The Archetype | Rimuru Tempest x TBATE

None of this—this demon lord business, the power, the throne—had ever been part of Rimuru Tempest's plans. He had once thought his new life as a slime—then as a dragon archetype—would be simple: maybe he'd find a way to enjoy peace, maybe even happiness, surrounded by the friends who had somehow turned his life into something more than survival.

He had only wanted a place to belong, nothing extraordinary.

But that was before he'd learned what loss really felt like. Before he'd held Shion, his friend, his family, as she lay lifeless after a battle that should never have been theirs. He hadn't asked for greatness, but here he was, facing a choice he had never wanted to make.

He couldn't save her with just his wishful thinking.

If he wanted to bring her back, he had to become something else.

He had to ascend to the loftiest height of the universe—a universe which was a damnation by itself from its cruelty to the weak.

And he did.

But then, just as suddenly, it was over. Silence washed over him, and he slipped away into nothingness. When he opened his eyes, he was somewhere else. It was as if he'd been thrown into a dream he couldn't wake from, a place that felt too empty, too far removed from everything he loved.

He had gone through painful things, risked everything, only to end up here, stranded and alone in a world that didn't care about his grief or his desperation. The power he had fought so hard for, the strength he'd clawed his way to… it was all meaningless here.

What good was strength when it couldn't bridge the distance between him and the people who needed him?

He felt hiraeth.

◇◇◇

"Rimuru~" Alea's voice snapped me from my daydreaming. "Are you okay? You look pale. Did you lose weight?"

Alea's worried eyes scanned me up and down as she tapped her forehead into mine. The gentleness of which she treated me was pleasant, and one I honestly needed after I've yet failed to find another clue to finding a way home—for two years now.

"I'm fine."

I'm not.

I've reassured her, but the worried look on her face told me that I hadn't done a good job of doing so. This brings me back to when I first met her, where I truly was at my lowest.

"Okay, if you say so," Alea said. "Anyways, how do I look? Is it too tight, after all?" She twirled around in her new uniform. The white fabric and red cape looked amazing on her, flowing smoothly as she spun. It was part of her official outfit as a Lance, and she'd invited me to see her today for the big announcement—about the discovery of the new continent and the introduction of the Lances. It was a huge deal, and she was at the heart of it all.

""You look great," I said, smiling for real this time. I stepped closer and adjusted the collar of her uniform, straightening it out and making sure her cape sat just right. She looked up at me in awe.

"Wow," she said softly. "I didn't know you could be this sweet."

"Oh, stop it," I said, rolling my eyes. "I save this kind of charm for chicks, but I'll make an exception for you."

"Oh? So I'm not attractive enough to count as a chick to you?"

"Isn't that obvious?"

We both laughed and kept joking around. In the middle of our playful arguing, the collar I'd just fixed ended up getting messed up again. Not long after, a staff member walked in and caught us in the middle of it. I had one hand on Alea's face, and she was gripping my neck like she was ready to strangle me—though it was all in good fun.

"Miss Alea? King Alduin has requested that you join the other Lances now." She said as she gave a small bow and left the room without waiting for a response.

"She's super professional, huh?" I said, fixing Alea's collar again. This time, I was extra careful to make sure it wouldn't come undone.

"Of course," Alea replied. "This is an important event, after all."

"Right."

Alea turned around and began walking to the door. She glanced over her shoulder and smiled. "What're you waiting for? Go to the VIP lounge I reserved for you. I'm going to need my best friend cheering me on, you know?"

I simply smiled. "Yeah, yeah. Don't worry, I'll be there. Break a leg, Alea."

She gave me a thumbs-up and walked out, her red cape trailing behind her like a banner. Watching her go, I felt a swell of pride. Even with all the doubts and struggles I carried, moments like this reminded me that there were still things worth holding on to—still people worth believing in.

People worth cherishing and loving.

———

The door clicked shut behind Alea, leaving the room quiet except for the echo of her footsteps fading down the hallway. I sighed and leaned back against the wall, staring at the ceiling. It was a habit I'd picked up during these past two years—letting my thoughts wander to the "what-ifs" and "maybes."

A bad habit, I admit.

Alea had been my anchor, whether she realized it or not. She had kept me grounded when I felt like drifting away. But that didn't change the fact that every passing day without progress in my search for a way home chipped away at me. I wanted to believe I could keep going, but sometimes, it felt like I was just pretending.

I pushed off the wall and made my way to the VIP lounge Alea had mentioned. The halls were busy with staff, all rushing to finalize details for the announcement event. All this was going to be broadcasted worldwide, after all. It was the kind of historic moment that would be etched into history books.

When I reached the lounge, the guards at the door gave me a nod and stepped aside to let me in. The room was lavish, with plush seating, a long table laden with refreshments, and a large window offering a view of the stage below. From up here, I could see the crowd gathering—nobles, scholars, and adventurers from all over the capital, all curious as to what the announcements of the united royal families were.

I settled into one of the chairs near the window, resting my chin on my hand as I watched the announcement begin. Alea would be up on that stage soon, standing tall and proud as one of the newly appointed Lances. It was her moment, her triumph, and I wanted to be there to cheer her on.

And finally, the event began as the three royal families of the humans, dwarves, and elves, sat on makeshift thrones. Most of the announced agendas—while big-deals to most of the population who were unaware—I already knew. The morning flashed by in a series of kings and queens passing over the sound-amplifying artifact onto one another to deliver their respective scripted speeches.

Unity of the races.

New continent.

What it meant for Dicathen.

The roles and promises of the ruling monarchs.

And just as I was about to grew bored, I heard what I was waiting for as I popped another grape on my mouth.

"These individuals will henceforth be known as the Six Lances, the representatives of the council on a continental scale!"

I stood up from my seat and neared the window. From below, I could see them. Six individuals—two from each race—kneeling down into the crowd.

"Each lance symbolizes the ties we all hold, not only to our own kingdom, but to the entire continent," they said.

The crowd roared in approval as the Lances rose to their feet. They turned to face the audience, their expressions resolute. This was a moment of triumph, not just for them, but for everyone who had fought and sacrificed to make this alliance possible.

As the ceremony drew to a close, the crowd began to disperse, but the Lances remained on stage, mingling with the dignitaries and accepting their congratulations. I stayed in the lounge, watching Alea from afar.

"These grapes are fire."

Just as I was about to leave, I noticed someone sitting not far to my left. I didn't sense his presence at all. Not like I was trying to heighten my awareness, but still, it was unusual. I glanced at him, and he seemed to notice my gaze.

"What?" He asked with a condescending tone, narrowing his sharp and deep blue eyes at me.

"Nothing."

Something about him clicked. Like I should know him. But no matter how hard I tried, I just can't recognize the dude. But one's thing for sure, though.

This guy is Special Grade.

The way he carried himself and the presence that was able to hide even from me, as well as his skill in masking his intentions and mana levels just proved that he's far superior to any of the adventurers I've come across so far.

Probably even superior to Alea Triscan.

Just then, an old man entered the room. He looked old but otherwise elegant in his cleanly shaved face and expensive butler suit.

"Your grace, Levi," he began, addressing the only other person in the room other than me. "The rest of the Ackermans have assembled."

Levi Ackerman—now I know. It's the name of another Special Grade from the dukedom of Ackermans. I was told they're one of the most mysterious yet most powerful families in the entire continent, and that not even the royal families can mess with them for no valid reason. And that's to be attributed to the sheer power of their bloodline—which was rumored to have stayed consistently pure for centuries.

Not through breeding with family members, as one might assume. Rather, the Ackermans possessed an impossible biological quirk – their children were born with pure Ackerman DNA, regardless of who they married. The non-Ackerman parent would leave no genetic trace in their offspring.

It seemed absurd, but both Alea's accounts and my own research confirmed this peculiarity. The perfect genetic inheritance, generation after generation, defying all biological laws.

Levi Ackerman stood up and turned to the door. I followed him as I was about to leave, but I quickened my pace and went past him. We had a very dramatic eye-contact just as I my arm brushed his. The guy was shorter than me, but something in his eyes told me that he was the one looking down on me.

I didn't back down, though. I looked at him the same with an equally intense gaze.

The butler slightly bowed and stepped aside the door, so I made my way through. "I look forward to seeing you again, Ackerman." I told him and didn't bother looking back.

Why would I? He didn't even respond to me. For some reason, I was so sure that we'd meet again—for better or for worse. After all, in this world, coincidences rarely stayed coincidences for long.

———

I followed the maid that Alea assigned to me down the grand and well-lit halls of the Triunion Council's floating castle. The corridors were a marvel, with intricate carvings adorning the walls and chandeliers that sparkled like captured starlight. There was an after-party going to happen, one to celebrate the coronation of the Lances. I eyed the maid guiding me, and as took one more glance at her, I wondered if she really was just a maid.

Or if any of them are.

Most of the guards and staff I've met as soon as I entered the floating castle were all at least the strength of an A-rank adventurer. Well, it made sense since this was the cornerstone of the entire continent's defenses and monarchy, but it still left me amazed nonetheless.

Guests of all races passed by me, giving me the eye as they did—assessing, appraising, judging… lust? Most of these I knew were nobles, though I didn't actually know their names, nor did I recognize their faces. The only thing I felt was the air and intent of self-importance.

I noticed that they all wore clothes of varying status symbols—designer clothes, accessories, and rare jewelries. It was an unspoken competition of wealth and influence—every single one of them making sure the people in this gathering of the elite will take notice of their opulence.

And then there was me, dressed relatively informally, perhaps even insultingly so in their eyes.

<>

You mocking my style, dude?

<>

It wouldn't matter—I am the outfit.

It's fine—I reassured myself, social anxiety creeping into my overthinking. The timepiece on my wrist alone costs more than most of their entire outfit's worth combined. My watch could probably buy half their wardrobes.

The maid continued guiding me towards the banquet hall, and the noise grew louder as we approached the large ornate doors.

"This is as far as I can take you, Lord Rimuru. Please enjoy the festivities," she said, bowing curtly. I waved off my hand to give her the signal that she's good to go. The guards stationed at the doors gave me a respectful nod before pushing them open, revealing the banquet within.

At least these guys are chill.

Immediately upon entering, I can already sense the judgement in the air. Of course, I expected this. How can I not? Even the lowest rank of the nobles wore clothes like they were off to proms and balls and whatever grand galas. And my appearance gave the impression that I was off to the mall to meet with friends over coffee or brunch.

My enhanced senses gave me snippets of quiet whispers.

"How disrespectful."

"Look at him. How dare he show up to such an extravagant celebration looking no different from… peasants."

"Aren't you just jealous because he's incomparably prettier than you, Lady Flera."

"How can you say such a thing?!"

"Is that even a 'him'?"

"Well, you can tell it's a guy by his clothes and the bulge on his neck."

"Wait, that watch of his—"

I paid them no mind, letting their petty remarks wash over me. Their disdain was predictable, almost comforting in its banality. After all, I didn't come here to seek their approval. No, I had other reasons for attending, reasons far more important than their shallow judgments. With a calm smile, I took my first steps into the room as I searched for Alea.

The hall was magnificent, almost overwhelming in its beauty. Crystal chandeliers sparkled above, casting rainbows of light across the room. The walls were adorned with massive mirrors framed in gold. A string quartet played softly in the corner, their music weaving through the air and adding a layer of elegance to the gathering.

Finally, I spotted her. Alea stood near the center of the room, just beside the red carpet. Her ceremonial attire was stunning, and the red cape draped over her shoulders made her look like a warrior straight out of a legend. She seemed completely at ease in this world of glitz and glamour, her confidence shining brighter than any jewel in the room.

She was talking with another elf wearing the same uniform, who was introduced earlier in the coronation as Aya Grephin. She's an incredibly beautiful woman who's almost as tall as me. She has black hair cut to her neck, along with black, inviting eyes and skin as spotless and white as snow. The tiny birthmark under her eye even added to her pretentious seductiveness.

I couldn't help but let out a whistle as I absorbed the sight of the other elven lance. Damn, she's flaming, searing, scorching hot.

However, seeing Alea's boring eyes made me remember why I was here. I wasn't here to ogle someone else or lose myself in daydreams. I was here because of Alea—because she had invited me, because this was a big day for her, and I needed to be there as her best friend. Her sharp, no-nonsense demeanor reminded me of that.

I shook my head to wave off any fantasies with Alea Grephin, then straightened my posture. If I wanted to make the best first impressions for Aya Grephin, then I couldn't just stand around gawking like an idiot.

Besides, these two badass women weren't the kind you wanted to let down.