I am Rimuru Tempest (Another Version)

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[Gobfather.]

Inside a surprisingly well-built and luxurious room, hidden deep within one of the underground tunnels beneath Tempest, a plump man sat down with an air of confidence. 

The room was dimly lit, with warm, ambient lighting reflecting off the polished wood furniture. Velvet curtains framed the walls, giving the space an almost regal atmosphere. A chandelier, modest in size yet sparkling with intricate crystals, hung above, casting a soft glow.

Gard Mjollmile, a man known for his sharp mind and sharper business shrewdness, took a moment to smooth out his neatly tailored suit. His well-groomed handlebar mustache curled slightly as he spoke, and the single striking yellow streak in his hair caught the light.

"I believe in Tempest." Mjollmile began, his voice carrying the weight of a man who knew his worth. "I see its potential. And with my expertise, I can help Tempest grow far beyond its current bounds. There are opportunities, markets, and... connections that I can open up for you."

Across from him, seated in a leather chair, was a Hobgoblin of unmistakable presence. The Gobfather, as he was known, had an older, seasoned appearance, his eyes sharp with wisdom and experience. His immaculate black suit was perfectly tailored, and a single crimson flower pinned to his breast pocket complemented the dark fabric beautifully. 

The Gobfather's hands, rough yet steady, gently stroked the fur of a small Spark Panther that sprawled comfortably in his lap. The creature purred softly, its yellow fur crackling with faint sparks, but it remained docile under the Hobgoblin's touch.

"Mjollmile." The Gobfather's deep voice finally broke the silence, drawing every eye in the room to him. "I've heard your name before. A man who knows how to survive in a world of sharks."

Mjollmile lowered his head slightly, acknowledging the Gobfather's words. 

"I've made a living by understanding people, by recognizing their desires, their fears, and their potential. And what I see here, in Tempest... It's different. The people here are good at heart. But good people, in a world like ours, need someone who understands the... darker side of things. Someone who can protect them, guide them through the murky waters of politics, and power struggles."

The Gobfather leaned back slightly, his eyes narrowing as he studied Mjollmile. The Spark Panther mewed softly, its eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. 

"And what is it that you offer, Mjollmile? What can you do for Tempest that we cannot do for ourselves?"

Mjollmille didn't hesitate, a shrewd smile appearing on his face as he answered.

"As Majin and Monsters, you all stand on a challenging road with Humanity. Falmuth's situation only helped to make them more wary of you. So I can act as a bridge between you and them. And if the time comes, I can give you insider information from my contacts in the underworld."

The Gobfather's expression didn't change as he heard him.

"Mjollmille, you have been kind to Tempest. You bought potions from us, and I've heard about what you did from Miss Shizue. So I will give you one chance to take back your words. If you still stand with them, know that there will be consequences for betraying us."

Mjollmille felt the cold sweat behind his back, but his instincts as a merchant were telling him that this was the way. The way for the most profit in the future.

"I owe a life debt to Miss Shizue. I am sure of my decision, Gobfather." Mjollmille answered.

The Gobfather's gaze remained steady, unreadable. 

"Then welcome to Tempest, Mjollmile. Let us see what we can achieve... together."

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[Oni and Harpy.]

As Benimaru continued to train, his sharp eyes couldn't help but drift toward the Harpy perched gracefully on a nearby rock. Luchia, with her pure-white feathers and an expression as stoic as ever, seemed to blend into the backdrop of the training grounds. 

They had fought together enough times that he knew there was more to her than meets the eye. She was quite serious most of the time, barely showing what she really thought. It was quite a benefit during a battle since her opponent would never be able to guess her thoughts. That is unless you really got on her nerves.

She was quite smart, a pretty good ally to have.

"Wanna fight?" Benimaru asked, the question escaping him before he fully realized it. He wasn't sure what prompted him to ask, curiosity, perhaps. He was used to being challenged for combat training, but Luchia never really asked.

She turned to look at him, her eyes meeting his without revealing anything for a few more moments. Benimaru almost thought she would refuse, just continuing to watch him training from a distance. Yet, to his surprise, she stood, her wings stretching out momentarily before jumping off.

"Sure." Luchia answered as she landed next to him, her voice carrying a bit of a challenge. "I still need to practice my new Skill, and Middray is busy training with Milim right now. I hear he is having fun."

Benimaru nodded, but he couldn't help but let out a slight smile as he raised his sword.

"Question. Can you, by any chance, make yourself some wings out of fire?" Luchia asked before they started the battle.

"I guess?" Benimaru answered, somewhat confused.

"Hmm…." Luchia answered, looking lost in thought for a moment before focusing again. "Alright, let's fight."

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[Rimuru's Stomach.]

"Draw four!" The Light Elemental shouted, sliding a card onto the makeshift table with a casual flick of his wrist.

Ifrit frowned, his fiery eyes narrowing as he grudgingly pulled four cards from the deck. 

"Hmm…" He grumbled, his voice tinged with irritation. "This isn't as fun without Veldora."

The Light Elemental chuckled, the sound like the soft chime of bells, and leaned back in his seat. 

"I think you're just a sore loser." He teased with a playful smirk. "Though not quite as bad as Veldora. He'd throw a fit whenever he lost, always the sorest of sore losers."

A brief silence fell over the room. The two Elementals were lost in their own thoughts. Veldora always used to fill this space with his loud laughter and presence. His almost nonstop chatter was dearly missed now that it was just the two of them.

"Yeah, this is boring." The Light Elemental finally admitted, breaking the silence. He turned his head slightly, his gaze drifting toward the darker corner of the space where a faint, almost imperceptible figure sat in isolation. "Do you think he would be fun to play with?"

Ifrit followed his gaze, his eyes narrowing as they settled on the shadowed figure.

"Who knows?" He replied, his tone indifferent. "He's probably in a worse state than us. At the very least, that mean woman didn't lock us up like that. I doubt he can even see or hear us."

The Light Elemental shifted uncomfortably as he looked at the figure in the corner. It was a stark reminder as to what could have been his fate had Veldora not asked the Mean Woman for more friends. There was a strange and unsettling aura about it. 

At first, it had been pure madness and unbridled despair, but now it was calm. A bit too calm if you ask him.

"Well…" He muttered, trying to shake off the unease creeping over him. "Out of sight, out of mind, right?"

Ifrit snorted, a small burst of flame escaping from his nostrils. 

"Easier said than done." He muttered. "But yeah, sure, out of sight, out of mind."

The Light Elemental forced a smile, his glow returning as he tried to lighten the mood. 

"Wanna play that one game again? The one Veldora was obsessed with? The one with all the thieves and the confidants and stuff."

Ifrit's expression brightened slightly at the mention of the game. 

"Oh yeah, I remember Veldora going on and on about the Chariot and his Rank 7 ability." He said with a hint of nostalgia. "He was so damn proud of it. Fine, let's play. It's not like we have anything better to do."

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[The Laughing Daemon.]

"Mizeri… I'm kinda nervous." Rain whispered, her voice barely audible over the cold winds howling. Her eyes flicked nervously to where Guy Crimson stood, an unsettling smile playing on his lips as he chuckled to himself, seemingly lost in thought.

"I'm scared." Mizeri replied, her gaze fixed on their master, a rare look of unease crossing her usually composed features. "The last time he was like this…"

Rain shuddered, her mind flashing back to the chaos and destruction that had followed the last time Guy had been in such a good mood. 

"You don't think he'll get that angry again, do you? I mean, we should at least have a couple hundred years to prepare if it's anything like last time…"

Mizeri's grip tightened on the tray she was holding, her fingers tapping a nervous rhythm against the polished surface.

"It was that new Demon Lord… Rimuru Tempest." Mizeri muttered. "He's the reason Lord Guy is acting so weird."

As they whispered, Guy's laughter suddenly died down, and his sharp crimson eyes turned to them, freezing them in place. His presence felt overwhelming, like a storm on the verge of breaking.

"I'll let that comment slip by... this time." Guy said with a vicious smile. Both Primordials stiffened and quickly scattered, knowing better than to linger when Guy was in one of his moods.

Once alone, Guy's smile widened, an almost manic grin that would have sent shivers down the spine of any who saw it. He was in a good mood, no, the best mood. It had been far too long since he had felt this kind of exhilaration, a thrill that reminded him of the early days, when every move was a game, and the stakes were life and death.

"Is it cheating?" He mused aloud, his voice carrying a strange, almost giddy tone. "To be fair, he willingly joined my side. I can't help it if fate decided to twist things in my favor."

He couldn't help but burst out laughing again, his mad laughter echoing across his entire castle. It was like having a piece of Rudra back with him, fighting alongside him, even if in a twisted, indirect way.

"I kind of want to go over there and brag." Guy continued, his tone playful, as if he were debating whether to spoil a surprise birthday party. "But then… that would ruin the surprise, wouldn't it? And where's the fun in that? I wonder what kind of face he'll make."

As he laughed, he became even more unrestrained, laughing louder and louder. Those who heard it immediately knew to keep their distance, to tread lightly. The atmosphere in the northern nations shifted, a brief and uneasy peace settling in as the usually wild and untamed Daemons retreated, not wanting to risk the wrath of their master.

For the first time in countless years, the Daemons who thrived on chaos and destruction found themselves carefully tiptoeing around, giving the northern nations a rare and eerie break from the constant attacks.

Deep down, Guy relished it. The anticipation, the thrill of the game being turned on its head, and the knowledge that, for once, he held a card that even Rudra couldn't predict.

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[The Chosen Hero.]

They say the world will end not with a bang but with a whimper… unfortunately for him, his life ended with a bang.

Meteorites shattered against the earth in a catastrophic ballet of destruction, and countless explosions tore through the sky as if the heavens themselves were collapsing. In this cinematic chaos, his life as he knew it came to an end.

Did you believe that?

Honestly, he wasn't sure he did; he had probably been watching too many movies. 

One day, he was a regular high schooler, and the next, he was in another world. The transition from mundane reality to what amounted to an isekai was jarring, but not as jarring as the expectation that followed.

If he was being honest, his memory was kind of foggy, but that was probably because he had been staying up late watching anime. He had always envied and hoped to become one of those Isekai protagonists who got handed everything to them. But now that he was living the life, it wasn't all it was chucked up to be.

If anything, it was starting to become a bit tiring.

"Man… what a pain…." Masayuki muttered, grabbing a sweet cake from the table and taking a big, careless bite. "I'm supposed to be this super cool hero, but I just keep getting pushed around. People expect too much from me."

Across the table, Yuuki sat with his usual calm demeanor. He had a warm smile as he looked at him with a hint of amusement.

"You know, Masayuki, there's always a flip side to everything. For someone in your position, you have to learn to see the good and bad." Yuuki's voice was smooth, as if each word had been carefully chosen. "I'd kill to have a skill like yours. But instead, all I got was eternal youth. Not a bad trade, but it's not exactly fun to look like a middle schooler forever."

Masayuki chuckled, kicking his legs up on the table, not caring much about etiquette in Yuuki's company.

"That's rough, buddy." He subconsciously muttered with genuine sympathy."But hey, I owe you a lot. Seriously, if you ever need anything, just say the word."

Yuuki shook his head with a dismissive smile, his eyes briefly narrowing in thought.

"I appreciate the offer, but I'll hold off on cashing in that favor for now. You never know when it might come in handy."

"Aye." Masayuki shrugged, finishing off the last bite of his cake. "Well, duty calls. Got a few more battles in the Colosseum left today. Honestly, it was pretty terrifying at first, but I think I'm starting to get the hang of it. Not like I have a choice, though. People just assume I'm invincible."

Yuuki gave him a reassuring smile, nodding along.

"People can get used to just about anything." He mused. "It's human nature."

"Tell me about it." Masayuki groaned as he stretched, feeling the weight of his hero title pressing down on his shoulders. "Oh yeah, any chance you could hook me up with a lighter sword? This one's a bit heavy, and I can barely hold a pose with it. Kind of ruins the whole 'cool hero' vibe."

"Of course. Anything you need." Yuuki responded, his voice warm

"Thanks." Masayuki said, feeling a bit lighter after their conversation. "Honestly, I wouldn't mind a slight vacation from all this stuff. Do you have any recommendations?"

Yuuki leaned back in his chair, folding his hands together as if contemplating. 

"If you're looking for a place to unwind, just stay away from Tempest. Trust me, it's more trouble than it's worth. Even with your Skill, you'll probably get into a whole mess. But I do have a few spots where you can lay low and relax."

"Yeah, Tempest, huh?" Masayuki raised an eyebrow, sensing something behind Yuuki's words but too tired to dig deeper. "I'll take your word for it. Thanks, Yuuki. You're a lifesaver."

"Anytime, Masayuki." Yuuki replied smoothly, his smile never wavering.

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[Veldora's Journal]

Did you think you were getting rid of me? Nope, no siree! You're stuck with me until the end of time, or until I find something better to do, whichever comes first.

Guess what? My bro, the great Rimuru Tempest, finally figured out how to release me! I can't say I'm surprised though; I totally saw it coming. I mean, with my vast wisdom and unparalleled foresight, I knew this day would come eventually.

At this point, maybe I should start calling myself a Prophet, too. From his memories, I knew about as much as Rimuru did.

If anything, I'm kinda bummed he didn't use Megiddo. That move was sick, and I would've loved to see it in action again. But hey, you win some, you lose some.

Hmm…. I guess I haven't updated you in some time. What did I do last time…. Ah, yeah, that's right, my buddy, the Light Elemental joined the gang. Good stuff. He's a good friend. Bit annoying, but no one can compare to Bro #1 Rimuru and Bro #2 Ifrit. Though he still gets the title of Bro #3 by default.

"Hmmmm…" Veldora mused as he looked up at his surroundings, expecting to be interrupted. "It's not the same without the mean lady."

Dear Journal, I think I miss the mean lady nagging me. Funny how things change. It's a bit too quiet without her. I can almost hear the "Stop lazing around or I will ground you."

I swear, that mean lady treated me like a kid. I'm older than her, by a lot.

Where was I? Ah, yes, back to my bro Rimuru. He decided to get all "original" on us and pull a Madara on Falmuth. You know, big ol' meteor, and then a whole show of power, the whole shebang. 

Honestly, I'm not sure why he got so worked up about it. They're just humans. Back in my day, I used to stomp around for a bit, and entire kingdoms would crumble beneath my feet. Easy peasy.

Though well… I guess I kinda get the appeal now. Back in the day, I was a youngling, a frog in a well. Now, I can finally see Mt. Tai.

…

"Man, I really ought to get me an annoying voice to spice things up." Veldora muttered, already missing Ifrit and the Light Elemental.

"Yo, whatchu doing?" Ramiris asked as she poked her head into his room, almost as if being summoned. 

"Ah, there you are! Perfect timing. Just hang out while I write!" Veldora exclaimed, getting a strange look from Ramiris as she fluttered and stepped on his shoulder, looking at the journal with curiosity.

"What's Mt. Tai?" Ramiris asked, causing Veldora to let out a strange chuckle.

"Bwuahahahaha!" He laughed, reveling in his own genius. Ramiris just blinked at him, clearly confused, but he continued undeterred. "I see… That's right! The people of this world aren't as cultured as me and my bro. Don't worry, Ramiris, I'll show you the way. No wife of my bro will be uncultured under my watch!"

Alright, Journal, let's wrap this up so I can get to the good part. 

What else… Oh, right! There was this whole war thing. You know, the usual. Messing with Clayman, giving him the ye olde one-two punch. Classic stuff.

"Oh! Want me to tell you about Walpurgis?" Ramiris asked, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

"Sure, go as in-depth as you want." Veldora nodded.

"Well—" Ramiris began, and then she just kept going. 

And going. 

And going… For what felt like hours, she went on and on about every little detail, every insignificant thing that happened at Walpurgis.

Yup, and that's what happened.

…

What, you think I'm gonna write it all out? She literally just explained it! Not my fault you don't have ears, Journal. You'll just have to imagine it yourself.

Hmm.

"Yo, Ramiris, do you think if I gave a book to Kurobe, he would be able to give it ears?" Veldora asked.

"I dunno, man, maybe?" Ramiris answered with a shrug, clearly not putting much thought into it.

Journal, you're gonna be getting ears soon. I am so proud of you. 

Just imagine it, my Journal, not just the best-written one in all of existence but also the first one that can hear! You'll be one step closer to true sentience, my friend.

Where was I?

Ah yeah, Walpurgis, yadda yadda, blah blah.

My bro got the title of Emperor, pretty good if you ask me. But then he went ahead and named Walpurgis "the Ennead." Tsk tsk, no creativity I tell you. I personally would have called us the Tempest Nine.

Or maybe Nein!

No?

Hehe, if you get it, you get it.

Anyways, guess who has a hella cool hammer now?

Not me, but soon enough I will. 

I also want to request a few more weapons to try things out. Imagine me and my bro wielding Rebellion while I wield Yamato. Or the other way around. Just the thought of us fighting side by side, slicing through enemies like butter, it's a chef's kiss.

Lots of stuff to try, but for now, let's put that aside. 

I've found my true calling, Journal. Brace yourself for this—my new purpose is to teach others to be cultured. That's right, I'm gonna spread the wisdom of the Storm Dragon far and wide. Just came up with it a few minutes ago.

And thus, the Tempest Sect will be born!

"Is that cool?" Veldora asked Ramiris, who was perched comfortably on his shoulder. "I could pick out a few people with potential and teach them my own True Dragon fighting style."

Ramiris' eyes lit up at the idea. 

"Wait, is it a fighting class? I could also teach some of my 48 Secret Special Moves! We could make someone who's just unstoppable. I call dibs on Apito!" She exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement.

"She's got a build similar to mine, with wings and stuff. Plus, as her master, it means I get more honey!"

The Tempest Sect, training the next generation of badasses under the guidance of yours truly and Ramiris. We'd be unstoppable! This is just the beginning, Journal. The Tempest Sect will rise, and the world will tremble before our cultured might.

But first, I need to get those ears sorted out. Priorities, right?

Alright, Journal, that's enough for today. Keep it cool, and remember, soon you'll be able to hear all my amazing plans in real-time. Until next time!

Veldora, Master of the Tempest Sect, signing off.

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Special Thanks to my Beta Readers/Editors: The one, the only, the amazing @Basilisk, And @Kiyan Tribe (FF.net/AO3/QQ/WN) | kiyan_tribe( Discord)

Go Check out Basilisk's great story "I'm a Daemon, so what?" 

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