The hidden chamber beneath Lubelius castle was dim, lit only by flickering candlelight that cast long shadows across stone walls. Mariabell Rosso sat at the head of a long oak table, her posture straight and her expression calm. Her golden hair fell neatly around her shoulders, and her eyes held a sharp, calculating gleam. She wore a simple yet elegant dress, the kind that hid her true intentions behind a mask of grace.
A few trusted aides sat around the table, their faces tense. The Shadow Broker, a hooded figure with a voice like dry leaves, leaned forward. "The Tempest federation's new technology spreads faster than we expected. The twin towers, the factory that builds thinking machines, the virtual worlds where one can step inside games… these things are drawing attention from every nation. If the council accepts their invitation, our plans may crumble."
Mariabell's fingers traced the edge of a sealed scroll on the table. Her voice was soft, yet carried an edge of hunger. "The council will not accept them easily. We will make sure of that. Their growth is a threat to the old order. The towers that reach the sky, the machines that connect people across distances, the power that lets even a small goblin transform into something golden and strong… all of it must be turned against them."
She unrolled the scroll slowly, her eyes narrowing with satisfaction. The parchment showed maps of the Western Nations, marked with lines of influence and hidden routes. "My plan is simple but effective. We will use the council meeting to plant seeds of doubt. I have already whispered to certain envoys that Tempest's new technology is not a gift, but a weapon. The fiber lines that carry voices and pictures can be used to spy. The virtual worlds can trap minds. The Super forms that let monsters grow stronger are proof they prepare for war."
The Shadow Broker nodded. "We have agents in place. A rumor here, a missing shipment there. The Dwarven merchants already fear losing trade routes. Lubelius worries about the balance of power. We can fan the flames of greed in every heart."
Mariabell's lips curved into a small smile, but her eyes remained cold. She glanced at the scroll briefly, then turned away as if the sight bored her, yet her fingers tightened on the edge of the table. The gesture was small, almost invisible, but it revealed the hunger beneath her calm surface. "Greed is the key. I will offer them what they desire most—power, wealth, control. In return, they will block Tempest's entry into the council or demand conditions that weaken them. If they resist, we have other ways. The forbidden artifact I acquired from the ruins can amplify greed in those who touch it. One touch during a private meeting, and their hearts will turn against Tempest without them realizing why."
One aide shifted uncomfortably. "The artifact is dangerous. It feeds on desire and leaves the user changed."
Mariabell's voice stayed soft. "Danger is necessary when the prize is great. Tempest's growth threatens everything we have built. Their factory produces machines that think. Their towers reach the sky. Their new allies, those Primordial demons, bring ancient power. We cannot allow them to stand as equals. We will make the council see them as a threat, not a partner."
The Shadow Broker leaned back. "The plan is in motion. Our agents will spread the rumors at the next session. By the time the council votes, Tempest will face walls of doubt and fear."
Mariabell rolled the scroll with deliberate care, her fingers lingering on the seal for a moment longer than necessary. She glanced at the aftermath of the meeting—the scattered papers, the half-empty cups—before turning away, a brief flicker of satisfaction crossing her face. The look said "It had to be done," but her eyes held a deeper hunger, a greed that burned quietly beneath her elegant mask.
In Tempest, far to the east, the council chamber in the central administrative building was quieter now that the envoys had left. Rimuru sat at the head of the table, his expression thoughtful. Diablo stood at his right, his black butler uniform immaculate. Testarossa, Ultima, and Carrera waited in perfect formation, their new bodies radiating quiet power.
Veldora sat beside Rimuru, his scarred face calm. "The meeting went as expected. They fear our growth, but they also see the possibility of alliance. Mariabell Rosso's influence is strong in Lubelius. Her greed drives the whispers against us."
Diablo's voice was smooth. "My agents have confirmed it. She plans to use the council to plant doubt. The new technology, the towers, the factory, the virtual worlds—all of it will be twisted into a threat. She has a forbidden artifact that can amplify greed in those who touch it. One private meeting, and an envoy's heart turns against us without them knowing why."
Ultima smiled playfully. "Her chaos is different from mine. Hers is cold and hungry. I would like to meet her one day and show her what real chaos looks like."
Testarossa's elegant tone followed. "Her plan is clever, but it can be countered. We can use the VR rooms to show the envoys the truth in a safe way. Let them experience our world without fear."
Carrera nodded with calm wisdom. "The artifact is a tool of manipulation. We can prepare countermeasures. My power can detect and neutralize such influences."
Gobta stepped forward, his small frame still carrying a faint golden glow from training. "If she tries to hurt us, my Super Kamehameha and the beams we practiced will reach her plans before they reach us. We train to protect everyone."
Shuna offered fresh tea with a gentle smile. "The council meeting showed their caution, but also their curiosity. If we show them the good our technology brings, their hearts may turn toward alliance instead of fear."
Benimaru crossed his arms. "The rumors are spreading, but our network can counter them with truth. We can send messages through the fiber lines to every allied town, showing the real purpose of the factory and the towers."
Diablo's crimson eyes gleamed. "I will handle the artifact. My agents are already searching for its location. Once we have it, the threat ends."
Rimuru listened to each of them, his deep golden eyes reflecting quiet resolve. "Mariabell's plan is driven by greed, but we will respond with openness. The council will see our strength is matched by our desire for peace. The VR rooms can let them experience our world safely. The Super forms and Star Dust Breaker are for protection, not conquest. We will prepare a demonstration that shows the truth."
Veldora placed a steady hand on Rimuru's shoulder. "Takumi says the same. Her plan is a shadow, but our light is stronger. The towers, the factory, the network, the new allies—all of it shows we build for the future, not for war."
The group lingered in the chamber, sharing ideas and quiet determination. Milim suggested using the VR rooms to show the envoys a virtual tour of the Night Market and the towers. Ramiris offered to add fairy magic to make the experience more vivid. Shuna prepared a special meal to keep everyone's spirits high. Gobta talked excitedly with Carrera about training the Super Kamehameha together.
Rimuru felt a deep sense of peace as he watched his friends. Mariabell's plan was a shadow on the horizon, but the bonds within Tempest grew stronger with every shared moment. The new technology, the Super forms, and the Primordial demons had become part of a larger tapestry of hope.
The evening light from the towers cast a gentle glow over the federation. Tempest's story continued, moving forward with steady steps toward the council and whatever lay beyond.