The Second Dragonoid's Tale

Chapter 58: Ivarage

It was a moonlit night and Rimuru was restless after hearing the truth. Unable to stop thinking about it, the only other sound came from the night bugs chirping as he mentally spoke with [Raphael]. Seated outside, a dullness in his eyes and a troubled expression.

Should I have told him?

Negative. The likelihood of a violent reaction remains high.

But we can't pretend everything is fine. I understand his justification, but... I want him to change.

No action is advised.

How can you suggest that? There has to be someone.

...

You can respond you know.

...

Or maybe you don't know... maybe there is nothing we can do.

Incorrect. It is recommended nothing be done.

You're saying it will all work out?

...

Of course you weren't. He made a point, I do react to things instead of being proactive. It's also been a while since I've improved my skills. Maybe I should see if giving you a different name will give the power boost needed to solve this.

That is possible.

Wait, it is?

Before the skill [Gremory] was removed, the skill [Akashic] was accessed. This included memories from the so-called other Laden. Data on Manas was extracted.

Why did you extract that information? And why were you using his skills?

The order to help F/N was never fully canceled. Additionally, no desire to cease assisting him has occurred. Improvement of skills through acquired knowledge was deemed necessary.

You thought of improving yourself, that far back? Wow, I'm impressed. Just for that, I'll try it. What is a Manas?

A digital nature. A subspecies of spiritual lifeform.

Well then, how about... [Ciel]?

That night, without a single drop of blood, Rimuru's skills became more powerful, and a new life called Ciel was born. This simple act of naming a skill would help fulfill the standing order. Unfortunately, it would be needed in the coming day. Laden was restless too, troubled by Rimuru's words. He felt divided by his mind and soul. Wanting to take out his frustrations, the only thing that kept appearing in his mind were the angels that could threaten them at any moment.

True to his word to Rimuru, Laden made no promise more would not die. However, since he did not know how to get to them, Laden went to Veldanava for an answer. He skirted the answer and offered to hear out his issues, but it fell on no ears. The more Laden thought of the angels since they attacked him, the more bothered he became of them. The more he wanted them gone. Even Veldanava was wearing on his nerves.

Reluctantly, Veldanava pointed him in the direction of the Heaven Tower, located far west. As soon as Laden left, Veldanava went to gather the others. In a surprising turn, Ciel, who controlled a body double of Rimuru, suggested that they allow Laden to proceed and follow the path he made. Veldanava was not in favor but did relent that most angels lacked an ego and were not sentient.

"If we are not stopping him, then why bother following him at all?" Veldanava asked.

"The only way to end this peacefully is this way," Ciel answered. "I know because I have concluded what will happen once we are there."