Chapter 138: Alert and Love
The very next day, Guy Crimson made his way to the Eastern Empire to deliver the dire news to Emperor Rudra and Velgrynd, the Scorch Dragon. Unlike others, Rudra prided himself on his vast knowledge of the world, and Velgrynd's bond with Veldanava made her privy to many secrets. However, this time, Guy carried a revelation that neither of them could have foreseen.
When Guy arrived at the grand palace of the Eastern Empire, Velgrynd met him at the gates, her piercing eyes scanning his face for answers.
"Guy," she said, her tone cautious but curious. "What brings you here so suddenly? You're not the type to visit without reason."
"This isn't a social call, Velgrynd," Guy said, his crimson eyes glowing faintly. "I need to see Rudra immediately. This is urgent."
Velgrynd narrowed her eyes but nodded, leading him through the ornate halls to the throne room. Emperor Rudra sat upon his golden throne, his expression calm but calculating as he studied Guy.
"For you to come here in person, Guy Crimson, it must be something critical," Rudra said. "i am listening."
Guy wasted no time. "There's a threat coming—one unlike anything this world has ever faced. His name is Artemis Valtheron, and he's the twin counterpart of Veldanava. The God of Destruction."
Both Rudra and Velgrynd froze, their expressions shifting to shock. "What are you talking about?" Velgrynd demanded. "I know Veldanava better than anyone, and I've never heard of this Artemis Valtheron."
"Of course you haven't," Guy said sharply. "No one has. This was a secret Veldanava kept from everyone. The only reason I know is because Rimuru told me—and the only reason he knows is because Beerus himself told him."
"Beerus?" Rudra asked, his voice now tinged with urgency. "The God of Destruction?"
"The very same," Guy confirmed. "If Beerus is taking this seriously enough to warn us, we'd be fools to ignore it."
Velgrynd's eyes narrowed. "Who is this Artemis Valtheron? And why would Veldanava hide his existence?"
Guy explained, his voice grave. "Artemis Valtheron was born alongside Veldanava, almost like his twin. Veldanava embodied creation, while Artemis represented destruction. Two sides of the same coin. For eons, Artemis believed that perfection could only come from destruction and rebirth. Everything Veldanava created, Artemis sought to destroy, claiming it was flawed."
Velgrynd's fists clenched, her aura flickering. "That can't be... Veldanava never spoke of this. He never—"
"He didn't because he wanted to handle it himself," Guy interrupted. "Veldanava eventually sealed Artemis away, hoping that time would make him understand the value of imperfection. But after Veldanava's death, the seal began to weaken. Artemis is on the verge of breaking free."
Rudra's face darkened. "If this Artemis is as powerful as you say, then we're all in danger. But why can't Beerus deal with him? Surely the God of Destruction is stronger."
Guy smirked, but there was no humor in it. "Beerus is stronger. He could wipe Artemis out with a flick of his finger. But that's not how he operates. He told Rimuru that if he fought every battle for us, we'd never grow or learn. To him, this is as much a test for us as it is entertainment for himself."
Velgrynd let out a bitter laugh. "Typical of a God of Destruction. He's as infuriating as he is powerful."
Guy nodded. "Still, he's right about one thing: this is our fight. We need to prepare. Rimuru has already started reaching out to the leaders of the other nations. You, Rudra, must mobilize the Eastern Empire. And Velgrynd, you'll need to evolve even further. If we're not at our peak, we won't stand a chance."
Rudra leaned forward, his eyes blazing with determination. "If Artemis truly threatens the survival of the world, then the Empire will stand united with the rest. I'll do whatever it takes to protect this world."
Meanwhile, back in Tempest, Rimuru had begun contacting the leaders of the other nations. First, he reached out to King Gazel Dwargo of the Armed Nation of Dwargon. The dwarf king listened intently as Rimuru relayed the warning.
"If this comes from Beerus, then it's no joke," Gazel said, his expression grim. "The Armed Nation of Dwargon will prepare for war. You have my word, Rimuru."
Rimuru then contacted Elmesia El Ru Sarion of the Sorcerous Dynasty of Sarion. Elmesia, ever the pragmatist, was visibly shaken by the news. "If Beerus is involved, then this is beyond any of us. We'll stand with you, Rimuru. Sarion's forces will be ready."
Next was King Edmaris of Falmuth Youm and the Minister of Blumund. Both were initially skeptical but quickly realized the gravity of the situation. "If this Artemis is as dangerous as you say, then we have no choice but to unite. We'll begin preparations immediately," Youm said.
By the end of the day, Rimuru had united the nations in a common cause. Fear lingered in their hearts, but so did resolve. Armies began training harder, alliances were forged, and strategies were devised.
As the world prepared for war, Rimuru stood on the balcony of his castle, his generals gathered behind him. He could feel the weight of the responsibility on his shoulders but also the unwavering determination of those who stood with him.
After countless days of strategizing, training, and uniting nations in preparation for the looming threat of Artemis, Rimuru finally decided he needed a moment for himself. Standing on the balcony of his castle, the cool evening breeze brushed against his skin as he gazed at the stars. For the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to think about something other than the battles ahead—his own feelings.
He thought about Shion and Shuna, two of his most trusted companions who had always been by his side. They weren't just loyal subordinates; they were part of his destined ones—those whose bonds with him transcended the ordinary. Their unwavering devotion, strength, and love had not gone unnoticed. If there was ever a time to express how he truly felt, it was now, before the chaos of the impending battle consumed everything.
With newfound resolve, Rimuru decided to call them both. Using [Thought Communication], he asked Shion and Shuna to meet him in the serene garden behind his castle, a place he knew they both cherished.
When Shion and Shuna arrived, the moonlight illuminated the garden, casting a tranquil glow on the flowers swaying gently in the breeze. Rimuru stood there, his back to them, seemingly lost in thought.
"Lord Rimuru, is something wrong?" Shuna asked softly, concern evident in her voice.
"You rarely ask to meet us like this," Shion added, tilting her head slightly, her violet eyes searching his expression.
Rimuru turned to face them, his gaze warm but serious. For a moment, he hesitated. How do you express feelings that have been growing steadily over time, feelings that are so deeply intertwined with trust, admiration, and affection?
Taking a deep breath, he began. "Shion, Shuna… I've been thinking a lot lately. About everything. About the battles we've fought, the future we're preparing for, and the people who've been by my side through it all. Both of you are… incredibly important to me."
The two exchanged surprised glances, but they remained silent, allowing him to continue.
"Shuna, you've always been the heart of Tempest," Rimuru said, his voice gentle. "Your kindness and wisdom bring peace to everyone around you. And Shion, your strength and determination have saved me more times than I can count. You're my sword and shield, always protecting me, no matter the danger."
Shion's eyes widened, and her usual confidence seemed to falter for a moment. "L-Lord Rimuru…" she began, but her voice trailed off, unsure of what to say.
Shuna's cheeks turned a soft shade of pink as she looked down, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. "I… I'm not sure what to say, my lord."
Rimuru smiled at their reactions, finding them endearing. "What I'm trying to say is that I care about both of you. Not just as my subordinates or as my friends. It's something deeper. Something I can't ignore anymore. You're both part of my destined ones, and I want you to know how much you mean to me."
There was a long moment of silence as the words sank in. Shion's face turned crimson, and for once, she was at a loss for words. Shuna, still looking down, clasped her hands even tighter, her heart pounding.
Finally, Shion stepped forward, her usual boldness returning. "Lord Rimuru… I've always felt this way about you. I've always wanted to stand by your side, not just as your guard, but as someone you can trust with your heart. Hearing this from you… it means everything to me."
Shuna lifted her gaze, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I feel the same, my lord. You've always been my guiding light, and knowing that you see me in this way… it fills me with joy I can't even describe."
Rimuru chuckled softly, relieved that his feelings were returned. "I know we have a lot ahead of us—Artemis, the preparations, everything—but I wanted to tell you this now. Because no matter what happens, I want you both to know how much you mean to me."
He then pulled them one by one and it was a night full of joy, moans, pleasure and stress releaved.