The sun was shining quietly over Republic City.
It had been a few hours since Rimuru had arrived in the city, introduced himself to the Team Avatar and made the situation known.
Since there was still plenty of time left in the day, Rimuru decided to spend the time exploring the city some more while the others went about their business.
As Rimuru strolled through the streets, he kept reminiscing about the time before he was reincarnated, for when he was just a normal human man going day after day to his office to work, with people and vehicles cruising the streets to its destination.
"I wonder how everyone is doing back on my home world. Well, I guess I can only wish that everyone is well after my death and most of all, that my hard drive was destroyed unchecked." thought Rimuru remembering what he asked his co-worker before he died.
He had to pause for a moment as a hedgehog-like spirit walking on two legs passed in front of him.
Another thing that differentiated that city with his hometown besides the steampunk theme was that there were spirits everywhere and in all forms.
The most curious thing was that the humans acted calmly around them, as if it was a normal thing.
"I hope that someday, my city will be as good as this one. In fact, maybe I should install some urban and modern things. It might be of use to us in the future. Never better said." thought Rimuru.
"Warning. The incorporation of objects from another world and an advanced age could end up causing economic chaos." said Raphael.
"I know. I know. I was planning to go slowly. I wasn't planning to include cars or trains in the first instance either." thought Rimuru.
As he continued walking, realizing what area he was in, he decided to pay a visit to someone nearby.
Rimuru's walk took him to Future Industries, the company run by Asami Sato that manufactured the satomobiles that ran through the streets, as well as other things that helped the city.
After introducing himself to the guards as Asami's friend, he was allowed passage and was walking around the factory grounds, observing rooms where there were people and/or machines designing the satomobiles like an assembly line.
"He. Another thing that reminds me of my world. It'll be a matter of time until they design the electric cars." thought Rimuru walking until she came to a workshop where she saw Asami fixing a satomobile engine. "Asami." said Rimuru catching the engineer's attention.
"Ah, Lord Rimuru, to what do I owe the pleasure?" asked Asami.
"I was passing nearby and wanted to pay a visit." said Rimuru.
"Well then, how do you like the facility?" asked Asami.
"It's not bad at all. I'm impressed that you can handle it. In fact, what are you doing here?" asked Rimuru.
"I know I'm the president of the company, but every once in a while I like to go back to my roots and help in building or repairing some products like this." said Asami.
"I think it's really cool. Plus it can help you release stress." said Rimuru.
"Yes, that's a good way to look at it." said Asami.
It was then that Rimuru noticed that, in a corner, there was a potted plant similar to the ones that were all over the city.
"Hey, what's that?" asked Rimuru pointing to the pot.
"Oh, that. It's about a little project I've been thinking about lately." said Asami.
"What is it?" asked Rimuru curiously.
"You see..." began Asami before picking up the pot and showing it to the human slime. "When Korra opened the spirit portals, much of the city was covered with these plants that carry spiritual energy. In fact, they're alive."
To test it, Rimuru touched the plant a little, causing it to squirm a little.
"Analysis. The sample carries a medium amount of spiritual energy." said Raphael.
"And it's small to boot. I can't imagine the amount the plants all over the city must have." thought Rimuru.
"When Kuvira was bringing order to the Earth Kingdom, she forced Varrick to research them with the intention of turning the spiritual energy they had into a weapon." said Asami.
"That's where the cannon of that giant robot came from." said Rimuru remembering what Iroh told him about the metalbender's invasion attempt.
"That's right. Since then, no one has dared to investigate the energy of the spirit plants at the risk of causing an explosion like the one that created the city's spirit portal." said Asami.
"That's understandable. Since I don't think something like that could happen again." thought Rimuru. "Then why are you doing it?"
"Unlike the others, I plan something different from creating a weapon or something for my own benefit. The project is to use the spiritual energy of plants as a source of renewable energy." explained Asami.
"An energy that doesn't pollute and can supply an entire city because of its abundance. It's a great idea." said Rimuru.
"It is, but unfortunately, there is still an outstanding issue." said Asami.
"What is it?" asked Rimuru.
"The last time they were experimented on, they reacted and attacked people. What I plan to do is to find a method for them to give us their energy smoothly." said Asami.
"Mmm." expressed Rimuru crossing his arms as he started to think. "I think I have an idea." began Rimuru catching the engineer's attention. "You say you want the plants to give you their energy without any problems. What if you give them something in return? That way, the plants will give you their energy and they will get something in return for it."
"Like an equivalent exchange?" asked Asami before smiling in delight. "That's brilliant! I don't know how I didn't think of it before. Now I'll be able to make more progress on the research. I would only need the element that I would bestow on the plants in exchange for their energy. Thank you very much, Lord Rimuru."
"You're welcome and I'm sure you'll end up finding the answer. Well, I'd better get going. There's a lot I want to explore." said Rimuru leaving the place.
"Take care." said Asami saying goodbye.
"Thank you." said Rimuru.
Later, Rimuru decided to take a look at the city hall.
"Mmm. Not bad. I'd say it looks a bit like mine." said Rimuru strolling through the halls of the building.
Suddenly, he bumped into someone.
"I'm sorry. I didn't see you. I…" began the person the human slime had bumped into, who turned out to be Bolin. "Lord Rimuru, how sorry I am." said Bolin nervously.
"Oh, don't worry about it. It's my fault for being distracted." said Rimuru.
"What are you doing here, by the way?" asked Bolin.
"I simply wanted to do a little sightseeing." said Rimuru with a shrug.
"Bolin."
They both turned to the side to see a dark-haired woman with glasses arrive.
"I need you to fill out some paperwork about structures and then bring me the economics documents." said the woman.
"Of course, Madam President." said Bolin.
"And who is your friend?" asked the woman, realizing the presence of the human slime.
"Oh, right. Madam president, do you remember what I told you about a certain danger that was coming?" asked Bolin.
"Oh, so he is the envoy of the spirits. Nice to meet you, I'm Zhu Li, the president of Republic City." said Zhu Li shaking hands with the human slime's hand.
"Likewise, madam president." said Rimuru.
"Did I hear what I just heard?"
The three turned to the side to see a man with brown skin and a small mustache quickly arrive.
That man quickly approached Rimuru and shook his hand.
"It is an honor to meet an envoy of the spirits. My name is Varrick, great inventor, famous philanthropist and husband of the president" Varrick said introducing himself.
"Ah, yes, Varrick. I've already heard about you. The man who performed various acts of terrorism to blame Unalaq's forces, who tried to kidnap Raiko, the previous president and who built the weapon Kuvira used." said Rimuru citing all the bad things the man did.
Needless to say, that made Bolin cover his mouth to hold back his laughter as Zhu Li chuckled.
"Okay, guilty of all that, but that was when I was a different man, now I'm someone new and better trying to do good things for this city and its beautiful president." Varrick said making his wife blush slightly.
"I'm glad to hear that." began Rimuru. "Come to think of it, he reminds me of someone who did bad things and now is someone better and good."
In the middle of Rimuru City, Gabiru let out a sneeze.
"Are you all right, Lord Gabiru?" asked one of Gabiru's lizardman followers.
"Are you sick?" asked another of Gabiru's lizardman followers.
"No. It's possible that someone is talking about me somewhere." said Gabiru.
"Of course! His greatness is such that people everywhere know his name!" said the third lizardman follower of Gabiru.
"Long live Lord Gabiru!" said the three lizardman in unison.
"Then to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" asked Zhu Li.
"Pure sightseeing, nothing more. You may continue with your duties." said Rimuru.
"Hey, since you're here, you could lend a hand. That is if you don't mind, Madam President." said Bolin.
"Of course not. In fact, I could use an opinion from the spirits' point of view." said Zhu Li.
"In that case, I will gladly help you in any way I can." began Rimuru. "Although technically, I'm not a spirit." thought Rimuru remembering that they decided to keep the truth about Rimuru a secret, just telling about the threat and that Rimuru was sent by the spirits to help.
For a couple of hours, Rimuru was at the city hall, both helping Bolin with paperwork stuff and giving little advice to President Zhu Li, as he was experienced in governing a city.
In fact, as he hung out there, Rimuru was learning a thing or two about politics that might help him on future occasions.
Later in the day, Rimuru continued to wander the streets of the city until he came upon a building that looked different from the others and on the wall was a statue of a woman in a bow and armor.
"I think that must be Toph Beifong, one of Avatar Aang's friends and founder of the police force. Come to think of it, there is no police force in my city. Perhaps, when I return, I will select some to form a vigilante and security group. After all, the city is much bigger now and I can't be everywhere." thought Rimuru before proceeding to enter the building.
Once inside, Rimuru found himself in a waiting room, with people sitting around waiting for their turn while a couple of them were in front of the ticket booths making their requests and questions.
After taking a look around the place, Rimuru was planning to leave when…
"Lord Rimuru?"
Rimuru turned his head to the side to see Mako arriving at the place.
"Ah, Mako. I didn't think you'd be here." said Rimuru.
"I had some reports to fill out before I went on patrol. And what are you doing here?" asked Mako.
"That's what I'd like to know."
They both turned their gaze to an entrance to see an older woman in armor with a small scar on her cheek.
"Chief Beifong, allow me to introduce you to Lord Rimuru. He was sent by the spirits to help us in that approaching threat." said Mako introducing Rimuru to the woman who was introduced as Lin Beifong.
Lin narrowed her gaze at the human slime, as if analyzing it.
"What a look. Almost reminds me of Gazel." thought Rimuru feeling nervous at that look.
"I see. And are you really sure you don't know what we'll be facing?" asked Lin crossing her arms.
"Unfortunately no. All we can do is prepare for whatever happens." said Rimuru.
"And I agree. I've already asked my men to report any suspicious and strange activity to me." said Lin.
"Worthy of someone like you, Chief Beifong." said Rimuru with a smile.
"Whatever." said Lin before walking off, leaving the human slime and the firebender alone.
"Excuse her, she's usually like that with everyone." said Mako.
"Don't worry. Since she has a lot of responsibility, it's normal for her to be like this. Well, I won't waste any more of your time. I'll go on with my business. Good luck at work." said Rimuru before leaving.
"Thank you." said Mako.
Korra was currently in the garden of the Sato mansion, meditating quietly.
Ever since she learned that Rimuru was sent by Iroh himself to that world to help her deal with a very serious threat, she decided to prepare for it, but even so, she didn't know what she was going to face or how powerful it could be and feared she wouldn't be up to it.
When Rimuru gave her that test, she bravely challenged him, willing even to give her life to protect others, but now, she feared that even if she fought with all her might, she could do nothing against that threat and not only would the thing end with her dead, but with her girlfriend, friends and family dead.
All because she wasn't strong enough.
It was then that an idea crossed her mind.
It was a crazy idea, even Asami and the others would tell her not to do such a thing, but if she wanted to be prepared for when that threat appeared, she needed to do that.
So, with determination, she got up from her spot and left to find the person who could help her with her idea.
Inside the mansion, in the central living room, Rimuru was sitting on the couch drinking tea and resting after his walk around the city, as well as the little job at the town hall.
"Honestly, I would have liked to bring everyone here, though I'm sure they would have caused some trouble or another out there." thought Rimuru chuckling lightly at that image.
"Warning. Subject with a great deal of spiritual energy approaching." said Raphael.
"It's probably Korra." thought Rimuru before he heard the door open and just as the ability said, there was Korra, who walked up to Rimuru until she stood in front of him. "What do you want, Avatar Korra?"
Korra still thought her idea was crazy, but if she wanted to move forward, she would have to, though she was worried about what the human slime's reaction was going to be.
After taking a deep breath, she bowed to him.
"Please, Lord Rimuru, fight me." said Korra.
"Excuse me?" asked Rimuru confused and surprised by the request.
"I want you to fight me." said Korra rising to her full height.
"May I know why you want me to fight you?" asked Rimuru.
"As you said, there is such a great and powerful danger approaching that they even asked you to come help me. That made me think that I might not be fully prepared to fight him and that I might end up dying." said Korra.
"It won't happen. I'll be there to make sure of it." said Rimuru.
"I know, but I can't depend on you all the time. I'd like to be prepared for whatever comes my way and I can only do that if I'm up against someone very powerful." said Korra.
"Someone like me, right?" asked Rimuru.
"Yes. So, will you fight me?" asked Korra hoping he would accept her request.
Rimuru stopped to think about it, for it was true that they didn't know what they would be up against and that it could be so powerful that Korra could be in serious trouble.
He could understand Korra's reason behind her request.
Even he himself would if he were in her situation.
"All right. I'll fight you." said Rimuru.
"Thank you very much, Lord Rimuru, I appreciate it" said Korra with a smile and bowing in thanks.
"But I must warn you that I won't be frank with you. Still, would you fight me anyway?" asked Rimuru.
"If it will help me become stronger, I will accept it." said Korra earnestly.
"Fine. We'd better go somewhere bigger." said Rimuru getting up from the couch.
Later, Rimuru and Korra found themselves in a large area of the mansion's garden, with each at one end of the area, preparing for the fight.
"Since you were the one who suggested this, I'll let you make the first move." said Rimuru.
Korra felt very nervous, as the first move was a big deal in a fight, but this wouldn't be a normal fight, it would be a fight against someone who held the title of Demon Lord, one of the strongest in the world.
She might also be the strongest in the world, but comparing her skills to the human slime, she was still a novice.
But still, if she wanted to get stronger for when that threat came, she needed to do that.
Acting quickly, Korra began to launch fireballs towards the human slime, but he nimbly dodged all the attacks.
After that, Rimuru shot a flare of black fire from his hand.
Korra was shocked, as she had never seen fire of that color before, but she had to put that surprise aside in order to block the flare with her bare hands.
By the time the fire melted, Rimuru found himself in front of her and before she could react, he kicked her in the chest sending her backwards.
Despite the size of the human slime, Korra could feel a tremendous force in that kick, as if she had been hit by a satomobile.
She stood up with a groan of pain and effort just as Rimuru charged towards her at full speed to hit her again, but Korra reacted quickly and caused a stalagmite to pop up right where the human slime was going to appear, forcing him to back away as if he had known what would happen.
Instead of waiting for him to attack again, Korra began throwing multiple rocks and also causing stalagmites to erect on the ground, causing Rimuru to move quickly back and forth to dodge all the ground attacks.
A rock was about to hit him, but Rimuru covered his arms with scales and positioned them in an X-shape in front of him.
The moment the rock impacted the arms, it shattered into pieces.
After that, he shot out of his mouth a cloud of yellow gas.
Korra didn't know what that gas was, but she could understand that it was dangerous, so she proceeded to create a dome of air around her that protected her from the gas.
By the time the gas was gone, Korra created an air scooter with which she quickly headed towards the human slime, who responded to that by moving from side to side, being chased by the Avatar.
Just as Rimuru stepped to the side, Korra undocked the scooter and launched a wave of cutting wind, but Rimuru countered it with another wave of cutting wind, much to the Avatar's surprise.
Rimuru then shot several icicles of ice from his body like a machine gun, but Korra reacted quickly and used waterbending to cover her arms with water, freezing the tip, and moving them quickly to block the incoming icicles, while dodging some.
When the rain of icicles was over, Korra unified the water in her arms to shoot a powerful jet of pressurized water, but then, Rimuru raised his arm and a black vortex appeared in front.
The vortex ended up devouring the entire water attack.
That left Korra surprised, as she had just witnessed the 'Predator' ability.
As soon as the water attack was completely devoured, Rimuru charged back towards Korra who instinctively used airbending to propel herself upwards, managing to escape from the human slime.
Once up, she launched a wave of fire and a wave of wind that when combined created a more powerful attack, but Rimuru simply jumped back to dodge it.
Just as Korra landed on the ground, she made a pair of columns come out of the ground and headed towards the slime, who jumped high to dodge it and while in the air, shot a powerful black lightning from his hand.
Korra managed to react quickly and pointed two of her fingers forward, attracting the lightning like a lightning rod.
She let out a groan of pain as she felt the intensity of the lightning and before the pain increased, she pointed the fingers of her other hand to the side, shooting the lightning she had drawn into the sky in another direction.
Rimuru was shocked at such a technique as he landed on the ground, at the same time he saw Korra gasp heavily.
Rimuru was about to suggest ending the fight, but before he could say a word, Korra returned to the fray by launching a powerful blast of wind that managed to catch the human slime off guard, pushing it backwards.
Next, Korra pulled out a pair of metal balls from her bag and turned them into metal blades that she hurled towards the human slime.
Rimuru started to move from side to side while dodging the blades that moved around him like mosquitoes thanks to Korra's metalbending.
Just as Rimuru threw his head to the side to dodge another metal blade, Korra quickly appeared in front of him thanks to propelling herself with airbending and managed to punch the human slime in the face, knocking it back.
Before he could do anything else, Korra threw a huge wave of cutting wind at him that moved quickly towards him.
Rimuru dodged to the side to dodge it, but then, due to the speed of the attack…
SLASH
His right arm ended up severed and severed from the rest of his body.
Korra was horrified when she saw the severed arm fall to the ground as Rimuru stared at it.
The shock was such that Korra was unable to say anything as she had just amputated a Demon Lord from another world.
"Impressive." said Rimuru with a smile.
Before Korra could mention about the arm, to her surprise, the severed arm turned into a puddle while, from the stump where the arm was, a substance emerged that shortly after, solidified and transformed into a new arm, clothes and all.
Rimuru put his new hand in front of his face and clenched his fist.
"It's been a while since someone hurt me like this." said Rimuru remembering fights like the one with the kirins and the one with Hinata.
"Are you… Are you okay?" asked Korra regaining her voice.
"Yes, don't worry. I have the ability to regenerate quickly from any wound no matter how severe and deadly." began Rimuru before approaching the Avatar. "I congratulate you, Avatar Korra. You are indeed strong and that I have been holding back."
That surprised the Avatar, for with those skills and that healing ability, he was only holding back, which showed that he hadn't fought with all his might.
He was truly someone very powerful.
However, she couldn't help but smile at the human slime's compliment.
"Thank you, Lord Rimuru." said Korra bowing in thanks.
"If you keep training like that, you will surely become someone very strong." said Rimuru.
"Can I ask something?" asked Korra receiving a nod from the human slime. "Why are you so strong? I mean, you are the leader of a city of monsters and you are at best one of the strongest beings in your world, but for what purpose?"
"Let me answer that with another question, for what purpose does the Avatar train to bender the four elements?" asked Rimuru.
"To bring balance to the world and protect humans and spirits." said Korra.
"Then you could say it's the same as mine." began Rimuru confusing the Avatar. "Where I come from, humans and monsters don't get along. There are those who hate us or even thought of attacking our city because it was a city of monsters." said Rimuru recalling how a certain empire launched an attack on them that killed some of their own. "If I have the title of Demon Lord it is so that I can protect my own and not only that, but I intend to create a city where monsters and humans can be together as a community. That is my purpose."
Korra smiled at that.
Some would become strong for the sake of being strong or to be above others, but he just wants to be strong to protect his friends and citizens as well as create a society similar to Republic City, which was founded for benders and non-benders of all nations to live together.
"That's very noble of you. I'm sure you will succeed." said Korra.
"I think so too. Especially after seeing this city. Well, what do you say we go inside and rest? I'm sure that fight must have worn you out." said Rimuru.
"Yeah, pretty much." said Korra before following the human slime inside the mansion.
On that same day, Korra realized two things.
The first was that she no longer cared what kind of danger it would be that she would face, she would fight it with her friends and someone she trusted.
And the second was that if she wanted to protect, not only the world, but also the people she cared about, she had to become stronger.
