"My Destined One" • Tensura x Arifureta

Ch 54: The True Purpose of the Gods.

Rimuru and Velda had been fighting for quite a while. Rimuru had summoned his subordinates, so it was no problem to prolong the fight.

In fact Velda was much easier to deal with. He was no longer powerful. This is even normal, since he had separated from Yuuki's body that Rimuru absorbed. Rimuru didn't even need to release the seal of his powers to fight with

Rimuru used his normal katana and Velda used the mysterious black sword.

Rimuru's reason for not releasing the seal and killing Velda quickly is because he wants to find out more about the gods and also Velda's motives. He fears that if he releases the seal Velda will use a soul destroying crystal and kill herself so as not to give out information. Or even run away.

It was a mistake not to kill Velda. It was a mistake not to end the battle right away, and Rimuru would find that out.

"You're holding back, aren't you?" Velda asks.

"Of course."

The two talked a lot during the battle, but most of the time it was Velda trying to annoy Rimuru. Velda knew of Rimuru's real strength, so why did he come to face her in this state? This question was on Rimuru's mind. Ciel couldn't tell either, but she was calculating the possibilities.

"Why are you holding back? Are you underestimating me?"

"No. I need some information from you."

"Oh, you can ask me, if I want I'll answer you."

This exchange of words took place while they were fighting.

Since Velda could run away Rimuru figured there was no harm in asking a few things before that.

"What is your goal?"

"I don't want to answer."

"What is the goal of the gods?"

"I can't answer."

Rimuru clicked his tongue in disgust.

"Okay, I will answer a question of yours. It doesn't matter what it is. Let's have a little talk."

Velda threw his sword away. He seemed really sincere about talking. Apparently he would answer only one question from Rimuru. However it could be any question. Rimuru also threw his katana away.

He then asked what he most wanted to know.

"Where is Hinata?"

Her friend and Chloe's best friend who had been kidnapped by the gods to reveal information about him. Rimuru couldn't help but feel guilty about that. He had to find her. Even though it might be a waste of an opportunity where he could find out more about the gods, Rimuru didn't care. He needed to rescue Hinata.

Little did Rimuru know that this question would change the battle.

".... Ha-ha." Velda laughed. He had just realized how to complete his plan.

"What are you laughing at?"

"It's just... this question, I really want to answer. Hinata Sakaguchi, right? She's dead."

"....."

"Ha-ha-ha-ha. And to think you're still so naive, slime. There's no reason to leave her alive. We got the information we wanted and killed her. Simple as that."

"........."

"I stole her memories myself. Then I killed her."

".............."

"And to think that you would believe that she is still alive, you are really naive. I also don't understand why you attach so much importance to that woman. She----"