AN: Hello everybody, just a quick AN to answer some reviews. First, thank you for your reviews, I'm happy you like this fanfiction. While updates are slow, I made sure that each chapter's quality don't suffer. Second, if you don't see regular AN, don't be surprised. I regularly skip AN, so I ask myself, if I do it why other don't it too. So, I don't bother with AN if I don't I have things to say, and let you enjoy the content.
For the reviews:
Thor94: There are ways for Shizu to survive and Rimuru gaining his human form at the same time. I have an idea how to do it. You will have to see.*wink*
Chapter 5
Rimuru was riding Ranga, secured thanks to his new [Steel Sticky thread], preventing him to be blown away from the wind. It has been a moment since they travel, but the Tempest wolfs were barely tired from their run. But it was almost night, so they decided to camp this night.
From Gobta's explanation, it took two months on foot for a goblin to travel to Dwargon. But at the speed they go, they should be there tomorrow.
As the goblins created the camp and the wolfs hunted,
Rimuru was wondering about Rigur's elder brother.
"Tell me Rigur, who named your brother," asked Rimuru? Rigur was surprised by the question but happy to answer it.
"Oh, it was from a passing majin named Gelmud. He said my brother had potential," said Rigur. Rimuru raised an eyebrow.
"Majin? And what do you mean by potential," asked Rimuru?
"He was from a Demon lord's army. And I don't know, he just said that and go away," said Rigur, wondering if his new master doubt him.
'Wait, Demon Lord! And just going away after naming? Isn't it strange,' though Rimuru? Rimuru felt a bad feeling from their discussion. Why name someone to just go away after? It just felt like a scam. Rimuru then used [Truth Seeker] to find more information on the Naming System. What he found didn't appeal to him.
"Rigur, Can I see your memory? I could be paranoid but I need to confirm something," said Rimuru. Rigur was confused but still accepted. Rimuru created a link between him and Rigur to see the goblin's memory, and what he saw didn't please him at all.
He saw Gelmud who was wearing a white dress costume with a white top hat and a beaked mask on his face. He saw him talking like a great man, but Rimuru knew he was scamming the elder brother. He just felt like an arsehole. And like Rimuru thought, the elder brother didn't gain much from the name, just a little strength but no evolution. Rimuru cut the link at this point. Rimuru sighted, preparing to tell the news to Rigur who looked more confused.
"Rigur, what I thought was confirmed. Your brother has been scammed," said Rimuru calmly to Rigur. Rigur was in shock, feeling a pit in his stomach.
"What?! What do you mean by scammed," asked a concerned Rigur?!
"From your memory, your brother didn't evolve, meaning this majin used the bare minimum for the name. I don't know what he is plotting, but he was using your brother," said Rimuru. While told Rigur softly to prevent more panic, he didn't sugarcoat it. Rigur needed to know.
Rigur was stunned. He thought Lord Gelmud was a nice guy, having given a name to his brother. But it was all for his machinations.
"I give you some space to think. Just don't spend all the night awake," said Rimuru before leaving Rigur. Rigur stayed here too deep in his thoughts.
Timeskip: Next morning
It was morning, and after two hours of traveling, the group arrived at Dwargon. Now they thought about how to enter the kingdom without gaining attention. Rimuru already had some ideas.
"Ok, guys. First, I want the Tempest wolfs in our shadow. Second I will cast an illusion on the goblins to trick the others. You will look like you have clothes," said Rimuru. While the wolfs nodded and entered the group's shadow, the goblins were confused.
"Why do we have to wear an illusion of clothes," asked Gobta? Rimuru sighted, he dislike this sort of talk, but he needed to be done. He likes them to know the truth and be prepared than be ignorant and be attacked. He really wants his dream to come true.
"Because some people will use your state of clothes as an excuse to call you feral and attack you," said Rimuru. He shocked the group with horror with his statement but it needed to be done.
After the goblins had regained their composure, Rimuru cast his illusion on them. They now looked like they were wearing leather and some armor. Rimuru jumped on Rigur's right shoulder and they were now waiting in the line with Rimuru praying the plan worked. He didn't know that Naruto heard his prayer, making the god amused but Naruto gave some comfort to Rimuru with his presence.
Another timeskip: Inside the kingdom.
"Whew, we made it," exclaimed Gobta! "I thought we were going to be attacked like me like the last time I visited."
"And it's thanks to the illusion," said Rimuru, sighted to himself. The young hobgoblins nodded.
"But now what will we do, Rimuru-sama," asked Rigur? Rimuru pondered for a moment before he sighed.
"We should ask around to find a blacksmith," said Rimuru, as they needed artisans for his plan of 'shelter, food, and clothes'. Everyone agreed with him, looking around until Rigur spotted someone.
"Excuse me, sir," said Rigur to a random person? He was guard considering his wearing and the lance in his right hand. He was a robust but short person, announcing he was a dwarf.
"Yes," asked the Dwarf? The group approached him.
"We're new in this town, could you tell us where we can find a blacksmith," asked Rigur? The dwarf smiled at them.
"Oh, I can tell you. I know the best blacksmith around here. I'm Kaido by the way if you follow me," said the named Kaido. The group nodded and happily follow him. They arrived at a squared house notched on a side of the mountain. As Kaido was about to knock on the door, someone opened it from the other side, revealing a tall person with brown hair, a brown mustache, a green vest, and white pant, completed with a white cap.
The new person raised an amused eyebrow at the glare he received before passing the group and sneering at the group of monsters. Kaido tsked.
"That damned minister," mumbled angrily Kaido to himself. The monster group has an interrogation point floating above their heads. Kaido took a big breath to calm himself before entering the house.
"HEY! Kaijin! I found clients for you," screamed Kaido! The concerned Kaijin heard him and walked toward Kaido with three other dwarfs.
"Kaido, what are you doing here? Client, you said," asked Kaijin? He was a very stoked dwarf, being shirtless right now, with brown hair and a beard and goggles on his head.
"Yes, this group behind me was searching for a blacksmith. So I was leading them to you," said Kaido happily before scowling. "And what does this damned Vesta want now?" Kaijin sighted.
"We received a command from the king. He wants twenty long swords at the end of the week," he said. Kaido was stunned. Twenty long swords in six days?
"Twenty in six days? It's nearly impossible! If feel more like a machination from Vesta," exclaimed Kaido! Kaijin sighted.
"Yes, I know. But when he mocked me that 'the greatest blacksmith couldn't handle a simple task', I lose it and accepted it," said Kaijin angrily. He sighed again. "The worst, is I'm short on materials. Garm, Dord, and Myrd were ready to mine me some." At that moment? Rimuru decided to step in.
"Excuse me," asked Rimuru? The Dwarfs looked shocked at Rimuru. They never heard a talking slime in their lives.
"A talking slime," asked Kaijin?
"Have you a problem with talking slime," asked Rimuru? Kaijin raised his hands in defense.
"No, I don't. I'm just surprised to see one with self-consciousness. You don't see slime with a white star center every day," said Kaijin. The other dwarfs nodded.
'White star in the center? Do I have one,' thought Rimuru?
[Answer: Yes, the eight-pointed white star in the middle of your body the blessing of Oame-no-genten-no-kami, and show your title as his champion,] said [Great Sage]. Rimuru nodded internally.
'I see. [Great Sage], analyze the blessing to see what I could do with it,' ordered Rimuru.
[Understood. Launching scanning of [Blessing of Oame-no-genten-no-kami]. Estimation of time: One week,] said [Great Sage]. Rimuru snapped back to reality.
"So, what do you need? I'm sure you heard I'm quite busy," said Kaijin. Rimuru nodded to him.
"Yes, I heard. I can help you with those materials," said Rimuru. Kaijin was surprised at his statement but Rimuru continued.
"You see, I'm building a village with hobgoblins and Tempest wolfs, but we don't have knowledge of building. So, I came to request help from artisans to teach my village of their craft," Kaijin was stunned. A village of Hobgoblins and Tempest wolfs? Hobgoblins? A race he never heard of? Is this slime serious? "And as payment," Rimuru spat a chuck of magisteel.
Magisteel was material in crystal form, having rainbow colors but pink was more prominent. It can be used to craft Extra-rank weapons but the material was rare. But this one was different, making Rimuru raise an eyebrow. This one had a small aura and glowed a little. Rimuru didn't remember having glowing magisteel.
[Answer: The content of your [Stomach] is exposed to [Blessing of Oame-no-genten-no-kami]. The magiores absorbed your magicules and the unknown materials emitted by [Blessing of Oame-no-genten-no-kami].
Notice: This unknown material is denser than magicules. Processed magisteel will be stronger and purer,] said [Great Sage]. Rimuru is internally shocked but giddy too.
'I see. More reasons to analyze it' thought Rimuru. The Dwarfs are stunned at the magisteel.
"Magiore? No, it is already processed. But it's not Magisteel too. It's greater. What is it? Can I really have it," asked Kaijin still processing the materials the slime gave him. The other dwarfs tried to find what it was.
"Oh, yes. I have a lot in my stomach. Here, some more," said Rimuru, spitting more. Five more of those materials were in front of Kaijin now. Kaijin couldn't help but scratch his head.
"And you just want artisans. But it will be not enough to pay my debt," said Kaijin. An interrogation point popped above Rimuru. He simply asked why.
"Because you introduce a new type of material that only you possess. On the market, because of his rarity, will cost thousands of golds if not more," explained Kaijin. Rimuru was shocked at this revelation. Did he really give more than he thought? But calming himself and thinking, it was still a good choice. The king will want more of these materials and then will pay more and give favors. It will be good for his village.
"I see. I will not hold you more and let you work. We can talk more about our deal after you deliver your long swords to the king. We will come back in a week," said Rimuru. Kaijin nodded.
"Ok. I will think of a way to pay you back too," said Kaijin. Rimuru nodded back and led his group outside the shop. Now that they were alone, Garm decided to address his concern.
"Are you sure about this Kaijin? We don't know anything about this material," he said. Kaijin sighted.
"I know, but we don't have any choice. I will show you why I'm the best blacksmith. With it, I will make something even greater," said a determined Kaijin. The other dwarfs smiled at him.
"Yet, it is not every day you see a talking slime giving unknown materials," said Dord.
"Hmm, hmm," nodded Myrd. Kaijin scratched his beard.
"Well, we need to talk to the king about Rimuru and the new materials, he will know what to do. Alright boys, time to work," said Kaijin sitting on his chair, the dwarfs following him.
"I will return to my post, I will see you later Kaijin," said Kaido leaving the shop. Kajin waved at him.
Time skip: One week
One week passed, and Kaijin managed to finish his command with the help of the dwarf brothers, ready to deliver to the king. He was called into the throne room before kneeling to his king.
"Good day to you Kaijin. I hope this week was productive for you," asked the king. He was a massive stock dwarf, six feet tall, covered in armor with a crown on his head. He had brown hair and beard, and black piercing eyes. He had a gruff appearance to his character. He was the Hero King of Dwargon, Dwargo Gazel.
"Yes thank you, your majesty. I hope this week was not menacing to your health," said Kaijin still kneeling, his head bowed.
"Thank you for your concern," said Gazel smiling before taking a serious look. "Now, I commanded twenty long swords if I remember. Show me them," ordered Gazel. Kaijin nodded before standing.
"Yes, I have them. And you will be not disappointed as Heaven was with us this week," said Kaijin. Gazel raised an eyebrow while Vesta, who was the minister that gave Kaijin the command, standing next to the wall behind the king, narrowed his eyes. Because, for him, he was sure Kaijin would not have managed to finish the command in time.
But the king and the minister became shocked with Gazel's eyes widening and Vesta's jaw falling on the floor. It's thanks to the sight of the weapon that Kaijin put on the floor. Instead of the normal long sword that everyone knew, the weapon had the shape of a long sharp but the common points stopped there. The hilt and the guard were a brilliant white while the magicore was shining with light rainbow color. And the blade was shining silver and release a little aura as Kaijin remembered from the unknown magisteel the slime had given him.
"W-what? H-how" stuttered Vesta. Gazel narrowed his eyes.
"What are those swords, Kaijin," asked seriously Gazel? He was right to be, as those swords looked more powerful than the regular sword he knew. Right now, he could presume they were Extra-rank and with time will become Legendary-rank. This was something he needed to know. And he can't let the information get out too.
"Oh, there are long swords. But it's the material that was different," said Kaijin before sighting. "Honestly, you will not believe what happened this week for me. There was that slime named Tempest Rimuru who came to my shop at the beginning of the week. He requested artisans to help him build a village of Hobgoblins and Tempest wolfs. He gave me the materials for the payment. If you desire your majesty, I can lead Rimuru to you as he will come to my shop at the end of the day."
"What are you saying? A slime making a request? A village of hobgoblins and a race we never heard of? Are you this foolish?! I was right when…" Vesta bombarded questions were stopped by Gazel.
"Vesta," he yelled! Vesta flinched, shutting in to not get the wrath of his king. Gazel then turned to Kaijin.
"Is that true," he asked. Kaijin simply nodded?
"Hai, your majesty. I don't know any slime with this appearance except Rimuru" said Kaijin before giving a drawing of the slime. Gazel took the drawing before his eyebrows disappeared from his hairline. His drawing showed a blue slime with a white, eight-pointed star in the middle of its body. This was clearly not regular slime. Gazel then looked at Kaijin for a moment before he took his decision.
"Then, take this slime to me. We should see if he is a treat or not," he ordered.
"Of course, your majesty," said Kaijin before being dismissed.
Meanwhile…
Rimuru tested his last spell. After [Great Sage] had analyzed [Blessing of Oame-no-genten-no-kami], the skill concluded that with the previous skills he had gotten from the blessing, he could access new energy purer and denser than magicules. Rimuru had wondered if he could use holy magic or something but [Great Sage] rejected his idea as it wasn't holy magic.
So after many trials and errors, Rimuru managed to create his new spell which he called [White bomb]. It was simple. Take the energy, give it the form of a ball, and send it. And yet it was so hard for him to do the simplest spell he could think of. He will think of other spells later, he has a meeting with Kaijin.
"Ok everyone, it's time to go meet Kaijin again," said Rimuru. His answer was a loud "HAI!" from his group.
They waited again in the line as they had camped outside, and again they met no problem. They walked toward Kaijin's shop easily, as they knew now his place. They knocked on the door before entering.
"Hey Kaijin, are you there," asked Rimuru? When he heard his name, Kaijin walked toward the slime.
"Oh, Rimuru! The monster I waited for. I'm sorry, but your request must wait just a little longer," said Kaijin. Rimuru was surprised but stayed calm. He tilted his body.
"Why," he simply asked? Kaijin smiled, wondering what Rimuru's expression will be.
"Because the kink wants to meet you," he said. While Rimuru was calm outside, inside was another story.
'Eh?! The king?! Did I do something bad? Will I be arrested,' he thought in panic?! While Kaijin can't hear his mind, he took Rimuru's silence as shock and then chuckled.
"Don't worry, he just wants to see if you're not a threat. Answer and be nice, and you will be without a problem," said Kaijin. Rimuru nodded but he had a question now.
"Ok, but what happened that he wants to meet me," asked Rimuru? Kaijin smiled.
"Oh, it's because the long swords I created were of better rank. He asked me what I created and how I managed it. I explained you gave me the materials. And because it was unknown and you're not a regular slime, he wants to meet you," explained Kaijin. Rimuru pondered for some seconds before nodding.
"I see, I will meet him then. I just hope I don't bring problems to Naruto-sama," he said. Kaijin had an interrogation point floating above him.
"Naruto-sama," asked Kaijin? Is he the master of Rimuru?
"Don't worry, I will explain all when I meet the king," said Rimuru. Kaijin nodded.
And they departed to the castle, with Kaijin leading them. They crossed Kaido, who saluted them before they crossed the bridge of the castle. Rimuru and his group arrived in the throne room, with the goblins kneeling while Rimuru remained the same as he can't really kneel. They waited until an announcer was heard.
"Everyone, here's our majesty, king Dwargo Gazel," said the announcer. Then Gazel appeared from the right and walked toward the throne before sitting on it, an arm on the throne's arm. Silence fell in the room. Rimuru knew he can't talk until he was given parole by the king. After three minutes, Gazel decided to break the silence.
"So, you're the slime that Kaijin talked about. You're indeed different, but it doesn't mean you're not a threat. Why should I not kill you," asked Gazel? Rimuru stayed calm, his mind thinking at high speed his skill [Truth Seeker], with [Great Sage]'s help too. He then sighed.
"First, I shall present myself. I'm Tempest Rimuru, the founder of the new village in the Great Forest of Jura. Second…" he sighed again, "if you kill me, you will only gain the wrath of my god." He was not bluffing. He felt a connection with Naruto even from there. He knew that Naruto knew what happened to him, and right now, Naruto was not impressed. His thought was cut by Kaijin.
"Your god? Is that Naruto your god you talking about," asked Kaijin? Rimuru nodded. Kaijin had an understanding look on him. If a god's presence was responsible for the mutation of the magisterial, then it explained all. Rimuru's star was this god's blessing or something, and the blessing had purified the magisteel. He hoped his king didn't pass next to this opportunity.
"A god? Stop lying. A lowly monster like you is godless and used by better like us," he said. Ha, Naruto-sama just narrowed his eyes a little. Rimuru can only shake his head.
"You see this white star," he asked? The king was now staring at it, wondering what Rimuru will tell him about it. "This is not a decoration, this is Naruto-sama's blessing." Vesta began to be angry.
"Stop with this nonsense! You will not deceive us, you monster! And Naruto, what a ridiculous name. My king, we need to purge those monsters as they're clearly a threat to us," said Vesta. Rimuru began to sweat a little. Naruto-sama is not happy now. But he understood, he was angry too, even his group narrowed their eyes.
"Vesta, Silence," exclaimed Gazel! The minister flinched at the commanding voice and stayed quiet after. Gazel then turned to Rimuru.
"I heard you're searching for artisans to help build your village. I shall then see it with my own eyes to know if it is worth of artisans. I shall see your god too," said Gazel in a kingly voice. Rimuru nodded, calming his nerve. An exclamation point appeared above him.
"I see. We shall lead you then to our village. Our god is waiting for you as we're talking," said Rimuru. Gazel nodded and stand up before leading the monsters to his Pegasus. Gazel ordered a group of ten knights to follow him, taking Rimuru on his Pegasus with the goblins and Vesta mounting with the knight.
"Kaijin, you shall guard the castle while I'm away," ordered Gazel.
"Of course, your majesty," said Kaijin, bowing. Gazel nodded.
"Everyone, let's go," ordered Gazel. The group flew away with the blacksmith waving at them.
With the speed of the Pegasus, it took only three hours to reach the village. When Gazel landed, he was surprised to see there is indeed a village but more civilized than he thought. Rigurd was waiting for them with some worries.
"Oh Rimuru-sama, welcome back. I hope your travel was without problems," said the Goblin Lord. Rimuru nodded.
"Oh, no big problems. We just have some guests that need proof of our claim. I see you have your hand full with newcomers," Rimuru said eyeing the new goblins. And they were goblins, not Hobgoblins. Monsters with no name.
"Yes, when they heard that our village has someone giving names, they came to see. And then they beg to be accepted, wanting to be under Naruto-sama's protection," said Rigurd. Rimuru nodded.
"I don't have a problem if Naruto-sama doesn't have a problem. I will name them later. We have a king and his knight to show our village," said Rimuru. Rigurd nodded.
"I see. Then if your majesty and your group follow us," said Rigurd before entering the village. Gazel nodded before following the hobgoblin. The knights and the monsters followed too. But as Gazel made his first step into the village, he flinched and began to sweat, eyes wide open. Vesta noticed the behavior of his king.
"Your majesty…" tried to speak but Gazel raised a hand quickly to stop Vesta.
"Everyone, DON'T talk if I didn't give you permission. Right now, we're on thin ice," said Gazel. This surprised the group of knights and the minister.
"But your majesty…" tried again Vesta but was stopped by Gazel's glare. Gazel then turned his sight to the village, sensing the atmosphere.
"This feeling, there are no doubts. It is the first time I feel it but there are no doubts," said Gazel. His servants were confused now. What is he talking about? "There is divinity in this village." His statement shocked the group. But Vesta's shock was replaced by anger.
'Divinity? In this monster's village? Prosperous! When the king will not be here, I will send a group of knights to destroy this damn village,' he thought!
"With all respect, Rimuru-sama," began Rigurd. Rimuru turned to him, gesturing he listens. "Did something happen at Dwargon? Naruto-sama was watching and admiring our work when he stopped instantly and his mood was falling after." Rimuru knew what he was talking about and nodded to show he knew.
"Don't worry, our majesty just has problems with some rude people in his kingdom. We will help him to resolve it," said Rimuru. Rigurd made an 'Oh!' before smiling and nodding.
"I see. Well, let's not wait and continue please," said Rigurd, leading again.
As Gazel was walking, he was observing the village and its members of it. And there was indeed Hobgoblins and a race of unknown wolf called Tempest wolf if he remembered. The goblins were new, and the reason why they were unnamed. He understood too why Rimuru sough artisans. While smarter, Hobgoblins were not known for their building skills and he could see it, but he must give them credit, the house looked correct. The village was not a threat, it was an opportunity. Many kingdoms knew the Great Forest of Jura was an excellent road for merchants. But the monster made it impossible to use. And Falmuth knew it as they taxed monstrously their road. If this village developed, it will be a boon for his kingdom without counting the unique materials they have. And if they managed to gain the favors of this god, his kingdom will then prosper. His thoughts were cut by a deep voice.
"Rimuru-dono, I see you came back in good health," said this male. Gazel's eyes widened again. Before him was a tall white wolf whose fur acted as armor for the chest and paws. His form was elegant and of a proud knight. And he had two long tails.
'Two tails? What is this being? Is he the god,' though Gazel? Rimuru cut him though.
"Yes, we came back without problems. We just show the village's hospitality to Dwargon's king, to relieve him of his fear," said Rimuru. The wolf nodded before turning to the knight group.
"Let me introduce myself. I'm Shiroheki, the Nibi no Okami, bijuu, and one of the guards of my divine master," said Shiroheki. It raised alarm bells in Gazel's mind.
'He isn't the god? How powerful is the real god then,' thought Gazel? The wolf before could be ranked as an A+-rank Disaster or even higher. If this god gave this wolf this much power without a problem, then this god was someone to not mock. The wolf radiates this much power. And he can't help to contract his muscles when the wolf looks at his group.
Shiroheki was a calm being. As one of his divine master's guards, he had the pleasure to feel the soothing but authoritative aura of his master. He trained to master his new power, his body, and his mind, to better serve his master. He could go beyond what he dreamed. But now, some things anger even himself. When his eyes fell on Vesta, he narrowed his eyes.
"So, you're the one throwing poison to my divine master," said the bijuu. It was not a question. Vesta began to tremble as he know he was deep in problems. "Let me tell you that your case will not go unpunished. But it will not be myself that will deliver it." Shiroheki took a breath to calm himself before turning to Rimuru. "While I'm here, do you know where Ranga and his group are? I began to train the Tempest wolves when you were absent." Rimuru didn't need to talk as Ranga and the wolves group exited the shadow of the goblins' group, surprising the knight.
"I'm here. Do you need my presence, Shiroheki-dono," asked Ranga? While he was the alpha of his pack, the bijuu was in a class himself. The reason why he was being polite with the white wolf.
"Yes, I will take you to train. You shall not be an exception. Now, come," said Shiroheki walking gracefully somewhere.
"Of course," exclaimed Ranga, following the bijuu with his group behind him. The training was important, he couldn't be lazy around if he wants to make his masters proud.
Rimuru waited for the wolves to disappear before resuming the walk. He could see Rigurd leading them to the elder's house which acted as the government house or it will later. And he could see his god talking to a Goblina, his back turned to the group. He could hear their conversation.
"You should keep those seeds and plant them when the time is right. Hey will give plentiful foods to the village," said the god. The goblina looked in awe.
"Really," she asked? Rimuru can't see his expression, from the softness of his voice, he could guess Naruto-sama was smiling.
"Yes. Now, let me take care of the guests we have," said Naruto, turning to the whole group. And this is where Gazel lost his composure and flinched. This was not a being that should be angered. He couldn't sense him, but the amount of divinity he released in his relaxed state was huge if the glow was any indication. He wore white clothes Gazel never saw, with patterns where 'beautiful' was not enough to describe. His chest was revealed, showing a god's body with red tribal patterns. His three strange eyes showed powers and wisdom beyond Gazel's reach. Golden hair made of silk and from those hairs spouted four horns with the two middle being the biggest one.
"Onikami," mumbled Gazel to himself. Yes, this was the only logical answer he could find. But even if they were extremely rare, one shouldn't release this amount of divinity. And when he saw the god narrowing his eyes to his minister, he knew there will be punishment coming.
"So," began Naruto. His voice sent shivers in the knight group and more in Vesta. "You're the one ready to purge my followers and insult my name, Otsutsuki Naruto known as Oame-no-genten-no-kami. One drowning in ignorance should not have the right to judge. And using your noble status for your selfish desires and corruptions, I will show you actions have consequences." Vesta trembled even more, taking steps back. Even if he knew he couldn't escape, he still tried not wanting to suffer. "Fleeing? I think not. As of today, you will carry all the pride and arrogance on your back."
With those words, punishment was given. Vesta sense instantly the change in him. A weight grew on his back, crushing him under it. He fell on his stomach as he couldn't carry this monstrous weight. But not wanting to be shameful before his king, he tried to stand up only for the weight to increase when he thought of his pride.
Gazel was stunned. It confirmed this being was a god, giving just punishment to sinners who hurt him or his followers. He flinched again when the god's eyes fell on him.
"As for you king, quite a bold claim you said," said Naruto. Gazel bowed immediately.
"I'm sorry for my rudeness and ignorance, but as a king, I can't make an exception. I must see who is a threat to my people," said humbly Gazel. Naruto observed for a moment before sighing.
"Apologize accepted. But I shall never see this ignorance again. A king is an example. A king is a fire. A king is a will. The darkness of ignorance should not be in you," said Naruto with wisdom.
"I thank you, my god. I let my pride cloud me for too long. I shall retake my training for my people," said Gazel. Naruto nodded to him before looking down at Rimuru who moved at his feet.
"Now, Rimuru. Did your travel been rewarded," he asked? Rimuru nodded happily.
"Yes, we found someone that will help us find some artisans and I've been training with your blessing too," said Rimuru. At the mention of training, Naruto's eyes glowed a little for a moment before nodding.
"I can see you gained some control on Ether," said Naruto. Rimuru was now focused.
"Ether? Is it what this energy is called," asked Rimuru? Naruto nodded. Rimuru took a thinking face then. "How is it different from magicules? [Great Sage] said it is purified energies but wasn't holy magic or magicules as magicules disappeared when purified." Naruto smiled softly, raising an index.
"Think of the Yin and Yang concept," he said. Rimuru raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Then, if it is all, I shall retrieve to my shrine. I let you finish your meeting with Gazel here." Rimuru nodded before Naruto leave for his shrine. Rigurd has taken the opportunity to open the government house's door.
"This way, please," Rigurd continued to lead the group. The group followed, leaving Vesta where he was but Gazel was deep in thinking. The only thing he knew was there will be changes in this world. And this village will be the center of it. And he can pray with the appearance of the god that it will stop conflicts and corruption. Maybe the Eastern Empire will find a being to not cross.
He can only pray.