I am Rimuru Tempest (Another Version)

Rimuru nodded, taking her soft hand once again. In an instant, they teleported, reappearing before a massive gate. The Hell Gate was a simple gray set of doors with countless intricate engravings on it. Raphael had made a copy of the engravings for future research. However, for now, she couldn't even understand what they meant.

[Notice. The engravings on this door are significantly different from those on the previous door.] Raphael announced. However, to Rimuru, they looked the same. 

[There is a high likelihood that the doors are engraved with coordinates that allow for interdimensional travel.]

[Request. Analyze other Hell Gates and their destinations in order to better understand the language of runes used.]

'Huh. Sounds good. Next time I visit, I'll make sure to check it out.'

Stepping forward, Testarossa's hand softly touched the door, causing the engravings to glow before the door opened. A large, overgrown forest appeared on the other side of it. As the two of them stepped through, Rimuru saw the broken remains of the kingdom.

The sun was gently illuminating the area through the trees, and there was a gentle breeze causing all of the vegetation to sway lightly.

As Rimuru looked around, he saw nothing but pure vegetation. The area had been completely overtaken by plants. Broken buildings were covered in vines, and small animals scurried from place to place. 

In the distance, there was a collapsed castle with small trees growing through it.

And though everything appeared broken, it also felt calm. Nature had simply retaken over the land.

"After I killed everyone, the Empire deemed this area forbidden. They were worried that if people continued to live here, I would return…" Testarossa explained, her usual confident smile vanishing into a neutral expression as she looked at the castle.

"Follow me." She asked, stepping through the vegetation with ease and moving closer to a massive tree. 

The closer they got to the tree, the more flowers they began to see. All of them with beautiful pure white petals. Once they reached the tree, Rimuru could feel the strong magicule presence in the area.

[Notice. A large number of magical seals and protective measures are located in the area.] Raphael informed him, but he could already feel the faint weakening of the magic as Testarossa walked forward, deactivating the protective barriers she had placed long ago.

With the sounds of birds chirping in the distance, Testarossa finally reached the base of the tree before letting out a sigh.

"This is it…" Testarossa whispered, her voice softer now. "This is Blanche."

Rimuru stood next to her, placing a hand on her shoulder to reassure her as he looked down.

"You took good care of her." Rimuru said softly. "I have no doubt she appreciated it." 

Testarossa closed her eyes for a moment, nodding slowly. She knelt by the tree, her fingers brushing over one of the flowers.

 "Hm… It is strange. I haven't been here in so long, but everything still feels so familiar." She muttered, her voice laced with nostalgia. She gently caressed the petals of a flower. "So this is the Human tradition…"

Rimuru nodded, kneeling beside her. 

"It's a way of remembering. A way of staying connected, even after someone is gone."

For a brief moment, Testarossa was silent, lost in thought as the soft breeze rustled the leaves overhead. Then, unexpectedly, she let out a soft chuckle, a small, genuine smile returning to her face.

"Somehow, even though I haven't asked any questions, I feel like I understand you better, Lord Rimuru." Her crimson eyes met his, and their faint glow had returned, more alive than ever. 

"Hmm.… Sometimes, that's just how it works. I can't even explain it myself." Rimuru answered with a chuckle.

Testarossa nodded slowly, her gaze shifting back to the tree. 

"I think... Blanche would have liked you." She whispered, shaking her head lightly. "Thank you, Lord Rimuru, for fulfilling my request."

"No, this was nice." Rimuru answered, looking at the massive tree in front of him. "Though, since I didn't answer many of your questions today. I'll have to make up for it next time."

"Next time?" Testarossa asked with a chuckle. 

— –Diablo– —

Torture. 

It was nothing but pure, unbridled torture.

Every second he spent away from his Lord, he was missing out. Whether it was the simple pleasures such as serving him a cup of tea, hearing his chuckle as he messed around the Labyrinth, or the way Rimuru rolled his eyes whenever he praised him.

Truly, he had to finish his responsibilities in Jistav so that he could return. He couldn't allow himself to get distracted and visit Jaune before asking his Lord for permission. The only comfort he had was the fact that Testarossa was in the same position as him. Both were away, and both would have to wait before returning to Tempest.

Though… Falmuth had been almost completely conquered before Walpurgis… so she might actually beat him to the punch.

No. He could not let such thoughts cloud his focus. Diablo forced himself to focus on the people surrounding him, the ones he was meant to guide.

"Lord Diablo… everything is moving along smoothly." Darcia, a beautiful Dark Elf who had been appointed as the voice of the Dark Elves, spoke up. She had the charisma to command the people below her, and when she spoke, the people listened. 

"It's all thanks to Lady Shuna's words…" Darcia continued, pressing her hand to her heart. "I am truly thankful for the opportunity she has given us. I look forward to the next time she visits our country to give another speech. It's only thanks to her that we have found hope again."

Diablo listened, amused by the awe Shuna inspired. 

In order for progress to happen, a kingdom needed morale and hope. Those two things would feed their determination, and the determination would fuel their work. 

Shuna had spent the first few weeks giving out speeches and rallying the people behind her, and they all now proudly waved the Tempest banner in their hearts. After she had earned the hearts of the people, she organized Diablo and her representatives before returning.

"Ah… Lady Shuna…. The Priestess sent by our God, Rimuru, to save us." Adalmann whispered, holding his hands in a praying motion. "Lord Diablo, when may we go on our pilgrimage to Tempest? I cannot rest easily until then."

Diablo smiled as he heard Adalmann speak. He was one of the few people Diablo actually had taken a liking to, though that was mainly due to his devotion. Originally, he had believed Shuna was a Goddess in disguise. One far too kind and humble to reveal the truth.

But Diablo had corrected him swiftly, sharing the truth, or rather, his truth.

Lord Rimuru, the one true God and existence, had seen his suffering. He had been there when Rimuru had asked Shuna to rescue him and recruit him, and he had seen firsthand how he had trained Shuna in the ways of breaking curses.

The way Diablo saw it, Rimuru was an all-knowing being. One that had seen all of existence all at once and had become something that shouldn't exist. If Rimuru didn't know something, that was simply because it was so insignificant in the grand scale of the universe that his eyes had simply ignored it.

After all, why should a being of his level be concerned with such minor details? Or maybe it would simply be because he had not yet completed his transformation into such a being. 

He had seen it firsthand, how he carefully manipulated his very being into something that shouldn't be. Yet, even in this grand transformation, Diablo knew his Lord was still in a metaphorical egg, waiting to hatch. And when that moment came, Diablo would be forever lost in the bliss of serving a being that defied all comprehension.

This was why he had to return to Rimuru as soon as possible. Missing the moment when his Lord reached his true potential was not an option. Diablo would destroy his own existence if it meant witnessing Rimuru's full ascension.

"Soon, Adalmann. Tempest is still in the process of building Lord Rimuru's church. But once it's complete, I will personally come to invite you and your knight to visit." Diablo promised with a smile, his voice calm but filled with certainty.

His gaze then shifted to Pirone, the bird Majin who had been a source of frustration for him in the past. When she first learned of Clayman's fate, her reaction had been emotional, chaotic. Diablo had briefly considered ending her life. Disobedience was intolerable, but Mjurran's intervention had calmed Pirone enough to spare her.

Still, Diablo had implanted a seed of his Tempter skill within her heart. It was a silent, invisible safeguard. If Pirone ever dared to betray Rimuru, the seed would bloom and kill her without hesitation.

Diablo had no time for traitors.

"I have finished surveying the land, and I have completed the report." She said with a military salute, looking somewhat nervous as she saw Diablo's frown. "I— I made— made sure that... Umm… I made sure to mark out all of the land that fit your requirements." She finally managed to say after avoiding Diablo's judging eyes.

Diablo took the report from her hands and glanced at it briefly before giving a slow nod.

"I see… I will pass this on down the chain, and they should send you a final layout for the future construction, Darcia." Diablo said as he laid the papers down, finally letting out a massive grin.

"From now on, Darcia and Tempest's main representative, Dawg, will be in charge of overseeing progress. My duties here are complete, so I will return to Tempest. However, I shall return in a month to ensure everything proceeds as planned."

Dawg, the towering Dire Kobold who had been entrusted with representing Tempest, bowed deeply.

"I once again thank you for choosing me, Lord Diablo."

Nodding, Diablo stood up, preparing to leave.

"Thank you for everything, Lord Diablo." Darcia said with a bow. And giving the group one final nod, he teleported away. 

With one last approving nod to the group, Diablo allowed himself a moment of satisfaction before vanishing in a swirl of shadows, teleporting away, eager to return to Rimuru's side. 

Appearing in the Chancellor's building, he felt a sense of danger unlike any before, and as he rushed through the halls, he heard his Lord's laugh coming through his office. Knocking on the door, he entered once given permission, yet deep down, he wished he hadn't.

"Diablo, welcome back!' Rimuru said with a smile as he drank some tea. "Testarossa was telling me about some of her stories from before. I had no idea you were so close to Guy." 

Diablo's eyes shifted to Testarossa, who maintained her usual poised smile as she gracefully stepped forward, picking up the teapot and pouring more tea for Rimuru right in front of him. The sight sparked a flicker of annoyance deep within Diablo, though he maintained his composed demeanor.

"My Lord…" Diablo muttered, his voice calm but edged with a subtle challenge as he gave Testarossa a sharp look. His usual smile graced his face, though his gaze held a momentary glare. "I have completed everything precisely as you requested. The walls and defenses in the territory bordering the Eastern Empire are currently under construction. Additionally, all renovations are progressing smoothly. I am confident Darcia and Dawg will perform their duties admirably."

"Great job, Diablo. I will head over to Jistav soon to check the progress. Just like I told Testarossa, if you want anything as a reward, just ask." Rimuru offered, taking another sip of the tea.

"A reward… there is no need, Lord Rimuru. All I ask is that you allow me to stay close to you and continue to see your growth." Diablo said with a smile.

Hearing the answer, Rimuru sighed.

"Not this again… well… Diablo, as much as I appreciate it. I am serious. If you ever want anything, just ask."

"I understand, Lord Rimuru." Diablo answered with his usual smile before making his way behind Rimuru next to Testarossa. "Though, truly, this is all I need."

— –Hinata– —

Walking through the well-built roads Tempest had built, which connected it to the rest of the world, Hinata couldn't help but be impressed. These roads rivaled, if not surpassed, the very best of what the Holy Empire of Ruberios had ever produced under Pope Louis' strict command. The roads built for the Holy Knights to rush into action could hardly compare to these.

'How is this even a Monster nation?' She wondered as she moved through the carefully maintained path. Even with the high traffic from all of the different races, it had been built so well that it barely showed signs of damage.

She had passed by countless guards, all kindly guiding and giving directions to anyone who needed them. 

Their level of organization, discipline, and cooperation, things that were so difficult for Humans unless in times of war, was present here in full force. And while she wouldn't admit it aloud, it impressed her. It also disturbed her.

Hinata had met more than her fair share of Monsters in the past, enough to know they weren't supposed to operate with this level of order and precision. Yet here, in Tempest, everything contradicted her expectations. It didn't sit right. Despite the deep-seated mistrust she harbored, she had to give them credit where it was due.

'It's just as Shizue said…'

Despite the strict closure of the roads to human travelers due to some ongoing event, her connection to Shizue had earned her special permission to pass through. Still, as she continued, a long exhale escaped her lips.

At first, she had wondered what kind of event would require the roads to be closed, but as she walked now, she couldn't help but sigh once again.

"Isn't this a bit much…" She muttered as she looked around her at the countless Monsters marching in the same direction. 

'Maybe I should have accepted Shizue's offer of being teleported directly to Tempest.' She mused to herself before shaking her head. 'No… this is for the best.'

Teleporting would have made things easier, but it wouldn't have given her the full scope of what Tempest had become. She needed to see it, experience it for herself. As much as she loathed the thought, her mission here was to observe and analyze Tempest in its entirety. Luminous was trusting her to make the right call, leaving the future of their plans in her hands. Hinata wouldn't let that trust go to waste.

'Luminous was also acting differently… Leaving the choice up to me…'

Next to her was a group of Naga, all royalty or high ranking, judging by the golden scales in their tails. The Naga by themselves were monsters that could be Ranked C or higher, with the royals reaching the Rank of A or even Special A thanks to their overpowering control over earth and water, which mostly made up their territory.

"Do you think we will be able to migrate to Jistav now that it is Tempest's territory, my Queen?" One of the Nagas asked with excitement to the biggest Naga. "Our ancestors used to live there, didn't they?"

"Perhaps…" She mused. "It has been many generations. Clayman's interference all but erased much of what was once ours. But should there still be survivors, we will reunite. The tides of fate, it seems, are turning in our favor."

Turning around, Hinata spotted a few carriages being led by Kobolds. While they had originally been a race of traders, they had recently experienced a massive boom in power. Not physical power but economic and trading power. 

The "king" of Monster Merchants, Hermes, was the main representative when it came to the majority of all trades coming from Tempest. Rumors said that he had helped out Rimuru before his Empire had sprouted, and Rimuru had repaid the favor.

'Even if the West sees Tempest as a threat, they can't bring themselves to not trade with them.' Hinata mused to herself. The produce and materials Tempest exported caught the attention of Luminous herself.

"Need a ride, Miss?" A voice called out from one of the caravans. He had a friendly smile as his tail wagged behind him gently. Beside him, a giant Cyclops perked up, turning to look at the caravan with some curiosity.

"Ah, sorry, friend. These carriages are built for smaller folk like myself. But don't worry, there are rest stops up ahead with all the food and shelter you could need, free of charge, of course. As long as you are on your way to plead your loyalty to Lord Rimuru." The Kobold added with an awkward chuckle.

The Cyclops grunted, clearly accustomed to such restrictions, and plodded off down the road, his massive feet sending small tremors through the ground.

'Even the Cyclops won't start a fight…' Hinata thought as she saw the usually hotheaded race simply grumble to himself as he walked away.

Hinata's eyes shifted upwards as she looked at the stone Gargoyle riding on top of the caravan with a raised eyebrow, causing the Kobold to let out a chuckle.

"Ah, don't mind Pebblesworth." The Kobold said, shaking his head. "He's our lookout. Keeps an eye on things while we're on the move. Ain't that right, Pebs?"

The Gargoyle remained motionless as if unaware of the conversation happening around him.

"Yup, not much of a talker." The Kobold added with a playful grin. "But he's a good sort, reliable. Just don't ask him to sing. His voice sounds like a gravel pit."

Hinata nodded briefly, accepting the lighthearted remark without much more than a subtle acknowledgment. Stepping onto the caravan, she spotted a group of Elves, Satyrs, and Rabbitfolk. All relaxing in the comfortable seats.

The Satyrs looked at Hinata with curious eyes, though their gaze lingered a moment too long as they began to stare at her body, causing her to glare at them. Feeling the danger, the Satyrs simply began to pretend to cluelessly whistle as they shifted uncomfortably in their seats and shuffled further down the bench, avoiding her.

Taking a seat closest to the exit and next to a Rabbitfolk, Hinata turned around. Trollkin, Trolls, and an array of other Monsters continued their march beside the caravan, some being picked up by other carriages along the way. It was a surreal sight. These were beings that, in her world, were more often seen as enemies to be vanquished. 

'Anywhere else, I would have killed them on sight.' 

"A human?" A small voice piped up, drawing her attention. One of the Rabbitfolk, a girl with large, curious eyes, was staring at her, ears twitching with intrigue. "Are you also swearing your loyalty to Lord Rimuru?"

"No." Hinata answered coldly.

The girl's ears twitched nervously at Hinata's blunt response. Her previous excitement quickly dampened. 

"Umm… ok…" She stammered, clearly unsure how to proceed. After a beat of awkward silence, she gathered her courage again. "Well… since we're gonna be in the same carriage for a while, we should know each other. I'm Framea." She offered, her voice soft but persistent, trying to maintain some semblance of friendliness despite Hinata's demeanor. "What's your name?"

Hinata glanced at the Rabbitfolk girl, her expression softening slightly. The girl's innocence and genuine curiosity weren't something she could fault. She hesitated for a moment before replying, her tone less frosty this time.

"Hinata." She said, her eyes meeting Frammea's briefly before shifting back to the window. She didn't offer any further explanation, nor did she expect to. 

"Um... Nice to meet you… I guess." Framea muttered before shifting awkwardly away from Hinata.

— — —

Special Thanks to my Beta Readers/Editors: The one, the only, the amazing @Basilisk, and @Kiyan Tribe (FF.net/AO3/QQ/WN) | kiyan_tribe( Discord)

Go Check out Basilisk's great story "I'm a Daemon, so what?" 

https://discord.gg/WTgN9J3YgK