Gazel Dwargo reigns as the third-generation king of the dwarven nation Dwargon, celebrated as a "Hero King" for his leadership and renowned for impartial governance throughout his three-century rule. His appearance challenges dwarf stereotypes, standing roughly 170-180 cm tall with a muscular, armor-like physique, tanned skin, slicked-back jet-black hair, and a short beard contributing to an authoritative presence. Trained in swordsmanship after becoming lost in the Jura Forest during his youth, he learned under Hakurou (then known as the Sword Oni) for nearly 300 years. This forged a lifelong respect, with Gazel acknowledging Hakurou as his master and eventually surpassing him to earn the title "Sword Saint." His combat prowess includes the Extra Skill "Heroic Presence," immobilizing foes through sheer will, and advanced techniques like "Haze of Rumbling Heavens"—a sword art concealing his presence even from magical detection to enable undetectable strikes. He also wields "Full Spirit Fusion," temporarily amplifying his power to Awakened Demon Lord levels through elemental spirit integration. Politically, Gazel adheres to "peace through strength," prioritizing Dwargon's stability via calculated alliances and decisive action. He first encountered Rimuru Tempest during Kaijin's trial in Dwargon, banishing Kaijin, his brothers, and Rimuru after a sham trial orchestrated by Vesta. Privately, Gazel revealed to Vesta he knew of their innocence all along, later forcibly recruiting Vesta to aid Rimuru's nation. After the Orc Lord's defeat, he visited Rimuru's emerging settlement, recognized its potential as a nation, and dueled Rimuru to assess his character. Satisfied, he became Rimuru's first ally, formalizing a diplomatic and trade partnership between Dwargon and the Jura Tempest Federation. As a mentor, Gazel rigorously guided Rimuru in kingship, notably critiquing an early diplomatic speech as "zero points" for its submissive tone and stressing rulers must project unwavering resolve to deter aggression. His counsel proved astute when King Edmalis of Falmuth later misinterpreted Rimuru's initial approach as weakness, precipitating conflict. Gazel further devised strategic cover-ups, such as attributing Falmuth's army destruction to Veldora to shield Rimuru, and supported installing Youm Farmenas as a puppet king to stabilize regions. Despite advisers' concerns over Rimuru's escalating power, Gazel maintained steadfast trust, valuing their alliance's mutual prosperity. Beneath his stern monarch persona, Gazel exhibits surprising joviality and stubbornness. He privately displays exasperation, such as when Rimuru failed to disclose Veldora's return, and indulges in lighthearted moments—accepting gifts like a Santa Claus outfit (which he wore with deadpan seriousness) and competing with the elf emperor Elmesia to purchase property in Tempest. He enjoys apple brandy, requested a steady supply from Rimuru, and expressed baffled curiosity about the pervasive happiness of Jura's monsters during festival visits. His relationships reflect nuanced loyalty: he regards Rimuru as a "junior disciple" due to their shared master, and navigates rivalries with figures like Elmesia, who treats him with playful condescension rooted in their past. In later conflicts, such as a duel against the imperial swordsman Kondo, Gazel faced defeat when opponents discarded honor but responded with renewed dedication to training alongside Rimuru.