Walpurgis 1

Don't expect much, just walpurgis alright.

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Time had passed quickly since Rimuru's peaceful days in his burgeoning town. The once-thriving community had been thrown into chaos by an attack from otherworlders sent by the Falmuth Kingdom, greedy to plunder his country's resources. The assault had left many of Rimuru's cherished subordinates dead, and the heart-wrenching sight of their lifeless bodies had ignited a fierce resolve within him. Determined to save them, Rimuru embarked on the dark path to becoming a demon lord, hoping that the transformation would grant him the power to resurrect his beloved companions.

Amidst his grief and anger, Rimuru received news that Milim, his dear friend, had been controlled by Clayman. This betrayal only fueled his rage. For the first time in this new world, Rimuru took human lives, massacring ten thousand soldiers in a brutal display of power to achieve his evolution. In the process, he summoned an archdemon, who had seemed oddly elated, muttering something cryptic about fulfilling a task that "He" was right about. Rimuru named the archdemon Diablo, and he joined the ranks of Rimuru's trusted followers.

Now, in his private quarters, Rimuru sat surrounded by his loyal Kijin subordinates and the enigmatic Diablo. He was deep in thought, contemplating how to navigate the impending Demon Lord Banquet, also known as Walpurgis, where he would finally confront Clayman. Diablo stood at his side, a confident smile on his face.

"Rimuru-sama," Diablo said smoothly, his crimson eyes gleaming with anticipation. "There is nothing to fear. Your presence alone will command respect. The other demon lords will undoubtedly react strongly to your arrival, but pay it no mind. You have the strength to face them."

Shion, his self-proclaimed secretary, nodded enthusiastically. "That's right, Rimuru-sama! We'll show those demon lords your true power! No one can stand in your way!"

Rimuru managed a small smile at their confidence, but his thoughts remained troubled. "It's not just about showing my power, Shion. We need to find a way to punish Clayman and free Milim from his control. I can't afford to make any mistakes."

Shion's eyes blazed with determination. "Leave it to us, Rimuru-sama! We'll make sure that snake pays for what he's done."

Rimuru turned his gaze to his assembled followers, his resolve hardening. "I need to decide who to bring to the banquet. We need to be prepared for anything."

Veldora, who had been lounging casually in the corner, suddenly stood up with a grin. "I'll go with you, Rimuru! Those other demon lords won't know what hit them with the great Storm Dragon by your side!"

Shion immediately jumped in, her face lit with excitement. "I want to go too, Rimuru-sama! I can't let you face this alone!"

Rimuru sighed, knowing there was no point in arguing with his enthusiastic subordinates. "Alright, alright. Veldora, Shion, you'll come with me to Walpurgis. We'll face whatever challenges await us together."

As they waited for their guide to the banquet, Rimuru couldn't help but feel a mix of apprehension and determination. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but he was resolved to face it head-on, with his loyal friends by his side. He only hoped that his newfound power as a demon lord would be enough to protect those he cared about and bring justice to those who had wronged him.

The atmosphere in the room was tense yet charged with a sense of purpose. Rimuru's subordinates were eager to prove themselves, and Diablo's enigmatic smile hinted at knowledge and power that Rimuru had yet to fully understand. The path to the Demon Lord Banquet was set, and Rimuru knew that this was just the beginning of a new chapter in his journey. With his friends and allies by his side, he felt ready to face whatever challenges awaited him, even if it meant confronting the unknown and uncovering the secrets of his own mysterious connection to powers far greater than his own.

In the quiet tension of the room, a soft knock echoed, drawing everyone's attention. The door opened to reveal Misery, the Green Primordial and the loyal maid of Guy Crimson. Her elegant demeanor was matched by the faint aura of power she exuded. She stepped inside and lowered her head slightly in greeting to Rimuru.

"Lord Rimuru, it is an honor to meet you. I have been sent to escort you to the Demon Lord Banquet," Misery said in a calm, measured tone.

However, her eyes widened slightly as she noticed a figure standing in the corner with a look of utter devastation. Diablo, who was usually composed and confident, wore a sorrowful expression, clearly disappointed that Rimuru hadn't chosen him to accompany them to the banquet. Misery took an instinctive step back, her surprise evident.

"What are you doing here, Noir?" Misery asked, addressing Diablo by the name she knew him by in the Underworld. The Primordials had known each other since time immemorial, and she couldn't fathom why Noir would be here of all places.

Diablo's sorrowful face quickly transformed into a mischievous grin. "Ah, Misery was it now?, it's been a while. But I am no longer Noir. I am Diablo, the loyal servant of the great Rimuru-sama." He gestured grandly to Rimuru, his eyes shining with pride and devotion.

Misery's gaze shifted to Rimuru, her expression a mix of disbelief and bewilderment. "You... named him? You summoned and named Noir?" she asked, her voice laced with incredulity. Naming a primordial was beyond dangerous—it was insanity.

Rimuru gave a sheepish smile and shrugged. "Well, he seemed like a good guy, and he's been pretty helpful."

Misery shook her head in disbelief, her thoughts racing. Summoning and naming Noir, now known as Diablo, was the most insane thing she had ever heard. Noir was practically on par with her master, Guy Crimson, in terms of power and potential. This slime, Rimuru, had either extraordinary luck or a death wish.

"Rimuru-sama is indeed extraordinary," Diablo continued, his grin widening. "He has recognized my true potential and given me a purpose beyond anything I could have imagined."

Misery sighed and decided to ignore the absurdity for now. There were more pressing matters at hand. "Very well," she said, shaking her head slightly. "Let's get going. The portal to the banquet is ready."

With a wave of her hand, Misery created a shimmering portal that led to the location of the Demon Lord Banquet. Rimuru, Veldora, Shion, and Misery stepped forward, ready to embark on this significant journey. Rimuru felt a mix of excitement and trepidation as he glanced back at Diablo, who was still sulking but gave a nod of encouragement.

"Take care of the town while we're gone, Diablo," Rimuru said, offering a reassuring smile.

Diablo bowed deeply. "Of course, Rimuru-sama. I shall ensure everything remains in order until your triumphant return."

As they approached the portal, Rimuru couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation. This banquet would be a turning point, not just for him, but for his entire kingdom. He had to be strong, clever, and prepared for whatever awaited him on the other side.

Misery led the way through the portal, her green hair flowing behind her as she stepped into the shimmering light. Rimuru followed closely, with Veldora and Shion flanking him. The portal closed behind them, sealing their path to the Demon Lord Banquet—a gathering that would determine the future of the demon lords and perhaps reveal more about Rimuru's own mysterious destiny.

The atmosphere was charged with a mix of anticipation and tension as they stepped into the unknown, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

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The grand banquet hall was an opulent display of power and status, a fitting setting for the gathering of the most powerful beings in the world. Ornate chandeliers cast a warm glow over the long, polished table where the demon lords were seated, each exuding an aura of authority and dread. The only empty seats were reserved for the latest arrivals: Rimuru and his entourage.

Clayman, sitting with a confident smile, glanced at the other demon lords. Beside him, Milim sat with a blank, emotionless face, a stark contrast to her usual vibrant demeanor. Clayman reveled in the thought of controlling her, believing that with Milim under his thumb, his dominance would be unchallenged. His patience, however, was wearing thin.

"Why are we still waiting?" Clayman sneered, leaning forward to address the other demon lords. "We shouldn't have to delay our business for a mere slime. Let's begin without him."

A hush fell over the room as the demon lords turned their attention to Clayman. His words hung in the air, a mixture of arrogance and impatience. The silence was broken by the cold, piercing voice of Luminous Valentine, the elegant yet fearsome Demon Lord of the Night.

"Shut your trap, Clayman," Luminous said icily, her gaze cutting through him like a dagger. "You're too loud."

Clayman's confident smile faltered. His face flushed with anger, but he knew better than to challenge Luminous here and now. With a growl, he leaned back, choosing to remain silent. His plan hinged on keeping his composure until the right moment.

The tension in the room was palpable as they waited for the last guest to arrive. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation and the unspoken power dynamics of those present. Suddenly, a humongous energy began to seep into the room, catching everyone's attention. The presence was unmistakable and commanded respect.

The doors to the banquet hall opened, and in walked Rimuru Tempest, flanked by Veldora, Shion, and Misery. Veldora's aura was immense, his presence alone filling the room with an overwhelming power. Reactions varied among the demon lords, but the most noticeable came from Dagruel and Luminous. Dagruel's eyes lit up with joy at seeing his old friend, while Luminous's expression turned into one of annoyance, clearly displeased by Veldora's reappearance.

For Clayman and Frey, Veldora's presence was almost paralyzing. The sheer force of his energy made them freeze for a few seconds, the reality of his power sinking in. But as they adjusted to the overwhelming aura, their gaze shifted to Rimuru, the supposed mere slime who had managed to bring Veldora, the Storm Dragon, as his ally.

Rimuru walked with a calm confidence, his eyes scanning the room, taking in the different expressions of the demon lords. Each of his steps was measured, exuding a quiet strength that belied his small, unassuming form. Shion, by his side, stood tall and ready, her eyes sharp and focused, while Misery led the way with her usual composed grace.

The room was filled with a mix of emotions as the demon lords watched Rimuru make his entrance. Some were curious, others skeptical, and a few clearly hostile. But all were aware that this slime was not to be underestimated. Rimuru's appearance had set the stage for what would be a critical and possibly tumultuous gathering of the demon lords.

As Rimuru took his seat at the grand table, an intense, almost tangible pressure descended upon him. His vision momentarily blurred under the crushing weight of the aura, and he sensed it was not a mere warning but a direct challenge. Veldora, standing protectively by his side, immediately bristled with anger. His eyes narrowed into slits, and a low growl rumbled in his throat.

"Who dares mess with my friend?" Veldora's voice boomed through the hall, echoing off the high ceilings. His gaze fixed on Guy Crimson, the ruler of the Northern Continent and one of the oldest and most powerful demon lords present. Guy's expression was unusually serious, his red eyes boring into Rimuru with a mix of curiosity and intensity.

"Veldora, step back," Guy commanded, his tone brooking no argument. "I have something to check, and it concerns your friend."

Veldora's eyes flashed with fury. "You think you can just—"

"Veldora," Guy cut him off sharply. "Don't get in my way. This is important."

Ramiris, fluttering nervously near Veldora, piped up. "Guy, you're going too far! Rimuru is my friend too! What are you trying to do?"

Guy's gaze shifted briefly to Ramiris, his expression softening only slightly. "This won't endanger him. Trust me."

The words seemed to have a calming effect. Both Veldora and Ramiris exchanged glances, their initial resistance melting into reluctant acquiescence. They knew Guy well enough to understand that he wouldn't act recklessly. If he deemed this necessary, there was a deeper reason behind it.

Guy's focus returned to Rimuru, his gaze penetrating and unwavering. "Rimuru Tempest," he began, his voice resonating with authority and curiosity. "Do you know of anyone named Reinhard?"

The silence that followed was suffocating, the atmosphere thick with tension. Shion, standing resolutely by Rimuru's side, clenched her fists, her eyes darting nervously between Rimuru and the other demon lords. Clayman and Frey, seated further down the table, exchanged uneasy glances, clearly affected by the oppressive atmosphere.

Rimuru, however, simply scratched the back of his head, a puzzled expression crossing his face. "Reinhard?" he echoed, genuinely perplexed. "Never heard of him. Is he some kind of big shot or something?"

Guy continued to scrutinize Rimuru for several long, agonizing seconds, his intense gaze searching for any sign of deception or hidden knowledge. The room seemed to hold its breath, waiting for Guy's verdict. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Guy's aura retracted, and the crushing pressure lifted.

A smile spread across Guy's face, his eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and relief. "I see," he said, his tone lighter, almost casual now. "It seems I was mistaken."

The tension in the room visibly eased, the suffocating atmosphere dissipating as the other demon lords relaxed. Rimuru let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, his body subtly unwinding from the sudden pressure.

"Well then," Guy continued, his voice taking on a more formal tone, "let's officially start the banquet."

Rimuru glanced around the table, taking in the various expressions of the demon lords. Some, like Dagruel and Luminous, appeared intrigued but otherwise composed. Others, like Clayman and Frey, were still visibly shaken, their eyes darting nervously around the room.

Guy Crimson, the strongest of the demon lords, gestured for Clayman to begin his presentation. The air of the banquet hall shifted, all eyes turning towards the smug demon lord who had instigated this gathering. Clayman rose from his seat with a self-satisfied smirk, clearly relishing the attention.

"Thank you, Guy," Clayman began, his voice dripping with arrogance. "I must say, the dramatics over a mere name were quite amusing. 'Reinhard,' really? Not even worth the attention of us demon lords." He chuckled, oblivious to the simmering fury that his words had ignited in the room.

Milim's eyes narrowed, her hands clenching into fists. She was barely containing her rage, but Clayman, assuming he had her completely under his control, paid no heed. Guy's expression darkened, but he remained silent, giving Clayman the rope with which he would inevitably hang himself.

Unaware of his peril, Clayman launched into his report, his tone condescending. "Now, on to the matter at hand. I have called this banquet to address the wickedness of the slime known as Rimuru. This creature has committed heinous acts, threatening the balance of our world."

He proceeded to present his so-called evidence, a collection of forged documents and exaggerated tales designed to paint Rimuru as a villain. As he droned on, his confidence only grew, while the interest of the other demon lords waned. It was evident that Clayman had overestimated both his influence and the weight of his accusations.

Milim's anger was palpable, her body trembling with barely restrained fury. Even those who were usually indifferent to such proceedings, like Frey, showed signs of irritation. Guy, though outwardly composed, was clearly displeased, his patience with Clayman wearing thin.

When Clayman finally concluded his presentation, he looked around the room with a self-assured grin, expecting support and validation. Instead, he was met with stony silence and disdainful glares. Rimuru stood up, his usually calm demeanor replaced by a burning anger.

"Clayman, your accusations are baseless," Rimuru declared, his voice ringing with righteous fury. "You dare to slander me with lies and forged evidence? I will not let this stand."

Rimuru produced his own evidence, documents, and testimonies that starkly contradicted Clayman's claims. The other demon lords watched intently, their initial disinterest turning into keen scrutiny as Rimuru dismantled Clayman's argument piece by piece.

Clayman's confidence faltered, but he quickly masked it with a sneer. "Do you really think your feeble evidence can absolve you, slime? You're nothing compared to me!"

The tension between the two reached a boiling point, the atmosphere crackling with hostility. Just as it seemed they might come to blows, Guy raised a hand, silencing the room with his commanding presence.

"Enough," Guy said, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife. "This bickering is pointless. There is only one way to settle this dispute." He leaned forward, a wicked smile playing on his lips. "You two will fight. Whoever wins will have our approval."

Clayman's face lit up with glee at this suggestion. He turned to Rimuru, his eyes glinting with malice. "You hear that, slime? Your foolishness has sealed your fate. I have Milim on my side, and you don't stand a chance." He laughed, the sound grating and filled with unwarranted confidence.

Rimuru, undeterred, met Clayman's gaze with a steely resolve. "We'll see about that," he replied, his tone unwavering. The stage was set for a confrontation that would determine not only Rimuru's fate but also expose the true nature of Clayman's treachery.

Clayman continued to laugh, a hollow, mocking sound that echoed through the banquet hall. The other demon lords watched with varying degrees of interest and disdain, sensing that the fool before them was about to meet his well-deserved comeuppance.

Guy Crimson, sensing the tension and anticipation in the air, stood from his seat and raised a hand. A barrier began to form around the central area of the banquet hall, shimmering with magical energy. The barrier expanded, creating an isolated battleground for the impending duel between Rimuru and Clayman.

The two contenders took their positions, their allies by their sides. Clayman, with a smug grin plastered on his face, had Milim and his steel doll standing menacingly next to him. Rimuru, on the other hand, was flanked by Shion and the ever-enthusiastic Veldora, who had joined him in the fight.

Clayman glanced at Veldora and sneered. "No matter how strong you think you are, Veldora, you can't possibly win against Milim. She's the strongest there is," he taunted, his voice dripping with arrogance.

Veldora's eyes narrowed, and he clenched his fists, visibly annoyed by Clayman's words. He turned to Rimuru, his voice a low growl. "Can I just kill him now, Rimuru? This fool needs to be taught a lesson."

Rimuru shook his head, his gaze steady. "No, Veldora. Clayman is my opponent. I'll handle him."

With the battle about to commence, the atmosphere in the banquet hall grew even more charged. Outside the barrier, Guy Crimson received a report from Misery, his loyal servant. She spoke in hushed tones, ensuring that her words did not disturb the duel.

"Lord Guy, there's something you should know. Noir, the primordial demon of black, is now a subordinate of Rimuru," Misery reported, her expression serious.

Guy's eyes widened with genuine surprise. "Noir? That bastard of a demon? That Noir?" he asked, his interest piqued.

"Yes, my lord. It appears Rimuru has managed to gain Noir's allegiance," Misery confirmed.

Guy couldn't help but smile in anticipation. "This Rimuru must be quite formidable to gather the approval of so many strong beings. Veldora, Milim, Ramiris, and now Noir. This will be interesting."

Inside the barrier, the battle began. Veldora, drawing from the countless manga and training sessions with Reinhard, demonstrated an impressive array of maneuvers. His techniques were refined and precise, far surpassing Milim's raw power with strategic finesse. Every move he made was calculated, showcasing the skills he had honed under Reinhard's tutelage.

Milim, though powerful, found herself struggling to keep up with Veldora's relentless onslaught. She fought back with all her might, but Veldora's technique and experience gave him the upper hand. His movements were a blur, each strike and counter executed with perfect timing.

Rimuru, observing the clash between the two titans, marveled at their speed and power. He could barely keep up with their movements, the sheer intensity of their battle sending shockwaves through the barrier.

Turning his attention back to Clayman, Rimuru's eyes narrowed. "Shion, take care of that steel doll. I'll deal with Clayman," he ordered, his voice firm.

Shion nodded, a determined glint in her eyes. "Leave it to me, Rimuru-sama!"

As Shion engaged the steel doll, Rimuru squared off against Clayman. The two adversaries faced each other, the tension between them palpable. Clayman's confidence faltered for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure, sneering at Rimuru.

"You're a fool if you think you can defeat me," Clayman taunted, his voice laced with malice. "I've already won. Milim is under my control, and soon, so will you be."

Rimuru's gaze hardened. "You underestimate me, Clayman. And that's your biggest mistake."

The fight between Rimuru and Clayman began in earnest. Rimuru's movements were swift and precise, his attacks imbued with the power of his newfound demon lord status. Clayman, despite his bravado, found himself struggling to keep up with Rimuru's relentless assault.

Outside the barrier, the other demon lords watched intently. Guy, in particular, was fascinated by the display of power and skill. He could see why Rimuru had garnered such a following. This slime was not to be underestimated.

Veldora, meanwhile, continued to dominate his battle with Milim. Despite her incredible strength, she was no match for Veldora's superior technique and strategic mind. Every move she made was countered with precision, every attack thwarted with ease.

As the battle raged on, Rimuru and Clayman exchanged blow after blow, the air crackling with magical energy. Rimuru's determination was unwavering, his resolve to defeat Clayman and clear his name driving him forward.

Clayman, on the other hand, was becoming increasingly desperate. His initial confidence had all but evaporated, replaced by a growing sense of fear and frustration. He had underestimated Rimuru, and now he was paying the price.

The intensity of the battle reached its peak, with both sides pushing themselves to their limits. The barrier surrounding the battleground shimmered with the force of their attacks, the very air humming with energy.

Clayman's eyes gleamed with triumph. He turned to Rimuru, a sinister smile on his lips. "Slime! Do you believe you can handle my skill that even controlled Milim? You're too foolish!"

Rimuru remained unfazed, his gaze steady. "We'll see about that, Clayman."

Rimuru faced Clayman, his eyes cold and unwavering, as the tension in the air grew thicker. Rimuru didn't waste any time. He channeled his overwhelming power, his presence alone enough to make Clayman feel the pressure.

He started beating the shit out of Clayman giving the guy no chance to resist.

Clayman's eyes darted around desperately, searching for Milim, his supposed ace in the hole. However, his heart sank as he saw her getting blasted by Veldora's replicated Beast Bomb, a move straight out of the manga Naruto. Veldora's loud, booming laugh filled the hall, the sheer volume of it disrupting Clayman's concentration and making him flinch.

"Ha! Did you see that, Rimuru? I've mastered it!" Veldora's voice echoed, his pride evident.

Taking advantage of Clayman's distraction, Rimuru surged forward, his speed incredible. He landed a powerful punch on Clayman's face, accelerating Clayman's perception of time by a thousandfold. The agony of the punch, stretched out over what felt like an eternity, left Clayman reeling, his mind flooded with an unbearable torrent of pain.

Clayman, feeling utterly lost and humiliated, staggered backward. His eyes filled with a mix of rage and desperation. He let out a roar of anger, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a bead that contained the souls of 10,000 people. He held it up triumphantly, his voice dripping with malice.

"You think you've won, slime? Watch as I ascend beyond your reach! With these souls, I will begin my evolution, and no one will be able to stop me!" Clayman laughed maniacally, his voice echoing through the hall.

Rimuru stood his ground, his expression unreadable. "Go ahead, Clayman. Evolve all you want. It won't make a difference."

Clayman sneered and consumed the souls, initiating his evolution. The World Voice, an omnipresent entity, announced the process in a calm, indifferent tone.

«Conditions have been met. Individual 'Clayman' will now experience the Harvest Festival.»

The air around Clayman crackled with energy as his power began to rise. His body glowed with an intense light, his aura expanding and becoming more menacing with each passing second. The demon lords watching from the sidelines could feel the shift, the raw power emanating from Clayman as he transformed.

As Clayman's evolution progressed, his arrogance grew. He believed that his new power would finally put him on equal footing with Rimuru. But he couldn't have been more wrong. Despite the immense energy coursing through him, Clayman was still outmatched.

Rimuru watched the transformation with a mixture of detachment and determination. "Clayman, you've caused too much pain and suffering. It's time for you to pay for your sins."

With a swift, decisive motion, Rimuru moved toward Clayman. The newly evolved demon lord, blinded by his newfound arrogance, didn't even see it coming. Rimuru's hand glowed with a brilliant light as he prepared to strike.

Clayman tried to muster a defense, but it was futile. Rimuru's power was overwhelming. In a blink of an eye, Rimuru dissected Clayman, his movements so fast and precise that Clayman couldn't even begin to react. Clayman's body was torn apart, leaving only his torso intact, suspended in mid-air by the sheer force of Rimuru's attack.

The hall fell silent, the demon lords watching in stunned disbelief. Rimuru's expression was one of grim satisfaction as he looked at the remnants of Clayman. "This is the end for you, Clayman. Your reign of terror is over."

Clayman's eyes, filled with shock and disbelief, stared at Rimuru. The realization of his defeat, of his utter powerlessness in the face of Rimuru's might, was a bitter pill to swallow. His body, now just a torso, floated helplessly in the air, a stark reminder of his hubris and the consequences of his actions.

Rimuru got closer to Clayman and held out his hands before letting his Ultimate Skill Beelzebub devour him whole.

The barrier around the battleground shimmered as Guy Crimson deactivated it. The atmosphere in the hall shifted, the tension dissipating as the demon lords processed what had just transpired. Guy, his expression a mixture of curiosity and approval, stepped forward.

"Well, it seems the slime is stronger than we thought," Guy remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Let the banquet begin."

The tension in the room began to dissipate as the barrier dropped, but a new kind of tension filled the air as Milim stood up. With a casual demeanor, she brushed off the dust from her clothes and looked around at the gathered demon lords.

"Well, that was quite a show, wasn't it?" Milim said, her usual playful tone returning.

"Milim?! Weren't you controlled?!" Rimuru asked in surprise. Milim on the other hand just grinned happily. "I fooled you too Rimuru? Wahahahaha!"

There was a collective gasp of surprise from the other demon lords. Rimuru looked at Milim, a mix of admiration and frustration on his face.

"Milim, you could have told us," Rimuru said, shaking his head. "We might have been able to get more information out of him before I... well, you know."

Milim shrugged nonchalantly. "I wanted to see how far he would go. But I guess it didn't really matter in the end, huh?"

The real banquet began after the explanation, with the demon lords settling into a more relaxed atmosphere. The grand table was laden with food, and the air filled with the rich aroma of various dishes. As they ate, the formalities resumed, with Frey and Carrion stepping forward to pledge their loyalty to Milim. Their alliance was sealed, strengthening the bonds among the demon lords.

Rimuru, taking in the moment, raised a glass. "I'd like to propose something," he said, his voice carrying through the hall. "Since I was the one who broke the balance, I'd like to be the one who will suggest the new name for the group. How about Octagram?"

The proposal was met with nods and murmurs of agreement. The new name symbolized their unity and strength, a force to be reckoned with. As the banquet progressed, the atmosphere lightened, and laughter filled the hall. But beneath the surface, a sense of impending danger lingered, unspoken but felt by all.

When the meal concluded, the mood shifted back to a more serious tone. Guy Crimson stood, his presence commanding attention. "Now, we need to discuss the more pressing matter at hand. The prophecy concerning Reinhard."

The room fell silent, the weight of the topic settling over them. Guy's gaze turned to Luminous, who had been uncharacteristically quiet throughout the proceedings.

"Luminous," Guy began, his tone measured, "I've noticed that you seem... uneasy whenever Reinhard's name is mentioned. Is there something you need to tell us?"

Luminous flinched slightly, her eyes narrowing. "There's nothing to tell, Guy. You're imagining things."

Guy didn't seem convinced but chose to let it go for now. "Alright, but remember, Luminous, this isn't a game. The entire world is at stake. If you know something, it's in everyone's best interest for you to share it."

Luminous's expression remained unreadable, but a flicker of uncertainty crossed her eyes. Guy's words hung in the air, a reminder of the gravity of the situation they were facing.

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