Chapter 74: Veldora
At the moment I commanded Veldora's release, a storm of energy erupted within my stomach, which had been expanded by my ability, "King of Gluttony (ζš΄ι£ŸδΉ‹ηŽ‹γƒ™γƒ«γ‚Όγƒ“γƒ₯?γƒˆ=Belzevut)." It felt as if the soul of overwhelming violence had been unleashed.
(I, have been resurrected!!!)
I mentally teased, "Didn't my tone change?"
(Yo! Long time no see, how have you been?)
I greeted casually.
(.... What is this? After such a rare resurrection, you treat me so lightly...
But, it happened faster than I thought. I expected it to take much longer.)
(It's your fault! It took a considerable amount of time to interpret the "Infinite Prison."
If my ability, "Great Sage," hadn't evolved, it would have taken another 100 years.)
(I used my unique skill, "Clarifier (η©Άζ˜Žθ€…)," to interpret it from within.
Unfortunately, I couldn't use it as an ability, so I could only send the information to "Great Sage."
It's a formidable ability, this "Infinite Prison." Indeed, you are a hero.
But, what does it mean for the ability to evolve?)
In response to Veldora's question, I explained that I had evolved into a Demon King, and my unique skill had evolved into an ultimate skill.
"Great Sage" had become "King of Wisdom (ζ™Ίζ…§δΉ‹ηŽ‹γƒ©γƒ•γ‚‘γ‚¨γƒ«=Raphael)," significantly enhancing his interpretation ability.
(Ho ho, is that so? More than that, it's been a little over a year since you became a Demon King!
An awakened Demon King is different from the fake ones nearby; they are truly powerful!)
(What? What are you saying? Look, I was a genius, right?
I was the strongest slime from birth.
This level of victory feels like a sure thing, doesn't it?)
(You fool. You really only do ridiculous things. I felt that sometimes, you would take away a large amount of mana in an impossible way.
When you casually threw away names and remained unharmed, it was because you were taking from me...
This guy, doing such ridiculous things.
The efficiency dropped due to the loss of mana, so I thought it would take a long time to be released. I didn't expect that evolution would shorten the time.
It was unexpected!)
Eh? So, the reason I could give names and remain unharmed was mainly due to Veldora.
Well, I did think it was strange that I could evolve so easily and quickly without any risk.
From now on, I can't give names so casually.
Indeed, I finally understood why a Demon King couldn't easily and quickly increase their subordinates.
Well, it's as planned.
(That's right? It's as planned (of course, it's a lie)!
But, did you have a blessing (gift)?
When a Demon King evolves, it's said that the "Voice of the World" is passed to the lineage of the soul.)
Hmm? A thought was transmitted.
After a while,
(Ooo! Is this the evolution of the ability!
The unique skill "Clarifier (η©Άζ˜Žθ€…)" has become the ultimate skill "King of Clarification (η©Άζ˜ŽδΉ‹ηŽ‹γƒ•γ‚‘γ‚¦γ‚Ήγƒˆ=Faust)."
Is this the ability to reach the ultimate truth, which my endless curiosity has sought?)
He seemed very excited.
That guy, as slow as an elephant in noticing things.
It doesn't matter, though.
To the extremely excited Veldora,
(Well, it's fortunate. The evolution of the ability was unexpectedly simple, right?)
I said,
(You fool! For thousands of years, I didn't even know such a thing could happen.
Well, unless someone who experienced it tells you, it's a secret that won't easily come out.
It's a valuable experience!)
He replied.
Well, the birth of an awakened Demon King is indeed rare, so it's definitely a rare occurrence.
I want to talk for a long time, but I want to bring Veldora out.
However, I'm a bit worried.
After all, it seems that the Holy Church has been tracking this guy with magic.
If he comes out, his resurrection will be immediately exposed.
(You know, the seal has been broken, and you can come out.
The only problem is that if you don't suppress your large aura, your resurrection will be immediately exposed...)
(Will it be a problem if it's exposed?)
Yeah.
He threw that question.
Well, it might not be a problem, though.
If something happens, I can have Veldora deal with it.
(Actually, thinking about it, it might not be that problematic.
For that reason, use my "clone" as a substitute body.)
I answered and created a clone as an image, transferring the mental body of Veldora into it.
Then, I brought it out from the subspace, "stomach."
A beautiful face identical to mine, except for the platinum-colored hair.
However, ...
The height gradually increased to about 2 meters. The physique became robust, and the face became stern.
It had a somewhat masculine appearance, like a handsome man.
It felt like this is what I would look like if I completely changed my appearance to a male.
Indeed, a battle maniac (battle enthusiast). It looked easy to fight and strong.
It was better that it didn't become a large dragon's body.
(Kukukuku! I have obtained ultimate power! Those who oppose me will be annihilated!!)
Veldora said, like a villain from somewhere.
Additionally, that line, I've heard it before. It was a line from the manga I used to read.
"Hey... Uncle. Why do you know that line?"
"Kukukuku! Actually, I was bored, so I read your memories."
"Hey! Because you did such a useless thing, the interpretation took longer, didn't it!"
"Eh?"
"......Eh?"
The two of us looked at each other.
Unfortunately, there wasn't even a hint of a romantic atmosphere.
"Anyway, you are finally free. Thank you!"
I turned my eyes and forcibly changed the topic.
At that moment,
"Report. Two important reports have occurred."
Raphael reported.
When I urged for the report,
"First, I have confirmed the establishment of the 'Corridor of Souls' between Master and the entity: Veldora.
I have completed the interpretation of the entity: Veldora's abilities and acquired the ultimate skill 'King of Storms.'
The abilities of the ultimate skill 'King of Storms (ζš΄ι’¨δΉ‹ηŽ‹γƒ΄γ‚§γƒ«γƒ‰γƒ©=Veldora)' are as follows:
Storm Dragon Summoning: Summons Veldora in his original dragon form.
* The summoning time varies according to the amount of mana.
Storm Dragon Liberation: Grants a 'clone' to the entity: Veldora, allowing free action.
* Even if it dies, memory restoration is possible, and re-liberation is possible.
Storm Magic: Uses 'Wind of Death,' 'Black Lightning,' and 'Destructive Storm.'
That's all.
Currently, it is in the state of Storm Dragon Liberation. There is no time limit for this ability.
However, in the state of Storm Dragon Liberation, the 'King of Storms' cannot be used."
He reported this incredible information as if it were nothing.
Is this real...
When I told Veldora about this,
"'Corridor of Souls.' The memories I experienced are all accumulated to you, transcending time and space.
As long as you don't disappear, I have become immortal.
Even if I am sealed in an 'Infinite Prison,' you can re-summon me by releasing the ability.
I might have become almost invincible and gained immortality."
Well, that's assuming I am alive.
It's a truly terrifying story.
I only intended to fight with me, but now Veldora has also joined the front line!
Kukukuku. Just imagining it, I feel sorry for the opponent.
I have gained an incredible trump card.
By the way, there was another report.
"Second, due to the food chain, the higher being, Master, has received an offering (ability).
If you choose to fuse and enhance it, the ability will change. Is that okay? YES/NO"
I can't handle it perfectly anyway.
Originally, it takes years to master a single ability. Even if I suddenly acquire a large number of abilities, I can't use them properly.
It should be fine.
I thought and answered YES.
The integration of the ability was executed and quickly completed.
"Report. The unique skill 'Infinite Prison (焑限牒獄)' is being integrated as the base ability... It has been successful.
The unique skill 'Infinite Prison (η„‘ι™η‰’η„γƒžγƒ’γƒ«γƒ’γƒŽ=Guardian)' has evolved into the ultimate skill 'King of Oaths (θͺ“η΄„δΉ‹ηŽ‹γ‚¦γƒͺエル=Uriel).'"
What?
More importantly, did I acquire the unique skill 'Infinite Prison'?
I think it's quite important information, but for Raphael, it might be something he can ignore.
Oath, or loyalty.
The crystallization of the prayers of those who swear loyalty to me.
All of this has been integrated to create the ultimate skill 'King of Oaths (θͺ“η΄„δΉ‹ηŽ‹γ‚¦γƒͺエル=Uriel)...'
I can feel a sense of security and reassurance as soon as I acquire it.
It is proof of the bond between me and my companions.
Eh? Wait a moment...
This means I have actually acquired four ultimate skills!
This... Even if I get a bit excited, can it be forgiven? No, complacency is forbidden.
A villain who gets carried away with the atmosphere ends up in a miserable state.
I also claim to be a Demon King, so I can't be complacent.
Right! I have always failed by getting carried away with the atmosphere. Now is the time to be cautious.
Anyway, let's confirm the abilities.
"Answer. The abilities of the ultimate skill 'King of Oaths (θͺ“η΄„δΉ‹ηŽ‹γ‚¦γƒͺエル=Uriel)' are as follows:
Spatial Domination: The ability to freely change a space by recognizing its coordinates. A transfer ability.
Defensive Barrier: A composite barrier composed of multiple layers, providing absolute defense against spatial cutting.
Infinite Prison: Imprisons a target in an ultimate absolute sealing space.
Insulated Space: Inertial control and thermal manipulation. The ability to freely emit and absorb heat.
That's all.
Due to the acquisition of this ability, all abilities below the Extra level have been eliminated."
Indeed...
Spatial Domination seems to enable teleportation. It can be activated instantly.
The Defensive Barrier is automatically deployed around my body. I don't need to be conscious of it, and it seems to be completely under Raphael's control.
Infinite Prison can be activated by my will. It's the same as the barrier that captured Veldora. In other words, anyone captured by this cannot escape.
I'm not sure about Insulated Space. It seems to be a top-tier ability in the thermal manipulation category...
When I tried to emit heat, I could freely create flames in my fist.
When I thought about it, it disappeared easily. Ah... I understand.
It's not that the heat is discarded, but rather preserved in this insulated space.
It exceeds my common sense, so I'm not sure if I can use it properly, but I can understand that it's an incredible ability.
I'll leave it to Raphael.
To be honest, Uriel's ability is teleportation, complete defense, and sealing.
This understanding is fine.
Am I invincible?
...No, no, I just decided to be cautious.
I can't get carried away with the atmosphere.
While I was confirming my abilities, Veldora seems to have interpreted his ultimate skill 'King of Clarification (η©Άζ˜ŽδΉ‹ηŽ‹γƒ•γ‚‘γ‚¦γ‚Ήγƒˆ=Faust).'
It's said to be a very powerful ability.
Something about thought acceleration, interpretation emotion, all things, probability manipulation, and clarification of truth.
I don't think I can understand it even if I hear it.
Probability manipulation and clarification of truth are not something I have. Unfortunately, the food chain doesn't activate.
But, I can't understand it anyway.
We finished interpreting the abilities and went outside.
We opened the door and went out.
There, Gabiru was kneeling, waiting for us.
What happened?
"Y-Yes, the weather is... g-good today...
I-I'm glad that Rimuru-sama and Veldora-sama have succeeded..."
He was tense.
Perhaps, he noticed Veldora's resurrection.
He seems to recognize it by the aura, regardless of the appearance.
As a dragonkin, Gabiru is a distant relative of dragons.
Originally, the monsters in the Jura Great Forest revered Veldora as a god.
It must be a shock