In Jistav

Clayman: No one is there?

Yamza: Right. The animal kingdom is completely deserted.

Clayman: How can that be... "sigh", I doubt that it matters. Go investigate the area more thoroughly.

Yamza: There is something else, a soldier heard it from a pebbler that they came across during their march. He said the Storm Dragon Veldora, and the Jack of Anarchy have returned,

Clayman remembered an image of one of the Storm's dragons rampage. But, he also remembered the Jack...

Clayman's mind: Laplace said something about the founder being back, but I wasn't sure it was real...

Yamza: Apparently, the Falmuth army began collateral damage during the combine rampage of Veldora and the Jack.

Clayman's mind: I figured a measly Slime couldn't wipe out the entire army, but the part of the Jack contradicts what Laplace told me...

Clayman: Thank you for the report Yamza. Keep up the good work.

The message ended, and Clayman concluded that the Slime was simply borrowing Veldora's power.

But, there was still one thing on his mind.

Clayman: Is that part about the founder a fabrication... or was it true?

For the first time since conducting the plan, Clayman felt conflicted and worried.

In Fulbrosia

In the winged nation, Frey sat on a sofa as her daughters the twin wings Claire and Luchia tended to grooming her wings.

She looked over to Milim who was standing there without moving a muscle, and gazed at the pendant around her neck.

She thought back to when Milim had arrived back at her palace, and kept talking about her new BFF Rimuru and that her cousin Jasper had returned. She even bragged about the Draconic knuckle gauntlets that Rimuru had given to "increase her strength", but they were actually meant to lessen it and even had some Chocolate bars that Jasper had figured out how to make as a gift to her.

Frey then gave Milin the pendant she currently wore, and said it was also a gift from a friend. In truth, the pendant had been created by Clayman for the soul purpose of controlling who ever wore it.

When it was put on, Milim eyes became glassy and her expression became emotionless. Clayman then came in and decided to test his control by hitting and kicking Milim multiple times which she didn't react to making Clayman laugh manically and continue his barrage out of his frustration against her.

The sight was painful for Frey to watch, and stopped Clayman be telling him of a defense circuit that automatically activates on her called {Stampede} and that it would obliterate everything around her. She also mentioned that while she didn't know exactly how powerful it is, it was implied to have been so dangerous even a Primordial Hybrid had to get serious when fighting her in that state.

Clayman decided to stop after hearing this, but reminded Frey that she was mearly a pawn for him and warned her that if she went against him then he would unleash Milim who he referred to as a "sorry excuse for a Demon Lord".

Frey: That man is unable to see the true nature of things. Along with a new moon, Walpurgis night will soon be upon us. Clayman, I hope you're prepared; it seems you're not long for this world.

She could only smile as her plan against Clayman fell into place.

In the North

A tall blonde haired figure who's beauty could easily have you mistake him for a woman walked down a large corridor of Ice.

This man was previously known as the Awakened Hero the Platinum Saber. But, after choosing to abandoned that path after seeing it wouldn't help him achieve his primary goal of finding a certain someone; he abandoned that path and took on the title of Demon Lord.

He was now known to the world as the Ruler of El Dorado, the Platinum Devil, Leon Cromwell.

He approached a large door of Ice that was guarded and opened by two large Demons of the Red lineage.

Maids: We bare a message. Lord of Darkness, Gii Crimson. Demon lord Leon Cromwell has arrived.

The door opened to reveal a large Chamber where he was greeted by the two maids Mizeri and Raine.

They led him down the chamber hallway that was occupied with various Greater Demons, Arch Demons, and even Demon Peers. All of them being apart of the Red, Blue, and Green Demonic lineages.

They all stood still without moving a muscle, for it was an unspoken rule of the frozen palace that you could not move or even show emotion unless granted permission by it's ruler or else the consequences would be... severe.

Even the Demon Peer second in commands of the respective lineages; Ulrich of the Red Lineage, Misora of the Blue Lineage, and Kahn of the Green Lineage were all put under the same rule. Even the two maids who led him, the Primordial Demons Bleu and Vert now known as Raine and Mizeri were subjected to the same ruling.

The maids bowed their heads in respect to the figure who sat on the thrown, before taking their place on his left and right.

The first Demon Lord, oldest and strongest of the 7 progenitors of Demon-kind, the Red Primordial Rouge, the mediator of the world, the Lord of Darkness, Gii Crimson.

Gii: it's been far too long, I haven't seen the Platinum Devil Leon Cromwell in ages. Or, do you prefer the term Platinum Saber?

Leon: Call me whatever you like.

Gii: Have you been fairing well? I'm glad you responded to my summons, thanks for coming over. My friend Leon.

Gii got up from his throne and wrapped Leon in a friendly embrace, before letting ago a bit and letting his hands gently caress Leon's face before leaning in...

And his lips were immediately stopped by an open palm and pushed away.

Leon: Stop. I have no interest in going out with a man, I've told you that many times before.

Gii: Hahaha! You're such a cold man as usual. Though, if you want I can always assume my female form and let you make love to me.

Leon: That's enough, you're missing the point...

Gii licked his lips a little before conceding.

Gii: Alright, let's talk somewhere else.

They were brought to a frozen balcony that had a great view of the Icy continent that Gii had made his home. Despite the freezing conditions, Demons were naturally immune to the cold and Gii controlled the temperature to make it relatively warm for any potential guest that came. 

They both sat a table made of Ice, and were brought some wine to drink while they discussed the reason Gii had summoned Leon.

Leon: So, is there a particular reason that you called me here? First Demon Lord, as well as one of the 7 Primordial's of the Demon race. Gii Crimson.

Gii: Ahahaha! No need to address me in such a stiff manner, we are equal among the Demon Lords, right?

Leon's mind: You sure have a way with words...

Gii: As you probably know, the Demon Lords banquet of Walpurgis will be held soon. I would like for you to attend this time, even if I have to force you.

Leon: Quite unusually for you to try and coerce me.

Gii: I just want to make sure you attend this time, even if it means I owe you a favor.

Leon's mind: Technically, I couldn't attend Walpurgis due to a certain someone being there to try and kill me every time he saw my face...

Leon: Why is that?

Gii: Still as cautious as ever... the reason is because it seems like it will be fun. The person who proposed Walpurgis this time was Clayman. A small fry Demon lord. But, oddly enough Milim's name was among those in the list of endorser's. Milim is the oldest and strongest Demon Lord alongside me, Even if we suppose that Clayman coaxed her into it, there's no way she'd do what a mere whelp like Clayman wants. Which means...

Leon: Carrion's death was suspicious as well.

Gii: I see, you know what I'm hinting at here.

Leon: Yes, Clayman's gone to far this time. In fact, he was harassing me in order to prevent leaving behind an concrete evidence.

Gii: Since Clayman has been pestering you time and time again, you just stand idly by, right?

Leon: ...Well, if Milim went after me then my territory would be blown away. Carrion's well being aside, Milim taking part in Walpurgis is more then troubling.

Gii: True... however, if something Milim went along with of her own volition then it changes the story. In that case, this may be just another game for Milim, but disturbing the balance between the Demon Lords won't harbor any fun times. It'll just create more work for me.

Leon: You and Milim have known each other for a long time, right? Can't you at least tell her true intentions?

Gii: I'm glad you're relying on me. But sadly, clever people like me cannot read the intentions of silly idiots. it's one of my very few weakness.

Gii's mind: Besides, I mainly relied on Jasper to figure out what she was thinking, since he was able to better understand her then anyone else...

Leon: But, no matter if she is acting out on her own or not. I refuse to end up like Carrion.

Gii: If you're so curious to find out, you'll surely be participating in this Walpurgis then, right?

Leon: That's my intention, I despise conspiracy's. But, it would seem I have no choice.

Gii smiled and got up from his chair before leaning next to leon.

Gii: That's good to hear. If you were reluctant, I was going to offer for you to hold me throughout the night in order to convince you.

Leon: No, thank you.

Gii: Wow, you're really are such a stick in the mud. Unrelated, do you know anything about this Rimuru fella?

Leon: Only what I heard from Clayman, he says Rimuru gives Demon Lords a bad name. Personally, I feel that as long as he proves himself to be capable then there's no problem.

Gii: You're saying he's qualified to be a Demon Lord then? Personally, I think anyone who Ramiris takes an interest in has the chance to be quite entertaining.

Leon: I cannot handle that other ancient Demon Lord. Just how many times I've thought of strangling her to death...

Gii: Haha! Don't be like that. Restrain yourself, because if you kill Ramiris I'll become you're enemy.

Leon: I suppose my words held no ill intent...

Gii: What!? How boring! I really want to fight you.

Leon: I refuse. I'm not about to pick a fight I know I can't win.

Gii: Come on, that's not true. If anything, you could probably kill at least once out of a million attempts.

Leon: Honestly, I'd rather discuss fights I know I can win.

Gii: Oh, don't be so modest. Even having the tiniest chance at killing makes you quite strong.

Leon: I'm aware, it's just that people like you and Milim are extraordinary. The only ones who can fight you are Milim, a Hybrid, or...

He briefly looked up to a large icy pillar and saw a whited hair woman looking out in the frozen wasteland.

 Leon: One of the true Dragons... speaking of which, I've gotten word the Storm Dragon Veldora has awakened.

Gii: Veldora? That fellow disappeared about two years ago and there's been sign of him since.

Leon: No, he's awoken recently.

???: What did you say!? Now, this sounds like a rumor that'd be interesting to hear. 

The White haired woman then jumped down and walked to them with a gentle smile.

Leon: I nearly forgot you were here... In your case, shouldn't you be able to detect his resurrection? After all, you are one of the only 4 true dragons in existence and Veldora's elder sister. Frost Dragon Velzard, Empress of Ice.

Velzard's mind: I was more focused on tracking the presence of... someone else. I don't know why I can't find him!

Velzard: How could you forget little old me, you're as cold as ever Leon. But, no matter what I'm still happy to see you again.

Leon: That right? In that case, I shall return that by saying you're a feast for my eyes as well.

Gii: I see you two still hate each other as always. Hey Leon, don't tell me you're actually jealous of my partner?

Leon: Be serious...

Velzard: Back to you're story. Do you intend to leave this older sister worried about her younger brother? I stopped sensing his presence around two years ago, so I was convinced he had died.

Gii: Tell me, are you sure Leon?

Leon: There's no doubt. It's from the reports I've gotten from my spread out spies in the Western Nations.

Gii: If the Evil Dragon is back, then why is he being so quiet? I wonder if he's grown to weak to recover his own power.

Velzard: On that point, who could've undone my brother's seal? I don't think that child could've shattered the {unlimited imprisonment} all on his own.

Leon then stated that according to his spies, Clayman had peaked the king of Falmuth's greed and had him attack the nation that Rimuru had created. During the bloodshed, the seal broke and Veldora awoke and decimated the remaining Falmuth army.

Velzard: Does that mean Veldora's seal was broken by accident?

Leon: I don't know for sure.

Velzard: Then there's a chance the heroes seal was defective somehow...

Leon then also revealed a hypothesis he had, that Veldora had been absorbed into some kind of sub space and that this person who pulled him in had broken the seal. The reason for Veldora being quiet was out of gratitude for this person.

Gii: Interesting! That you mean there's someone capable of breaking the seal. Furthermore, whoever this person is they have to have a power that's equal or greater then our own.

Leon: It's only a theory.

Gii: Let me guess, you think this Rimuru is responsible?

Leon: Indeed, I do.

Gii remembered that message Ramiris had sent him about Rimuru. This Rimuru is who Clayman is trying to go against.

Gii: Either Clayman picked a fight with a fool who's in over their head and is proclaiming himself a Demon lord, or...

Leon: I'm curious as well.

It was decided that Leon would attend Walpurgis, before he left. Gii asked Leon about his goal of summoning a specific person. According to Leon there is someone interfering and it's put an indefinite hold on his plans. The same person also saved the other-world children that were meant to die.

Gii: Can't you just eliminate this person?

Leon: Unfortunately, the said person is Rimuru.

Gii: Seriously!? Do you really think that's a coincidence!?

Leon: It is intriguing. Which is why I wouldn't mind seeing him myself.

Gii: Now I'm even more intrigued and Milim might be thinking the same. She may be an idiot, but she's surprisingly perceptive.

Leon: Regardless, Walpurgis will be hectic.

Gii: Should be fun. Also, who's the mysterious collaborator giving you all this info?

Leon: Someone from the Empire, I don't know the details. But, he claimed to be some kind of merchant.

Gii then remembered his deal with Rudra.

Gii: Can he be trusted?

Leon: Obviously not. But it doesn't matter, I'm simply using him for my own gains.

Gii: If you have no issue with it then I have no complaints, just be careful. If you die, then I'll make you regret it.

Leon: Actually concerned about me? How unusually thoughtful of you. Relax, I have no intention of dying until I've achieved my goal.

Gii: That's reassuring, and is this goal of yours really that important?

Leon: Of course. Because for me, it takes priority over everything else in this world...

Gii: Well, I'm starting to feel kinda jealous.

Leon: Don't feed me that nonsense... But, I'll heed you're warning.

With that Leon left, and Velzard noted that Leon was leaving himself surprisingly vulnerable to an information leak, but Gii told her to leave it alone since he didn't want a friend to resent him.

Gii: Walpurgis is shaping up to be fun, wanna come along?

Velzard: I'll pass. While, I am curious about my brother, I have no interest in a couple of Demon Lords.

Gii: Really? Well, here's something that might change you're mind.

He leaned into her ear and whispered something that made her eyes go wide and she even teared up a bit.

Velzard: A-Are you serious!? He's with this new Demon Lord!

Gii: Of course I'm serious.

She narrowed her eyes a bit.

Velzard: You better not be lying about him Gii!

Gii: Calm down. Why would I ever lie about something like this? Besides, even Ramiris would know how stupid it would be to joke about something like this.

Velzard: I see... on second thought, I think I will be attending.

Gii: Good to hear.

Gii's mind: Interesting, I can feel my heart racing. I believe some big changes are coming. But, what is Rimuru's connection with my son? That's the real question...

Tempest

In the office, Shuna had finished with Rimuru's suit and was knitting Jasper's own suit.

It looked like a black buttoned up jacket that extended down to his ankles, he wore white fingerless gloves and white boots, along with some dark grey pants.

Benimaru: Our Lycanthrope allies that are disguised as refugees will pretend to flee while luring the enemy into Geld's trap. That's where we'll round them all up.

Geld: The Barren wasteland that the army is trekking through used to be the home of my people. The kingdom of Orbic, and it will serve as the graveyard for Clayman's army.

Jasper: A nation that fell to Clayman's schemes will also be where his army is destroyed? Poetic Irony at it's finest.

Benimaru: We've seen all there is to see of the enemies strength. Our victory is assured.

Rimuru: You've got some serious confidence my guy.

Benimaru: That's because when you awakened, I got the unique skill {Generalissimo}. A skill  that allows me to read the enemies movement as if it was a flowing river.

Jasper: That definitely suits you.

Benimaru: On that note, I've come up with a strategy.

Rimuru: Which is?

Benimaru: Given the occasion, I think it would be the perfect opportunity to destroy Clayman's castle.

Rimuru: What occasion? Seems kinda dangerous.

Benimaru: No to worry, Hakuro and Souei will be the ones to infil-

Shuna: Wait a moment, brother!

Benimaru: Huh? What is it?

Shuna: Do you have to ask? Demon Lord Clayman possess a power that allows him to control others! What would happen if he got control over them!?

Benimaru: He won't. They're not going to-

Shuna: I refuse!

This sudden shout startled everyone.

Shuna: If you insist on doing this. Then I'll go with you!

Jasper: Woah! Slow down.

Shuna: Please, this is my decision. Jasper, Lord Rimuru. I request permission to deploy.

I don't want to send her, but Benimaru does have a good point and Shuna does have holy magic which would be very effective against the army of undead guarding his castle.

Jasper: Hakuro, Souei. Do you both swear to protect her with everything you both have?

Souei: I swear to protect the princess with my life.

Hakuro: Agreed. I also believe it's possible that Demon Lord Carrion is being held in the castle.

Jasper: ...Fine, I'll allow it.

Shuna: Thank you so much!

I then took out a pendant and gave it to her.

Jasper: As a precaution, this pendant as the ability to summon one of my Youso's. Make sure to use it if it's needed.

Shuna: Alright, and I can also use transport. So if there's trouble I should be perfectly fine.

Hakuro: That's true, I'd likely be slower to escape then Shuna.

Jasper: You're a master swordsman. Therefore, speed is a natural ally of yours.

Souei: We already have a strong resistance to mental attacks, so it's unlikely will be in any danger from that. With Shuna there, we'll have even less