The central square of Tempest had grown even livelier in the past few days. Word of a new game called Mobile Legends spread quickly through the fast 5G network. Citizens of every race gathered in small groups, their phones glowing as they formed teams and battled on digital fields. The game was easy to learn yet deep in strategy—five players on each side, quick matches filled with heroes, towers, and team fights. It felt perfect for the federation's spirit of unity and strength.
Gobta had become one of the first to fall in love with it. He sat on a wide stone bench near the fountain, phone in hand, his small frame bouncing with excitement. "This is the best! I picked the tank hero again. We charge in and smash everything!" His voice carried across the square, drawing smiles from passersby.
Rimuru arrived with a light step, his expression calm and curious. He had heard about the game's sudden popularity from reports on the network. "Gobta, you look ready for battle. Mind if I join? I want to see what everyone is enjoying so much."
Gobta's eyes lit up. "Lord Rimuru! Yes! We need one more for a full team. Veldora and Ramiris are already waiting in the lobby."
Veldora appeared moments later, his steps steady and composed. He wore his usual brown outfit, and his scarred face showed a small, knowing smile. Ramiris floated beside him, her tiny fairy form buzzing with energy. "I am the queen of the labyrinth, but today I will be the queen of this game!" she declared, her voice bright and full of challenge.
The four of them formed a team right there in the square. The anime-girl AI voice greeted them cheerfully as the match loaded. "Welcome, heroes! Choose your roles and fight for victory."
Rimuru took the mage position, his mind already thinking several moves ahead. "I will support from the back and control the middle lane. Gobta, you lead the charge as tank. Veldora, you handle the jungle and surprise the enemy. Ramiris, stay on the side lane and push hard."
Veldora chuckled softly, his mature tone laced with otaku delight. "A classic MOBA setup. This reminds me of those old strategy games I studied. But with real-time action, the tension is exquisite. Takumi, my friend, your world's creations never cease to amaze."
Inside Veldora's mind, Takumi replied with warm camaraderie. "Yo, bro, Mobile Legends was huge back home. The teamwork is what makes it shine. Watch how Rimuru coordinates everyone—it is like leading a real federation battle, but smaller and faster."
Ramiris giggled as she locked in her assassin hero. "I will dash in and take them all out! No one can catch me!"
The match began. The screen showed five colorful heroes moving across a bright battlefield. Gobta charged forward with loud cheers. "Take this! Ultimate smash!" His tank hero crashed into the enemy line, drawing their focus. Rimuru followed with precise spells that slowed the opponents and healed his allies. "Good work, Gobta. Keep them busy while I set up the next attack."
Veldora moved through the jungle like a true strategist. His hero cleared monsters quickly and ganked the enemy side lane at the perfect moment. "Timing is everything," he said aloud, voice calm yet pleased. "See how the enemy tower falls? One small mistake, and the whole map opens."
Ramiris zipped around on her phone, her laughter ringing out. "Got one! And another! I am unstoppable today!" Her assassin hero struck from the shadows, ending fights in swift bursts. The four of them worked together smoothly, their voices mixing encouragement and quick advice.
A crowd gathered around them as the match progressed. Benimaru and Shuna stopped to watch, smiling at the lively scene. "They look like they are having real fun," Shuna said softly. "The game teaches coordination without any real danger. It is good for our people."
Benimaru nodded. "And useful for training. I see Souei in the distance, already analyzing their plays. He might join the next match."
The team fight in the middle lane turned intense. Enemies surrounded Gobta, but Rimuru's timely spell saved him. "Now, Veldora—strike!" Veldora's hero appeared from the side, delivering a powerful blow that turned the fight. Ramiris finished the last opponent with a flashy move. Victory flashed across all four screens.
Gobta jumped up, pumping his fist. "We won! That was awesome! Lord Rimuru, your spells were perfect. Veldora, you came in like a dragon from the sky. And Ramiris, you were so fast I could barely follow!"
Ramiris spun in the air with joy. "Of course! My team is the best. Let us play another round right now. I want to try a new hero!"
Rimuru laughed gently, his deep golden eyes warm with satisfaction. "One more match sounds good. This game is spreading so fast because it brings everyone together. Merchants are forming teams during breaks, and labyrinth challengers use it to sharpen their reflexes. Even the network alerts blend in smoothly—nothing slows down."
Veldora leaned back on the bench, his mature wisdom mixing with pure enjoyment. "The otaku essence is strong here. Quick decisions, strong bonds, and a touch of drama in every fight. It mirrors our real struggles against the Western Council, yet it remains light and fun. Takumi, shall we add a special Tempest-themed skin for the heroes? Something that honors our federation?"
Takumi's voice reached Veldora alone. "Yo, bro, that is a great idea. We can make one hero look like a mini Rimuru slime and another like a storm dragon. It would make the game feel even more ours."
The second match started, and the group fell into easy rhythm again. Gobta shouted tactics with excitement, Ramiris cheered every kill, Rimuru guided with quiet confidence, and Veldora added thoughtful observations that made each play better. Their laughter drew more citizens closer, some asking to join future games or share their own favorite heroes.
Diablo observed from the edge of the square, his crimson eyes thoughtful. He did not join yet, but he noted how the game lifted spirits while sharpening minds. Later, he would suggest using match replays to study real strategy.
As the sun began to set, the team won their second match too. Gobta wiped his brow, grinning widely. "This is the most fun I have had in ages. We should make a Tempest league—teams from every town competing!"
Ramiris clapped her tiny hands. "Yes! And the winner gets a prize from the labyrinth. I will design it myself."
Rimuru looked at his friends, feeling a deep sense of warmth. The simple game had created another bridge between them, turning a digital battlefield into a place of real connection. "Let us do that. Mobile Legends has become part of our culture now. It strengthens us in ways we did not expect."
Veldora placed a steady hand on Rimuru's shoulder. "A new legend is born in the palm of our hands. The political shadows in the west may stir, but here, in moments like this, our people find strength and joy together."
The square filled with the sounds of more matches starting nearby. Mobile Legends had truly taken hold, weaving friendship and strategy into everyday life. The federation felt brighter, more united, and ready for whatever came next.