Bofuri (The Strongest Shield Of Tensura)

Chapter Seventy Eight

"Hahahahahaha!" Guy Crimson’s laughter echoed through the grand, icy chamber, his body nearly doubling over in amusement. "I can't believe you just did that!"

Beside him, a striking white-haired woman chuckled, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "That's what you get for letting your guard down," she teased.

Guy continued laughing for a few more moments before finally composing himself. He leaned back, exhaling, before fixing his gaze on the figure standing across from him. "But still, to think that I was defeated by such a trick. You're really something, aren't you, Kaede?"

Kaede stood across the room, the frost-covered floor shimmering beneath her feet. She offered a nervous smile, shifting slightly. "...I guess? It was the best I could come up with on short notice. Anything else, you would’ve easily countered, especially after seeing it once."

Guy smirked, his crimson eyes gleaming with intrigue. "And with that little ‘special attack’ of yours, it wouldn't even matter if I could counter it the second time, because if I can’t escape it the first time, it's over. I’d need an Ultimate Skill to undo what you’ve done. Well done, Kaede. I am, quite literally, at your mercy."

Beside Kaede, Tomokashi puffed out her chest with pride. Kaede, however, winced at the thought. "I wouldn’t really say that..."

Guy simply chuckled. "No need to downplay your achievement. Right now, you could kill me if you wanted to. Of course, Velzard here wouldn’t allow it," he tilted his head towards the white-haired woman, who merely smirked, "...but the fact that right now, you can defeat me nine times out of ten makes you strong. In fact, thanks to what you did, I’m not even sure if I can kill you right now."

He leaned forward slightly, resting an elbow on the armrest of his chair. "How long has it been since I’ve felt this? This sensation... the feeling of death hanging over my head."

Kaede hesitated for a moment before raising a hand. "I could undo it if you want."

Guy waved her off, laughing softly. "No need. I want to figure it out myself. And here I thought nothing in this world could ever make me actually put in effort."

As if responding to his amusement, the icy palace around them shifted, the towering frost pillars subtly adjusting as a round table appeared in the center of the chamber. Two elegant chairs materialized on opposite sides, the cold air around them swirling with a faint, magical energy.

Guy moved effortlessly to one of the seats, dropping into it with casual ease. Velzard, instead of taking her own seat, perched gracefully on the armrest of his chair, leaning lightly against the strongest Primordial Demon.

Kaede hesitated only briefly before stepping forward, taking the seat across from him. Behind her, Tomokashi stood firm, her presence unwavering as she silently observed the unfolding moment.

Guy’s smirk widened. "Well then, Kaede. You won our little altercation. Now then, for your reward."

Kaede raised an eyebrow. “Reward?”

“Yes,” Guy replied with a smirk. “I told you, if you could amuse me with your attack, I’d reward you, remember?”

Kaede blinked, recalling his words. “Oh yeah...” She waved a hand dismissively. “You don’t have to...”

“Nonsense,” Guy chuckled, leaning forward with an amused glint in his crimson eyes. “I always keep my word.”

His gaze sharpened as he studied her. “Now, I can’t help but notice that you possess a Demon Lord Seed. And yet, you’re not a True Demon Lord... not yet, at least.”

Kaede tensed slightly at his words, but Guy continued, unbothered. “You could easily proclaim yourself one, and I’d acknowledge it without question. You’re more than strong enough.”

Raising his hand, a large sphere materialized in his palm. It was dark and translucent, yet within it, countless smaller orbs pulsed with an eerie glow. They shimmered faintly, almost like they were... alive.

Kaede frowned. “What... are those?”

Guy’s smirk widened. “Souls.” His tone was casual, as if discussing the weather. “Human souls, to be exact.”

Kaede’s eyes widened. “W-Why do you have those?”

Rimuru had received a visit from a certain Hero King, who had come out of curiosity, seeking to learn more about the individual responsible for the Orc Lord’s downfall. After all, the battle had taken place deep within the Western Jura Forest, beyond Kaede’s jurisdiction.

During these months, Rimuru’s growing nation had finally been given an official name: The Tempest Federation, with its capital city bearing the name Tempest.

But elsewhere, far from the bustling advancements of the new nation, four figures sat gathered around a table.

At the center of the table, a crystal ball floated above an intricate pedestal. Within its depths, images flickered, scenes from the fateful battle.

The moment of the Orc Lord’s defeat played out before them, but their attention wasn’t on the fallen monster.

It was on the one who had slain him.

A silver-haired Majin.

The Gathering of Demon Lords

"Interesting! Very interesting!" A pink-haired girl with twin tails grinned, her bright blue eyes gleaming with excitement. "I'd like to go investigate this new toy personally!"

Seated at the edge of the grand table, Demon Lord Clayman let out a theatrical sigh. "Now, now, Milim. Don’t forget about our pact with the Jura Forest."

Milim pouted, crossing her arms. "What?! But that’s so dumb! I mean, with Veldora gone, can’t we just ditch the whole non-aggression pact?"

Clayman’s lips curled into a sly smile. "Now there’s an idea. I don’t see why not."

Across from them, two other figures sat in silence, observing the conversation. One was a blond man draped in a sleek black robe, his sharp golden eyes unreadable. The other was a white-haired woman with a striking red gemstone embedded in her forehead, her expression calm and composed.

"Right! Then it’s decided!" Milim declared, slamming a fist onto the table with a wide grin. "But promise me, we won’t interfere with one another. Fair enough?"

Clayman chuckled, resting his chin on his palm. "That seems reasonable."

The blond man, Carrion, gave a small nod of agreement, while the white-haired woman, Frey, simply sighed, as if already expecting this outcome.

"Well, okay! As long as everyone’s in agreement!" Milim cheered, before spinning on her heel. She strode toward the large, open window, practically bouncing with excitement.

Just before she leapt out, she shot one last mischievous grin over her shoulder. "Make sure you stay out of my way, Clayman, Carrion, and Frey!"

Then, with a sudden burst of power, she shot into the sky, leaving a trail of energy in her wake.

The three remaining Demon Lords watched her disappear into the horizon.

Carrion let out a deep sigh. "And there she goes."

Clayman simply smirked, his fingers steepling together. "Let her have her fun. This might be very entertaining to watch."

Frey, however, remained silent, her gaze fixed on the other figure in the image, the dark haired woman that had come to congratulate the silver haired Majin.

Things were about to get interesting.