The Beta Floor 101 arcade-dungeon hybrid was already descending into glorious, glittering chaos. Holographic gacha machines spun with satisfying ka-chunk sounds, Rail-X miniatures raced overhead like excited fireworks, and Ramiris zipped between them like a pink pinball on a sugar rush. She had just pulled her fifth "ultra-rare" skill card—this one granting a temporary fairy-wing cosmetic—and was holding it up like a trophy.
"Master Veldora! Look, look! Your infinite energy made the machine give me wings on wings! You're the best Master ever! Come out of your room and let your loyal fairy disciple worship you properly!" Ramiris yelled at the ceiling, wings buzzing so hard they left glitter trails spelling "MASTER DRAGON 4EVA."
From the tenth-floor sanctum, Veldora's voice echoed through the shared mental link—deep, scholarly, and laced with the faintest hint of otaku panic. "Hah! The tiny queen has declared me 'Master' after a single energy infusion. Probability of her turning this into a full-blown cult within the hour: 92.4%. Takumi, prepare the emergency 'Do Not Disturb' force field upgrade. I am in the middle of critical research—analyzing the probability that the next volume of Slime Hero Chronicles will feature proper power scaling."
Takumi's voice cut in, warm and programmer-casual. "On it, Dragon Bro—er, Master Dragon Bro now, apparently. Back when I was alive, seventy-two hours straight coding that isekai VRMMO, zero sleep, pounding energy drinks while the hero did his final form reveal… I stood up screaming 'THAT'S THE GOOD STUFF!' and my heart decided retirement was mandatory. Karoshi with extra otaku flavor. Now I'm a Manas making infinite worlds, and our fairy queen is speed-running a dragon worship arc. Peak comedy."
Rimuru floated nearby, tiny arms crossed, trying and failing to look like the responsible ruler. "Ramiris… you've called him 'Master' six times in the last minute. He's not coming out. He's in full shut-in mode."
Ramiris spun mid-air and landed on Rimuru's head like it was a throne. "But Master Veldora supplied me with infinite destruction-and-creation energy! The Great Ramiris must show proper respect! Master, if you visit even for five minutes I'll make a special floor called 'Veldora's Ultimate Otaku Paradise'—infinite ramen, manga walls, and no one allowed to interrupt your binge sessions except me with snacks!"
Shion, cradling Oni-giri the First (now sporting a tiny "Master Fan Club" sash), clapped enthusiastically. "Lady Ramiris speaks wisdom! Oni-giri, prepare a 'Master Veldora Tribute Onigiri'—extra dragon-scale seasoning!"
Oni-giri bobbed with weary dignity. "As you wish, Mistress. Though I suspect the seasoning will mostly be 'second-hand embarrassment.'"
Benimaru leaned against a glowing pillar, facepalming so hard the sound echoed like a drum. "We went from prototype testing to fairy cult in under an hour. My report is just going to be the word 'help' repeated in increasingly large font."
Milim, perched on a mecha pod and munching unlimited cotton candy, pumped her fist. "I like it! Master Veldora sounds cool! But if he doesn't come out I'll sulk and blow up one room—artistically!"
Diablo, standing a perfect three meters away in flawless butler posture, adjusted his gloves with elegant precision. His crimson eyes gleamed with quiet calculation. "Lady Ramiris, while your enthusiasm is… illuminating, might I suggest we channel this energy toward a more productive endeavor? Lord Rimuru's nation grows stronger by the day, yet true security demands depth in our ranks."
The group quieted slightly as Diablo turned to Rimuru with a deep, formal bow. "My lord, with your permission, I wish to travel to the Underworld. The infinite energy Lord Veldora so generously supplies has awakened new possibilities within me. I shall recruit powerful demons—those with unyielding loyalty and ancient strength—to serve as your devoted subordinates. Not mere soldiers, but family bound by true devotion, much like myself."
Rimuru's slime form stilled, the weight of the request sinking in. Post-festival peace was beautiful, but the world beyond Tempest's borders never stayed quiet for long. The brotherly link with Veldora pulsed warmly in his core, a constant reminder that they weren't facing it alone.
"Diablo… you sure? The Underworld isn't exactly a vacation spot."
Diablo's smile was small, sharp, and utterly sincere. "It is my honor and duty, my lord. Your vision created this nation of monsters living in peace. I will ensure it remains unshakeable. With the new skills gifted by Master Veldora—" he paused, glancing upward with polite amusement "—I can open a stable gate, carry an orb of infinite creation energy as a recruitment gift, and return with worthy allies who will call you lord with the same loyalty I do."
From the sanctum, Veldora's tone shifted to wise elder mode, though the faint sound of a manga page turning betrayed his shut-in nature. "A most enlightened decision, little brother. As the supplier of infinite pure destruction and creation, I approve. Probability of Diablo returning with at least three ancient demons who owe you eternal fealty: 89.7%. Takumi, prepare the gift package."
Takumi chimed in eagerly. "Already cooking, Dragon Bro. Using Skill Creation and Gifting—here we go."
A golden thread of energy snaked down from the ceiling, coiling around Diablo's hand. It condensed into a small, glowing orb pulsing with raw creative and destructive potential, plus a brand-new sub-skill set.
New Skill Acquired: [Diablo's Underworld Covenant – Lord of Loyal Shadows]Sub-skills via Veldora's Infinite Supply:
Gate of Eternal Loyalty (stable portal to any Underworld layer) Demon Recruitment Beacon (attracts only those whose hearts seek true service) Energy Resonance Duplication (can duplicate minor skills for new recruits on the spot)
Diablo examined the orb with genuine reverence, then tucked it into his coat like a precious pocket watch. "Master Veldora and his Manas companion are most generous. I shall return before tea time tomorrow—failure is not an option when serving the greatest slime in existence."
Ramiris zipped over and hugged Diablo's leg (the closest she could reach). "Master Veldora's power is going to the Underworld?! Take me! I'll be your official fairy quest announcer! 'Diablo the Elegant Demon Hunter—now with 100% more Master-approved energy!'"
Diablo gently booped her away with a polite energy barrier. "I am honored, Lady Ramiris, but the Underworld requires… subtlety. Your enthusiasm might cause the entire realm to file noise complaints."
"BOO! You're no fun, fancy butler!" Ramiris puffed her cheeks, then immediately brightened. "Fine! But when you get back, you have to call Master Veldora 'Master' too! It's tradition now!"
Veldora's laugh boomed, wise yet utterly gremlin. "Hah! The fairy has claimed another disciple. I remain here, supplying the nation from my Fortress of Solitude while perfecting the ultimate binge strategy. But know this, Diablo—return swiftly. Your lord needs his strongest shadows close at hand. Takumi and I shall monitor the gate from afar… after the next episode, of course."
"Takumi that. Adding live feed access. Try not to recruit any demons who hate anime—they won't survive the welcome party."
Rimuru floated closer to Diablo, placing a tiny slime hand on the demon's shoulder. The moment felt deeper than the comedy swirling around them—loyalty, brotherhood, the quiet understanding that Tempest's family was expanding not through conquest, but through genuine bonds. "Be careful. And thank you. For everything."
Diablo bowed lower than usual, voice soft with rare sincerity. "It is my life's purpose, my lord. You gave a demon like me a home worth protecting."
The send-off at the Dungeon entrance was pure Tempest chaos. Shion shoved a bento of "Underworld Survival Onigiri" into Diablo's hands (Oni-giri had added a tiny note: "Try not to eat the demons"). Milim demanded a souvenir "cool demon sword or else I'll sulk." Benimaru muttered about updating border security protocols while secretly slipping Diablo a spare flame cloak "just in case."
Ramiris hovered overhead, striking poses. "Master Veldora! Your disciple is watching! Bring back strong demons who will also call you Master! Pretty please with infinite energy on top!"
Veldora's final transmission was warm, rumbling, and perfectly balanced between wisdom and otaku flair. "Go forth, Diablo. The infinite supply flows with you. And Ramiris—cease your flattery or I shall gift you a 'No Hyper Screaming' debuff. …Kidding. Mostly."
Takumi snickered. "He's blushing in the sanctum. I can tell. Safe travels, Butler Bro. Make those demons sign the 'Serve Rimuru or Get Otaku'd' contract."
With a graceful swirl of crimson energy, Diablo opened the gate. It shimmered like polished obsidian, the orb of infinite energy glowing at its heart. He stepped through without hesitation, posture impeccable even as the portal swallowed him.
Back on the floor, Ramiris immediately resumed her campaign. "Master Veldora! The gate closed! Come celebrate with us! I'll make the ramen fountain dragon-shaped just for you!"
Rimuru chuckled, the brotherly warmth from Veldora's link stronger than ever. The nation's supply line—creation, destruction, loyalty, laughter—kept flowing. Tempest was growing, one hilarious, heartfelt step at a time.
And somewhere in the depths, Veldora leaned back on his manga throne, a small proud smile on his face. "Well played, Takumi. Our little brother's family expands. Now… where were we? Episode 47 awaits."
The winds over Tempest carried new anticipation—and the distant, excited buzzing of one very determined fairy queen already planning the "Welcome New Demons" gacha event.