Story sequence
The imperial elite uses negotiations and confusion after the army's defeat to create an opening. Kondo's specialized bullets can interfere with souls and control, while Michael's domination authority targets beings connected to angelic-system skills.
Veldora is drawn into battle with Velgrynd. Kondo's interference and Michael's control sever or corrupt the soul corridor linking Veldora to Rimuru, turning Tempest's greatest guardian into an enemy asset.
Velgrynd believes she is protecting Rudra and the empire, but the will commanding events is increasingly Michael. Parallel Existences let her fight on several fronts, making it difficult to distinguish her full body from expendable projections.
Rimuru senses the forced disconnection and abandons restraint. The conflict becomes personal because Veldora is family, not a strategic monster to be traded between rulers.
Motivations
- Michael wants True Dragon power under domination and the recovery of angelic Ultimate Skills.
- Velgrynd wants to secure Rudra's victory and cannot yet accept that his original soul has nearly vanished.
- Rimuru wants Veldora recovered regardless of imperial plans.
Outcome
Veldora is temporarily controlled, and Rimuru enters direct conflict with both Veldora and Velgrynd.
Consequences
- The crisis pushes Raphael beyond its existing identity.
- The distinction between Rudra and Michael becomes impossible for Velgrynd to ignore.
The strongest blow against Rimuru is not physical—it is the attempt to turn his oldest bond into a weapon.