chapter 209

Megamiea: finished! + maybe a bit of edit, enjoy! I changed some imagery to make it easier to understand in english ^-^

Guy and Chloe were on the third day of their non-stop duel. Although neither were serious, they occasionally did mix in a couple of lethal attacks. Both parties were analyzing the capabilities of each other.

“Die, Illusory Claws of Doom(災厄の魔幻爪) – Calamity Claw!!”

“How naive.”

Chloe stops Guy's claws with her spirit sword. Her armaments of the holy spirit had evolved to that of mythical grade God class items. Therefore it can withstand the claws of the strongest Demon King, Guy, without being shattered. Moreover, the sword was durable enough to be strumming against his claws like strings of a violin. Chloe counter-attacks from that position. But her body loses it's strength,

“Guhff!!”

She coughs out blood, and blood flows out from her eyes and nose. Her Absolute Defense should have blocked and deflected that attack. Or so it appeared. An attack invisible to the eyes, targeting her life-

“Die, Calamity Claw!!”

With a blank expression, Chloe dodged his flashy attacks by a distance that was more than an overkill. And as if nothing had occurred, she points her sword towards Guy in a stance. Her face that should have been stained with blood from her orifices, but instead she carried an innocent smile on her face as if nothing had happened at all. Mysterious, almost as if Guy's attack from earlier had ever occurred-

“Ah hahahahaaha! Amazing! No wonder you're a hero eh? It's scary how you're able to dodge that last attack, man.”

“...Thanks.”

“If you tried to stop it, you would have died, dude.”

Chloe responds to Guy's honest praise with only one word. She doesn't respond to the provocation that followed since she knew... that it was the truth; hence her mind is in disarray. Guy's unique ability, Calamity Claw, was an extremely potent poison-class skill. Rather than being venomous, it spread the worst kind of infectious disease that targets the nerve cells that spread from the initial point of contact. In fact, she had already died from this skill once. Although Absolute Defence automatically nullifies direct damage, it does not nullify the secondary effects of the deadly pore particles of the infectious virus that seeps through her sword's point of contact. By defending the strike of the claws, the virus had scattered from the clash of their weapons, and consequently the infected Chloe had died. However, with her Ultimate skill “Time-Space King” Yogg Sorhtorts, she had experienced the future in where she had already died, and with her retained memory of the future she had successfully dodged his attacks. *kind of like butterfly effect dejavu I think*

After experiencing the future, Chloe would return to the past. In other words, she retains the memories from the future. To all others, it would appear that she had luckily decided to dodge the attack rather then block it, but such an appearance is a mere illusion. Rather than by luck, she had deliberately chosen the best course of defence each time.

Even though with the ability to recognize the future to dodge Guy's attacks completely, she didn't have the upper hand in this battle by all means. For unlike the fight against the most powerful entity known as Veldora, Guy's each and every single attack was deliberate and clearly dangerous. Overall, she gets a vibe that he isn't serious at all, but he mixes in dangerous attacks randomly so there is no breathing room for her. Like a master trapsman, Guy strategically plans his attacks as if steadily leading Chloe into his traps. Even if she were to die, it was clear that he had only used attacks that would allow resurrections. He was likely planning to release Chloe from her curse after killing her to have Rimuru indebted to him. Yet, she knows such a ruse is futile. For she had seen the future whence she had died, where Guy had muttered “I've failed” when he tried to dispel her curse. It was clear that the curse Yuuki had placed on her would not be so easily removed. Because of this, Chloe kept on following the ordered placed upon her – to stop Guy from interfering. And Guy's powers knew no bounds; all of Chloe's attacks were completely figured out by him. While it is true that neither side were completely serious, Chloe had already died three times. Though his attacks weren't impossible to avoid, it felt as though each attack was deliberate and would masterfully lead Chloe's movements to result in her death. Like a marionette, dancing on the palm of his hands, no matter what she did most likely the whole situation was under his complete control.

One of the deaths were due to carelessness. Despite stopping the time with her ability to dodge his attack, she had still been hit and her heart was pierced. Therefore, Guy could probably move while the time is paused. Thus, after remembering this result, she had stopped using her time-stop ability; for it would only serve to reveal more of her abilities to her opponent. All the while Guy never did use time-stop to initiate his attacks however. If he had done that, he would see that Chloe could move while time is paused, and consequently discover that she would be a time-space ability user. No, Guy wouldn't be the type to deliver such a simple attack; that was the main difference between Veldora and Guy; Guy had absolute confidence in his abilities, yet he never struck Chloe with complete dependence on his abilities alone. She was a little embarrassed by this; because she should have had a back-up plan prepared in case her unique ability was negated, and thus she took this lesson to her heart. This should have been basics after such a long journey along with everything that she's gone through. Regrettably, she's gotten too strong, and she had become too careless overtime without realizing it. But now, turning over a new leaf, she faces Guy once more.

The situation would be completely different had they both been serious. For Guy wouldn't be toying around with her, and Chloe was certain she would defeat Guy with her Absolute Sword Strike without holding back. However, it was clear that Guy would be victorious if it was a battle of only physical attacks. Because the power of the Ultimate Skill, “Time- Space King Yog Sohorts”, was absolute; therefore she had relied upon her Ultimate too much. Chloe decided to go back to basic and to face Guy with fresh start.

**Yeah these couple of paragraphs are a bit repetitive and its confusing but I tried my best to convey the story as close to the original words as possible. In short, I think it means that if Chloe had went all out from the start, and used all her skills with full power, she would have won the fight due to the unfair nature of her abilities. While Guy on the other hand is genius (in regards to fighting), and a more experienced fighter, since he's lived so long. Because the fight's gotten drawn out, he's analyzing her talents more effectively, therefore he's coming out ahead... something like that okie ^-^**

Guy narrows his eyes in astonishment. For he hadn't faced a foe this difficult since “Ice Dragon” Velzard. He was certain that he had grown stronger considerably – but he felt that perhaps that belief was much too naive. From Guy's eyes, Chloe's movements did not follow his plan as intended: Attacks that should have killed her hit naught but air, and fake faints that were lethal were all seen through.

He's truly impressed. Neither side are serious, but if they were, would he really be able to win? Honestly, he wasn't sure if he could truly answer that question. Well, there was only one way to find out. Hence, “True Hero” Chloe O'bell was an existence equal to Guy Crimson.

(Strong, huh!)

Guy sneers gleefully. Initially he believed it'd be excellent to dispel Chloe's curse and have Rimuru owe him one, but now... She was far stronger than he had thought. Was he no longer the strongest? No way! That's how he felt. Versus the Chloe who was a super first-class swordsman, Guy was bare handed. Thinking it'd be rude to his opponent, Guy draws his sword.

*I changed a lot more than usual for last paragraph to make it easier to read, maybe its better?*

“You should be real proud. To actually have me draw my sword.”

Guy professed to Chloe, after swiftly taking out a sword out of the thin air. His Demonic Sword “Earth” had been passed down to Mirim. In it's place he had prepared another sword; it was Demonic Sword “World.” Also called the Starheart, it was forged with the toughest material – the strongest sword. Unlike Mirim's sword, it was well maintained and emitted a rainbow coloured glow. Then he restrained the power that was overflowing from the sword and pointed it towards Chloe in and readied in stance. Innocently, he wanted to enjoy a sword-fight with her. While fighting against Rudra or Velzard, victory was certain. However when facing the strongest hero, Chloe, the outcome was uncertain. And that, is what it means to be an equal. Although Guy considers Leon and Velzard his friends, he knew that their abilities were not on par with his. And that's why he's happy.

(You're way better than what I expected “Hero” Chloe!!)

Facing Chloe- Guy hadn't been this nervous since the time he had fought “Star Dragon King” Veldnarva.

There was someone watching the duel between the two; it was “Ice Dragon” Velzard. She carries a gleeful smile while watching Guy. Like a hurricane, there was an intense fire that roaring in her heart. Anger? No, it was something else; it was jealousy. Ever since his elder brother Veldnarva had acknowledged Guy, Velzard had been jealous. She had bred those feelings, carefully concealed from Guy. What had recurred in her mind was the contents of a message she had received several day prior. Previously, she had received a thought transmission, an ability unique to Dragonkind, from her supposedly deceased brother, Veldnarva, which had startled her greatly.

--Annihilate Guy in my place--

She takes a deep sigh after recalling the message. She was familiar about the disputes regarding Yuuki, and the tasks that Rimuru had asked of Guy. To discover that the identity behind the villain that resided within Yuuki, Anra Manyu, was Veldnarva, all along... it really troubled her. Should she be troubled by it? In the first place she had gotten closer to Guy to keep an eye on him. However, perhaps just by a teeny bit, she had enjoyed the time she spent with Guy way too much : Guy was arrogant, Guy was stupid, Guy was kind, Guy was ruthless, Guy was terrifying, and finally Guy was the only one that her brother acknowledged as a friend. She had grown fond of spending time with fifty shades of Guy.

But, if brother says to kill Guy then I – besides, Guy has never shown that kind of face to me. For him to appear so elated in the heat of battle...

While fighting Velzard, Guy was treating her like a gentle flower, deliberating each of his attack with much consideration as to not hurt her. **original text says he treated her like a kid as an adult does, doing his best to not hurt her** Was that when it started? When roots of jealous had began to entangle her heart of Guy Crimson, the Demon King, whom her brother had personally acknowledged. Then-

(Guy is really kind to me. But he never allows me to stand beside him.)

--That is because you are weak.--

(I am strong. I am among the strongest Dragon kind.)

--Nope, you are weak. Actually, do you even have the right to stand beside to him?--

(That's-)

--You want power? If you had power, Guy would let you stand beside him.--

(But that's not my wish...)

--Is that really true? You are invisible to him, because you are weak.--

(If I had strength, if I was much more powerful, would that make Guy see me?”

--Ofcourse. Not only that, it would certainly make your wishes come true.--

(Ahh... Strength, I desire more strength.)

After hearing those words, she sensed a hint of malicious intent quietly smirking behind it.

--Let's release that jealousy.--

That phrase echoes across Velzard's mind. It was a phrase that was engraved within her heart, placed by Veldnarva to release overwhelming powers of jealousy.

--Kill Guy and release the pain in your heart.--

**original: Kill Guy and do as you please**

Her elder brother had given the permission, to release her true potential and gains new powers.

Immediately, Ice Dragon Velzard's heart was captured by Velda with her sense of reasoning blown away. Although rampaging mindlessly, she was the strongest among dragons, second only to Veldnarva. Then a colossal amount of magical energy wave rampaged across and swept over the land. Carelessly Hilary stepped in front of Velzard trying to stop her; despite her efforts, it resulted in her body being bisected into upper and lower halves. With unimaginable power, an overwhelming amount of energy was being controlled by Velzard. Suddenly-

She awakened. A manifestation true to her desires, she became the Goddess of Jealousy. To kill Guy, and fulfill her desire, to keep Guys hers and hers only. Unleashing her true potential she gained new Ultimate skills: “Endurance King” Gabriel and Envy King Leviathan

(I will kill Guy!!)

Blindly she proceeds, unable to see naught but that single desire.

Instinctively, Chloe and Guy had simultaneously escaped from the battleground. For a ludicrously intense waves of absolute cold pierced the very ground they stood on, freezing the very movements of the molecules to a halt.

“velzard – you... I see, I forgot yo. You carried that jealousy with you the whole time huh-”

Velzard laughs gently at his grumble.

“Guy, I've always – for as long as, I -”

And the whole world comes to a halt. A segregated place in space-time, a place where all time had come to an absolute stop, “Absolute Stop world”. By the will of its ruler, all laws of physics stopped functioning.

- In exception to those who were left behind here.

Chloe, Guy and Velzard. These three confirmed their respective presences. Even the flow of time was stopped in this world. However, neither Chloe, nor Guy had any problems moving about. The problem was-

For Chloe, there were now two opponents. And the chance to victory was close to nil. Unlike Chloe, Velzard's energy felt bottomless while using the time-stop ability; the amount of energy was reminiscent of the feeling when she faced Rimuru. Therefore Velzard was most likely be able to pause time for a long duration. While Chloe could move in this state, it appears that her ability of foresight was sealed. Truly, it hurt her odds to have her strongest trump card ability sealed. Therefore, it was imperative for her to survive for the duration of the time-stop until it was released. Furthermore there was no longer any leeway to hold anything back. While Guy isn't her absolute enemy, neither is he her ally. Moreover she was unable to move freely under Yuuki's curse. Truly the worst possible situation. Thus she resolved to face them with full prudence.

Guy was slightly awestruck and did his best to comprehend the situation. I see, no wonder it took so long for her to get jealous. And immediately -

(This is bad yo, I was going to play around because Rimuru asked me to bailed him out but...)

He ponders to himself.

Chloe's under control via Velda's curse. Although seemingly she resists majority of its effects, admittedly she isn't able to act on her free will. Therefore, regrettably they aren't able to establish a relationship for temporary alliance. Meanwhile, Velzard was -

(Tsk, she's completely lost it.)

With deftness that show almost no signs of being manipulated, she moves. Guy recognizes the fury that gushes from the inner depths of his heart. He can't remember the last time he felt this way.

(Un-freakin-forgivable. You dare lay hand on what's mine! Brainwashing my cute little Velzard, you've got some real guts Velda!! You sayin' you want to die that badly, I'll kill ya.)

With relentless rage stinging the air, Guy's pure crimson hairs spikes up. While facing Chloe, doing his best to not kill him – well, it's fine to kill her up to a revive-able degree – he'll face Velzard. Simultaneously, protecting Chloe from Velzard's attacks while returning Velzard's sanity.

(Even for the great ol' me, this is stupid hard-)

While clicking his tongue only in his mind, Guy had determined his resolve. Avowedly, in this instant, he also resolved to kill Velda. Likewise Guy confirmed his feelings that Velda ≠ Veldnarva in this exact moment.

(That guy wouldn't do somethin' cowardly like this. 'Cuz I know destroying this world by himself would be a piece of cake if he was serious.)

Those were Guy's true feelings. That is why, with no trace of hesitation, he had severed his feelings towards Velda. For... Veldnarva was gone. And with eyes brimming with absolute focus, he turns his line of sight to the two of them.

The situation is close to a three-way deadlock. Even so, Velzard has the most upper hand, for she lacks worry, and is able to act without hesitation. Forthwith, the battle in the Stopped World commences.