Chapter 119: Festival Preparations
Flashback: Gazel's Visit to Tempest
One calm afternoon in Tempest, Rimuru was leisurely reviewing reports in his office when Raphael's voice broke the silence.
<
Rimuru sighed, setting the report aside. "Gazel, huh? What's with these unannounced visits lately? And Vesta too? This should be interesting." He leaned back, a faint smirk on his face. "Shion, get Benimaru and Diablo. We've got a guest to welcome."
At Tempest's main gates, Gazel Dwargo, the mighty King of Dwargon, arrived with his personal guards, their presence exuding an aura of discipline and strength. Behind Gazel stood Vesta, the former minister of Dwargon, looking both determined and slightly nervous.
Rimuru, flanked by Benimaru, Shion, and Diablo, stepped forward with his usual casual demeanor. "Gazel! To what do I owe the pleasure of this surprise visit? You could've given me a heads-up, you know. I'd have prepared something fancy for you!"
Gazel stepped forward, his expression stern but with a glint of warmth in his eyes. "Rimuru, formalities are unnecessary between us. I came to discuss important matters face-to-face. I've also brought you a gift." He motioned to Vesta, who bowed deeply.
"Lord Rimuru," Vesta began, his voice steady but tinged with humility, "I have come to offer my services to Tempest, as decreed by King Gazel. I am ready to dedicate my skills and knowledge to your cause."
Rimuru raised an eyebrow, then grinned. "Well, well, Vesta. Welcome to Tempest. I'm glad you've found your way here. Let's head inside and talk."
In the grand meeting hall, Rimuru sat across from Gazel. Vesta stood respectfully to the side, while Benimaru, Diablo, and Shion stood by Rimuru's side.
Gazel began, his voice firm, "Rimuru, I've officially banished Vesta from Dwargon, but not without purpose. His talents in magic technology are extraordinary, and I believe he will be an invaluable asset to Tempest. Consider this both an offering of goodwill and a way for Vesta to redeem himself."
Rimuru glanced at Vesta, then back at Gazel. "I see. Well, I'll make sure he gets a place where his talents can shine."
Gazel leaned forward, his gaze sharp. "That brings me to my next point. Youm, the warrior you've chosen to make the next king of Falmuth, has potential but lacks refinement. I've taken it upon myself to mentor him. He will stay with me in Dwargon for intensive training. When the time is right, he will be ready to assume the throne of Falmuth."
Rimuru smiled, leaning back in his chair. "Youm's huh, If anyone can shape him into a great king, it's you. Thanks for taking him under your wing, Gazel."
Gazel nodded. "It's not just for him—it's for the future of the region. A strong leader in Falmuth will stabilize the West."
After the meeting, Rimuru walked Gazel and his entourage to the gates.
"Rimuru," Gazel said, turning to his friend, "Tempest has become a beacon of hope for all. You've created something truly remarkable here. I'm proud to call you an ally."
Rimuru chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Coming from you, that means a lot, Gazel. Take care of Youm for me, and don't be too hard on him."
Gazel smirked. "No promises. A king's training isn't supposed to be easy."
<
Rimuru had an idea to organize a festival, the Tempest Grand Festival was designed to showcase the evolution of the nation and bring together people from all walks of life—adventurers, merchants, dignitaries, and common folk. Every corner of the city will be transformed into a lively and colorful celebration that embodied the spirit of innovation, community, and adventure that Tempest represented.
A few dsys earlier, Rimuru had gathered his closest advisors to pitch the idea.
Rimuru stood in the meeting hall, addressing everyone. "Alright, listen up, everyone. Tempest has grown a lot, and I think it's time we show the world what we're capable of! So, I'm thinking… we host a grand festival!"
Shion clapped her hands, stars in her eyes. "A festival? With food stalls, music, and fun? I'm all in!"
Ramiris, floating next to Rimuru, puffed up her chest. "And my Labyrinth will be the star of the show! It's finally done, and it's amazing! Adventurers will be blown away by its awesomeness!"
Benimaru raised an eyebrow. "A festival could be a good way to strengthen alliances and attract trade, but it'll require significant planning. Have you thought this through, Rimuru?"
Rimuru grinned. "Of course! We'll set up stalls for food and merchandise, have performances, and even organize a tournament for fighters. And the Labyrinth will serve as the ultimate attraction—a dungeon where adventurers can test their skills and earn legendary rewards."
Diablo smirked. "An excellent idea, my lord. This will cement Tempest's reputation as a prosperous and innovative nation. I will personally ensure everything runs smoothly."
Ramiris chimed in, "And don't forget the Labyrinth's challenges! Each floor has traps, monsters, and a floor guardian every 10 levels. Only the strongest adventurers will be able to reach the bottom!"
Festival Layout and Atmosphere
1. The Central Square – The Heart of the Festival:
The main square of Tempest will be the hub of activity. It will be adorned with colorful banners, intricate lanterns, and flowers native to Tempest's forests. A giant fountain with a magical display of lights at the center, mesmerizing everyone who passes by.
Musicians and performers will entertain the crowds with lively music, dance performances, and acrobatic displays. Magical light shows will fill the air with glowing images of mythical creatures and symbols of Tempest.
There will be a central announcement stage where Rimuru and the city officials would make speeches, host events, and conduct the opening ceremony for the festival.
2. Food Stalls – A Feast for All:
Stalls on the streets, each will represent a unique culture or cuisine. From Tempest's specialties like honey-grilled skewers and monster-meat pies to Dwarven ale and Ruberios delicacies, there was something for everyone.
A Japanese corner, inspired by Rimuru's memories, will offer sushi, ramen, okonomiyaki, and matcha desserts.
Adventurers and merchants will set up food competitions, with prizes awarded for the spiciest, sweetest, and most innovative dishes.
There will be even a dessert stall hosted by Shuna and Shion, where guests could try beautifully crafted sweets imbued with light healing properties.
3. Merchant District – A Shopper's Paradise:
Merchants from all over the world will set up stalls showcasing rare items, exotic goods, and magical trinkets. Items included:
Unique-grade weapons and armors.
Rare monster materials for crafting.
Spell scrolls, potions, and other adventuring essentials.
Luxurious silks and handmade jewelry.
Tempest's blacksmiths and artisans will demonstrate their skills live, to create custom gears and offer free demonstrations to inspire budding craftsmen.
Entertainment and Games:
Game stalls will be all over the streets, offering activities like ring toss, magical darts, and treasure-hunting challenges for children and adults alike for the kids.
A petting area will feature tamed monsters, allowing guests to interact with adorable creatures like Tempest Wolves' pups, baby dragonlings, and slimes.
An area will be dedicated to magic dueling simulations, where participants could test their spells in a safe environment, judged by Tempest's mages.
Tournament Arena:
A massive arena, will be constructed specifically for the festival, to host the grand tournament. Fighters from all over the world will compete for glory, prizes, and the opportunity to spar with some of Tempest's finest warriors like Benimaru, Shion, and Hakurou.
Magical screens will floate above the arena, to show close-up views of the matches.
Special matches will include a "Monster Battle Royale," where tamers showcase their monster companions' skills, and an exhibition matches.
The Labyrinth Showcase
1. The Entrance to the Labyrinth:
The Labyrinth was located just outside the city's center, surrounded by lush greenery. A grand archway made of enchanted stone marked the entrance, glowing with magical runes that detailed the rules of the dungeon.
Adventurers registered at booths near the entrance, will receive enchanted maps that tracked their progress and a revival bracelet that teleported them back to safety if they were defeated.
The registration area will also feature a leaderboard that displayed the names and progress of those attempting the dungeon, updated in real-time.
2. The Labyrinth Event:
Adventurers could enter in groups or solo, depending on their confidence and skill level. Each floor will become progressively harder, with traps, puzzles, and monsters specifically designed to challenge even the most seasoned fighters.
Every 10th floor will feature a boss battle with a unique floor guardian. These guardians and creatures who had been handpicked by Rimuru and Ramiris for their strength and skill.
Spectators could watch live feeds of the adventurers' progress on magical screens set up near the entrance, cheering them on as they tackled each challenge.
Prizes for clearing floors included unique-grade weapons, legendary armors, rare potions, and valuable materials. Those who reached the final floor would face Veldora, the Storm Dragon, himself—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any adventurer.
Fireworks Display:
Each night, the festival will end with a dazzling fireworks show. Magical fireworks crafted by Tempest's mages will paint the sky with vibrant colors and images of dragons, slimes, and other iconic symbols of the city.
2. Cultural Performances:
Groups will perform cultural dances, songs, and plays to showcase their unique talents and celebrating their diversity.
3. VIP Pavilion:
A special area will be reserved for VIP guests, including dignitaries, nobles, kings and queens. It will feature luxurious seating, gourmet food, and a perfect view of the tournament and fireworks.