The sun rose over Nyvaris with a golden hue as the fifth day of the Grand Festival began. The streets of the city were already bustling with life. Merchants were setting up their stalls with renewed vigor, colorful banners flapped in the wind, and the scent of fresh pastries, grilled meats, and exotic spices filled the air. Children darted between vendors, laughing and tugging on their parents' hands, eager to get to the main plaza where today's highlight event—the Hand-to-Hand Combat Tournament—was about to begin.
Rimuru Tempest, walking beside Shizu, smiled as he saw the joy radiating from the people. Shizu, dressed in a comfortable pale-blue kimono tailored just for her, had a soft look in her eyes as she took in the scenery.
"This place... it's like a dream," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Rimuru chuckled. "I'm glad you're enjoying it. Come on, I want to show you something."
He led her to a bustling square where performers juggled flaming torches, acrobats flipped through the air, and illusionists amazed onlookers with magical tricks. Shizu's eyes lit up with every new sight, her lips curled in awe. At one point, a young girl handed her a flower crown and shyly whispered, "You're so pretty, lady."
Shizu knelt down, placing the crown gently on her head. "Thank you. You're very sweet," she said, the girl's smile growing brighter.
Elsewhere in Nyvaris...
Benimaru, Shion, Diablo, and Veldora were thoroughly enjoying themselves. Benimaru tried his hand at a sparring booth where challengers could face off against magical dummies. He ended up drawing a large crowd after decimating the enchanted targets with flawless moves.
Shion, meanwhile, got dragged into a food-eating contest. With plates piling up before her, she declared with confidence, "I shall not lose to mortals in a contest of appetite!"
The result? She won... and scared a few competitors away in the process.
Diablo wandered the artisan sector, collecting rare tomes and enchanted scrolls from distant lands. He even got into a deep conversation with a Nyvaris blacksmith about magical forging techniques. "The flow of magic through the steel must be seamless," Diablo explained, impressing the smith who immediately requested collaboration with other craftsmen.
Veldora, disguised in a hoodie and wearing fake glasses, enjoyed his newfound fame anonymously, playing games with kids and even judging a street performance. "Ten out of ten! That backflip was superb!" he exclaimed.
Merchant Rush
Meanwhile, Nyvaris' merchant district was overflowing with visitors. Traders from across the continent were lining up to purchase enchanted items, locally crafted weapons, and specialized armors. Nyvaris blacksmiths worked nonstop, and orders from across the world were piling up.
One merchant whispered to another, "I don't know what miracle Lord Varvatos did, but everything here is flying off the shelves. This city is legendary."
Leon Cromwell's Dilemma
Far from the festivities, Leon sat in a lavish room provided to him, staring out the window. His mind echoed with Varvatos' words: "The person you're looking for... will find you."
He tapped his fingers on the desk. "Chloe... if that truly was her, what should I do when she finds me?"
He stood up, walking slowly to the balcony, where he looked over Nyvaris with a solemn expression. "This city... it might change everything."
In the Royal Bathhouse...
Luminous Valentine lounged in the luxurious marble baths with Hinata nearby, the warm steam curling around them. Luminous smirked as she leaned closer to Hinata.
"You know, you should let yourself relax more. I can tell you're tense."
Hinata rolled her eyes but didn't move away. "I'm always alert. Especially around you."
Luminous feigned offense. "Oh please, you wound me. Do I not deserve some trust after all this time?"
"You're a vampire. Of course not," Hinata replied, though a faint smile betrayed her amusement.
Luminous flicked water at her and leaned back. "Still, you came to Nyvaris. You must enjoy it."
Hinata closed her eyes. "...I do."
In the great arena at the city's heart, thousands of spectators filled the stands. Magical projection orbs displayed the matches across the city. The announcer, a flamboyant elf with a booming voice, stood at the center.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to Day 5 of the Festival and the Grand Hand-to-Hand Tournament! Fighters from all nations, all races, all styles... will clash with fists, technique, and pure will!"
The crowd roared in excitement.
The fights began, and they did not disappoint. A beastman warrior from Eurazania went up against a martial artist from the Eastern Empire, their strikes echoing through the arena. A fairy knight clashed with a half-orc berserker in a graceful yet brutal dance. The crowd cheered, some placing bets, others holding their breath in awe.
"Did you see that spinning kick?!"
"I knew he'd win! I just made thirty gold!"
"We have to buy more souvenirs before the day ends!"
Children watched with sparkling eyes, some shouting, "I want to be like him when I grow up!" while others tugged their parents' sleeves saying, "Can we stay here forever? Please?"
The entire city buzzed with excitement and warmth.
Back with Rimuru and Shizu
As the tournament continued, Rimuru guided Shizu to a quiet garden in the royal palace. A soft breeze rustled the flowers.
"How are you feeling now?" he asked.
She looked at him, then at her hands. "Strange... but calm. Like I finally found some peace."
Rimuru nodded. "You deserve that peace. And there's more we'll do. Those children… we'll help them. Together."
Shizu smiled, her eyes glistening. "You really are amazing, Rimuru."
He grinned, scratching his cheek. "Heh, I try."
The evening drew near, and the city lights began to glow like stars. Music filled the air again as firework preparations began. Day five would soon end, but the joy it brought would remain in everyone's hearts.
Within the splendid palace adorned with arcane runes and celestial motifs, Varvatos was seated comfortably on a plush couch. Across from him, the ever-stoic Velzard leaned lazily on one arm of a chaise lounge, sipping from a crystal goblet. Elmesia, dressed elegantly but casually, was lounging beside them, laughing softly at a story Varvatos had just finished.
They were relaxed—friends in a moment of calm amidst the storm of festivities.
A knock sounded.
Knock. Knock.
A guard entered, bowing his head.
Guard: "My Lord Varvatos… Lady Velgrynd and Emperor Rudra have arrived and request an audience."
Varvatos raised a brow. He had expected them.
Varvatos: "Let them in."
Moments later, the chamber doors parted with a soft groan, and Velgrynd entered in her dignified stride, clad in a royal red gown that shimmered like dragonfire. Beside her was Emperor Rudra, composed but clearly carrying the weight of something deep and unresolved.
Velzard rose slowly to greet her sister. The two true dragons exchanged a respectful nod—no embrace, but deep acknowledgment. Their aura alone would've shaken the spirits of lesser beings.
Velzard: "Sister. How are you enjoying the festival."
Velgrynd: "Im having fun velzard, i don't remember the last time i had so much fun. But we needed to speak with the Supreme One."
Rudra, surprisingly, stepped forward before Velgrynd. Without hesitation, he knelt before Varvatos.
Elmesia's eyes widened. Velzard tilted her head, studying him. The Emperor of the East kneeling?
Rudra: "Varvatos… I have tried. Over and over again. I've repented for my mistakes. Changed my ways. But still… my Ultimate Skill has not returned. I've failed. I came to beg for guidance."
Varvatos looked down at him, his expression unreadable.
Varvatos: "Stand up, Rudra."
Rudra hesitated for a moment, then stood. Velzard narrowed her eyes slightly, glancing toward Varvatos with a glint of curiosity.
Varvatos: "The skill system of this world… has changed. I changed it."
Everyone in the room stilled.
Varvatos (calmly): "It was unstable—easily manipulated and dangerously open to exploitation by beings from beyond this world. To protect existence itself, I rewrote the foundation. The way beings ascend, the way skills evolve, all of it. That is why your prayers and actions went unanswered. You were seeking power under an outdated law."
Velgrynd stepped forward, her voice reverent—and to everyone's shock, she knelt as well.
Elmesia gasped, hand covering her lips. Even Velzard sat up straighter, eyes narrowing in surprise. Her sister, the most prideful and fiery of the True Dragons, kneeling?
Velgrynd: "I have never bowed to anyone. But I am not here as a True Dragon… I'm here as Rudra's partner. I beg you, Varvatos. Help him."
Silence hung heavy. The Supreme One glanced between Velgrynd and Rudra, then at Velzard and Elmesia. Neither spoke, but their expressions told him everything. The room was brimming with emotion—and hope.
Varvatos finally stood, walking forward.
Varvatos: "Very well."
He placed a hand gently atop Rudra's head. A glowing sigil formed beneath their feet, pure white and gold, ancient and divine.
Varvatos: "Let this be your second beginning. One that must not be squandered."
Suddenly—
The Voice of the World echoed inside Rudra's soul:
"Rudra Nam Uzi Nasca has been granted by the Supreme One the Ultimate Skill: Themis, Lord of Order."
A brilliant surge of divine energy coursed through Rudra's body. He collapsed to his knees—not out of weakness, but overwhelmed by the purity and magnitude of the gift. This was beyond Michael. It was not just dominion—it was harmony incarnate. Order. Law. Cosmic balance.
Velgrynd stared at him, eyes trembling with disbelief and awe. Velzard rose to her feet in silent respect. Elmesia whispered under her breath:
Elmesia: "That… that's not a skill. That's a divine mandate."
The power reverberated for only a moment—then vanished as Varvatos' barrier settled once more, containing all traces of energy from leaking beyond the room.
Rudra slowly stood, eyes glowing softly, his posture regal again, but more… at peace.
He knelt one last time.
Rudra: "Thank you… Supreme One. I swear… I will use it as it was meant to be used."
Varvatos looked him in the eye.
Varvatos: "I forged that Ultimate Skill just for you, Rudra. Remember this: it's not just power—it's judgment. You will not get another chance."
Velgrynd rose and stood beside Rudra once more, gently placing her hand in his.
For the first time in centuries, Rudra's heart felt whole.