Welcome in the goddess realm

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Rimuru's POV

The moment I stepped through the swirling portal, I was enveloped by a light so brilliant it was almost blinding. The air around me shimmered with an ethereal glow, thick with divine magic that seemed to hum in harmony with every breath I took. As the light began to fade, the landscape of the Goddess Realm unfolded before me, and for the first time in a while, I was genuinely awestruck.

The realm stretched out in all directions, a blend of serene beauty and overwhelming grandeur. The skies were a cascade of shifting colors, hues of gold, pink, and lavender blending seamlessly into one another, as if painted by an artist who couldn't bear to settle on just one shade. Towering structures of pristine white marble dotted the horizon, their surfaces adorned with intricate carvings and glowing runes that pulsed faintly, as though alive.

Crystal-clear rivers wove through lush meadows of soft, silvery grass, their waters sparkling with an otherworldly light. The trees were unlike anything I'd ever seen—tall and slender with leaves that shimmered like starlight, their branches swaying gently even though there was no wind.

Above it all, a massive temple loomed in the distance, its spires reaching high into the radiant sky. The temple was carved from a material that seemed almost translucent, catching the light in a way that made it appear as if it was constantly shifting between solid and immaterial.

I took a deep breath, letting the magic of the realm wash over me. It was overwhelming, almost intoxicating, but I could feel Ciel anchoring me, her steady presence keeping me grounded.

{{Master, the energy here is highly concentrated. Proceed cautiously.}}

"Yeah, I can tell," I muttered under my breath, keeping my expression serene as I took a step forward. Everything about this place screamed perfection—pristine, untouchable, almost painfully pure. It was beautiful, yes, but also suffocating in its intensity.

I couldn't help but smirk to myself. "No wonder they're so uptight."

Still, I had to admit, the Goddess Realm was impressive. For a race so obsessed with their own superiority, they had certainly crafted a world that reflected their ideals. It was almost enough to make me forget the fact that I was here under false pretenses, walking into what could very well be the lion's den if I wasn't careful.

My footsteps were light as I moved through the meadow toward the temple, the soft grass brushing against my ankles like whispers. I could feel eyes on me, distant presences watching from the shadows, but none approached. Not yet.

"Let them stare," I murmured, letting a faint glow radiate from my form. I wasn't here to hide—I wanted their attention. The more curious they were, the easier it would be to maneuver through their ranks.

But even as I exuded confidence, I couldn't ignore the flicker of unease in the back of my mind. This place was beautiful, yes, but it was also dangerous. Every step I took felt like a gamble, and I knew I had to tread carefully if I wanted to pull this off.

Sariel's POV

The Goddess Realm was as perfect as ever, a shimmering testament to divine power and order. Yet, for all its beauty, there was a stillness to it that often bordered on monotony. The balance was maintained, the cycles predictable, and the rare disruptions quickly addressed. It was peaceful, yes, but also dull.

That was, until today.

I had been observing the realm from my usual vantage point, perched atop one of the temple spires, when I felt it—a presence I didn't recognize. It was faint at first, but as it grew closer, it became impossible to ignore.

Turning my gaze toward the meadow, I spotted her.

The figure moving through the grass was radiant, her aura soft yet commanding, like a melody that lingered long after the song had ended. Her form was unfamiliar—elegant, glowing with a divine energy that resonated with the realm itself. She walked with a purpose, her steps light but deliberate, and though her face was serene, there was something in her eyes that hinted at a deeper complexity.

I frowned, leaning forward slightly as I tried to place her. She was clearly one of us—or at least, she appeared to be. Her aura was unmistakably divine, and yet... there was something off about it. Something I couldn't quite pinpoint.

"Who is she?" I murmured to myself, scanning my memory for any recollection of her face or presence. I prided myself on knowing every member of our kind, especially those with auras as unique as hers. And yet, I came up blank.

She paused in the meadow, her gaze drifting toward the temple, and for a moment, I thought she might have noticed me watching. But if she did, she gave no indication. Instead, she resumed her walk, her movements unhurried but purposeful.

I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her than met the eye. Her presence was too deliberate, her steps too calculated. It was as if she wanted to be seen, wanted us to notice her.

But why?

I rose from my perch, spreading my wings and descending toward the meadow. If she was here to disrupt the balance, it was my duty to confront her. And if she was here with a purpose, I intended to find out what it was.

As I approached, I called out, my voice steady but firm. "You there. Who are you, and what is your purpose in the Goddess Realm?"

She stopped, turning to face me with a calm smile. Her glow intensified slightly, enough to make me pause.

"My name is Rimuru," she said, her voice soft but clear. "I am a traveler, seeking guidance after a magical accident left me stranded far from home."

I studied her closely, searching for any hint of deception. Her tone was even, her gaze steady, but there was something about her that didn't quite fit.

"A traveler?" I repeated, my skepticism evident. "From where?"

She tilted her head slightly, her smile never faltering. "From a far-off realm, one I doubt you've heard of. My journey has been long, and I am simply seeking passage home."

Her words were measured, careful, but there was a weight to them that I couldn't ignore. She wasn't lying—at least, not outright—but she wasn't telling the full truth, either.

"And you expect us to believe this story without question?" I asked, folding my arms.

Her smile widened just slightly, and there was a flicker of amusement in her eyes. "You are free to question it if you wish. But my presence here is no accident. I was guided to this place, and I believe it is no coincidence."

Her response caught me off guard, and I hesitated. There was a confidence in her words, a certainty that was difficult to dismiss.

"I will take you to the High Council," I said finally, my tone neutral. "They will decide what to make of your presence."

She inclined her head gracefully. "Thank you."

As we began to walk toward the temple, I couldn't help but steal another glance at her. Who was Rimuru, really? And why did I feel as though her arrival was the beginning of something far larger than I could yet comprehend?

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