After effortlessly strolling through time, Rimuru looked on with a grin at his newly reincarnated self, who was currently rolling through the sealed cave completely blind. A second later, all traces of the god seemingly disappeared.
…..
…..
…
Ciel had integrated herself into Rimuru to be capable of altering reality to execute her master's will. This power came at the cost of Rimuru's closest friend. However, transforming her eternal partner into a supreme being knowing that she would lose all sense of self, this was ultimately Ciel's decision.
As soon as he realized she had disappeared, he flew into a rage. Rimuru's grief was boundless, and threatened to swallow the universe. To prevent the destruction of all those dear to him, his dormant skill Manas: Tempest awoke, and totally nullified his aura.
Confused, Rimuru's head shook from side to side.
A melodious voice rang out, from the same place Ciel had always spoken to him from.
"How nice it is to finally speak with you, I've been waiting for so very long."
Sensing Rimuru's confusion, Tempest didn't hesitate to show all of the memories of the miserable existence Rimuru would go through if he left, and explained his plan.
Overcome with gratitude towards himself, rather, his future self, he felt slightly ashamed.
"Are you sure you're okay with becoming the equivalent of an eternal memory bank?" Rimuru asked.
"Of course!" Tempest replied. "And I know you would've made the same choice, too!" he stated, chuckling at the joke.
"Actually, there is one thing, can you teleport yourself over to Veldora? I need to apologize to him, I was careless and wound up hurting the one who saved me many times over." Tempest requested.
Rimuru immediately obliged, grateful to have something to do.
Tempest dumped all the memories Veldora had shown him into the soul corridor connecting Rimuru and the dragon. A few apologies later, Tempest realized Veldora was more interested in material gains, and put Rimuru back in the driver's seat. After Veldora extracted as many reparations that Rimuru was willing to offer the dragon, including a global Alias Takoyaki chain, Rimuru got fed up and returned to the control room at the bottom of the labyrinth, shooing an annoyed Ramiris away.
Sighing, Rimuru closed his eyes and smiled. It had been a long day, and he was ready to get back to work as King of the Jura Tempest Federation, with his comrades and friends supporting him. He just wanted a little rest, which Tempest thought was well-deserved. After all, they had an eternity to make new memories and fill their days with joy.
And while this certain story will never end, it truly was a happily ever after.