True God In Another World (Tensura x Tbate)

Chapter 105 - Where I Belong

Rimuru POV

A familiar feeling washed over me as I stepped through the gateway. Instead of emerging into daylight as expected, I found myself in a dark, dank cavern. The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood, and as my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I made out the scattered remains of various beasts strewn across the ground.

My body moved before my brain could process it, dodging a dagger that would've given me an unwanted neck piercing. Years of instinct kicked in just in time.

"Sophia, stop!" A familiar voice called out in panic.

"Rimuru?" Sophia lowered her weapon, recognition flooding her features. "I... I apologize! In this darkness, I couldn't-"

"It's fine," I interrupted, offering a tired smile. After everything I've been through in this life, a simple dagger wasn't going to be my undoing. "Your instincts are as sharp as ever."

Kyle emerged from the shadows, his usually composed face showing signs of strain. Despite his attempt to maintain his dignified appearance, I could see the exhaustion in his eyes. "Rimuru, we weren't expecting you back soon. Though I'm glad you've returned."

"A lot has happened," I said simply, taking in the carnage around us. "Where exactly are we?"

"Oh, this is one of the dungeons we've been exploring. Jackson ordered Kyle, Ethan, and me to clear it out. We've just finished," Sophia explained.

That bastard. I had no idea the Asuras harbored such deep resentment. Did he want to kill me? After the long day Sylvie had put me through yesterday, maybe Windsom was just trying to annoy me. After all, he wasn't going to actually kill me, at least not yet.

"Probably napping somewhere," Sophia muttered, sheathing her daggers with more force than necessary. "While we're dealing with this mess, that lazy-"

A yawn interrupted her tirade as Ethan's lanky form materialized from behind a boulder. "Hey, I was keeping watch. You know, being vigilant and all that."

"Vigilant?" Sophia's eye twitched. "You were snoring!"

"Strategic resting," Ethan corrected, scratching his head. Then he noticed me and straightened slightly - well, as much as he ever did. "Oh, welcome back, boss. Things got a bit messy while you were gone."

I raised an eyebrow at the understatement. "I can see that."

"We shouldn't stay here. You must be tired. Besides, everyone's been wanting to see you," Kyle said.

"You're right," I said, stretching. "I need a hot bath after everything that's happened."

The walk back to the surface revealed more signs of intense combat - claw marks on walls, scorch marks from spells, and the occasional monster corpse.

As we made our way out of the dungeon, my mind wandered back to the past few weeks in Epheotus. Training with Myre had been... interesting. Playing the role of an ignorant human learning about Realmheart while actually understanding far more than I let on had been mentally exhausting. But seeing Sylvie's growth had made it worthwhile.

My daughter had flourished under Myre's tutelage. Her control over aether, particularly the vivum aspect, had grown tremendously. Every proud smile she showed me when mastering a new technique reminded me painfully of Sylvia. If only she could see how our little girl had grown...

The thought of Sylvia and Ciel, brought both comfort and pain. I missed them terribly, especially after spending time with Sylvie. Soon, I promised myself. Once Arthur completed his training and Sylvie returned to Dicathen, perhaps we could finally be together as a family.