After I tell them how I met with Shizu-san, everyone seems to have a different response.

Hinata was surprised about how well my ability to absorb things and made them become my power. She keeps asking about what I managed to obtain from Shizu-san, and what happened to her inside my stomach. She also felt a bit sad when I tell the story about how Ifrit went on a rampage and destroy the village I just made. And after I tell them about Shizu-san's last moment, she had a gloomy face. Especially when she heard that Shizu-san hated this world.

The kids also have different reactions from each other. Kenya mostly kept asking about how Shizu-san defeated all of the Giant Ants, Ryota had more interest in how Shizu-san kept control of Ifrit during her life, Alice kept pondering about who's Cabal, Ellen, and Gido whom Shizu-san's last companion and Gale always confirming about what is the reason Shizu-san left them and how she entrusted me to take care of them.

And since I also knew Shizu-san's history and relationship with Leon, I also added to the story.

I thought they going to react wildly after I told them the whole story, from the beginning of summoning until the moment Shizu-san was saved by the Hero, but it turns out they kept quiet. Instead, they asking on how is Shizu-san right now inside my stomach.

I honestly didn't know for certain, since my stomach had evolved into a completely different dimension. After all, everything I eat is dissolved. So it's impossible for Shizu-san's body is still intact.

"So, Shizu-sensei had a lot more tough time than us. And here I am, keep whining about her abandoning us" Kenya began to sob.

"It's okay Kenya, you just didn't know the truth. You can't be blamed. But now, please don't think she has abandoned you. She wanted to save you all. That's why she decides to go on a journey to meet Leon"

"So that's her relation with Demon Lord Leon. I never knew that far. I see, I put anger on the wrong person. I apologized to you once again, Rimuru" Hinata reminiscing the time we were still in misunderstanding.

"You don't have to be angry with anyone, Hinata. After some talk with Leon, I came to understand his intention. And believe me, he's a really good guy. He is just awfully awkward and somehow always manages to stir things up against him. I understand how you feel, but please forgive him too"

"I can't do that easily. Once things are settled down, I think I gonna have some talk with him"

Woah, scary. And stubborn as always. I thought she already learned the lesson after making me her enemy.

"I don't think that's a good idea. But hey, come here a bit-"

I ask Hinata to come closer.

"Ruminas happened to be involved in this matter as well. So go and talk with her. I think that's a better idea"

I whispered those words to her. After listening to my words, she backed off and slightly nodded. Didn't pursue the matter any longer.

"Rimuru-sensei, is it true Ifrit almost made Shizu-sensei kill me when the last time we met?" Gale suddenly asked after a brief silence.

"That's right. And that's the last straw for Shizu-san. At that moment, she decided to stop becoming your teacher"

"How is Ifrit now, Rimuru-sensei? Is he still inside you?" Ryota made a question.

"No, he's been released. He's now absorbing a Charybdis core, and using it as the medium for having a form in this world. And now, she's serving Veldora as his servant"

"Eh, 'she'? I thought you were using 'he' when referring to Ifrit, Rimuru-sensei?"

"Ah yes, he become a female now. You guys can meet her sometime later. But don't be surprised, she's not what you think"

"Is she still become a blood-thirsty monster?" Alice now suddenly interjects.

Woahh Alice! It seems she's angry with Ifrit. Well, it can't be helped actually. Ifrit actually has a fault here. But I can't speak to defending her right now.

"No, she's not. She's already become an obedient person now. A very kind-hearted one actually. You guys won't believe me until you saw her by yourself"

"Right, please let us meet her sometime later, Rimuru-sensei" Gale asked me.

"Sure, I'll tell you when I can"

"Thank you, Rimuru-sensei"

Silent has come again. I tried to eat some cakes and other food. The kids were also eating the food I brought. But they seem to not enjoy it.

Knowing Shizu-san's truth might have shocked them to the bone. I guess some of them probably regret not being able to help Shizu-san. But what children like them can do? Even if I didn't have Unique Skill: Predator, I wouldn't be able to separate Shizu-san and Ifrit.

And perhaps, they already realize even if they knew the truth sooner, they can't do anything. Because they're the ones who need to be saved. They're the ones who need protection. You don't need to think hard about it, even if it was me, I would loathe my inability.

But I believe they can handle it. They have been saved, their lives are not threatened anymore. Moreover, I believe they have matured more than before. I put my trust in them for being able to get through this feeling. That's why I deliberately tell them the truth.

I made some new tea. This one is made following Shuna's recipe. So even from the sweet smell itself, it's already made everyone calm down.

I served them all a cup of tea. While adding a plate of another cake I brought. They eat it up immediately. Including Hinata. It seems her composure has been calmed since long before, but she didn't refuse the tea I made. What an opportunist.

"Rimuru-sensei, we can't do anything even if we knew this before, right?" Gale asked suddenly.

"I'm afraid so. But even if that's the case, you guys are not at fault"

"Because we were weak, right?"

"Strength doesn't have anything to do with this, Gale. Even if you strong, you-"

"But you manage to absorb Ifrit, and separate it from Shizu-sensei right? Isn't it your power to be able to absorb anything?"

Damn, this kid is sharp. But even though I can separate Ifrit from Shizu-san, it doesn't save her. It's almost a natural death. Death by age. Only it was worsened by Ifrit's power. If I don't reply properly, Gale and the rest might continue to blame themselves.

But just when I think of a better answer, Hinata speaks up.

"I regret leaving Sensei. I'm not regretting the decision to join the Crusaders, but I regret not realizing that time, was perhaps I can still wait and stay by Sensei's side for a little longer. I leave her without knowing that was the last time I can see her alive. But those regrets didn't take me anywhere. Instead, it blinded me to greater things, and only bring me chaos. I almost kill someone who knew Sensei's last wishes, and wholeheartedly accept her wish as his own. You guys are the same. If Sensei didn't leave you all, Rimuru won't be here to save you all. So all you can do now is to live up as Sensei wanted. Be strong so you can save not only yourself but also other people. It's no use crying out loud about our weaknesses. Sensei has approved it. And we all are her proof"

I'm honestly surprised at how to open Hinata is, but I like it. So I nodded, and added,

"That's right. We cannot always do what we need to. But that's a life lesson for you. Pain is the most effective way of understanding. And by understanding, we learn something. And by learning something, we become a better person."

The four of them have a deep thought, thinking about my and Hinata's word. The silence has come up again for a while. Until Kenya suddenly speak up.

"You're all right. Shizu-sensei has given her life for us, and Rimuru-sensei has done everything he can to save us too. If we want to repay them, then let's be strong! Strong enough to save the one we love!"

Ohhh! Kenya really has grown. The kid who always brags and acts childish was actually understanding.

"Ken-chan is right! We have to be strong! Rimuru-sensei, Hinata-nee, please help us become strong!"

"Me too! I won't let Shizu-sensei's sacrifice be wasted. Let's aim to become strong"

"That's right, I won't let anyone has a painful life like Shizu-sensei!"

See? I knew these four can get through it. Even after Chloe leaves them, they are still close as ever.

"That's a good spirit, everyone. I'm sure Shizu-san's life would be happier than she was here if she knew you guys being strong"

It's my honest opinion. Shizu-san might have another life somewhere out there, but I believe wherever she is, with her personality, there's no way Shizu-san is unhappy.

Ah, wait. I think I just said something unnecessary now. Why? Because I felt a glance of others' stare intently.

Ciel? What did I do?

[Master has just casually talked about Shizu having a new life somewhere]

Oh crap!

I can't get away with this. Be prepared, me!

"Rimuru, what do you mean by that?" Hinata's stare is intimidating already.

"A-Ah, you know, I came here by reincarnated. I died in the original world, and my soul got transferred to this world. I just saying, perhaps, Shizu-san also has similar circumstances"

"' Really?! '"

Urk, these guys! I really can't get away unless being honest here.

"I just say there's a possibility you know. It doesn't mean it really is what happens"

"I see, I understand. But can you check it out, Rimuru?"

What should I say?

[I can search for Shizu's soul, but the result might be not as expected]

What do you mean, Ciel?

[It means, whether the soul has been gathered in one person, or scattered around and only some pieces of her soul inhabit another person. I can't guarantee which one would be the result]

I see… Let's use that answer then.

"Well, technically I can. But the result is not certain"

"Really? How do you do that, Rimuru-sensei?"

How? Ciel, how you're going to looking those souls?

[Using the data I have about the Ultimate Skill: 'Divine Flame King' (Cthugha) which Velgrynd has, it has the ability to track down the soul of the intended individual. Velgrynd uses this ability to find Rudra's soul. I can copy its ability for Master, so Master can search the soul of the individual named Shizu]

Amazing. Is it able to find those souls even if the souls were in different worlds?

[Yes it can. And by Spacetime domination ability from Master's Ultimate Skill: Void God Azatoth, we can go to anywhere those souls are leading us]

Wow, I never realized how cool my ability was. Then, it means I should be able to return to my original world right?

[Correct]

I'm speechless. I had mixed feeling right now. Searching for Shizu-san's soul might be tiresome, but if it means I can go on an adventure to a different world, I might find it interesting. But, I have no reason to do it. Just because it might be fun, I don't want to cause a possible commotion.

"Sensei? Rimuru-sensei?"

"Ah what's up Gale-kun?"

"You suddenly lost in thought. I thought you were pretending to not listen to my question"

"What? No way. I heard your question loud and clear"

"So, what's the answer, Rimuru-sensei?"

"Well, I have to ask you to keep it secret though. Would you keep it a secret for me?"

"Don't be stingy Rimuru, before you just deliberately disclose how many unique skills I have"

"Urk!"

Hinata made a horrible answer, but solidly logical.

"Hahaha, Hinata-nee is right. But I promise to not blab about it, Rimuru-sensei" Gale made a confirmation.

"Me too"

"Me as well"

"I told you I won't blab even if you told me to didn't do it!"

"All right all right, I believe you guys"

I let out a little sigh. Take a deep breath, and… reveal it.

"I can track down Shizu'san's soul with my skill. And I have the ability to manipulate time and space, so I can go whenever and wherever I want. So I can go to wherever Shizu-san's soul is heading"

I did explain it with a straightforward attitude. I won't say that I have two Ultimate Skills that allow me to do these things.

But these guys' faces showed a distrustful expression. I know right. It's too much to be understood by common sense. I always get reprimanded by Gazel anyway.

"Rimuru-sensei, are you always been this powerful?"

"No, it's not Ryota. I just happen to grow up and gain these skills"

"Grow up?"

"Yeah, more like, you know, evolved"

"Evolved, but you're still a slime, Rimuru-sensei"

"Of course I'm slime. I'm evolved, but it doesn't mean I change my species"

"So you're still a slime, right? A tiny and not a bad slime?"

"I don't know what you're thinking, but I'm still the same as it is"

"It doesn't make sense"

"Yeah"

I painfully accepted.

"Rimuru, I know you never lied. But please explain it properly so I can understand it better"

Hinata seems to find it hard to believe, but I'm glad she's trying to accept it. But unfortunately, I already explain it as simply as it is.

"I can't explain it any more than this. But, even if I can, the result is still the same. The summary is that I can manipulate space and time. And I can track down a soul"

"At least tell me how powerful you are right now. Just make a comparison with someone I know. Is it about many times as me?"

"Well, if you want a comparison, it's almost the same with the Primordial Demon. They have Existence Point around 3 to 10 million. So I was around that."

Well, I actually have an Existence Point much more than that, because Ciel said my accurate Existence Point is when Velgrynd and Veldora's Existence Point combined. But 10 million is the number that shows up in my status. So, let's get along with that one.

But those numbers are still very big for them. Well, it can't be helped. As I said, let's get along with it.

"You're as strong as Demon Progenitor?"

"Technically, yeah. But in combat, it all depends on how well I can use my skills. And for that, I still have a long way to go"

I won't say that I am actually already a part of the True Dragon species. It might make a bigger ruckus. So let's be quiet about that.

"All right, I suppose I have to believe you"

"Really? Thanks, that save me"

"Really, because no one else is foolish enough to lie by using the words as you said"

"I don't you're praising or insulting, but I take it as an agreement"

And when I saw the kid's faces, their expression is still indescribable. Right right, I never told them about my powers as well. So it's understandable all right.

"Don't show me those faces, guys. My fellow Demon Lords are the same. They are very powerful as well. Especially the ones whose names are Guy and Milim"

"Are they stronger than you, Rimuru-sensei?"

"Well, some of them are stronger, and the rest of them might be on par with me"

"Demon Lords are scary"

"Yeah, we have to avoid them at all costs"

"I knew I have to be strong, but even if I succeed, I won't pick a fight with them"

Hey! I'm a Demon Lord too you know!

Well, but it's true for not picking a fight with them. Even if it's for me, that's a way too reckless thing to do.

"All right, now you know how powerful I am, and with my abilities, I can search for Shizu-san's soul anywhere. That's enough for today"

"Wait! Rimuru-sensei, we haven't talked about searching Shizu-sensei's soul. Aren't we going to find her?"

"What? I never said I would do that"

"Ehh? Why?"

"Because I don't want to disturb her new life"

That answer made the situation silent for a few seconds. But Hinata is the one who breaks the silence.

"And what if her new life was in a bad state?"

"Well, I didn't think of that"

"And if that what really happen?"

Urk, this question is setting me up. All right, I give up.

"Hah… All right, I'll check it up first and decide what to do depending on her state"

"Yeay! I want to come with you, Rimuru-sensei!"

"Yeah! I want to meet with the reincarnated Shizu-sensei!"

"Let's go Rimuru-sensei!"

"Ahhh hold on hold on! We didn't know if she was being reincarnated or reborn somewhere else in the first place. Besides, I can't take any of you with me!"

I think my spacetime domination would cause harm to them. Since they're a human, the density of magicule caused by my skill would be poisonous even for Hinata who is immune to magicules.

[Correct. Even the manipulation of space could be harmful to those who didn't have a spiritual body]

That's my Ciel! You just added more reasons to not bring these guys.

"Ehh… But I want to go with you, Rimuru-sensei"

Alice already made a teary eye. I bet she really wanted to meet Shizu-san and repay her kindness with all she had. But it's impossible.

"I know, but you can't Alice. You guys didn't have a spiritual body. So you would be in danger when I perform the space manipulation. I'm gonna use teleportation, and not only space but also time would be distorted. Any ordinary human would die miserably under those circumstances."

My words have made the four of them more saddened. But again, it's the truth. Unless they have evolved into a Saint, then the probability might be possible.

[Correct. It will cause some negative effects, but it won't be harmful. A human who already ascended into the Saint would have a better resistance against abnormality]

Right, so that means someone like Hinata might be able to come with me.

Eh, Hinata is with me after all!

"You guys need to be as strong as Hinata to be able to come with me"

"Eh, why is that Rimuru-sensei?"

I glanced at Hinata. This time, I'm asking her permission to tell them about one of the powers she had. I wouldn't repeat the mistake I made before, although it turns out didn't make her upset.

Hinata knew what I intended, so she gave a nod.

Yosh, a green light.

"Because Hinata has evolved to become a Saint. Once you evolved to become one, you have much better resistance than any other ordinary human"

"So, once I become as strong as Hinata-nee, I can come with you, Rimuru-sensei?"

"Yes, you're right. But don't take it lightly, you have to undergo rigorous training to ascend to become a Saint"

"All right it's settled then! I'm aiming to become a Saint!"

"Me too!"

"I'll take any kind of training to become a Saint!"

Hinata glanced at me and sighed in response after seeing those kids intending to become Saint. She probably reminding of her own training, and by the looks of it, it wasn't a pleasant time.

"Geez, at first I honestly thought Rimuru-sensei has developed a tool to detect a soul. But it turns out, it's much more of a twist than I had expected" Gale made an exasperated look.

Hm? A tool to detect a soul? It honestly sounds cool. It might have a little benefit from it, but it opens a lot more paths in research about souls.

Oh man, I'll have to discuss it immediately with Ramiris and Vesta.

"Ehem, sorry about that Gale-kun. But the truth is not always as expected"

"Yeah you're right, Rimuru-sensei. I'll let it go since I can do nothing about it"

"Just give up Gale, Rimuru-sensei is always out of common sense"

"Yeah, I should have to get used to it. But it seems, I still have a long way to go"

"Rimuru-sensei is always being an absurd one!"

Ouch, it actually hurts hearing those comments. I'll try to take it as a compliment.

"So, let's get back to the main topic. In conclusion, you can track down Sensei's soul and move yourself to where the souls are, right? And you can't bring anyone except for those who are as strong as me?" Hinata interject.

"Yes, that's true"

"Then, I'm coming with you"

"' What?! '"

Not only me, but the kids were also surprised.

"What do you mean by that, Hinata?"

"I mean it as I said"

"Wait wait wait, didn't you have a lot of things to take care of?"

"You have spacetime manipulation ability, right? So you can manipulate time as well. You should be able to turn back time too. We can go back to this exact time for sure"

Wait, is that true Ciel? I thought it only made me able to survive in a time-stop situation. I never thought about coming back to the past.

[She's correct. However, it's not recommended. Going back to the past would cause an unforeseen paradox. It will cause great disturbance in the future and present time. Without a careful calculation, going back to the past would only cause harm to the world]

Scary. Really scary. So, for a good reason, going back to the past is no good?

[Correct, but Hinata's suggestion about going back to this exact time, might be the safest decision if Master wanted to return after searching for Shizu's soul]

Hmm… Why? I wonder. Is it because at this exact time, we all already made a decision to search for Shizu-san's soul? And if we go back to a time before this day, our search for Shizu-san's soul would become a paradox. We did searching for Shizu-san's soul, but we never made a decision to do that. That's the paradox that would occur if we return to the time before right now, right?

[Correct]

Yosh, then let's set this time as our return point. It's like a save point in the game.

[Understood]

Thank you, Ciel.

"Hinata is right. After some thought, let's do this. Are you ready to do it right away?"

"Certainly"

The kids showed some jealous expressions. Honestly, they look cute. But I understand it must feel painful.

"All right, let's set off Hinata. Guys, we'll be back in seconds. Don't worry!"

"Rimuru-sensei, best regards to Shizu-sensei!"

"Please tell her we love her so much!"

"Rimuru-sensei, Hinata-nee, I wish for your success!"

"Next time, I'll come along as well!"

Geez these guys. It's not certain that Shizu-san is getting reincarnated though. But well, let's hope for the best. Ciel, are you already have an idea where we going?

[Yes, Master. It appears a large piece of Shizu's soul has been found in the world named Ares]

A large piece? How big it is exactly?

[Around 50% of her whole soul]

That's a big one! I didn't know it will be this much on the first try. All right, let's set off!

"Hinata, hold on to me! We're going now!"

"Eh? Already? Okay!"

Then a magic circle appeared under our feet. A bright light was blinding our sight. And without realizing, we already arrived at destination. In the world named Ares.