That time I got reincarnated as a slime does not belong to me.
Turn the Clock:
Walpurgis was a mess. That's the only way to call it. The fault was with one person alone, Clayman. Now, he still didn't like the undead who mostly likely wasn't his fan either.
He had destroyed the Farmas army whose souls he wanted to reap, given Myulan back her freedom just a few weeks ago, was the primary reason there was lost contact with Kazaream even if he shouldn't know it was Rimuru's fault and didn't get Milim under his control. On top of that the rest wanted him as a new Demon Lord. It seemed an easy decision for most of the others.
He already had the support of three. Dagrule voted for him because he trusted Dino, Ruminas and Leon because of his connection to Chloe, Ramiris because she liked him, Frey was pursued by Milim and Karion seemed to have just gone with the flow or maybe that was Milim, too, he wouldn't know.
Only Clayman was against it, terribly so. Despite having literally every other Demon Lord against him he vehemently voiced his opposition. Which led to a genius idea of Milim.
'Fight!'
She'd said, sporting a huge smile. And with that a match between a present and future Demon Lord came to be. The result was... lame. He'd tried to give the man an advantage, he really did but he was just… too weak. His attacks had no effect and the Slime decided he wasn't going to be a practice dummy. So he hit back.
He knew he hadn't used too much power but the undead was knocked out cold. In retrospect, it must really be because the man was such a small fry.
And while everyone knew the man to be a small fry, the display was apparently frightening. Because it took him a single punch. He had half a mind to say 'Ladies, ladies, only he.' But he was sure that wouldn't be well received, especially since not all of them were women. The rest wouldn't that easy to knock out, maybe Frey and Karion, certainly Ramiris, but that was it.
As a follow up he was officially named Demon Lord but then Frey decided to join Milim. Karion, too. Why, he couldn't understand as it never came to a fight between the two. So now everyone was bemoaning that they had to find a new name. Guess who they shoved the responsibility onto?
Yeah, him.
Eight Star Demon Lords it is.
The mess was successfully repressed. Thankfully, he had no mind to deal with such things. The Empire was probably preparing for war. Rudra wanted war, even without Yuuki so it was nothing short of foolish to not prepare themselves.
After a rough start, the Banquet was ended smoothly.
It was a long three months of careful preparation before the Empire started to move. Using the established surveillance system, he watched as the forces drew near. This fight would be a burden on his forces but manageable, therefore he left everything to them. Should there be problems, he'd deal with them, that's why he was in the surveillance room. Behind him was Souei.
He had offered up a reward for those who did outstanding work, without putting themselves in utter danger of course. Those who were no evolved further yet would get the chance. That's why Souei and Diablo were sitting out.
The Oni was carefully directing his spies from inside and Diablo was observing the screens calmly. He'd brought back quite a lot from his trip. There was no doubt Testarossa and the others would be at the front lines. Everyone was fired up.
Now then, how would the Empire fare against the strongest of both Tempest and the Labyrinth? The missing positions of floor bosses were filled after he was granted the Great Jura Forest. The introduction to the forest residents was... stressing but not the worst he had. He had also met Damrada again who surrendered the stolen Elves upon request.
The No.2 of the Royal Knights.
He had come upon the information that this man was asked by Rudra to find someone who could kill him in his last lifetime. He'd eat [Justice King Michael], he wouldn't let this madness go on.
He knew about Rudra from Guy, had once asked about the entire story between them. He already knew about the man from their last encounters but the entire story was a big help to understand everything better.
The Ultimate Skill needed to go. That was the most important thing. 'Complete Annihilation' was not part of their plan. Capture as many as possible, show mercy if it's not a hinderance. Kill those who clearly overstep the boundaries.
He'd leave it to them.
It took a while but after the fools went into the labyrinth, the war was going in their favour. Anyone who went too far or was close to killing someone was quickly taken care of.
Those would be judged by him, in the best case be revived.
The Empires forces were defeated swiftly. It was their victory or it would be if it wasn't the first enemy wave. But the second would be no problem either because now, everyone had evolved.
Wasn't it time for this madness to end?
Certainly.
He froze in shock. He took a deep breath and held it in. The motion felt right somehow. He had to calm down, Ciel was working on it.
-Analysis is at 93%, drawing near 94%.-
'Please keep it up. This is becoming frightening. …Hey, Ciel, if it ever becomes dangerous-'
-Understood.-
He smiled tired 'Thank you.'
It was time to move. The airships were already on their way. This time, towards them and not Ruminas. Warning Veldora of his sisters presence, the dragon hid away in the labyrinth and the task was left to them.
Rudra was there as well, so he had to be present. It was vital for both to be present, how else could he devour the Skill? An all out attack, one that would leave an impression on the world like no other.
Flying opposite of the approaching forces, Rimuru drew his sword. Rudra and Velgrynd were in the ship in the middle, [Castle Guard] was in effect and the Empires forces weren't going to hand their Emperor over on a silver platter. Definitely not.
Well, let his forces distract them and charge right into the centre. Velgrynd was a problem, a huge one but he had to deal with the Emperor. Solution: Weaken her and then let the Black Corps distract her. Easy as that.
He was honestly worried though, could they manage that? Sure, they were strong beyond belief but... this was still a True Dragon. 'The Scorching Dragon' Velgrynd. She may not be a threat to him but to others for sure.
But they were only there to distract her. The highest command he had given was retreat when fighting becomes impossible. In other words 'Death is unacceptable', such were his words and he'll be damned if they don't follow them.
So there he was now, sword in his hand, staring down at the man who was once a Hero and a Sage, a friend of Guy's. Beside him were his retainers. But this man made a fatal mistake. He was looking down on Rimuru.
That was the Slimes utmost advantage. Teleporting closer in an instant, he devoured everyone in the vicinity without a sound. Nobody saw, nobody heard. In an instant, they were cut off from the present reality.
This, Rudra realized. But his mind corrupted as much as it was, did not truly care. At this moment he was sure, [Justice King] was too far already. The man was not beyond saving however.
Now, before [Armageddon] activated…!
Analysing every single movement with Ciel's help, he released [Void God Azathoth] and swallowed everything before him. The ship, the water, every single particle in the air. He wasn't going to take any chances.
There was resistance but compared to the one Velgrynd had once shown, it was naught but a joke. 'Pitiful.' he thought 'But also impressive.'
He had to work fast. Stealing the Skill was child's play but the broken mind needed to be repaired as well. Here, in a world submerged in darkness, he proceeded to crush and devour the Ultimate Skill bit by bit all while restoring the man's sanity.
I can't die yet.
He was sure he heard such a voice, and that voices wish he fulfilled.
It was quiet. Too quiet maybe.
How long has it been? Just a few minutes but it felt like an eternity.
'You're not going to die yet.' As such he assured the soul 'Just hold on a bit longer.'
The Skill was gone now, sanity fully restored but he dared not go back yet.
'Just a few more minutes.' He thought 'Then we'll go back.'
-Master--
'I'm alright. Just give me a few minutes.'
It's not like he was injured or tired, he just felt like staying a bit, enjoying the silence. It was peaceful, he felt peaceful, more than he had in a long time.
But reality was for more cruel. He had to go back and establish that kind of feeling there as well. It was his duty and his wish.
Steeling himself, he returned, deactivating the [Void God] and facing what was left. The fight was still ongoing. He had to say, they were fulfilling their tasks splendid. At that he could only smile and chuckle happy.
Holding the Emperor's barely conscious body in his arms, he used a magic circle to shoot light into the sky. It looked like a firework and sounded like one as well. The colour was too dark for one though.
Once he was sure he had the attention of all the Empire's forces, he spoke "You have been bested! Draw back now and we'll spare your lives! Your comrades that I took will be released and once everything is settled, your Emperor as well! Leave!"
You could hear a pin drop before suddenly, a roar echoed painfully across the air towards him. Velgrynd was angry and charging at him. Deploying the Multidimensional Barrier of [Void God Azathoth] he kept still and didn't move, even as the True Dragon crashed head first into the Barrier. The impact sounded like a Bang, he noted amused.
Calmly, he smiled "Don't worry, he is safe with us. I just want to look for any lasting effects [Justice King Michael] might have left, so rest easy. I have destroyed it and restored his broken mind completely. The only thing we need is for you to trust us."
"Why would I trust you?! Give Rudra back!" She roared enraged.
"As I said, I can't do that yet." He paused for a moment "But you can accompany us if you want. I'm sure it would be a better course of action than throwing a tantrum."
She looked ready to smack him a few miles away but he was 1) holding Rudra 2) Encased in a Barrier she couldn't budge and 3) She was more reasonable than that.
She wasn't Veldora after all. He was sure she thought something like that while begrudgingly agreeing. Taking two other men from their forces with them, they returned to Tempest. Lookouts were stationed in case anyone would still try an attack.
Rudra was laid on a bed deep in the labyrinth. Just to be sure. Beside the Rudra they now had in their grasp, there was also Masayuki. It wasn't that they couldn't coexist but he wondered if it was wise to introduce them to each other.
They could sort that out later. For now they would await the man's awakening. He wanted to laugh, pretty much everything was taken of.
It was like a dream!
Like a never-ending nightmare that was nearing its end.
He stumbled. What the heck? That didn't sound like the weird voice, but his own! He was sure he wouldn't think like that though…? Eh, nothing to worry about.
He watched as his men celebrated the attained victory. It was just a small celebration at first because nobody knew if there would be someone trying to foolishly attack but then it turned into a full blown feast. The sun was setting and it was starting to get dark, so lanterns were lit across the streets. People were cheering and dancing and he wouldn't have it any other way.
If it was any different, he would have to ask what was wrong. But it wasn't and that's what's important.
On the second day after the Empires defeat, Rudra finally woke up. Damrada and Kondou, who they had taken along earlier, were at his side instantly, afraid [Justice King Michael] was still there and breaking the man's mind. What loyal fellows.
Looked so afraid while ready to kill him, it was such a bizarre scene.
"How are you feeling?" Rimuru asked the man as he entered the room "Better than usual I hope."
"Indeed. My mind hasn't been this clear in a long time." He laughed loudly "And here I thought this was it for me in my last life!"
It would have been. In fact, it should have been.
"Well, I'm happy you're alright." He nodded "Now to other just as important matters…"
The man seemed to have caught his drift "We'll stop the war, that's what you want, right?"
"Exactly."
"Then I'll-"
"No." This response shocked the rooms occupants "I can't be completely sure about your condition right now, even with the Ultimate Skill being destroyed. There might be lasting effects."
"Ahhh, that makes sense." He rubbed his neck "Then, would it be alright to send Velgrynd back to declare this?"
"Of course."
"But-!"
"Velgrynd." Rudra interrupted her "Please do this for me. As you heard, I'm not allowed out. So ensure that the rest don't try anything rash."
"..." She sighed defeated "Right away." She turned to him "I'll be going then."
"Have a safe trip." He wished her "Feel free to come back when you're finished, we're not going anywhere."
She left silently and a bit annoyed, he was sure of that last part.
"Can you still feel the Skill within you?" He addressed the man.
"Hm? No, not at all! It's completely gone, like, entirely! I don't feel any lasting effects right now, either. You did an amazing job!"
"I didn't do anything." He tried to claim but-
"Nonsense! I'm not an idiot, you know. I was awake as you know, even if only barely."
He sighed "Well, I'm just glad it worked. But I'm still going to make you stay here for a few days and once Velgrynd has declared the end of the war, you can feel free to wander around outside the labyrinth as well. For now, only inside though."
"Aren't you a bit too carefree? I could attack someone."
"You don't seem to be the type of person to do that. Besides, the ones outside can at least stall until reinforcements arrive if you actually did. Except for a few exceptions, everyone here is capable of defending themselves."
He smiled "Guy has recruited someone scary…"
"Hey, hey. I may be part of the Octagram but I'm not letting just anyone order me around, not even Guy."
"But he can."
"Depends on the situation." He shrugged "I don't exactly want to piss him off either. It's just that I will do as I please. If it overlaps with what he wants, then so be it." He smiled pleasantly, sending a chill down the Emperor's back "I called him a few minutes ago by the way, he's coming here to see you."
"Is he now…?" He chuckled before it turned into laughter "I've caused quite a ruckus! I'm sorry about that. My mind was elsewhere, literally!"
Rimuru joined him "Don't I know it?"
The two kept laughing for a bit before Ramiris came into the room.
"Hey, Guy is here you know!" She shouted at them with her arms crossed.
"Got it, thanks." He turned to the man "I'm getting him, so stay here. Ramiris, can you keep watch?"
She sputtered "O-of course! Just leave it to me!"
"Get Beretta if anything happens while I'm away." With those words he left.
Guy was in the city if he was correct, so that's where he teleported. Sure enough, there he was, having a one-sided chat with Diablo. Really…
"Hey!" He called out, catching the Demon's attention "Rudra is in the Labyrinth."
"Got it! Where is it?"
"Right this way." He lead the man towards the entrance and into the deeper parts until they arrived at the floor Rudra was in.
The two instantly greeted each other and started talking. It seemed like everyone was just glad Rudra was alright. For all Guy knew, Rudra's mind and maybe even his life might have completely vanished in this fight.
Was this how Tamura felt when he died right before his eyes? The demon looked so desperately relieved, Rimuru could only smile softly as a single tear rolled down his face. Really, this was just-
"Hey, Rimuru." Guy turned to him with a smile "Thanks for helping this guy over here."
Rudra bowed his head, smiling as well "Without you, I would be gone by now. But I was able to see Guy again and now I can live normally, so really, thank you."
The smile vanished from the demons face "Rimuru…?"
His voice was barely above a whisper, it sounded somewhat frightened. Sounding humourless yet amused, that was the last thought his mind formulated.