A grand circular chamber adorned with golden inlays and starlit murals was quiet—too quiet. A massive obsidian table stood at the center, surrounded by ornate high-backed chairs, each engraved with runes that shimmered faintly in rhythm with their occupant's aura. The council chamber of Varvatos, a place reserved for matters of the highest importance.
One by one, powerful beings entered the chamber. Rimuru, dressed in a modern yet elegant version of his slime-themed royal garb, was among the first. Beside him, Diablo appeared in a burst of purple smoke, bowing slightly as he took his seat with that ever-knowing smirk.
Shion and Shuna arrived together, the former straight-backed and alert, the latter calm and curious. Souei appeared silently, a shadow at the corner until he materialized next to Ranga and Rigur, who both bowed in respect before sitting down. Hakuro walked in last among the generals, eyes closed, serene but focused.
Then came the more divine presences. Veldora, swirling with unchecked energy, barely containing his excitement at being summoned. And finally, the regal duo: Velzard and Elmesia, both dressed in garments that glowed subtly with divine embroidery, their steps elegant, their auras majestic.
As they all took their places, the doors opened one final time—and Varvatos entered.
He did not wear his godly regalia. No blinding aura. No celestial crown. He wore a simple, well-tailored dark coat over a white high-collared shirt. Still, the room stilled the moment he stepped in.
He walked to the head of the table and stood—not sat—hands resting gently on the polished stone. His eyes scanned the room, warm but serious.
Varvatos: "Thank you all for coming on short notice."
Everyone nodded. Diablo folded his hands. Shion straightened in her seat. Rimuru, noticing the gravity in Varvatos' voice, narrowed his eyes slightly, listening.
Varvatos: "I've called all of you here to get your opinion on a matter that may define the future of Nyvaris."
Everyone sat a bit straighter now.
Varvatos: "At the beginning of the festival, King Gazel approached me. He told me that many leaders from other countries have been requesting an audience… with me."
A pause. Ranga tilted his head. Rigurd blinked. Velzard and Elmesia exchanged a subtle glance.
Varvatos (softly): "As you all know, that means only one thing. They want an alliance."
Another pause. Now everyone was paying full attention. Even Diablo's usual smirk faded, replaced by quiet thought.
Varvatos: "I'm not one for politics. You know that. But if I accept their requests, Nyvaris won't just be an isolated utopia anymore. It will become a central power, a trade hub, a political entity."
He exhaled, eyes settling on each of them in turn.
Varvatos: "That means more trade… more influence… but also more problems. Spies. Diplomacy games. Ambassadors who wear smiles but carry daggers."
The room went silent.
Varvatos: "Which brings us to why we're here. Nyvaris does not belong to me alone. It belongs to all of us. I may be the Supreme One, yes… and I could snap my fingers and make every issue vanish."
He lifted his fingers slightly, gesturing casually to make the point.
Varvatos (with a small smile): "But if we keep solving everything with divine power… won't your lives eventually become boring?"
That drew a light chuckle from Rimuru and Shuna. Even Veldora nodded, amused.
Varvatos: "So, I ask you this—not as your god, not as your ruler—but as your comrade. Take your time. Think it through. Think about what Nyvaris becoming the center of the world would mean… and tonight, we'll gather again. Each of you will tell me your decision… and also, how you plan on handling it."
He nodded to everyone, signaling the end of the meeting.
The room was heavy with thought as everyone slowly rose. Diablo gave Rimuru a sidelong glance, whispering:
Diablo: "Quite the fork in the road. I wonder what you'll choose."
Rimuru (grinning slightly): "Heh… we'll see."
The group exited one by one. Shuna walked quietly with Shion, both already deep in discussion. Souei vanished in a flicker of shadow. Veldora was still muttering something about "becoming the ambassador of fun."
When the doors closed, Velzard and Elmesia remained behind, standing near the window with soft light bathing their regal forms.
Velzard stepped forward, arms crossed, her lips tugging into a sly smirk.
Velzard: "So, darling… you already know what they'll say, don't you?"
Elmesia laughed softly, brushing her long hair behind one ear.
Elmesia: "You do see the past, present, and future. There's no hiding it, is there?"
Varvatos chuckled, walking over to pour himself a glass of fruit wine. He sipped, eyes gleaming with distant starlight.
Varvatos: "Of course I know. But knowing isn't the point."
He turned, facing them, now more relaxed.
Varvatos: "The point… is watching them grow. Choosing not because I demand it—but because they believe in it. That's what makes it meaningful."
Velzard's eyes softened just a touch.
Velzard: "You've become quite the sentimental god."
Varvatos (smiling): "I've had good teachers."
He looked out the window, watching the people of Nyvaris laugh, dance, and celebrate without a care in the world. A world he could destroy or protect with a mere thought… but one he chose, instead, to share.
Varvatos (softly): "Tonight, we'll decide the shape of tomorrow."
The heavy doors of the chamber eased shut with a quiet thud, muffling the fading echoes of Varvatos' voice. His words lingered in the minds of all present, threading themselves into the quiet thoughts of his closest companions as they each stepped out into the golden afternoon of Nyvaris.
The city was alive with music and color.
Dancers twirled in the main square, cloaks and silks catching the light of the setting sun.
Musicians played vibrant tunes with lutes and enchanted flutes, while children chased floating illusion-bubbles that burst into miniature fireworks. The air was rich with the scent of roasted meats, sweetened fruits, and herbal tea. Business was booming, laughter was everywhere, and the joy of the Festival of Unity reached every corner of the capital.
But despite the smiles on their faces, Rimuru, Diablo, Veldora, Shion, Shuna, Rigur, Ranga, Souei, Hakuro, and even Velzard and Elmesia each wore a shadow of thought behind their eyes.
Varvatos had asked something deeper than a political question—he had asked them all to consider the future of Nyvaris itself.
Rimuru strolled through a peaceful garden path behind the city's central square, hands tucked into his cloak sleeves. He passed citizens lounging by the fountains, vendors enthusiastically serving guests from foreign lands, and young knights helping children onto golem rides.
His heart swelled with pride.
Rimuru (thinking): This city... it's a miracle. Built from nothing but dreams and resolve.
He sat briefly on a bench beneath a cherrywood tree, watching petals drift down as a group of musicians rehearsed.
Opening Nyvaris means opportunity. Trade, knowledge, culture. But it also means… danger. Manipulators, arrogant nobles, corrupt deals. I've seen the types who smile while they poison your tea.
Yet he smiled gently.
But Varvatos trusts us. And I trust him. We'll guide Nyvaris, together.
Diablo leaned against a dark column in the upper levels of the Grand Theater, his crimson eyes scanning the crowd below. Nobles from distant lands were enjoying a magical light show; a few whispered already about wanting to invest or gain influence in the city.
Diablo (thinking): Their intentions reek of sweetened venom. Typical.
He narrowed his gaze on a certain ambassador who had sent a lavish gift this morning.
They'll come thinking Nyvaris is a jewel to be taken. But they'll learn it's a fortress in disguise.
He chuckled softly to himself, shadows curling around his form like a loyal pet.
Let the politicians play. I'll make sure none play dirty.
Veldora was surrounded by a mob of fans, children and adults alike, laughing and posing as he exaggeratedly retold his "Legend of the Eight-Headed Wyvern." He loved it, yet his mind occasionally drifted.
Veldora (thinking): Politics are worse than dragons. But… if keeping this joy means sitting through dull council meetings... then so be it.
He took a deep breath, then struck a dramatic pose for the crowd.
"And that's when I unleashed my Final Storm—boom!"
(Cheers erupt around him.)
For Nyvaris… yeah, I can do it.
Shion walked alongside Shuna down a lantern-lit market lane. Shuna carried freshly purchased fabric while Shion sampled spiced skewers from a food stall.
Shion (mouth full): "I'd rather crush schemers than negotiate with them."
Shuna (smiling): "But keeping peace sometimes means talking before swinging swords."
Shion: "Hmph. I'll let you talk then. I'll be the sword behind your words."
Shuna giggled, but her eyes softened as she looked around.
Shuna: "This place… It's home. I won't let it fall to greed."
Souei moved silently among rooftops, watching a parade in the distance while Hakuro trained young guards in the open courtyard below. Ranga stood in a shaded alley letting children climb on his back. Rigur spoke with visiting merchants, exchanging ideas with practiced diplomacy.
Souei (thinking): We'll need eyes everywhere. Intelligence must expand.
Hakuro (to himself): "Discipline must rise with prosperity. The blade must be sharper."
Rigur (aloud, cheerful): "Nyvaris is the heart of a new age. We'll build it with strength and trust."
Ranga (wagging his tail): If enemies come, I'll protect everyone. I promise.
In a private lounge adorned with silk banners and floating lights, Velzard poured tea as Elmesia stretched lazily, watching the stars through an open skylight.
Elmesia (smirking): "You think they'll all agree?"
Velzard (coolly): "They already have. Their hearts just need to catch up with their minds."
Elmesia: "Varvatos saw this future long ago, didn't he?"
Velzard (smiling softly): "He always does. That's why we love him."
The sun dipped below the mountain's edge, casting golden hues over the rooftops of Nyvaris. The music softened, replaced by soft bells and glowing orbs that lit up the evening. Festival-goers moved toward the grand amphitheater for the nightly performance.
But for those who stood by Varvatos' side… the true performance would begin shortly.
They would return to the council chamber under moonlight—each bearing not only an answer, but a vision.