Chapter 25 Demon

(Great sage, are you there?) I called as I traveled towards the place the aura had originated from.

(Damn it...) I was still getting used to my new skills so it was possible the connection wasn't stable enough for us to communicate at the moment.

After the aura had so suddenly appeared everything became a little chaotic to say the least, especially around the refugee camp where I had thankfully been when everything had originally gone down. I had headed straight over here to check what was going on, after I took a moment to reassure everyone that I'd find out what the heck was happening of course. In fact I was so frazzled by the sudden turn of events that I had completely forgotten about the fact that I could have just teleported there instead of just flying like I was currently doing but oh well.

Anyway, I had learned from Rigurd and Rigur that the aura I and everyone else felt was most likely caused by the revival of Veldora the storm dragon, one of the few true dragons in existence and a kind of father to Charybdis in a weird way. Veldora had disappeared some time ago and just so happened to reappear at this very moment, at the same place that Rimuru had apparently disappeared to no less. To put it simply, I didn't think this was a coincidence.

(If I know dad as well as I think I do then he probably had something to do with this whole mess about Veldora's awakening) I muttered internally knowing full well that he most definitely had something to do with this.

(Why would he help in Veldora's revival though?) I hummed  in thought as I tried to rationalize this to myself.

(I do remember him talking about Veldora before a few times, in fact wasn't Veldora the one who named him or something? If I'm remembering that correctly then I suppose it makes sense but how? Veldora was sealed away with a barrier so how did he...wait...with great sage and gluttony maybe...it could work...) I rapidly theorized while putting my ultimate proficiency skill to good use. Rimuru hadn't talked much about said storm dragon but I do clearly remember him mentioning Veldora a few times over our time together.

(Got damn it dad! What are you thinking awakening some ancient fucking dragon thing, I don't care if he is potentially your friend or something you could have at least told us before hand) I thought while grumbling about Rimuru's inability to inform us about shit like this before he actually does it.

(I'm going to be giving you one hell of a talking to if this does turn out to be all of your damn fault) I sighed as I began to increase my speed over all.

(Anyway, I need to hurry up and find out just what the heck is going on, I can have a go at that dumbass after I actually find out if this really was all his shitty idea)

"You better not be hurt or you'll wish you were dead when I get my hands on you..." I whispered to myself, sure he annoyed me from time to time but I still cared about him no matter how stupid he could sometimes be.

It didn't take me all that long to actually get there but that is just one of the perks of being able to fly faster than the speed of sound I suppose. But anyway, the moment I reached my destination I landed without much effort. Of course because of the speed that I was moving I created a large crater when I landed, so it wasn't the quietest entrance I've had but that doesn't really matter to me at the moment.

"Finally"  I hissed as I looked at the entrance to Veldora's cave or what used to be his cave anyway.

"Now then I just need to fin-" before I could finish that sentence I felt an unfamiliar presence. It had only taken me this long to notice that someone else was here mainly because of the slight panic that I was currently feeling and before I could even turn to see who this individual was they spoke.

"Excuse me Miss." The voice was smooth and even somewhat respectful.

"Hmmm?" Turning to see who this unfamiliar voice was I found myself met with what appeared to be a butler...or would it be more accurate to say a demon butler?

What I found when I turned was a strange yet somewhat ominous sight. A somewhat tall well-dressed man in what appeared to be a butler outfit, black suit and all. His hair was a deep black color with a single streak of red just above his eyes. Talking about his eyes they were somewhat similar to mine in a way but his irises were yellow instead of white and had a red coloring surrounding them.

Something else that got my attention when I looked at him was the way he moved and presented himself, it was odd to me overall. It was like watching a cat stalk its prey in a way, a curious and almost playful nature that hid a more sinister intent. Also was the fact that even though I don't quite understand why, something about him just felt ancient to me even though he looked relatively young.

"Who the hell are you?'' I asked as I narrowed my eyes, even without looking at his status I somehow knew of his demonic origins.

"There is no need for hostility my lady, I would not bring harm upon you" he hummed smoothly while bowing with a smile.

(As if you could even if you wanted too) I thought coldly as I waited for him to continue.

"As for who I am, I was given the name Diablo by my gracious master, the extraordinary man you call father" I was a little surprised by this for two reasons. First, this guy wasn't lying so he must be new and just didn't know about it, a fact that irritated me to no end mind you. And second because of the strange mix of excitement and devotion that flashed through his eyes when he said this.

(This guy is sketchy as fuck...he kind of reminds me of Elizabeth with that strange devotion in his eyes) I muttered internally while an uncomfortable feeling began to grow in the back of my mind but I didn't let it show on my face.

"I didn't remember dad ever having a subordinate by that name, in fact I didn't remember dad having a literal demon as a subordinate either" I mused trying to change the subject.

"I only recently entered his service and I am truly honored for the opportunity" this guy was just weird, I was genuinely curious as to why or how he became so loyal to Rimuru even though the two had probably only known each other for a short time at this point.

"I see..."

I know he wasn't lying but something about him just creeped me out if I was being completely honest with myself. It might have been something to do with them being a demon but I wasn't really sure.

"Well if you don't mind me I have to go and check on dad" with that I walked towards the cave only for this Diablo to step forward to block my way.

"What?" I growled as a frown formed across my face.

"My gracious lord has asked that no one disturb him at the moment" he smiled patiently, yet also managed to sound somewhat apologetic at the same time.

"Hahaha..." I laugh darkly, it was funny that he thought he could actually stop me.

"Buddy, I really suggest you get out of my way" considering the fact that he was dad's newest subordinate, I was trying my best to be nice and not bury his face into the dirt but it was hard considering the situation.

"I must do as my lord has ordered me, so even if it pains me greatly to anger you I must do as I was told" I could respect that...on a good day that is, right now was not a good day.

"I'll ask nicely one last time, please move out of the way" god...being nice was difficult.

"I do apologize, truly I do bu-"

"Move. Now."