Hello, everyone! This is a new chapter! Chapter 99! I hope everyone will enjoy it and without further ado, let's start!
Normal POV
After Kai had woken up and had his breakfast, Rimuru thought about what he could do for the day with Milim.
" I'll bring Milim to Shuna's place. There's a lot of cute clothes over there, so she'll have a wide selection to wear." Rimuru said
" That sounds great." Aichi said
" Hey, hey. Have you thought about my offer yesterday? You fainted before you could give me a reply." Milim said
" I'm sorry, Milim-sama. I'll have to refuse. I'm already satisfied with what I have now. Having that title just seems too bothersome and it'll get in the way of my duties in Tempest." Aichi replied
" Huh?! ... Oh well... It was a great chance too." Milim pouted
" I'm sorry."
" What was it about?" Kai ask
" About becoming a Demon Lord in name." Aichi replied
" Are you interested?!" Milim ask excitedly
" No."
" He straight out refused a real Demon Lord... Just a big, flat and simple 'no'... This guy has guts." Rimuru thought
" Besides, I have Aichi and Tasuku to take care of. Having a Demon Lord title will put them in trouble too. And also... I want to see how this place will develop under Rimuru-sama's rule." Kai explained
" Kai-kun..."
Aichi smiled warmly at Kai's explanation while Kai himself simply hid a blush and turned away.
" My desire is always to be with you, no matter when and where..." Kai muttered
" I know."
" These lovebirds..." Rimuru groaned
" Oh. Speaking of skills..." Aichi said, looking worriedly to Kai, " You got that too, didn't you?"
" You mean... that?" Kai ask, frowning
" Yeah..."
" What is it?" Rimuru ask
" Remember how we talked about an alien invasion? Kai-kun and I had been infected by their power once. For some reason, we obtained skills related to it." Aichi explained
" What is it called?" Rimuru prodded
" PSYqualia Zombies... A phenomenon where it infects another fighter when they are defeated. And unless you defeat the source of the Zombies, they'll remain 'infected'. Zombies will obtain the power of PSYqualia this way." Kai explained
" Zombies?! Damn..." Rimuru muttered
" So you can summon zombies?!" Milim ask, her eyes glowing in excitement
" I don't think that's what it means..." Aichi muttered as he hesitantly looked over to Rimuru, " ... I think you can check it, right?"
" Well... Since I technically named you, I can see what you have for skills. But I don't want to do it without permission since you guys should keep it to yourselves until you're ready to share it." Rimuru said
" I want to share it with you, Rimuru-sama. Look at the skill." Aichi said
Rimuru hummed and slowly thought about the request before finally nodding.
" Great Sage. Do the honors." Rimuru thought, sipping his tea
" Yes."
Texts appeared in his mind as he went through Aichi's skill until he finally found the one mentioned. He almost did a spit take when he read it.
" Wh... Wha... Huh?!" Rimuru sputtered, looking at Aichi, " Are you serious?!"
" Hm?" Milim hummed
" And the both of you have it?!" Rimuru exclaimed, in which both nodded in response, " What the..."
" Yes..."
" Tell me, tell me!" Milim exclaimed
" ... We'll discuss this later. Let's go." Rimuru said
They got up and walked around Tempest. Rimuru then waved Milim off after leaving her with Shuna to look at the clothes that were made in her workshop. Turning back into his slime form, they continued their walk.
" I'll be heading to the cave to check on the potion creation progress. I think Vesta is pretty accustomed enough by now and I want to see the results." Rimuru said
" To think that King Gazel would leave such a talented researcher here." Aichi said
" Well, we had a past feud but it's all good now. He seems to really like doing his researches in the cave. Do you guys wanna come with me?" Rimuru ask
" You also want to discuss about the skill, right?" Kai ask
" Yeah."
" Alright. We'll follow you, Rimuru-sama." Aichi said
Tasuku woke up from his sleep a few moments as he suckled on his thumb and whined.
" Oh, damn. Scratch that idea. Aichi, I'll rush back home to feed him. I'll see you later?" Kai ask
" Okay."
Kai flew off on a cloud while Rimuru and Aichi continued their walk to Kaijin's workshop. After offering Kaijin to walk with them to the research lab, they were finally greeted by Gabiru, who led them to Vesta.
" How goes the work, Vesta?" Rimuru ask
" Rimuru-sama. Kaijin. I'm honored by your presence. This is the latest version of my healing potion." Vesta said as he placed a container on that table, " What do you think, my Lord...?"
Rimuru looked at the potion and analysed it with Great Sage's help as the other occupants in the room waited for his response.
" ... It's the same thing that I make." Rimuru finally spoke
" Meaning...?"
" It's a Full Potion. A draught that will restore full health. Well done, Vesta." Rimuru congratulated
Gabiru and Kaijin immediately cheered for the success while a slow smile bloomed on Vesta's face.
" Congratulations, Vesta-san." Aichi bowed
" Thank you, Aichi-dono."
" You don't have to address me so formally." Aichi giggled
" No, I think as an executive, you have a right to be called formally." Vesta said
" Ah..."
Aichi just laughed awkwardly.
" I think if we sold this, it'd be a great source of funds for Tempest. What do you say?" Rimuru suggested
Kaijin thought about it before turning back to Rimuru.
" I don't think that's gonna be easy. This potion is too effective. We can't rely on it for everyday use. Fine quality like this is best reserved for high-level champions in life or death situations." Kaijin explained
" That's true. The potions sold in the Dwavern Kingdom are low potions, which are mass-produced by diluting high potions. What do you say to negotiating with King Gazel to have those low potions produced here in Tempest?" Vesta suggested
" Hey, that could work! If we produce and sell the potions here, the Dwavern Kingdom would only need to procure the necessary ingredients." Kaijin chimed in
" I get it. That would benefit both nations, huh? Okay, let's bring that up for negotiation. You guys can continue with the production here." Rimuru said
" Yes, sir!"
Right after that, Vesta and Kaijin started chatting endlessly with each other as Rimuru and Aichi slipped away after excusing themselves.
" Let's head back. You still have to meet back up with Kai, and I have to meet with Milim." Rimuru said
" Okay."
" About you skill..." Rimuru looked up at Aichi, " How do you feel about it?"
" ... A little uneasy. It doesn't seem to have any sentient nor evil intentions, but for it to show up just brings some bad memories." Aichi replied
" I see."
Rimuru then remembered what Great Sage had told him when it analyzed the skill.
'Unique Skill: Brandt. This skill includes the following abilities - Parent Zombie and Deletor.
AParent Zombie allows individuals Aichi and Kai to control any amount of PSYqualia Zombies under the skill's influence. Loyal subjects will be imprinted with a zombie marking akin to the Parent Zombies. However, they can choose to forcefully imprint their mark on any individual and comply them to their orders.
Deletor summons beings capable of erasing spiritual connections. If the user desires it, other possible erasures can be done.'
" It definitely doesn't seem like a Unique Skill that you guys would want." Rimuru sighed
" It probably is Brandt's last wish. All the planet wanted was a place of belonging. Maybe they latched onto us after our war with them and thus the skill being born because of this world's rules." Aichi explained
" Oh..."
" Deletors are one of the inhabitants of Brandt. To think that they're now under our control with this skill..." Aichi said
" Erasing spiritual connections sounds pretty scary..." Rimuru said
" It's a base of their skills in Vanguard. When you lose to a Deletor deck, your bonds with Vanguard is severed. I witnessed what happened to one of them. It's as if they were empty shells without a purpose or ambition. It was possible to regain that sense of purpose but it takes quite a bit of trial and error." Aichi explained
" Geh..."
They stepped on the magic circle and were teleported nearby to Tempest. Just as they stepped off the platform, there was a blast of fire that towered up into the sky before dissipating.
" Huh?!"
Rimuru went back into his human form and got out his wings. Aichi channeled enough wind element to fly him into the sky and follow after Rimuru. Both landed a few moments later after seeing the crowd.
" Souei."
" Rimuru-sama!" Souei exclaimed, kneeling down
" What's going on?" Rimuru ask
" I'm very sorry for not contacting you sooner. We sensed that something had penetrated our security net... Upon rushing to the scene, we found multiple Majin in the town square. They claimed that our nation was a perfect place for Demon Lord Carrion to rule. As soon as Rigurd replied to the man who appeared to be their leader..." Souei trailed off
Rimuru rushed past him as they found Rigurd wincing in pain.
" Are you alright, Rigurd?!" Rimuru exclaimed
" Rimuru-sama..." Rigurd winced before turning to face them, " Why, this is nothing! I feel perfectly fine!"
They flinched. Rigurd had half of his face melted off from the hit that he had taken.
" That looks terrible! Don't push it off as perfectly fine!" Aichi exclaimed
Rimuru pulled out a healing potion for Rigurd to use before looking around.
" And where's the guy who hit..." Rimuru trailed off, noticing Milim standing over someone who looked like the Majin leader, his mouth foaming
" Rimuru-sama..."
Shuna excused herself through the crowd to reach them while Kai landed from a cloud to stand beside Aichi to see the sight.
" What the..." Kai muttered
" I'm very sorry, my Lord. When she detected the presence of intruders, she leapt out before I could stop her." Shuna explained
" Well, I don't think anyone could stop her when she really wants to go." Rimuru said
" Ah, Rimuru! He was being extremely rude, so I gave him a good and proper spanking." Milim cheerfully skipped over
Rimuru held a hand on his head as he thought about what he should say.
" She was protecting me. Please do not be too cross with her..." Rigurd said, still healing from the hit
" They claimed to be the followers of Demon Lord Carrion. They did attack first... But depending on how they report back, it might make Carrion's impression on us worse." Souei added
This made Rimuru contemplate even more, frowning.
" Didn't you promise me that you wouldn't use violence without my permission?" He chided
" Hweh?! But... But no, that was different! They're not from this town, so it doesn't count... It doesn't count!" Milim exclaimed, flailing her arms about
" It counts! But since you protected Rigurd, I guess I can let you off easy. No lunch for today, that's all." Rimuru said
Tears brimmed Milim's eyes as she started crying.
" Nooo! That's not fair!" Milim cried, running towards the Majin leader and kicking him over to grab his collar, " Just one hit isn't enough! At least one more hit..."
" Stop, stop, stop!" Rimuru yelled
In the end, they ended up in the meeting room as the leader was sat across Rimuru on the other end of the table. Milim is sat on the sofa behind them, munching on sandwiches made by Shuna. Standing behind him was Benimaru, Rigurd, Shion, Aichi and Kai. Tasuku had been left in Shuna's care.
" Warning: The energy level of the individual named Phobio is greater than that of the individual named Benimaru." Great Sage informed
" So... Why are you here?" Rimuru started
" Why do I have to answer to a lowly slime?" Phobio scoffed, turning his head away
This answer displeased those standing behind Rimuru as he felt their magicules leaking.
" No. Stay out of it." Rimuru ordered
" Yes, my Lord."
" ... I knew it. Great Sage. Analyze the current energy levels of Aichi and Kai after their sudden evolution. Report it to me after this." Rimuru thought
" Yes."
" Hah! You actually obey this puny monster?! It must suck to be as weak as you lot!" Phobio laughed
" From the way you talk, I have to assume your master is very mighty, indeed." Rimuru said
" What? You bet your ass he is. Don't tell me you have never heard the name Carrion before." Phobio said
" Then watch your tongue. You were the ones who struck first. Your actions could lead to immediate hostilities with us, depending on how this goes. Is the decision to go to war with the entire Great Forest of Jura yours to make rather than Carrion's?" Rimuru ask
" Tch... Mouthy little slime."
" Great Sage would probably give me the edge if I got into a fight with Phobio. But I'd rather not provoke Demon Lord Carrion's anger and get into a war." Rimuru thought
" Shall I call the Dryads and have them prove my claim for this territory?" Rimuru continued
" ... We're here on Carrion-sama's orders." Phobio said
Milim licked her lips after finishing her food and stood up.
" Hey, Phobio, was it? What is it you called him? A 'lowly slime'? If you talk down to my friend, you'll really be in a world of hurt-"
Rimuru immediately decided to cut her off.
" The next time you do something, I'll take your dinner away, Milim. And I mean that this time." Rimuru warned
The others looked at Milim settled back down on the sofa silently and sweat dropped.
" Sorry about the interruption. Please continue." Rimuru said to the sweating Phobio
" According to Phobio, he was here on the orders to recruit us to his master's side. More accurately, he wanted either of us, or the Orc Lord... Whichever survived the battle. That would mean that other Demon Lords than just Milim were watching the battle in the marshlands unfold. I'll have to ask Milim more about this later on." Rimuru summarize this in his head
He peeked behind when Milim was releasing a threatening aura towards Phobio. She immediately reeled the aura back before Rimuru could look at her as he turned back to Phobio.
" You go back and tell Demon Lord Carrion that if he sends a message another day, I'll willingly engage in negotiations." Rimuru said
Phobio silently stood up as he started to leave the room, but not before sending a glare at Milim's way and left the room. Rimuru sighed and turned to Milim.
" Alright, Milim. Tell me about this Demon Lord Carrion." Rimuru said
Milim swallowed the honey she had on her fingers before getting up, holding her hand out.
" Sorry! I can't tell anyone about him. Even you, Rimuru. We have an agreement not to interfere with each other." Milim said
" Okay, so she's admitted that he has some sort of secret." Rimuru thought
He bounced up to her, transforming into his human form, sitting closer to her.
" Is it an agreement with just Carrion? Or does it affect other Demon Lords as well?" Rimuru ask
" Er, well..."
" So you won't tell me then? Darn. It would've been really nice to find out more from my best friend. I mean, I'd hate to accidentally mess with your big agreement without realizing it." Rimuru added
" Our agreement... My best friend..."
" Poor girl's conflicted now..." Aichi thought
" ... Hey, here's an idea. Why don't I make you a new weapon? As proof that we're best friends." Rimuru suggested
" Really?! Yes! Best friends are the best! Ask me anything you want!" Milim happily agreed
" Well, in that case..."
They listened to Milim explain about the plan to create a puppet Demon Lord by the other Demon Lords and Milim.
" ... And I guess that would mean that we prevented that plan from working out." Rimuru said
" To think that it was such a big plan... We were just trying to protect ourselves." Aichi said
" You've got to tell me about that story one day. It was when my body had been under Void's control, right?" Kai whispered
" Yeah."
" ... But it's different from the situation I had in mind... But does that mean that other Demon Lords are likely to interfere with us." Benimaru said
" This is an emergency. We ought to confer with Treyni at once." Rigurd said
" It'll be fine. Rimuru-sama has no need to worry about other Demon Lords!" Shion claimed cheerfully
" And there's someone that doesn't feel like this is a big problem..." Kai muttered
" Hasn't this nation's problem just become worse...?" Aichi murmured
They looked at the sleeping figure of Milim before sighing inwardly. However, their problem was going to increase...
" Masters! Please respond! No, rather, just listen to us for a bit!"
" Just get on with it! Hurry and tell them!"
" Right, right! Please just listen, if you're too busy to respond immediately!"
It was a communication from their puppets that had arrived. Listening to the puppets' report, their faces paled. This didn't go unnoticed by Rimuru.
" Aichi, Kai. Is something happening to you guys again? Hey." Rimuru called
After a few moments of silence, their mouths opened
" WHAT DID YOU SAY?!"
And that's the end of this chapter! Thank you for reading! I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter and I'll see everyone in the next chapter!