A Dangerous Guest

Rigurd's Village...

The Adventurers found themselves having food served before them straight off the Teppan.

Not that they'd know what a Teppan is. All they see is a platform of iron with Engraving Magic on it so it can cook their meat.

Eating monster meat is nothing new.

Before, everyone is IFFY about Monster Meat. Is it even edible? Tasty? were the questions back then, until the founder of the Free Guild tested things out by himself, and categorized species that can and cannot be eaten by the guild's Adventurers or soldiers on an expedition. And the older the monster, the tastier.

'Whoa, what a clean way to cook meat!' Ellen admired this method as before them was a black iron plate on top of two stone blocks. They got a bowl of sliced meat strips, evenly cut into inch-thick, 6 inch-long pieces. enough for a mouthful for hungry adventurers. And now, they're sizzling their meat on the grill and the fat within is starting to melt, providing the oil they didn't have. They all have forks, a small plate and they each waits for their share to cook.

'Yeah, no stinky smoke of charcoal either and smoking up the house! No idea goblins have such neat stuff!' Cabal grinned.

'We should ask how to make this at least, or bring home one if they're not telling how to make it.' said Gido in excitement. 'I hope we get to bring home one!'

'But still, this village is full of tents because they're clearly building here.' Ellen mused as on the way here, Land is being cleared. Tents all over the place. 'Did they relocate?'

'Probably, that depends on food.' said Gido. 'If there's no food in one place, you naturally relocate.' he reasoned. Monsters clearly can't farm, hunting or foraging is all they've got, he thought. Its simply rationale. Tribes will relocate as many times as necessary or go hungry!

'Ooh, it's almost done!' Ellen squealed in excitement as the meat is almost done.

xxx

'I see, so those Adventurers got lunch.' Rimuru mused as she talked with Rigurd. She tends to sit with Rigurd, Rigur and the Dwarves as she's overseeing operations and they report to her. It's lunch time, so while everyone waits for their lunch, the wolves are already eating theirs as they eat raw meat and marrows.

'Yes. But is it OK letting them stay?' Rigur wondered anxiously as he's nervous about humans in their village.

'I used Telepathy and read their minds. They're good humans and not scouts for their countries. Had they been spies with bad intentions towards us, I would have killed them on the spot for everyone's safety.' said Rimuru while inwardly shuddering at how easy she can say such things now. She supposed its because she's a monster now that her way of thinking has changed that she now sees monsters as kin. Not humans any more even if she herself used to be human once. The change is a little...unsettling, she thought.

The dwarf brothers also shuddered at her cold way of thinking. But indeed as ruler, you gotta do what you gotta do for your turf and your subjects. Her ideas are too incredible for a Unique Slime.

'They're here to investigate the Forest Activity since Veldora disappeared. Not our problem.'

'Oh...'

'They're a bunch of clumsy, danger-prone Adventurers though. With bad luck with Aggressors because their leader is dumb enough not to leave well enough alone.' Rimuru chuckled. 'Really, poke a nest of Giant Red Ants with a sword to see what happens? They said they were chased nonstop for three days!'

Her seatmates' expression was priceless.

'They won't last long.' Garm croaked out, wide-eyed.

'Kufufufufu...on the contrary, they became B-Class Adventurers with a high survival rate through training from hell thanks to being idiots.' Rimuru giggled. 'They got good luck in that regard.'

'That's a rather do-or-die way to become great and very few will survive that.' said Dord, stroking his chin.

'We better go see how they are doing.' said Rimuru, bouncing towards him and jumped up to Rigurd's shoulder and they went while the others waited for their meat to cook.

And so...upon peeking into Rimuru's tent, the sight was hilarious.

Ellen, Gido and Cabal seem to be in an eating competition as they look like chipmunks, having stuffed their cheeks full.

'Whoa, eating competition now?' Rimuru joked as they all swallowed. 'Just remember you have twenty each, OK?'

'Thanks for the food!' Ellen chimed.

'So what will you do after resting here for a bit?' Rimuru asked them.

'Well, after about a night's sleep we'll continue in our job.' said Gido. 'We got an information-gathering job but they won't tell us why we gotta investigate the place.'

'Oh...'

Rimuru knows thanks to talking with the Dwarves.

But as these guys act as Informants, its best to keep quiet lest thanks to her, Blumund gets angry with Dwargon for keeping what they know to themselves.

The reason the brothers knows is because of Kaijin who has a great relationship with the King, being one of his most trusted.

They had been there, when Kaijin got 'that one order'. Thus confidential ain't confidential any more. But to a monster, that information won't matter.

There's fear that without Veldora's presence keeping them in check, they might rise and start their attack on anyone else.

'For what it's worth, I'm the Leader of this Party, Cabal.' Cabal then pointed backwards with his thumb. 'This is...'

'I'm Ellen!' Ellen chimed.

'And I'm Gido. Yo.' Gido greeted.

'I already heard you guys call that lady Shizu.' said Rimuru. 'Nice to meet all of you.'

'Well, Shizu's a temporary member who happens to go the same way as us.' said Cabal. 'So she's here for a short time. We're here under the orders of the Kingdom of Blumund.'

And Cabal told them of their plans, like he never suspected anyone before in his life, Rimuru thought. Your job IS Gathering Intel in Capital Letters. Shouldn't there be a Confidentiality Clause in your job description as what you may have, might be...classified?

So just cuz' they're monsters mean they have nothing to do with human issues?

How careless. But in this case, it benefits her.

She long knows what Blumund is up to.

Well, looks like her new father's disappearance caused more of an impact...than they realized. Countries are sending people to check in on the area post-disappearance. Before planning something new, that is. Like, Border Expansion as Rigurd suspected.

Jura is a laaaaaarge territory. Neutral Territory.

Second in size is the Eastern Empire.

Third is El Dorado, the Country of Magic. A country at the south away from the main continent.

Next to that in size is Dwargon. The entire mountain range of Canaat is theirs.

Fifth is the Dragon's Capital, then Kingdom of Ingrasia, Jistav, Sarion Dynasty, Holy Empire Ruberios that's mostly half uninhabitable mountains with half flat land, Fulbrosia which is mostly mountains with little room for land-dwellers and Harpies took root in the mountainous area, Eurazania, Falmuth, Blumund, Republic of Ulgreisia and the tiniest being Kingdom of Siltrozzo.

Between Ingrasia and Sarion is Neutral Territory of many small self-proclaimed Kingdoms the size of Siltrozzo. And the very west is a barren wasteland. So barren and so useless nobody wants to rule that place. The north is even worse: extremely cold! The most anyone can stay there is three days before quitting!

For now, since he's just in her stomach, analyzing with Great Sage, she let Veldora have access to her massive memory collection of her manga and memories of her watching anime at home to spend his time by...as well as ahem, giving him a taste of school. Earth School. By morning, he deals with school day memories whether he likes it or not, before he can read and watch her fun stash. Hey, her supply isn't infinite, OK? Had she been rich, she can do just that!

'Well, as you can see we're building our village after relocating.' Rimuru told them. 'Food in the old area got too scarce due to competition, as well as prey being scared away by Monster Turf Wars by stronger tribes. Without Veldora keeping them in check, its now a free-for-all for the sake of increased territory and that means bigger hunting grounds and infamy. Welp, our issue has nothing to do with Blumund, right?'

'I guess so, right?' Cabal turned to Gido who shrugged.

'Yeah, the Guild doesn't have a say in neutral territory.' Ellen piped up. 'But what about Blumund itself? We work for the Guild, not the country.'

'Nada. Zilch.' Gido snorted.

'You're lucky so far not to encounter a Turf War. Rest while you can.' Rimuru advised. Then she teasingly said, 'Life is like a wheel, you know?'

'D-don't tease us like that!' Cabal sputtered as their eyes popped at the laughing slime. She implied they might get real unlucky and come across a Turf War as soon as they leave! They don't want that!

'Rigurd, treat these guys well.' said Rimuru. 'I'll continue with overseeing construction operation after food.'

'Yes ma'am!' and Rimuru slithered out of the tent.

'...ma'am?' Gido croaked out, unsure if he heard right. 'But Slimes don't have gender?'

'...Rimuru-sama is a Unique Slime.' said Rigurd. 'When everyone and their ancestor knows what Slimes are. She's the only one of her kind with an actual gender and powerful. Someone powerful clearly Named her.' he said. 'When we were goblins and those conflicts began, she came upon our village asking questions. But given how strong she was, we implored her for protection so she's now our guardian...and as other monsters feel her aura, they leave us alone. We could freely and safely build here.'

'Heee...'

'Milady is nice, but you know what NOT to do.' Rigurd warned them. 'As our guardian, we always come first to her.'

xxx

Late afternoon where the sun is a golden hue in the horizon...by the lookout point, Shizu stood. It was where Rimuru found her.

'Hey, do you have a minute?' Rimuru asked her, flying to be at her head level. 'I...just wanted to make sure. You're from Japan, aren't you?'

'...yes. Those words from earlier made me suspect you too.' said Shizu. 'You said 'I'm not a bad Slime'...its a line from a videogame, right?'

'Haha, no idea what game is that, probably what boys like.' Rimuru giggled. 'My taste in videogames is a lot different.'

'How different?'

'I'll show you.' using Thought Communication, Shizu saw a young Satoko playing Ragnarok Online, Warcraft III, Starcraft, and RPG Playstation Games...it was naturally, in Rimuru's POV. Come adulthood, she was playing VR games!

'W-wow...those look fun.' Shizu gasped in amazement. 'How did you come to be here?'

'...it was morning when it happened.' said Rimuru. 'I was minding my own business, walking towards the train station to commute to where my job is. I was a General Contractor so I'm an expert in Construction.' she told Shizu. 'I was about to cross the street when I felt something sharp and thin dig into my back and my purse was taken...I realized I got stabbed...and I died from internal bleeding.' she said softly. 'Next thing I know, I'm a Poring, like in that game I showed you. Been here for five months and still counting since my death.'

'I see, so you reincarnated.' Shizu mused softly. 'Well, Porings don't exist here and you're the only one.'

'Mm. So we'll settle for the uncute universal term called Slime.' Rimuru sighed. 'And I'm not even slimy!' she complained to Shizu's amusement. 'What about you?'

Shizu looked rather somber.

'I'm...a Summon.'

'Oh man...a Summon?' Shizu could hear the distaste in Rimuru's voice. 'That means you're torn against your will from all you've had. Family, friends and your normal life and forced to be in the military as a so-called Hero.'

It takes more than 30 mages to perform a ritual that lasts several days to bring an otherworlder. They would gain unique skills while on travel here, and are 'expected to perform' for their summoners as weapons. Then a curse is placed on their souls to ensure they can't defy their summoners.

'Well, other human nations do do that, but in my case, its a little different.' said Shizu. 'And its not like I have family or friends left.' she said, looking at the sinking sun with a sad gaze. 'My town was burning, engulfed in flames...'

'...a war?' that means...WWI or II?

'Bombs fell from the sky.' Shizu continued. Its an air raid that destroyed her town then. 'My mother and I fled. But...'

'...I see.' Rimuru can guess. 'Well, my only question remains...did you live well here despite everything? That at least you had some happiness here?'

'Well, I have had many meetings and goodbyes, but my times with other people, I cherished.' Shizu told her. 'But I can't stay anywhere for long.'

'I see...then I'll show you what became of Japan after the war.' Rimuru connected with her again to show her Japan's changes since Satoko was a child. School. Residential Areas. The city. Parks. Different places. The Nightlife.

'Waaaah...I wish...mother could see this too.' Shizu moaned longingly, admiring the changes of Japan compared to what she knew. A miserable time. No way of knowing if there's a tomorrow because of war. And she lost all she had on that one night.

She who was four years old, was raised to 'grow up quickly' and was trained in running, so she could run with her mother without stumbling when things got worse...and the worst came.

The Air Raid on WWII. The Bombing of Tokyo.

She wasn't a burden to her mother, but she was killed by falling burning debris...while Shizu herself was Summoned.

xxx

Next day...

Shizu left town early.

She glanced at it one last time to bid her silent farewell, but Rimuru got to her, riding on her wolf Ranga.

'You're an early riser huh?' Rimuru piped up. 'Slimes like me can't sleep, unfortunately.'

'I'm leaving actually.' said Shizu.

'Eh?'

'If I stay here, I might bring trouble for you.' said Shizu softly. Rimuru can't know...this town will be in danger because of her! Its why she needs to go. 'The goal of my journey...is to find the man who summoned me.' she told her.

'I see...well, come back and visit anytime.' Rimuru knows when to NOT inquire further. 'But if there's a way to send otherworlders back home, let me know OK?'

Shizu smiled weakly.

'Sure.'

But the truth was cruel, Shizu thought.

There is no way to go back. They made sure it's a one-way street.

xxx

Rimuru thought that's it.

Early that morning after breakfast, Cabal's Team would go.

The ladies took a bit long...or rather, it's Ellen who took long. Those ringlets aren't easy to make.

'Jeez, what took you girls so long?!' Cabal complained.

'Girls always take so long to get ready.' Gido sighed.

'Ahahaha sorry sorry!' Ellen didn't sound apologetic at all.

'Haha, at least they're here.' Rigur chuckled. 'We can guide them to a safe area then.'

However, Shizu stood still.

'Shizu?' Cabal blinked but suddenly, she shook, shakily wrapping her arms around herself, before inevitably screaming in pain, collapsing on her knees. 'SHIZU?!'

Her mask cracked...and a force threw it off her face.

Next thing they know, she floated in the air, before the skies darkened as light came out of her. Her sclera is now red with gold-colored eyes.

"Great sage, scan her!" Rimuru instructed urgently, quickly morphing wings.

/Analyzing Subject: Shizu Izawa.../ in her mind, a scan was performed. /Magicules of Flame Element rapidly rising...Incomplete Spiritual Fusion Detected. Possession Imminent./

'Shit. Rigurd! Rigur! Evacuate the whole town now! To the forests!' Rimuru barked. 'This is an order! Shizu is possessed by a flame spirit due to Incompatible Spirit Fusion! It's overpowering her!'

'But what about you?!' Rigur gasped out as Shizu exploded in power through a ball of fire...before becoming a majin.

'I'll handle this! Go!' the father and son left to do as told. They have to evacuate everybody in the vicinity and shelter at the farms until its over.

'Ifrit...no way.' Cabal shook as memories are definitely jogged from his noggin'. same with his teammates as they know of one person known to have an Ifrit Spirit.

'Then Shizu...is actually Shizue Izawa?!' Gido sputtered out in disbelief.

'Y-you mean the Conqueror of Flames?' Ellen stammered out, terrified. 'There's no way we can win against someone like that...'

'Not a chance.' said Gido bluntly. 'We're gonna die here.' then he wore a jaded smile. 'My life is so short...'

Ifrit then conjured three pillars of fire, making quite the explosive force, making Cabal conjure a barrier to shield his team while Rimuru shielded herself. And out of those pillars...are Fire Drakes.

'You three, you handle the Drakes.' Rimuru instructed. 'I'll handle Ifrit myself. This was beyond Shizu's control! The reason she retired while avoiding human civilization...is most likely this! She knows she's a ticking time bomb thus prefers to be alone!'

'...she lost control, is what you're saying?' Cabal drew his sword, ready to fight. Gido took out his knives and Ellen raised her staff. 'The reason she joined us is she prefers to die in this forest?'

'Yeah. She didn't want this.' said Rimuru grimly. 'I saw her crying before Ifrit fully took over. Incomplete Spirit Fusion wore her spirit down over time until Ifrit can finally take over.'

'At least she's not out for blood.' said Gido. 'But we're gettin' her out.' he said in determination. 'She was one of us even if only for a while!'

'Leave the Drakes to us!' Ellen told Rimuru. 'Please take care of Shizu!'

'Aa.'

Rimuru wasn't a gamer for nothing you know!

Water magic won't do shit against Shizu's Spirit's caliber. Ice Magic will! In video games, Ifrit was the strongest fire summon. And there's no Shiva here so she'll have to pull off her best equivalent of it by talking to Great Sage to help her 'pull off a Shiva' to one-shot-kill Ifrit before she eats it with Predator.

/Yes. Proceeding with calculating for the temperature and necessary power levels.../

'Never thought I'd fight a Legendary Hero one day!' Cabal snarked.

'You never know where life will take you indeed!' Gido agreed. 'One drake per guy!'

'Yeah!' and the trio split up, leaving Rimuru with Ifrit.

Ifrit was in utter disbelief, and annoyed that the humans left A SLIME as his oponent? They think a SLIME can defeat him?! Preposterous!

However, he found himself quickly smothered with a blast of neverending snow that's also shockingly cold it damn hurt. How can a mere slime do this to him, a High-Class Flame Spirit?! It's a Slime dammit, a SLIME!

The damage was terrible, drastically weakening him, Rimuru thought. If the dude had an HP of 9000/9000, her attack devastated it to 449/9000.

"Predator, now!" and her slime body smothered Ifrit...

She never gave Ifrit a chance to show off, as its her village on the line here, OK?

xxx

Ifrit found himself in total darkness, neverending space.

He thought it's an illusion so he blasted his way out, but the flames simply went straight with no end in sight.

Give it up, Ifrit. he heard a deep voice. He looked around to find who said that.

You can never win against Rimuru...my cutest offshoot kid. Kukukukuku...

Then did Veldora show himself to Ifrit, horrifying the flame spirit at just WHO is his companion in this space.