Volume 15 - Prologue

Prologue: Scorch Dragon vs. Storm Dragon 

For Veldora, this day could only be described as the day of doom. 

Empty plains. 

In response to the Imperial Army, the metropolis has been isolated into a maze. It was because of this that the beautiful woman who flew from the sky became extraordinarily prominent in the image. 

"Sister, sister…” 

An involuntary expression on his face, Veldora muttered. 

The voice seemed impotent. 

This is an unimaginable state of affairs in the eyes of those familiar with Veldora's usual words and actions. 

Charys asked as he opened his mouth to Veldora. 

"Hey, hey, is that your sister…Lord Velgrynd, as rumored?" 

“Well, well…exactly. That's my sister, one of the strongest “true dragon species,” the "Scorch Dragon" 

Velgrynd…” 

On hearing this, all those who remained in the "control room" immediately acted. Emergency alarms were sounded inside the labyrinth, and someone went to press for a maximum alert posture for use against the enemy. 

"Wait, wait, Master! What can we do without Rimuru?” 

Ramiris panicked. 

She's not usually of much use, and she can't do anything but make noise at this time. If you do your research, let's not say that Ramiris has no chance at all in the fight. 

However, Ramiris had reliable companions. 

The still methodically moving maze keepers, the Treyni sisters, and the tree spirits under their command. 

Beretta was also there. 

Although Beretta had stepped back from the position of the Ten Lords of the Labyrinth, his position of the Labyrinth Chief was unchanged. 

Not to mention, half of those trusty Labyrinth Lords were caught in the sleep of evolution. As Former Chief of the Labyrinth Ten, this was the time for Beretta to be working to guard Ramiris. 

"It doesn't look friendly. Let's meet in the maze.” 

The Treyni sisters had already grasped the situation of the various classes, Beretta said after confirming that information. 

There were only four Dragon Kings left in the Ten Lords of the Labyrinth. Gedora, though also awake, had already rushed to the armed nation of Dwargon with the Floor Guardian Colossus as reinforcements. 

Although it was not reassuring to take on Velgrynd, even this kind of battle power should be able to stall for time by using the perfect fortress of the Labyrinth, which was the basis for Beretta's suggestion. 

In response, Veldora nodded. 

"I don't know what she's here for, but it's ridiculous to come alone. There's nothing to be afraid of when everyone's at it! Kuahahahaha!” 

Pretending to laugh forcefully and say so, in fact, Veldora's expression twitched. 

He was afraid. 

Just the day before, Veldora had been tossed around by his eldest sister, Velzado. The memory is still vivid, but this time it was the second sister, Velgrynd, who single-handedly invaded the capital city of “Rimuru," the capital of the Jura Tempest Federation. 

The situation seemed outrageous to Veldora, who was desperately trying to find a way to get through the situation. 

That's why he immediately agreed to Beretta's proposal. 

Just then. 

"Veldora, if you're a good boy, come out and be honest." 

Velgrynd in the screen swore so. 

Incredibly, her sight pierced the screen and looked directly at Veldora causing him to stagger. Her voice, transformed into an idea conveyed to Veldora. 

"Lord Veldora…?" 

"Charys, yo, don't panic! It's a trap, and if I casually go out at this time, I'm sure I'll be screwed!” 

"Ha, ha…” 

Hearing Veldora make a humiliating statement, even Charys showed a troubled look that he could not hide. 

"Huh? Since it's Master who's being targeted, doesn't that not have anything to do with us?—ack!” 

Ramiris, who wanted to flamboyantly dodge the crisis, was gagged by Veldora's hand and turned into a situation where she was reluctantly but nonetheless reeled in. 

Thus, the posture of total resistance to war took shape—yet. 

"Yeah, aren't you going to come out? Stupid, still no different from the past. Well, then I'll give you a gentle warning for once.” 

It was impossible to tell from the image what Velgrynd was saying, but the feeling she gave had changed and all those present understood that. 

As for Veldora who could hear the other's voice, it was even more so that she had already sensed what Velgrynd was up to. 

But— 

No, it's okay. Ramiris' labyrinth is constructed with a superior power that can isolate even the subdimensions, and it's hard for even me to break it. 

Right. 

As long as one is in the labyrinth, escape from Velgrynd is possible. While the maze might be damaged by the other side by a layer or two, Ramiris' repair power is stronger. It shouldn't be impossible to keep Veldora in constant isolation if she also lends her strength. 

"Don't panic. As long as I join forces with you, no matter who the opponent is…" 

Veldora had intended to state so, but could not get the words out. 

For he had witnessed the sight of Velgrynd generating a true red lance in her hand. 

"Master, Master! That's not good. If we don't, we might not be able to protect ourselves from the labyrinth!” 

It goes without saying—Veldora thought the same thing. 

"I know! Everyone, prepare for impact!" 

No one doubted Veldora's words. 

Everyone immediately and honestly put up a defensive stance on the spot. 

A violent onslaught then assaulted the maze. 

"It's a lie, it's a lie…” 

"It is confirmed that the victims have spread to the 50th and 50th levels…and the upper levels are in a state of destruction.” 

Alpha and Beta, among others, kept passing around damage reports. These facts, caused the moment the labyrinthine safety myth collapsed. 

Right now. 

The 'thought transmission' from Rimuru reached Veldora, who was in a great panic. 

“Hello...how are you?” 

At this leisurely voice, Veldora returned indignantly. 

"Idiot, now is not the time to say such things! I'm in big trouble. Sister…Sister has her eye on me. 

Although she's still outside the maze, she's going to fight her way in if she keeps this up!” 

If it's Rimuru…Rimuru who can certainly do something about this situation. 

Embracing this confidence, Veldora waited for the other's response. 

But when I came back, I said, "Are you all right?” He had asked back in a worried manner. 

Hearing this, Veldora understood. 

Rimuru didn't have anything left now either. 

If there was anything left, he would have come straight back right away. Since Rimuru wasn't doing that now, it meant there was no way to get his help. 

So what? 

The naive thought disappeared from Veldora's mind. 

Since it was impossible to rely on Rimuru, it was a matter of doing it himself—he had that self-consciousness. 

"I have to go out myself. At least it's better than just letting her go into the maze.” 

‘It feels like I should be able to fight’—Veldora thought so baselessly. 

Although he was very forgetful, Rimuru's cultivation was also very good. If you can survive that kind of cultivation, even if your sister, Velgrynd, is your opponent, you shouldn't lose, Veldora thought to himself. 

"I take all the responsibility. Can you please find a way to deal with Velgrynd?” 

Rimuru didn't seem to think Veldora would lose either. 

He will take all the blame, which means that no matter what destructive act Veldora does, Rimuru won't be angry. If you think about it further on this basis, it is like saying "Show me the fruits of your practice so far.” 

Besides… 

Now that the words of ‘please’ have been heard, there is only one answer. 

"Banter? If you say so, then I'll take it all! Kuahahahaha!” 

With that said, Veldora turned his gaze back to Velgrynd. 

The session with Rimuru had brought Veldora back to his usual mind. He even felt himself calm down quickly during the session. 

"I'll have to deal with her myself." 

With an easygoing attitude, Veldora responded. 

“Master?" 

"Lord Veldora!?” 

Both Ramiris and Beretta looked at Veldora in surprise. 

Veldora responded with a valiant expression swept away by annoyance. 

"Kuahahaha! I don't want to fight my sister either. But since the maze is no longer working, there's no other way.” 

“But…" 

"Okay, Charys. The reason the maze does not die is because it is an isolated space that can be established. Since this won't work for my sister, I'll have to do it myself if I want to minimize the damage.” 

As long as Rimuru is alive, Veldora is indestructible. So to want no sacrifices, one has to put Veldora out of action. 

"In that case, I'll go with you.” 

"No, I'd rather not. Even though you've become stronger, you're still completely incomparable to me. It would have been fine with Zegion, but the others would have just held me back.” 

It's a harsh statement, but it is what it is. 

And Veldora, too, is ready to come to his senses. 

The look on his face that he was now looking forward in awe even made one forget that he had that bear look just now. 

"Is it all right, Master?” 

"It doesn't matter how! Both of my sisters, I feel horrible about what I've done just thinking about it… 

never mind. I also grew stronger after meeting Rimuru. Receiving a disciple, perceiving his immaturity. 

It's not the same as it used to be. Kuahahahahahaha!!!” 

Forcing a smile on his face, Veldora livened up the mood by doing so, regaining his usual form. 

"So don't worry. All you have to do is stay here and take a good look at my bravery!” 

With this announcement, Veldora left the labyrinth alone. 

Veldora recalls past battles with Velzado. 

The big sister, who has not been seen for a long time, has given people the feeling of being powerful and unreachable and unbroken since the past. 

However, the Veldora of the past does not feel this aura. The encounter with Rimuru made his growth impressive. 

The greatest result of this is the acquisition of the ultimate skill. 

Watching Rimuru from the 'stomach pouch' while being sealed has taught Veldora all sorts of things. 

Then he sensed it. 

Strength that makes sense only if it can be used freely. 

Veldora has a huge amount of mana, arguably the largest of any surviving "dragon species". It was precisely because he possessed a greater amount of mana than his two older sisters that he was able to effortlessly occupy the corner of the strongest lineup. 

However, this is just pandering. 

Veldora knew. 

There are guys in this world who struggle to win to the end, even as underdogs. 

Rimuru was like that, and there were many such presences among his own adversaries. 

So did Hinata and Granbell, and Ruminas the Demon Lord. 

These people not only rely on strength, but also use various means to gain victory, and are a group of guys who are absolutely careless. 

In understanding this now, Veldora is different than before. 

The proof is that the matchup with Velzado, also no longer being run over unilaterally, can do the counterattack. 

Velzado is, arguably, a natural enemy to Veldora. 

A very bad opponent in terms of the phase nature of the force. 

Velzado, who was born before himself, had an upper limit of power that was completely inexplicable. 

Veldora, who only had a higher amount of mana than their opponent, could barely cope at best when fighting, unable to gain any advantage at all. 

Even if one fights seriously, victory remains hopeless. 

Since birth, Veldora has gone to challenge Velzado several times, but in the end all have been countered by each other. 

Velzado's "Frozen World" is both an iron-walled defense and a weapon that seals Veldora’s movements. 

Storms, destruction, erosion, annihilation. 

All of these effects would have no effect in the face of an absolute stop. 

Fighting against such a terrifying sister, he himself managed to take a slight advantage, and even Veldora himself was surprised. 

Me, I'm a good one! 

He generated such a mood. 

However, although Veldora was aware that he could control his own magic, Velzado, who was his sister, had perfect control over the release of magic. 

The difference in skill level between the two sides is too great to compare. 

The nature of Velzado's power is to specialize in the "cessation of movement energy (deceleration),” 

and this power does affect the win or loss between the two, but there is no doubt that there is an overwhelming difference of power between them. 

Being able to take on such a Velzado, Veldora's amazing growth has even been praised frankly by the opponent. 

"Well, that's amazing. That Veldora-chan, who would only make a mindless fuss, could actually think before he fought. I'm sure it'll be fine without destroying you.” 

Even if it is laced with some dangerous words, it is undoubtedly complimentary. Since there had always been nothing but fearful feelings towards his sister, the words still made Veldora feel happy. 

Having said that, the fact that he can't beat the other side still can't be changed just yet… 

So, what about against Velgrynd? 

Velzado and Velgrynd are basically not on par. In Veldora's opinion, either side was a sister who was not good at dealing with herself, and he honestly didn't want to deal with them if he could. 

However, the situation was such that he had to strike out. 

"Sister Velgrynd is still amazing. That kind of attack that runs through the labyrinthine levels is obviously not something that can be done that easily…” 

One or two layers can still be destroyed by brute force twisting the secondary elements. However, it was impossible to infuse the maximum amount of mana available to Veldora in an attack by running a plural class through such a thing in one breath. 

"The key is the ultimate skill. If I want to have a serious fight with my sister, I'll have to use 

“Investigation King Faust" too.” 

Yes, if only to compare the amount of magicules, Veldora is above Velgrynd. 

At least better than being Velzado's opponent—to be able to think that way is because Velzado has crossed the mental barrier. 

The key to victory lies in how the power is used. 

Although neither side would move the real fight, the strength was undoubtedly higher on the Velgrynd side. 

But that's all in the past. 

Velzado is hard to beat because of her element, but not so with Velgrynd. Not to mention, Veldora now has the blessing of Rimuru having gained the ultimate ability of the 'King of Investigation.’ 

With this power that would work against even Velzado, there was nothing to fear even if the opponent was Velgrynd, Veldora thought so. 

Thinking about it, Veldora suddenly had a dry spell. 

Kuahahahahaha! Not necessarily losing yet. Anyway, the other party is a sister, so let me test my strength to the fullest!!! 

Having made his judgment, the well-conscious Veldora stood before Velgrynd. 

***

Keeping in human form, the two looked at each other in the air.

A motionless standstill in the air is a very natural thing for them, the “true dragon species". 

"That's smart, you understood my warning correctly. That means you're willing to help me, right?” 

Velgrynd asked happily so while staring at Veldora. However, the other side answered in the negative. 

"I refuse, sister. I'm not my sister's tool. Please don't involve me in your sisters quarrel. 

"It's a bit of an understatement to be implicated. It's just that you are willing to assist on your own initiative, and I welcome you as a companion. If you promise to help me, I'll not only teach you how to use your power, but I'll also make a big deal out of you. But I'll designate the place for the fuss.” 

"Kuahahahaha! I've already said no, sis. I'm also not the same person I used to be, having perfected the use of power. Also, there's no fun in just making a scene. I'm a mature adult now!” 

"That's a lot of talk. Am I pampering you a little too much? Well, in that case, let me try to see how much you've grown!” 

Although the answer was casual in mouth, Velgrynd already had the intention of fighting, so it was natural for Veldora to enter into a fighting state. 

From the very beginning, Velgrynd did not feel that she could make Veldora obey her orders by mere verbal intercourse. 

Demonstrate strength and make the other party obey. 

If that doesn't work, weaken Veldora and then let Rudra dominate him. 

She will try to persuade, out of the tenderness of Velgrynd. 

It was for this reason that Velgrynd had developed a slight displeasure with the matter of the bargaining break, and that was why she had not hesitated to launch a surprise attack on Veldora, intending to weaken her brother as soon as possible, and then wait for Rudra to arrive to dominate him. 

However, the hand blade attack she released with her right hand was easily defused by Veldora. Not only that, but the opponent returned the kick immediately. 

Velgrynd takes the kick with her left hand despite being upset— 

How!? This kind of power, no matter how you think about it, is not a weakened state, is it!? 

Velgrynd had always thought that Veldora had not yet recovered from the damage he had received from the three hundred year seal. It was because she only knew the Veldora who always used his power to the fullest that she had developed the preconceived notion that her brother's present weakness was due to the influence of the seal. 

The offense and defense just now made her realize that it was wrong. 

"You seem to have gotten better, haven’t you? It doesn't seem like it's just words.” 

"I am invincible in my Veldora Killing Arts Style! Sister, you know your own powerlessness—blah, blah, blah—right in front of my fist?” 

Veldora wanted to start explaining, but Velgrynd didn't listen to his reasoning, honestly. Let's just say she has started to attack more aggressively because of the fire. 

The red lotus boarded up to Velgrynd's twin fists, as well as her legs that protruded from her long skirt. 

The dance-like attack became a majestic move that could burn the enemy to death just by rubbing it. 

Nevertheless, Veldora resisted. 

"It's hot, it's hot, it's hot, it's hot!” 

Although he ran around with a disgraceful look on his face, he didn't suffer much. 

"I've taught you so many times so far, and it seems that you still haven't gotten better at the root of the problem. If you dare to say that you are invincible in front of me, you have to stop talking big!” 

Even though the anger was as intense as fire, Velgrynd was still very calm. She had seen through Veldora not only fully replying, but also becoming stronger than she had expected. 

Troublesome still. In this form, I can't really do him much damage. In that case, even if Rudra came, he wouldn't be able to dominate him… 

Velgrynd's original purpose was not to punish Veldora, but to dominate him. 

As predetermined, Veldora will be liberated whenever the scales of victory and defeat are tilted in Rudra's favor. But for now, the most expected thing is for him to perform the duties of an important pawn. 

Continuing to shrink from the fight was pointless in the view of Velgrynd, who had generated the thought. 

The same is true of Veldora in this regard. 

“Woohaa!” 

The clothes that Veldora was now wearing had been given to him as a thank you gift by Rimuru. Such an important piece of clothing, only to have it burned because of Velgrynd’s attack. 

If there had been more time, that garment would also have been stained with Veldora's demonic Qi and become a part of his body. However, it was impossible to expect such a change in just the last few days. 

Although Veldora himself hadn't suffered much damage, his heart had been severely wounded. 

In fact, it was all Veldora's own fault, but he now felt that even if he took it out on his sister, he would have no problem. 

And this situation, for Veldora, was actually a blessing. 

Anger can dilute the heart of fear. 

No matter how much energy is poured out, the fear that has been cultivated over the years cannot be shaken. 

To Veldora, the two sisters were symbols of terror. It's simply outrageous to go all out for an opponent with such women. 

Now, however, he was free from this yoke. 

"Even my own sister, I cannot forgive. Just feel my wrath!!” 

With a loud yell, Veldora freed the force. 

The next thing that appeared was a dark dragon with a powerful majesty. 

Seeing this scene, Velgrynd snickered—‘Just the way I wanted him to.’ 

"Huh? If you say something like that, you must have a limit. Looks like you've forgotten about it, so I'll re-teach you the fact that you can't beat me.” 

With that said, Velgrynd also transformed. 

Transformed into the deft and beautiful, true red dragon. 

And just like that, the Battle of the Monsters began.