Rimuru's POV
As I look through the screen, it looks like Raymond and Lucius will join us. That is one good thing. On the other hand, on floor 70, Adalmann was having a hard time. Adalmann's army had wiped out all the enemy soldiers except three individuals. Those three had Armor similar to that of the soldier who fought Testa, so I assume they are also a part of the Imperial Guard of the Emperor.
It was a three on three. A wizard was fighting Adalmann on equal grounds on magic, meanwhile a swordsman was able to fight Alberto and keep him at bay. Alberto was more skilled, yet, because of the difference in Armor, Alberto would lose sooner, rather that later. Meanwhile, the last one was keeping the Death Dragon at bay. He had given up any chances of victory, and was hoping that his teammates would finish off their opponents and come to help him.
"So? What do you think of this?" I asked Benimaru and Diablo.
"Well, it seems to be a deadlock for now, but considering Alberto's low quality gear, it won't be long before he loses." Benimaru answered.
"I agree with Benimaru. Since neither side is expecting backup, the balance will tilt in their favor sooner or later. If Adalmann had been more level minded, he might have been able to handle this." Diablo answered, only cementing the idea that Adalmann will lose.
"So, what are your plans Benimaru?" I ask.
" Well, they are strong, Rimuru-sama, but if they become too difficult to handle, then I will go and defeat them myself."
Hot headed as always, huh?
"*Sigh* Incorrect." I tell Benimaru. He looks at me surprised.
"Benimaru, you tend to lose control when facing strong opponents. You should look at the bigger picture. The labyrinth already has Zegion and Veldora, there is no need for you to go yourself. If you go yourself, then the people to protect me will decrease. In any military operation, it is necessary to set priorities for everything. And in a war, it is the king who has the highest priority."
"I-I see. It seems I was a bit hasty."
"That's correct. But it doesn't matter. Till the time you learn from it. I am strong enough, but remember, there was someone who managed to kill me. The chances that they are strong enough to beat me in one attack must mean, that like Souei, his power must also be related to stealth. So keep your eyes open."
"Hai."
I look back at the screen. The three appear to be in a deadlock, but that will break soon. The strongest of the three who caught my eye was Krishna. The other two, I didn't even bother to hear about. He was duking it out with Alberto. Krishna's sword style included aiming at the same spot of the weapon repeatedly to weaken it and ultimately, break it apart. And that is exactly what happened. With Alberto's sword gone, he was quickly defeated. Adalmann and the Death Dragon also fell soon after as the deadlock was now broken. This was the first major defeat we had faced in the entire war, but not that it matters.
Meanwhile, on floor 79, Apito was in a heated battle against Mintz, the commander of this little charade. Mintz had an interesting skill which allowed him to control gravity. But he is too wasteful in using it.
<The Unique Skill «Oppresor» of Mintz is a skill that allows him to release dimensional waves at any object.>
As Raphael said. He can release dimensional waves, yet he only uses gravity. Any other forms of forces such as nuclear forces could also be affected. In retrospect, it's quite good that he doesn't know how to use his own skill. If he did, Apito would have been no match for him. Regardless, the battle is a close one, entering its final phase. For nearly an hour, Apito and Mintz had been fighting. Apito, under constant pressure due to Mintz's skill was nowhere in a good shape. Her wings were torn, limbs broken and blood flowing everywhere. Yet that wasn't enough to stop her.
She thought to do the plan with highest chances of her winning. A hit-and-run strategy. Mintz, who was now nearly out of steam, and Apito, who could barely keep flying, decided on one thing. To end the battle with the next attack. Apito flew straight at Mintz, attempting a suicide attack, which was successful. Though Mintz barrier was strong, it was unable to hold up against Apito's stinger, which was her own flesh and blood. Her stinger managed to pierce through the heart of Mintz, yet Mintz didn't die. On the other hand, Apito died after having her stinger seperated from her main body, just like how a normal bee would die after it stings someone.
In the entire fight, I deduced two main things. One, that Mintz loves to fight. Even when he was fighting Apito, he had a smile on his face. I have seen plenty of people like him, including my own subordinates. Secondly, up till now, Mintz had rarely fought anyone as strong as him. All his attacks were good for unarming weaker people, yet against those stronger than him, he has no strategy or attacks which would be meaningful.
After Apito had been defeated, a large door opened in front Mintz, which appeared out of nowhere.
"If you still want to fight, pass through the gate." Zegion said. And Mintz, without hesitation stood up, and walked to the door. He didn't even wait for his wounds to heal. A true Battle-maniac.
Meanwhile, Kansas was just strolling through the labyrinth, as if he was in a park. He was dropped in floor 88, and it took him to two hours to reach Kumara's floor. Kansas, was arrogant, to say the least. He thinks he is strong, which I won't deny, but, the world is a vast place. And I am sure he will learn it soon.
3rd Person POV
Kansas, after strolling for two hours through the labyrinth, arrived at a gate. The gate slowly opened to reveal a bewitching beauty standing behind it. This wasn't the first time these two had met.
20 years ago, on the border of the Eastern Empire and Demon Lord Clayman's territory, lay a beautiful heaven for all kinds of monsters. This land, also called the Mystic Village, was the home of Kumara. Her own mother was the head of this village. She was as strong as a demon lord, yet she didn't show it. She preferred peace over power, and she would even show kindness to her opponents. This led to her downfall.
20 years ago, the Empire led a massive offense against the Mystic village. This campaign was led by Kansas. Every single monster in the village was killed brutally as an example, barring a few children. Kumara, was also one of these 'children' who was then sold to Clayman, where she survived as his pet.
Now, 20 years later the man who took everything from her is standing in front of him, attempting to take whatever she had gained away from her, again. Kumara, who had slowly forgotten the pain of the past by living along with the children, was suddenly reminded about harshness of the world.
Now, Kumara had finally decided to kill Kansas with her own hands, to avenge her mother.
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I hope you like it.