That time I got reincarnated as a slime does not belong to me.
Turn the Clock:
'Ready?'
-Yes.-
'Alright then.'
Rimuru took a deep breath and exhaled. He should wait with this, really, but he wanted to see all of his friends as soon as possible. For some he had no choice but to wait but...
It was so lonely.
"Come forth, demon! And serve me!"
He did not have any physical offerings but with what he had he could substitute what was needed for the demon to manifest. He hoped it was his friend that would answer. He had no reason to doubt Ciel and no justification either but seeds of doubt were present no matter how much he tried to will them away.
Rimuru wanted to cry out in joy but restrained himself. Diablo was here, he was here!
'Ciel, you're awesome!' He inwardly cheered.
-It was only possibly through Master.- Is what she said but he could feel the pride.
He fully looked at Diablo, or as he was now, Kuro. The Demon was kneeling with his eyes closed. His head bowed. Not unusual but still...
"What task do you have for me, Master?"
Task? Oh, right. You don't just suddenly summon a demon and ask him to serve you, right? Uhm, think, think. Make it look natural.
If the demon was looking at him, he would see Rimuru avert his eyes nervously. Then he had an idea "Recently the monster activity increased and we've picked up on an adventurer group entering the forest but lost sight of them. I want you to find and bring them to our town." He pointed to his left "It's over there. Can you do that?"
"Such a simple task is no problem for me." Well, yeah, it was made up on the spot "Can I expect to be put to use by you afterwards?"
Well, that was convenient but he didn't wanna seem like a push-over either, so-
"First, prove to me that you can be put to use."
He stood up, bowed and disappeared.
Rimuru sighed in relief, that was over. He returned to the village and informed them that he had summoned a demon that would later arrive with a group of adventurers because honestly, this was Diablo, there was no way it wouldn't get done. And if it took a day or two in case they didn't enter the forest yet.
But he'd sensed them so they were. All that was left was saving Shizue.
Not even an hour after Diablo returned, three slightly terrified humans behind him. Yeah, maybe that wasn't the best idea. Shizue didn't seem fazed at all, as expected of a Hero. He asked Rigurd to get them something to eat since their equipment was lost, like before. Seems Diablo found them after they committed their usual stupidity.
Once they were out of sight, he turned his attention to the demon "You brought them here, you have my thanks."
"It was nothing, I am unworthy of your praise. Rather, please forgive my rudeness, about my earlier request to become your humble servant… Have you made your decision?"
Rimuru grinned brightly "Of course! From now on, you are one of my comrades. What's your name?"
He wondered for a moment if he would respond the same or reply with his 'colour'.
Disappointingly it was the former "Oh! You are too kind! But one such as I am a mere nameless demon."
He makes it sound like he's just a small fry. Seriously.
-Compared to you, he is.-
'Hush, Ciel, hush.'
"Then I'll give you a name. You don't mind, do you?"
He had a delighted smile on his face "Will you truly? 'Tis the greatest reward imaginable!"
Yeah, he knew. This world was seriously name-lacking. Why did he have to do the adults job?
He felt like Ciel wanted to say something but was holding it back. Oh well, not his problem.
"Then your name shall be Diablo! Receive that name and become my Guardian Deity!"
At that moment, a considerable amount of escaped from him… well, it would have been considerable had this been his old self. He watched silently as Diablo was enveloped in a black cocoon.
'Did everything turn out alright?' He was slightly worried.
-Everything is within my calculations, there is no need to worry Master.-
'Good. Thanks.'
-It was nothing.-
He hummed and contemplated sitting down and waiting for the demon to finish but he ended up going towards the adventurer group. He would see Shizue again!
He entered the tent in his slime form and all eyes turned on him "Pleased to meet you! I'm Rimuru Tempest, the slime. Not an evil slime."
The three adventurers responded by either choking or spitting out parts of their food, what a waste but Shizue supressed laughter which put their attention on her. After they finished their meal, they introduced each other, Cabal introduced Shizue. The immediately spilt their reason for their presence. As well as how they ended up chased by giant ants for a day and a half.
At least it wasn't three days this time. They were very shaken though and asked if he was going to send the demon after them if they left. He, as a result, had to explain that no, he wasn't going to do that. He merely sent the demon to find and help them. They were free to leave anytime once they rested.
That was when the topic of Veldora's disappearance in the cave came up. Well, let's hope that if they meet, they won't notice? Shizue would probably, he had to talk to her before that then. But for now, he would let them rest.
It was early evening when he noticed her loitering around before walking up to the cliff outside the town.
"Hey!" He called out and she turned to him.
"Hello. ...That line from before was from a game, wasn't it?"
"It was! Excuse my question but are you Japanese?"
"I am. I assume you are as well. It's strange though, I never heard of an Otherworlder being brought over as a monster."
"Ah, brought over is the wrong word for it. 'Reincarnated' fits better."
"You're reincarnated? Must have been hard."
"Who knows, there are worse things that can happen than death. How did you cross over?"
She lifted her mask a bit "I was summoned. But it seems I wasn't who he wished for but still, he saved me. But... I do want to beat him, it's impossible for me though..."
"Should I do it for you? A favour for the first Otherworlder I met."
"No, it's fine." She laughed lightly "This is my business."
He sighed disappointed "Then I won't bud. But if there's anything I can do, tell me."
"Will do." She put her mask back on and waved "If you'll excuse me, I'm going back to the others."
"Have fun!" He waved back with a smile. He'll save her and then she can do whatever she wants. There will be no need for her to fear getting close to others. He'd make sure of that.
His face turned neutral "Diablo."
"Yes, my lord."
"..." He paused for a moment "I want you to patrol the area surrounding the village for the next two days. Take some of the riders with you and keep anyone from entering. Something is likely to happen."
"Understood."
Diablo vanished and Rimuru returned to the village. The earliest it would happen was the next day. Better not slack off.
The evacuation had already began, he had made sure it would be as fast as possible. To his left was Diablo, to his right the adventurers who refused to leave behind a comrade. Really, a certain nation might get angry at them if something happened to Ellen!
Veldora was god knows where doing god knows what.
"I get how you're feeling but please leave already." He stared at the three "I'm going to save her so don't worry."
"But-"
He wanted to sigh, he really did "In about ten seconds, a heat wave will knock you out."
They apparently realized I wasn't kidding because honestly, that was a Fire Spirit and a strong one at that, so they retreated but he could still feel them nearby. He telepathically informed Ranga to deal with them and focused on the Spirit that had taken over Shizue.
So eat plan 'Eat Ifrit and save Shizue without the stupid spirit' was finally put in action.
-I keep saying it, but that is a rather stupid name for a plan.-
'Well, nobody needs to know.'
-...- He had a bad feeling about this… -Commencing the establishment of thought communication to inform everyone in a radius of 2 km of the successful naming of the plan.-
'No! No! Cancel it! This instant!'
-Understood-
Seriously.
"Diablo, can you enforce the barrier around here? I don't the outside world to notice the villages existence right now."
"Of course, Master Rimuru."
Good, he didn't mind Diablo staying but what he was going to do now isn't something the world should in any way take notice of.
He calmly strode forward while ignoring the attacks launched at him. Fire was useless against him, Ifrit should have realized that by now.
"I know you won't return her if I ask so please forgive me but I'll have to 'Consume' you." He said so with a calm smile and teleported right in front of the Flame Giant before devouring him.
However, that didn't solve anything. Separating the two he isolated Ifrit and kept Shizue at the surface of his ability. She was old, weak and lived too long for a human. But Shizue could never really see the world without something or other bothering her, so he'd make sure she did. Surely the children would love to see her again as well.
And thus he began. He had attained Yuuki's (and as such Velda's) skills when he devoured him. With [Creation Lord Ahura Mazda] it was naught but a piece of cake. Very soon, they would be able to talk again.
When he was finished, he laid her down on a soft makeshift bed and waited for the others to return. Diablo was already back and so was Veldora. The latter had been jumping around the sleeping girl so he gave him something to do, as in read manga. It was surprisingly effective. And scary. It was always a little weird when the loud and spontaneous Veldora was quiet.
Now that he thought about it, hadn't he forgotten something…?
Nah, surely not.
It was a long three days before the woman finally awoke, Rigurd was the one to tell him. He rushed to the tent and entered slowly. Shizue was just sitting there, her mask in her hands. She didn't even notice him.
He called out softly "Hello."
She jumped and pressed her mask to her chest, her hair covering her eyes "..." She opened her mouth but had to close it again "Ifrit is gone. I should be dying right about now. I should be dead…" Her voice was shaken, confused but thankfully not angry.
"I managed to save your life. You will probably have a normal lifespan going from the age your body shows, maybe you will live longer because you are a hero…" He explained, sitting down beside her "Mind telling me your story? The entire thing."
"...Alright. Listen close." Her words were spoken weakly but steady. She was doing her best.
When she was finished he clasped his hands "Got it. I'll help you in this, too. I know how to save the children, I'm sure something can be worked out with Hinata, too. But..."
She was slightly alarmed with a fearful gaze "But...?"
"There's something I need to tell you about Yuuki." He inhaled sharply "He is dangerous. I can't tell you how I know but please trust me. He wants to destroy this very world, we can't let that happen. However, I want to leave the final decision to you but if I see no other way at some point, I will devour him. Is that alright with you?"
"Yuuki isn't a bad person. He's kind and sincere." Her tone changed from sharp to soft incredibly fast.
"I know. I thought so too, but I had the truth stare right into my face once. I have a duty Shizue, I have to protect and lead everyone here. To me, that comes before anything else. If you have a way to stop him, tell me anytime and whatever fate you wish me to bestow upon him. Sooner or later you will see his true nature as well."
"..."
"I'll leave you alone now." He walked to the door and turned to her one last time "Feel free to stay as long as you want, despite all this, I hope we can be friends."
"I'll think about it."
He was strolling through the village, already making plans on how to deal with the Orc Lord when he realized something. Thinking about the Ogres and how to best defeat the enemy he remembered an important detail he previously forgot.
The orcs appeared between his eating Ifrit and the encounter with the Ogres! Ugh, he wanted to punch himself.
A little frustrated he wanted to call out but stopped. It wasn't wise to give a task like this to someone as impulsive as Veldora.
-I have a Solution. Simply assign the task to Diablo and a few goblin riders.-
'Right! Did I ever tell you how thankful I am for you, Ciel? Thank you! To think I didn't realize that myself!'
-It was no problem whatsoever.-
He skidded over to where Diablo which was actually just him teleporting there "Diablo, go assemble a few of the riders. I have a very important task."
"Right away."
Diablo returned soon after with about ten of the riders and their wolves.
"What do you need of us Lord Rimuru?" Asked one of them.
"I want you to scout the southwest regions of the forest. There's something quite frightening about to appear. Avoid fighting. If there is any settlement under attack of a large force, get Diablo to help them. They might have useful information. If they are willing, bring them here but no forcing them, understood?"
The Hobgoblins saluted "Yes, Master Rimuru."
"Diablo, help anyone you see getting attacked, especially if it's a village or larger communities. If possible, leave as many attackers alive as possible. If there are any problems, contact me."
"Understood, I will carry out your orders without fail."
The slime smiled "I'm counting on you!"
Silence creeped up after they left. It was so lonely. He felt guilty, was this all really right?
-I have confidence in Master's decision. It couldn't have been wrong.-
A tired laugh '...Thanks, Ciel. ...Thank you.'
He felt so tired but this wasn't the time to be worried about that. People were relying on him, he had to be strong. For their sake.
"Mister Slime…?"
Rimuru twitched and turned around "Just Rimuru is fine… Shizue?" He looked surprised at the woman, was he really that absentminded to not have noticed her "Is it okay for you to be up?"
"Yes... I believe so." She looked down. She seemed as tired as he felt "I want to stay here. I talked with the other three, they are planning on leaving soon. Mis- Rimuru, I really want to stay. Everyone here is nice and welcoming but not everyone will look at you kindly, I want to help as much as I can! About Yuuki, too… I want to save him but, I guess it's not easily possible. So give me just a bit of time to think about it..."
He put a hand on her shoulder "Don't worry, I will let you think. As I said before, the final say is yours. I'm also happy you'll stay. Therefore, Welcome. Let's all become friends."
Finally, a smile broke through "Yes!"
The two laughed lightly but then they were rudely interrupted.
"Wow, they really do look alike!" Ellen exclaimed loudly, startling the pair.
"See, I told you!" Cabal motioned at them "Almost like twins! Except Master Rimuru is prettier."
What? Comparing him to Shizue of all people… Damnit! It made him feel awkward. He only got this form thanks to Shizue in the first place! And what was that about him being prettier? Seriously?
Well, he had to admit, he was beautiful… but everyone there was! How was he standing out!?
Being pretty was like a standard of this world! Just look at Diablo!
Seriously!
The two waved the trio goodbye. They reluctantly waved back, faltering under Rimuru's glare. He wasn't mad, don't get him wrong, just irritated. Two days had passed, yet there was not a word from Diablo or the riders.
Little did he know that the ones he sent were running as fast as they could towards Diablo. What they had just witnessed was beyond brutal. They couldn't let this go on.
Diablo was just a short ways off considering the wolves running speed. If they weren't fast, no one would be left...
Without knowing why, Rimuru suddenly tensed. He had a bad feeling, a very bad one.
Suddenly, a thought connection with Diablo was formed 'Lord Rimuru, there is an Ogre Village under attack. I will finish off the intruders now but there seem to be a lot of causalities already. What should I do about that? The injured will not last long.'
The Slime responded calmly "Don't worry about that for now. Once you're done, get the riders to help the villagers. They have healing potions. Understood?'
'Yes.'
The connection faded. Hopefully, he would be fast enough. He forced himself to relax, this wasn't the time to worry.
The fight ended but the Ogres who had witnessed what just transpired wondered if it could even be called such. That wasn't a fight. It was a one sided massacre. Some of those pigs were still alive, too, but restrained enough to never be able to free themselves.
All this, by a single individual. They summoned up their last strength to stand, they wouldn't go down so easily. The orcs were gone but this person- this demon- was a far bigger threat.
"Ah, you still have some strength left? The others should be here soon to treat your wounds…" The beautiful demon trailed off, gaze directed at the orcs "But what to do about you? I was instructed to keep as many as possible alive but you don't seem like you'll be able to answer any questions with a clear mind..."
Instructed…? This demon was under someone's service? What kind of abomination could control such a being... It was unimaginable.
But wait- "What?" It was the son of the leader who blurted out their question. But nobody was sure anymore whether that question concerned the heal part or the part that there was someone even more of a monster.
The demon looked back at them, visible uninterested "Yes?"
"H- heal us? Aren't you here to kill us, too?" The young ogres voice was shaking, they could understand, they didn't like it but they could understand.
"No." It was stated like someone having to teach a child "We were ordered to save any settlements that we see getting attacked by our Master, the great Lord Rimuru."
...
Who? They never heard that name before? But surely it was someone great if this demon had so much reverence in his tone. Some kind of highly powerful demon, surely!
"Ah! Are we late?" The Ogers snapped their heads to the treeline "Apologies, Lord Diablo, the wolves were tired but we have the medicine and can start applying it immediately."
A hobgoblin was standing there, dressed in normal clothes, accompanied by Wolves. There were several other Hobgoblins, too. Since when were there Hobgoblins in the Jura Forest? And who's Diablo? Surely not... the demon. He was... named? What madness.
"Ah, Captain Rigur, yes please start. It would do no good to disappoint Master Rimuru."
"Of course." The goblins saluted and entered the village. They were scared but without them they would be dead now anyway. So the ogres decided to let fate decide over their lives.
But the leader regarded the Hobgoblin leader sceptical. He heard about a named goblin called Rigur who fell against the Direwolves. This couldn't be the same one. Besides, who would name a Goblin or Hobgoblin anyway. It was a waste of energy and far too dangerous. What a fool the namer must be!
"Something on your mind?" A voice echoed to his left. The demon was standing there with a smile on his face. The same smile he had worn the entire time but now it seemed dangerous, far more so than before.
"No, not at all." The leader responded after a short pause.
"That's good. I had a funny feeling for a moment. Almost like someone was thinking something stupid..." The damn smile never left his lips "It must have been my imagination. Lord Rimuru would not have made such a mistake, I have much to learn."
"We're done healing the ogres!" One cheerful goblin called out "What should we do now?"
"I wonder…" Diablo looked the leader straight into the eye "Would you mind accompanying us? The Lord had previously mentioned his interest in meeting the residents of any attacked places."
As if they could refuse!
Rimuru was wandering about, making preparation for the incoming guests. Diablo had just informed them that the rescued were willing to come to the village. He also made sure to inform him about any noteworthy individuals. Diablo listed them as they talked.
A red haired youth who had spoken up despite the obvious fear in the air and the first to prepare for any incoming attacks.
A frail looking girl, possibly related to the youth who had pulled the children closer to herself to protect them.
A purple haired woman, ready to strike rashly anytime.
A old withered man who had restrained said woman.
A blue haired youth, who's intentions were slightly hidden.
And finally, a rather bulky ogre that he had seen handing out weapons during the attack.
It was funny how the people the demon noticed seemed to be the ones he cared about most. But he wasn't complaining. He still had time before they arrived. Instructing the remaining riders to fetch them enough food, he went towards Shizue to inform her about the current situation. She was part of their home now so she would get informed about everything as well.
Veldora probably already knew, so no need to bother him. But it would be best to introduce them to him. Veldora was part of this too, just like Shizue. He should be treated as such as well.
It would be another hour until the ogres arrived, how should he pass the time?
Eh, maybe he should help the Dwarves with the buildings, exercise was always good.
"Master Rimuru, I think the guests are nearly here." Kaijin commented.
Indeed, it had gotten loud. The riders were already back from the hunt but it was even louder. 200, no more, about 230 people were approaching.
He quickly stood up and dusted himself off "Excuse me then, I'll be going."
"Of course. Good luck!"
He rushed towards the direction of the energy. Veldora was already there, Shizue had preferred to stay behind. She didn't want to deter the ogres with a Hero's presence. He didn't quite understand that, Veldora was bound to be much more scary. A Hero might be welcomed even.
"Excited, Rimuru?" The dragon asked with a huge grin.
"Yeah, what about you?"
"Definitely! Maybe there's even someone I can fight! Diablo refused but maybe the ogres aren't as cowardly!" He was laughing at his own words.
Diablo a coward? Yeah, right "Just don't hurt them too much if anybody volunteers."
"Alright, alright."
Diablo came into sight, the ogres trailing behind him in some sort of order but as they were exhausted, it was not kept up too much. Did he make them walk without rest or something?
"Welcome back! How was the trip?" He asked cheerfully. Better bring some positivity into this.
"It was quite good, thank you. I have brought the ogres as requested." He smiled back cheerfully but the ogres looked just about done.
He had a sinking feeling and addressed them "You… know you could have refused to come here, right…?"
They stared at him wide eyed as if wanting to say 'Seriously?!'
He sighed "I though so... Well, I'm glad you're here anyway. How about some food, our hunters have brought back quite a bit when they heard there would be guests. There's also something I'd like to ask, so how about we do it then?"
An older ogre came forth, he resembled Benimaru a bit "We would greatly appreciate it."
"Then please follow me." He gestured further into the village and started walking.
Diablo aligned with him and leaned closer "I suggest keeping an eye on the leader. He seems to be quite wary. He could be dangerous."
Rimuru whispered back "Got it, if anything happens, don't interfere. I think Veldora would be happy to have a playmate."
"Understood." Having said what he needed, he fell back but Rimuru could still make him out slightly behind him, so not too much.
Last time, the ogres that the leader and others paved a way for them to escape. What kind of person are they truly?
If they were a danger to his friends or him, they'd regret it.
They sat down in silence as the meal started. Veldora had been oddly quiet, he too was watching the leader. Had he heard Diablo earlier?
"So..." Rimuru began "Why don't we start at the beginning? Any idea why you were attacked?"
"We do have one." The leader stated "A Majin stopped by shortly before and when we refused his offer to be named by him, he left angrily. He's the only one we know that could have something to do with it."
"A revenge plot then."
"It doesn't make sense for the pigs to go around so orderly though." Veldora commented "They just don't do that. Besides, Orcs beating Ogres? Bah, that's nonsense."
"And yet it happened." Rimuru took a sip of tea, savouring the taste "What about an Orc Lord? With it's Unique Ability [Starving Ones] it may be possible."
"Starving ones?" One ogre asked before being glared at by his own leader.
"Yes." The slime smiled "My theory is: The Skill is being used to keep their hunger at bay. At the same time, the Orc Lord needs to eat. And behind all this is someone else who made it possible, maybe the Majin you mentioned."
"Why would they need to keep their hunger at bay?" Veldora asked a bit confused.
Rimuru looked at him "If I'm correct, there is a famine going on. One Orc probably went off to find a solution and was found by the puppeteer who then did something to manipulate him, leading to the current disaster."
"Sounds plausible." Ranga commented beside him.
Rimuru nearly chocked, surprised at the sudden appearance. Why was everyone doing this? Twice in one day…
The leader stood "Then what are we supposed to do? The orcs are large in number! They'll overrun the forest! It would be better if everyone left right now!"
Oy, oy, what a rash fellow.
"I don't plan on leaving." The slime crossed his arms and smiled brightly "I will protect this town, it's my home. Besides, I'm positive I can beat the Orc Lord. If you want to leave, feel free. However! Anyone who wants to have a chance to fight them can stay here. I don't want all the orcs to die if this was because of the famine but there is no war without causalities. You can even become my subordinates if you want, if only until we beat the Orcs, then you can do whatever you want."
This caused an uproar among the ogres and they were wildly discussing among themselves. The leader stood there dumbfounded and Benimaru looked to be in deep thought.
"The..." The ogre growled with clenched teeth "The height of arrogance!" Everyone's heads snapped to him "To talk so highly and ask such things of us! What a nerve you have! I wanted to keep my mouth shut because that demon was here and you seem to be in a higher position but your power is clearly inferior of his! Someone like you doesn't have the right to order us around, bring us your Lord if you want to do that!"
Oh no, Diablo and Veldora were angry. The dragon was grinning like crazy and Diablo had 'Blood lust' written all over his smile. This wasn't good, not at all.
"Ah, no, you got it wrong. It was clearly a suggestion! Besides, I'm the Lord here, I'm Rimuru Tempest!"
The ogre sneered "You dare lie, too!" Oy, oy, oy, was he trying to die?! Rimuru had just tried to save his life, too! "As if anyone would serve a mongrel like you! You're just a small fry! Your Lord probably ran away and put you here to impress people! He's as much of a coward as you are!"
...He'd tried. There was no stopping them now.
"Hey, Rimuru." Veldora was smirking at him crazily "Can I use him as a toothpick, I won't kill him. ...Probably."
That wasn't even a question!
Diablo bowed towards Veldora "No, no, Lord Veldora. Please leave such a weakling to me. It would be a waste if you used your power on such an insignificant thing."
He went from weakling to a mere thing in seconds! Impressive! ...Wait, wait! Shouldn't he stop this? He kinda didn't want to...
The ogre, probably realising he was in danger of being torn apart by either a demon or a True Dragon or possibly both, started to falter and took a step back. This made both look at him.
They looked ready to throw themselves at him. There were about to, too. Well, that was one Ogre less. Diablo's blades were just a breath away from the man's throat-
"Please wait!"
Rimuru motioned for Diablo to stop just in time.
The young red haired ogre had stood up and bowed "Please forgive him! He has said some foolish things! He's still in shock from what happend, we all are! So please, give him another chance…"
"..." Rimuru looked at him and then smiled "Heh. Hahaha! I like you! Hey, Diablo, back off. Humour the youth. If the man still tries anything you or Veldora can chop his head off." He stopped laughing and looked at the leader "Apologies but I can't just let you do what you want here, especially after being so rude. But, I'll give you another chance. My offer from before stands and remember, it's an offer and you can leave anytime, just make sure to tell us."
"Hmpf!" The leader flopped down and grumbled something but he didn't care.
Diablo and Veldora very much did though.
"Do I have to wait until he does something or are words enough?" The dragon grumbled and the ogre stilled, paling as well.
"Veldora."
"Tch, fine." He glared at the ogres "One of you, fight me! I won't kill you, I just need to let some energy loose!" The ogres shrunk under his gaze which grew darker with each passing second "Huh? Nobody~?"
"I-I'll go…" One brave ogre stood up with a raised hand.
"Heh, finally." Veldora grinned "Come on, attack me!"
Here?
The youth stared "What?"
"Attack me, I said! I won't kill you and Rimuru can make sure that nothing gets blown up, so no worries!"
'Yeah, inform me about parts like that before you start to fight...' Rimuru thought, taking a piece of meat and munching on it.
When did his life get this complicated?