120. Swallowing Dvalin

Jean couldn't hide her astonishment and appreciation for Ryūhei's awe-inspiring performance. As she watched the culmination of his technique and the subsequent defeat of Dvalin, a sense of gratitude and admiration filled her heart.

With a genuine and heartfelt tone, Jean addressed Ryūhei, expressing her gratitude,

"Sir Ryūhei, your strength and abilities are truly extraordinary. You've not only protected us but turned the tide of this battle in our favor. Thank you for your incredible display of power."

Venti was quick to chime in after witnessing Ryūhei's remarkable performance. He was known for his passion for music and storytelling, and he couldn't help but contemplate turning this epic battle into a song.

"Ah, what a spectacle!" Venti exclaimed with enthusiasm. "Ryūhei, you've just provided me with the most extraordinary inspiration. This battle is a tale that must be woven into the very fabric of Teyvat's history, set to a melody that will resonate for ages to come."

Diluc, who had initially expressed confusion about Ryūhei's purpose, recognized the situation and offered a thoughtful response. "I may have misunderstood your intention earlier, but I see now that your actions were driven by a deeper purpose. Your strength has been a formidable asset in this battle, and I am grateful for your contributions."

Aether, understanding that Ryūhei's decision to not interfere earlier was a deliberate choice, nodded in agreement with Diluc. "We might have misunderstood your decision, but it's clear that you had a plan in mind. Your abilities are extraordinary, and they have made a significant difference in this battle."

Paimon, who had disappeared during the heat of the battle, suddenly reappeared with wide eyes filled with excitement. She couldn't contain her amazement and exclaimed, "That was incredible, a streak hair scoundrel! You totally showed Dvalin who's boss. This will be one story we'll tell for a long time!"

Fischl added her own layer of intrigue to the moment. Her words carried an air of fascination and curiosity.

"Truly, thou art a figure shrouded in the veils of the otherworldly firmament," she exclaimed. "Thine abilities transcend the ordinary and traverse the boundaries of understanding. This tale of thy power shall undoubtedly become a tale most peculiar and mystical in the annals of Teyvat."

Oz diligently translated her cryptic words into a more comprehensible language for the group.

"My Mistress is bewildered by your strength and the transcendent abilities you possess," Oz cawed. "She believes that your story and your power will be etched into the history of Teyvat as something truly extraordinary."

Ayaka, who had witnessed Ryūhei's remarkable display of power in the battle against Dvalin, spoke with a sense of profound admiration and trust in her voice.

"I knew that I could rely on you, and you've proven that in the most incredible way today. I have complete faith in your abilities, and I'm honored to fight by your side."

Despite the praises and acknowledgments from the group, Ryūhei remained focused and resolute, understanding that the battle was not yet over. The lingering presence of the Abyssal blood within Dvalin's body was a reminder of the ongoing threat.

He called out to Rimuru, demonstrating his practical and strategic thinking.

With a careful and strategic approach, Ryūhei carried Rimuru toward the back of Dvalin's neck, where the poisonous blood clots had formed on the dragon's wounds.

In a hushed and focused tone, Ryūhei inquired of Rimuru, seeking assurance for the task at hand.

"You can rid this thing, right?"

Rimuru, with a thoughtful expression, confirmed, "Hmmm, this thing is similar to the crystal I cleansed earlier. It's doable, I guess."

Ryūhei raised a valid concern, stating, "But it was already infected inside this dragon's body."

In response, Rimuru devised a solution, "In that case, I'll swallow him first and cleanse the Abyssal blood inside my stomach."

Ryūhei acknowledged the plan and agreed, "Alright. I'll step away first."

Ryūhei swiftly leaped out of Dvalin's neck, allowing Rimuru to carry out the task of cleansing the Abyssal blood without any hindrance.

Rimuru, with his amorphous and ever-adaptive form, initiated the process of swallowing Dvalin. His body stretched and contorted, molding itself around the dragon's massive form. In a mesmerizing display of fluidity, Rimuru's gelatinous shape enveloped Dvalin, making the process seem almost effortless.

Starting from Dvalin's wounded neck, Rimuru's translucent, blue body gradually encased the dragon. His amorphous form molded around every contour, sealing the dragon within. As he continued to engulf Dvalin, the Abyssal blood within the dragon's body was drawn into Rimuru's own form.

As Rimuru began to envelop Dvalin in his amorphous form, the onlookers - Venti, Diluc, Jean, Aether, Paimon, Ayaka, and Fischl - were struck with a mixture of astonishment and worry. They couldn't help but react with shock and concern, fearing that Rimuru was consuming the dragon.

Venti, his eyes wide and his expression one of disbelief, exclaimed, "Wait, is Rimuru eating Dvalin?"

Diluc's brow furrowed with alarm, and he rushed to Ryūhei, demanding, "What's happening? Why did the slime swallow Dvalin?"

Jean, normally composed and in control, couldn't hide her concern as she questioned, "What happened, Sir Ryūhei?"

Aether, his eyes widened in anxiety, nervously asked, "Is that okay?"

Paimon shrieked in panic, her voice filled with worry, "Oh no, is Dvalin becoming slime food?"

Ayaka, her eyes wide and her hand gripping her katana, whispered with concern, "What is his plan? I hope Ryūhei didn't mess up."

Fischl was not immune to the shock of the moment. Her reaction was a mix of concern and her usual eccentricity and unique flair.

"Das ist wahrlich unerhört!" she exclaimed dramatically, her words laced with a sense of disbelief. "The amorphous creature consumes the corrupted dragon in a most peculiar manner, as though another world riddle unfolds before us."

Despite her perplexity and concern, Fischl couldn't help but maintain her distinctive manner of speech.

Oz dutifully translated her cryptic and dramatic language into a more comprehensible form for the group.

"Mein Fräulein is astounded by this unheard-of turn of events!" Oz cawed. "The slime devours the corrupted dragon in a most peculiar and mysterious manner, akin to unfolding a secret of the world."

Oz's translation retained a sense of awe and curiosity while making Fischl's words more accessible to those around them.

Ryūhei turned to the group and couldn't help but react to their dramatic expressions of concern.

"Enough with the theatrics," he remarked with a hint of amusement in his voice. "Rimuru's got this under control."

Veldora chimed in with a touch of humor, reinforcing Ryūhei's sentiment.

"Yeah, don't worry. Rimuru won't make a snack out of Dvalin," he quipped, attempting to ease the tension with a bit of levity.

The two of them worked together to reassure the group and emphasize that their actions were part of a well-thought-out plan to cleanse Dvalin of the Abyssal blood.

The group had been initially anxious when they witnessed Rimuru's size returning to normal, as if they feared that Dvalin had been digested. However, the reassurances from Ryūhei and Veldora helped ease their worries, and they patiently waited for the outcome, trusting in the well-thought-out plan to cleanse Dvalin of the Abyssal blood.

With a comical "pew" sound and a resounding thud, Rimuru expelled Dvalin from his form. The dragon tumbled to the ground with a loud impact. As the group rushed to inspect the results, their worry transformed into relief as they observed the complete absence of the blood clot on the back of Dvalin's neck.

Dvalin, now awakened and free from the Abyssal corruption, fixed his gaze upon Venti. In his eyes, a profound sense of regret and sorrow emanated. It was as if he sought to convey his remorse for the actions he had taken under the influence of the Abyssal blood.

"Dvalin, I'm truly sorry for the pain I caused you," Venti expressed, his words carrying a deep sense of regret and the desire for forgiveness because of his new friends hurting Dvalin.

Venti, recounting the time when both he and Dvalin were afflicted by the corrupting influence of the Abyssal blood, remembered the difficult choices they had to make. After Dvalin had fallen into slumber, Venti took the opportunity to heal himself, seeking a means to purge the darkness that had taken hold of him during that trying period. The toll of purging the Abyssal blood had left Venti in a weakened state, explaining his current condition.

Dvalin's voice quivered as he mustered the courage to ask Venti a burning question.

"Do you... hate me?" he inquired, his words filled with uncertainty and a longing for forgiveness.

Venti responded to Dvalin's question with warmth and sincerity, dispelling the dragon's doubts.

"What a silly question," he said, his voice filled with affection. "How can I hate you, my friend?"

Venti's keen insight revealed an unspoken truth between them. He continued,

"I also know you still think about me," he remarked, pointing towards Ayaka, Jean, Diluc, Aether, and Fischl. His words hinted at the restraint he had shown in the battle, withholding his full strength against them.

Dvalin acknowledged Venti's observation, admitting that he had indeed held back in his clashes with the group. However, he recounted a different experience when facing Veldora. Dvalin had attempted to fight back against the mysterious young man but found himself overpowered.

Though Dvalin didn't recognize Veldora, a sense of familiarity emanated from the dragon.