★105
(Normally the next section (MEETING RIMURU) is going to be separate but I'm merging them all.)
ASTERI'S POV
Gradually, our population multiplied in no time. We're currently reading over 10,000 individuals on the island. More people, more fun, a new family, a happy life. Absolute peace was maintained throughout the island thanks to the people themselves. No prison, no security, and yet they behaved well.
Maybe it's trust or maybe it's belief, but we've managed to build something—pure. And every time I step back and watch it all move like a single heart beating, I realise peace isn't just a dream anymore.
On the other hand, Tempest too was rising. With frequent visits in the previous month, I saw the development for myself.
After Rimuru became a Demon Lord, it was like the nation bloomed overnight. It became richer, stronger, and more alive.
Buildings sprang up in rows—vast arenas, soaring research towers, public baths that made even nobles weep in envy. He didn't just build structures; he built space for lives. Schools opened for both monsters and children of visiting races.
A council chamber emerged, reflecting Rimuru's goal of an equal voice for every race under his rule. I made an artificial haven; I think this will be a draw.
And the culture? That was the soul of it. Rimuru didn't force Tempest into some ideal form. Instead, he let its people breathe life into it.
Orc cuisine started blending with Dwarven ale. Kijin tailors crafted both noble robes and casual wear that set trends beyond the borders. Goblin street musicians? Yeah, they became a thing. And you know what? It worked. Because Rimuru didn't treat them like subjects. He treated them like friends—family equals.
'I wonder if the people in Star Island see me as a friend. I did try my best not to become a higher figure among them, but they just didn't listen. My nutritional independence must've distanced me from them one way or the other.'
No matter how much I try, it became impossible for me to picture myself like Rimuru. Like I'm a god—an anomaly amongst them even—yet I find it hard to bring myself to become human, to feel what they feel.
He was supposed to learn from me, but now he's surpassing me.
Another thing that struck me was the bond he maintained—not just with his inner circle, but with the entire nation. He listened, joked, and remembered monsters' names and futures. Even new allies like King Gazel and Elalude from the Council of the West respected him deeply.
Rimuru didn't dominate through fear. He built loyalty through trust, respect, and a kind of gentle madness that somehow always worked. The complete opposite of myself.
My name and title strike fear into the hearts of all, including the Demon Lords themselves. I hardly interact with the outside world. Heck, I don't even do so with everyone beyond this palace. Am I an introvert or something?
(Well, I am. xd)
Rimuru turned Tempest into a symbol—a place where monsters weren't feared; they were welcomed. I, on the other hand, don't allow entry unless I—we—find you. Where nations once saw threats, they now saw opportunity. That's what Tempest is.
I'm pretty sure we're running low on people to save due to the rise of Tempest. It became a melting pot of ideas, traditions, and laughter. And the closer the Festival drew, the more Tempest felt like a beating heart at the centre of a new world.
It wasn't just a celebration they were planning; it was a message to the Cardinal World.
And I, Asteri, witnessed that spark with my own eyes. I took a deep breath after realising the difference between my pupil, Rimuru, and me.
'A new feeling—'envy'—has awakened within me. However, I don't harbour any ill will towards Rimuru.'
He simply shaped his nation based on his perspective. And I'm 100% sure he's deployed something from his precious life.
'Earth, was it? I wonder what's there.'
"I wonder what'll happen if I bring some of the traditions of different Constellations. No."
I shook my head. That's impossible. Not only do I know little about the Star Constellations, I don't know a damn thing about their culture if they had one.
Constellations like Lyra are a compilation of whole mythologies, and that's just one newly formed Constellation. What about the older ones?
"I can't. I may end up doing something wrong."
"It's not like you must be identical to Rimuru. At least I know you did this all from your own mind. Don't try to be something you're not, Ati-chan,"
the Mother of Dragons said.
Hinata holds many roles in my current life: a friend, a lover, a listener—and now, a therapist. There are more, but those are the main ones.
Right now, in her living room, I'm sitting through a therapy session she scheduled herself.
'Look how "human" you've become.'
Entares joked from somewhere deep within, but I ignored him. It's cliché, but that's how it's been ever since he woke up.
"Copying isn't my style, but there's more to explore. I need to change. I need to understand more."
(That really does sound like me…)
"I understand your point,"
Hinata said calmly.
"but there are things you shouldn't dwell on too much. Hatred, rage, envy, even in small quantities, like the ones you carry… one day they could drive you to manipulate people—innocent or not—just to exercise those emotions on them. You don't want that, do you?"
She asked sincerely, yet she had no idea that this was already how I'd been living.
'I'm sorry, Hinata. That's exactly the method I've relied on more times than I care to admit.'
She's here for me. Maybe I should confess. Get some of this weight off my chest. That's the point of therapy, isn't it?
"I'm sorry."
I chose that path. What could possibly go wrong? I shrugged internally. The worst that can happen is.… honestly, I don't know. I'd never opened up like this before. Not even to Ela.
"What's wrong?"
"Allow me to confess something."
Her face brightened slightly, and I noticed it. I stayed calm, watching her reaction.
'She's happy. She probably thinks this is going somewhere soft. A love confession, maybe. Everyone knows I'm in love with Hinamatsuri but this is different.'
"I've been using you. Not just you. I've been using the people around me to get what I want."
I said, unbothered. That aftermath won't be a problem I can't solve.
"What are you talking about?"
"Just listen. This is something I never thought I'd ever expose. I'm vulnerable right now. Let me say it."
"O—okay, Ati-chan. I'm listening."
"Don't you think it's strange how Mimon's forces infiltrated the island that day? I always boast about the barrier keeping everyone safe. So it shouldn't have been possible."
"Your connection to the outside world was cut off when you were sealed, right?"
"Exactly. A perfect cover-up, don't you think?"
I uncrossed my legs, leaning forward to meet her gaze and tell her the truth.
"That star artefact doesn't need my permission to function. It's powered solely by Antares. The moment I was sealed, the barrier shut down. Shinn should've activated the Time Barrier, but he couldn't until the very last moment. Doesn't that strike you as odd?"
She went quiet. I watched her think, her silence heavier than any response.
"Well, I tampered with his existence. Just enough so he couldn't move until it was too late. An accident to them, a design to me."
Hinata froze. She didn't interrupt, she just listened.
"I purposefully delayed out exist, buying time to get a trigger. As a result, you die, others followed all so I could experience new emotions."
The way she recoiled, it felt like a physical blow.
"Once I secured your souls, I moved on to vengeance. Innocent people—people who knew nothing—were slaughtered just so I could fulfil that feeling."
I let out a hollow chuckle.
"Amidst those process, I build an army of my own, experience new emotions and awaken as a True Demon Lord. Three birds with one stone. Can you believe it?"
Her eyes never left me.
"After that, I kept using smaller, seemingly harmless methods to force the people around me to give me what I wanted to feel. Don't misunderstand—saving people was never some noble instinct. It was an act of kindness bestowed upon me after creation."
I exhaled slowly. Just like each Asteri has distinctive traits, kindness and few others were mine.
"I used the children to understand what life as a human child feels like. Their laughter, their games, all through the persona, Ati-chan, I experienced them."
Her shoulders tensed. But that's not all.
"You and Towa awakened the love and affection within me. The citizens gave me the need to protect something close. Mimon and his pawns—they were tools for negative emotions."
I paused.
"That wasn't all. I learned from the clones as well. As they say, learning never ends."
I looked at her properly then.
"I just hope you can forgive me. I'm only a pawn of a god, trying to understand the world Lord Veldanava created."
Even as the words left my mouth, I knew it was cheap. Manipulation layered over confession. Blaming Antares through Asteri—when, in truth, we were all the same.
Somewhere deep in my Mind, the sound of jingling bells echoed again. Cards shuffled themselves into existence, one by one.
"Towa is listening?"
Hinata asked quietly.
"Yes."
"I didn't see this coming."
The queen spoke, her voice echoing in the room.
"Who knew you were using us from the start?"
"That's why I'm here to ask for forgiveness."
"Fine. If what you say is true which I'll believe, then I forgive you."
Towa might forgive easily because she wasn't hurt the way Hinata was. That's understandable and expected.
"My kindest diva."
"You never harmed us. You actually helped us— your methods are spotless and that's what scares me."
"On my life, I won't harm any of you. Antares cares as well."
Towa exhaled sharply.
"When I see that Divine Puppeteer, I'll slap him."
"He's listening and smiling. He says he's looking forward to it."
"You'll regret giving me that chance."
She said.
"I have a meeting to attend. Pardon my departure."
"Sure."
She left and silence swallowed the room. Hinata didn't say anything and it looks like she won't be saying anything for now. She's processing it all.
"Hinata—"
Suddenly, a sharp pow cracked through the air. My head snapped sideways. The Mother of Dragons had slapped me without hesitation.
'Dayum! I didn't see that coming. Where did you hide your senses?—
Enta sounded shaken, unable to even laugh.
My neck throbbed as I tried to look back at her.
"How could you?"
Her voice trembled with fury. Then she turned and stormed out.
"Hinata—"
But she was already gone.
'The mighty clone was slapped. Gotta write this in my non-existent diary.'
'She got angry as expected. Naturally, they do. I just created this situation to get the people I love to hate me. People experience hate and breakups in relationships. Does this mean Hinata has broken up with me?'
I paused.
'Hmm, I can't lose her. I'll find a way to get us back together before the festival. I need her I my life.'
I kept this to myself (And Entares of course.) Before departing for Tempest.
To be continued...