The Holy Kingdom of Ruberius
The Sacred Mountain
"Luminous-sama, a report just came in from our spies. A small kingdom, one of the members of the Western Nations Council down south, has been completely wiped out, flattened to the earth. Not a single living thing or trace remains. Should we send our secret forces to look into it further? I'll get them ready right away," a lean, older man asked his superior.
"No need, Gunther," Luminous replied, calm and unbothered. She went on, "I'll simply ask Hinata to go."
"You mean that fortunate human woman who managed to capture your attention? I strongly suggest you don't become too obsessed with that human, Luminous-sama," Gunther said dismissively.
"Silence! Gunther, don't you dare insult Hinata in front of me!" Luminous shot back, clearly annoyed.
Gunther sighed. "I'll summon Hinata immediately."
Watching Gunther leave, Luminous closed her eyes and mumbled, "Who could have done...?"
In a particular chamber on the Sacred Mountain
"Louis... Luminous-sama is calling for Hinata Sakaguchi. Please fetch her," Gunther instructed.
"Understood, Gunther. Anything else?" Louis responded calmly.
"That's all," Gunther replied.
"Very well."
A short while later, in the Holy Palace
"Alright, I get it. I'll go see Luminous-sama immediately." A woman said nonchalantly. "What exactly does Luminous-sama want with me?" she muttered to herself.
This was a woman with short black hair and violet eyes. She had pushed her bangs up over her right eye and tucked the left fringe behind her ear. Her eyes looked cold and shrewd. Still, at the moment, she appeared confused. Although her armor looked rather masculine, it did nothing to hide her striking beauty.
Lost in thought with every step, she barely noticed that she had already reached the peak of the Sacred Mountain.
There, she spotted a thin, old man with a monocle waiting for her. The old man was Gunther.
"You're here, Hinata. Luminous-sama is waiting for you in her room, don't keep her waiting!" Gunther said calmly, then suddenly vanished.
Hinata sighed before heading toward Luminous's quarters.
After walking for a bit, Hinata arrived at Luminous's room.
"Luminous-sama, I'm here. May I come in?" Hinata asked, knocking on the door.
"Ah, Hinata. Please do."
"Excuse me."
Hinata opened the door and stepped inside. Luminous was sitting on a lavish sofa, gracefully sipping wine.
"I've been waiting for you, Hinata. Come sit next to me."
"Thank you."
After sitting down, Hinata politely asked.
"Do you have a task for me, Luminous-sama?"
Sipping her wine serenely, Luminous spoke:
"Have you heard the news, Hinata?"
"You mean, the destruction of one of the council kingdoms?" Hinata asked, clenching her fists for confirmation.
Luminous set her wine glass down on the table and stood up. She walked slowly behind Hinata and wrapped her arms around her from the back. Luminous leaned in close and whispered a sentence into Hinata's ear that made her shudder.
"What if I told you this was the doing of a being on my own level. What then?"
Hearing that genuinely shocked Hinata.
"Is that surprising, Hinata? This world isn't as simple as you think. Are you angry that you couldn't save them?"
"Is it cruel? Unfair? Well, the strong are justice itself. So, keep getting stronger so you can enforce your own justice, Hinata."
Hearing those words left Hinata speechless. She clenched her hands in raw frustration.
Luminous released her and sat back down beside Hinata, taking another sip of wine.
"No need to be so angry, Hinata. This isn't your fault. You've executed every task I've given you perfectly. But this was truly unexpected. I don't know who did it, but to be capable of something like this while knowing they'd become a target for the other Demon Lords, I have to give them credit. Still, to obliterate an entire kingdom within my domain—how dare they."
Hinata remained in thought for a long moment before speaking:
"Please allow me to go and investigate, Luminous-sama." Hinata said, her gaze firm and determined as she met Luminous's heterochromatic eyes.
Looking into Hinata's determined gaze, Luminous let out a soft sigh.
"You never change, do you, Hinata? I give you permission. However, you are not allowed to fight beyond your means. If you find yourself in a dire situation, pray to me. I will come."
"Understood, Luminous-sama. In that case, I'll take my leave." Hinata said.
Before Hinata could stand, Luminous pulled her into a tight hug.
"W-wha... L-Luminous-sama?" Hinata stammered.
With a face flushed with desire and passion, Luminous whispered in her ear:
"It's already late. You can go tomorrow. Tonight, you're sleeping with me."
Staring into Luminous's intense, heterochromatic eyes, Hinata gave in.
"Alright."
—
Ice Continent
Frost Palace
"That is the report, My Lord," said Rain, the blue-haired Demoness. Beside her was Misery, the green-haired Demoness.
Cupping his chin, Guy Crimson said casually, "Hmm... Is that so? Interesting. Did the spies you sent manage to find anything?"
Rain replied:
"Our spies found nothing, but a few of them were killed after clashing with humans. According to the report, they were from Ruberius."
"So Luminous is curious too, huh. Tell them to pull back." Guy Crimson ordered.
"Understood, My Lord. Then we'll take our leave."
Watching the two depart, Guy Crimson looked out into the distance.
"I feel like this game of chess is about to get much more interesting. A new piece has appeared on the board. I don't know who it is—will they join the monster side? Or the human side? I'm quite intrigued. Or will they step right off the board entirely?... Hahahaha, fascinating. Wouldn't you agree, Rudra?!"
—
The Nasca Namrium Ulmeria United Eastern Empire
"Hahaha... Guy must be thrilled that he's gained another True Demon Lord on his side. Don't you think so, Gryun?" A Man said.
He had medium-length golden hair and bright blue eyes, with a face that looked like a blend of Russian and Japanese features. He wore expensive clothes made of silk interwoven with thick gold thread. His face looked weary and pale, as if he were fighting an internal battle. His name was Rudra Nam Ul Nasca, the eternal Emperor since the Eastern Empire's founding.
Standing beside him was a beautiful woman with long, straight, sky-blue hair styled in double buns with ribbons, the rest flowing down her back. She had golden eyes. She wore a dark cheongsam with a gold dragon motif, long white gloves, and knee-high white boots, both trimmed with gold ornamentation. She was one of the True Dragons, Velgrynd.
Responding to Rudra's question, she said:
"Why are you laughing, Rudra? Isn't this a disadvantage for us?" Velgrynd asked gently.
"It's not that, but what can we do? We don't have any information on who that person actually is, right?" Rudra said.
"Yes... but—"
Before Velgrynd could continue, Rudra cut her off:
"Rather than discussing something we know absolutely nothing about. Tell me, how are our plans proceeding? Does Damrada have any new information, or have any of the plans gone awry?"
"The plan is going smoothly so far, but he met someone interesting and is now collaborating with him," Velgrynd replied.
"Is that so," Rudra murmured with relief, then continued, "I want to rest for a bit. Would you mind leaving me alone, Gryun?" Rudra asked weakly.
With a look of held-back sorrow, Velgrynd said softly:
"I understand."
"What's with that look, Gryun? I'm fine, I just need a short rest," Rudra said with a worried tone.
Velgrynd met Rudra's eyes for a moment, then walked away.
Watching his partner leave, Rudra let out a soft sigh, then clutched his chest as if in pain.
"I wonder how much longer I can hold on. Listen, Guy, my friend. I have a feeling this might be the last time I'll be playing this game with you. I can't control it anymore."
—
We flew for several hours. Although I could have arrived much quicker, I chose not to. I simply wanted to enjoy the time I had on the journey, reflecting on everything I had been through.
How long have I lived in this world? Fifty years? Two hundred? I don't know; time seems to fly by so fast. Memories of my past lives and this new one flashed through my mind like an old movie reel. Perhaps I felt relief, a certain calm finally settling in.
While True Demon Lord sounds like the pinnacle of this world's power, I couldn't be careless. In the next stage, only the truly strong would survive. I wasn't sure if I was powerful enough for the events to come. I had to prepare well.
"Listen, Argenta, control your emotions. Don't let yourself be easily provoked by anything that destabilizes you. You may feel incredibly strong, but to me, you are as weak as an insect I could step on arbitrarily by the roadside."
Seeing Argenta bow her head after hearing my command made me sigh.
"I'm not belittling you, but you are the second being I have acknowledged and given a name. I hope to continue relying on you in the future. I've learned that relying on lifeless dolls that only obey commands sometimes doesn't align with what's on my mind. I've learned that mistake."
Staring into Argenta's eyes as she looked up at me, I continued:
"It might sound like nonsense to a Demon like you. Yes, perhaps I don't deserve to say this—I, who used dirty tricks to force others into submission. But please rely on me, please trust me. I do this only to survive in this world."
"I am counting on you, Argenta," I said with sincerity and a faint smile.
—
"I am counting on you, Argenta." Hearing those words stunned her for a moment, and then a small seed of thought grew deep in her mind.
My Lord is counting on me? Even though I once insulted him? Ah... what is this? Why is my heart beating faster? Is this what it feels like to be acknowledged? All this time, I was a low-ranking demon who lived only to fight and fight. It's strange. I should hate him for forcing me into submission. But why? So that's how it is; this is a form of your great-heartedness towards someone you acknowledge.
"My Lord... no, Lucien-sama, from the deepest part of my soul, I, Argenta, swear to serve you for the rest of my life. My soul, body, and mind are yours. I will destroy anyone who obstructs Lucien-sama's path to the summit of this world, even if my soul must perish. So please, use me as you wish."
Hearing Argenta's words stunned me for a moment before I offered a slight smile. Not bad.
"Thank you, Argenta," I said calmly.
"No... no, Lucien-sama, I don't deserve your thanks... I should be the one apologizing for insulting you. Killing me wouldn't be enough to repay that insult. B-but you didn't. Instead, you bestowed a name upon this lowly being and acknowledged me. I am so grateful, Lucien-sama," Argenta said, tears welling up in her eyes.
Seeing her like this made me feel relieved. Conquering someone with blind trust sometimes yields decent results. Hey, Rimuru, your method isn't bad. We could be good friends, you know.
"Argenta, we're almost there. Get ready."
"Yes, Lucien-sama."
In the distance, the vast ocean stretched out with the roar of waves. Upon arriving at the headquarters location, I was stunned, then confused.
"No, this is strange. It should be here." I used Universal Detect but only found faint traces of magicules in the air, as if they were just natural magicules.
Hearing Argus's voice in my mind made me laugh.
"Hahaha, no need, Argus...."
So that's it. You've developed, Umbra. With a joyful expression, I said to Argenta beside me:
"Argenta, welcome home."
Hearing this made Argenta confused, and she said:
"But, Lucien-sama. There is nothing here."
"Hahaha, you think so? This is the work of your senior, or rather, the first being I named. What do you think?" I said proudly.
"I still don't understand what you mean, Lucien-sama," Argenta asked, bewildered.
"Alright, alright, wait a moment. Extend your hand," I requested.
Argenta extended her hand, and I gently took it.
Closing my eyes, I commanded Argus in my mind:
"Argus, analyze the magical resonance I'm providing, then trace it. We'll use teleportation to go straight inside."
Teleportation
Upon opening my eyes, a brightly lit space with towering pillars greeted me. I paused, then calmly released Argenta's hand.
"We've arrived, Argenta. Welcome home."
Argenta opened her eyes and looked around with vigilance.
"No need to be so cautious, Argenta." I said casually, then walked toward the throne. After sitting down, I looked around and sighed softly. You've worked very hard, Umbra.
Suddenly, the room's doors opened from outside, and an unexpected man walked in. Is that...? Why is he here? I smiled faintly, casually propping my cheek with my right hand.
Argenta immediately adopted a fighting stance, as if facing a formidable enemy.
The man entered the room, his gaze sweeping over Argenta before settling on me, who was seated on the throne. He drew his sword, took a fighting position, and said:
"Who are you two?! And how did you—?!"
Before he could finish his sentence, Argenta suddenly attacked with her claws, but he parried it with his sword.
Argenta's lightning-fast movements were met with an even quicker reaction. A loud clang of metal filled the room as they clashed, sparks flying in the dim light. The man, who had seemed to be merely defending, now displayed terrifying skill. His wrist rotated elegantly yet powerfully, deflecting Argenta's strikes with minimal effort.
"Not bad," he hissed, a faint sneer etched on his lips as he leaped back from Argenta's next assault. He wasn't just surviving; he was analyzing every attack.
Argenta charged again, swinging her claws in a seamless combo, like flowing water. However, the man was like a solid rock. His sword danced in a flawless defensive pattern, blocking, parrying, and deflecting every attack with mathematical precision. No wasted movement, no lost energy.
"Remarkable. The gap in their magic power is considerable, yet this man is able to keep up and even corner Argenta," I said with admiration.
"Argus, conduct a thorough analysis, then use Factual Distortion to integrate every detail of his fighting with my combat abilities."
The man's speed was unexpected. When Argenta attempted a feint maneuver to the left, the man's sword was already there, forcing Argenta to jump away. Then, instead of defending, he launched a flash counterattack.
His sword transformed from a shield to a spear, thrusting straight toward Argenta's chest. Argenta had only a split second to lean back. The blade's tip was a hair's breadth from her clothes, leaving a deadly, cold sensation in the air.
The man spun, using the momentum from the missed thrust to launch a low slash toward Argenta's legs. This was a cunning technique, forcing Argenta to jump high. As Argenta was airborne, the man leaped forward, twisting his body, and swung his sword in a wide arc meant to cleave Argenta's body in two before she could land.
It was then, seeing the seriousness and the superiority of the man's swordsmanship, that I decided it was time to act.
"That's enough, neither of you is allowed to move," I commanded sternly.
I used Law Erosion to nullify the Law of their movement.
"What is this? Why can't I move? Who are you?!" the man said, turning his head toward me.
I looked into his eyes, then laughed softly and said, "Haha, that should be my question. Who are you? What are you doing in my home?!"
Hearing that, the man's pupils constricted. He stammered:
"Y—you? A-are you?" His body trembling, the man asked.
"Yes. Long time no see, Ogre Leader." I said with a faint smile and deactivated Law Erosion so they could both move.
"Forgive me, Lucien-sama, I have lost this fight and stained the greatness of your name," Argenta said with her head bowed.
"Now you understand what I mean, don't you, Argenta? This world isn't as simple as you think," I said gently.
"Argenta has learned," she said, then bowed gracefully.
Feeling ignored, the man—or the Ogre Leader—spoke;
"Forgive my impudence for interrupting your time together, but I wish to confirm something. Are you the Lord that Umbra-dono always speaks of?"
"Yeah," I replied indifferently.
Thud
Suddenly, the man dropped to one knee and said respectfully, "Welcome, Master. My apologies for not recognizing you."
"It's no problem. It's not your fault, as this is the first time you've met me in person," I said casually. "Speaking of which, why are you here? Weren't you a leader in your village? Will they be alright without you?" I asked curiously.
My question made him pause for a moment before he answered, "I have handed over my leadership to my friend, Master. Perhaps their lives are better now without me. I wasn't a good leader." He stopped briefly, then continued, "I came here because I heard the story from Umbra-dono about your great ambition for this world, Master. I was moved by the purity and sincerity of your goals," he stated firmly.
Before I could respond, the ogre leader suddenly prostrated himself and cried out, "Please, accept me as your subordinate, Master! I beg you... Let me be your sword and shield. I swear on my very soul that I will vanquish all enemies who block the path to your ambition, I beg you!"
Seeing him like this startled me for a moment. Umbra, what exactly did you tell this person? I thought to myself.
"Fine, I accept your request. I appreciate your sincerity. But are you willing to let me brand your soul with my skill? I won't force you."
The man hastily replied, "With pleasure, do as you wish."
Abyssal Dominion
"Okay, it's done," I said easily, then continued, "What is your name?"
The ogre man quickly answered, "I don't have a name, Ma—"
"Alright, alright, stop. Don't call me Master; my name is Lucien. You can call me that," I interrupted him.
"L—Lucien-sama..."
"I do not have a name, Lucien-sama," the man replied.
"You are strong. You have enormous potential. Continue to grow strong! And become a reliable sword and shield for me. That is my order! Remember! My command is absolute," I stated firmly.
"From today, your name is Kouga."
A surge of magical energy left my body. However, the feeling lasted only for an instant. The amount of Magic stored within me was far greater. The drained energy felt like only a drop of water from the vast lake I possessed. The slight sensation of emptiness was more like a tiny little fart than actual exhaustion. I didn't even need to take a deep breath.
"Alright, Kouga" I said, now using his new name. I could feel a spike of energy in the Ogre, or what could now be called a Kijin or more higher. The act of being named by a powerful being would instigate evolution and increase their power—as the lore of this world suggested it should. The feeling of watching the projection of my magical energy pour into his body made me slightly awestruck.
The evolution process didn't take long. Kouga soon completed his transformation.
"Okay, Kouga. Stand up," I commanded calmly.
Kouga stood. When he was still an ogre, he was 2.5 meters tall with a rugged, dark gray body with black hair. Now, he was about 2 meters tall, his face looked more human, but two prominent horns jutted out from his forehead. His horns weren't black or white like in the original story, but red. Perhaps it was a mutation due to me.
Just looking at him would make people think this was a person not to be trifled with. Not bad.
"You've evolved, Kouga. How do you feel?" I asked casually.
"I feel Lucien-sama's power overflowing within me. I am stronger?" He paused, then dropped to one knee and continued, "Thank you for the grace you have bestowed, Lucien-sama"
I gave a faint smile. "Work well"