Third Person POV

Diablo teleported to the wasteland outside of Lubelius and a familiar blue-haired maid was waiting for him. It was Raine, and several Holy Knights laid by her feet.

"Long time no see, Noir. I was getting impatient since you've taken your time getting here." Raine said with a serene smile

"I could feel such a fierce killing intent, it's just that I couldn't withdraw myself for a few minutes until now. By the way, please call me Diablo, Blue Primordial- excuse me, you've already gotten the name Raine." Diablo remarked with slight sarcasm

Raine smiled in satisfaction, "Indeed, the strongest of us Primordials, Red Primordial, the great Guy-sama has given me the name, unlike the name given to you by some cheap shot Demon Lord of unknown origin."

"Huh? Do you have a death wish? Actually, you are asking to disappear from this world, no? Kufufufu, allow me to grant you your wish." Diablo smiled eerily as his narrowed pupils locked in on Raine as his target

"Let's go then, Diablo! Ah, how exciting. Ever since I learned that you fought against the White Primordial on the Eastern continent, I wanted to duel you."

Diablo frowned, "How boring. If you think you are qualified to fight against me, you are sorely mistaken."

"Let's confirm that after our battle!"

Thus, the battle between the two Primordials began. Raine fired magic missiles at Diablo from her fist, the missiles bent the world's rules and turned them into the nuclear magic <Nuclear Cannon>. This was all done without chanting. Diablo, on the other hand, had already expected this and was calmly dispelling those strike easily with layers of magic barriers along with counterattack techniques applied. This was a battle between high level Demons and no time was wasted on chanting. And yet, the victor was already decided in a few minutes.

"U-Unbelievable! D-Did you manage to draw that while fighting with me?" Raine gasped in disbelief

"Indeed, Raine. Fighting you is like doing paperwork, a fight in which I could see the outcome is so boring, that it's not even entertaining as a game." Diablo scoffed as multiple layers of magic circles formed by glowing mantras surrounding Raine

"T-This is multi-stage <Disintegration>...! B-But that spell is a hard counter to Demons and is extremely dangerous. You could end up dying using it, why would you use that?!"

Diablo glared coldly at Raine, "How boring. If your faith in your master is strong enough, you can even control spiritrons. It's common sense."

"Are you out of your mind?! What kind of common sense is that...?!"

"Doesn't matter. It's time to send you on your way. I shall let you suffer the most painful death for foolishly daring to insult my beautiful master, Rimuru-sama. Reflect well on your crime now."

Seven beams of light viciously fired down on Raine with even one beam had a force capable of defying any means of countering. The multi-stage <Disintegration> broke through Raine's defenses and the last beam pierced through her chest.

"Kufufufu, how weak. Fighting you felt more boring than Testarossa before she evolved." Diablo chuckled

"Te-Testarossa?"

"That's none of your business. Compared to that, why have you come here? Tell me the reason." Diablo asked arrogantly

"Do you honestly think I'd...?!"

Diablo sighed under his breath. While he does want to return to fight the fully evolved Insectar, Razul, Rimuru had already left Vill-V to assist Shion and he does not doubt in hers or Shion's abilities. After all, one was a Flame-chaser and the other was capable of turning things in her favor if her will was strong enough. Diablo also thought that Rimuru was simply letting Shion gain experience in fighting an opponent stronger than her, although that had been a big misunderstanding. In fact, Rimuru simply found him being troubled and wanted him to clear those troubles in his mind, it was that simple. But for a battle maniac like Diablo, he simply dived into a realm of misunderstandings.

"I was planning to kill you, but I guess not."

Raine grunted as her wound continued to bleed out, "What are you saying...? Was that a threat-"

Diablo promptly cuts her off, "No, it's enough. You don't have to act anymore, just come out."

Raine did not understand Diablo's words at first but once she realized what he was talking about, her confused expression turned into agitation.

"Noir... You... You only managed to evolve to Demon Peer recently..."

Diablo huffed, "You are as much of a blockhead as always. Strength is not a matter of magicule content alone, it's about your techniques. Just as my senior once said, 'A difference in magicule content does not equate to a difference in strength.'"

"How dare you say something so arrogant..."

Raine's body slowly disappeared and turned into ashes before a beam of light pierced through the sky. The light slowly faded and two figures emerged. They were Guy and Raine.

"Hey, long time no see, Noir." Guy greeted Diablo with a grin

"Hm, Rouge, no, you are now Guy Crimson. So you were here." Diablo noted

"You've realized from the start that it was just Raine's <Mist>, haven't you? If that was the case, why did you still make use of such a powerful spell?" Guy questioned

Diablo frowned in disgust, "Wouldn't it be impossible to beat us Primordial Demons with just <Disintegration>? A trick like that couldn't even be called a trump card."

"Oh? You sure talk big. Even I wouldn't be unfazed by it if shot directly." Guy grinned in amusement

"If I took a direct hit, I would disappear too. That said, I'd first need to be hit directly."

Guy laughed in satisfaction at Diablo's response while Diablo kept his own guard up during this conversation, meanwhile, Raine was treated like air.

"Oh, by the way, why did you wait until now to evolve? Aren't you different from those three and didn't want to draw anyone back?" Guy asked

"Mm, while those three might seem to be dragging each other back, the truth is that it was their way of entertaining themselves. But it is true I had nothing to do with them. Guy, I wanted to ask you something too. Do you think that there could be people than us in this world?" Diablo asked with a mysterious grin

"Probably not. If I had to give an answer, probably True Dragons, but they are more like natural phenomena." Guy shrugged as he answered Diablo

Diablo had expected this answer, "Kufufufu, it seems like we are still very naive in that thinking."

"Hm? You seem to know something." Guy grinned in anticipation, "Then tell me, Diablo, is there really someone other than the True Dragons that can be stronger than us?"

Diablo had no intention of revealing the full details to Guy, but as a devoted believer of 'Rimurunism', he was tempted to speak and praise his one and only Mistress highly, though he would probably be badly scolded by the time Rimuru heard about it.

"I suppose... There are existences that can rival us, but they simply chose to not show up."

"Is that so? And why not?" Guy questioned

"Because they are satisfied with what they have now. And among them, there are those capable of bending worldly laws. Their species is the first of this world, so I reckon that you never heard of them before. They are very secretive, after all." Diablo smirked during this explanation

"Bending worldly laws? That's something we can achieve with skills too, no? I don't see how they can be strong." Guy hummed in thought

"Because they don't rely on skills. It is an innate ability they are born with. Free manipulation of natural elements and even the unnatural ones. Anything goes with this species. They can do whatever they want as long as it is within their capabilities. Now give this species a skill... and their power becomes immeasurable depending on the kind of skill they receive."

There was a slight lip twitch on Guy's face before he spoke again, "... So you know who they are, and you tell me so much about them, but you are refusing to elaborate on who they are."

"I am certain that you have figured it out by now, Guy. Well, let's leave this topic aside and get down to business, shall we?"

Guy groaned at Diablo's behavior but it was expected of this demon at the same time since he had always been a nutjob, as Guy himself puts it.

"Fine. Then let's talk about you. Did your views about the world change because of that slime..." Guy trails off after seeing the dissatisfied look on Diablo's face, "I mean, Rimuru? That's the reason you evolved, right?"

"Rimuru-sama's growth so far has been most astonishing. What she has achieved was truly worth the name evolution. She's also incredibly adorable and dare I say, absolutely beautiful, with a soul filled with noble spirit, moreover-"

Guy quickly cuts him off, "Are you gonna go on with this for awhile?"

Diablo gives him a look that tells him the answer right away and he groans again.

"Let's stop with Rimuru for awhile and talk about yourself."

"Tsk, can't be helped then. Let me cut to the chase. The companions of Rimuru-sama have also been progressing at an extraordinary pace, and I, too, was inspired by such an atmosphere." Diablo explained

"Oh, how surprising..." Guy mumbled, slightly exhausted from Diablo's antics

"Yes, if I live too casually, I may eventually get left behind. There is no reason for me to limit my growth living in that kind of environment."

Guy nodded in understanding after hearing this, "Rimuru seemed to have dominated the Western Nations. But unfortunately, my subordinates should be wreaking havoc over there."

To Guy, it was just a prank for the humans but since Rimuru wanted to have friendly relations with the humans, it was a severe situation for her. Creating trouble for Diablo was a fool's errand, so he decided to target Rimuru to catch Diablo in the fallout. So as he recalled that his subordinates were rampaging in the Western Nations, Guy decided to exploit the situation. However, Diablo was calm and laughing in his usual manner.

"Kufufufu. You think Rimuru-sama has not expected that? She has already made arrangements. Rimuru-sama's magnificent mind could foresee and perceive all things in life..."

"... Oh, she does seem very interesting. I suppose that girl has exceeded my expectations?"

"Yes, that is natural. That is only natural for someone like Rimuru-sama."

Diablo continued to provoke Guy this way, much to the unaware Rimuru, who was still happily engaged in her spar with Granbell. Within a few minutes, Guy received a startling message and gaped in dismay.

"Hey, Mizeri just contacted me. When did the White Primordial get a name?"

"Oh, you mean Testarossa. She is among the many people that have learned how wonderful a person Rimuru-sama is." Diablo explained proudly

"All my men got defeated too. This prank was a complete failure."

"It is only natural. Everything is going according to Rimuru-sama's plan. You are merely a pawn in this game as well, Guy." Diablo added, antagonizing Guy further, unbeknownst to Rimuru once again

"So did that Rimuru give her the name 'Testarossa' too?" Guy continued

"Yes, she did."

"And the fact that Testarossa evolved into Demon Peer after obtaining a body-"

Diablo answered him before he finished his question, "That was thanks to Rimuru-sama, of course."

"... Right."

Behind Guy (while he tried to ease this headache), Raine's face paled as she realized the severity of the situation, "Oi, is this for real? The balance of power that had been maintained for thousands of years has been shattered to pieces..."

Unbeknownst to Guy and Raine, that balance of power had already been shattered the moment Rimuru evolved into a Demon Lord. An ominous feeling then abruptly hits Guy.

"Oi, if Testarossa emerged from the Primordial trio, what happened to the other two?"

Diablo replies with a smug expression, "Hm, you mean Ultima and Carrera? Rimuru-sama prepared positions for both of them. They seem very happy about-"

Guy quickly interrupts him, "Hold on, hold on for a second!"

"What is it? I was about to explain the important part, you know?"

"Slow down, is it going to be a long story?"

"Of course."

Guy groaned once again, "... I'll hear you out later. Who is this Ultima and Carrera...?"

"Oh, Ultima is the Violet Primordial. Carrera is the Yellow Primordial. But if you don't call them by their names, they won't take kindly to it. Lately, it's almost like they've forgotten their original titles."

"I... see..."

Guy was internally complaining as he hears this information, "Oi, what is the hell is that Rimuru thinking? It's not impossible for the Black Primordial since he's always been an oddball, but there's no way the Violet and Yellow Primordial would yield so easily. Didn't he mention the White Primordial too? That woman is the most prideful of all Primordials... To think she would be willing to take orders from other people..."

"Well, I was the one that invited them. I would welcome more jobs, but it's pointless if that means I can't take care of Rimuru-sama as a result since she can be rather fragile at the rarest times. Wouldn't you agree?" Diablo interjected his thoughts

"... Huh?"

"Oi, what is this guy talking about?"

Diablo notices Guy's dumbfounded look and continued, "To put it simply, I wanted to push some of my chores to other people- I mean, I wanted some companions to work with. So I invited that unemployed lot. Endlessly fighting like a bunch of idiots over power is so boring. That's why I hoped they would mature a bit and come to Rimuru-sama's aid!"

"So you were behind everything! Seriously, this is all your fault... you're the one who should grow up!"

"... So you invited those girls and Rimuru took them as subordinates, giving them names and physical bodies?"

"That's right. They were very rude to Rimuru-sama at first. Now that I think about it, I wanted to kill them for that. But since they're now useful, as long as Rimuru-sama doesn't mind, I will forgive them."

Diablo was weird, Guy can confirm that, which made Rimuru even weirder. It was his genuine opinion. A normal Demon Lord would not have been able to name a Primordial, such an action is accompanied with an equal amount of danger. One would need to wager their life, or even their existence to do so. If the Primordials did not recognize your strength, they wouldn't follow you. Your entire soul could be consumed before you can successfully name them. What Rimuru did could no longer be described as overconfident or crazy.

"... I suppose I should just talk with her directly. Although, what did he mean by 'fragile at the rarest times'?"

With that, Guy came to a conclusion, "I'll go hang out at Rimuru's place next time."

"Huh? That sounds troublesome. I refuse." Diablo scoffed

"You little shit-"

Guy clenched his fist in an attempt to calm himself before grinning again to avoid Diablo's taunt, wrapping an arm around Diablo's shoulders, "It's nothing really. I just want to hear more about all of this from you, and this is certainly no place to chat. I heard from Dino that Rimuru's place is quite affluent. So I want to check it out for myself too."

Diablo huffed and crossed his arms, though his mood had obviously improved dramatically, "Can't help it with you. If that's the case, I will welcome your visit. Surely, Rimuru-sama would be pleased to have you."

"Since you are here, I'll be going now."

Diablo nodded, "Right. Whatever happens here, Rimuru-sama will surely take care of it."

"I guess. Send my regards to Rimuru."

"No problem. See you next time. I'll look forward to your next visit."

With that, Guy leaves the scene and Diablo lets out a sigh of relief as he feels the familiar power coursing through his body from the crystal flower Rimuru had given him.

"It's a good thing that he left, otherwise, I wouldn't have known what to do..." Diablo mumbled to himself as a wave of energy was felt from the direction of the Grand Cathedral, it gave him a sinking feeling, "... Rimuru-sama. I must return to her posthaste."

...

Luminas POV

Louis and Gunther were already finishing up their duel with the clowns as they made their escape and I was still facing against this entity that resembled Maria, but questions flooded in my mind.

Granbell probably preserved Maria's body and then used her corpse to create this death golem—no, that's not right. This carcass has no free will. This must be a familiar summoned by the necromancy spell <Raise Undead>. To have resorted to such forbidden sorcery... has that man really fallen that low...? While it's quite magnificent, it's still too weak. Granbell probably knew she couldn't defeat me. Then, his goal here must be...!

A sense of uneasiness washed over me as I realized that I had overlooked something very important.

"Luminas-sama, the intruder has escaped. Louis is currently pursuing them, I shall depart to join him-" Gunther returns to my side to report this but stops halfway

Something is missing from this room... Something very important...

My eyes shot to the depths of the tomb where the Holy Ark laid, but...

It's gone...?

I was shocked, and it was at that point that Maria managed to land a direct hit on me, bringing me back to my senses to calm myself.

"Luminas-sama...!"

... It's real... The Holy Ark... The Ark of Holy Power has been stolen...

Angered, my aura leaks out and I pierced my hand through Maria's chest before I unleashed my aura, "GRANBELL! HAVE YOU REALLY COME TO DO THIS?! HOW DARE... YOU DARE TEST MY LIMIT, GRAN!"

In this immense amount of power released from my body, the tomb was destroyed.

"Gunther!"

"Yes, I am here to serve!"

"Find them. Flush out the invaders at all costs!"

"Understood!"

Gunther disappears and I was left alone in the tomb, trying to suppress my anger and analyze the situation.

No, this cannot be happening... If it's not carefully protected before the time comes, it will likely lead to the world's destruction. Who broke it? It must be someone as powerful as me if they could do such a thing... And what is Granbell's goal once he obtains the Holy Ark?

I felt blood drain from my face as I checked the ruined tomb for something. Something as important as the girl in the Holy Ark itself. Something that I was tasked to protect, no matter what.

It's... not here. No... No, no, no! Is this his true goal?! It wasn't 'Her', but-!

I expanded my <Magic Perception> to check on the surface of the Grand Cathedral. Granbell was there. Hinata and the other Holy Knights too. Oddly enough, Leon Cromwell was also there, and facing Granbell was...

This is... not good!

I released my power and shot it upwards to open a hole, flying up with Maria in my arms. Everyone's attention was now turned to me as I emerged from the hole. It seemed like Granbell was still not making any moves, so I remained calm to not let my agitation show as I gently set Maria on the ground.

"Granbell. It looks like you are seriously trying to be my enemy." I said before glaring at him

"Kukuku, as expected from Luminas-sama. Even my familiar was not able to stop you. I had to infuse it with the power of many Otherworlders, and it was my greatest masterpiece." Granbell chuckled lightly

"Foolish man. No matter how much power you infuse into that knockoff, a mindless golem can never compete with the real thing. You should know something like that best yourself. Maria has already passed away, and yet you chose to desecrate her like this!"

"Because it is necessary." Granbell smirked as Rimuru, who had been his opponent, looked at the both of us in confusion, "Everything I have done is for this exact moment."

While I was also confused by his words, Granbell removed the glove on his left hand, revealing an engraving on it. As it began to glow, I realized that Maria's body was responding to it by glowing the same way.

"What are you doing?!"

Then, Maria's body turned into a beam of light and was absorbed into the engraving. His body began filling up with power and his youthful looks returned.

"I understand now..." I gasped out, "You... You even put my love energy into Maria's body!"

Granbell noted in confirmation, much to my irritation, "Luminas-sama, no, Luminas. Our duel has yet to be settled. I remembered that I can't die before this is all over. Now that Mariabell is dead, my ambition has changed, but I still intend to complete one final wish!"

Then the sickening gut feeling hit me again as a dumbfounded and confused Rimuru continued to stare at Granbell's change in appearance, her eyes flickering in excitement (of all things! This foolish girl!) in contrast to her facial expression. She probably doesn't even notice Granbell's glance in her direction as he takes something out from his coat pocket. It was dark with an ominous aura around it and worst of all, it was in its complete state. I knew it, that was his true goal all along! No one around Rimuru would make it in time, so I tried mustering all of my strength to fly straight for the person of his true goal.

"RIMURU!"

Rimuru blinked at my call before she quickly stepped back to get away from Granbell, but he was also quick due to his returned youth, and in an instant, he thrusts the object into Rimuru. It was the worst possible scenario, forget Lubelius being destroyed. This entire world is doomed. It was the wrong time to awaken and Granbell had done exactly that. I felt a wave of energy released from Rimuru's body and everyone around her, including me, were thrown back by the sheer power the energy had emitted. My thoughts returned to what 'She' had told me.

I hope you can keep this safe with you until she can be properly awakened, Luminas. One wrong moment will put the entire world in a peril. If that happens... even I have no idea what the world would become. Hm... What did she call it again? Ah, that's right!

I can't believe I failed... This can't be... Granbell, how did you know... about the Divine Key...?

.

.

.

.

Third Person POV

The area around the Grand Cathedral was suddenly surrounded by the barrier of <Absolute Defense>, deployed by Raphael, to prevent the energy from spreading out to Lubelius.

"W-What is that?!" Alice squealed in surprise as Mr. Knight appeared to protect them from the surge

"Something bad!" Kenya exclaimed

"You think we can't tell, idiot?!"

"Not the time to argue!" Gale scolded them

Kumara's tails quivered while standing in front of the children with Griseo and Keith, "An incredible pressure..."

"It's Honkai energy..." Griseo mumbled under her breath

Keith suddenly feels the power from the mark of Discipline and hesitates for a moment before turning to Griseo, "I need to summon something in case the situation becomes serious. Can I leave them to you, Griseo?"

Griseo nodded in assurance, "Leave it to me."

"Thank you."

Keith gives her a short nod and rushes somewhere while the pressure from the energy begins to slow down.

"Is it... over?" Ryota asked hesitantly

Before anyone could respond, a shocked gasp escaped from Chloe's lips.

"Chlo?"

Her widened eyes stared at the broken entrance of the Grand Cathedral, "Rimuru... sensei?"

...

Eden frowned as she and Kosma removed their barriers around the band members, who were still fearlessly playing their music.

"Eden, that was..." Kosma muttered in slight shock

"Something terrible is happening. Kosma, if I need to go there for a bit, could you take care of everyone here?"

Kosma nodded wordlessly as Eden gripped the Star of Eden in her hand a little nervously.

...

During this chaos, three individuals in Tempest managed to detect the rampant energy despite the barrier keeping it within the perimeter of the Grand Cathedral and they immediately made their move, hoping to make it in time before it was too late.