Rimuru the sin of love

Meeting and fooling the Druids

Rimuru's POV

The crisp air carried the faint scent of earth and magic as I soared through the sky, my wings cutting effortlessly through the wind. It felt strange to be in this form again—my goddess form, with its ethereal glow and elegant features. This form was one I never used before, a form that mostly holds power to pretend conflict, but today it was essential. To infiltrate the Goddess Realm and further the intricate plot I had woven with Merlin, I needed to play the part convincingly. And the first step was gaining access to the portal hidden deep within the Druid Ruins.

The Druid Ruins were steeped in ancient magic, a nexus of power that connected various realms. Only a select few knew of its existence, and fewer still had the authority to use it. Luckily, I had done my research. The Druids guarded the portal zealously, granting access only to those they deemed worthy—or those who could convince them otherwise.

As I descended, the ruins came into view. Crumbling stone pillars jutted out from the earth, their surfaces etched with intricate runes that glowed faintly in the dim light. The air was thick with the hum of old magic, a testament to the power that still lingered here despite the passage of time.

Landing softly, I folded my wings, allowing the glow of my goddess form to radiate gently around me. The aura was subtle but unmistakable, a calculated display meant to establish my identity without overwhelming those who would soon confront me. Adjusting my posture, I took on an air of calm confidence, ready to play my part.

Within moments, the Druids emerged from the shadows, their cloaks blending seamlessly with the surrounding ruins. Their leader, a tall figure with piercing green eyes, stepped forward. He regarded me cautiously, his gaze flickering briefly to the faint glow that emanated from my form.

"You are not one of us," he said, his voice steady but wary. "State your purpose here."

I inclined my head slightly, offering a serene smile. "I am not one of your kind, no. I am a traveler from the Goddess Realm, and I seek your assistance."

The leader's eyes narrowed, though he didn't immediately dismiss me. "The Goddess Realm? Few dare to speak of such a place so casually. What brings you to our ruins?"

I let out a soft sigh, allowing a hint of weariness to creep into my voice. "There was an accident—a magical mishap that transported me here against my will. I've been searching for a way back ever since. I was told your portal might be able to help me return home."

The leader's expression remained guarded, but I could see the flicker of intrigue in his eyes. "And what proof do you have of your claim? Words alone are not enough to gain access to our portal."

I held his gaze, letting the faint glow of my form intensify ever so slightly. "Is my presence not proof enough? You can feel it, can't you? The magic that flows through me—it is not of this world."

The Druids exchanged glances, their whispered conversations too low for me to hear. Finally, the leader spoke again. "If what you say is true, then you must understand the gravity of what you ask. The portal is not a mere gateway—it is a sacred connection between realms, and it is not to be used lightly."

"I am well aware of the portal's significance," I replied calmly. "And I do not make this request lightly. But my presence here disrupts the natural balance. I must return to the Goddess Realm, not just for my sake, but for the sake of this world."

The leader studied me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "If we are to grant your request, you must prove your intentions are pure. There are trials—rituals that must be performed to ensure you are worthy."

Trials? Of course, there would be trials. The Druids weren't the type to hand over their secrets without making things unnecessarily complicated. Still, I nodded, keeping my expression serene. "If that is what you require, I will comply."

The leader motioned for me to follow, leading me deeper into the ruins. As we walked, the other Druids fell in step behind us, their presence a silent reminder of the scrutiny I was under. The path wound through crumbling archways and overgrown courtyards, the air growing heavier with magic the further we went.

Finally, we arrived at a circular platform surrounded by towering stones etched with runes. The leader gestured toward the center. "The first trial will test your connection to the divine. Step into the circle, and we shall begin."

I stepped forward without hesitation, my mind already calculating the possible outcomes. The Druids would likely test my magic, my knowledge of divine energy, and perhaps even my ability to manipulate the balance between realms. Fortunately, I had prepared for this. My time with Merlin had sharpened my skills, and Ciel's guidance ensured I could adapt to whatever they threw at me.

As I stood in the center of the circle, the runes around me began to glow, their light pulsating in time with the hum of magic in the air. The leader raised his hands, chanting in a language I didn't recognize. The energy around me shifted, growing more intense as the trial began.

The first wave of magic hit me like a gust of wind, probing at my aura, testing the strength of my presence. I held firm, letting my goddess form absorb and reflect the energy. The Druids were testing my authenticity, trying to determine if I truly belonged to the divine realm. I let my magic flow naturally, allowing just enough of my aura to seep through to convince them without revealing too much.

The second wave was more aggressive, a surge of energy that sought to disrupt my balance. It was a clever tactic, one designed to expose any flaws or inconsistencies in my power. But Ciel's calm voice guided me, {{Maintain your flow, Master. Their energy is erratic. Match it, then counteract it with stability.}}

I followed her advice, letting my magic shift to match the Druids' energy before stabilizing it with a gentle pulse. The runes around me flared brightly for a moment before dimming, signaling the end of the trial.

The leader stepped forward, his expression a mix of respect and caution. "You have passed the first trial. Your connection to the divine is undeniable. But there are still more tests to come."

I nodded, my expression calm even as my mind raced. This was only the beginning, and I needed to stay ahead of their scrutiny. Every word, every action had to be calculated perfectly if I wanted to gain their trust and access the portal.

The following trials tested my resilience, my understanding of ancient magic, and my ability to manipulate divine energy. Each challenge pushed me to the edge of my abilities, but I met them head-on, guided by Ciel's insight and my own determination. By the time I completed the final trial, I could see the shift in the Druids' demeanor. Their wariness had given way to something closer to reverence.

The leader approached me as I stepped off the platform, his tone subdued. "You have proven yourself, traveler. The portal will be opened to you."

I inclined my head, allowing a faint smile to grace my lips. "Thank you. Your assistance will not be forgotten."

As the Druids led me toward the portal, a swirling vortex of light and magic carved into the heart of the ruins, I couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph. The first part of my plan had fallen into place. Now, it was time to take the next step—into the Goddess Realm and into the heart of the chaos I had so carefully orchestrated.