— — — — — —
"So, you're saying… they're from another world?" Kiana's eyes went wide, her face a mix of shock and disbelief.
"And by that logic, you're a slime," she added, poking Rimuru's head with her finger. "You are genderless, right?
"That's really rude, you know!" Rimuru batted her hand away, exasperated. She had started off sounding cool and serious, but ever since running into Himeko and the others, it was like her IQ had dropped by half — back to being the same old ditzy airhead as before.
"Kiana, stop bullying Rimuru already!" Himeko scolded when she saw Kiana reaching out to squeeze Rimuru again. "You don't even thank him for helping you, and now you're picking on him? Are you itching for a beating?" Himeko raised a fist with a look that clearly said 'try me.'
"Mmm, Aunt Himeko…" Kiana clung to Himeko's arm, whining, "Stop hitting me all the time! What if you knock me stupid?"
"Heh. Honestly, I don't think you have any IQ left to lose," Rimuru said dryly from the side.
"At least I'm not genderless, small slime!"
"What did you just call me?!" Rimuru's face flushed red. Nobody had ever dared call him small!
In an instant, Rimuru manifested a huge spectral arm, grabbed Kiana, and smacked her butt hard.
Then another arm for more smacking.
"Ah—nooo!" Kiana let out a dramatic wail. "It hurts! I'm sorry! Please forgive me! Aunt Himeko, save me!"
"Sorry, can't help you," Himeko said cheerfully, sipping her drink and watching with a smile. Yep, she thought, 'sometimes the only way to get through to Kiana is a good spanking.'
"Come on, let her off the hook," Mei finally said, helplessly stepping in.
"No way. If I don't tan her butt today, I'll spell my name backward," Rimuru declared, smacking away with single-minded focus. Nobody mocked his height — it was a matter of pride!
"Honestly, you're just like a little kid," Mei muttered, watching Rimuru's pouty, determined face.
By the time Rimuru was satisfied, Kiana was sprawled across the sofa, clutching her butt and sniffling. Her big watery eyes glared daggers at Rimuru, who just looked back at her with a perfectly smug, refreshed expression. Kiana looked like she wanted to curse him out but didn't dare.
Yep. Someone like Rimuru was either a pure, innocent angel — or a black-bellied schemer who'd happily play the villain when provoked.
---
Meanwhile, at Schicksal HQ—
"Things are getting more and more interesting," Otto mused, sitting in the main seat, his expression calm but unreadable as he looked over at Whitebeard, Garp, Roger, and the others.
"This is quite the surprise, my dear Theresa." Otto rose from his seat and walked toward her with a resigned smile.
To Otto, Theresa was unique — the one person he could never bring himself to harm, no matter what.
"So what's it going to be?" Theresa didn't bother with niceties. "Are you going to ally with us or not? Will you fight against Honkai with us or sit this out?" Her gaze was steady, firm.
"You're giving me a real headache," Otto admitted, rubbing his temple. This development was completely outside of his calculations, and he struggled to decide.
"We can bring Kallen back." Whitebeard suddenly spoke up, repeating what Rimuru had told him: that this single offer would guarantee Otto's cooperation.
At those words, Otto froze. Then, with barely contained excitement, he asked, "Are you certain? You can really resurrect her?"
"Not us," Whitebeard clarified, "but Rimuru can. He told me himself — and Rimuru doesn't lie."
Otto drew in a deep breath, then said decisively, "Very well. Schicksal will ally with you. But you must fulfill your promise and bring Kallen back. As for Honkai — do what you like." His golden eyes locked onto Whitebeard's. Otto could ignore the fate of the entire world if he had to, but he would never throw away a chance to see Kallen again.
"Relax," Whitebeard said with absolute confidence. "If Rimuru says it can be done, it can be done."
"Then let's work well together."
Otto extended a hand. Whitebeard shook it, sealing Schicksal's formal alliance with them.
This world's three major forces — Schicksal, Anti-Entropy, and World Serpent — were now almost united. Schicksal and Anti-Entropy had fully joined forces, and though Kevin of World Serpent wasn't fully convinced yet, even he was preparing to stand with them against Honkai.
All that was left was preparation. Once everything was ready, they would launch a full-scale counterattack.
---
In Arc City—
"This is Rita Rossweisse. What are your orders, Overseer?"
On top of a tall tower, Rita and the members of Immortal Blades waited quietly for Otto's instructions.
"Cease pursuit of Kiana," Otto's voice came through. "Schicksal is now allied with Anti-Entropy. Join Durandal and return to HQ immediately." With that, he cut the line without waiting for acknowledgment.
"..." Rita stood there for a long moment, speechless.
"This is… unexpected," she finally said with a long sigh. If she didn't know Otto better, she would have thought he'd lost his mind.
"So we just… head back now?" one of the Immortal Blades asked in disbelief.
"Yes. Let's go." Rita turned toward the airship. "We're returning to base."
Though clearly confused, the Immortal Blades followed her orders without question and departed.
...
At the same time, in a hidden meeting room, World Serpent's executives gathered for Kevin's first briefing since his return.
"How's the original plan progressing?" Kevin asked from the head of the table.
"Everything is on track. We'll soon be ready for the final stage," Grey Serpent replied loyally.
"Cancel it," Kevin said coldly.
"What?" Several executives were stunned. This plan had been in motion for hundreds of years — and now he wanted to drop it?
"There's been a change. From now on, put all efforts into preparing for the final battle with Honkai," Kevin ordered. "I'll explain later."
Without waiting for further questions, Kevin turned and left the room.
Though unsettled, the World Serpent executives quickly moved to carry out his command. Their lord's judgment was never wrong.
.
.
.