The group had gathered in the clearing just as Satria returned—with Crom, Dawn, and a striking newcomer at his side. His family turned to greet him, but their attention was instantly drawn to the unfamiliar figure walking beside him.
Dressed in armor that gleamed under the sun and carrying a radiant flagpole on her back, the woman's noble aura was impossible to ignore.
Then came the wail.
"Why?! Why is the world so cruel?!" Satria dropped to his knees dramatically, pounding the ground with just enough force to show despair—without actually hurting himself. "That dragon and the saintess's pet—they were perfect! My dream nakama! But... but... damn it all!"
Great Red blinked in concern. "Did something tragic happen?"
"Did he… lose a fight?" Valiana asked, clearly baffled at the very idea.
"No, no," Fatalis replied, scratching her head as she squinted at the wailing Satria. "Worse. He looks like someone told him he couldn't adopt a new pet."
Standing off to the side, Crom crossed her arms and buried her face in one hand, sighing long and hard like someone who had already reached her limit.
"Yes," she muttered, mostly to herself. "That's exactly what happened."
Meanwhile, Kiyohime's fiery gaze locked onto the new woman. Her eyes narrowed. "Danna-sama… who is your new friend? Don't tell me you went off and picked up another damsel in distress."
Rimuru crossed her arms, one brow raised. "Or is this another candidate for that 'harem' of yours?"
"Ah~ That's right," Fatalis piped up with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Rimuru-chan still doesn't know about the Group Chat, does she?"
"Group Chat?" Rimuru echoed, tilting her head. Some people around her shared the same curious expression.
Fatalis gestured with a hand, grinning. "It's basically a multiversal chatroom. People from different worlds gather there, chat, go on missions together—and when you're doing one, time in your home world freezes until you're done. Really convenient."
Everyone nodded slowly in understanding.
Fatalis then looked at Jeanne with a slight tilt of her head. "Your turn, miss. Mind telling us who you are?"
Jeanne stepped forward with quiet confidence, her presence commanding yet serene.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all. My name is Jeanne d'Arc," she said gracefully. "I was Satria's Servant when we cleared the Orleans Singularity together in my world."
For a moment, silence gripped the clearing.
Fatalis's playful smirk froze mid-tilt.
Valiana's typically poised expression cracked in surprise.
Rimuru's eyes went wide as the name hit her like a bolt of lightning, pulling fragmented memories from her past life to the surface.
"Wait… Jeanne d'Arc?" Rimuru a asked, her voice laced with disbelief. "You mean the Jeanne d'Arc? The saint of France? The legendary warrior?"
"We've got a Jeanne d'Arc in the Chaos Brigade too," Valiana added thoughtfully. "She's in the Hero Faction. Is she the same—?"
"Eh, nah." Fatalis cut her off, waving a hand dismissively. "That one's a knockoff. This Jeanne is the real deal—like the difference between Excalibur and that Made-in-China version your buddy Arthur lugs around."
"Wow. Don't let your friend Arthur hear that," Albion muttered with a groan. "He'd probably combust from secondhand shame."
Jeanne nodded politely, though her expression showed a trace of weariness. "Yes, that's correct. I am Jeanne d'Arc. But not from your history books—I was summoned as a Servant in a Holy Grail War to battle the forces of darkness. After our mission ended… I didn't return to the Throne of Heroes. Instead, I ended up here—thanks to this troublesome puppy." She gestured subtly toward Satria.
"Oh my~" Fatalis smirked, clearly enjoying herself. "So, dear… first you brought home dragons, then a demon lord, and now a literal saint from another server. What's next? A goddess? Or are you planning to log her in?"
Satria stumbled over a stone on the ground and spun around, flustered. "What?! No! Why would I even—?!"
Fatalis shrugged with mock innocence, her grin widening. "Hey, you did bring her here first. Can't blame us for asking. And just imagine the headlines—'Indonesian Multiverse Hero Seems Close with Saint of Orleans' You'd be crowned Indo Pride by morning."
"I mean… fair," Satria muttered, cheeks tinged pink. "But seriously—no. I don't want that kind of attention. We Indonesians don't go around converting everyone we meet. That's not how we work. We respect differences."
"Huh," Fatalis nodded thoughtfully. "You've got a point."
Kiyohime, who had been silently watching Jeanne, finally spoke. Her voice was calm, yet tinged with an unmistakable edge. "So, Danna-sama… what exactly is her purpose in our love nest? And more importantly—what's your relationship with her?"
"She's not my girlfriend or anything, Dear," Satria said firmly, looking Kiyohime in the eye. "We're traveling together. But I'm not tying her down. Jeanne's her own person. If she wants to leave, she can. If she wants to stay, I welcome her. I just want to support her—whether we stay friends or become something more. Because she deserves that respect."
The clearing fell silent again, not in shock this time, but in quiet curiosity.
Jeanne glanced at Satria, and for a moment, it felt as if the world itself had gone quiet. She had never been one for heavy conversations about herself—let alone her past—but surrounded by his family, she felt the need to speak plainly.
She cleared her throat gently.
"I chose to follow my Master because I believed in him," she said softly. "I saw something in him I couldn't ignore. Even though his world was foreign to me… he made it feel like home."
Satria grinned, clearly touched by her sincerity.
Valiana leaned in closer to Jeanne with a teasing smile. "So, you've been traveling with my hubby for a while, huh? What's that like? He's always been a handful—and you still call him Master, huh~? I like that kind of roleplay too."
Jeanne chuckled, the warmth in her cheeks betraying her amusement.
"That's putting it lightly," she said fondly. "Satria is… a little puppy. Energetic, mischievous, and constantly getting himself into trouble."
Fatalis nearly spat out her drink laughing. "That checks out. He always chasing after shiny things he couldn't handle and dragging the rest of us into it."
"Exactly," Jeanne smiled. "He's a troublemaker, but…" her voice softened, "I can't leave him alone. He has this way of pulling people in. Even when you should be scolding him, somehow… you end up helping instead."
Valiana nudged her playfully. "So you're saying you've taken on the role of his keeper? That's a full-time job, you know."
Jeanne blushed lightly and shook her head. "Not his keeper. Just… someone who can't ignore him. He's like a storm—chaotic, loud, reckless—but even storms have their beauty."
Satria, overhearing everything, spun toward them with a pout. "Hey! I'm right here! And I'm not a puppy!"
"See?" Fatalis smirked. "Look at that pout. Classic puppy behavior."
"Let's ignore this dummy for now," Rimuru deadpanned, shifting the focus back. Her expression turned thoughtful as she leaned slightly toward Jeanne. "Jeanne-san… earlier, you said you were summoned to fight. Would you mind telling us more? It sounds like you've been through a lot."
Jeanne blinked, momentarily surprised by the earnest question. But the warmth in their eyes encouraged her. She nodded, folding her hands gently in front of her.
"Very well. I suppose you deserve to hear who I truly am—and why I fight."
Her voice remained calm, but there was a weight beneath the words.
"In my world, I was born in a small village in France. A simple life, peaceful… until the voices began. The voice of God, guiding me. Telling me to rise—not for myself, but for my people."
The group listened intently as her story unfolded.
"France was torn apart by war. Our people had lost hope. And yet, somehow, a farm girl barely seventeen years old was asked to lead an army. And so… I did. We drove back the invaders. We reclaimed Orléans. We crowned our rightful king. I became a beacon of hope."
Valiana's brow furrowed with disbelief and respect. "You actually led armies? At your age?"
Jeanne nodded. "Yes. But my victories made me enemies. I was betrayed. Captured. Sold. Those in power feared what I represented. They accused me of heresy—and they sentenced me to death."
The mood in the clearing darkened. Even Fatalis's ever-present grin faded. Rimuru clenched her fists, while Kiyohime and Great Red listened silently.
"They burned me at the stake," Jeanne said quietly. "I was only nineteen."
A heavy silence fell.
"But even then," she continued, "I didn't hate them. I only felt sorrow—for those who misunderstood me. And gratitude… for the chance to serve something greater."
Rimuru s swallowed hard, her voice barely a whisper. "Jeanne-san… that's… that's unimaginable. You were just a kid. You didn't deserve that."
"No one truly does," Jeanne replied gently. "But it was my path. And I don't regret it. Because if my sacrifice brought hope to even one soul… then it was worth it."
"This 'God' you speak of..." Ophis said, her voice low and unwavering, "is selfish. To use someone so young—barely more than a child—to shoulder burdens no mortal should bear… all in the name of 'trials' or 'divine will.'"
Her gaze turned toward Satria, steady and intent.
"I've never understood why mortals worship such beings. Especially you, my mate. With the power and knowledge you possess, you could become their new god. You could lead them to true peace—no more war, no more hunger. With us as your harbingers, we could impose a new Imperial Order. An age of harmony and progress. Who else in this world, even among the so-called gods of the Biblical Faction, could accomplish such a feat but you?"
The air in the clearing grew heavy with the weight of her words.
"Oi, oi, calm down, Ophis~" Fatalis interrupted with an uneasy laugh, swirling her drink. "You are really going to lead our puppy into the path of a man who now sits on the Golden Throne in vegetable state, Not that I disagree but... I don't think Satria wants to be the kind of person you mentioned earlier."
"That's not a god—that's a tyrant," Rimuru snapped, her expression dark. "I won't stand by and watch my Emperor become something like that. Not while I still breathe!"
"Hoo… Actually, I find the idea a bit interesting," Valiana said with a sly smile, clearly amused by the chaos. "Care to explain why you refuse Godhood, hubby?"
Satria sighed and rubbed his temples, closing his eyes briefly. "How the hell do I explain this...?"
Before he could answer, Jeanne stepped forward, her voice gentle but resolute.
"I… I understand your frustration," she said quietly. "Believe me, I've asked those same questions. It does seem cruel—no, it is cruel—to demand so much from someone so young. There were nights I cried alone, asking 'why me?' Why was I chosen? Why couldn't I just be a normal girl?"
Ophis's eyes narrowed, but she remained silent.
"But," Jeanne continued, her gaze steady, "even if I didn't understand the reasons… I saw what my actions meant to others. I saw mothers reunited with children, cities saved from ruin, hope restored to people who had given up. That was what made it worth it. Not obedience. Not blind faith. But the result. I chose to fight for them."
Ophis crossed her arms, her tone cooler but curious. "And you still believe that was worth it? After all that was done to you?"
Jeanne's shoulders lowered slightly, and her eyes grew distant. "There are days I doubt. Days when I wonder if I was just a tool. But… I'd rather live believing my suffering had meaning, than live hating the world for it. Even now, in this strange new place… I still fight for what's right. Not because I understand everything. But because someone must."
A heavy silence followed her words, one of quiet respect.
Satria opened his eyes again, looking from Ophis to Jeanne.
"That's why I could never accept becoming a 'god'," he said simply. "I don't want people to kneel to me. I want them to stand—stronger, freer. I'll guide them, protect them, and fight for them. But I won't rule them like a Supreme Leader. That's not my style."
Ophis didn't reply immediately. Her eyes lingered on Jeanne, and though her expression remained unreadable, the tension in her shoulders eased.
"…Very well," she said finally. "But should you ever change your mind… know that I will still follow you."
Fatalis smirked. "Aww, the Void Dragon's being romantic. Should we all kneel now, or save it for the coronation?"
Rimuru rolled her eyes. "Please. He'd trip over his robe before reaching the throne."
Crom chuckled softly, glancing at Satria. "You may not be a god. But you already have people willing to follow you to the ends of the world. That's something even kings envy."
Great Red wiped discreetly at her eyes, pretending it was just dust in the air. "You're... incredible, Jeanne. I can't believe you still carry so much strength and grace after everything you've been through." Her lips curled into a smile as she turned to the others. "Girls... I say we let her in. She's exactly the kind of woman we need to keep our dear husband in line."
Satria nearly choked. "Hey! Why does everyone keep acting like I'm some kind of walking disaster?!"
"Quiet, Danna-sama," Kiyohime said sharply, snapping her folding fan open with a dramatic flick. "I'm not done yet."
Satria groaned, muttering under his breath.
Kiyohime turned back to Jeanne, her tone gentler now, though her eyes still held that signature intensity. "You seem like a reasonable woman. Kind, composed, and above all, patient—which you'd have to be to tolerate him for more than a day."
Satria opened his mouth to object, but Kiyohime raised one elegant finger in warning.
"Very well. You have my approval. But—" her gaze sharpened like a blade, "if he ever takes advantage of your kindness, or gives you even a moment of grief, you come straight to me. I'll... correct his behavior."
Jeanne blinked, then chuckled softly, placing a hand over her heart. "Understood. Thank you. I promise I'll do my best."
Satria's face turned beet red as the rest of the group burst into laughter or tried to hide their amused grins.
"Hime! Come on! I'm right here! Stop talking like I'm some lost puppy that keeps chewing the furniture!"
Kiyohime gave him a cool glance, flipping her fan shut with a soft snap. "Good. Then you'll remember that I'm always watching you, Danna-sama."
Defeated, Satria slumped forward, groaning dramatically. "Why is my entire household plotting against me…?"
Jeanne giggled, and the warmth in her voice made Satria glance at her despite himself. "You're lucky, you know," she said. "To have a family like this."
The wind howled through the house, windows rattling as an unseen force swept across the room. Everyone tensed, instinctively taking defensive stances, fists clenched, eyes sharp.
Behind them, the air shimmered—like ripples across a still pond—before splitting apart in a jagged crack of light. From the breach, a figure stepped through, its silhouette gleaming with metallic brilliance under the crystalline glow of the house.
Twin red eyes flickered to life, scanning the room with mechanical precision. Then, without hesitation, the figure knelt before Satria, head bowed low. A faint hum of psychic wards and energy fields pulsed from his form, like the heartbeat of a living machine.
Its voice was deep, clear, and resonant—layered with an eerie undertone, as though a choir whispered beneath each syllable.
"My Lord… My Creator… Imperator of Tempest… Master of us all," the droid intoned solemnly. "I bring you the first progress report of your Empire."
Koneko blinked, tilting her head toward Satria with quiet curiosity. "Senpai… who's this?"
Satria stepped forward, his expression softening with pride. "He's my first masterpiece. The only droid infused with my power—my will. No need to kneel, son. Rise."
The Droid paused, then lifted its head, glowing eyes locking onto Satria's. "…Understood… Father."
"Eh?" Valiana's eyes sparkled mischievously as she leaned closer. "Son, huh? Then that makes me… your mother!" She grinned playfully. "Come on, introduce yourself properly, sweetheart."
The Droid turned his gaze to her, something gentle flickering in those crimson lights. He bowed again, respectfully. "Affirmative. My name is Aditya. It is an honor to stand before you… Mother."
Kiyohime tapped her fan against her chin, her smile subtle but sly. "My, my… he's very polite. And intelligent too… unlike his father." She shot Satria a pointed glare. Satria coughed and looked away awkwardly.
"Agreed," Rimuru added w added with a soft chuckle, stepping closer. "Thank you for your hard work, Aditya. I hope you've been treated well here… Are our people treating you and your kin kindly?"
Aditya straightened, his posture formal but his tone warm. "I have been welcomed graciously. Everyone has been… kind. We are doing our best to learn, to adapt… to be human, as Father instructed. It is difficult… but it is a challenge we embrace every day. I hope… you will continue to guide us."
Satria approached, placing a firm, reassuring hand on Aditya's shoulder. "Don't worry, kid. We've got your back. You're family—every single one of you. We'll help you every step of the way." He gave him a confident grin. "Now… about that report. Let's show them what we've been building."
Aditya stood tall, the faint hum of his systems harmonizing with the quiet around him. His red eyes pulsed softly as he spoke, his voice a perfect blend of mechanical precision and reverent devotion.
"Population metrics: One-Hundred percent of local inhabitants have been successfully relocated into provisional habitation domes. Literacy rate has increased from twelve percent to Ninety-eight percent through accelerated neurolearning modules."
A flicker of satisfaction crossed Satria's face—a subtle smile, proud and contemplative.
"Water infrastructure: All reservoirs are complete. Purification systems utilize layered sand and charcoal filtration, reinforced with enchanted crystal matrices. All known waterborne pathogens have been eradicated within your borders."
Aditya raised an arm. From his palm, a luminous hologram blossomed into the air—gleaming aqueducts snaked across the landscape like arteries of light, feeding vast crystalline pools beneath a golden sun.
"Agriculture: Autonomous hydroponic towers are fully operational. Current yield will meet baseline caloric requirements within ten days. Surplus production projected within twenty."
He paused, letting the data settle over the gathered family. Then:
"Power systems: Aether-fusion reactors holding stable at ninety-eight point six percent efficiency. The power grid now extends fully across the Jura Forest."
Aditya lowered his arm and bowed deeper, his voice dipping solemnly. "Final item, Lord… the children."
The room shifted; an almost tangible gravity settled. Satria's gaze sharpened, his hands steepling under his chin.
"One Hundreds youths have been enrolled in the Tempest Scholarship Initiative. Early aptitude testing has identified fifty latent potentials. Preparations are underway for controlled awakening and training protocols. All will be nurtured to serve… under the Light of the Empire."
A profound silence followed his words. No one moved. The faint crackle of the hologram's fading projection was the only sound.
At last, Satria leaned forward, resting his elbows on the arms of his chair, his expression unreadable—but his voice carried the weight of kings.
"You have done well."
The silence hung like a sacred veil over the room—until it broke, gently, beneath the voices of those who shared his life.
Valiana whistled low, her lips curling into a sly, appreciative smile. "Well, well… I always knew you had ambition, hubby. But this? Building an empire? Raising a generation of heroes? Mmm… you've been holding back on me." She stepped closer, trailing a finger lightly along his shoulder. "Dangerous… but gods, it's so attractive."
Kiyohime folded her arms, her fan snapping shut with a deliberate flick. Her golden eyes were thoughtful, weighing something deeper beneath the surface. "To guide so many lives… to bear their hopes and their burdens…" Her gaze softened, but a quiet fierceness lingered beneath. "It's not a task for the faint-hearted. I approve, Danna-sama… but I will not let you fall beneath the weight of it. Should you ever waver… I will be the flame at your back."
Fatalis let out a sharp laugh, half pride, half exasperation. "Hah! Look at you… from mischievous puppy to emperor of a new order." Her tail flicked lazily behind her, but her crimson eyes gleamed. "I won't lie, it's a bit terrifying. But also… kinda hot. Just don't forget, I liked you before you became this overlord."
Ophis tilted her head slightly, her gaze as inscrutable as the void itself. "Good. This is the correct path. They will follow. They will flourish." She stepped beside him without another word, standing as a silent pillar of approval.
Great Red let out a long, low whistle, her arms crossing over her chest as she leaned against the wall. "Damn, Satria. Didn't think you had it in you to go full 'builder of worlds.' You're really doing it, huh?" Her lips curled into a wry grin. "Guess you are the kind of man who can carry all of us. I'm impressed."
Rimuru, standing nearest, felt her cheeks warm involuntarily as she stared at him—not the usual playful Satria she teased, but this composed, resolute leader radiating authority. "Whoa…" she murmured under her breath, a blush creeping across her face. "This is… kinda unfair. Looking at you like this… makes me wanna entrust everything to you." She laughed softly, flustered, rubbing the back of her head. "Jeez… don't give me butterflies when you're supposed to be younger than me!"
But Jeanne—Jeanne felt something else entirely. She looked at him, her hands curling into gentle fists against her lap. The man before her wore the same face, spoke with the same voice… yet something in his bearing, in the weight of his words, felt almost foreign. Like watching the man she knew walk a road she could barely glimpse.
"Master…" she said softly, her voice tinged with quiet awe and uncertainty. "Is this… truly you? Or have you become someone else?"
Her question wasn't accusation—but a whisper of worry, of someone who feared losing the person they believed in.
Satria's gaze softened as he turned toward her, a faint smile touching his lips.
"I'm still me, Jeanne," he assured her gently. "No matter how far this path goes… I'm still the same fool who tries to carry everything and gets scolded for it later." He reached out, offering his hand. "I'm just… doing what I can. For all of you."
Jeanne hesitated for a heartbeat—then placed her hand in his, warmth blooming in her chest.
"…Then I will walk with you," she said quietly, her resolve shining through. "Wherever this path leads."
And with those words, the circle felt complete—each of them bound together, standing beneath a moonlit sky, ready to face the world he dared to build.
•
Satria sat cross-legged on the grass in the backyard, surrounded by his odd collection of animal companions. On his right lay Dawn, a regal Golden Wolf basking in the sun. Closer to his knee, Selena, the Black Wolf, gnawed happily on a sausage. Nearby, a cute aquatic cat-fish hybrid named Vaporeon hopped along the grass, chirping curiously. And finally, wriggling beside him, an incomprehensible mass of tentacles squirmed lazily—Budi, his "pet" fragment of Cthulhu, blinking its tiny eldritch eyes.
Despite this whimsical assembly, Satria's expression was the picture of dramatic despair, his hand pressed theatrically to his chest as he poured out his woes.
"…And then they told me I couldn't bring the Black Dragon home! Or even the saintess's pet!" he lamented, eyes wide with heartbreak. "Can you believe it? My dream team, denied! How cruel can fate be? I just want to build my nakama and sail to find the Two Piece!"
Ariel chirped softly, offering a sympathetic wiggle. Selena tilted her head, clearly more interested in the sausage than her master's sorrows. Dawn let out a small, understanding whimper, while Budi quivered faintly, as though offering eldritch comfort.
Satria sighed deeply, flopping onto his back with a melodramatic groan. "You guys understand me, right? You know I don't care if they're big or scary or misunderstood… I just want to be friends with everyone…"
His pets exchanged looks—or as much as non-humanoid creatures could. Selena stepped closer and gave a confident bark. Ariel chirped louder, and Budi… well, Budi vibrated ominously, but in a friendly way.
Satria blinked, sitting up slowly. "Wait… are you guys saying… sometimes, no matter how much we want something, the world won't go our way, and that's okay? We just have to keep going?"
Dawn barked sharply again—Exactly! Ariel wiggled in agreement, and even Budi raised a single slimy tendril in a supportive gesture.
Tears welled in Satria's eyes, this time from emotion rather than despair. "You guys… you're so wise! Wiser than most people I know! You're right—I can't let this get me down. There are still so many majestic creatures out there, so many friends waiting for me!"
From the doorway, Kiyohime watched with a sigh, shaking her head fondly. "Only Danna-sama could find life advice from a bunch of pets," Her lips curved into a small smile. "At least they're keeping him from sulking too long."
Suddenly, Rimuru pointed urgently at Budi, her expression alarmed. "Wait—what is that thing?!"
[Great Sage: Warning. Unknown entity detected. Tentacle creatures classified as potentially hazardous. Recommend caution.]
"Oh, that?" Crom replied lazily, glancing toward the writhing mass. She waved a dismissive hand. "Don't worry, it's harmless! According to Satria, he's a fragment of something called 'Cthulhu.' His name is Budi."
Valiana crossed her arms, visibly cringing at the sight of the slimy tendrils. "He says it's non-threatening… but honestly, it's still gross. And unsettling." She sighed, pressing two fingers to her temple. "But if he insists, I suppose I'll tolerate it. For now."
Before Rimuru c could respond, a new voice cut in.
"I'm home."
Everyone turned as a familiar figure stepped into the yard. Koneko strolled in with quiet confidence, her cat ears twitching slightly. Her golden eyes locked onto Satria with a mixture of fondness and exasperation. Dressed in her school uniform, her tail swayed lazily behind her.
"Koneko!" Satria scrambled nervously. "I thought you'd stay longer with your friends at Issei's place?"
She shrugged. "Got bored. And," she added darkly, "I came back because I heard about the mess you caused, Senpai." Her cute face took on an ominous aura as she glared at him.
Rimuru's jaw dropped as she took in the growing collection of women around Satria. "You're kidding me… he's got a loli cat-girl in his harem too?" she exclaimed, throwing up her hands. "How?! He's loud, weird, spoiled, and kind of an idiot! How is someone like him popular with girls? Where's the fairness in that?!"
Jeanne glanced at Rimuru thoughtfully. "Perhaps it's not about fairness… or circumstances." Her gaze turned toward Satria, a soft warmth in her eyes. "Maybe… it's simply who he is."
Rimuru stared at Jeanne, then at Satria—who was now sitting with his animal friends, trying to explain how he'd accidentally adopted an eldritch horror—and groaned loudly.
"I still don't get it!"
Satria laughed loudly, puffing out his chest with exaggerated pride. "It's called a skill issue, my dear! Obviously, it's because of my good personality… or maybe my rugged charm?" He struck a ridiculous pose.
"Rugged charm, huh?" Crom raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Is that what we're calling clumsiness and dumb luck nowadays?"
"Perhaps it's his sincerity," Jeanne added softly, a gentle giggle escaping her lips. "He may be reckless, but he always gives his all for those he loves. That's… very hard to resist." Her eyes sparkled warmly as she watched Satria.
Rimuru rolled h rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips despite herself. "Still ridiculous. In my past life, I was just another face in the crowd—no special looks, no attention. And now? I'm a slime girl in a fantasy world, stuck hanging around this weird guy… who somehow has all these beautiful, powerful women falling for him. Seriously, what the heck?"
The air fell quiet for a beat. Then the Dragon God and Evil Dragon burst out laughing, their tails swishing with amusement.
Great Red leaned closer to Rimuru with a sly grin. "Well, isn't it obvious?" she said, crossing her arms, her voice laced with playful authority.
Rimuru blinked, caught off guard. "Obvious? What's obvious?"
"Destiny," Great Red declared smugly. "You're clearly meant to be with him. Reincarnation or not, fate has a twisted sense of humor."
Fatalis grinned wickedly, adding, "You can't fight it, slime girl. The universe shipped you already."
Rimuru's eyes widened, her face flushing a deeper shade of red. "D-destiny? For who exactly?"
Ophis pointed directly at Satria—who was currently fussing with his hair in a shiny spoon, oblivious to their conversation. "Him," she said, deadpan. "Obviously."
Rimuru groaned, hiding her reddening face behind her hands. "If this is destiny, I wanna file a complaint! Someone send me the cosmic refund form!"
Meanwhile, Koneko tugged lightly at Satria's sleeve, frowning in confusion. "Senpai… who are they?" she whispered, glancing warily at the dragons and otherworldly beings around her.
Satria smiled fondly and gently patted her head. "Ah, sorry for introducing them so late, my beautiful white kitten." He closed his eyes and softly transferred memories into her mind—a flicker of golden light swirling between them.
Koneko's golden eyes widened in awe as visions unfolded: The Bizzare Adventures her husband had survived.
When the light faded, she stared at him, her mouth slightly agape. "…Senpai… you've been busy."
Satria chuckled awkwardly. "Yeah… it's been a thing."
Koneko folded her arms, tail flicking thoughtfully. "I'll need snacks before you explain everything."
Great Red grinned at her knowingly. "Smart girl."
[Goldy: Host, I must inform you—an external presence attempted to establish telepathic communication again. I've blocked it for now, unable to confirm its intent.]
Satria's brows furrowed. "An external presence? What kind of entity are we talking about, Goldy? Hostile? Friendly? A fan?"
Koneko tilted her head, watching him closely. "Senpai? What's wrong?" she asked, noticing his thoughtful expression.
Satria turned to her, flashing a confident grin. "Something… something out there needs my awesomeness." He spoke with such dramatic pride, as if declaring an undeniable truth.
The room went quiet for a beat.
"Something needs your 'awesomeness'?" Fatalis raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a mischievous smirk. "You're hearing voices again, aren't you? …Kiyohime, did we overwork him last night?" she teased slyly, nudging her fellow wife.
Kiyohime simply shrugged, unfazed. "He did say something similar after we—well, after. Maybe it's just his usual post-'battle' nonsense."
"Maybe… maybe not." Satria wiggled his fingers mysteriously. "But let's just say—something big, something divine, is calling for my unparalleled skills and genius. And who am I to ignore destiny?"
Rimuru leaned back in her chair, folding her arms, unimpressed. "Right. So what is it this time? A pet? A world-ending monster? Another dragon wanting to marry you? Or… are you just so full of yourself that your own ego learned telepathy?"
The Saintess reached over, gently taking his hand with concern. "Master… are you sure? If you're hearing strange voices, it might not be safe."
Satria gave her a roguish wink. "Relax. This isn't madness—it's an important call. The world clearly can't spin without me. Let's see who's knocking."
He took a deep breath. "Goldy—patch them through."
[Goldy: Affirmative.]
A faint, distant voice slipped into his mind, strained but familiar.
[Shidou… Shidou, can you hear me? Please—we need to talk. Why can't I connect to you? Why… why can't I see you?]
Satria's playful grin faltered, his eyes narrowing, expression sharpening into focus.
"Alright, alright, I'm here." His tone shifted—calmer, steady. "Now, who exactly needs my awesomeness? And why me? You better have a damn good reason. Otherwise, I'm sending an invoice."
The room fell quiet again as everyone turned toward him, waiting for his next words.
Rimuru watched him carefully, her earlier teasing replaced by a flicker of concern. "Satria… who's contacting you?"
Satria didn't answer immediately. Instead, he stared into the middle distance, as if searching beyond the walls of reality.
"…That's what I'm about to find out."
The voice in Satria's mind paused, as if weighing its words. Then it spoke again—softer this time, yet powerful, laced with an ethereal echo that made his skin prickle. It wasn't just some random whisper. No… this voice carried weight. Divinity.
[I am your mother.]
Satria blinked. Slowly.
"…Okay. Quick question." He raised a finger thoughtfully, ignoring the alarmed looks around him. "Do you think Heaven's got, like, a 'Divine Scam Center'? You know—gods pretending to be people's long-lost moms to recruit fanatical cultists for their faction's power balance?"
Valiana, mid-brush stroke on her hair, froze mid-air. "I… what?"
Even Great Red, who'd long since accepted Satria's absurdity as background noise, gave him a genuine double-take. "Did you really just—?"
Crom groaned and dragged a hand down her face. "Dear… You're not seriously asking if Heaven runs a divine scam hotline."
"Do you ever stop with these stupid questions?" Valiana snapped, exasperated but fond. "You're about to go on an important mission, and this is your priority? Focus!"
"Hey, you never know!" Satria grinned. "Shady divine dealings could totally be a thing. I'm just asking the real questions here."
Great Red chuckled, crossing her arms. "Honestly? I wouldn't put it past some pantheons. Maybe there is a customer service line. Just don't expect them to answer without divine bureaucracy."
Suddenly, the voice in his head flared with outrage.
[HOW DARE YOU COMPARE YOUR MOTHER TO SUCH FILTHY MORTAL INCOMPETENCE?! A being of my stature would never stoop to your pitiful 'scam centers'!]
Satria winced at the sheer divine fury rippling through his mind—but couldn't resist grinning. "Whoa. Fiery too, huh? Never met you, lady, but I like your style. You're a solid example for your kid. Ten outta ten."
[Your 'humor' borders on insolence. Were you not my son, I'd curse you where you stand! I swear, you're nothing like him… you're practically his opposite, a bundle of reckless sunshine.]
Satria raised both hands placatingly. "Whoa, whoa—no smiting stick! I surrender! I'll behave, okay? That was just a little joke. Can we not start my divine family reunion with a lightning bolt to the face?"
From outside, Fatalis tilted her head, arms folded. "Okay, spill it. What's going on in that crazy head of yours? Did the voice chew you out or something?"
Satria gave an exaggeratedly casual shrug. "Oh, nothing serious. Just… might've accidentally offended a goddess claiming to be my mom by, y'know, comparing her to a scam call center."
"Mother?!" Koneko gasped, her eyes going wide. "Senpai… has a mother?"
Satria turned toward her with a playful grin. "Of course I do! What, did you think I popped outta a rock like some mythic character?"
Rimuru facepalmed. "You actually said that to a goddess? Wow. Either you're braver than I thought… or unbelievably stupid."
Jeanne stepped closer, hands on hips, her scolding softened by affection. "Master… must you antagonize everything? It's not good behavior."
"Danna-sama's mother… from this world?" Kiyohime's voice dropped to a chilling whisper, her pupils narrowing. "I… must speak to this woman."
A faint, menacing aura flickered around her.
"Hohohoho…" Great Red's laughter rumbled ominously as red energy crackled around her. "What a coincidence… How dare this woman abandon our little puppy all alone?"
"Right?!" Valiana's grinned darkly. "Does she even realize he can't be left alone? Don't worry, hubby—we'll handle this."
"Everyone, calm down!" Rimuru stepped forward, waving her hands. "Let's at least talk to her first before jumping to conclusions! Maybe… she had her reasons. Sure, it's wrong, but we should hear her out."
Satria quietly muted the telepathic connection, making sure his otherworldly mother couldn't hear the conversation. He turned to them with a calm smile.
"Hey… there's no need to get angry, okay?" he said gently, wrapping his arms around them in a warm hug. "I'm not holding a grudge. Even if my mother made mistakes… I should still treat her well. I'll advise her, show her what's right, help her understand. That's what my faith teaches me."
Jeanne's expression softened, a quiet smile blooming on her lips. "Those are noble words, Master. Perhaps… the Church didn't teach us everything about your faith after all."
"Alright, alright, enough with the sappy talk!" Fatalis cut in with a playful grin. "Wanna bet on who this so-called mother really is?" Her eyes gleamed mischievously. "Winner gets him… one days, no interruptions."
Great Red, Crom, Valiana, Ophis, Rimuru, Koneko, Jeanne, and Kiyohime exchanged glances. Then, as if reading each other's minds, they all nodded in silent agreement.
"One days… alone with him?" Valiana cracked her knuckles with a wicked grin. "I'm so in."
"Same here," Crom said, smirking with a confident tilt of her head.
"Date with Danna-sama… just the two of us…" Kiyohime's smile widened behind her folding fan, a soft giggle escaping. "Hehehe… I won't miss this opportunity."
'That sounds… wonderful—no, stop! You're a Saint, Jeanne! Stop thinking like that!' Jeanne scolded herself internally, hastily making the sign of the cross. 'Forgive me, O God…'
"Definitely joining," Great Red added with a toothy grin, her wings stretching proudly behind her.
"I won't lose," Koneko whispered under her breath, her amber eyes shining with fierce determination.
"Count me in!" Rimuru chimed in, crossing her arms, a playful glint in her eyes.
"..." Ophis let out a hidden smile.
Each began naming their guesses: Norse goddesses, Greek deities, Japanese kami, even figures from biblical lore.
Meanwhile, Satria wiped imaginary sweat from his brow, watching as his wives debated fiercely over which goddess was claiming to be his mother.
He cleared his throat. "Okay… let's get back to the source, shall we?" He focused inward, reopening the telepathic channel.
"Alright… let's start from the beginning." His tone grew more serious. "Who are you?"
There was a pause. Then the voice spoke, serene and powerful:
[My name is…]
To be continued…