"What exactly are you all doing?" Diablo's voice, laced with annoyance, immediately drew the attention of the three Primordials who were huddled around, watching Tatsuya's livestream.
"Diablo, come here for a second," Carrera called out.
"Hmm?" Diablo looked skeptical, though he followed her direction regardless.
Testarossa showed Tatsuya's livestream to Diablo. As he watched, his eyes widened in genuine disbelief.
"Who is this human?" he demanded.
"His name is Tatsuya, someone from another world," Testarossa replied calmly.
"Kukuku... from another world? So, is this what you meant regarding that 'chat group'?"
Testarossa nodded gracefully. "I don't fully understand the mechanics of it yet. All I know is that I cannot defy the will of the Moderator who controls the group."
"Kukuku... as a Primordial, aren't you ashamed to admit such incompetence?"
"Quiet!" Testarossa snapped. "I'm certain you wouldn't fare any better if you were in my position."
"Hoh? Bold words." Diablo's expression shifted, his gaze turning sharp and decidedly unfriendly.
"What? You want to go?" Testarossa's tone remained soft, but the aura erupting from her elegant frame was anything but gentle. The very fabric of space began to distort under the pressure of her radiance.
"Hahaha! If there's a fight breaking out, don't you dare leave me out!" Carrera shouted, eagerly interjecting herself between the two.
"Me too. It's been far too long since I've gone all out," Ultima added. Not wanting to be left behind, the petite demon unleashed her own crushing aura.
The Tempest executives rushed to the scene, horrified to find the four Primordial Demons at each other's throats, their clashing auras threatening to level the area.
"What do you think you are doing!?"
The authoritative voice of Rimuru cut through the tension like a blade. All four Primordials froze instantly, retracting their auras in a heartbeat.
"Rimuru-sama! I was merely attempting to discipline Testarossa, but the others decided to interfere," Diablo said, bowing deeply.
"We couldn't exactly trust Diablo, so we stepped in," Carrera explained smoothly.
Ultima nodded in agreement. "Ufufu, Diablo started it. I'd swear it to Rimuru-sama."
Rimuru let out a long sigh before looking toward Carrera and Ultima. Both girls nodded demurely, backing up Testarossa's defense.
"Diablo..."
"Ya, Rimuru-sama!"
"Don't go looking for trouble while we're busy preparing for war with the Empire, understood?" Rimuru's tone was cold, clearly annoyed with his butler.
Diablo's entire body trembled. Tears welled up in his eyes, nearly spilling over. Ignoring the demon's dramatic reaction, Rimuru turned his attention to Testarossa.
"Tell me everything."
"Of course, Rimuru-sama."
Testarossa gave a humble explanation and showed Tatsuya's livestream to her master.
"So, such a thing exists... the world truly is a vast place," Rimuru mused.
"Rimuru-sama, how should I proceed?" Testarossa asked.
"Hmm. Study the group. Let your subordinates handle your duties as a Tempest Executive for now."
"With pleasure, Rimuru-sama."
Under Rimuru's direct orders, Testarossa began to devote her full attention to the chat group.
Meanwhile, Tatsuya lay on the concrete road, his breath coming in heavy gasps.
"Tatsuya-kun, you have already surpassed me. Why do you still insist on being my student?" Kokonoe Yakumo asked, his voice filled with genuine wonder.
Tatsuya pushed himself up, answering softly, "In terms of raw power and magic, I may be stronger than you, Master. But I still lack one crucial thing."
"Control."
Tatsuya offered a bitter smile, nodding helplessly.
"It's only natural," Yakumo said, scratching his bald head. "Your power is simply too immense for a young man to shoulder alone."
"Master is right. That is why I wish to continue my training under your guidance."
"Very well," Yakumo replied with a hint of bashfulness. "I shall continue to do my best as your master."
"Thank you, Master." Tatsuya bowed politely before quietly turning off the chat group's livestream.
Sword Princess: That was an incredible fight!
Tatsuya Yotsuba: Thank you very much.
Time Eater: Ara~ ara~... with such a handsome face and those combat skills, I'm sure you're never short on beautiful women.
Tatsuya Yotsuba: That is...
White: @Tatsuya Yotsuba, honestly, I'm curious about the terrifying power residing within your body.
Tatsuya Yotsuba: Don't worry, I won't use it on my acquaintances.
Makoto: Can I ever become that strong in the future?
Tatsuya Yotsuba: Come now, you can defeat dragons with ease. You are already plenty strong.
Makoto: Is that true?
Tatsuya Yotsuba: Yes. If you don't believe me, seek out a worthy opponent in your world. I doubt many can stand against you.
Makoto: ...
At that same moment, Testarossa felt a prickle of frustration—she felt as though Tatsuya was ignoring her.
Tatsuya Yotsuba: It's time. I have to get back to work. See you all later.
Tatsuya's profile picture dimmed instantly, signaling his disconnection from the chat group server.
Ais, Kurumi, and Testarossa fell silent for a moment before resuming their conversation. Makoto remained online for a while but didn't quite have the courage to jump into a conversation between three formidable women. After all, Makoto possessed a shy streak—one that his fans often found both endearing and frustrating.
To be continued...