In the Northern Land –First Part-
As Velgrind confronted Velzard, she observed the latter’s beautiful appearance.
Her whole body emanated pure white radiance, and her scales that are whiter than pearls were like jewels which enthralled anyone who saw them.
“Ice Dragon” Velzard, was undoubtedly the figure of the strongest dragon.
However, right now, her usual blue diamond eyes that were filled with gentleness were dyed by anger like the raging seas and let off a deep-crimson glow.
Looking at those eyes, Velgrind suddenly wondered.
――Why her older sister, Velzard, is recognizing Velda as the same person as their older brother, “Stellar Lord Dragon” Veldanava?――
At the very least, it was difficult to imagine that Velzard who had strong willpower equal to or higher than Velgrind has received some kind of mind control.
And above all else, Velzard’s specialty was specializing in all kind of defenses.
Additionally, Velzard owned Ultimate Skill『Patience Lord Gabriel』.
The ultimate defense specialization ability created from Velzard’s iron will.
Combining her original nature and her defense aspect, there was no doubt that Velzard had the strongest ability.
And, what proved this was Velzard’s unshakeable iron will.
『Patience Lord Gabriel』 was born out of her strong heart that is unfazed by anything.
That meant she had calm observing eyes that won’t be deceived by anything and an immovable mind.
It was unthinkable for Velzard to have mistaken her own older brother.
Certainly, there was no doubt that Velda had Veldanava’s memories,
But Velgrind thought that this didn’t prove that her older brother and Velda was the same person.
Did Velzard think otherwise? However――
In her long life, Velgrind had rarely seen Velzard revealing her emotions.
But right now ――
She was beside herself with rage and went mad with jealousy……
Her appearance now was far too different from the normal Velzard.
Velgrind felt a sense of incongruity from that appearance.
Moreover, there was something strange about her words to Rudra.
The words Velzard had spat out 「He’s just a human, after all」, seemed to lack of sentiments towards an old acquaintance.
Right, as if all of her emotions had been squeezed out by negative emotions such as jealousy and anger――
(As expected, I can"t think of anything but that Nee-san is being controlled.)
Velgrind concluded so.
If that was the case, she declared that it was necessary to make Velzard come to her senses.
But, Velgrind, more than anyone else, knew that it wouldn’t be easy.
Certainly, if it was Velgrind, she could fight Velzard evenly.
However, that was if it was only a kind of quarrel between siblings.
If both of them fought seriously with the intention to kill, Velgrind would 100% lose to Velzard.
Possessing the highest energy after Veldanava and the ultimate defense. That was Velzard.
Although one might say that Velgrind specialized in offensive, she couldn’t breakthrough Velzard’s defense.
Similarly, Velzard’s offensive power couldn’t inflict a fatal blow on Velgrind.
It was the reason why it could be perceived as equal by the surroundings, but the circ.u.mstances were actually different.
Burning Breath[1] that Velgrind breathed out, which was a simultaneous multi-attack, was dispersed by Diamond Dust[2] blowing from Velzard, only to bloom as large fire flowers in the air.
However, Freezing Breath[3] that Velzard breathed out was evaporated by Cardinal Rain[4] that blooming around Velgrind.
Both of them didn’t receive damage, but the aftermath of the attacks would deal a big effect on the ice-bound world.
And so, even a fight between the two that appeared equal, gradually showed whose superior and inferior……
“This is odd” So, Velgrind was the one who realized it.
Normally, in case of an all-out battle like this, Velgrind should have lost due to the difference in maximum energy.
It was something that won’t get noticed unless both of them used all of their power, but there’s a clear difference in energy consumption between them.
――No, there was.
If it was Velgrind from before, her power should have gradually weakened due to the difference in their energy recovery rate.
However, right now, it was quite strange that her body was in great shape.
Her prided ability, Ultimate Skill『Charity Lord Raguel』 was also handling energy more efficiently unlike before.
It had reacted to Velgrind’s will and responded to her feelings without causing any momentary error.
「Fufu, you’ve improved, Velgrind.」
「I still have a long ways to go, Nee-san.」
Velgrind responded lightly to a fairly surprised Velzard’s words.
In fact, Velgrind was still had more energy to spare.
There could only be one reason that caused this...
Yes.
This must be the deed of that bad friend[5] of her brother, Veldora, that questionable slime named Rimuru.
Even Velgrind’s strongest technique, “Cardinal Acceleration” didn’t work on him; he even had evolved into a “True Dragon” that is equal to them, becoming an abnormal existence.
He surpa.s.sed Velgrind easily, an unthinkable Absolute Being[6].
Velgrind thought that even if he had Dragon Factor, she couldn’t acknowledge such a suspicious person as her own younger brother.
But, he was her benefactor who listened to her request and freed Rudra.
And above all, that slime was the one who manifested Velgrind and she certainly had pledged her cooperation to him.
If that was so, there was no need to hesitate at all.
The only thing that bound her down right now was her troubled heart.
‘Who is Rudra’s enemy?’
‘Who is Velda?’
She didn’t care about such things.
The important thing was she didn’t like Velda, only that.
He had swindled the name of her beloved older brother and manipulated her only older sister.
She would never forgive a person like that.
If there was someone who tried to tie them down, who were originally free beings, it would be their right to declare that person as their enemy.
At the very least, Demon Lord Rimuru didn’t bind Velgrind down.
Then, as long as he was worthy of her trust, Velgrind wouldn’t break her promise with Demon Lord Rimuru.
Velgrind thought it was impossible for her to win due to the difference of the absolute value of energy.
However, that thought was wrong.
Because she had been eaten by Demon Lord Rimuru, Velgrind had been reborn stronger than how she was before.
「Well, I’ll make you at ease soon, Nee-san.」
「Don’t get conceited, Velgrind. I’m also busy, let’s us finish this farce quickly.」
Their gazes interlocked.
And then, both of them let their violent energy escalate and their clash grew even more intense.
◇◇◇
Guy and Chloe continued their fight with just their swords.
They weren’t serious against each other.
However, it was a high-level fight at a level that couldn’t be recognized by others.
As if he was having fun, Guy had his attention focused on the clash between the dragon sisters in the air instead of his own fight.
Therefore, he was the first person who noticed it.
An angel of light had come to visit them from the sky.
「That is……」
Guy muttered softly.
However, everything was already too late.
Guy had certainly seen that angel smile.
「Hey! You two, here――」
Before Guy’s warning reached them, a spherical s.p.a.ce barrier[7] had appeared on the northern land.
And then, a beautiful woman’s voice echoed.
「Ultimate Dominion[8]!!」
Guy predicted everything instantly.
Everyone in this area except Guy had been affected by the ability just now.
However, it was a rare event for Guy, as his comprehension would be wrong.
◇◇◇
Lucia let out a loud laughter.
Everything was as Velda expected.
No, it was beyond his expectations; the best possible situation was in place.
As much as to say that for this moment, she had revised the plan numerous times while preparing for this situation.
It was convenient now that Chloe wasn’t being controlled smoothly.
In any case, the body of the strongest Hero would become one with Lucia, who was Velda’s right hand.
And then, she would obtain the two “True Dragon”.
She would put them under her complete control with the angel series’ Ultimate Skill as the medium.
It was one of the hidden ability of Ultimate Skill『Justice Lord Michael』.
In this northern land, the strongest beings would have their final showdown.
Velgrind who was worried about her sister, Velzard would surely make an appearance there too.
That was Velda’s prediction.
For some reason『Thought Transmission』 didn’t reach Velgrind, but it was impossible for her to resist it if the ability was used directly.
This was Velda’s plan, he who had extensive knowledge about the principles behind the abilities.
While forcing Guy to stay put, she was going to put Velzard and Velgrind under her rule completely.
Next was the awakened Hero, Chloe Aubert.
Even if she was called the strongest Hero, she was just a human in the end.
As she had served her purpose in this stage, she was such an insignificant being that it wouldn’t become a problem even if she was to be disposed of.
―― However, it was a different story if she owned Ultimate Skill『Hope Lord Sariel』.
Now, such a thing as Chloe’s life and death was nothing but a trivial matter.
But, if she was looking for a prime body to incarnate into, there was no other body as wonderful as Chloe’s.
Strong and beautiful.
She had reached the realm of G.o.d with a mortal body.
Indeed, it could be said as a new body suitable to be obtained by Lucia in this world.
Unlike Lucia’s corpse that was given to her by Velda, her G.o.d, Chloe’s body was specialized in combat.
What made that possible was thanks to the new ability granted to her by Velda――『Multiple Existence』.
Lucia’s ability was ill-suited for splitting her energy using『Multiple Existence』. After all, she existed because Lucia’s body was used as the vessel of her real main body.[9]
More than anything, the body which was the vessel of her spirit didn’t possess the capability to create multiple clones.
This didn’t mean that Lucia was inferior; it just means that Rimuru who could create them freely was abnormal.
Anyway, even Veldora and Velgrind had their physical bodies created by Rimuru’s ability.
As Lucia couldn’t duplicate the body freely, 『Multiple Existence』was like casting pearls before swine.
However, if she had prepared a new vessel, she only had to project her consciousness into it.
Lucia’s body was exclusively for commanding, she only had to let the body wait upon Velda’s side in the sky castle in order to not get the body injured.
And, as a spiritual life-form, she would only transfer her consciousness and energy into Chloe’s body by using『Multiple Existence』.
The fact that Chloe was in this situation was proof of Velda’s commandment.
As Chloe had not been controlled completely even by Yuuki’s control skill, she had given them quite of trouble, and Lucia didn’t even notice that Chloe had acquired Ultimate Skill『Hope Lord Sariel』.
Chloe wasn’t the type that would let her guard down; she would hide that ability until she was being cornered into a wall which was annoying, so Lucia thought.
After all, she possessed Unique Skill『Absolute Severance』and『Infinite Prison』 which was too strong for a human like her.
But, this time, she was forced to use that hidden ability under Velzard’s serious a.s.saults.
Consequently, it was fortunate that this proved that Chloe possessed an angel series’ ability as well.
Originally, the plan was to kill Guy for sure.
And also include Chloe’s disposal.
Against Guy who wouldn’t let his guard down, Velzard and Chloe would be at a disadvantage even if they were together.
Not to mention, in the worst case that Guy won, he would get stronger.
To prevent an outcome like that, Lucia sought a certain victory.
Prolonging the fight by making it a 3-way fight. So, she ordered Velzard.
In order to strengthen Ultimate Dominion, her plan was to deploy s.p.a.ce type magic circles that prevent escape at the same time as Velgrind appeared.
And so, the strategy succeeded splendidly, the domination was completed just a while ago.
For the Hero Chloe to be dominated too was just an extra.
No matter how strong Guy was, he wouldn’t be able to win with the two dragon sisters as his opponents.
Meanwhile, Lucia would steal Chloe’s body and deal the finis.h.i.+ng blow on Guy.
It was the best timing for Lucia who hadn’t got incarnated yet.
The plan was altered and became more perfect than before.
◇◇◇
In the place that was a hall, there were the “True Dragon” sisters who returned to their human forms.
As Velzard changed back to her human form, Velgrind also did the same.
Beyond Velzard’s gaze were Guy and Chloe fighting――
No―― beyond them was a beautiful angel flying down from the sky.
She must be the owner of the lovely voice that echoed just after the place was enveloped by the barrier.
A user of that curse, no it should be called as True Word, the absolute order language.
And so that angel opened her mouth as she landed on the ground.
「Control yourselves, I’m Velda-sama’s right hand, the “Archangel of the End[10]” Lucia.」
She introduced herself solemnly, emanating intimidation.
Velzard heard those words and bowed to Lucia as to show her respect.
Velgrind felt it was unpleasant.
However, she couldn’t understand, Velgrind followed after her too even though she felt it was unpleasant.
「I knew it, it’s you! Those words force an absolute control over those with angel series’ ability, don’t they?」
「Hah, as expected of you, Guy Crimson. The only person Velda-sama was cautious of. However, it’s already too late even if you know about it. What you can do now is only await your death obediently.」
「Shut up! An insect like you shouldn’t speak so arrogantly!」
Guy shouted as he swung his sword at Lucia.
But, his sword was easily repelled by the barrier that appeared around Lucia.
Lucia smiled as if sneering at Guy and continued her steps towards Chloe.
Hearing Guy’s words, Velgrind could also understand the situation.
What was happening to her body right now.
And, what had happened to her sister body too.
(Unforgivable. I will never forgive you, Velda!)
Due to fury and humiliation, Velgrind was burning with violent emotions to the extent of being dizzy.
At the same time, she thought.
“At this rate, everything will be as Velda’s expected.”
Velgrind couldn’t defy the order,
Even if Guy was cunning and was the strongest being, there was no chance for him to win fighting against both Velzard and Velgrind at the same time.
Lucia seemed to be convinced of her victory as she ignored Guy’s attacks as if to say to Guy to do as he likes as she approached Chloe.
「Chloe Aubert, accept me.」
Leaving those words, the spirit of『Multiple Existence』separated from Lucia and was sucked into Chloe.
「Tch!」
As if he was fl.u.s.tered, Guy attacked both Chloe/Lucia, but everything was already too late.
A barrier created by Lucia’s ability appeared before Chloe.
It meant that Lucia had succeeded her incarnation and fused completely with Chloe.
Whether he understood that or not, for the first time Guy caught a glimpse of his impatience.
Lucia was a.s.sured of her victory and smiled.
And then, her main body which finished transferring fragments of her energy and consciousness into Chloe, transferred back to the heaven.
Along with the confidence of her victory.
The Hero’s power and Lucia’s energy.
Right now, a flawless ent.i.ty was about to be born.
Velgrind could feel despair spreading across the place.
However, at that moment, a voice echoed in the place.
「Kuaaaahahahaha! I… HAVE ARRIVED![11]」
A carefree laughter ruined the atmosphere.
That voice was filled with hope and blown away even despair.
-------
Author Note:
What is the true ident.i.ty of that mysterious laughter!?
(ED: Oh yeah…… I wonder who it is…)
[1] 灼熱吐息(バーニングブレス) Shakunetsu Toiki (Baaningu Buresu), Scorching Breath.
[2] 美しき細氷(ダイヤモンドダスト) Utsukus.h.i.+ki Saihyou (Daiyamondo Dasuto). Beautiful Ice Crystals/Diamond Dust.
[3] 氷結吐息(フリージングブレス) Hyouketsu Toiki (Furiijingu Buresu), Freeing Breath.
[4] 華麗なる紅雨(カーディナルレイン) Kareinaru Akame (Kaadinaru Rein), Brilliant Red Rain.
[5] ED: Rimuru got Veldora to clean up his act a lot, how is that a bad friend?
Guro: She thinks Rimuru is a friend that give bad influence to Veldora xD
[6] 絶対者 Zettaisha.
[7] 真球の空間型結界 s.h.i.+nkyuu no Kuukan Gata Kekkai, True Sphere-shaped s.p.a.ce type Barrier.
[8] 天使長の支配(アルティメットドミニオン) Tens.h.i.+chou no s.h.i.+hai (Arutimetto Dominion) Archangel’s Control/Domination/Rule. The Kanji is the same as the t.i.tle of chapter 234. Btw Regalia Dominion is when Michael was in Rudra"s hand
[9] This is what happen when two characters have the same name XD
[10] 終末の天使長 Shuumatsu no Tens.h.i.+chou.
[11] Kamen Rider Den-O’s reference. Momotaros’ catchphrase every time he possesses the MC. Ore, Sanjou! (It’s Ware here cause Veldora call himself with ware)
ED: Anyone else imagine this in ALL Might"s voice (Hero Academia)