C. 6 An Oath to fulfill.
We took a little detour around the city street while the two of them having some good threats from the food vendors around the district.
… Okay maybe not a little… But seriously…
"Hey hey! Let's try that one!"
"Ow come on, you try to- Hey wai-!?"
"Excuse me! Give me 7 meat buns please!"
"Right'o!"
"Sigh…"
Good grief… This two sure are having fun huh?...
If not for me, they will roped into something troublesome no doubt.
Currently, I'm Accompanying both of them around the place, so of course many shop keepers will go friendly towards em after nodding secretly to me after reading my subtle expression(My citizens is so awesome to be able to pull it off without even trying cause I only have thin brows in slime form), perfecting my prank that I had set up in the background when I revealed to be the last boss was such a cute navigator moogle in the starting town after a long prologue intro.
Huhuhu~~
I already send the blakie from before to Gobuta Corp after told him to cheer up and do his best after jumped off from his head. I'm not planning to make him join my forces, but by joining the corp, he can recover faster from his lost with something to do, his body might be healed.
But mental clearly isn't just yet, I can tell at glance. So I send him there instead of following us around that might help him set some of his emotions right after lose his family today. I can use full recovery potions right from the get go cause I can produce those like a literal sweat drops, but the dude refuses my offer when I rubbed myself to him.
I thought I might've a little bit too clingy or something after he realized who I am, turns out that want to keep that wound for awhile as a reminder when he stared me right in the eye.
(He reminded me of Ranga from the past a little bit…)
Oh, Ranga is also there, so I don't have to worry a thing. Also, with thought transmission.
I informed Souei about my discovery, and pretty much tell others to play along even though the two is pretty ignorant when sightseeing this place with me and munches every single thing the vendors had to offer.
Pupuhu!~~ This turned to be a blessing in disguise! I don't have to deal with paperwork at all today cause everyone agreed to play along with my will! Viva la loved Ruler of his people authority!
{Master… Your thoughts are escaping your mind.}
Aw come on~… Aren't you the one who hate those old farts that keep pestering us about trades and really sketchy numbers?~ Even you're the hardest one to calm down after someone did trying to court me on spot when we're on business trip!
{Uuhmm… Well…}
AND! Autumn is close!
That means it must've be sweet potatoes and roasted meat! Yakiniku! Never out of season Beef bowl dish with cold Beer! You don't want to deal with contract that don't makes sense at all most of the time too right?!
{No, as much I understand and agreed on master feelings… Skipping work like this is just unjustified…}
Booo~~
{Master….}
Geez… Fine I'll do my work later party pooper, so cheer up already. You've been rather moody after finally have a heart on your own now…
Sigh, that aside, Souei already had his job done well without I have to ask him on what to do on the run. He'll dispatch two of his man in case this two youngsters got lost at the city after I told them to play along after quick message.
…..
…..
That aside...
I hoped Kirito and Eugeo doesn't ran and ended up meeting with Shion or Milim…
The two of them are so bad at lying that my plan to tease them will fail right off the bat, and I can see them beating this two if either Kirito or Eugeo hit a landmine…
(Eugeo aside...)
"Haup! Shoo ghoood!~"
"..." I can smell flag raiser from the guy that chew everything he can take as we walk through the cobblestone walkway. Enraged Milim still a big calamity for this City regardless of how much Tempest had improved.
….
Wait, He's crying?... How much a simple Takoyaki can broke you into tears damn it?... Stop it, don't look at me when looking that pathetic…. I know I'm a Gourmet at heart but that just overreacting.
I know that Rice is out from your reach for whatever reason in that sword academy. But get your bearing together as someone who already deduct I'm a bad business if you mess with me.
I always craving that white delightful texture before I officially became Demon lord(had the right for being selfish and no one will pick a fight with you unofficially), but your response is unbecoming of a Guy who always keeps his Guard up even against a mere slime with OP stats(not realizing not included).
And how much your gut could take? You're that hungry behind that stern poker face back then?... I don't believe that he could survive with water if all he does is fighting inside the cave who sealed that old man… Even with my great sage and my unfair advantage. Black serpent and Spiders aren't chumps, even for fellas like ya.
(I wonder if he taste the cheesecake Shuna made? He might've gain more weight than he actually is…)
….
Anyway…
I'm getting off topic. The two sure is satisfied after playing around for awhile… They do have some questionable history which they wouldn't openly elaborate, so this a good chance for them to relax before getting down to point later.
Sure, I see them had troubled expressions when they sightseeing the city, even when they had already lowered their guard down several level. Especially Eugeo, somehow when he smile…. There's this mix of sadness and encouragement to express his emotions.
Like he regretted something but trying to smile anyway.
That particular thought just passed my head when I sees him exhaled at the guy beside him.
(There's no point to mull over it. when the Time comes…. I'll deal it like I usually do.)
I make some mental notes and walk in leisure manner(jumped, duh.) beside the two as they munches some meat bun along the way with blacky stuffed all those stuff into his mouth yet again and bulged it like a squirrel cheek.
And how the two interact just then, I can safe to say I would enjoy this two reactions seeing my ultimate reveal!
This will be fun….
…
"Wo… woah…"
"Y-Yeah…."
Appropriate reaction.
The three of us at last arrived in front of my beautiful mansion. With dumbstruck expressions written all over their faces.
I rather go to my real home, but I spent quite the time here with my status as demon lord. And I swore, I frankly could understood why Milim hate homework Frey often give her like… Every time. Maintaining status Quo and even paperwork with no end is really a total chore for outgoing person…
"Mikami San... This place…"
"Yeah. The Mansion of the one who govern the entire Monster Country. He did contact me when you two sightseeing near the yakisoba shop few hours ago. So you two will have a audience with this country ruler, so be sure to hold your mouth."
"hahaha… Please hit me if I do... Although, even in my hometown, the one who own this mansion cleary has a good taste... But I can see his wealth with all of the over the top decorations. This city citizens sure loved him..." Kirito make a Casual dry remark when the guards let us in. Heheh… they did do their job flawlessly, I must treat them to drink too later.
Though he just being snarky. His complement is directed into me, not directly. Indirectly is an elegant way to put it.
I can see his underwhelming face when he saw a garden and zen beside it tho, well….
It can't be helped!~
I just hoped that Rigurdo would stop making those slime statues of mine. My ego will be uncontrollable again if people said I was really irresistible regardless of what their intention are.
Oh. Good thing I told Souei to move and cover those big statue right next to the back door. I must give him some praise after I done teasing them…
*click…*
"Ah…"
"!-..."
"!?... -!?..."
As soon we enter the place, I can see Shuna cleaning the place with her usual broom and fixes her red miko hakama, hahah...
Glad I already did told her to play along…
When the three of us entered the main Hall. The one who greeted us is none other than the Oni Princess herself. Shuna.
Her pink slightly curly hair with miko appearance, her slender palm and her horns above her forehead with appearance of Natural human trait is enough to give man a skip in heartbeat if they never saw her once.
"Ah... Mikami San! Welcome!"
"Yo Shuna! Sorry for intruding the place!"
*Set!*
I jumped and landed on her hug with her smile respond to my actions.
"hehe... It's okay. It's my job to maintain the place for Our Lord and others behalf." She cheerfully replied me while petting my tops. I can see the two behind me don't have the words to express her beauty in single sentence other than 'Rosy'.
(Hohoho…. Shuna uses charm…)
"Also... Both of you must be Kirito kun… and Eugeo kun, right?"
"... eh?!... AH! Yesh!"
"-! -!"
It was super effective!
(Not just loses his bearing, the black and blue Pokemon is stuttering from the magnificent Flower in front of them dear watcher's!) {Like I said! Stop breaking the 4th wall!*
Kirito trying his best not to stutter again and keeping his hand to his side in stiff mannerism. Blushing hard from her question.
(Hehehe... Food is a bliss if you enjoy it, but he just lost his calm collected nature there. His ragged evil Coat now does not matched his innocent tomato face by Shuna natural beautiful smile.)
Well... I can level to his reaction tho…. She's unbeatable on her own right.
"*Set! x7*... He-Helo-yeah!" Eugeo on other hand, keep nodding his head vigorously at her making sure that he didn't stare at her too much, are they really charmed on spot by her?
Then it can't be help!... Let me embarrassed them even further! I'm the leader of the onis and evil monsters people had claimed after all!
"Shuna you can stop, both of them totally awed by your charming smile.~" I laughed devily and caught a subtle change in certain someone facial expression when Kirito seeking me in rage by gritting his teeth, but quickly died soon after I make my smug response.
Making my calculated move even more devastating this two faced it without a preparation.
"Eh?... Ah! Sorry... But I can't help myself… I thought it was an important person, turns out they're looked like nice person that it's just so you to bring over…" She smiled blushingly while she approach them to apologize in person and let her tongue out.
""-!- -!... ?!-...""" Well, I can see em blushing really hard right now behind that failed poker faces. It's a good thing I can record this kind of moment.
I can show them this later when we're done with the introduction… Huehehehe…
Well nothing really changes, no one can win against Shuna natural charm after all! Unlike certain Tomboy I know! I myself really enjoyed her company in my busy time despite she's been to clingy over that legal bride claim.
{I'm still better than shuna-sama when with Master having a relaxing time!} I hear an jealous voice, but I ignore her as I continue my good work.
{It's true!}
"Is Rimuru free? He already contacted me that he wanted to see this two when I showed em the corner around the City."
"Ah, yes this way. You two may come in, he's upstairs. Follow me please."
"Thanks for every time." I jiggled again and thank her for playing along via telepathy
"Thank you very much."
"Thanks."
*poyo.*
I jumped down and then guide them to the second floor after they voiced their gratitude, with Shuna smiled at their Question about me. Certain someone already saw it, the clue already lined up. All of us walk straight into my room after they tried their best to not offend me with those whisper behind my back.
Now then... Let's play more and end some of the obvious teasing shall we?...
I see the door of the owner of this luxurious mansion, I can feel my heart rate beating faster than before.
"*Gulp*..."
Regardless…. I must calm myself before taking my next actions.
Ever Since coming here from the main gate, I can immediately sense the danger of the monster nearby. With that snake as well... It's feel like my soul scream to be careful as I moved to avoid certain bad outcome happened to my well being with the plan to avoid it start appearing in My mind.
No. It was alerting me of the danger that was coming towards me. Like a natural sixth sense or some sort that was awaken forcefully...
But... When I stepped to city area, I didn't feel anything out from normal. Which on its own supposed to be normal in any kind of way. Precisely why I can't cool my jets down.
Sure, the citizens is really friendly and easy to get along, the other demi human species too, they are really nice.
Yet my instinct already told me before frontally warned me like a machine gun shot out, that all of them are bad business if I start unseasonable Act all of the sudden within the city circle like picking a fight or mugging as an example.
(... Despite all of those pressures that the citizens emit unknowingly... There's an entity…)
A really dangerous one who suppress itself purposely to such extent so I did not die by his sheer pressure of its power flaunting alone. Reminded me of the pressure Kayaba and Alice 'Had' before confronting them before One fact hit me hard in the face. Both of them are strong, like they're above me in any way possible when they're not holding back at all.
The league of Monster, with unpredictable advantage at their disposal.
But somehow…
This… Watcher….
Still show how me on how he can easily end me in one hit with his sheer raw power while keep testing my judgemental ability with his obvious aura he purposely flaunting like an open zipper in public. But showing its weakness at the same time, an opening I had yet able to see with my current self.
But, I can say one thing for sure after stepping inside this mansion…
May it really be Mikami San?... Or…
*Klack…*
"..."
The Door finally opened.
…..
"Wo… woah…" I loosen my expression and the grim thoughts gone away, snapped back to reality by the sudden refreshing spell which is the room I see in front of me.
Inside the door, is a moderate room that clearly showed its owner making sure his guest can relax their nerves before starting their discussions, yet show his inner tranquility while showing his country potential in the same line which is 'authority'.
With some Japanese aspect and European style of placing decoration mixed in perfectly with mellow kind of aspect touch.
"*gulp*..."
"Come on, sit down. Don't be so nervous kiddos."
"Ah... Yes…" I nodded at mikami words as we stepped in.
The were variable mix of red and gold furniture, but with various of wood like goods and tiles that was put nicely to make my nerve-wracking sense calmed down for good.
….
….
Damn this place is really nice… Agil can learn one or two from seeing this place alone for his Cafe interior reference… And I swore the ceiling was also carefully build with that pattern on the edge of the room...
"Then, excuse me. I'm going to bring some refreshment."
"Ah, like always thanks for everything."
"Fufu… It's alright, it's my job after all." Shuna San then leave the room as she prepares the tea. Both Eugeo and I sat on the sofa... Wow... It felt really comfortable…
…..
I can get used to this.
"It's…. Really comfy…"
"Glad that you like em. It's hard to find this kind of thing with those suppliers won't immediately make this if Rimuru didn't give me the permit and go see them in person for detailed order made."
"I… see…"
…..
…..
So that's how you want to play your game… No wonder He keep throwing me off the loop all the time.
"umm... Mikami san... Where is Rimuru San?"
"..." I guess Eugeo had started to notice it as well. I already start to piece it together. And this room alone already proved my earlier speculation that bugs me. But I don't want to jump into conclusions yet, the town is no doubt built carefully and the citizens held him in high regard of respect, like a true sovereign than a mere ruler of city.
No… It's reversed.
"ah... He should be done, well… he's pretty busy dealing with stuffs, so give him some slack.~" Mikami told us while jumping up and down into the sofa, I guess I don't have to hold back to say it now.
"Ah it's okay, because he already here right?... Rimuru san?"
"..."
'Eh?' Is what Eugeo face telling me when turn his face to me with widened eyes. Almost Berated me if he didn't 'Obviously' taken surprise by my wording which I don't hold back when glaring at Mikami with neutral expression.
"hummn?~ What are you talking about?~"
"Please... We trust you, so please stop playing dumb… Out of all people I see outside, they clearly held you in high regard. Also, only you that address him on a real friendly tone so far.
Not to mention your power you had shown us, you clearly holding back at that giant snake earlier didn't you?" That Lightning strike was truly powerful, yet my danger sense keep ringing near him even if he just cutely jiggling around when we walk in the city, like he purposely do that so he can test my deduction skill.
"Hm... So is there any other evidence?~" Mikami, or Rimuru… Remarked with his eyebrows(supposedly?) raised upward in sneering manner.
"You say you'd already contacted by him to guide us here when we having snacks in town, yet I can see Shuna san act like that she already know it despite being so polite around us, like she already informed by you to respond that way when we're entered the front door." I also pointed another clue that bother me the most.
She was really pretty, yet her action is too natural like it was rehearsed and will throw my earlier out of place feeling if she didn't mentioned that we're waited by him in his office, and it will be more weird if I don't get charmed at all by her to noticed why like she already know our coming from how Mikami just jumped at her.
I wouldn't dare what Asuna might think about my sudden feelings suddenly overwhelmed me when saw how pretty an Oni can be when she gracefully smiled at my direction, but that's beside the point here...
She call him Mikami, while Taking a gaze at him when he called Rimuru name in the next seconds. That kind of subtle movement from the edge of my eyes is hard to catch if I keep my focus on The Blue Slime in front of me. I'm glad that I tried to avoid contact with her gaze to able to notice Mikami eyelashes moved. And he was acting so bossy and know this particular room inside out. Vassal are a thing, but that beside the point.
"And Not to mention, you take us around the city with your pace, While…. The ruler of the city is waiting us here when he called 'you' to drag us here presumably earlier than now. You said that he was so busy to have a time to spare, but we having the time of our life while the busiest individual of this city wanted to see us and spare his already small time table he already had to meet two otherworlder with no clear background that caught your eyes..."
"... EH?… Now you think about it…" Eugeo now finally putting it together.
He stared at Mikami…
No... Rimuru...
"..."
….
…
"... Ahahahaha! You clearly are sharp Kirito!... You already know from my actions, yet you still play along! As I suspected! You would noticed Right away! Ha… So... How was my city?... Does it suit your taste?" Now he drop the ignorant act and laugh at my really blunt deduction.
*Shrruk…*
"ahh... Yes it did... I can't say much about it though, I don't want to let down my guard that much… But you're having fun and not showing us any threat making us feeling truly safe despite you keep one sidedly testing me with your aura…." I finally able to rest my stiff shoulder.
I don't want to keep my guard up on him like this, but I just can't…
It's like when I do so there's a chance for him to attack me behind my back, I know he wouldn't do that, yet I can't bring myself to. And if the name 'Mikami' doesn't ring Japanese enough, then I probably already lose more than 20% of my brain function capability and memory.
"Mika… No, Rimuru san... Why did you do that?" Eugeo finally start to speak with more wary tone.
"hahah... Ah... Forgive me, I was bored, yes I love my city and my comrade, but you see… Government a city isn't easy as you guys had know, let alone the politics and a country that almost all of its every citizen is listed as Demi human rather than monster?... Human of course, couldn't let that happened. Rouge monsters or bandits keep attacking them and they must deal with us? Well, no one will attack us head on this days, I will tell you two in a minute later, but I had to deal with long term threat you see?...
Especially from those who just straight up Idiot and want to scam or Fight me knowing that I'm really strong after all I do for past recent years head on..." Rimuru explained all of that as a fact everyone should know with his friendly tone, I can agree with him.
Eugeo did suffer the most damage as he also almost lose selka too in that mountain where we found goblin tribe and its leader who was capable talking full human language. I had some nasty impression about those monster and humans with flaunting and use its authority without care, regardless of place and time. Sure, this place is warm and the atmosphere is truly comfortable.
Even the goblins who present in this place is a totally different species for me because they're full of life in very different aspects that drove them living together.
But I just had something that bugs me no matter what… What is it?... No. for now just focus at what's in front of you, Kirigaya Kazuto.
*clik*
Hm?
"Excuse me…"
"Oh, thanks!"
Rimuru answered her. Shuna Then came bringing the tea and…
!?-
A two set of filling cheese Cake!?
*Kling x4*
…..
Woo…
Wooah!... It might not be many... But I can see the sugar concentration inside of it!...
And the sparkle around it apparently not my eyes playing tricks on me either! I can see Eugeo swallowing his saliva from his mouth too.
"Huhuhu…. This is what I called hard work…"
"Har-Hard… work?..."
"Sit down and listen closely boys... It's sure a long time for me to able to replicate this taste from a scratch with basically survival skill you know?" Rimuru just had that smug smirk even though he just a slime, but nonetheless. We enjoyed our cake after cutting our own share.
"Haup!"
….
…
ah… What a good time to be alive… The sweetness and the texture is just perfect, And that doesn't even count the inner of this pastry too… The sweetness of cream from milk and this filling cheese melt perfectly in my mouth is outright saying 5* treat like those dessert in celebrity show gathering. Even the cake treat Kikuoka treat me when inviting Shino about Death gun incident report is nothing compared to this!
…..
….
Then. Rimuru Began his to tell about his journey.
From the time he got reincarnated as a slime.
…..
…..
It may be brief and shortened version of it, with many too long chain of events skipped for us to digest with our current refreshment in such short time, but he does have his own share of adventure.
From the time he meet a friend, until he revived his other self before he got stabbed for what I think is just irresponsible and plain messing with his other self.
His tale about meeting Veldora after he transferred and making this magnificent place with his comrade and friends, his battle against the humans that won't accept monster as one of them and eventually led him to confront the God itself when this figure was the one who responsible that cause mess and throw chaos all over this world. Even make me feel pity about this woman named Shizu who started his adventure and one who still he hold sentiment in his heart.
To be honest….. I can't believe it...
Let alone you can do that in the first place… From what I can say, he already seen everything in his time building a place he could call home and living his life with things he had built with everyone he hold dear.
I really envy him… Because… At one point, I wanted to feel and probably what I had dreamed of from not know when in the far past. Could it be from time I hated Grandpa?... Or even far than that?...
I also start to grasp the basic nature of this world, and even if you're basically a God(Which still haven't enter my head that this cute jiggly ball are truly one. With skipping about his identity as Japanese to avoid confusion for Eugeo and knows that I haven't tell my bud everything too.). There's something that just can't be changed in the world system freely since it will disturb the 'world' when it tries to stabilize an equilibrium.
Eugeo didn't want to believe it either, of course he already saw human bad and good side. yet he must take all of his story as a fact that can't be denied. He did take my story why I know so much about otherworlder quite easy because he already know that I didn't really lose my memory.
I mean…
We just see how Orcs here is the equivalent of construction and labour workers, and how come a single slime with attitude can lead a country this advanced in mere years flawlessly by Become a Demon lord with powers that equals to a God is jiggling in front of us with a smug face.(He doesn't have one, but I can sense he was making that kind of facial expression if I must be honest when he see my enthusiasm eating this sweet treat without even hiding my happiness.)
But the way this world and our world work, is not so different from the main world principles...
The world egg… No…. Some kind of games rule in general?... I mean…. Skills and arts he said as well the origin of monster and how the world came to be….
When I go off to my dreamland, Eugeo keep chatting with him about our end and situation. Even Rimuru happily listening to his story that make my reflecting much more private.
(No… the two contrast were far too different, every human here are able to use skill or magic spell in normal procedure as long they can use incantation or train their body to the point they can properly use it. Even if the skill is useless one, but if they had the talent, then they can use it more freely Than one who must master it the hard way like VR world…)
"Rimuru San... You have an amazing life you led." I choose my word carefully as I could see the ripple in the cup of tea I hold on my hand before I took a sip from it to voice my reply of his life story.
"I won't lie… I've been blessed by good comrades and friends along the way, but I just had to do it. Nothing more, nothing less." He speaked with dignity and tell Eugeo that he will learn things with experience.
Even though his Action as a slime didn't quite match with that Dignity he currently emitting.
….
….
But…
….
Human nature… Huh?...
"..."
….
….
Sigh…
Mine that Eugeo haven't see is also quite hard to talk without context of what I should even begin with...
Especially, regarding Alice wellbeing too..… I clenched my hands and grabbed my chest. The fact I can't piece it together for the first time show how much ignorant I were on the project as a whole. The two of them should able to perceive that I'm truly not one of them when confronting Quinella.
A Irregular. Maverick with no right to butt in and claimed he was on the good side.
…..
"..."
…
"..."
…..
…..
Damn it….
"...? ... Kirito?..."
"?..."
"..."
….
….Huuu…
….
"... Hu…. Sorry…"
"hm?..." Then…
I made up my mind.
"Rimuru… my real name isn't Kirito."
"... Ha?"
"Wha?... What do you mean?... Kiri… to…."
"Can you guys hear me out?... At least… till the very end…."
….
Shortly….
I told him and Eugeo, about myself.
My real name isn't Kirito, but I didn't tell them mine yet because I don't want Eugeo to feel that I am a fake that had been walking with him ever since we meet in that forest… Betraying what he had know about me.
But I truthfully explained About SAO in narrative manner, about the VR world as a whole, and RATH Project about creating a being who can surpasses normal artificial Human being made by human in plain term… The process of creating The Human Empire and Dark territory with those super account of 4 main gods.
He should understand it when Quinella even mentions myself right in front of his face about my origin he should able get through his head before Cardinal healed me and Alice after almost getting stabbed by the Golem...
My condition before meeting the two, and how it all began without mentioning about my past at all and how I was shot with drugs that stopped my heart which damaged my brain to the point I am considered dead.
All of my friends that maybe I won't be meeting any of them again because I already lose my life in both places.
In Human Empire, and In japan…
Although Eugeo didn't believe it at the start and how RATH is able to Delete the whole Human Empire with a mere press of Enter…. He start to understand why I'm so collected and how my tone didn't even change when I bring how SAO as a world…
Even go so far to deny about Those cursed Test that I had able to voiced before the golem almost took my life. Even connected why I know so much better than him regarding this phenomenon about reincarnation because he truly believes in me. Regardless of my origin.
The experiment that had set in motion when Alice and Eugeo were born at the time I started the experiment as a tester, dived as baby and was nursed into a 10 year old brat and have my second childhood sealed away by the scientists who also technically my coworkers who checked my whole existence is passable as a whole...
I must be stupid if I can't put it together after all of it if that bastard kikuoka wasn't explicit enough about mentioning Alice name at the end of that conversation when that light hit me from above and even before Cardinal had to explain everything to me.
Fate hands play a little role on the time it began….
(No. It was Fate who led me here…. To meet him again, to apologize for what I couldn't do before we loses our lives.)
"... Then..." My voice getting heavier and coarser as I explained what of that experiment will be ended up.
That is securing Alice and the start of the War of Underworld as whole… Word Cardinal left me and making the dots connected more than ever with How that cursed sword golem makes more sense to Rimuru and him.
"... What?... No way… Hey… Kirito… Tell me… Is this… is this just the same lame crappy joke that you used to came up with?..." Eugeo face is trying his best to hide his anger with Reality I came from by forcefully curved his lips upwards...
"..."
"... Hey… Kirito… Answer me!…"
"Eugeo..." He keep his silent after I told him of what I really am, and what my role are in those Project while I myself didn't aware of.
For a trigger, for Ai can broke the system completely and can be put in human war… The more I deny it…. The more it becomes more clear knowing What Kikuoka had planned from the very beginning….
One that take life away like nothing like those goblins and Quinella herself.
"I know it's hard for you, but Alice and you are destined to be captured and experimented if both of you made it to my side…. Either Rath will use you as Guinea pig, or the organization that attacked them on the day where we lost our lives…." I might be jumping guns now, but…
It was obvious, they needed Alice, an AI who able to think for herself and even have feeling of a normal Human posses. They needed her so they can make her fought in war. The bleak truth I concealed to him will definitely come to light sooner or later. So bleak that I don't even need to because how concealing it only proving what they had planned for her.
"That just..." Rimuru can't keep his cheerful tone anymore.
"Eugeo... I'm so sorry I keep this away from you….. I just… I just, can't… I know that this is cruel, so much so I can't prove I was innocent because I also played my part in it… Our time together as Friend, isn't a replication, it wasn't a fake….. Please, I only begged you to believe it. There's thing I couldn't say to you because you're not ready to hear it. You're not..." I almost broke my tone when I finally able to voiced that last word, hope that still keeping me together all the time.
I don't want to lose it…. I fear of that outcome.
The thin strand which was the proof of our connection between my duty…. and as a friend, who I truly believe in me. I don't want to lose it...
"So... What?..."
"Euge-"
"SO WHAT-!?"
*Buuuak!*
"Guakh-!?"
He punched me.
*Bruuaag!*
For the first time after a long time, we talk our real feelings.
He punched me in the face and made me feel to the floor, the tea and table set are okay, only my face that got a bruise from his fist.
Yet...
"A-Hey Eugeo!"
"I'm… so sorry…"
"I DON'T WANT TO HEAR THAT-!"
"Hey! ca-"
"I'M NOT MAD THAT YOU JOINED IT!"
….
"...Eh?..."
"Huh?..."
He had screamed the least thing that I had yet expected escaping his mouth.
"I AM MAD BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO ENDURE IT ALL ALONE! A GIANT FLYING CASTLE THAT CAPTURES YOU AND EVERYONE YOU KNOW TO FIGHT MONSTERS EVERYDAY!?... A WORLD YOU MUST KILL SO YOU CAN SAVE YOURSELF TO STAY ALIVE!? FIGHTING DAY AND NIGHT FOR SELFISH REASON THAT IS YOU DON'T WANT TO DIE!?….I'm Always… At your side!…. Not from the time we meet under that Tree…. BUT!… BUT! IT'S WAY BACK WHEN ALICE IS STILL WITH US! WHY YOU DIDN'T TELL ME ANY OF THIS?! AREN'T WE FRIENDS?! IT WASN'T BECAUSE HOW I CANNOT UNDERSTAND IT! IT'S BECAUSE YOU NEVER EVEN SHARE WHAT HAD BEEN WEIGHTING YOU FROM THE VERY START! EVEN I COULD TELL YOU HIDING SOMETHING EVEN FAR MORE SINISTER FROM ME WHEN YOU HAD DECIDED TO TRUTHFULLY TOLD US ABOUT YOURSELF!"
….
….
"Eugeo..."
So... You feel that way… Just…
…..
Just what have I….
"Calm down Eugeo."
"!-"
"You really need to, I don't want the guards to kick you out because you raged at him at my office."
"...Rimuru San... Sorry….. Sorry, Kirito…. I just... Can't stand it… First is Quinella…. and now the side where you came from?... I just don't understand... Why...? Why is conflict and fighting is always haunting us?..."
*poyo…*
"Rimuru San…"
"Hold still." Rimuru shortly gave me a smaller version of him before he rubbed it on me.
*Fuoong…*
-!?
"It's a healing potion, shut up and stay put."
"... I'm sorry…"
"It's okay. You just being truthful, there's nothing wrong with it…. if you want to apologize, then looked at the guy who always there with you." My wound was gone with the light flies that to the air when the piece of him dematerialized, fully healed my bruise. The same healing potions with the potency of the vial Cardinal gaved me and Eugeo at that Tower.
"..."
"..."
…
…
There's a silent awkwardness before we go back into our usual position.
The atmosphere gotten so heavy Which I have to force my lip to move and spoke another apology, so we can restart the conversation again.
"No…. As much this is angering me…. It's my fault that i'm not able to hold it… Yet I won't forgive you, for never telling me any of this from the very start."
"... You being mad at me is the proof that our bond isn't a fake… I'm really grateful that you able to voice your thoughts I don't know you've been holding in like me, even of you don't agree at all…. All I care now… Is Alice safety… And everyone in the Empire."
"...Yeah."
After both of us sorted our feelings right after the awkward silence, we asked the questions that bothered us the most before I shifted the conversation into a bad aftertaste because of my interruption of my past background...
"Rimuru san... Why did you show us this?... This... Beautiful place. Did you really do this on whim alone? No... 'How and why both of us end up here in this world?'... Is the probably the right Question for now..." Eugeo asked him in my stead.
"...Hmm~" Rimuru stared at us silently. But he suddenly replied it with a answer that both of us never ask or ever expect to come out from….
"hm?~... I wonder why?... Maybe Cause you guys are the same like me?..."
*Gyuuit….*
….
…..
What?...
"Ah… No... Wait, let me rephrase it… My intention before is just to offer you guys a chance if you wanted to go back home, or live in this world human society. But From the story I heard from you and kirito just then. Both of you had your fair share of experience, of course you had your own regrets, yet you transferred here having a oath you both haven't fulfilled yet..."
…..
….
Oath?...
"Of course, mine is different, but I'm a demon lord, and a lord duty is to protect its citizens safety. We might've just met today, but you guys still young, if you make a mistake. It is my part of the grown up side to set it right, whim is also the part of it even we just met today... Plus I got this weird vibe about you two…" As he said those gentle word.
*Fiiuut…*
…..
He transformed, his slime like body now...
…..
….
"..."
… Is forming into a human body, his head have a blue crystal hair that overflown into his chest, and... That from...
Unfold into a face that revealing itself as heavenly beauty that have given a human form…..
"a….. A…. A-!" My mouth nor my head can't express the sight in front of me since my head just stopped working all together...
But for sure… my eyes still working damn fine.
(Rimuru is... A WOMAN!?)
It was a good thing I keep that way of thought to myself after fully saw how beautiful he turned out to be with those glow finally showed his human feature.
I know my troubles with woman is half of my life at this point, but seeing this form… Smile that care about our future, making me question my thoughts of Asuna and the rest in general...
My heart is clearly for her alone, and I'm a father to Yui. But, that face alone...
That kindness of…
Him(Her?)…..
Testing my will about that fact like a wall gate getting blown by nuclear bomb by each second passes with my head losses its priorities to stay focus at the matter at hand and switched to matter at head.
"... But seeing you both have to shoulder that kind of responsibility by yourself. Is seeing my old self once again... I don't want both you to experience what I had gone through, you must not become like me. I'm a monster now…. But you guys know how much human can change and act as soon it lost it's only purpose. Right?... I wouldn't let you guys experience that. You two don't have and know to feel what it's like to detest others and ridicule them with Anger and hatred. Let alone carve a scar that most likely won't be healed if you guys lose your humanity like me." The angel that spoke to us is a demon lord.
A kin that can destroy humankind as it please, but the way it care and act, clearly. That this person is our guide in this new world we stepped upon.
An: another one released yet again. Finally! I talk about chapter story instead irl situation! Banzai!(つ≧▽≦)つ
*Corona newest update and things around the globe*
...
...
Damn it... And when I already being in Happy go lucky state... ಥ_ಥ
All of you who lived in red or orange zone area, just please use those N95 mask if you can(some say its better not if you have breathing issue, but just in case)or stay at home and make sure to wash your hands, please. I don't want to be this bleak after being so upfront last time... I hoped the cure would be discovered Soon.
Eh?
Don't worry, I'm fine! You guys should take better care at yourself instead! .
And if guys FGO NA Players, you guys already know this time of event is just that grindy. -_+
I suddenly Got best tsundere(aka Modred and i'm so happy go figure) who I really wanted back when London came out, and I was too busy maxing her out and burn 20 gold apples along the way(all hail Da Vinci Event with embers), so I suppose my reason is justified with my exam and all that I had the right to post it right now. I would be busy, so it's better If i released it now.-_-
At least I'm not spending certain cursed day by buying another choco bar for myself to eat all alone in the corner of a room like any other year(hahaha...(╥﹏╥)).
Also, for dear User AmethystPone(if you read this and not binge instead), reason why I make it so roundabout is because I want to make the stories a little bit more interesting by making it like this.
I'm still an amateur at best, so please don't be too expectant about my work if you had set the standard where I can't quite reach just yet(´-﹏-`;)...
Okay okay, I know Rimuru is op af and those basically breaking the rules of power at the end of tenma war arc and nothing can stand in his way yada yada yada...
...
Alright, I did think making him go hog wild at underworld at some point later down the line, but that basically a spoiler and probably won't go down the line just yet cause I loved long story to read, short just feel lacking for me regardless of the idea behind or reason of the fics to begin with. :-P
Plus, If I don't lose my notes, I'll make that one where he goes mama mode and raging at Gabriel with god wrath at the sorry bastard as an omake.(If I got better ideas and not choosing to make my life harder that is. Also I hate the guy on sugou level cause you novel readers should know why. I blamed fairy dance on why SAO hate began to manifest, Incest included. Don't start.)
I'm trying to make something everyone could enjoy in long run(and probably backfired at my face, but whatever)^_^.
I guess that's all for now, just be careful when going outside guys, also yes.
I know Rimuru(mikami) is a male, but most people (like... Everyone who met him and even some watcher, me included) rather call him as 'her'.
And before y'all burn me alive before I can say sorry, I will try to stay neutral at third person view or so when Addressing Rimuru, like Rimuru friends and follower address him as 'he' for example, but don't expect it cause I can't play that kind of word monologue just yet. More elaboration on future chapter, so be patient alright?^_^
Again, if you guys hate Naruto filler then sorry, I will pull that crap rather often in future cause I'm too lazy and probably need more time to make the plot not too bad or moving like too fast, and screw assignments(─.─||). Bah, I wanted to stay positive but so hard to smile lately...
Anyway, see ya later!(≧▽≦)
PS: User wolfkingsword, I received your pm. I'm fine, just need to step back and take a little breather here, I'm sorry I didn't reply you as soon I read it.^_^'
I'm currently working on a draft for Zeref and basically exam is taking all of my focus, so don't expect it to be out yet.
I needed a better draft before working at it and hopefully craft a decent plot to make it work. I make some changes from your original draft, but I had other things to take care, so clear warning I can't quite released it just yet. =_='
If you don't mind, we probably can do a collaboration instead^_^.
I always dreamed doing collab with someone who have good idea like you and enjoying making a story with other potential writer to broaden my knowledge.
I also did considering writing user Dracus6 about Shield one. Not exactly like what he say in comments, but I think I need to put more effort at making the plot and interaction with each of them sooner or later. (I loved fiction and comics, but making one is totally a pain, and now I understand why people said Bakuman Is right about being one.ಠ_ಠ Mad respect for every manga artist or every other creator ever.)
Again, sorry for rambling like this. I had many things on my head lately that I really need to blow some steam.