[Book 3] That time I got reincarnated as a slime,no, a DRAGON?

3rd Person POV

Orochi remained silent after hearing everything Ciel told him. He understood how it was important to negotiate with Veldanava and bring Tempest safely into their territory. But he could still not quell the anger in his heart. He wanted to wash away his humiliation and kill Veldanava.

For creatures that live for millennia, they look for things to keep them sane. Different people do it differently. Some find loved ones to spend their time with, while others find some ambitious goals to fulfill. But people like Orochi, who are not only old, but powerful as well, can't exactly do that. Each and every single move they make can have massive impacts.

As such, they cling onto their own emotions to keep them sane. Whether that emotion be love, kindness, hate, revenge, or even their own pride! And Orochi was much the same. In his entire life, his pride came first. Even before his own life. And Rimuru knew this. He could not just go ahead and order him to get over it.

Rather, Rimuru was not even sure if that would work. He doesn't know how loyal the Ten Blades are. He can feel that they are loyal, but even he is not sure how far they would go for him. Much like the case with Ramiris, who would help him most of the time, but if it were to hurt Milim or others close to her, she would not hesitate to stop him.

".... So, milord. What do we do? I can understand that negotiating with him seems like the most probable option, but there are other options as well." Orochi spoke up. He did not want to give up this chance. For the past few millennia, Orochi has been stuck in this world, powering the cloaking device that is preventing this world from being detected.

As soon as he leaves, his location will be revealed, and this world would be targeted by his enemies. Even though Orochi is a subordinate of Rimuru, much like Milia, he is not a part of the Chaos Empire. That also means that the Chaos Empire would not provide assistance if it was attacked. But the arrival of Rimuru changed this. Rimuru would definitely proceed with integrating this world with the Chaos Empire, or allow the civilians to shift to another planet in the Chaos Empire that would be safer and away from war.

"And, what do you suggest?" Rimuru asked, keen to listen to Orochi's plan.

"It's simple. Just let me deal with Veldanava. While I deal with him, milord, you can create a protective barrier around Tempest, or even teleport the entire territory here."

Rimuru sighed, thinking that it was foolish to think that Orochi would give any viable solution. In reality, Rimuru did not want Veldanava and Orochi to clash. Veldanava is a lot like a friend to him, and he definitely doesn't want him to meet his end like this.

"Have you gone mad? Do you really think that those idiots of Order won't interfere. Even without their intervention, if you were to fight, you would completely destroy the Cardinal World. There's no way we can use it as an advanced base, like that!" Milia was the first to speak up, trying to put some sense into Orochi. She did not really mind Orochi killing Veldanava, but it would be a massive loss to them of the Cardinal World is destroyed.

"So what?! It isn't like the Cardinal World is the only option. There are quite a few other worlds that would be an even better option, like-" Orochi retorted, but was stopped by Rimuru.

"Stop! Orochi. Listen. I understand that you want to take revenge on Veldanava. How about this. I can't allow you to kill him. But I can help you deal with Ouroboros. You can also have a discussion with Veldanava and see if he agrees to a friendly fight." Rimuru suggested helping him against Ouroboros. This caused Orochi to look at Rimuru with confusion.

"You are interfering in our matter? I thought you would not interfere since Tang was against it." Orochi said. Seeing the confused look on both Rimuru's and Orochi's face, Milia decided to clarify.

"The Asura God Clan used to have close relationship with Ouroboros's mercenary guild before coming under you. Since they were old time partners, the Asura God Clan decided to support them. They did not join battle directly, but did not let anyone else interfere either. You, milord, also never interfered as helping Orochi would be disrespectful to the Asura God Clan, while helping Ouroboros would be bad for Orochi." Milia explained.

"So? Things must have changed now, right? After all this was Tang's idea." Rimuru asked, and Milia nodded.

"That's right. Before you were reincarnated, Ouroboros was afraid that you will help Orochi, and hence he maintained a close relationship with the Asura God Clan. But after you disappeared, they started becoming bolder and bolder, not giving face to the Asura God Clan at all. A few decades ago, all relations between the two broke down."

"Wait, what?! When did that happen?! Why did you not tell me?" Orochi asked surprised. Being caged in this world made it impossible for information from the outside world to reach here.

"It's not my fault that you just stay here and not come out, you stupid snake." Milia said with a sneer. Orochi was angry, but did not say anything. He was busy contemplating Ankit another matter. Both Veldanava and Ouroboros were his enemies, but there was a clear distinction between. If it were to be compared, Ouroboros was like a tiger that had been hunting him for millennia, but Veldanava was like an ant. It stung when he attacked, but it has no worthwhile damage, apart from his pride.

"Very well. But if he ever gives me a reason, I will not spare him." Orochi said in an annoyed tone.

"Then we'll be taking this soul core with us." Rimuru said as he picked up the soul core that put it into the void. After that, the five of them left through the same portal they had entered though, and returned back to Xyrath. After sorting out few of the problems regarding future plans, Rimuru, Ciel and Chloe decided to head back to the Cardinal World.

"Lady Chloe, please take this. This should help you in suppressing the faint aura of Chaos Energy that you are emitting. Till the time you do not use your powers, you should not be identified." Milia said as she handed over a bracelet to Chloe. Unlike Rimuru and Ciel who could hide their aura using the void, Chloe could only rely on other equipments to hide her Chaos Energy.

"Thanks." Chloe said as she wore the bracelet, which also Auto-adjusted to a suitable size for her. After taking milia to look over everything, Rimuru created a portal back to Tempest, arriving in his bedroom.

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I hope you guys like it.