At the heart of the preparations, Varvatos stood atop a floating platform, his hands moving with godlike grace as divine symbols lit up in the air.
A vast portion of land just beyond the existing noble quarter began reshaping before everyone's eyes. Stone pillars rose from the ground like trees reaching for the sky, marble structures formed in spirals and arches, and lush green terraces emerged from nothing. This new district—The Celestial Enclave—would host kings, queens, noble families, and dignitaries from around the world.
Rimuru, standing next to Varvatos and sketching blueprints in midair with magic, said,
"How about embedding magicule-crystal lanterns along the roads? Not only beautiful but they'll never go dark, even in a storm."
Varvatos chuckled, "We'll go one step further. Let's make the roads respond to footsteps—gentle glows when people walk over them. Let them feel like they're walking in a dream."
Shuna, overseeing the interior décor of the luxurious lodgings, was already gathering a team of artisans. "We'll need soft-light enchantments, silken sheets, and calming fragrances in every suite. It needs to feel like serenity itself."
Shion, meanwhile, was examining the security layout, "We can't allow even a single misstep. I'll triple-check all warding barriers."
Veldora, of course, demanded more public baths.
He declared with arms wide open,
"What's a festival without proper relaxation? I want baths fit for dragons and mortals alike!"
With a laugh, Rimuru sketched two bath designs in the air:
The Sapphire Springs – For nobles and leaders. Massive indoor-outdoor hot springs surrounded by trees enchanted with mood-lifting auras. Magical attendants, steam massages, and privacy wards made this a royal treat.
The Emberstone Bathhouse – A vast communal bath for the citizens. It had sections for families, warriors, adventurers, and even kids. The water was enchanted to cleanse fatigue and soothe battle wounds.
Varvatos summoned elementals to channel natural hot spring flows, and in a blink, both sites began taking shape, stone forming, water bubbling to life, magic wrapping the air.
Gobta, tasked with testing water temperature, dived into the Emberstone Bath.
"This is... paradise! I'm not leaving!" he shouted, only for Shion to pull him out by the ear.
Elmesia and Velzard stood near the construction platform where Varvatos and Rimuru were discussing the transport issue.
Velzard suggested,
"They need to be elegant, silent, and weatherproof. Some of these leaders hate heat... or cold... or noise."
Varvatos raised his hand, and from the ground, a fleet of floating magical carriages began assembling. They hovered just above the stone, made from dark silver and inlaid with mana-circuits glowing softly.
Elmesia added, "Let's divide them into classes. Some for general transport, some exclusively for royalty—with reclining seats, refreshments, and privacy enchantments."
The Skyveil Carriers, as they were dubbed, were completely silent, moved on air currents guided by magical runes, and climate-controlled inside. Every noble who entered one would feel like they were floating through a dream.
A massive crater opened near the city's edge—this would be the gateway to the Nyvaris Labyrinth, a 100-floor dungeon being constructed by Varvatos himself. Rimuru, eyes glowing with excitement, was outlining features in a floating map projected above them.
"We'll divide the Labyrinth into zones—Forest, Desert, Ice Caverns, Lava Caves... maybe even a temporal distortion floor," Rimuru said enthusiastically.
Velzard grinned, "I'll add a few ice dragons to the deeper floors. Let's make them earn their treasure."
Diablo, calculating quietly, spoke, "What of death? We can't allow permanent losses. What if... we grant each adventurer a resurrection bracelet?"
Rimuru nodded, "Perfect. When worn, it marks your floor. If you die, you're resurrected at the last rest point or the surface. No item loss. Keeps it fun, not fatal."
Varvatos smiled, "Done." With a flick, thousands of bracelets were formed—runed, elegant, and humming with revival magic.
Every ten floors, there would be a Rest Haven, a small village-like area within the Labyrinth with shops, healers, and teleport gates. The lower the adventurer went, the rarer the loot and the stronger the boss guarding the floor's end.
Kaijin, the proud dwarf blacksmith, arrived with his team—each already covered in soot and pride.
He bellowed, "We've got fifty legendary weapons already forged! Swords that cut mountains, spears that strike like lightning, hammers that shatter steel! But we need enchantments."
Varvatos walked through their workshop.
With a wave of his hand, enchantments swirled like auroras around the weapons.
"Now they glow with anti-curse, elemental infusion, durability beyond mortal reach," he said.
Rimuru added, "Let's include a soul-binding enchantment for the tournament champions—so the weapon only listens to its rightful winner."
Kaijin raised his mug. "To the greatest festival this world will ever see!"
All of Nyvaris was involved now. Citizens painted murals on walls. Children ran around excitedly, talking about which Demon Lords they might see. Tailors were weaving special festival robes. Chefs were preparing exotic dishes. Magic shops and inns were getting revamped.
The generals, from Benimaru to Rigur, coordinated the training of guards, the placement of anti-magic barriers, and safety drills. Shuna and Shion worked tirelessly with décor and safety design.
One evening, Rimuru stood atop a tower overlooking the city now alive with construction, magic, and hope. Veldora landed beside him.
"You did this, Rimuru," he said, arms crossed proudly.
Rimuru smiled.
"No. We did. And it's going to be incredible."
Later after all the preparations finally done....
The sun reached its peak above Nyvaris, casting radiant light across the glistening spires and the newly completed noble district. The final banner had been hung. The last gemstone inlaid in the entrance gate. The scent of polished wood, fresh linen, magical incense, and distant roasted meat filled the air.
It was ready.
Varvatos, draped in a long dark coat embroidered with cosmic sigils, stood at the highest balcony of the Spire of Stars—Nyvaris' grand central tower. Behind him stood Rimuru, Shuna, Shion, Diablo, and the rest of the key figures of the new alliance, watching silently as the man of ancient power prepared to speak not to a nation, but to a world.
With a motion as smooth as water and a voice that echoed beyond comprehension, Varvatos raised his hand.
Then he spoke one word—a word in a forgotten, primordial tongue.
Not even Rimuru or Diablo could decipher it.
A pulse rippled through the very air, silent yet thunderous, and in that moment, projections appeared across the Cardinal World.
Guy sat reclined on his marble balcony, sipping chilled wine. Misery stood behind him with a platter of fruit, and Rain, in her usual stoic silence, adjusted the crimson curtain beside him.
Suddenly, the air shimmered.
A transparent panel of light emerged, a vision forming before their eyes.
Guy raised an eyebrow, "Hoh...?"
Rain's eyes narrowed. "That's... Varvatos."
Misery whispered, "Nyvaris is showing itself...?"
Milim sat upside down on her throne, munching on a fruit while Midray explained border matters.
Then the projection appeared. She sat up immediately, blinking.
"Wait! Is this real?! Varvatos is finally inviting everyone to Nyvaris?!"
She leapt up, twirling midair, "I'm gonna be the first one there!! Midray! Get the dragon mounts! We're GOING!"
Draguel stood atop a cliff, his cape fluttering in the wind. Glassord stood beside him, his arms crossed.
A light projection shimmered in front of them.
Glassord muttered, "So... it finally begins."
Draguel smiled softly, "A festival, a Labyrinth, a tournament... Looks like we're not going to rest anytime soon."
Luminous sat on a crystal throne deep within her sanctum. Hinata stood beside her, sharpening her sword.
The holy chamber brightened unnaturally as the projection formed. A soft hush fell over the priests present.
Luminous' red eyes sharpened. "That voice... That elegance… Varvatos."
Hinata smirked, "He even mentioned a Labyrinth. Should I sign up?"
Luminous chuckled, "Why not? Let's see what this world has been hiding."
Leon was discussing trade with Claude and Elphina when the sky in the grand hall flickered, and the projection appeared.
Elphina gasped, "So it's true... The city really exists."
Claude crossed his arms. "Everyone who tried to enter was rejected."
Leon stood, golden eyes narrowed. "Not anymore. Varvatos is inviting all of us. And I'll be damned if I'm not there."
Carrion slammed his fist on the table. "A tournament?! Finally!! I've been waiting for something like this."
Phobio laughed, "Should we sign up the beastmen army too?"
Carrion grinned wide. "Everyone. Even the cubs!"
Frey fluttered down to a large stone balcony where her generals were watching the sky.
She frowned, "Varvatos... That ancient one really intends to open his gates."
A general stepped forward, "What shall we do?"
Frey turned toward her city. "We prepare. And we soar."
Clayman, who had gone quiet since his recent humbling, now watched with an unreadable expression.
"…A festival…?"
A shadow loomed behind him. It was Yamza.
"Shall we go?" Yamza asked.
Clayman tilted his head. "Yes… but this time, not to scheme. To rebuild."
Gazel stood among his generals, staring silently as the projection appeared.
His jaw clenched as he muttered, "Even the legendary city of Nyvaris bows to no one... And yet, it opens its doors."
Grin laughed nearby, "And I've already been preparing weapons for them!"
Gazel grinned. "Then I suppose we'll bring the finest dwarven crafts and show the world our worth."
In the throne hall of the Eastern Empire, the mood was serious.
Rudra narrowed his eyes as he watched the projection. "So, the man finally moves."
Velgrynd smirked, "Shall we participate in the tournament?"
Rudra chuckled, "No. We'll grace it with our presence."
Blumund, Ingrassia, Siltrosso—from capital cities to small villages, everyone saw it.
Children ran through the streets shouting, "Nyvaris! Nyvaris is real!"
Merchants gathered in taverns and plazas, excited chatter filling the air:
"Can we even get a booth there?"
"The greatest festival of our age!"
"They said transportation will be provided. How?!"
"Did you hear? A 100-floor Labyrinth!!"
Adventurers polished their gear, guilds hosted emergency meetings, kings summoned their councils.
On every screen, Varvatos stood with a calm, radiant grace.
"To all the peoples of the Cardinal World…"
His voice echoed with ethereal power.
"In one week, the city of Nyvaris will open its gates. A festival to unite every race, every kingdom, and every soul—rich or poor, young or old.
Kings and Queens, you are welcome. Demon Lords, you are invited. Fighters, a grand tournament awaits you. Merchants, a market beyond imagination. Adventurers, a Labyrinth of 100 floors filled with treasures, mystery, and glory. No soul shall be turned away."
He paused, eyes scanning beyond the veil of space and time.
"Transportation will be provided for those in the farthest corners. Every realm is invited. Come, and witness what unity, magic, and purpose can build. Come to Nyvaris."
Silence followed.
Then—
A ROAR of excitement broke across the world.
And in the depths of Nyvaris, Rimuru turned to Varvatos and whispered,
"…You just changed the world."
Varvatos smiled faintly.
"No, Rimuru. We just opened it."