes burning with determination. "We're ready, Lord Rimuru. Whatever it takes to protect Tempest and this world, we'll do it. You've led us through countless battles, and we'll follow you into this one too."
Shion slammed her fist into her palm, her fiery spirit ignited. "If you believe in us, Lord Rimuru, then I'll give it everything I've got! No one will threaten Tempest as long as I'm standing!"
Souei nodded silently, his sharp gaze signaling his readiness, while Diablo bowed deeply. "For you, my lord, there is no task too great. This Artemis Valtheron will soon learn the price of underestimating Tempest."
Rigurd and Madox stood tall, their expressions resolute. Even Zegion, who rarely showed emotion, radiated quiet determination.
Rimuru smiled, his heart swelling with pride. "Thank you, everyone. With all of us united, I know we can face anything. Now, let's get to work. The fate of this world depends on it."
With that, Rimuru began outlining their training plans and assigning roles to each of his generals. They left the meeting hall with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to face the challenges ahead.
While Rimuru and his generals prepared for the grueling training ahead, Shizu, along with the five children from the Freedom Academy—Chloe, Alice, Kenya, Ryota, and Gale—decided to embark on a trip, a much-needed vacation to relax and bond. Shizu had grown fond of the children, and she believed that giving them time to unwind would help them grow emotionally and mentally, especially with the storm brewing on the horizon.
The group traveled to a peaceful countryside within Tempest, surrounded by lush greenery, sparkling rivers, and a serene lake. It was a picturesque location, perfect for relaxation and fun. The children, excited to explore, immediately began running around, marveling at the beauty of nature.
"Wow, look at this place!" Kenya exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder as he pointed to a crystal-clear waterfall cascading into the lake. "It's like something out of a dream!"
Alice twirled around, enjoying the fresh breeze. "It's so beautiful! I'm glad we're here, Shizu-sensei."
Shizu smiled gently, her heart warming at their enthusiasm. "I thought you'd all like it. Sometimes, it's good to step away from training and just enjoy life. You've all been working hard, and you deserve this break."
Chloe, usually the quiet one, tugged at Shizu's sleeve and asked, "Shizu-sensei, will you teach us how to fish? I've never tried it before."
Shizu chuckled softly. "Of course, Chloe. Fishing is a great way to relax. Let's get started." She guided the children to the lake, where they spent the next few hours fishing, laughing, and even competing to see who could catch the biggest fish.
Ryota, holding his fishing rod awkwardly, shouted, "I think I got something!" But when he pulled, it turned out to be a small stick, causing Alice to burst into laughter. "Nice catch, Ryota!" she teased.
As the day went on, Shizu and the kids enjoyed a picnic by the lake, feasting on delicious food prepared by Tempest's chefs. The children shared stories, joked with each other, and for a while, the weight of their responsibilities seemed to lift.
That evening, as the sun set and painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, the group gathered around a campfire. Shizu told them stories of her travels and the lessons she'd learned from her time with Rimuru and her own adventures.
"Sensei," Gale said, his voice thoughtful, "do you think we'll ever get as strong as Rimuru-sama?"
Shizu gazed at the flickering flames, her expression serene. "Strength isn't just about power, Gale. It's about your heart, your will, and your determination to protect what's important to you. Rimuru-sama is strong because he cares deeply about everyone and everything in Tempest. If you find something you want to protect with all your heart, you'll grow strong too."
Chloe, sitting beside her, whispered, "I want to protect all of you… my friends… and you too, Shizu-sensei."
Shizu placed a gentle hand on Chloe's head, smiling warmly. "And that's what makes you strong, Chloe. Never lose that feeling."
The children fell asleep under the starry sky, their faces peaceful as they dreamed. Shizu stayed awake for a while, gazing at the stars and thinking about the challenges that lay ahead. She silently vowed to protect these children and help them grow into the strong individuals she knew they could be.
The trip was exactly what they needed—a moment of peace and joy before the storm. Little did they know, their bonds would soon be tested in the trials to come.