(Third Person POV with inner monologue of Nova)
Time is a strange thing.
It flows, bends, and sometimes it trips over itself when someone like Nova exists.
Inside a crystal-lit cave, magicules swirled like a storm around the silver-white fox. His nine tails shimmered lazily behind him, each carrying enough energy to erase a city. And his face remained empty—half-lidded eyes, almost bored-looking.
If someone caught him in the moment, they'd kneel or sprint in terror
But Nova didn't care about awe. He cared about control.
Because fate just whispered in his ear.
(Nova's POV)
Ciel.
<
Scan the timeline. Confirm if my suspicion is correct.
<
'Called it.'
I stared at the faint glow beyond Veldora's barrier. That slime egg was out there somewhere. The timeline was still intact—mostly. Which means…
'Alright, game plan. I play nice, let canon flow until the Eastern Empire arc, then I tear reality a new one. But before that—step one.'
I smirked internally.
'Make sure Veldora names Rimuru… without suspecting my involvement.'
Simple. Subtle. And deliciously ironic.
(Third Person POV)
Veldora, meanwhile, was still gawking at Nova's presence like a child seeing fireworks for the first time.
"So, Nova! What brings you here, hmm? Seeking power? Or perhaps… freedom?"
Nova slowly blinked, his tails twitching once in feeble annoyance.
"I am already free," he murmured in a voice devoid of emotion, but with weight like a plummeting mountain.
Veldora cocked his enormous head, curious.
"Then what do you seek?"
Nova glanced at the barrier, then back at the dragon.
"Entertainment," he replied flatly.
The dragon's booming laughter shook the cave.
"BAHAHAHA! I like you, little fox! Truly, I do!"
Nova didn't smile. Not outwardly, at least.
'Hook, line, and sinker.'
[Notice: Energy stabilization complete]
[Notice: Host evolution has reached peak stage]
Nova's new form stood fully realized now. Snow-white fur that shone with silver undertones, nine long tails, mismatched eyes—one scarlet, one teal-blue—glowing softly in the shadowy cave light.
To a passing observer, he was a mythical creature from some long-forgotten legend. To Veldora, he was an anomaly.
"You're strong," Veldora said, his tone carrying rare respect. "Stronger than any monster I've met in centuries."
Nova's expression didn't change.
"Flattery is wasted on me."
"Ho? Then what would impress you?" Veldora teased.
Nova tilted his head slightly.
"A story."
"Eh?"
"Tell me your story," Nova said, voice as calm as ever. "I'll listen. Maybe then… I'll tell you mine."
(Hours Later)
Veldora had talked. A lot. About being sealed, about humans, about heroes. Nova listened in silence, processing every word—while Ciel recorded everything.
When Veldora finally finished, Nova spoke.
"So… you're bored."
The dragon blinked.
"I… suppose so, yes."
"Then here's a deal," Nova said. "You help me with one thing. In return, I'll keep you entertained."
Veldora's golden eyes gleamed with curiosity.
"Oh? And what is this 'one thing'?"
Nova glanced toward the cave entrance, where faint magicules were stirring—the sign of something… someone… arriving.
"You'll know soon."
(Nova's POV)
Ciel, ETA on Rimuru's arrival?
<
'Perfect.'
Now for the hard part—making Veldora think the naming idea is his.
Ciel, prep a psychological trigger. Feed him the concept subtly.
<
'You're scary good at this.'
<
Seven minutes later, fate sneezed.
A blob of blue slime hopped into the cave. Innocent. Curious. Oblivious to the fact that two of the most broken beings in existence were watching her.
Nova's gaze flicked toward her, emotionless as always. But inside?
'There she is. Canon Rimuru—well, Rimuru-chan now.'
The slime blinked up at Veldora's barrier.
"Wha—woah! A dragon?! Wait, what is this? Where am I?!"
Her voice was cute. Light. Definitely feminine.
Veldora chuckled darkly.
"Fuhahaha! A visitor! How amusing."
Nova stayed silent, watching. Calculating.
Ciel, activate trigger.
<
Veldora suddenly paused mid-laugh, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. Then—
"…Hoh. A little slime like you deserves a name, doesn't it?"
Nova hid his smirk.
'Perfect.'
The conversation unfolded like canon—with a few tweaks. Nova intervened only when necessary, his voice a soft, chilling undertone that even Rimuru barely noticed.
When Veldora declared the name Rimuru Tempest, Nova spoke for the first time since she arrived.
"Fitting," he said quietly.
Rimuru flinched slightly at his tone, turning her little blob body toward him.
"Uh… who's the fox?"
Nova stared at her, unblinking.
"Nova," he replied simply. "Your… future friend."
Rimuru tilted her slime-body, confused.
"Future what?"
But Nova said nothing more.
Veldora, on the other hand, roared with laughter again, oblivious to the web of manipulation already spinning around him.
(Later – Rimuru & Nova alone)
When Veldora disappeared into Rimuru's stomach (and soul), the cave fell silent. Rimuru turned toward Nova, clearly nervous.
"So… uh… you're… strong, right?"
Nova blinked slowly, tails swaying.
"Yes."
"…Like… really strong?"
"Yes."
"…You're not gonna eat me, right?"
Nova tilted his head.
"No."
"…Why not?"
"Because I said so."
Rimuru stared at him for a long moment.
"…You're weird."
Nova didn't deny it.
'Get used to it, slime. You have no idea what kind of monster you just made an ally of.'
(Third Person POV – Closing Scene)
As Rimuru hopped toward her future, Nova followed silently. His tails glowed faintly, each hum like a whisper of power restrained.
He could destroy this world tomorrow. Rewrite fate tonight.
But he wouldn't. Not yet.
For now… he would watch. Help. Manipulate. And when the time was right… break everything.
The game had begun.
To be continued…