Tensei Shitara Slime Datta

Chapter 226: Checkmate

Velda observed the war situation in various places expressionlessly. The result is unsatisfactory. Or rather, it was so terrifying that it could be said to be a complete defeat.

In the battle of Milim, the angels were driven out when Vega was defeated. Although it was a huge army numbering 200,000 angels, it was a disastrous scene as there were only 10,000 or so left as a result of being absorbed by Vega or being annihilated by Karion. Overwhelmed to the point of destruction. Victory on this battlefield can no longer be expected.

Looking at “El Dorado”, a place ruled by Leon, the deadlock continues as no one rules the angels and the city barrier is indestructible. Although she could not see the situation inside the castle isolated by the barrier that cut her off from space, Velda knew that Kagali was already defeated. He gives 『Evil Dragon Lord Azi Dahaka』 to Kagali's subordinate called Footman, but will direct both sides that are inside the place. The fact that the barrier remained standing meant that the fight still continued.

The most decisive was the defeat of Dagruel who attacked the Holy Empire of Ruberios where Ruminas was hiding. Dagruel who was the strongest among the Four Heavenly Demon Commanders, his defeat as the one who offered the combat ability next to him was something that Velda could not ignore. Giant Titan's Chain of Restrain army seemed to stop moving and accept defeat. (It is impossible, for Veldora to win against Dagruel ..... Even when I checked the battle data with Velgrind, I was unable to find the winning factors of ――） That is annoying, even when I checked the battle data with Velgrind, but beyond his imagination Veldora won against Dagruel .

"I'm so sorry . In my calculations, for the Four Demon Heavenly Commanders, that's Vega, Kagali and even Dagruel to beat is— ――

Velda raised his hand to stop Lucia who started apologizing.

"Allah . Even in my calculations as well, Dagruel's defeat was not expected. The question is how to take the next step. 」

Dino who attacked Demon Lord Rimuru's headquarters was still alive. Most of the war potential was concentrated in this place, but that was because Dino was the person with the most passive combat ability. As for the territory of Milim, there was no problem to leave it alone. Because Demon Lord Milim who was the most important matter had been obtained. He could ignore Leon's "El Dorado" as well. As for the reason the attack in the first place was because he let Kazarim's selfishness show an obsession towards Leon, it didn't mean that it was an important place. As for protecting the Gates of Heaven and also cutting off the source of the people's trust, it was important to destroy the Holy Empire of Ruberios. Moreover, if he were to destroy the headquarters of the Western Holy Church, those who resisted would give up desperately. But ―― (Veldora's presence and resistance forces in various places continue to give hope to the people.) That's Velda's analysis. Even for the Holy Church, it was only one of them. It seemed that the networks between countries were beyond what he had imagined and could not be looked down upon. Velda felt ironic because of Kagurazaka Yuuki, his host, who created a special organization in the transmission of information, that was the Freedom Association. (It wouldn't be interesting if it wasn't like this. Things will be over as soon as I leave, let's fight them as much as they want.) It was more fun than he thought, Velda was satisfied. Next, “Alright, what will they do?” Her thought. In front of her was Lucia. To his right is Milim. Kneeling beneath him were the last two executioners, Zero and Mai. They are the remaining war potential. He intended to defeat every Demon King and instead blame the subordinates of Demon King Rimuru. In the territorial strategy, it could be said to be his complete defeat. However, the enemy "King" that is Demon Lord Rimuru has been destroyed. There was no need to panic, so Velda thought. Above all, his real and important goal was to defeat Guy Crimson and Chloe O'Bell who had the possibility to be on par with him. In fact, if he were to destroy the strongest people in this world, it would be easy to clear the remaining power. Right now, Guy is fighting Chloe. Velgrind also fought against Velzard. Chloe will be free after she defeats Guy, but she won't be able to point her sword at Velda due to that restriction. However, just in case, he had to kill her with Guy. As long as the two perished, it was possible to persuade Velgrind. Thinking so, Velda made Lucia express her opinion.

「It's time for Demon Lord Guy Crimson and even the True Hero Chloe O'Bell to be exhausted. We must send all our war potential and kill both. 」

Lucia answered without hesitation. Satisfied with the answer, Velda stood up.

"Good! Then, I will give Zero new powers. With this, go to place Guy―― 」

Before he finished speaking, Velda stopped moving. (Wait ..... isn't that too easy to read? The calculations obtained by Lucia were also alarming as everything ended in failure. ―― Even though Demon Lord Rimuru was killed, why was there no doubt in the subordinate's movements of that person? Also, Veldora's actions are .... Impossible, is she still alive? If that was the case, he knew that I would be aiming for Guy and the others. Then .... .. what should I target, is Tempest?) Absolutely unexpected from Lucia who is the strongest Manas. Although he did not possess the 『Wisdom Lord Raphael』 Supreme Skill, Lucia's intelligence was extremely high. However, the result was too unnatural. 「Change plans. Attack the Monster Country Tempest. Zero, gather all the remaining troops and join Dino. I'll give you this, the Main Skill of 『The Evil Dragon God Azi Dahaka』, is close to its completion, gathering more combat experience. Master that. Even Ramiris'『Labyrinth Creation』 can be damaged if you use it. Go then! Trample over the place and realize the birth of the destruction of the new world in this world! 」「 As you will! 」Receive Velda command, Zero bends and goes. Mai also followed Zero and left the place. Only Lucia and Milim remained. Velda calmly sat on his throne and chuckled. (If Demon King Rimuru was still alive, there was no way he would not make a move when Ramiris was in danger. He'd guess that I'd go after Guy and ChloeRook and Bishop, but he was wrong. Instead, I'll lure him out and get checkmate at once.) Velda is convinced that Rimuru survived. However, since she did not show herself, Velda predicted that she might not be in perfect condition. Or perhaps, he thought that Velda would move to end both Guy and Chloe and wait for an opportunity to strike at such an opening? Either way, Velda had seen through his plan. (As long as I'm at this Sky Castle, I won't lose. Instead, I'll lure Rimuru out and end him.) That was what Velda thought.

「This checkmate, Rimuru! Well, how are you going to move next? 」

The Sky Castle with only Lucia and Milim remaining was filled with nothingness. In this place, Velda's laughter resounded a little. His laughter became a small signal announcing the war was entering its final phase.

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Very strong !! The giant Ossan is so strong not a bitch !! I don't think that Dagruel has such a great power and I will see Veldora-san fighting at full strength.

「Kufufufu, as expected of Veldora-sama. Even I will not be able to win against Demon King Dagruel with my body intact. 」

I nodded in admiration because Diablo had the same opinion as me. Since I could feel his confidence from his words, I didn't think that he would lose one side. However, for him competing against Veldora in terms of strength was an abnormal matter. Dagruel is too strong. I don't see anything that indicates that Dagruel will be this strong when I meet him before. Even in the fight just now, Veldora would lose if she made a mistake.

"Indeed . Without the combat experience from fighting Velgrind, Veldora might have been defeated. 》

Ciel-sensei calmly says it, but he seems to have no doubt that Veldora will win. He may be confident because Veldora's abilities are strengthened by his own hands. Oh well, that belief is justified. Veldrora's Feldile Paradox had turned a barren wasteland into a huge forest. Didn't he strengthen it too much? It was refreshing to see his usual magic experiments. This ability is too haphazard. Sacrificing the army of angels that attacked the capital of Ruminas, the ground that was poured with excessive energy had been beautifully revived. Surprisingly, it seems that the angels were not allowed to reject him. The probability of success is manipulated and apparently resisting becomes impossible. It looks a lot like Veldora. A scary guy.

「Kuaahaahaa! Actually, I used magic essence completely! I want a refill. 」

Even if he doesn't come back and then demands like this, I'd think that he's an amazing guy,' and start transferring my energy to Veldora. 「Hey, the others are fine, but Velda won't know this place right?」 「Of course. Do I look like someone who would make such a mistake? 」

Veldora-san is very confident. It was noticeable when I asked him, oh well. Let's think about when we're hit. Moreover, Veldora-san's activity this time around was an amazing job that was worthy of praise. He restored the broken ley lines and fixed the distortion of the land. Thanks to that, there are more cards that this side can play. He also acted skillfully to not arouse Velda's suspicions. Therefore, I thought that I would let him take a large amount of magic essence from me.

In that case, it could be said that the war had completed the first stage. In place of Milim, the army led by Carion had exterminated the angels. Gobuta participates in the meeting at Tempest, but it seems that he is back and cooperating with Karion again. There seemed to be some wounded soldiers from Gobuta's subordinates, but they soon recovered as a large number of High Potions seemed to be prepared beforehand. This place will be fine I guess. Even in Leon's "El Dorado" it was a real victory. While maintaining the barrier, orders were issued on the battlefield. No problem here either. With this, wins at various places except at Tempest are confirmed. However, Ciel's strategy was outstanding ……. What really worries me is just the fight of Gobuta. But, there is insurance even for that fight. Because that included the cleansing afterwards when the Demon Lords defeated the Seraphim. In the worst case, Diablo would go and support them, but I was too worried. As for the reinforcement request coming from Mizari, there would be danger for anyone going there. However, 《Benimaru is the one who went there. Because Kazarim is related to the Gelmudo problem. 》

Although I was the one who sent Masayuki to various places, it was probably just a coincidence that he was there when Hinata faced her crisis. But, it seemed that it was Ciel's intention for the children to go to the Ingrassia Kingdom. It was no surprise because Ciel knew of Alice's Crisis Perception ability and incorporated it into her strategy. The proof is that Kumara went along with the children as their bodyguard. What caught my attention next was Masayuki. That person's understanding of people's hearts seemed to be strengthened to a level that could not be taken lightly. I sincerely think that I am happy that Masayuki is my ally. However, it helps eliminate the anxiety of people in various places. The result is beyond what I mean. Regarding Masayuki, Ciel did not modify his abilities, but taking a memo about acting training was Ciel's idea. As expected, Ciel had a role even in this matter as well. Seen in this light, it was scary because I saw everything playing right above Ciel's palm. Oh well, it's convenient for me because I want to end this war quickly. To Velda, I give my condolences. There was nothing to say but he picked the wrong opponent.

Well now, how is he going to play his next move?

「Well, the battle in various places has ended with our victory, but how do you think Velda will move next? I don't think that he will give up on destroying the world, where will be his next target?」 「That would be the place where Guy, Miss Chloe, sister Veldora-sama fought right? 」

When I asked him, Diablo replied. Yeah, same opinion as me.

Originally, my reason for ignoring the battle in that place was to lure Velda. Then, we also moved and waited for Velda's arrival or rather I thought at first. "Wait a minute . Right now, everything is going as planned. As a result, I anticipated a change in the enemy's thinking. Velda doubted the lord's destruction and assured that the master was still alive. In other words, Velda's next plan was to attack this city. 》

Ciel expressed his opinion. I see, as expected he will feel suspicious. Because even though I was supposed to 'die', my subordinates still played an active role in this war. If you think about this, even I will sense that something is suspicious as well. Oh well, it would be weird if you didn't feel suspicious about it. Predicting that it will be like this ... As expected of Ciel-san. Normally, if I were to come up with an idea and execute it, the difference would be like heaven and earth ……

「Then, Velda is aiming for Tempest right?」 《It's definitely. 》 「Dan, the goal is to lure me that panics?」

"Religion . And perhaps, he would send his strongest army including the anti-maze. Anti-Maze Ability? It seems impossible.

The labyrinth was an invincible area, granted absolute immortality by Ramiris. As long as we fight in it, there is no way we will lose. As for the method of capturing the labyrinth, there was no other way but to destroy the creator that was Ramiris. "No . If you spread it to the labyrinth, you can rewrite the effect. In other words–"

Ah, right too. Hearing Ciel's explanation, I understood. Of course, it is possible to undo the labyrinth with such a method. If that were to come true, it was likely that the decisive final fight would be conducted within the labyrinth. I immediately thought of countermeasures, also I told Benimaru who returned to Tempest about it. I want to believe that those present there, including Ramiris, will be able to deal with it later. And then, I spoke to Ciel.

「Then, it is impossible to fish Velda, right?」 《Yes, I hope so. Instead, you can say that we managed to lock her up. 》

Just like Ciel said, it could be said that Velda sealed himself inside the Sky Castle. As of now, the location of the Gates of Heaven was unknown. Or rather, due to the magic essence rampaging in the area, 『Magic Power Perception』 cannot be activated smoothly. From long ago until now, the Gates of Heaven had been hidden. However, with Dagruel who was the Gate protector defeated, the magic essence disturbance was repaired. All that was left was the Gate defense mechanism itself.. If before, if you were to aim at the gate, Velda would immediately guess your intentions. And then, before you break the power of defending the gate, he will take some countermeasures. But now. Due to Veldora's hard efforts, the gate became open. It was too late for Velda when he realized our intentions as we quickly smashed through the gate and gained checkmate. Eyes for eyes . When Velda is about to attack my city to lure me, instead, he will also be attacked. Now that we have completely shaved off Velda's forces, we don't need to defend all of our bases. Far from hoping for the destruction of the world, he better realize that it was a foolish idea to send his army gradually to various places. For the next turn, it will be an attack from our side. I would teach him that it was a mistake if he thought that it would be his turn forever.

『Testarossa, Ultima, Carrerra――』

By calling my call, I connected to three Demon Lords with 『Telepati』. It was a secret line created by going directly through the "Soul Corridor".

『This, Rimuru-sama! You're safe―― 』 anyway

Testarossa's answer was filled with emotion. I nodded and ordered all three.

『Three of you, go destroy the Gates of Heaven. Besides, hide the fact that I'm still alive, okay? 』『 Even though you said so, everyone is sure that Rimuru-sama is still alive ....... 』『 I have asked Benimaru about it, but oh well, just in case. This is not the time for me to show up, so don't tell me this is an order from me. Even if you are asked by someone else, it's OK if you refuse and don't mention my name. 』『 Please rest assured in that case. Because only Rimuru-sama can order us! 』

Saying so, Testarossa and co laughed happily. Come to think of it, all three are under my direct control. Since they won't take orders from others, I guess I think I think too much. As for Benimaru, it was too late because he knew I was still alive. While I was thinking of such things to hide my own shame, Testarossa and the others seemed to have finished their preparations. And in order to execute my order to destroy the Gates of Heaven, they began to move happily.

Furthermore, the remaining problem is ―― There are people who are fighting and causing unnecessary environmental damage in the northern continent.

「Well, there is no meaning for Guy and the others to keep fighting. I think someone should go and mediate between them. 」

Right now I say so.

「Ups, Dia ――」 「I have an important task as Rimuru-sama guard. Next to this place, oh Veldora-sama, please go and warn your sisters! 」The winner was Diablo Veldora trying to push the role to Diablo but brilliantly ignored. That was his defeat. Thus, it was decided that Veldora would go and mediate a dispute between her sisters. Veldora's expression was filled with sadness, but since she had taken a large amount of magic essence from me, there was no need for me to feel sympathy for her. I want him to try his best.