Chapter 5- What do you MEAN a slime is the chosen one?!
Hearing the guards' words, those near the gate immediately turned to face their ruler, admiration for the blue-haired beauty running through their minds faster than sound, as she(?) was clearly the reason Milim was so happy.
While Milim was unfazed, and simply smiled at her people (which shocked them further), Rimuru was not used to such attention and looked away, embarrassed, causing Milim to laugh once more.
As Milim and Rimuru walked down the street that directly lead to the temple-like building, a large, bald man suddenly starting sprinting down the street at insane speeds, kicking up a dust cloud.
When he arrived, he immediately bowed deeply, shouting, "Milim-sama, you humble servant, Middray is glad to see you have retur- wait, who is this?"
"Hm? Oh this is my bestie, Rimuru! Basically-" Milim then explained all of the circumstances leading up to this, aside from Rimuru's abilities.
As for Rimuru, while he did raise his eyebrows at the word 'bestie', he simply smiled slightly and started working on some preparations for something he'd been wanting to try since witnessing the ogres use weapons- skillfully, too. Due to this, however, the small amount of aura he'd given up on trying to hide as a way to let monsters differentiate him from humans, started to shift. The feeling it emitted changed, along with the energy that formed it. This unnerving feeling spooked even Milim a bit, so as soon as she finished her explanation (which Middray took surprisingly well), she tapped Rimuru on the shoulder, and said:
"Umm, Rimuru? Your aura changed into that really weird energy you mentioned and it's kinda scaring everyone. Mind changing it back?"
Milim's gentle hand and voice knocked Rimuru out of his train of thought, and so he finally realised what had happened, and reverted his aura to normal.
"S-sorry, I got a bit carried away with what I was trying to do." He apologised, before switching to a quieter voice, and saying, "Still though to think even that would have such a strong effect."
Milim looked at him curiously. "What were you trying to do?"
Rimuru replied, still quiet, "I'll explain, but it's to do with something I'd rather not say in front of so many people." Milim nodded with an understanding look before calling over one particular humanoid.
The young man, called Hermes, quickly understood Milim's intentions and teleported them to the temple with Spatial Magic.
...
(Middray 1st person perspective)
After being teleported by Hermes with Milim-sama and her guest, Rimuru, we settled in a private room with absolute soundproofing. Rimuru seemed uneasy to explain in front of Hermes and I, but after Milim explaining they were her closest subordinates, he decided to take action.
In his eyes, a light flashed, and a red tint appeared. The 'window' to his soul was blown right open, and its force was on full display, seemingly allowed him to make a better judgement of our characters. The feeling of having my soul scrutinised so forcefully was more uncomfortable than anything I'd experienced in my life thus far- I could tell it was the same for Hermes.
Fortunately, after about a minute or so, it appeared that he had made his judgement, and decided to speak.
"Well, it began when I saw the ogres fighting against Shizue-san. A young red-haired one, and the elderly, white-haired one I named Hakurou, manipulated both their aura and fighting spirit to create a more powerful attack with different properties. I, being 12 days old at the time, had never seen such a thing- thus, my interest was piqued. I have no knowledge of 'fighting spirit' other than the general concept of it, but I realised that I might be able to mix my aura with the odd energy that appeared in my Stomach due to The Son to compensate. Thus, I simply took some of the aura I had, and mixed it with the weird energy with a ratio of about 15:1- the result was apparently that uneasy feeling you all experienced."
"But why did you want to be able to do what they did?" Milim-sama asked, her childish curiosity at full force.
Unfazed, as if she'd usually had such an immature personality around him, he replied:
"Well, originally, I was simply no more than curious. It seemed fun. But, when I gained this form-"
Hermes interrupted with, "Excuse my rudeness, but what does 'this form' mean?"
Fortunately, Rimuru didn't look annoyed or offended and simply chuckled before turning into a shiny, gelatinous blob, about 50cm in diameter. A slime. Needless to say, Hermes and I were shocked.
Transforming back and continuing, Rimuru said, "When I gained this form, I realised using weapons would be possible. Now, as a former corporate slave, I only knew how to fight off sleepiness, not enemies. But, a skill of mine, Great Sage, had a solution. It had analysed the data of the ogres fighting and modified their techniques to fit into a combat style that could fight my abilities.
"Furthermore, while I was talking to the 6 who walked out from the bushes- the humans, goblin, wolf, and ogre-, I was using Predator to eat my slime cells, then I used Transmutation to channel the weird energy into those cells, before releasing them back into my body. I did this because I believe it'll allow me to use the weird energy with less effort, since I'm now partially made from the stuff. It was incredibly difficult to do, but fortunately, as a slime, it was easy to stop it from showing it on my face. To be honest, if it weren't for the fact that Transmutation was part of The Son, which was the origin of that energy before reincarnating, I doubt it would have worked. Fortunately, it did. The only issues currently left is that I haven't yet created a weapon, and I need to test the techniques GS created, and modify them if need be."
The shock from learning Milim-sama's 'bestie' was a slime had still not disappeared, so these words had failed to register. Fortunately, Milim-sama spoke out, snapping both Hermes and I out of our dazes.
"Wait, Veldora's inside you, right? Why not ask him for the memories of his fight with the Hero?" Milim asked, confusion on her face.
To this, Rimuru's expression shifted, and it didn't escape our notice that he pouted slightly. "Well, he started reading MY memories, and since about 30 minutes after I predated him, he shut up, and refused to speak! He was implying that MANGA was better than me!" He then mumbled under his breath, "Well, can't really deny that one." His pout become more obvious.
"Wait are you POUTING?! But you always acted so maturely before! Now you're acting waaaaaaayyyy too cute for a former human!" Milim-sama exclaimed, though she seemed to be struggling to contain the urge to hug Rimuru. Even I had to admit, he looked cute.
A bit shocked by Milim-sama's sudden shout, Rimuru quietly stuttered, "W-well... Around the time I met you, I started going through age regression. But, like, really fast, and it won't stop. I'm nearly at the mental age of your childish side..."
"Wait, if that's the case... I'll have a playmate soon!" Milim-sama jumped towards Rimuru full of glee, only to miss, as he'd passed out on the floor.
'Wait, passed out...?'
...
(3rd person perspective)
Milim's expression immediately filled with worry. Jumping back to Rimuru, she activated her Dragon Eye, a subskill of her Unique Skill Milim Eye. Quickly, her face softened with relief- but soon confusion took its place.
"There's no injury, and his soul isn't disturbed. Though I doubt much could disturb it... Middray, Hermes, leave," she ordered. Though clearly confused, they complied.
When they left, Milim fell backward onto the floor, pouting heavily.
"Ugh, how come it's so complex even I can't see the issue!" She rolled about on the floor.
...
(Rimuru 1st person perspective)
Feeling Veldora nagging at my soul (to little effect), I sighed on the inside, before turning my consciousness towards the area where Veldora- and apparently Ifrit- are isolated. I did notice Milim's worried expression at my body collapsing, but the apology and explanation would have to wait. I had to address the thorn in my soul's side first.
"Ahh, Rimuru! There you are! I'll get to the point- I'd like you to unlock the memories that contain the rest of the manga you've read!" the thorn shouted. Its voice was very agitating.
But, I did come to a realisation. Veldora is absolutely addicted to manga. Why not use that to my advantage? And so, the ultimate Storm Dragon Taming method was born.
"Veldora-kun, surely you've realised that this manga, while certainly enjoyable, is a bit too far below you to read so much without break, no?" I started off with praise. "If you continue reading so much in such a short period of time, you'll eventually encounter people who look down upon you. For a True Dragon born with majesty, surely this would be inappropriate for you? I, however, have a suggestion. To gain a counterargument against those bad people, who are, like, really wrong, why not take small breaks in between reading sessions to do good deeds?"
Veldora looked intrigued. Hook.
"If you do that, to anyone who says you don't live up to the majesty of a True Dragon by being a, a- a NEET, well, you can say this: 'Hmph, pathetic idiot, do you really believe on as great as I would fall prey to manga?! Never! Such a thing would be impossible. Unlike you greedy pig, I actually do good things too!' Hearing that, despite having started reading the highly addictive manga, you still take the time out of your days to help others, they'll truly be shocked to their core."
"Kukuku, kuhaha, KUHAHAHAHAHAHA! Truly, an excellent idea, fitting to come from you! So what do you propose this first good deed should be?" Line.
"You sure? It may bring back annoying memories?"
"Of course! Just what do you think of me?! Nothing in the world could annoy me! HAHAHA! Now, speak, Rimuru!" Aaaaand sinker-
...
Returning my mind to my body, the first thing I noticed was that I'd melted into a puddle during the time I was deceiving the thorn. It was, like, really uncomfortable, so I collecting myself back into a shiny blob. Then I felt someone nearly squeeze me to death. I could tell immediately that it was Milim.
"Rimuruuuuuuuuuuu! What happened?! You just suddenly collapsed with no warning." She shouted- I could feel her pouting due to the cheek she'd been rubbing on me. I responded with, "You know, people don't usually have the chance to give warnings when they collapse."
Milim looked shocked for a second but then became a bit angry. "Still, you better explain what happened!" As I had no need to hide it, my dazzling diamond orb appeared on the floor, and I tapped it lightly.
Milim turned to look at the new shiny thing, and immediately, memories flooded her mind. Her expression became that of someone trying to stifle laughter. "Yeah, he was a bit too easy to fool. I got what I wanted off him too," I said, thinking of the mysterious Hero who'd sealed Veldora.
Her skill with a sword seemed unmatched, and the power each strike carried was in no way inferior to that of Veldora's attacks. Her skills, mainly Absolute Severance and Unlimited Imprisonment, were very powerful too. I couldn't say I was shocked that someone like her could defeat Veldora.
'GS, start analysing the information, k?'
Notice. Understood.
Knowing that I'd soon have more data to assist me when I start practicing, I couldn't help but feel a bit excited. Unfortunately, before I could begin finding a way to construct a weapon, Hermes and Middray came in.
"Rimuru-dono, it is good to see that you are doing well. Milim-sama Demon Lords Carrion, Frey, and Clayman have arrived. It appears to be related to something you have previously discussed." Middray informed Milim politely.
"Really? Hmm... Rimuru, wanna meet them?" Milim asked as if a slime like myself meeting a Demon Lord was an everyday thing. Though, to be honest, a slime like me wasn't an everyday thing, so I couldn't really do anything but say:
"Okay, but don't blame me if they laugh at you for beings friends with a slime."
Milim simply grinned, before looking at Hermes. "Hermes, go fetch them!"
...
(Carrion 1st person perspective)
Arriving at the gate to Milim's capital with Frey and Clayman, we were faced with something that hasn't happened in a long time:
"Please excuse us, Demon Lords. We must check if Milim-sama is okay with visitors while her 'bestie' is here."
And with that, Hermes teleported himself and Middray away. All 3 of us, however, didn't move at all- we were far too shocked to do so.
"Bestie...?" I heard Frey mutter, snapping me out of my daze. Frey, the Harpy Queen, is a Demon Lord Seed who emerged around the same time as me. She has silver hair as shiny as the moon, and sky blue eyes fitting of the 'Sky Queen'.
I turned to see Marionette Master Clayman's usual annoying expression still plastered onto his face- his eyes were calculating, seemingly coming up with yet another scheme. He has pale lavender hair, and eyes red like blood. I'd rather just brute force my way through any issue, but I guess, he is a lot weaker than me, so maybe his underhanded nature is necessary for him.
Looking back over to Frey, I said, "For someone to be worthy of being her 'bestie', this person could be quite the character. I think it's probably best for us to be cautious." She nodded lightly, though she was still clearly in deep thought. I saw Clayman open his mouth to speak when Hermes reappeared.
"Milim-sama and his 'bestie', Rimuru-dono, have agreed to see you. Please allow me to teleport you to their location." He said politely. We nodded, and with a flash, we were in front of a door.
It was a door we'd seen many times before- not the door to a soundproof room where we usually meet Milim, but rather an area with a device to check for weapons on the person of a visitor. For us Demon Lords, it was more of a formality than anything. Still, like every other time, we complied, so as to not make a mess.
Passing, as none of us would dare bring weapons (because that would piss off Milim), we were then escorted to the door of a room we hadn't been in before, but knew about- the library.
Hermes knocked on the door. "Come in!" Milim shouted. When Hermes opened the door, what our eyes met shocked us.
Silver-blue hair carrying the grace of a flowing river, its shine prettier than a full moon. Features so perfectly placed they looked as if they were drawn in a book. Glamorous golden eyes, windows to a soul so radiant you could see it with your eyes closed. They looked to be a pre-teen, like Milim, and their looks were no worse than hers. The person was reading about spatial magic, legs slowly swinging back and forth, looking deeply curious about whatever they were currently seeing. Beside them were books that they appeared to have already read, about barriers, aura, techniques, and materials, skills, magic, senses, - all of them were rumoured to contain the most accurate written information about their topics in the world. After all, they were said to use Milim's knowledge. More shocking, however, was that Milim herself appeared to be looking for more books for the person to read- without a doubt, this was her 'bestie'.
...
(3rd person perspective)
Once the 3 Demon Lords had stepped into the room, Hermes moved to the side where Middray was standing. Milim placed down another book titled 'World History' next to Rimuru, who offered a small nod and a smile as thanks. Smiling back, Milim, beckoned the three Demon Lords to sit down, taking their attention away from Rimuru.
"Sooo, what did you guys come for?" Milim asked, curiosity creeping onto her face.
"Well, it's about the Orc Lord Plan. Gelmud has successfully evolved and gained control of an Orc Lord, but his plans seem to be deviating from ours. He has commanded the Orc Lord and a small portion of the Orc army to attack a village of ogres, rather than slowly taking over the Great Jura Forest as planned." Frey replied. Hearing this, though he still didn't look at the Demon Lords, his legs did stop swinging, as he was mildly interested. Only Milim and her servants picked up on this.
"Do you know if one of the ogres there was actually an elderly, white-haired kijin, wearing a white poncho?" Milim asked, picking up on Rimuru's worries. Frey looked to Clayman for an answer.
Snorting, he replied, "Yes, there was. He was one of the 6 that escaped the onslaught. Why? Is he important?" Hearing this Rimuru, closed the book he had just finished, eyes ridden with worry. Though he had barely spoken to the ogre-turned-kijin, the soul corridor formed when naming him still caused him to feel concerned.
Seeing this, Beast Master Carrion took the chance to ask, "Milim, just who is that person?" His amber eyes were filled with caution, but hints of curiosity could be seen peeking through.
Milim replied excitedly, "That's Rimuru Tempest. My bestie, my dad's chosen one, and Veldora's sworn friend. And the strongest slime in the world!"
Clayman burst out with mocking laughter, "HA! A slime?! What do you MEAN, a slime is the chosen one?! Milim, you've gone crazy haven't yo-"
He froze.
Not of his own accord- his soul just simply stopped itself from doing anything else to earn the ire of what had just opened itself to the world.
A red light flashed through golden eyes sharper than an obsidian knife. A once radiant soul had turned darker than the abyss, bottomless anger seething through the now-opened window to a fury Hell itself would tremble before. Yet, beyond the abyss, something remained calm. Scarily calm. In a void of uneasiness, it was as if it had never even felt the anger. And it sat there, lightly chuckling at the frozen 'thing' before it. The contrast was deeper than reality itself.
Milim, Middray, and Hermes recognised that void, that unnerving energy sitting inside Rimuru, and could guess what was inside it, but the anger was something new. However, Milim felt something resonate with that anger. Something imprinted on her soul that she'd long since hidden and locked away. Wrathful King Satanael. The embodiment of anger. This resonance allowed Milim to understand Rimuru's anger, not just see it. Thus, she just smiled happily and acted as if Clayman wasn't going through a mental apocalypse.
Only after an hour had passed did Rimuru look away, his gaze not angry, but cold and collected, a satisfied smile on his face as he started to read 'World History', allowing GS to add it to her databases.
Clayman on the other hand- well, one couldn't he was in the best of shapes. His hair was disheveled (some of it had even fallen off), his eyes had rolled into the back of his head and back around into his face, and his body shook irregularly. He had very few actual enemies- but his soul would the remember those eyes. The eyes which slashed at his soul with its immeasurably sharp daggers.
And then, he left in a flash. He was too scared to stay.