Chapter 95: The Mission for Veldora
Time was a fickle thing. Years had passed, the world shifting ever so slightly under my influence, and yet, the most crucial event was still yet to come. The reincarnation of Rimuru Tempest.
I had known for a long time that this moment would be important, not just for the fate of this world but for those tied to it. Chloe's vision of the future had shown me many things. Though timelines had shifted slightly—Chloe had never sealed Veldora, and Veldora had never gone on a rampage against Luminous—one thing had to remain unchanged.
Rimuru and Veldora had to meet.
And so, it was time to set that meeting into motion.
Seated on my throne, I called Veldora forth.
The chamber was bathed in a soft, bluish glow, the flickering light of enchanted torches reflecting off the smooth stone walls. I sat comfortably, a glass of wine in my hand, with Velzard, Testarossa, Ultima, and Carrera lounging around me in their usual elegant yet deadly manner.
Diablo stood nearby, a knowing smirk on his face as he observed the scene.
Then, the doors burst open, and in strode Veldora—dressed in his usual dark ensemble, his long golden hair flowing dramatically as he entered.
With his signature grin, he threw his arms behind his head. "Yo, Arion! It's about time! I was starting to think you were gonna leave me out of all the fun!"
Velzard, who had been casually leaning against my shoulder, sighed in amusement. "You're always so impatient, Veldora. Maybe if you spent less time complaining and more time reading, you wouldn't be so restless."
Veldora pouted, crossing his arms. "Tch! That's easy for you to say, Velzard! You always get to be in the middle of things, while I—"
"—While you lounge around reading manga and acting like a shut-in," Carrera cut in, smirking. "Seriously, do you even remember what a battlefield looks like?"
Ultima giggled, "He's been stuck watching us have all the action! He must be dying to let loose!"
Testarossa, ever the composed one, sipped her tea and glanced at me. "Arion, just what kind of 'mission' do you have for Veldora? You've been keeping this one close to the chest."
I chuckled, setting my glass down. "It's quite simple, really. In a few days, Veldora will enter a certain cave… and meet someone very special."
Veldora blinked. "Huh? That's it? That doesn't sound legendary at all!"
Diablo's smirk widened as he elegantly poured himself a drink. "Oh, but it is, Lord Veldora. In fact, this might just be one of the most important tasks you have ever been assigned."
Veldora raised an eyebrow. "You guys are making a big deal out of me going to a cave. Who am I even meeting?"
I leaned forward slightly, my crimson eyes gleaming. "A slime."
Silence.
Veldora stared at me, then at the others, as if waiting for the punchline.
Then, he burst out laughing. "Bwahaha! A SLIME?! You called me here for THAT?! You expect the great Veldora to make friends with some gooey little blob?! This is rich!"
Velzard sighed, shaking her head. "Honestly, Veldora…"
Ultima snickered, nudging Carrera. "I think he's underestimating this slime. Should we tell him?"
Carrera smirked. "No, no, let's watch him struggle first."
Diablo chuckled darkly, his crimson eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh, Lord Veldora, you truly have no idea what you're about to walk into."
Veldora, still grinning, waved them off. "Come on, it's just a slime! What's it gonna do, jiggle at me menacingly?"
I sighed, rubbing my temples. "Veldora. This 'slime' will one day surpass even you."
The room fell silent again.
Veldora froze mid-chuckle, his expression faltering. "...Wait. What?"
Testarossa elegantly set down her cup. "He's not joking, Veldora. This isn't just some ordinary slime. This is a being who will shake the very foundations of the world."
Veldora blinked. "T-That's… a joke, right?"
Velzard smirked. "Afraid not."
Ultima grinned. "And you're the first one who gets to meet him! Doesn't that sound exciting?"
Veldora looked at all of us, suddenly realizing that no one was laughing. His usual overconfidence wavered.
I continued, "You will befriend him. You will be his first true ally. And most importantly… you will name him."
Veldora's eyes widened. "M-ME?! Name him?!"
Diablo smirked. "Indeed. And his name will shape his very destiny."
Veldora took a step back, as if the weight of my words had finally hit him. He rubbed his temples, muttering. "A slime… who will surpass me… and I'm supposed to name him… this is a lot to take in."
Carrera snickered. "Too much for the 'Great Storm Dragon' to handle?"
Veldora straightened up, shaking off his hesitation. "Hah! As if! If this slime is really that special, then I, the mighty Veldora, shall grant him the greatest name in history!"
Velzard chuckled. "Just don't go overboard. You might give him too much power too soon."
Veldora huffed, crossing his arms. "Tch, you guys don't trust me at all!"
Ultima giggled. "We trust you. We just know you too well."
I stood up, walking over to Veldora and placing a hand on his shoulder. "Remember, this moment is important. This is the beginning of a bond that will last through time itself. No matter what happens in the future, he will be your equal, your ally, and your friend."
Veldora, for once, looked serious. Then, his grin returned, and he threw his arms wide. "Well then! If this is my grand mission, I'll make sure to do it RIGHT! The Great Veldora shall take this slime under his wing and bestow upon him a name worthy of legends!"
The room filled with laughter and amusement as Velzard, Testarossa, Ultima, Carrera, and Diablo all shared knowing looks.
As Veldora teleported away to prepare, I returned to my seat, sipping my wine.
"It begins."
In just a few days, the world would change. Rimuru Tempest would be born.
And with Veldora at his side… his journey into legend would truly begin.