Update 14 July local time: I reread the PMs and revs, almost got brain damage for banging head too hard on desk in the process, woozy, then freaking trip to the floor (twice), waiting for inspiration to hit but b*h won't come even if I asked politely after tried my best to split my time with chaotic IRL schedule, open PC, almost got tempted to use Red-bull again before remembered stomach and head cannot handle the aftermath, play my sad violin playlist (freaking cried and then longer to post), EDIT again on FF site when file corrupt, cause why not? voila. This fix happened, which should be coming ages ago… I survived another exam after this out too so no excuse could save me from my readers wrath.
It was the definition of 'What the heck am I doing' and 'Leave it or change it?' scenario, so here you go. If y'all expect an update then no, sorry to scare ya, I'll be fixing what had should be done months ago. Chapter 2 should be next after this, 3 might be later as I must finish Rss 14 then fixing some loose knot.
Hopefully, it was much bearable to read and comprehend. It was hurt to see work you proud of was so subpar and… Yeah, bad. In the current standard of readable literature.
Original AN: This is first ever story I ever publish in this site, before reading it. I want clarify several statement and facts.
Disclaimer: I do not own SAO or Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken/That time I was reincarnated as a Slime, both series respectively belonged to their owners, Reki Kawahara and Fuze sensei. What I own in this site are this fiction alone as long it existed and can be read for everyone that clicked on it.
Warning for recurring typos or hardly coherent sentence that might confuse or trigger several readers because I'm lazy and ignorant at least on year one this original chapter got released. Can skip whole AN because I'm aware this is so boring to read after usual disclaimer and reminder it got updated, so jump to next line break. Enjoy.
Second, this fic timeline parallels the timeline of the original novel, SAO is right after the first cour of Alicization, basically after the defeat of certain purple haired usurper, while Tensura is the time when the Tenma Great war arc ends between Yuuki and Rimuru, but I'm not taking the events after Rimuru eat him and start from there, it's purely original. An AU of sort.
Of course, this is going to be a 'Spoiler alert' for the fans that haven't watch or read to the point of this fic take place (I'm rusty cause way too focused on irl stuff so my knowledge on slime verse is rather inaccurate on some parts so warning if plot hole popped up).
I will mainly focusing on Kirito stories as in SAO counter part because I already have a basic view on how the stories will go after coming up with several ideas when writing this chapters. After first arc then slowly goes to final. My original idea might be around 30 to 40ish chapter, maybe bit of omake here and there if I had the chance but mostly wouldn't go past fifty at my current rate of writing as my early passion of 2020 got a bit tamed even if my skill improved from monstrosity I had wrote as middle schooler.*edit
I'll try my best to make Rimuru and friends relevant as much as possible with my story goes without making them too overpowered within my writing capabilities.
Third, yes, I know Rimuru is OP af with many of his retainer, I hear you saying;
"Rimuru would be too OP! Why would you set this at this point of time?! This story doomed to be boring…" Well thank you for pointing it out sir…
No Kirito won't be OP as f* (at least in an explanatory reason why he's one). Might be after warrior undergo training and stuff, but not that overpowered, star king? Hm… I won't spoil, but it was around there but not quite.
If you don't like it, then my apologies if my work bore or plain not cup of tea of your preferable stories. Both on story progression and the choice I make around Rimuru and the gang later down the line.
Lastly, please kindly drop a review on what I could or should do to improve this story. I'm not the best at English, but frank assessment is a great source for improvement.
Enjoy!
C.1 Awakening
It was a promise made under the towering tree that had touched the endless skies. A simple word they took sincerely to their hearts, growing along with the nurtured friendship till old age finally separate them.
The fragrance of baked pastries and milk blended perfectly with forest's clean air, warmth of summer's sunshine basked them in further glee enjoying their meal spending a proper childhood they deserve to held dear.
Merry laughter of children traveled through the grassy plain by wind assistance that resembled a perfect harmony.
A memory from bygone days that turned into bland yore.
The perfect childhood that should remain perfect, a sacred picture that he held dear in his heart.
But fate wasn't kind, as life taught him the hard way so he wouldn't dare to forget its first-ever teaching, it had taken her away from them, from him.
She had sinned, an act deemed utterly wrong by the lessons they learned they able to recite without reading it. Yet reality he wished is nothing but an illusion remained. Where she didn't.
Hopeless cry of the one who should keep them tied together was pushed to the ground to silently weep, howling hoarsely akin to a beaten animal his voice could allow, reaching out to whatever savior hearing his wish to save a single girl he desperately reached out.
The other watched in utter denial; stoned to his core, knowing who was wrong and who was right, yet cannot speak his mind from uncertainty preventing him to move as color red pulsating with churning sound clouding his vision.
As their last moment together was no more but a hurtful parting where it crumbled to the sea of sands scattered across winds of time.
Unable to be touched, nor be relieved by the hands who wanted no more but to recreate more memories with two people he treasured dearly.
He had no choice to live as a simple woodcutter, doing menial tasks until loneliness claimed his old soul, living day as a normal person who treated that past as its name, past. Intrusive thoughts never lingered long enough urging him to ditch his current cage.
Yet once again,
Fate wasn't done with him, it had given him freedom, the chance to redeem and make his own choice.
A greater story, a role far greater than he could ever imagine. New land to walk upon, broader horizon to explore. New adventure to go through.
Living a tale longer than he ever heard in his lullaby.
That it pushed him not to the brink of destruction, but a far greater position that was right under his nose all this time. To stand beside him, not as his shadow, as an equal he had dreamed of since their meeting in years and parting.
With Wings made from pure wind carried them to their next vast blue skies to fight what they believed in, and not because the world pushed them. But by their free will.
.
..
…
Dark…
An endless chasm, it was my first intelligible mental picture to registering an image my mind able to recognize as a wipe of darkness completely veiling my vision.
As if I had spent an eternity in a deep slumber from what I can describe as a never-ending walking through an unreal plain. An unexplainable sensation that was difficult to describe.
Where?...
Then there's this seeping unbearable pain that erupted all over my body, not to mention the unrestrained slap from five people slammed towards my cheek more than several times. Especially pooled solely on my midsection.
But it cannot be compared to what my chest felt, I can only describe this sensation as opposing the very definition of living. Empty, that's the most correct answer. There's no other word that could represent what I felt.
Where am I… I asked once more, cracked tone entered my ear, akin to sound what glass would make if it was ripped instead of shattered.
My eyes observed once more, there's nothing, literally nothing in my line of sight. The unending color of black stretched farther than my eye could see.
Sensation but pure detachment was absent.
It's… It's cold…
My mouth uttered weakly; it was another disconcerting sensation.
It should be normal and another commonplace reaction, but it was very foreign. Like repeating a phase my body should be accustomed to; a baby experiencing its first winter without parents' protective warmth would be an apt metaphor of this rush of icy-cold nails digging through my skin.
Just… Where am I?
The endless darkness nurtured the foreboding terror inside, quadrupling it with a late realization that I had spoken without a mouth to note of, so is hand, legs, and even my whole body entirely vanished.
No, not vanished. Identical to glassy sculpture, terrifying lines of green and red branching endlessly, filling this glass-like container with brimming water.
My mouth didn't move the way it was supposed to be, I had botched my entire pronunciation. It was wrong, utterly wrong. And…
I cannot stand this cold,
Please… Drive this freezing sensation away…
I wished quietly, the longer I washed in this wave of unfamiliar chill, the colder my soul left unattended, this defenseless would continue the longer I am exposed to this severe frost.
Pl-Please… Make this coldness go away… I wished to no one in particular, hoping my word would somehow able to reach someone.
[Notice, proceeding to actualize the desired request,]
What- ah-aaack?!
[Result would be altered according to the base stats petitioned, notice... Due to above than average stats on water and ice affinity parameter, fixed resistance would be match to be on par with the affinity meter. Result, [Cold resistance] and [Ice Resistance] would be integrated.]
My mind wondered openly, who was the voice, what with all this term and name that passed my understanding, as it sounded familiar yet didn't.
The rush of cold finally stopped as well, but the pain worse come so abruptly, halting my capability forming intricate thoughts.
Cramps and stab of needles fade almost as instantaneously as it came, squashing me from both sides to a splattered paste from sheer rush, if my mouth were able to speak properly, the drought on my lips would crumble to sands.
This place… It's so Dark… I wished I can see what beyond this veil… My mind chooses to avert the pain by describing what's before me once more
But it's no use. The pain and its effects from previous pain rendered me defenseles-
[Notice, individual thoughts process would be sorted into a practical version...]
?!-… Aaa-! It came without warning yet again,
[Confirmed, turning initial demand based on available choices using alternative measure, applying changes, proceeding to add body modification into the equation...]
Wha-!? What is… What is this-!? Guaaah-?! I exclaimed, no, what might be an act close to a confusion, fueled by a sudden pump of adrenaline injected to every drop of my blood.
The lines expanded and shrunk in pattern. Headache filling my brain coming from my eyes as the black peeled off smoothly like prying fruit skin.
[Result, skill, [Night vision] and [Heighten basic sense] would be constructed. Applying skill on available vacant slot… Success.]
My mind sharpened, all my emotions are in complete wanton, everything seemed to move faster, brighter, bigger than before…
Strangely enough… I'm able to keep up with it… It felt perfect…
[Continuing… Passive Skill, [Fear resistance] acquisition would be integrated from excess resource expended, successful. Modified change would be applied momentarily…]
…-!-?! I kept struggling, vehemently so.
Flailing around uncoordinated in a supposed sea of endless white room stretched in asymmetrical shape if my body able to do so.
My mouth gaped for air, only to feel suffocated further in the attempt.
Yet, I'm alive, I felt no fear, as if it was taken away before it could send me into a sporadic rush. It was there, but it shrunk to the point it couldn't take the control of my chest.
But, by this strangeness had force me to think too negatively, that this shouldn't be possible.
A man cannot handle this excruciating pain and remained sane, so the only explainable answer was the one that made me feared the most.
Is this my punishment for being weak? The words crawl up to my head. Like it's the most natural thing. That I would feel this over and over from now on?
This whole indescribable place, the pain, the searing headache… My mind mistakes this place as the afterlife. Because it can't be anything else.
I can't understand what's happening anymore... Is this truly my judgment? For fall for such a trick? For not being strong enough? For their sake? I ranted, I cannot handle the pressure and gave in, letting my heart speak freely to elevate my fear that already reduced to cinders.
The jumbled emotion messed with my cerebration, I cannot stop it, because I wanted to let it out…
The bottle up emotion sealing my frustration shattered, the stuffed negativity spilled out unevenly.
I wanted to be strong, I want to protect what is precious to me! I had enough for being weak and unable to protect what I have! It always slips away from my finger no matter how much I train and try that it drove me crazy!
Yet… Am I worthy?… To hold them dear to begin with?
I can't even protect the one who really matters to me… Can I even stand proudly beside him with this regret?
The person I respect the most, one that's ready to cast his life away for the world. The one who will sacrifice himself for the people he held dear?
Where I…
I…
All of me…
All of my motivation… One single desire that kept me going to move forward… Regardless whether I had become better or not… To chase a single a Girl meant the whole world for me?
Can I do that?
…
I wanted to be a hero, I have to be one, it has to be me and not only for my sake, but for her and his who trusted me, giving me so much support that I cannot pay back no matter how many years passed.
Instead of weeping and moping, he had moved, he done the right course of action I'm unable to take. I yearn for that courage. To take the matters by myself and not others.
To not being a hypocrite and done nothing, More than once, that my goal, my desire, my entire existence was but for Alice alone.
To bring her back, to amend what I failed to resolve years ago. That I was not wrong, that it made me remain sane and hope for the best in people… He had taught me that.
And I would prove him right no matter what,
[Warning... irregularity would swiftly be countered, processing collective thoughts,]
-Ack?!
[-applying feasible alternative via algorithm calculating method, Confirming. Skill would be granted by altering viable options into practical form by current information.]
-! Once more, it began…
[Filtering demand... Granting feasible option after altering desired combinations for maximum composition-]
I wanted-no, I must scream. My soul has no other options but to do so. It begged me to yell in pain and spam in pure agony.
[Skill [Mental resistance], [Psychological attack resistance], [Protect], and [Strong will]. Acquired-]
Buzzing noise saturating my head, instead of blankness that should wash my consciousness away, my awareness doubled, fluctuating wisp surrounding me grew, I felt safer if I ignored the searing pain in my chest swirling into an unending maelstrom.
It wasn't over-! Another side of my mind warned angrily, bracing me for it.
[-Secondary considerations from enlisted abilities, ability [Ice resistant] will be modified as the expected affinity above the fixed requirements. Transforming in progress… Success. Unique Skill, [Ice manipulation], Unique Skill [Water manipulation] and Skill [Ice affinity] for increasing potential utilizing Ice-based elemancy magic, conformation. Skill successfully assimilated…]
I gasped, both from pain and rush of newfound sensation currently having a tug of war inside my body.
I felt fulfilled, Unlimited.
[From byproduct of remaining magic energy, additional skill would be added from remaining information to complete previous request, Skill [Null magic] will be given to Individual…]
…-!
I cannot pin-point where it came, as the recurring echoes greatly messed my perception of direction to locate it.
Aaaa… Haa-!… Aaa-… Aaaaa-…! The grunt weakening to pant, growl turned to tired heave. But I'm still able to voice out loud what managed to remain from my initial confusion.
This pain shouldn't be possible if I already died, the one who already passed on shouldn't be experiencing agony what land of living did.
Soul… No body… Died…
I died…
Kirito-
Aaah… I remember,
From the beginning. Everything, that you were there with me from the start, that's why I looked up to you so much, that you stood for Alice and has my back,
'Night sky' sword. It's a good name…
It sounded close to my Blue rose sword… I'm glad… I'm really, glad… That you finally named your blade at last… That I finally able to be at use at the very least for you…
With this…
[Notice, reincarnation process would finish shortly, due to lack of necessary information. No additional skill would be granted, searching alternative options… Conclusion, equipment, 'Blue Rose Sword' would be placed near the individual to finish the transfer sequence…]
I…
[Warning-]
-!
[Item is damaged, unable to transfer directly from original world due to data of the desired equipment is corrupted-]
…
[-Result, item will be re-created from remaining pure mana energy from 'world' reservations to fix lasting damage-
...Aaah- Even in my last moment… You're still there for me… Thank you…
[Generating Item, refining base stats; sharpening the blade edges…]
Blue Rose…
[Notice… Bonus parameter for individual compatibility the weapon parameters reached satisfactory level, additional Skills will be added. Skill, [Sword affinity], [Sword art], [Sword skill]. Notice, [Ice manipulation] will be upgraded into [ice manipulation+], and skill [mana manipulation+]... Success. Individual's base skill with swordplay will also increase exponentially to match the sword tier.]
All those terms sound so… Foreign… I can't understand them completely.
[Confirmed, additional [Comprehension] Skill would be added shortly to fill the remaining slot… Success.]
What is happening… I'm too tired to make use of unending information washed upon me… So… Sleepy…
[Warning, Individual had reached the bare minimum for necessary requirements for the blessing. [Hero egg] will be marked into individual souls for successfully passed the minimal requirement line to achieve the Hero status from noble deed Individual "Eugeo" committed in his life, 'The World' acknowledge "Eugeo" as a Hero candidate.]
Drowsiness took my ability to stay awake momentarily, but my spirit wasn't enough to resist it… As my last thoughts were-
[-Candidate will be reincarnated shortly due to the mana sequence being cut off.]
Mana?...
Reincarnation?… A Hero… Candidate?…
…
Alice...
...
Kirito…
.
..
…
Confusion, then spiked apprehension, it came in order after semblance of awareness filling my mind, it was an odd sensation of drowsiness slowly being exorcised away.
Line of where am I or where in the heck popped into my consciousness.
It was more of a combination of statement and strangled confusion, followed by growing irritation.
Where the heck is this place?...
The second thoughts wasn't much different than the first, considering my condition was justified to let out such demanding order, it grew hoarser following my heart uneasiness.
My attempt voicing my discomfort is shortly thrown to the dumps, lacking proper decibel to be labeled as one, but it didn't stop me from trying harder, but it brought me to another snag that had missed my initial observation.
Specifically, that department, because… I can't, see anything…
Literally, There's nothing here… As far my iris could capture, there might be no sign of life other than mine, even if it did…
It's too dark to discern whether they are visible… What is going on?… I wish it were a bit brighter or something… My consciousness rant akin into an overdrive state as it came out in soft mumbles from my lips.
And that's the other thing, I don't have it either. It was utter nonsense that I already able to mumble my frank assessment in my rather not so ensconce state. So how-
[Notice…]
Wait, who was-
[-sed from thoughts process, available information would be processed accordingly,]
…-! Uwaa-?!
[Integrating modulating in-]
Haaa…! hA! Ga…Kghaaa…-! The?!… Wh-what-?!
[-Confirmed, Skill [Night vision] is selected to match previous request, processing... Successful.]
Why this place-… Suddenly became... White!? No, blindingly bright?…
And why does my brain felt like it just survived a hazardous roller coaster ride without my skull protecting it?…
…-!
Once the situation sunk in, it jolted me aware.
This growing dreadfulness, certainly not easing me in anyway.
Who's there?… I shouted, at least an action closely resembling one, expecting a response along the way.
There's someone else beside me in this void of nothingne-
No, not someone, something.
One shouldn't be able to have such dead intonation no matter how lacking kindness or normalicy is. The sound I didn't hear accidentally was far from being called human.
Strange, indifferent… It chilled my spine, the buzz in my neck spread throughout my paralyzed body. It reminds me how different machines are from my knowledge.
Considering how bizarre this entire situation is, taking a hint should be on my priorities list, yet my stubbornness refusing to give up and repeated the same action.
No…
Before growing numb, no, an act replicating the supposed horrified display a human use when horrified as their flight or fight instinct took over.
Because… Because, I had spoken without a mouth, nor a body.
There's no skin or beating from my chest signaling I have a heart, not even a single droplet of blood run through the imaginary vein scattered like unfixed wires on clean slated floor.
Color of white never scared me till now, I can see all of them, transparent and very much working. It only lacked a physical manifestation to prove its existence wasn't an illusion, but if that take into consideration.
Then me, as the one who own this supposed body, was not real.
The eyes which supposed to see black, red, and green lines inside confined area resembling limbs would not be real too even after I complained there's a literal flash-bang brighter than one of biggest solar system blew on my face.
Theoretically, I am present but not; a kind of paradox. If I am correct, then this is also not a manifestation of Schrödinger's cat theory. It felt awful,
Having-no, I cannot trust my sense of touch and judgment just yet, there's gotta be an explanation that might answer this irregularity no matter how far-fetched it is.
Although,
It does explain why I am unable to cry louder than I capable of when there's jolt of pain ran me over.
I have no mouth, not even a voice cord, if I did shout louder several times.
Not exactly limbless, but cannot be called one either, there's no physical body to represent my current existence when they're in concept of 3D mapping not made by flesh and blood.
But it raises more question than necessary-
Just where exactly am I? Exactly, I doubted this is mere dream, I can't be an equivalent of human sized model wiped out from physical representation in definition of colorless kaleidoscope before it turned pure white canvass, but voice from earlier put more theory inside my head for much later,
A lucid dream? that's the compelling explanation I can come up with, and it shouldn't be possible because the lucid dream pain receptors would instantly went spiral out of control without a palpable body.
Is… That voice from before was nothing but imagination? Am I asleep somewhere and having a lucid dream?… I let my thoughts rampant out loud,
Hahaha... It's not funny… Not funny at all… Before succumbing to hopelessness,
Hey… Anybody… If you can hear me, cut it out already… I can't speak without hurting myself, mortal mass that doesn't move, no eyelids and forearms to protect my irises takes the full weight of endless white.
Cut it out… Normally, I would me stubborn, but in this case…
Please… I'm not in the mood for it. If this truly an empty space created by human hands, then… by all means.
Stop.
I am nothing but a guinea pig waiting to be tested, as more and more scenario played horrifically. What would they gain by doing this?
But "One" blaring reality stood out the most from all of it combined.
I failed again. The word came without a warning, oozes with venom and annoyance, particularly towards myself… It wasn't a warning, nor a statement. But fact.
I hated that word…. I abhor every letter constructing it.
My irritated mind solely raging on that single word.
The wormhole of white pushing me further to focus that single sickening news. Preventing me to think a better way to escape my-
Failure,
…
I was not completely alien to it.
As a swordsman, it teaches me to be strong, learning from my weakness.
Making me grew to be a better person, not bitter, as I had preached so many times in the past.
Yet why this specific word hurt worse than it had been?…
As a figure and someone that treasured me, by swore my name to avoid it happen under my watch so they able to smile, to see the next day without worry.
I have encountered so many of them, pilling in heaps on the corner, left unattended that consumed my sanity.
Yet now it escaped my conscience why did it felt like gnawing ravaging dogs.
So… I lost my Life again…
The declaration has never been so lifeless, hollow and downright bitter, even if it was the true death I had experience for real in my short life, it was by far, the shittiest one… and that was putting it lightly,
If only…
If only I wasn't that arrogant…
Now, I had remembered the reason why I am kicking the bucket pale to the disgust haunting me as the memory resurfaced.
If only I'm able to push through better and kept my ego in check…
If I was stronger. I'll be able to save them both, if only I can sense and understand how dangerous that woman truly is…
If I only didn't break down from that pressure …
They...
They won't...
[Warning-]
Wha-Uaa-?! Uaaaaaaa-?!
[Due to lack of necessary information, request will be sorted one by one from internal mental activity, matching supposed demand collected from 'what if scenario' calculations, forming possible choice to composite-]
Graaahk-! UaaaAA-?!
Aaaaaa-!
[Confirmed… Skill [Danger detection], Skill [Planner], Skill [Calculator], Skill [Probability conversion], and Skill [Strong will] would be added continuously, result... Success.]
What-! is this-!?
Gyaaaaah-!
Guttural howl overwhelmed me, a dog that howl in pain after his leg jabbed by piked club.
Comparing this pain to wounds I received for the past two years, the horrible near dying incident, incriminating and quadruple in blunt delivery in that world, was nothing but blasphemous association.
[Warning, vessel cannot handle multiple strain inserted at once, to prevent lasting damage in the long run, insertion process would be slowed and stabilization setting would be added to match necessitated measures.]
The…Voices... are talking inside of my head?… Or surrounding it?...
The potential that my mind was taken away from my body and stuffed in a damned confined place spiked my already tall hostility, but one word from those announcements threateningly released the boiled anger stowed inside.
'Success'? you say?… Don't screw with me.
If I was any more suicidal, a string of blatant curses would follow that roar, but the pain prevented me to do exactly just that.
We finally defeated her, yet… and yet… I can't even protect what matters to me again?…
The cost for my stupidity and negligence is that I've lost my life due to my damnable actions that can't move for one that I cherished the most?... I almost even failed to one critical task that almost resulted in complete failure.
Like I did when I lost Asuna?... Where my fear of rejection prevents me to act logically that took Sachi's life as the cost?...
And now…
Him?… of all people that I failed to reach because of my weak resolution, back when I had the power to do so and chicken out before could jump in…
That it needed someone who I pathetically called lacking courage to do what's right?…
Him? Who needed to pay the cost the most?…
Why?… Why, why?
Why why why why?! WHY?!
Damn it!
I won't accept it!
[Warning, voice of the world cannot comprehend individual current thoughts process, result… Individuals won't be getting skill due to lack of necessary information.]
…
Stop it…
Stop it… I don't want to hear about it…
I don't care anymore….
…
If only…
If only I had power like my old self... One that sought only to survive in that cruel world… Making precious bonds that I'm able to held dear…
That black hero that can save everyone, I… I-
I don't want to lose anything or anyone ever again…
I had enough…
I've lost enough friends and precious people as it slipped from my fingers.
Reliable?... Know they can trust me?
Dual wielding?...
Stop screwing around... I trashed my body.
I'm not worthy of it, but… If only... If only I just can use it properly… They wouldn't have to lose their life for me.
My hand clenched and unclenched itself more than once.
How can I redeem myself if all I had is this weakness that keep pinned me down from able to do what I should've do if not for my inability to do anything right!?
I roared, demanding answer more than eve-
[Warning, individual wish are being converted into mana wave, erROr-]
?!- Ack-?!
[Data are incorrect, searching for solution….]
Aaaa-! Uaaaaa-! Pain, it came back, slowly spreading from every crevice of my skin and reaching towards places my eyes cannot observe.
Changing the structure of my body into something I can only describe as inhuman, but still retaining its old form.
I could feel it, not by sensation, or sound that kept coming back over and over, but from a mere hunch. That I will remain human. That I would remain sane after undergo this treatment.
The blood vessels spreading throughout my body transformed, growing bigger and shrinking chaotically in order as each shock tap sent out a burst of electricity.
Locked my brain into a state of constant frenzy as the scene literally screamed from a horror scene.
["Black swordsman" avatar data would be integrated to vessel soul as solution, beginning of reconstructing sequence…]
Flash after flash of memories bypassed me, like a separate screen playing each recollection of my past akin to a movie, a wormhole of time tearing through vacant space sucking me in into a violent trip to the past.
From the very beginning till the end. The pain forced me open my eyes watching every bit of the frames on the glitching screen.
As if I had played a rewind of my life decision without the pause button slapped me across the face for taking that decision. Every single one, with their consequence and the failure it brought.
The regret, the thrill, the mistake… Everything…
I should be proud, that in my short life, I had going through a tragedy a person could never took in stride and still could do good things.
That I cannot die just yet to live their life for them. That is one of my many resolve I promised to myself.
That I have a lot of things to correct. To finish once and for all until the last drop of my blood spilled from my veins.
But…
It was too much,
So, I rejected it after a scene, a single, scene … That finally broke me.
As it became the most prominent memories I had come to detest, to remind myself why I hated to let down everyone who had put their trust in me…
I had died, so… I can't kill myself just to apologize… I was…
Actually, satisfied with this end… But… He, not able to… To walk again under that gentle sunlight, and reunited with a girl he loved dearly?
I can't…
[Notice, irregularity found-]
I don't hate the failure itself, but the result how that failure would shatter those fragile trust I had painfully collect and mold to something irreplaceable.
That it had break others happiness…
All because I can't act… At all…
But the reminiscent already sapped all my strength to resist… I don't even have the freedom to tear my heart to pieces as the pain had shoot through my being to the very core…
So… Isn't this the perfect punishment?...
[-Due to the data of the avatar owner has been corrupted,]
But I have no choice but to move on, to go keep going forward, to live by holding those regrets close to my chest. To let go my regret, because deep down, I knew being sorry and weeping. They would never live it down.
[-one of individual weapon will be switched with [Night sky] sword in its replacement to balance soul conditions…]
I chanted weakly, because if I couldn't, who would?
[Began to transform the imaginary value…]
All my eyes could do was glued to the shapeless object in front of me glowed differently from the endless white canvass. The past who I abhor, yet thankful no much conflicted I am seeing it once again.
A kindred object that shared one thing in common.
[Warning... Avatar assimilation had reached 100% success rate. Individuals will be given, Skill [Sprint], [Hide], [Battle healing], [Martial arts skill], [Searching], [Night vision] now is upgraded into [Night vision+], [One handed sword mastery], and [Sword throw]. Unique skill [Dual wielding], Skill [Sword art], [Sword affinity], [Sword skill] would integrate into individual soul after fully combining the two vessels into one entity.]
The pain subsided, and swelling thumping slowly recedes, especially inside my chest, exclaiming how it responds to the sudden torture.
It felt incredible, bizarre and a tense sense of sadness plaguing it sure, but incredible nonetheless. Fulfillment words alone couldn't properly express it
[Notice, due to individual affinity with swords, Unique skill, [Sword mastery] will be reconstructed… Successful, Individual received Skill [Mana manipulation] due to requirement using mana to activate [Sword skill] trigger as a base requirement. Results… Success.]
... What with all of this?
… Am I really dead?…
Because there shouldn't be an announcement like this. A familiar tone I have heard over the years. It shouldn't be possible hearing this in my final moments.
…Like it was mocking me on what I had forget after survived that flying castle.
Was Kikuoka messing with my head? Is he screwing with me behind that screen with all of this nonsense?...
Laughing at my failures?… I swore I will strangle that bastard myself if he had hand in this!
It's the worst joke a person could use as a prank… Even if I made it all the way up, I'll be damned if I die in vain...
...
Who the heck am I?... A Hero?… Cut it out.
I'm not one, I would never be one… Even in my heart, I'm not even one when I defeat Kayaba or Rescuing Asuna… I'm simply no one, but one of those who got the chance to put end to things before it gone off the scale.
I was too busy running away from the reality and actions that people believed and trusted what I had done when I finally defeated the so called 'The Demon King' who trapped everyone…
I'm not even become one when I climbed back to settle with the past once and for all… Mixed between reality of what I see and what other forced me to see.
When I failed him… I lost every single right to claim that title for myself no matter he proclaimed I would be his hero no matter what.
I am not worthy to become one….
No...
If only I was stronger… If I was wiser… They... Everyone... Don't even need to pay my sin with their lives...
I am no hero… I've never thought of becoming one.
Never will be… Yet again…. I let myself be swayed, overestimating myself to do what I can't never become…
Hey…
Anyone… just answer… Can I fix what I truly broke?... Me?...
A Man that can't even save one single damn life?... One that sacrifice the one he cherished?
This is the best Jokes that I ever heard in my entire life… No Wait… I'm already Died….
So, if I did amend what I do wrong… Will I able to do it right in the end?...
Anyone… Just answered me…
[Notice, from the lack of available information. Data would be gathered from individual thoughts process, skill [Mind eye (False)] due to complex wish and reaching the basic requirement of receiving the skill, result. Success… Warning... Individual deed and action with the available combination possibility. Individuals have the chance to become a hero… Result. [Hero egg] will be given into individuals souls, as 'The world`acknowledge Kirigaya Kazuto has passed the minimal Requirement to become one. The mana sequence is being cut-off, individual will be reincarnated shortly.]
… Reincarnated?...
A chance to become a hero?...
Me?...
… Hahaha… So…. even if I did try…
I can't go back there….
Sorry…. everyone...
….
Sorry Eugeo... Alice…
I failed…
I failed... to keep our promise again…
"Ah! Rimuru sama! Good morning!"
"Waah! It's Lord Rimuru!"
"Rimuru sama! How about stop for a bit, some freshly picked fruits would be great to start a lovely morning!"
"Lord Rimuru! How are you on this wonderful morning!"
"Hm! I'm great! Thank you everyone! Don't let me stop you and enjoy your day as well, okay?"
""Yes~!"" This was a usual scene to see, an everyday occurrence.
A jumping ball that might be made from pure happiness and joy was spreading that energy to those in its vicinity.
A city that was nothing but an embodiment of that respect and reverie of a single person who deeply treasure that pure affection. Even if that city was one of most advanced civilization in the world.
This is the land far to the south of Brumund, centered on the vastness that is Jura forest. The country of Tempest, the nation of monsters and Demi Human who was the embodiment of ideal that every race could co-exist in peace.
The city itself is a merge between the futuristic type of district between European and old Japanese apartment from earth infrastructure.
Honestly? The sole reason this place is so close to that was because one person influence, that was too late to stop before it goes blowing out of proportion.
Suffice to say,
"HO!~ Isn't this?~"
"Yes! It's one of Rimuru's sama idea! Please have a taste!~"
"Uhm~! This is good! Keep up the good work yeah?~"
"Yes!"
Despite having bunch of skyscrapers and advancement all over the district. The country managed to retain its natural charm and freshness of the Jura forest's greenery.
As time hasn't done much to its geography. Moreover, the hospitality of citizens that would make a vampire softened seen so much innocence of children on the streets. No matter how bloodthirsty or evil they claim, there is something about the Tempest that makes people feel comfortable.
The city has its own a charm of that relaxing, yet still put big smile on the face of the society that live in it despite bustling with activities around them.
Each district in Tempest has its own unique charm and landmarks, the sole ruler of the city govern the entirity of scattered area with ease is one of the eight infamous demon lord, demon slime Rimuru, who also recognized as mother of chaos due to the power its possess and its way action in recent years.
Which is also the same slime who was hopping through the market in such good mood.
Beautiful gold coloration on the clear blue-sky skin. Adorable and squishy sound follow the esteemed ruler of monster nation whenever it goes.
The most infamous, kindest, and strongest member of the Octagram's as "Mother of chaos" and "Turbulent Bringer" is none other than this delightful slime.
Rimuru Tempest was and would remain as a nice person at heart, a very easy going individual in many of course of decision you would ever met, whether it was peaceful negotiation nor frontal conflicts.
Although if you getting on the bad side, Rimuru won't hesitate to use force to get things done at some point. Demon lord tendency and quick to answer with violence nature, Rimuru was one who rarely hold back when needed.
And from third person perspective enjoying their morning.
Rimuru is just taking a nice stroll in the town the slime loved and created.
"Hm… How is it Kurobe?" Rimuru asked while cocking head, or body for that matter.
"Hum…" The blacksmith hummed absentmindedly, inspecting every inch and cranny the weapon he was holding. The beautifully curved uchigatana reflecting the smithery dimly lit lightening.
"Sword of Tempest" is one his pridefully created masterpiece, he was in term of fighting and other base in the country was one of the mundane ones, but ain't that unimportant regarding how critical his current job and sole passion for years.
His lord was asking his help! How can he have the gall to refuse?! And able to hold that honor being able to service for him would bring no greater joy for the master blacksmith.
The sword of Tempest is one of the divine weapon Tempest possess, as it was the favorite of Rimuru's arsenal, it would be a challenge and mockery of his skill if he cannot touch it up to be more marvelous than it already is.
"Again, thanks for helping me out as usual, hopefully I'm not interrupting your break time?" Rimuru called as the man had fully inspected the Katana till last microscopic nick.
"Hahaha! There's no way you would interrupt me Rimuru sama, surely you jest." Kurobe waved off happily.
"It would always an honor to be a help for you, don't mind to drop by often, everyone could use some motivation from time to time in this place." He added in the end with a big grin. Putting down the sword on the one of his many Anvils.
"Aiyaa~ If you praise me like that then you would make me blush~" The slime bashfully reply while going red, the rest of apprentice laughed together from their lord fluster. Even to this day, such honest praise is too much for Rimuru.
"So? Is there something else that I can help you in this warm beautiful day?" Kurobe nudged calmly, taking his hammer and readying himself for the day.
"Nah… I just taking a simple stroll today…" The slime offhandedly answered, jumping down from the anvil to a short roll.
"Well, I had some work to do in the afternoon, but taking it easy is one of my mottos. You should know me that much! Ahaha!" Rimuru let out a belly laugh while making a cute shape.
"Ahahaha~!… True…. That's Rimuru-sama we know after all…" Kurobe laughed at his master jab.
"Oh, by the way. Are you busy for the rest of the day?" Kurobe managed to inquire before Rimuru left the front door.
"Kinda, Shuna already got covered, Diablo is on errand till afternoon so I was free till later anyway." Rimuru merrily exited the shop, going towards the main street. The pile is neatly waiting to be signed and finished, though no matter which species, paperwork would be the bane of every living being existence.
Diligent or not, five hours of procrastinating would go nowhere so better take a walk before finishing the job for good, motivation skill to finish job early or not, overdosed by it was nothing but agony.
Hence the slime giddiness taking a small walk to the forest for the rest of the lovely morning after snacking through vendors across the street offerings.
"…"
Bright, warm, and gentle. The sensation was so lenient as it stirred him awake.
The boy grunted softly, shielding the gentle sunlight from his eye as he slowly waking up. His brown close to light hay swayed followed his head shuffle, the tamed locks rustle idly.
The blue clothes that hugged his body were neat even though they were covered in grass and the smell of fresh earth, but they never stuck to the silk. His age was that of twenty from how his eyes glanced around him. Yet the youthfulness of his expression gave that of baby face genetics.
Emerald color and cross between weariness and curiosity. Greenery of forest took his breath away, using one of knee to help him standing up, he took note most of the wild plants were not what he was used to see or found. His surprise was not concealed by the awe his gaze had.
Animals who were wary of him since his appearance leave one by one as the boy entered the land of awareness. Running away from flight or fight instinct.
His observation always giving him the same information this place were filled by strong scent of nature, almost untouched by human or bipedal being. And after a moment of scrutiny,
"… Is that," Emerald land on a single object, lying on ground. His hand already reached forward followed by his body.
Motionlessly and almost unperturbed by anything. Art, there's no word to describe the object as other than artistic flair listing the sword's features one by one. From the very pummel until frosty tip.
It gave the boy sense of familiarity, a friend he had met since forever, filling a hole that needed to be close, that was the sword true duty.
As it was both tool for hurting enemies, it was also function to protect the user safety with those it treasured dear.
He kneel down to take it, both hands asses the weight, it was heavy. Heavier than most long sword he had encountered, yet the easiest to use. Sculpted from what seemed to be glass tempered to be unbreakable.
Thin and reflecting the ray of sun with ease, the noise of clear water is sliced resembling the mirror being tilted and tapped gently. He swiped the air, three forceful gusts manifest instantaneously.
Making his long coat billowed slowly behind him as cold breezes swept meters from his presence.
"… Blue Rose…" The boy uttered a name, it was not cryptic, nor loud.
His calmness holding that sword proven how much he had using it.
Frosty leaves as crossguards, cylinder hilt and tied with deep blue vines, a single rose flower bloomed to its full glory covered from a translucent layer of snow. Its blade was so clear that it could reflect the user's expression by just staring at it.
It doesn't need to take long exposure to note that Blue Rose… This sword, was different than he had remembered. The leaves were far more resembling a true Rose leaves than clear crystalline cross.
He had yet to spoke another word, yes. His mind was full of questions. But that's not it.
As all of it was answered one by one silently from the world's ears. His grimace and focused breath giving everything away.
All of them till he awakened in this warm autumn forest. That…
"…That…" All three of them…
They faced off against that woman, that witch, who proclaimed to be the true goddess. That the boy had sacrifice his life, giving all his remaining energy for-
*Zrrrtt….. Zrrrtt…..*
"... Who... Who is that?" He weakly shook his head, dispersing the headache and buzzing sensation off from his ears.
He can't remember the name of the person in his memories. Yet, why does he know the sight of his back so well? That it pained him to couldn't even remember his face?
"..." As far the young man know.
He already passed on into this world, leaving the two of them behind.
Edit: Massive improvement on the wording and sentence structure itself, trying to make the story less of a kid ramble and be as close to both aspect of both anime in action. No, I didn't ask my beta reader on this one because had summer school and who am I to interrupt him?
I really trying hard on blessing segment, hard to replicate those robot analogy and speech pattern you know? T_T, again, sorry if this take way too long. Chapter 2 should follow if I'm not neglecting this because IRL being a meanie to me.
Some skill name has been revamped and a clear definition what happened to them in reincarnation process that seemed more plausible and worthy to note of.
Again, thank you so much for reading this and giving me support. So, thank you once more guys and I'll See you soon.