That time I got reincarnated as a female true dragon

Chapter 5: The Veil of Shadows and the Path of Ideals

Arrival in Ruberios

The sky over Ruberios was a canvas of twilight hues as Velriza descended toward the sacred nation. After her long and arduous journey from the Ice Continent, she marveled at the grandeur of Ruberios. The city was bathed in an otherworldly glow, its towering spires and intricate designs a testament to its divine nature. The air was filled with an aura of reverence and peace, hinting at the sacredness that permeated the land.

As Velriza touched down near the grand entrance, she was met by a group of robed figures. Their attire and solemn expressions conveyed both respect and formality. They guided her through the massive gates and into the heart of the city. The grandeur of Ruberios was immediately apparent. The streets were lined with majestic buildings, and the cathedral, standing as the centerpiece, loomed large in the distance.

Meeting Luminous Valentine

Inside the cathedral, Velriza was led through an elaborate series of chambers, each more intricate than the last. The air was filled with the soft glow of magical wards and the scent of incense, creating an atmosphere of serene sanctity.

At the heart of the cathedral, Luminous Valentine awaited her. Seated on a grand throne-like chair, she exuded an aura of both regal elegance and divine grace. Her crimson eyes, though fierce, held a depth of wisdom and warmth that made Velriza feel immediately at ease.

"Welcome to Ruberios, Velriza," Luminous's voice was smooth and melodic. "It is an honor to finally meet you. I understand you have traveled a great distance to seek understanding."

Velriza approached and bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Luminous Valentine. I have journeyed here to learn more about the principles that guide Ruberios and to find a path that resonates with my own purpose."

Luminous smiled warmly. "You are most welcome. Ruberios is indeed unique in its governance and ideals. Allow me to show you the way we uphold our sacred principles and the truths that shape our realm."

The Sacred Tomb

Luminous led Velriza through several chambers, each adorned with sacred artifacts and divine symbols. The intricate design of the cathedral was a marvel of divine architecture, reflecting the sacredness of Ruberios. Eventually, they reached a hidden path that led to the sacred tomb.

The tomb was a monumental structure, carved into the heart of a nearby mountain. It was surrounded by powerful magical wards and guarded by divine beings. The entrance was decorated with sacred symbols and ancient runes, radiating an aura of profound sanctity.

"Only a select few are permitted to enter the tomb," Luminous explained as they approached. "Roy Valentine, Louis Valentine, and Chronoa are among those who hold this privilege. The tomb is where I reside to offer guidance and protection to our realm."

Velriza looked at the entrance with awe. "I can sense the importance and sanctity of this place. It is clear that it holds great significance for your realm."

Luminous nodded, her eyes reflecting a sense of pride. "Indeed. The tomb is a focal point of our divine guidance. It is where we channel our power and wisdom to ensure the prosperity and sanctity of Ruberios."

Encounter with Chronoa

As they continued through the cathedral, Luminous introduced Velriza to Chronoa, who was present in one of the cathedral's inner sanctums. Chronoa's presence was marked by a blend of authority and a thoughtful demeanor. Her attire and posture spoke of her unique role within the sacred realm.

"Chronoa," Luminous began, "this is Velriza. Velriza, Chronoa is one of our most esteemed allies and protectors, though she is currently residing here temporarily. She plays a vital role in guiding and safeguarding our future."

Chronoa turned to face Velriza, her gaze both curious and welcoming. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Velriza. I have heard of your journey and the purpose behind it. I must ask, how did you come to be in this timeline? In the previous timeline, you did not exist."

Velriza, taken aback by the question, considered her response carefully. "My presence here is indeed a mystery to me as well. I have no clear understanding of how I came to be in this timeline, but I have sought out Ruberios to learn more about its ideals and to find a path that aligns with my own sense of purpose."

Chronoa's expression remained thoughtful. "Your existence in this timeline is intriguing. My goal here is to prevent Rimuru's death in the future. Understanding how you came to be here could impact this goal. If you are open to it, I would like to discuss your purpose and how it aligns with our efforts."

Velriza nodded, intrigued. "I am open to discussing my purpose. My journey has been one of discovery and seeking a path that resonates with my ideals. I would be glad to share what I know and explore how it might intersect with your goals."

The Ideals of Ruberios

Luminous and Chronoa began to elaborate on the core principles that guide Ruberios. Luminous spoke with a tone of reverence. "Our realm is governed by the sacred church, which ensures that our ideals of faith, justice, and purity are upheld. We strive for a harmonious balance where divine guidance and earthly governance coexist."

Chronoa added, "The preservation of justice and purity is paramount to us. My role, while temporary, is to support these principles and to protect the future. We work to ensure that our vision is both upheld and adapted to meet the evolving needs of the world."

Velriza listened intently, absorbing the depth of their philosophies. "I can see how these ideals create a foundation for a balanced and just society. It resonates with my own understanding of how divine and mortal aspects can coexist harmoniously."

Luminous's eyes glimmered with approval. "It is heartening to hear that you find our vision compelling. Embracing our ideals means committing to a future where divine guidance and practical governance are intertwined."

Chronoa's gaze softened as she continued. "The path we follow is not without challenges, but it offers opportunities to make a significant impact. Your presence here, and the alignment of your goals with ours, could be beneficial in achieving our shared vision."

Deciding on a Path

As the evening approached, Luminous and Chronoa invited Velriza to a tranquil garden overlooking the illuminated city of Ruberios. The garden was a sanctuary of peace, with vibrant flora and soft, magical illumination creating a serene ambiance. The view of the city below, bathed in divine light, was breathtaking.

Luminous spoke with a sense of calm authority. "Our vision for Ruberios is not solely about maintaining power. It is about creating a realm where our principles guide every aspect of life, where divine guidance and mortal governance work together to foster justice and purity."

Chronoa nodded in agreement. "Embracing our vision involves dedication and purpose. It means committing to a path where we can address challenges while staying true to our ideals."

Velriza stood in the garden, reflecting on their words. "The balance you seek to achieve between divine guidance and worldly influence aligns with my own sense of purpose. I am drawn to your ideals and am eager to contribute to this vision."

Luminous's smile was one of genuine approval. "I am pleased to hear that. We welcome you to join us in embracing these ideals and in working together to shape the future of Ruberios."

Chronoa's expression was thoughtful. "The journey ahead may be filled with obstacles, but it offers a chance to make a meaningful difference. With shared dedication and purpose, we can achieve our goals."

Velriza felt a deep sense of clarity and determination. Her journey had led her to Ruberios, where she found a path that resonated with her ideals. The vision presented by Luminous and Chronoa offered a compelling direction for her future.

As the night descended, Velriza stood in the garden, gazing out over the sacred realm with newfound resolve. She was ready to embrace the next chapter of her journey, guided by the ideals she had chosen to follow and the path that lay ahead.