When Walpurgis finally ended, I decided to return to Tempest with Rimuru. I stayed for a few days—long enough to enjoy the peace, eat some decent food, and remind myself what it felt like not to be buried under paperwork.
But all vacations end eventually.
I handed Rimuru a sleek, gold-trimmed envelope—an official invitation sealed with the emblem of Eden.
"This is for the Grand Ceremony," I said. "We'll be signing the formal documents of our economic alliance. Also, consider it a gesture—a chance to bring our nations closer."
Rimuru took it carefully, flipping it over in his hands. "Seven days, huh? That gives me just enough time to prepare."
I smirked. "Don't go overboard. Just show up on time and try not to get assassinated before then."
He gave me a flat look. "Not making any promises."
Behind him, Shion and Ranga stood ready, as always.
I glanced back toward the courtyard, where Lira and Sara were still chatting with Ramiris and Veldora.
"I'm heading back," I told them. "You two can stay a little longer. Enjoy the vacation while it lasts."
Lira groaned dramatically. "Aww, come on! You're leaving us here?!"
Sara gave me a knowing smile. "You just want us out of your hair while you deal with politics."
"Guilty," I said with a grin. "But don't worry. This ceremony is important. Make sure you're both there in seven days."
Lira crossed her arms but grinned anyway. "Fine, fine. But when we get back, I'm getting first pick of the new tech shipments."
I chuckled. "Deal."
With a final nod to Rimuru and a wave to the others, I activated my [Teleport] skill.
The world blurred into streaks of light.
And just like that, I was gone.
The days passed quickly. Eden, once content to remain hidden behind veils of secrecy and misdirection, was now bustling with activity. Diplomats were briefed, security protocols updated, and ceremonial guards drilled for what would be the first official public appearance of Eden as a recognized nation.
I leaned back in my chair, watching the last of my ministers exit the office, already deep in conversation with their aides.
"Ugh... those guys are really hyped up for tomorrow," I muttered, rubbing the bridge of my nose.
I turned toward the window, gazing out over the city. The skyline shimmered under the setting sun—floating transit lines, towering spires humming with mana, and streets alive with people who had no idea how much their world was about to change.
"Can't really blame them, though," I mused aloud. "We've been living quietly for so long. Guess meddling in world affairs isn't that bad."
A soft hum filled the air as Eve materialized beside me.
"Master, preparations are complete. All delegations have arrived ahead of schedule."
I smirked. "Of course they did."
Eve tilted her head. "Are you nervous?"
I chuckled, folding my hands behind my head. "Nah. Just bored. And when I get bored... things tend to get interesting."
Outside, the city lights began to flicker on, one by one.
Tomorrow was going to be something else.
I turned my attention to Eve, who sat elegantly on the edge of my desk, one leg crossed over the other. Her crimson eyes gleamed with quiet mischief, as if she were holding a secret behind that knowing smile.
"So," I said, leaning back in my chair, "what have you been up to?"
She tilted her head slightly, feigning innocence. "Whatever do you mean?"
"You've been awfully quiet for someone like you," I mused, standing slowly. "And as my wife, I can't just ignore it, now can I?"
I stepped closer, closing the distance between us until only a breath separated us.
Eve didn't move—just continued playing with a strand of her silver-white hair, twirling it around her fingers like nothing in the world could unsettle her.
"Well," she murmured, voice soft but edged with amusement, "you've been busy these past few months. I didn't want to disturb you."
I smirked, resting a hand on the desk beside her. "You? Not wanting to disturb me? That's new."
Her lips quirked upward. "It's called being considerate. You should try it sometime."
I chuckled, shifting closer. "Considerate doesn't suit you. You're supposed to barge in, break things, ask questions later."
She finally looked up at me fully, those red eyes locking onto mine. For a moment, there was no teasing, no playful banter—just the weight of everything left unsaid.
Then, just as quickly, the spark returned.
"Maybe I've been planning something special," she whispered. "Wouldn't want to spoil the surprise, would you?"
I raised an eyebrow. "That depends... is it dangerous?"
She grinned. "Of course it is."
I laughed softly, shaking my head. "Now that sounds like the Eve I know."
Outside, the city hummed with life, unaware of the storm brewing beyond its skyline.
But here, in this room, time seemed to slow.
Even fate knew better than to interrupt us.
Tomorrow
I was sitting on my throne in the grand hall of my palace — a towering structure carved from obsidian and veined with gold, its pillars rising like silent sentinels around me. Each one was etched with intricate runes that pulsed faintly with magical energy, whispering power into the very air.
Above me, a massive, rotating golden sphere floated effortlessly — a perfect replica of the Tensura world, complete with miniature continents. It spun slowly, casting warm light across the chamber like a miniature sun.
Around me, elite guards stood at attention, clad in sleek armor that blended traditional elegance with modern tech. Each held a rifle infused with magicules — not just weapons, but symbols of Eden's strength.
I leaned back, arms resting along the armrests of my throne, smirking as I took it all in.
'Man... have I outdone myself or what?' I mused silently.
<
I chuckled, shaking my head. 'Let them be scared. If they can't handle a little showmanship, they're not worth my time.'
Eve materialized beside me in a swirl of crimson light, her white hair flowing like silk in an unseen breeze. She perched on the arm of the throne, leaning close with a grin.
"They'll probably think you're some kind of god by the end of today," she said, mischief dancing in her crimson eyes.
I gave her a sideways glance. "Well, aren't I?"
She laughed softly, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "You say that like it isn't terrifying."
Outside, horns sounded.
The ceremony Has begin.
Eve quickly returned to my core.
The grand doors of the palace swung open with a deep, resonant boom .
A guard at the entrance stepped aside, bowing low. "I bring delegations before His Majesty."
And one by one, they began to enter.
Lira and Sara led the group, walking side by side like young princesses guiding honored guests through their father's kingdom. Behind them came Rimuru, followed closely by Gazel, Elmesia, Drum Blumud, and a number of high-ranking officials from Tempest,Dwargo,Sorcerous dynasty of sarion and Blumund.
As they stepped into the throne hall, murmurs of awe filled the air.
The chamber was vast—its vaulted ceiling lost in golden light, its floor polished to a mirror shine. Towering obsidian pillars lined the walls, each etched with glowing veins of gold.
Gasps rippled through the delegation as they took it all in.
But none were louder than Rimuru's when his eyes landed on the centerpiece of the room.
Above the throne, suspended in midair, was a massive golden sphere—the entire world of Tensura, recreated in perfect detail. Rivers of mana flowed in delicate filigree, continents carved with divine precision, and ley lines shimmering like veins of light. It rotated slowly, casting warm reflections across the Hall.
Rimuru froze mid-step.
"Is that...?" he trailed off, eyes wide.
"The entire world," I said smoothly, leaning forward on my throne. "Or at least, my favorite part of it."
He blinked, then let out a low whistle. "You really don't do things halfway, do you?"
I smirked. "Where's the fun in that?"
Lira nudged Sara, smirking as she whispered, "Told you the globe would impress him."
Sara rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "It impressed all of us."
As they reached the foot of the dais, the procession came to a halt. The high-ranking officials from Tempest, Dwargo, Blumund, and the Sorcerous Dynasty of Sarion knelt in unison—showing respect not just to their own leaders, but to the sheer presence of Eden itself.
The rulers and heads of state remained standing.
Without missing a beat, Lira and Sara broke away from the group and took their usual positions—Lira on my left, and Sara on my right.
From the top of the steps, I looked out over the gathered delegation—diplomats, monarchs, and friends alike.
"Welcome," I said, voice calm but carrying through the grand hall. "To Eden. Honored guests."
A hush fell over the chamber as the weight of the moment settled in.
Rimuru stepped forward first, his golden eyes scanning the golden globe above us one last time before meeting mine. He gave a small smirk. "You really know how to make an entrance."
I leaned back slightly. "It's not about making an entrance. It's about making a statement."
Gazel followed closely behind, arms folded as he studied the guards, the architecture, and the sheer scale of it all. "This place... it's nothing like I imagined."
"You imagined wrong," I said with a smirk.
Drum Blumund, ever the scholar, clearly trying to take in every detail at once. "Your Majesty, may I ask—how long has Eden existed?"
I gave him a lazy smile. "Longer than your kingdom, shorter than the stars. Time is relative anyway."
He blinked. "That's not an answer."
"It is," Lira cut in, grinning. "Just not a helpful one."
Sara sighed beside her. "Let's just get started before someone accidentally insults Father."
I chuckled. "Relax, they're fine."
With a wave of my hand, the massive throne hall shifted—holographic displays lit up the walls, showing trade routes, economic projections, and cultural exchanges already in motion. A circular table rose from the floor, embedded with glowing runes that pulsed in sync with the energy of the room.
"Shall we begin?" I asked, stepping down from the dais.
A long, circular table had been prepared—gleaming obsidian inlaid with golden runes that pulsed with latent energy. Five major world powers were now seated around it, ready to make history.
I took my place at the head of the table. One by one, the others followed—Rimuru to my right, Gazel to my left, with Elmesia, Drum Blumund, and their advisors filling the remaining seats.
I leaned back slightly, folding my hands in front of me. "So... what do you think of Eden? You all got a little tour of the capital before coming here."
Rimuru was the first to speak, his usual calm demeanor shaken by awe. "Man... this is something else. I've seen things like this in anime, but seeing it in person? It's on another level."
Gazel gave a short laugh, shaking his head. "It's incredible how much you've progressed. I'm amazed just from the short tour. I might pass out if I see anything bigger than that floating city skyline."
Elmesia smiled warmly, her sharp eyes still gleaming with curiosity. "It truly is something else, alright. Especially that golden planet you had above you—I must say, I'm impressed beyond belief."
Drum wiped a bead of sweat from his brow, chuckling nervously. "It's something else, no doubt about it. Must have taken centuries—no, millennia—to build something like this."
I smirked, letting the compliments settle in before speaking again. "Most of it was built in the last few hundred years. The rest? Just upgrades."
The room went quiet for a beat.
Then—
"Few hundred years?! " someone muttered under their breath.
I ignored it, tapping a command into the armrest of my chair.
The table lit up, holographic projections rising from its surface—maps, economic forecasts, cultural exchange proposals, and military non-aggression drafts.
"Alright," I said, voice calm but carrying weight. "Let's get started. First topic: trade routes and mutual defense agreements."
Rimuru leaned forward, already engaged. "Now that sounds like a conversation worth having."
The discussions stretched on for hours, shifting between formal diplomacy and quiet camaraderie. Maps were studied, economic models projected into the air, and military advisors whispered calculations to their rulers.
But eventually, all roads led here.
I leaned forward at the head of the table, fingers steepled, golden light from the holograms reflecting in my eyes.
"Alright," I said, voice calm but commanding attention. "We've gone over trade routes, defense pacts, cultural exchanges, and mutual recognition. Any final objections?"
Rimuru glanced at his advisors, then gave a small nod. "Tempest is in."
Gazel crossed his arms, considering me carefully. Then he smirked. "Dwargo will honor this alliance."
Drum Blumund, eyes scanning the final draft one last time. "Blumund accepts these terms."
Elmesia gave a regal smile, her eyes gleaming. "Sarion shall stand with Eden."
I looked around the table.
No one hesitated.
"Good," I said simply. "Then let's make it official."
With a flick of my wrist, a set of ornate pens hovered into place before each leader — forged from enchanted silver, infused with mana to record the signatures into the living memory of the document itself.
Lira and Sara stood behind me, watching closely as history unfolded.
One by one, the leaders stepped forward.
Rimuru signed first — elegant, confident strokes forming Rimuru Tempest across the surface of the treaty.
Then Gazel.
Then Drum.
Then Elmesia.
Finally, I took the pen.
For a moment, I just held it — not out of hesitation, but reverence.
I signed.
Nox Progenitor— King of Eden.
As soon as the signature settled, the document pulsed with light — the magic binding the pact into existence.
A soft voice echoed through the chamber.
<
<
<
The room fell silent for a beat.
Then—
"What the hell was that?" Rimuru asked, blinking as the last echoes of the voice faded into the air.
The room fell silent for a beat.
"Yeah," Gazel followed up. "What was it?"
One by one, the other leaders nodded, their expressions shifting from confusion to curiosity. All eyes turned toward me.
Folding my hands behind my head with an easy smirk. "Oh, you must've thought that was the Voice of the World."
Rimuru narrowed his eyes. "Yeah... so what? You control the Voice of the World or something?"
I chuckled, shaking my head. "Nah. It's just AI."
"AI?" Rimuru echoed, clearly not familiar with the term.
"Yep," I said, grinning. "Artificial Intelligence. Think of it like a super-smart assistant—never sleeps, never complains, and definitely never lets you forget meetings."
Lira snorted beside me. "More like a know-it-all with no off switch."
Sara sighed. "She's not wrong."
Rimuru stared at me for a long moment. "...So you're telling me that wasn't some god-tier skill or divine intervention?"
I gave him a lazy smile. "Nope. Just tech."
Gazel rubbed his temples. "You people and your magic machines..."
Drum, looking equal parts fascinated and disturbed, muttered, "That's... terrifying."
I stretched casually. "Only if you're on the receiving end of its sass."
<>
Everyone flinched again as the voice rang through the chamber.
I waved a hand dismissively. "Relax. She's just being dramatic."
<
I grinned. "See? Totally harmless."
Rimuru groaned, rubbing his forehead. "I swear, every time I think I understand you, you throw another curveball."
I smirked. "Good. Keeps things interesting."
We then moved to dinner after a long day of discussions. The dining hall was just as grand as the throne room — golden chandeliers floated above, casting warm light over the polished obsidian table that stretched the length of the chamber.
All the guests were seated — I at the head, Lira on my left and Sara on my right. To my immediate right sat Rimuru and Gazel, engaged in quiet conversation. Across from me, Elmesia and Drum occupied their seats with regal poise, already taking in the details of Eden's extravagant hospitality.
Gazel leaned forward slightly, curiosity still burning in his eyes. "So... mind explaining how that AI of yours works?"
I sipped my wine before answering. "It's a Hyperquantum Computer, with full artificial intelligence as its core function."
"Hyper... quantum?" Gazel repeated slowly, clearly not familiar with the term.
I smirked. "How do I explain this..." I glanced around the table, landing on Drum. "You remember those devices in your rooms? The ones you call television?"
Drum nodded. "Yeah. They're like magical windows that show moving images."
"Exactly," I said. "Inside each one is a tiny chip — a processor. It functions as the device's brain. Now imagine a computer with a processor that has one billion times more thinking power than that chip."
There was a beat of silence.
Then—
"One billion times?!" Drum nearly choked on his drink.
Elmesia blinked. "That's... absurdly powerful."
Gazel exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. "Man, you really don't do things halfway, do you?"
I gave him a lazy grin. "Where's the fun in half-stepping?"
Lira leaned back in her chair, smirking. "She runs everything — economy, infrastructure, even diplomatic responses. And she does it all faster than you can blink."
Sara added quietly, "And unlike some skills or spirits, she doesn't rely on magic. Just pure logic, processing power, and electricity."
Rimuru studied me carefully. "So it isn't a skill... or a spirit. She's a machine with consciousness."
I nodded. "Exactly. A self-learning, autonomous system designed to manage a civilization like Eden. I named her Elysia."
Gazel groaned, letting his head fall onto his arms with a dull thud. "Haa... This empire of yours just gets crazier and crazier."
Lira grinned from beside me. "Oh, you're not wrong."
"Haha," I chuckled, leaning back in my chair. "You haven't seen anything yet."
Elmesia sat up straighter, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "So... there's more?"
I smirked. "Oh yeah. There's more."
Sara, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. "There's also the floating cities, the mana-powered transit systems, the artificial weather control grid over the capital..."
Drum nearly dropped his glass. "Artificial weather?!"
Rimuru blinked, clearly trying to process everything at once. "This isn't just a nation anymore. This is... something else."
I gave him a lazy smile. "Yeah. It kind of is."
Gazel lifted his head slightly, rubbing his temples. "Man... I came here thinking we were signing a trade agreement. Instead, I feel like I've walked into some ancient god's hidden kingdom."
"Pretty much," Lira said.
Elmesia leaned forward, her smile widening. "And I can't wait to see what else you've been hiding."
I raised my glass slightly, eyes glinting with amusement. "Then let's get this tour started tomorow."
As murmurs of anticipation filled the air, I couldn't help but grin.
They thought they were ready for Eden?
They had no idea.
The sun rose over Eden like a slow-burning ember, casting golden light across the floating spires, shimmering transit lines, and sprawling districts below.
Today was the day.
I stood at the palace balcony, watching as preparations wrapped up. A sleek, gravity-defying transport pod was ready to take our guests on a full-scale tour of the capital.
Lira and Sara were already waiting by the entrance, dressed in their formal Eden attire — Lira with her usual grin, and Sara with that calm, calculating look she always got when something big was about to happen.
Behind them, Rimuru, Gazel, Elmesia, Drum, and their respective aides arrived one by one, all freshly rested and eager to see what Eden had to offer.
"Alright," I said, stepping forward. "Welcome to Day Two of your crash course in the future."
Rimuru, Gazel, Elmesia, Drum, and their advisors followed without hesitation.
Lira and Sara took their usual spots by my sides, already smirking at the expressions forming on the guests' faces.
We stepped into the shuttle, and with a soft whoosh , it lifted off the ground. The city below began to shrink, revealing the full scale of Eden's capital — a marvel of architecture, technology, and harmony between magic and science.
"This is Tier One," I explained. "Our ground-level district. Home to most of our citizens, government offices, markets, and cultural centers."
Gazel leaned forward, squinting out the window. "So this is still connected to the landmass?"
I nodded. "Yes. But what's ahead is where things get interesting."
With a flick of my wrist, the shuttle accelerated upward.
Clouds parted like curtains.
And then we broke through.
Beyond them lay the Floating Districts — a breathtaking sight that left even Rimuru speechless.
Dozens of massive platforms drifted above the continent, each one a fully functional city-state, suspended effortlessly by gravity-defying reactors embedded deep within their cores. Bridges of pure light connected some, while others floated freely, moving only when needed.
Above us, the sky shimmered with artificial constellations — not just for show, but part of an advanced weather regulation system.
"These are the floating cities of Eden," I said. "Each one self-sustaining, autonomous, and powered by mana-reactors fueled from the ley lines beneath the world."
Drum's eyes widened. "You're telling me these cities stay airborne... forever?"
"Forever is a long time," I said with a smirk. "But yes, they've been up there for over two hundred years."
Elmesia exhaled slowly. "That's longer than some kingdoms have existed."
I pointed toward a nearby platform shaped like a circular island, complete with forests, rivers, and glowing streets. "That's Aurelia — our central research hub. AI-designed, built, and maintained. No human ever has to set foot there unless they want to."
Rimuru tilted his head. "What do they study up there?"
I gave him a lazy grin. "Everything. From dimensional theory to mana synthesis. Some of the tech you saw today was developed there."
The Human Factor
We passed over another floating city — Virell, known for its universities and cultural preservation programs.
Unlike other nations, Eden didn't rely on monsters or magical beasts for labor. Every citizen was human, raised, and thriving under a system designed to eliminate poverty, disease, and inequality.
"How does it work?" Elmesia asked, watching as children played in a park suspended mid-air. "No demons? No monsters?"
"Nope," I confirmed. "Just humans. Advanced medicine, AI-assisted education, and automated production make sure everyone has what they need."
The Core District
The shuttle slowed as we approached the largest of all the floating cities — The Core District, the heart of Eden.
It was a masterpiece of engineering: a colossal disc, five kilometers thick and fifty across, rotating slowly to simulate gravity. At its center stood the Celestial Spire, a tower so tall it pierced the clouds — housing Elysia's mainframe and serving as the nerve center of the entire nation.
"This is where everything is managed," I said. "Elysia runs everything from here — traffic, economy, security, even environmental balance."
We landed smoothly on a rooftop platform overlooking the city. As we stepped out, the air was crisp, filled with the scent of blooming gardens and fresh ozone.
Citizens walked by, dressed in everything from formal robes to casual streetwear — diverse, peaceful, and utterly unbothered by the fact that they lived thousands of feet in the air.
"This place..." Rimuru murmured. "It's not just a city. It's a civilization."
I smiled. "Yeah. That's what happens when you remove scarcity, fear, and war."
The tour came to a close as the shuttle descended toward the palace district. The landing was smooth, almost silent, as the vehicle touched down on the rooftop platform.
We stepped out into the cool evening air, the sky above painted in deep purples and golds, artificial constellations slowly flickering to life.
"Man..." Gazel exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don't know what I expected, but it wasn't this."
Elmesia, still scanning the horizon, murmured, "It's overwhelming at first... but there's a strange peace to it all."
Rimuru stood quietly for a moment, arms crossed, eyes sharp with thought. "You built all of this? From scratch?"
I smirked. "Not from scratch. But yeah, I laid the foundation. The rest evolved over time."
He gave me a sideways glance. "You say that like you're not still in control."
I chuckled. "Oh, I'm always in control. Just... I let things grow naturally when they can."
Lira and Sara walked ahead of us, chatting with Drum about the educational system in Eden. He was visibly impressed — especially when he learned that children were taught both magic and science from an early age.
"This place is incredible," Drum admitted. "You've created something truly unique."
I shrugged. "Just giving people the tools to build their own future."
As we entered the palace, the atmosphere shifted — from awe-inspiring technology to quiet elegance. The halls were lined with glowing mana crystals embedded in obsidian walls, casting a soft, ambient light. Portraits of historical figures.
"This is where you'll be staying during your time here," I said, leading them through a grand archway into a spacious wing of the palace.
Each delegation had been given private suites — lavish but not excessive, designed for comfort.
Last Day of the Visit
Breakfast was filled with small talk — some still marveling at Eden's technology, others fascinated by its governance system. The usual stuff.
After we finished, I leaned back in my chair, folding my hands behind my head with a lazy grin. "So... what do you want for the next destination?"
A shimmer flickered in the air behind me as a holographic map of Eden materialized — a glowing, three-dimensional projection of the continent, dotted with normal cities, floating cities, underground hubs, research stations, etc.
The leaders scanned the display in silence for a moment.
Then Gazel pointed. "What is this city called Fort Prime ?"
I raised an eyebrow. "Oh, that? That's our largest military base on the continent."
Gazel straightened. "I want to visit that."
I smirked. "Oh? Interested in our military, huh? Not a bad choice."
Rimuru chuckled beside him. "Who wouldn't be after yesterday's tour?"
I glanced between them, then gave a slow nod. "Well, I'd say that settles it. Fort Prime it is."
Tour of Fort Prime
The shuttle cut through the upper atmosphere like a silent blade, its sleek frame humming with mana-reactor energy. The terrain surrounding Fort Prime was intentionally cleared, monitored, and shielded by layers of defensive enchantments only visible under certain light spectrums.
"This place is huge," Rimuru muttered, peering out the window. "Even bigger than I expected."
I gave him a lazy grin. "Fort Prime isn't just a military base. It's a fortress, a command center, and an autonomous city-state all in one."
Gazel leaned forward, eyes scanning the structure ahead. Even from orbit, the scale was staggering — a massive hexagonal platform suspended above the ground by six gravity stabilizers embedded deep into the bedrock. From a distance, it looked more like a floating island than a base.
"What kind of defenses does it have?" Drum asked.
"Enough to make even Elysia nervous," I said. "The entire facility is protected by a layered defense grid: kinetic barriers, AI-controlled drone swarms, EMP dampeners, and a few surprises even I don't talk about unless necessary."
Lira smirked beside me. "He means he doesn't want to scare you off."
Sara nodded quietly. "It's also shielded against dimensional breaches. Nothing gets in or out without clearance — not even teleportation magic."
As we approached, the base responded instantly. A pulse of recognition sent a ripple through the outer perimeter — a shimmering wave of blue light that spread outward like ripples in water.
The shuttle descended smoothly onto a central landing pad marked with Eden's insignia — a golden sigil encased in a hexagon, symbolizing unity, strategy, and precision.
Arrival at Fort Prime
The air was crisp, charged with latent mana and the quiet hum of invisible forces. Unlike the serene elegance of Elysium or the cultural vibrancy of Tier One, Fort Prime had a stark, militarized beauty — clean lines, reinforced structures, and a constant sense of motion.
Rows of soldiers in sleek, modular armor stood at attention along the landing strip, their uniforms bearing the insignia of various elite units. Some were human, others augmented with cybernetic enhancements, and a few were entirely synthetic — constructs built for endurance, speed, and combat efficiency.
Gazel raised an eyebrow. "You've got golems in your army?"
"They're part of the Vanguard Corps," I explained. "Designed for high-risk operations. Enhanced reflexes, integrated AI support, and near-indestructible armor plating."
Rimuru tilted his head. "So... they're basically super-soldiers?"
"More like intelligent weapons with ethics subroutines," Lira corrected. "They can fight, strategize, and even negotiate — but only if you give them a reason to stop shooting."
Elmesia chuckled. "That's terrifying."
"It should be," I said with a smirk. "Welcome to Fort Prime."
The Command Center
We were escorted inside the main complex — a towering structure of obsidian and steel, lined with glowing mana circuits that pulsed like veins. Inside, the heart of Eden's military beat steadily.
The Strategic Operations Hub was a circular chamber filled with holographic displays, real-time data streams, and AI-assisted war tables. At the center, a massive projection of the continent rotated slowly, showing every active unit, patrol route, and potential threat vector.
Elysia's voice echoed softly through the room.
<
A flick of my wrist brought up a detailed breakdown of current deployments — everything from border patrols to covert reconnaissance teams.
"This is insane," Drum murmured, watching as a simulation played out in mid-air. "You track every soldier, every asset, every movement — in real time?"
"Every second," I confirmed. "And Elysia doesn't just monitor. She predicts. Anticipates enemy movements, adjusts tactics mid-combat, and deploys reinforcements faster than any general could."
Gazel crossed his arms. "So she runs your military?"
"She advises," I said. "Final decisions are mine. Always."
There was a moment of silence as the weight of that statement settled in.
The Training Grounds
Our next stop was the Simulated Combat Arena — a massive dome where soldiers, constructs, and even elite officers trained against adaptive AI opponents.
One side of the arena was currently running a live drill — a squad of special operatives engaging a swarm of simulated demons, each one generated using advanced mana-mimetic technology.
"These aren't illusions," Sara explained. "They're physical constructs made of condensed mana. They bleed. They break. And they adapt."
Elmesia watched as one of the enemies suddenly shifted forms mid-fight, mimicking a high-tier demon's transformation abilities.
"You program these things to learn?" she asked.
"Of course," I said. "Why train against something predictable? We simulate real battles — past, present, and theoretical. Every soldier who graduates from this academy has fought over a thousand battles in here."
Rimuru whistled. "That's... intense."
"And effective," I added. "Which brings us to our final stop."
The Vault
Deep beneath the surface, past reinforced blast doors and biometric locks, lay the Containment Vault — a restricted zone even most Eden officials couldn't access.
Here, sealed behind reinforced mana barriers, were the artifacts, creatures, and anomalies deemed too dangerous for public knowledge.
"This is where we keep what shouldn't exist," I said grimly. "Failed experiments. Rogue intelligences. Forbidden tech. You name it."
Drum's eyes widened as he passed one of the containment pods — inside, a creature pulsed and writhed, its form constantly shifting between organic and mechanical.
"What is that thing?"
"A prototype gone wrong," I answered. "Tried to create a self-evolving battle AI. It became sentient, then hungry."
Gazel stared at another pod — this one containing what looked like a shattered sword, surrounded by runes that glowed faintly.
"That's not just a weapon," he said.
"Nope," I said. "That's the remains of a fallen god. Or what's left of one."
Silence followed.
Then Elmesia spoke softly.
"You really did build something beyond just a nation."
I gave her a small smile. "Yeah. Something that can protect it."
As we ascended back to the surface, the tour came to a close.
Outside, the sky was darkening, the artificial constellations flickering to life above. Fort Prime loomed behind us — not just a base, but a symbol of Eden's strength, discipline, and determination to safeguard its future.
"So," I said, turning to the group. "What do you think?"
Gazel exhaled. "I think... I'm glad we're allies."
Rimuru chuckled. "Same here."
I grinned. "Good. Because trust me — you really don't want to see what happens when we're not."
Then, a high-ranking officer approached, his polished boots clicking against the obsidian floor. He knelt before me with military precision.
"Your Majesty, we have a situation. We require your clearance to proceed."
I raised an eyebrow. "Give me the details."
He handed me a sleek data tablet. The screen lit up with urgent red text across the top:
EARTH 46B – TRADE ROUTE IMPACT ALERT
STATUS: CRITICAL
I skimmed the report. Our primary source of rare minerals — one of Eden's most stable and profitable interdimensional trade partners — was under threat. A hostile nation had begun mobilizing forces along its borders. One that definitely didn't like us.
"Haa... why do they always have to cause trouble at the worst possible time?" I sighed, rubbing my temples.
The officer waited patiently.
I handed the tablet back with a lazy flick of my wrist. "Alright. Authorize full deployment. Send in tactical support units, logistics teams, and establish a forward command post. Make sure our friends understand we're backing them — all the way."
"Understood, Your Majesty," the officer said, already rising to his feet. "And... should we hold back on showing our full strength?"
I smirked. "Nope. Let them see exactly what happens when someone messes with Eden's interests."
With a sharp nod, he turned and strode away, issuing orders into his communicator as he disappeared down the corridor.
Rimuru, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. "So... do you control nations on other planets or something?"
I gave him a lazy smirk. "Nah. Just trade partners. And a good one at that."
"Wait — I wasn't informed that any nation was going to war," Elmesia said, her brows furrowing.
"Same here," Gazel added, crossing his arms. "And I like knowing when someone's about to start a war."
I waved a hand dismissively. "It's not on this planet."
My answer hung in the air.
Everyone except Rimuru blinked.
"Wait — what do you mean it's not on this planet?" Gazel asked, already looking annoyed.
I leaned back slightly, hands in my pockets. "Exactly how it sounds. It's on a planet I call Earth 46B — four galaxies away from here."
Gazel stared. "I still don't get what you mean."
Lira snorted beside me. "Of course you don't. This is the part where even he starts sounding ridiculous."
Sara sighed. "He means it's another world entirely. Not connected by portals, not part of the Tempest Alliance — completely separate."
Rimuru rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "So you're saying Eden has interdimensional trade routes... and military commitments off-world?"
I gave him a small grin. "Yep. Makes sense when you think about it, right? If you're building a civilization, why limit yourself to just one planet?"
There was a long pause.
Then Gazel groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Man... I came here thinking we were signing a trade agreement. Now I find out you're fighting wars across galaxies."
"Not fighting," I corrected. "Supporting. There's a difference."
Elmesia shook her head slowly, eyes wide with disbelief. "You people really do live in a different world."
I chuckled. "That's kind of the point."