3rd Pov
The sun settling high into the sky reaching git's peak for the day, the festival continued.
The first day ended on a very positive note, more and more tourists fluctuated from everywhere around the West.
The sheer popularity of Tempest was at its peak...and today, Rimuru did intend to make it even brighter with the first event of this festival.
The music concert, if everything goes well , will skyrocket the interest of Tempest as not only they would instigate a culinary revolution but also in the art industry.
Currently, Dawn was sitting on a high balcony while enjoying some tea...the concert will start in a few hours so for now he could just enjoy it.
Since Hinata and Shizue will accompany Luminous and Rimuru during their official meeting and all.
Dawn himself was given a sort of break not like he actually intended to work...his mind wasn't in a state where he could properly focus on his job anyway.
Dawn : Mmh, I am not really fond of tea but Tempest's products are really something else.
Sat with him was Elonor and Testarossa, while Flora did the brewing...the others couldn't join because they were busy with the festival.
As for Yuu, it seems she had some business to attend to and quickly fled early in the morning before dawn.
Flora : Let's see, this tea is made with fresh leaves of a plant called Pneuorga, it has a fruitful sweet taste mixed with the acidity of lemon, a perfect balance between sweet and sour.
Eleonor : I think we got something similar in England...
Dawn : Is that so ?
Looking down, he quickly analyzed the cup of tea containing their drink...one could easily tell the special treatment they were getting.
As even the word luxury couldn't describe this cup...
Dawn : (Are those flower symbols made with adamantine?)
He sweat dropped while realizing that even a full swing of a S rank adventurer wouldn't scratch this cup...
Dawn : Anyway, can I ask a question, Testarossa-san ?
Testarossa : Mmh ? Sure as long as I can answer.
Dawn : I noticed...a certain violet haired demon following me around and running as soon as we made eye contact...
The blanc primordial couldn't help but chuckle, she has been quiet until now since her rôle as Dawn's guide was still active.
Testarossa : I guess she is worried about you.
Dawn : Worried ? Strange, I would say she is more scared of me though...
Testarossa : No no, you misunderstood me, she isn't worried for you but about you.
Ultima was scared that someone piss off Dawn and he would start another nightmare for her...it seems the trauma he instored in her was more intense than he thought.
Dawn : I see how convenient it is for me.
Smirking, he just remused at home drinking his tea...meanwhile, Yuu was walking down a long and pretty empty street.
It was one of the external layers of the city which didn't fall off compared to the more popular area but since it's far away from the center.
Less tourists come here...it's a perfect place to find some cheaper products.
Yuu : Mmh, I'm looking for a better cloak since mine is getting old...
While she pondered and checked a few raw materials that could be used, on top of her head was a sleeping fox.
Yuu couldn't leave alone as she got intercepted midway by Kyuri who was still awake and forced Yuu to take her too.
Yuu : Mmh, maybe one with armored leather ? It's pretty expensive but Tempest's quality is guaranteed.
Kyuri : *Yawn* Why not ask master ? He will surely find the best equipment for you...
Yuu : Well, I want to buy my own thing myself...(Huh ? Actually, why am I buying my own furniture...where would I even use this cloak for?)
Her body became rigid for an instant as an intern dilemma started but right after, she seemed to have forgotten what she was struggling for and continued her shopping spree.
Later that day, everyone was gathered in the large coliseum arena...thousands of spectators were gathered in their seats to watch this event unfold.
In the center of the arena, a large stand covered in several veils awaited to unfold, musicians gathered inside to play their part.
On top of everyone, a few boxes where the important guests rested.
Actually, there was a distinct line in the tribune separating the nobles and commoners just so the former group wouldn't make a fuss.
And the operation was quite successful as no one really complained and just waited for the performance to start.
Switching to the most important box where Rimuru himself was sat at, the box was larger than the other being the royal one.
Inside, only two couches adorned with gold and a very soft red sofa, there was only one other guest which was Luminous.
She was herself interested in this music concert so it didn't bother her having to act all formal because of her image.
Though she would have rather been a simple maid in hiding...
Luminous : I hope for you, those musicians of yours are good, because I'm pent up with all those bothersome meetings.
Rimuru : Haha (I guess Luminous is the kind to throw her work to the other...poor Dawn, I'm sure he must have suffered a lot working under her...)
Giving her a sheepish smile, Rimuru turned to look ahead...behind him was his personal butler Diablo who was acting like always...a weirdo.
As for Dawn, he stood motionlessly behind Luminous, keeping a straight neutral face as he observed the situation.
Rimuru : Well I'm confident in making this a success.
Luminous : Heh confident aren't you.
Dawn let out a small smile as he listened to the interaction between the two former demon lords, they were a lot closer than they should be.
Dawn : Mmh ?
Tilting his head, he suddenly felt a pair of eyes on him and naturally turned his head to directly fix the praying gaze.
Curiously, it was a black cat laying on top of one of the large pillars that make the external layer of this arena.
The cat upon noticing Dawn's attention flinched, her hair hissed as she quickly jumped down into hiding...only for a few seconds later, peeking her head through the edge.
Dawn : (Is that Ultima ? How funny...)
He mentally chuckled before returning his attention toward the main stage, a loud noise rang through the field marking the start of the concert.
Earning the attention of everyone, all eyes fell upon the falling veil revealing several musicians and particularly two kijin who led the dance.
Dressed in a pink and violet revealing dress, Shion played the violin and Shuna held the many touches that her piano had to offer, another piece of violin near her suggesting a switch in the middle of the song.
Around them were goblina, humans and other exotic races, all holding musical instruments more beautiful than the other.
The sheer aura and presence, those few being held were enough to silence the entire arena...
A confident smirk plastered on Shion's lips, she smiled elegantly before playing the first note who was soon followed by all the others.
A musical war started, chaos and harmony...those few musicians had successfully captivated the whole crowd with their art.
From the higher note to the deepest one, from a pitched sound to a merveil grail...2 long hours flew by without anyone noticing.
Even Luminous had to admit the sheer excellence behind this performance...the natural grayling sound coupled to the beautiful kijin duo's appearance.
Once again, Tempest succeeded in showcasing their might and worth...
Dawn : (Ahh, this is really nostalgic...)
Whereas, Dawn didn't have the expression of one impressed...but rather a pure and distant look that made him remember the past.
Not many know but in the memories of Elite, he could find a moment where the piano was mentioned, over 7 years of practice all for naught.
Dawn : (He had practiced so much while never really appreciating the instrument, all for the sake of his parent's expectation...sometimes, even the most meaningless human has a story of his own.)
Closing his eyes, he just let the notes ring through his ears...the gracious melody turned into shade of sadness.
Dawn : (Are they trying to make me feel more depressed?)
Snickering, the concert soon came to an end...ending the performance on a large note, all motion stopped as Shion and Shuna made way to the center and bowed in grace.
Ending the show on that note, soon the crowd erupted in cheer...Rimuru himself started to clap his hands with a big smile while Luminous showed an impressed expression.
Luminous : What an impressive way to finish this second day.
Rimuru : Marvelous...i didn't expect Shion to be that good with a violin, i guess she does fit the rôle.
Diablo : Kufufufu, I have to admit they outdone themself this time.
Clapping his hands, praise of all sorts were thrown at the musician.
Dawn : With this, they'll easily become an international celebrity.
Demands asking them to come play for a party or some royal banquet will soon flood in, it's only natural of wanting to have something like for themself.
Rimuru : Oh ! I almost forgot ! (Souei, you can start the fireworks!)
Souei : (Hai, right away.)
Immediately after his order, several explosions grinded the sky into a swirl of colors, the spark ignited by the handmade fireworks of Kaijin and Vesta decorated the dusk filled sky.
Dawn : Now this really looks like a festival...
The next several days then went on...since Dawn had his share of fun, he decided to go help Luminous a bit and give Hinata and those who helped a break.
Now, Dawn could be seen in a meeting room with several other nobles who had requested a meeting with Luminous.
Since Tempest festival also acts as a political means to gain power and influence, Luminous was forced to partake in these meetings from day 1.
Rimuru was busy so instead, the minister of external and foreign affairs took his place...Testarossa who also had to act as guide for Dawn, so being in this meeting was a double hit with a single blow.
Dawn : (Ahhh, I'm regretting this already...)
Sat behind a table fitting for two people, the other guests were all lined up on two feast-like tables...the long plate made of artistic wood went down several meters.
Enough to fill a seat for everyone...what problematic was that those nobles weren't incompetent.
Dawn : (It seems, their brains aren't all down corrupt, and added to that, their frustration must help them to not act harshly.)
Up until now, Luminous accompanied Hinata attended those meetings, since Luminous was claimed as a goddess.
It was hard to almost impossible for the nobles to interact with her...so they turned toward Hinata, who herself didn't act without Luminous's consentment.
Basically, they couldn't make any progress no matter what they tried...so when Dawn announced that he will be the one who participated in those meetings instead of Luminous.
That he will come alone, the one who was announced as the supreme commander of Ruberios's army, a hero who held the highest authority below the goddess herself, an authority equal to the pope and holy emperor.
The nobles realized that they can't mess this up...Dawn's fame precedes him, they know that if they play their cards right, they can forge a bond with the highest cadre of Ruberios.
This is by far more valuable than gaining a favor from Luminous who appears and disappears as she wants.
Noble : Our household would gladly promote the teachings of Luminism.
Noble : We sincerely believe Luminism and your eminence the hero can bring light to this world.
Noble : We all saw how big of a potential the monster nation has, as expected of the Holy empire, to support them before anyone.
Sweet coated words flew from every direction, certainly some newbie would have fallen for them and acted on emotion.
But Dawn was more annoyed than anything, though with his former life's experience he managed to keep a straight face.
And awaited the good moment to end this meeting, though he had to admit...
Dawn : (The most irritable thing right now is Testarossa who doesn't do shit besides smirking at my misery...)
Sighing, he forced himself to answer and forge a seemingly start of a political relation with them.
Dawn Pov
I came out only several hours later, only to meet some merchants on the way out toward the hotel...i wanted to teleport.
But I thought about it a bit too late...though I did encounter an unexpected guest.
A woman I interacted with once sometime weeks ago, she is originally a criminal in a way but her public image wasn't bad.
One of the cardinals of the underworld, Noivera...also the descendant of Origin's brother side, so my niece.
Noivera : I greet the great hero.
Bowing her head elegantly, she surely did recognize me despite the use of a mask last time...even if my hair color is different.
Thought she faked her greeting in front of the others, since it would be heard for me, a high cadre of Ruberios to be close to some pirate business.
Dawn : I see, i heard quite a lot about you Miss Noivera, the monopoly you instilled in the ocean is impressive to say the least.
Noivera : Those compliments honor me, and so I hope you can accord me a few minutes of your time.
Her head still down, I would have refused normally but since she was related to me...and that she practically gave ùe an escape boat from the other merchant.
I just smirked and asked her to raise and follow, while carefully studying the merchant's movements.
They were quick to understand that I was going to leave now, so some of them tried to sneak in our discussion but tricks like these are old as the world.
They would need at least several millennia of experience to beat me in a mental warfare.
Noivera : So...was I of any help ? Sir Dawn or should I continue with higher honorific ?
Once we were far enough from those merchants, she finally spoke up...however the barrier she had made was gone.
She was talking to the man who she had talked with before.
Dawn : You can drop them, anyway how have you been ?
Noivera : Very well, and as for your question...nothing much have changed, well the sea started to fluctuate a bit irregularly since an island was miraculously blown up.
Dawn : Blown up ?
Noivera : Actually, it was one of those who I pointed to for your research...a giant hole in the ocean which covered several hundreds of meters under the water...
Ah...I think it's because of me again...
Noivera : We later found some residue of mana, our guess would be a natural explosion caused by a remnant of the power that once changed the ecosystem and thermal fluctuation of the continent...
Haha...w-well both events are caused by me and naturally I didn't cover my magicule so a link between both events is plausible...
Anyway, I shall bury this truth with me until I die...
Dawn : I see...well, it might just be the storm dragon's resurrection...his magicule can cause quite the chaos.
Noivera : Mmh, that might be right...
Fortunately, it seems she won't question me any further about his...
Noivera : That aside, I still came here in hope of forging some relationship with Ruberios. You can't imagine how surprised I was when I found out that the man that barged into the underworld, killed one of us cardinals would be such a famous figure.
Dawn : Surely I don't need to remind you to keep that secret, right.
Noivera : My mouth is sealed, beside who in their right mind would want to make you out of all people, an enemy.
I chuckled a bit and looked up, we had arrived in front of the hotel, I and the others were staying.
The best and most expensive place within Tempest, it's also the most guarded...even a few royal families might struggle to rent a room here.
Well that's mainly due to the current guests inside, since the hotel in itself turned into a foreign estate for important guests.
Dawn : Well, it seems we have to part ways...
Noivera : Yes, I thank you again for giving me some of your time.
It seems she decided to drop the matter of relationship with Ruberios, mmh, well she is quite the admirable worker.
Might as well give her a helping hand.
Dawn : I'll tell my assistant to contact you. Ruberios has a big chunk of sea that covers its border, I'm sure Miss Noivera can prove her worth to Ruberios.
Noivera : I-yes, I will make sure to not disappoint you.
Look at this girl, her assurance seems really nostalgic to me...this might not look like much but for me, I can see the essence of someone wielding the blood of Averion.
I don't really know if our blood was special...but it seems even after so long, Averion isn't really gone.
Dawn : Good.
Unconsciously, I reached out my hand to pat her head...my action must have stunned the poor girl but I didn't really care.
After that, I quickly turned around and walked off with a wave of hand ...though I did feel a peak of bloodlust somewhere around.
It was quickly contained so I couldn't pinpoint the exact location...mmh, I guess the likes of Noivera must have a lot of enemies.
But she should be capable of fending off for herself.
Dawn : Well...it's already noon, huh...I wonder what the others are doing...
I didn't feel very tired, my mental strength seemed to have developed further so the stress i felt was quickly recovered.
Well, I can still pass by the onsen...just have to turn off heat resistance before...
Dawn : By the way...Kyuri isn't back yet ? Well, I doubt anyone can harm her so it should be fine.
3rd Pov
The evening then passed, ending the third day...then the fourth as nothing but the usual routine happened.
Though the most notable thing that happened during that fourth day was the tournament inscription...many adventurers decided to try it out since death was forbidden.
And the rewards were more than alluring, a certain lighting hero was also forced...coincidentally he had met Rimuru a day before...
Masayuki Honjo, though reluctant...he had decided to join the battle and forfeit once the preliminaries ended.
Also due to the massive amount of inscription and participants, several group stages were formed, since it came out unexpectedly and the success of this tournament exceeded Tempest's prediction.
The tournament will prolong for several days...since the 6 and 7th days weren't very eventful, it didn't bother the original schedule.
In fact, with the blaze set by the tournament...the announcement of the Labyrinth at the end of the first week will surely be even more well welcomed.
Masayuki : I hope nothing bad happen...
Sighing, he was currently alone in a bar...owned by a certain green haired dryad who was more active than ever since the start of the Festival.
Masayuki : And hopefully, the group stage i'm in isn't too strong.
Those group stages will be held under the form of a battle royal, the last 2 survivors pass to the next stage.
Though there were a few exceptions as some of the executives of Tempest like Benimaru, Shion or Diablo were directly selected in the Eight of final.
Masayuki : Though I can't help but have a bad feeling...
And sure, his guts warned him well as when the sun reached its peak...the fifth day announced the start of the group stage battle.
Several battles intense or less took place until the 7th group entered, Masayuki with his team got a pretty warm welcome as he was a awaited guest.
His name was famous,the human present all cheered for him, this was enough to make anyone proud but Masayuki himself felt his shoulder getting heavier because of their expectation.
Masayuki Pov
Okay, everything should be fine...I can see some goblins and ogres but they don't seem that imposing.
If i avoid them properly, i should be able to keep face and walk into the next round, then i forfeit-
Souka : Ahem ! So, I just learned that a very special guest, please give a very warm welcome to a representative member of the Holy empire of Ruberios !
Eh ?
Souka : Given the benediction of Goddess Luminous herself, this warrior will grace all of us today in this arena ! So please everyone ! I want a loud welcome to the one proclaimed as the Ace of God !
Wait ! I didn't sign for that ! Don't tell me that monster is going to be in the same group as me !
I quickly looked up, in one of the most prestigious boxes with an almost near perfect view over the arena...I could see Demon lord Rimuru and goddess Luminous...
Both of them were chatting like nothing was happening, but rather than focusing on them I quickly looked at the man standing on guard behind them.
Souka : A hero who has protected the holy empire for over a century ! Welcome Dawn Arceid !
Ending the presentation, even louder cheer and clap resonated than when I entered...this isn't shocking considering that man's reputation.
Even I an otherworlder is bound to know him, a hero like no other...I was even compared to him at some point.
The protector of Ruberios, the sword of the goddess, the strongest human in the west...he had a lot of cringy names yet they inspired so much terror in me at this very moment.
I could only watch as the man who was previously standing behind the goddess in the vip box, grab his sword and jumped down.
He landed on the opposite side of the arena, a veil of dust settled as he made his presence known...
Masayuki : Haha...
I can only hope he won't target me, the two last survivors pass so there is no need for us to fig-
Masayuki : Hick !
Dawn : (So i got into Masayuki's group...interesting.)
W-why is he staring right at me ?! Did I catch his attention already ? Don't tell me he's gonna rush and target me ! Just to see how strong I am compared to the rumors !
I swear I didn't even want those rumors to spread ! They are over exaggerated anyway !
Dawn : (Heh, you know I have to beat him up for pulling a baddie like Velgrynd...)
I really got a bad feeling, and what's up with his sword...even if it's still in its scabbard, I can't help but feel threatened as if it was glaring at me.
I'm imagining things right...
Jinrai : There is no need to worry ! Our hero is the best !
Jiwu : Haha, even the great Dawn Arceid had to come down and fight Masayuki-san !
Bernie : We'll just show him that his era is done and it's time for Masayuki-san to shine !
Can't you all...shut up, kindly ! This guy is clearly on another level, is he even human ? No human can live for centuries...
I guess he is at least a saint, since he trained Hinata Sakaguchi...in fact, that girl would have been a better match...
Wait, why do I feel like I got thrown into the final boss room right from the start ?
Souka : Then, if everyone is ready ! Let's start the seventh's group stage battle ! Are you ready ?!
Raising her arm, our commentator and referee was quite beautiful. I have to say, a human-like lady with lizardmen features...
Souka : Start !
Slamming her arm downward, she fend off the air as the last word I wanted to hear was said.
Masayuki : Ok, Bernie, Jiwu, Jinrai...let's take a defensive formation for now-
Jiwu : What ?! Why ?
Bernie : We should attack ! Let's eliminate them all !
My mind shook a bit at their suggestion, I wanted to yell at them how crazy this was...even if we were fairly strong as adventurers.
Ogres were still hard to defeat, they were sturdy and their knowledge over martial arts were neglectable.
Dawn : Oi oi, you guys are stupid or what ?
Huh ? Turning around, it seemed his words weren't directed toward us but every fighter present.
Since the round started, everyone engaged into a fight...they all chose an opponent and thus a lot of 1 versus 1 situations unfolded.
Some groups were more reserved and awaited the right timing, I wanted to do the same so i can't blame them.
Dawn : None of you came toward me...when all of you know that I'm the biggest threat.
This guy...it's normal ! Who in their right mind would rush toward someone like that ?!
Dawn : You all already accepted the fact that one of the two winning spot belonged to me, but in reality you all should have jumped at me all at once.
Instantly, my instinct kicked in as I grabbed my sword and quickly took a few steps back.
Dawn : Now it's too late, let's conclude this round quickly, I will personally face those who stay on their two feet !
Magicule dripping out of his body, soon a waterfall like mixed bloodlust and aura exploded.
Even if I was further away than the rest, I struggled to keep my legs standing...my sword stabbed into the ground. I supported myself while fighting off the terror dwelling in my mind.
Slowly, the first fighter fell unconscious, soon followed by many others...each wave of his power dealt more and more damage.
Until only 3 of us remained...I helplessly saw my 3 supporters fall unconscious before me.
The barrier around the arena serving to protect the civilian had cracks all over...just how damn powerful is he ? Just with his aura, I felt like facing a wall.
Not a wall, an entire mountain...this is a hero, a true hero who had fought countless battle and achieved power beyond what someone like me could understand/
Masayuki : H-haha...i want to go home...
My eyes were already tired, I really gave my all to stay awake...a few strands of hair falling in front of my eyes, I was completely washed up and he wasn't even serious.
Dawn : 3, huh...not bad, you ogre...no you're a kijin, what is your name ?
And now, he is going to eliminate us one by one...
Rena : R-Rena, sir !
Dawn : I doubt you'll surrender on your own, so draw your sword and come.
Rena : Yes.
What ? She didn't even hesitate...is she not scared by what she just experienced ? I can't understand them...
Her legs are shaking, she is clearly weaker so why is she so adamant in fighting him...
Rena : Here I come !
Still, I kept watching...as the now kijin raised her twin dagger, taking a short step she leaped through the air.
Her form was beautiful to say the least, but she was instantly subdued when she came across Dawn's sword.
It was even drawn, he just parred her daggers so effortlessly, before sending her off to the realm of dream by tapping on the back of her neck.
With her gone, it's just me and an orc who was standing...arm crossed on my left.
Dawn : It was pretty good, stand proud you got potential.
And contrary to his scary demeanor, he gently settled the kijin down...before standing up and facing me.
Dawn : Next, Masayuki Honjo...you got quite the reputation backing you, I should get serious about that.
Masayuki : W-what ?
My voice came out shaky, I couldn't see if he was being sarcastic or serious...just that the next second, a blade was flying toward my neck.
Dawn, who was still very far away, was now right in front of me. Is this how I'm going to die ?
My pupil shook as i saw my entire flash several times in my mind, i couldn't react or move, this was just inevitable.
The aura of this hero...took the form of a grim reaper the closer his blade got from my neck.
Souka : Stop !!! We got our winners !
And as fast as he arrived, the blade stopped...a gale of wind blew my hair everywhere, while my face contorted in blue fear.
Masayuki : Huh ?
Looking toward my left, I then realized that the orc who was standing still...was already unconscious...
Souka : Contestant Gord had fainted while being on his two feet, we apologize for not noticing earlier, participants Dawn Arceid and Masayuki Honjo qualified !
Ending our round, I immediately flopped onto the ground the moment Dawn-san moved his blade away.
Dawn : Mmh, how disappointing.
Those were his last words before disappearing and reappearing beside Goddess Luminous...i survived ! I didn't die ! Haha...
For once, I bless this rotten luck of mine.
Citizen : Look ! The lighting hero Masayuki managed to stand through the great Hero's test !
Citizen : How marvelous ! As expected of the hero Masayuki !
Merchant : The lighting hero's performance was nothing short but incredible.
Noble : This is truly the birth of a new hero.
Why are you guys praising me...ahh, I take back my words, this rotten luck is infuriating...
3rd Pov
Having regained the vip lounge, Dawn bowed his head lightly before standing back behind Luminous.
Luminous : You put up quite the show there.
Dawn ; I hope you liked it.
Luminous : I sure did.
Smirking, she had only gave a single instruction before Dawn went down...to show them what Ruberios's power look like.
In reality she just wanted to brag...
Luminous : Did you see, Rimuru ? It was impressive, right?
Rimuru : W-well, it felt a bit overwhelming ? I mean, there was no suspense or anything, but it seemed the audience liked it.
Luminous : Fufu, I can't wait to see your subordinate going against Dawn-kun.
She looked really smug there...a little bit too smug which earned a timid laugh from Rimuru.
Rimuru : (Raphael-sensei, what are the winning chance of Diablo ag-)
Raphael : (3 % in Dawn's favor.)
Rimuru : (Ugh...this tournament just turned into Dawn-kun's punchbag...)
Sweat dropping, it was way too unfair to have him there, still it's too late to withdraw him now.
Dawn : By the way, where is Velzard ? Haven't seen her in a while.
Luminous : I think she went to pay a visit to that stupid lizard.
Dawn : Veldora ? They must be in the labyrinth, then.
Rimuru : (At least he doesn't participate in the Labyrinth beta test...something tells me he would be going on a rampage after seeing Veldora...)
Thus the fifth continued before ending...a well entertained day filled with fight.
Ending on yet another positive note, the Festival continued.