DxD: Empress of Desire

Chapter 2: The Power of Desire and The Cost of Power

Flashback: The Rise of the Empress

In a world untouched by time and space, Rimuru Tempest stood at the heart of a desolate battlefield, the remnants of her enemies scattered across the earth like discarded toys. She had defeated many in her long reign, but few had ever posed a challenge to her power. Two such figures, the once-mighty demons Fedlway and Iverage, had thought themselves above her—arrogant, dangerous, and powerful in their own right. But their attempts to confront her were futile.

Fedlway, a demon lord who once commanded legions of followers, stood tall, his massive frame cloaked in dark energy, his body pulsating with malicious intent. Iverage, his trusted right-hand, was no less imposing—her form a blur of speed, her crimson eyes seething with hatred. Together, they had planned to strike down the Goddess Rimuru and claim her power for themselves. But they had not understood the true nature of the being they sought to challenge.

Rimuru surveyed them calmly from her perch on the cliff, her eyes glowing with ethereal light. "You've made your choice," she said softly, her voice carrying across the winds. "And now, I'll show you why that was your last mistake."

Before they could react, she raised her hand and flicked her wrist. A pulse of radiant blue energy shot from her fingers, an all-encompassing wave that tore through the earth beneath her enemies' feet. Fedlway roared in anger as his form disintegrated under the force of Rimuru's attack, while Iverage tried to dodge, only to be caught in the blast. Her speed proved meaningless against Rimuru's omnipotence.

The battlefield fell silent as the dust settled, the bodies of Fedlway and Iverage reduced to nothingness. Rimuru stepped forward, her eyes cold but satisfied. The power that surged through her being was unparalleled, the result of years of honing her abilities. But there was more. The whispers had spoken of a being that could enhance her power further—Veldanava, the original Dragon God, who had once wielded powers that could reshape the fabric of reality.

The Meeting with Veldanava

It wasn't long before Rimuru's power drew the attention of the ancient and mysterious Dragon God, Veldanava. He appeared before her in the form of a magnificent, glowing figure—a presence of pure light, radiating wisdom and infinite potential. Though his form was vast, Rimuru wasn't the slightest bit intimidated. She had already proven herself more than capable of holding her own.

"I have heard much of your deeds, Rimuru Tempest," Veldanava said, his voice echoing with divine authority. "Your strength is impressive, even to me. But you seek something greater, don't you? Power beyond what any mortal—or even divine being—could comprehend?"

Rimuru's gaze sharpened. "You are right," she replied calmly, stepping closer. "I have already conquered my world and built it into my own image, but there is something... missing. I want to understand the limits of my power and push beyond them."

Veldanava regarded her for a moment, as if searching for something within her, before he nodded, his form shifting and expanding. "I can grant you what you seek, but understand this: power of that magnitude comes with a price. You will be more than you are now—greater than even I was at my peak. The cost is your very humanity. Are you prepared to bear such a burden?"

Rimuru's lips curled into a smile, her eyes gleaming with both desire and determination. "I am prepared," she said firmly. "Give me your power."

With that, Veldanava raised his hand and summoned a torrent of energy—an immense flood of raw, primordial power. It engulfed Rimuru, and in that moment, her body was reshaped, her mind and soul expanded to encompass the entirety of her new abilities. The sensation was both exhilarating and overwhelming, as her power increased exponentially, surpassing even that of the mighty Veldanava at his prime.