The Reincarnations of Veldanava

Herald in the New Epoch

Rimuru was brought straight to Ramiris. There were hundreds of monitors showing what was happening on each floor. Well, there wasn't much to see at the moment since the labyrinth was close. It was decorated like a war room, but this was actually their hangout spot.

Officially the 101st floor of the dungeon, this room was highly confidential. Ramiris and Veldora would come here to unwind when they weren't working. Rimuru and Milim would join them from time to time too, but it was those two who utilized this place the most.

The majority of the time, it would be left in a lamentable state. They didn't have the best reputation when it came to tidiness. Charys and Beretta would usually do the cleaning for them, but at some point, even those two gave up too.

He was expecting a messy sight, but that wasn't the case at all. Ramiris seemed to have it thoroughly cleaned. A common scene of books and bags of snack scattering on the floor wasn't here.

For a conversation of this importance, it only felt appropriate.

The room was dim; all lights were taken out. The only source of light here was the lady at the room's center. Ramiris was at her full power, the complete Queen of Spirits form.

Rarely did she use it. According to her, it required an effort to maintain its magnificence, so she opted to use the Pixie form for daily life. Nevertheless, her true form was quite a sight to behold. It also unnerved Rimuru greatly.

"Veldanava-sama." Ramiris placed down a cup of tea, prompting Beretta to attentively pour more for her. Elegancy filled her movements, and majesty filled her voice.

Was that even the same Ramiris he knew, he wondered. Though she was intimidating, he had to remain mentally strong. Striding into the room, Rimuru seemed confident on the surface.

"Just Rimuru is enough. I don't fancy that name anymore."

"That doesn't change the fact that you are him."

"Fair enough." Rimuru didn't enjoy calling himself Veldanava that much. When the time was right, it had its own benefits. But still, it irked him deep down that he had to acknowledge himself as someone else, even though that someone was his past reincarnation.

This wasn't the right moment to bring it to her attention, though, Ramiris didn't seem to be in an understanding mood.

"And why are you here?" Rimuru asked a man who had no reason to show up.

"Isn't it obvious?" the red-haired man said. "When the star shines, his administrators have to be presented. Nonetheless, I find it hurtful that you have never told me. How sad."

"What are you talking about—"

"I would've been left in the dark if it wasn't for Ramiris. Oh, you are cruel, my friend."

Guy Crimson, quite literally the strongest lifeform in the west, was acting so melodramatic. He said as if he had just figured Rimuru out a few hours ago. That didn't make sense.

Didn't he say that he had figured Rimuru's identity out since their first meeting?

«I believe it is for self-preservation.»

'You mean he plays dumb to save his own skin from Ramiris?'

«That seems to be the case.»

Rimuru looked Guy in the eyes, attempting to read the Daemon's intention. What he saw was a plea for him to play along.

He knew Ramiris would give him an earful if she realized that he had been holding onto this information all along. Guy hated such troubles, so he acted like he knew nothing.