An eerie stillness filled the open field outside Dimensional City.
Shizu and Takumi stood facing each other, motionless—her eyes closed, his hand pressed gently against her chest as golden energy flowed like liquid light.
Everyone else watched with tense anticipation.
Rimuru gnawed at her fingers nervously.
"Takumi… Shizu… please be okay…"
Ellen's hands were clasped at her chest, eyes shimmering with tears.
"Shizu will be fine… right?"
Kabalu and Gido stood behind her like solid pillars, though their eyes betrayed their worry.
Sakuya—usually stoic—had her hand resting lightly on her knife, ready to act if anything went wrong.
Even the air held its breath.
Takumi's Herrscher Domain
Inside Shizu's mental world, the scenery had become a sea of crimson flames.
A towering figure of fire—Ifrit—glared at Takumi, though fear flickered behind its burning gaze.
Takumi stepped forward, golden fractal wings unfurling behind him, radiating absolute authority.
"You are Ifrit, correct?"
The spirit bowed its head instinctively.
"I am Ifrit… may I know who you are, sir?"
"You don't need to know my name."
Takumi's eyes sharpened.
"All you must understand is this: Shizu is under my protection. I will not tolerate anything that harms her. Do you understand?"
Ifrit's flames shrank.
"Y-Yes! I will obey! I swear upon the core of my spirit!"
Takumi nodded.
"Good. Fuse with her willingly. Work with her—not against her."
The Herrscher's power surged.
"In return… I will give you a path to evolve. Eventually, a physical body of your own."
Ifrit trembled like an excited puppy.
"Truly? Thank you, sir! I will cooperate fully!"
He's obviously opportunistic, Takumi thought.
But smart enough to know who not to anger.
Outside World – The Golden Cocoon
Shizu's body began to emit a warm glow.
Golden circuits spread across her arms, chest, and mask like blooming flowers.
Ellen gasped.
"She's changing! Look!"
Rimuru leaned forward.
"Takumi's energy is stabilizing her magicules… and her physical body!"
Kabalu exhaled in awe.
"I've never seen healing like this… It's beyond even Spirit Masters."
Gido nodded.
"As expected of the founder of Dimensional City…"
Sakuya's lips curled upward slightly.
Master… truly remarkable.
Fusion Complete: Flame Queen Shizu
In Shizu's mental world, Takumi raised his hand.
"Begin full integration."
Golden light burst outward—calm yet overwhelming.
Ifrit dissolved willingly into Shizu's spiritual core.
Flames intertwined with her consciousness, no longer choking her life—but empowering it.
Shizu opened her eyes inside the mental realm.
For the first time in decades…
She felt no pain.
She looked at Takumi with trembling lips.
"Mr. Takumi… I… I can breathe. I can stand… without pain."
Takumi smiled faintly.
"Welcome back, Shizu."
Return to Reality
Her eyes fluttered open.
A gentle breeze brushed past.
Her body—once weak, fragile, and on the brink of collapse—now brimmed with strength.
She rose slowly.
Rimuru rushed forward.
"Shizu! How do you feel!?"
Shizu removed her mask.
A soft smile—peaceful, relieved, radiant—spread across her face.
"…Warm. Alive. Whole."
Ellen burst into tears.
"Miss Shizu!!!"
She jumped into Shizu's arms, nearly knocking her over.
Kabalu and Gido exhaled deeply, smiles forming at last.
Takumi nodded with satisfaction.
"Your body is restored. You've fully fused with Ifrit. From now on… you are no longer a fading spirit host. You are Flame Queen Shizu—a true high-tier being in your own right."
Shizu bowed deeply.
"Mr. Takumi… Rimuru… everyone… thank you. Truly."
Takumi gestured casually.
"No need. I simply corrected a mistake this world forced on you."
Rimuru elbowed him playfully.
"Just accept the thanks, Takumi!"
Shizu laughed softly.
Civilization System Notification
A golden screen appeared before Takumi.
[System Notice]
Unique Individual Stabilized: Shizue Izawa
Evolution Path: Flame Queen (Awakened)
City Trust +12
Dimensional Stability +4%
New Building Unlocked: Spirit Stabilization Nexus
A facility capable of calming unstable spirits, regulating magicules, and supporting fusion events.
Takumi nodded.
"As expected… The city is evolving with every life we save."
Rimuru tilted her head.
"What's next?"
Takumi grinned.
"We build the Spirit Stabilization Nexus."
Returning to the City
As the group walked back toward Dimensional City, Rimuru bounced beside Shizu.
"Shizu! We need to show you the new bakery! And Mrs. Kamado promised to make sweets!"
Shizu chuckled.
"I would love that."
Ellen pumped her fist.
"And we're visiting Mrs. Kamado after this! She'll be so happy!"
Takumi walked behind them with Sakuya.
Sakuya spoke softly.
"Master… today, you saved a heart as well as a life."
Takumi paused.
"…Was it necessary to say it aloud?"
Sakuya smiled faintly.
"I believe it was."
Rimuru turned back.
"Takumi! Don't fall behind! Shizu's healthy now—we're celebrating!"
Takumi sighed.
"I'm coming, I'm coming…"
Dimensional City – A New Beginning
As they passed through the gates, the city seemed brighter than usual.
Citizens waved.
Children played.
And the air felt alive with new hope.
Shizue looked around, her expression softening.
"This city… truly is a miracle. A place where all races can laugh together."
Takumi nodded.
"And this is only the beginning. A place where your future… can begin anew."
Shizu bit her lip, eyes shining.
"…Then allow me to stay. At least for a while. Until I can repay what you've given me."
Takumi shook his head.
"You don't owe anyone. This city welcomes those who choose to live."
Shizu bowed deeply.
"Then… I will live."
Rimuru cheered.
"Welcome to the family!"
Takumi smiled.
"Welcome to Dimensional City… Flame Queen Shizu."