Celestial Bodies

by Shizuku Tsukishima749

Slime Tamer Ryouma Takebayashi is called upon to save the life of Demon Lord Slime Rimuru Tempest in another world. And really, faced with a choice between helping him and letting him die, what can Ryouma say but yes? (It ends up being one of the best decisions of his life.)

A/N: I finished marathoning both "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime" and "By the Grace of the Gods" back to back around two weeks ago and couldn't resist writing this idea when it popped into my head! I've been working on it ever since! This ended up being way longer than I expected, but holy shit, was it fun! I hope you guys enjoy reading this as much as I loved writing it! Thanks so much for giving this self-indulgent crossover of mine a chance! :D

Ailment Nullification Skill Note: I know Rimiru has an Ailment Nullification skill, but this idea was just too much fun to pass up, and I promise I have a canonically-sound reason for him getting sick! If you wouldn't mind giving it a chance, I'd really appreciate it, and if you still don't like it after, that's fair! Thank you very much!

Hope you enjoy!

---

Celestial Bodies

It's another busy day in the mining town of Gimul.

Or at least, that's what Ryouma would say if he were working today. Instead, he's home, researching his slimes in the privacy of the mines.

The second he stepped into Bamboo Forest Laundry Service this morning, Callum and Carla, despite living in two different cities, managed to team up to march him into the back room and respectfully call him out on how much he's been overworking himself lately. They all but strong-armed him into taking the rest of the day, tomorrow, and next weekend off. The real kicker was when they threatened to get the Jamil family involved…

That got Ryouma's attention, and he ended up sprinting out the door with a "Good luck! Let me know if you need anything!" at the speed of light. (Yet somehow, he feels like that only heightened their concern…)

He sighs. He really does employ some overprotective worrywarts…

Still, though… He can't help his soft smile. As much as he protests and feels strange, even guilty and unworthy, accepting others' help in knowing when he's overworked himself without realizing, it's not that he hates it. Not at all. On the contrary, he appreciates it so much, more than anything. In his previous life, no one but Tabuchi and his Mom ever cared or looked out for him, and that fact was only cemented after his Mom passed. So, having so many people who genuinely care about and fret over him in this world…

Tears well in his eyes, and his smile grows. He's so lucky…! He loves them all so much…! He'll have to do something for them soon, something to let them know how much he appreciates everything they've done and continue to do for him. Carla and Callum, especially. He knows they're technically younger than him if he takes his actual age into account, but they've always done their best to watch over him and only have his best interests at heart, so he can't help but see them as his big brother and sister. It's been that way for a while now, actually. (He wonders if it has anything to do with the 'infantile regression' thing Kufo told him about…)

That reminds him: he'll have to make a stop by the church later. He wants to thank Kufo, Gain, and Lulutia for sending him to this world again. He knows he tells them how happy he is here all the time, but it bears repeating. He doesn't think he'll ever be more grateful for anything in his (second) life!

WHOOSH!

All at once, out of nowhere, there's a flash of light so blinding that Ryouma and even a number of his slimes have to shield themselves, and when it fades, he can't believe his eyes.

It looks like…a portal's formed in front of him. At least, that's all he can think of to describe it, since it looks just like the ones in those anime he used to watch as a kid back on Earth. Some of his slimes have gone on the defensive, in a battle-ready row in front of him with sticks out, and Ryouma appreciates their protectiveness. They have no idea what this thing is or why it's appeared, after all.

But what really captures his attention is what—or rather, who—the portal is focused on.

It's a young boy with long blue hair lying in a bed, flushed and feverish and clearly miserable. There are people all around him, most likely his family—makeshift, patchwork, a found family just like his, if the vastly different species are anything to go by—and from their expressions, they're clearly worried and scared. Ryouma's heart instantly goes out to them.

Then, a voice like a female AI from a video game calls out to him, sounding like it's coming from inside his head and all around him at once:

Greetings, Ryouma Takebayashi from the world of Seilfall. The being before you is an otherworlder—you know them as 'Transfers'—known as Rimuru Tempest, the kind-hearted Demon Slime who is the Ruler of Monsters in the Forest of Jura. In his previous life, like you, he was a corporate worker in Japan. I am known as Raphael, one of Rimuru's Ultimate Skills. Rimuru subconsciously opened this portal in an attempt to find help, and I am acting on his behalf. He is suffering from a terrible fever that only affects slimes. If not treated, it will prove fatal. Slime Tamer from another realm, will you help him?

For a good few seconds, Ryouma is speechless. He knows this is really happening because he tried pinching himself more than once, but still! He just—he has so many questions!

This 'Rimuru' is a Transfer, too?! Why was he sent to a land of monsters instead of Seilfall (not that this world doesn't have monsters, but Rimuru's definitely seems…higher fantasy than Seilfall)? Could it be because different gods govern their worlds? Why was he reincarnated as a slime? What's a Demon Slime? (Did he evolve because he literally ate a demon?!) On top of that, slimes in video games are some of the weakest monsters out there, so how the hell did he get to be so powerful, so much that he became the Ruler of Monsters? Was he blessed by his gods, too?

How can he take a human form? (Can his slimes do that, too?) Why does he take a human form? Is it so he can talk like normal? Ryouma's slimes can't speak, so maybe it's the same for him. Or could it be something as simple as it's just more comfortable for him, more like what he's used to from his old life? Realistically, being able to take human form is almost certainly something entirely unique to Rimuru alone, or at least something only from his world, but that just makes it even more worth studying in Ryouma's eyes! Besides, he's supposed to be relaxing anyway, and what better way to do that than by jumping on a once-in-a-lifetime research opportunity?! Think about all the experiments he could perform (with permission, of course)!

And then, most importantly, there's the very sobering knowledge that Rimuru will die (again) if Ryouma doesn't help him. How can he just sit back and do nothing, knowing something like that? He'd never be able to live with himself if he turned his back on someone in need. He knows how that feels, and he can't imagine inflicting that kind of pain on someone else. It would make him no better than the heartless, unfeeling bastards he worked for in his previous life.

But still…there's one thing he needs to know before he goes anywhere.

"Raphael," he calls out, "you said Rimuru's illness only affects slimes." He tightens his grip on the slime in his arms, one of his first. "Will my slimes be in any danger if they help him?"

There's a kind of…electronic whirring, like Raphael is running the numbers, and sure enough, when she speaks again:

Answer: Given that your world and ours are entirely separate, the possibility of your slimes contracting anything that may harm them is astronomically low. According to my calculations, as low as 0.00001%.

Ryouma breathes a heavy sigh of relief. "That's all I need to hear!" He beams. "In that case, of course I—I mean, we—will help out! We'd be happy to!" He looks around at his slimes. "Right, guys?"

They all wiggle happily, his Healing slimes most of all, eager to be of service, and Ryouma laughs.

Thank you, Slime Tamer Ryouma Takebayashi.

He softens. Boy, even Raphael sounds relieved! Poor thing must really be worried about her…master? Charge? "Don't mention it! As long as I have the power to help somebody, I'll always do my best!" He scoops up two of his Healing slimes and takes a few steps toward the portal before turning back to wink at his goop (the term he made up for a group of slimes!). "The rest of you guys sit tight till I call you, okay? I have a feeling you'll wanna see this other world, too!"

They salute him and wobble with excitement, and he laughs. "All right! Be good! See you guys later!"

With that, he steps through—into another world!

---

The portal drops him at what looks to be a city entrance.

He looks up at the gilded archway sign. 'Capital City of Tempest', huh? Something tells him Rimuru isn't the type of person who'd be so vain as to name a city after himself, so it must have been his followers' idea. (Honestly, it makes him feel a little self-conscious about naming his laundry service after himself…) What's interesting is the fact that even though he's not from this world and doesn't recognize the language, he can still read it! He's guessing Raphael set that up for him.

He makes sure to thank her as he takes a breath to prepare himself. The slimes in his arms jiggle with anticipation. "All right, here we go!"

From his first step into the city, Ryouma's jaw drops and eyes go wide as saucers.

It's incredible! For one, it's absolutely beautiful, like something out of a storybook! The buildings and roads are amazingly high quality and modern, as if Rimuru modeled them after those in Japan (with a healthy dose of rustic, European flair, it seems)! And for two, there are so many different kinds of people! Humans, goblins, ninjas, orcs, Beastkin like Miss Miya and Miss Miyabi, and even some he'd swear look like dragons! They all get along so well and seem so happy, too! He can't wait to see more—!

His slimes get restless in his arms, and he's not sure whether it's out of excitement or warning, but he shakes his head to clear it. Right! They can explore later! For now, he's on a mission!

Except…

As Ryouma makes his way toward the heart of the city and then is pointed in the direction of the northern border, it feels more like he's walking toward a graveyard. There are fewer and fewer people to ask the way, and the ones he does come across seem anxious and preoccupied. It just makes him pick up his pace, eventually turning it into a full-on sprint.

Finally, he makes it to the road leading up to what he's pretty sure is Rimuru's home – all the main city streets lead here, after all – but a small group bars the way. Even from here, he can feel how strong they are, so he's guessing they're…not exactly guards (since they're not wearing any armor), more like Rimuru's subordinates and retainers. Upon coming closer, Ryouma recognizes them as some of the people around Rimuru's bedside!

Benimaru (Raphael helpfully supplies) steps forward to meet him, a curious glance sliding over the slimes in Ryouma's arms before he gets back on task. Ryouma's heart pangs. No matter how polite his smile, he can't hide the worry behind his eyes. "I apologize, little one, but Lord Rimuru isn't feeling well and won't be able to see anyone today. Please come back in a few days' time."

Oh. So, that's it. Now Ryouma understands the contrast between the atmosphere here and the city's entrance. They must've told everyone that Rimuru's sick, but not how bad it really is. They don't want to cause a panic, especially while their Lord's already fighting for his life, so only those closest to Rimuru know the truth. It makes sense, but it also makes Ryouma feel even worse for them. That's such a heavy burden to carry…

Looking around to make sure no one will hear but them, he takes another step forward and meets Benimaru's eyes. "I know. Raphael told me everything."

Benimaru and the others with him (Rigurd, Rigur, and Shuna, Raphael relays) look startled, then shocked, then (tentatively) hopeful. "The Words of the World spoke to you?" Shuna asks, hushed and awed.

'Words of the World', huh? That must be what everyone else calls Raphael. It seems Rimuru's the only one who can use her on a regular basis. The rules of this place just keep getting more and more interesting!

Ryouma nods. "Yes, miss." He bows at the waist. "My name is Ryouma Takebayashi. It's nice to meet you." Straightening, he holds his slimes up a little higher. "These are my Healing slimes. I'm a Slime Tamer from the world of Seilfall. Raphael asked me to come here after your Lord, Rimuru Tempest, subconsciously opened a portal to my world seeking help." A heartbeat, and his expression turns solemn. "She told me how serious the situation really is."

Hakurou, who Ryouma swears wasn't standing with the group a second ago, perks up, eyes wide. "Pardon me, child, but did you say you're from Seilfall?"

Ryouma brightens and nods. "Yes! Do you know it?"

Hakurou strokes his beard in contemplation. "Well, I've never been there myself, of course, but I've heard many an old tale of saviors from such a place finding their way to our world in times of great need!"

The hope in his voice combined with the fact that he recognizes Ryouma's world put Benimaru and Shuna more at ease, which settles the others' nerves in turn. Ryouma feels his shoulders lose some of their tension as well. Thank goodness! At least things are starting off on the right foot!

At the back of the group, Rigurd speaks up. "Then your arrival must be a good omen! You said the slimes with you are Healing slimes, isn't that right?" He half-reaches out, and Ryouma is shocked to find tears welling in his eyes. "I've never seen or heard of a slime like that, but do you really think you can help Lord Rimuru, Mr. Ryouma, sir?"

Ryouma gulps. Suddenly, he's feeling the pressure! He sure hopes Raphael knows what she's doing! What if he can't help after all? What if his Healing slimes aren't a high enough level to help someone of Rimuru's class? What if—?

Mentally, he claps his cheeks. Doubting himself isn't going to help anything! Mustering as much courage and the most confident grin he can, he nods. "That's the plan, at least! Slimes are my specialty, after all! I promise I'll do my best!"

Ryouma swears he blinks, and then Rigurd flies forward with tears streaming to scoop him up into a hug and cry into his chest, thanking him up and down.

A bewildered, but empathetic Ryouma just takes it all in stride, patting his back with a gentle smile. He didn't expect someone so huge and intimidating to be such a crybaby…! It's kind of endearing, though, and it just means he cares, so it's fine! Besides…he knows what it's like to feel that relieved. Before his Mom passed, Ryouma felt a similar all-encompassing gratitude toward the doctors who did their best to help her. He just hopes he can be of use to these people, to the one they clearly love so much.

Once Rigurd calms down and sets Ryouma back on his feet, he gestures toward the entrance to the building behind them and offers to escort him to Rimuru personally. (It goes without saying the others will come, too.) Now that he's getting a better look at the place, it actually looks more like some kind of compound than a home, but that's probably just a security measure. He's sure Rimuru has a private space somewhere inside.

"Wait just a moment."

Ryouma jumps a bit when Souei (Rimuru's Intelligence Officer, he's told) appears between him and Rigurd, stiffening when his icy, calculating gaze locks on him. (Fear be damned, Ryouma can't help but take a moment to inwardly fangirl. Was that the body flicker move from that old ninja anime he used to love?! That's so cool!)

He blinks as Souei holds up two fingers. "I have two questions I need answered before I let you near our Lord."

There's a wary noise from beside Rigurd, who's trying and failing to reach Ryouma around Souei, and then Rigur asks, "I understand your reservations, Souei, but don't you think interrogating a kid, let alone possibly Lord Rimuru's best chance, is a little extreme?"

"I'd hardly call two questions an interrogation," Souei calmly shoots back. "Besides, the second question is more of a demonstration. Provided he's telling the truth, we'll be at Lord Rimuru's side in three minutes at most."

Rigur sighs, but can't exactly find fault with that. He looks back at Ryouma and bows his head in apology. "Sorry about this, Mr. Takebayashi. Would you mind humoring him? I promise, as long as you answer honestly, everything should be fine."

Ryouma looks between them for a moment before he chuckles good-naturedly. "Honestly, I am a stranger in your territory, so I kind of expected something like this to happen at some point." He bows his head Souei's way. "I'll do my best to answer any questions you might have."

"Right, then." Souei holds up a finger. "First question: you said the Words of the World told you how bad things were." He narrows his eyes a bit. "Can you be more specific?"

Ryouma blinks for a moment. Is he testing him, asking something only someone truly called upon by Raphael would know? He really is a ninja! Tamping down his inner fangirl to focus on the matter at hand, he nods, meeting Souei's eyes head-on. "She told me…" he hesitates as a horrible thought strikes him – he prays he's not wrong and Souei is testing him or things might fall apart really quickly; just in case, he lowers his voice, "…that if nothing is done, your Lord will die."

Thankfully, while his answer definitely physically pains the group, they don't look surprised. So, they did already know! Ryouma sighs heavily in relief. Phew! Talk about an emotional rollercoaster!

If anything, though, it just spurs him on. "Once I heard that, I knew I couldn't just stand by and do nothing. I had to try! I'm guessing nothing you've tried so far has worked, right? So, what do you have to lose?"

His question rings in their heads. They have everything to lose. Their benefactor, their Lord, their friend, the home they've found in his heart—and just like before, Ryouma's heart goes out to them. He knows what it's like to hope and pray for a miracle that never comes. He holds his slimes closer. But that's not how Rimuru's story will end! He won't let it!

Souei must see his determination and sense his pure intentions because he relaxes the slightest bit. It's only a fraction, but it's enough. He nods. "I understand. Thank you. As for my second question, like I said, it's more of a demonstration." He holds up his hand, and Ryouma thinks he's going to count again—but instead, nearly-invisible threads wrap around it, and when he pulls, several cuts, some deeper than others, appear on his skin. Releasing them, he shows Ryouma his hand, a tiny pool of blood starting to gather in his palm. "If your slimes can heal this, I'll know for certain that you and your slimes mean Lord Rimuru no harm."

Ryouma, for his part, is pale and gaping at Souei in horror. What the fuck was that?! Did he seriously just maim himself to prove a point?! Is he insane?! (And yet, is it weird that he also finds it kind of badass?)

It seems he's not the only one who thinks Souei's got a few screws loose because his friends are looking at him in much the same way Ryouma is. Shuna is hiding her face in her brother's side. Souei, however, is entirely unbothered. Without batting an eye or breaking eye contact (Ryouma doesn't know which is more intimidating), he just holds his hand out a little more. "Well? Are you up to the challenge, Slime Tamer?"

Ryouma gulps and closes his mouth with a clack!, then looks down at his (equally disturbed) slimes, petting them to soothe them. "Well, you heard the man! Work your magic, guys!"

Holding them out to Souei's wounds, they cast their healing magic, and Ryouma watches the entire company's minds be blown as his hand is healed in a matter of seconds. Souei is the most surprised, and the soft smile that breaks out on his face reminds Ryouma of the sun sneaking through clouds. From the others' renewed smiles and dropped guards, he's guessing that means he passed. He can't help but feel honored.

Souei bows low. "Forgive me for being suspicious, sir. I no longer have any doubt that what you say is true. Please, follow us to Lord Rimuru's chambers. There's no time to waste."

---

Veldora sits vigil at Rimuru's beside, holding his small, clammy hand in both of his. He hasn't left once since he first fell ill a week ago.

It just doesn't make any sense. This whole thing started with Rimuru just feeling a little more sluggish and exhausted than usual. He tried to pass it off as the result of pushing himself too hard, joking that his workaholic tendencies probably would have killed him if he didn't get stabbed in his previous life, but that wasn't nearly as funny to the rest of them as it was to him. They immediately made him stop working, relegating him to reading and stamping documents at his desk, and it seemed to help, but only for a few hours.

By the time that first strange day came to a close, he was out cold and hasn't woken since, getting more and more feverish by the day. Veldora is sure that any normal being, monster or otherwise, would have surely perished by now, but Rimuru's always been a fighter. His entire existence in this world is proof of that.

Still…that doesn't change the fact that if nothing changes…if they can't find some way to help him and soon…

Veldora grits his teeth until they groan.

In all his years, he's never felt such despair. Even when he was imprisoned in that cave for three hundred years, he'd never felt this utterly helpless. He'd resigned himself to either getting out via some miracle or just…wasting away. At least then he knew what awaited him. But now…Rimuru, his miracle incarnate, is the one suffering, and he can't even help him…!

If he weren't holding Rimuru's hand right now, he'd break something, maybe several somethings, just to let off some steam—which is a huge reason he's holding it in the first place. It reminds him that he needs to be gentle right now, needs to breathe and keep a level head so he can keep wracking his brain to try to find an answer.

He rests his head against Rimuru's small hand and breathes him in, only to immediately grimace. His smell is all wrong. He's always smelled like sunshine and the forest and the people he loves (like Veldora), but ever since he got sick, those smells have faded more and more, overpowered by the increasingly stomach-churning combination of sweat and illness and pain. And most concerning of all, as of last night, the beginning stench of the end has joined the mix.

It's only made Veldora all the more frustrated and legitimately fucking terrified.

Speak of the devil, Rimuru stirs suddenly in his fitful sleep, breaths coming in wheezing gasps and pained coughs, and Veldora winces, brushing his sweaty bangs from his forehead. "It's all right, Rimuru," he says softly, hoping to soothe him as best he can. He hates that this is all he can do for him. He feels so useless…! "You're not alone, my friend. I will never forsake you."

Ranga, who's taken up the role of Medical Alert sentry with his Thought Communication on the rug at the foot of the bed, comes to feather-lightly nuzzle Rimuru's cheek. Veldora is right, Master. We're all here with you.

"That's right," Milim says, brittle and steely in one, sitting on the bed on Rimuru's other side. Dipping a clean washcloth in a bowl of cool water and wringing it out, she wipes the sweat from his face before laying it on his forehead. It seems to make him the tiniest bit more comfortable, and honestly, with the way things are going, they'll take whatever they can get. The tiniest of victories. "We're not going anywhere, so you'd better stick around, too. I'll never forgive you if you don't." She threads her fingers through Rimuru's, paying no mind to the sweat that absolutely drenches his hand. "Don't make me regret making you my bestie forestie."

Veldora silently ponders the terrifying truth those threats hold. Apart from doing everything in her power as the oldest of the Demon Lords to try to help Rimuru, Milim hasn't left his side for anything either. She even went so far as to track down every one of Veldora's old contacts still living to learn what she could in his stead, so he could stay with Rimuru. He'll never be able to repay her for that.

He's so proud of her. He wishes his older brother could see her now...

She's done her very best to be strong, but the past few nights, Veldora's woken to find her crying. Last night was the worst. It breaks his heart and chills his soul. She's already lost so much. She may no longer remember the details of her Fall from Grace, but the feelings are still there, dormant and excruciating. Even he doesn't quite know how she'll react if…if Rimuru…

Veldora squeezes his eyes shut at the same time he holds Rimuru's hand tighter. And damn it all, what about him?! He doesn't want to lose Rimuru either! He's his best friend, his truest companion, his brother in all but blood! He's so good! He's never done anything to deserve this! Why must he suffer like this? Why can't Veldora take it instead? What, is the universe scared he'll win? That must be—!

—!

An unfamiliar presence flickers at the razor's edge of Veldora's awareness, and his eyes snap open. He shifts so he's guarding Rimuru more fully. "Milim—"

"On it!" Milim leaps off the bed without jostling Rimuru to land on silent feet at Veldora's side.

Ranga rushes to flank Veldora's other side, growing to be twice his size. I feel it, too!

Shrrrrt!

All of them go slack with confusion and surprise when the door finally slides open and a child with unfamiliar slimes in his arms is ushered through, Benimaru and the others at his back.

Trading a glance, they lower their guards, but only just. Ryouma's eyes sweep over them all, pausing on Rimuru, and Veldora lets out an instinctive warning growl and pulse of power. Ryouma's eyes instantly snap to him, and he freezes and pales as a vision of a dragon flashes in his mind's eye. Holy crap…!

"Stand down, you three. It's all right, he's with us," Benimaru says, resting a comforting hand on Ryouma's shoulder. He taps his temple with an apologetic frown. "Sorry, I should have let you know via Ranga, but everything happened so fast."

The three of them relax, Ranga shrinking to his normal size, and fix curious eyes on the newcomer.

Benimaru motions for Ryouma to take a step forward, and he does so with a bow. "This is Ryouma Takebayashi, a Slime Tamer. He's an otherworlder like Lord Rimuru, though he was reincarnated into the world of Seilfall instead of ours. He came to help at Raphael and Lord Rimuru's own request."

In case of any lingering doubts, Souei reports, "I confirmed the validity of his story and skills myself before we arrived."

Further reassured though he is (Souei's judgment is second-to-none, especially when it comes to Rimuru's safety), Veldora's eye still twitches. The methods he must have used to verify his claims… That poor boy… A moment later, though, something filters back through his mind, and he starts like he's been shocked, heart leaping with something like hope. "Wait, did you say 'Seilfall'?"

Milim blinks at him. "You recognize it, uncle?"

He nods, brightening. "For generations, there have been tales of great Heroes and healers from Seilfall performing impossible feats and miracles that go down as legends in this world! I even got to visit once! I found it difficult to make friends in my youth, and I was so bored and lonely once that a kind god named Kufo took pity on me and brought me with him on his vacation there!"

Ryouma lights up. "You've met Kufo? He's one of the gods who gave me my new life in Seilfall!" He chuckles. "I bet he'll be excited to hear you spoke so highly of him! When I see him again, I'll ask if he remembers you, too!"

Veldora laughs out loud, though he does his best to tone it down from his usual so as not to disturb Rimuru. "Please do! It's been thousands of years, though, so I wouldn't be surprised if he's forgotten! I'm sure Seilfall's changed so much since then, too! I probably wouldn't even recognize it!" Suddenly remembering himself, he straightens and holds out his hand. "Oh! Pardon me, where are my manners?" He grins with pride, though those who know him can't help but notice how much less vibrant it is, has been since Rimuru got sick. "I'm Veldora Tempest, the Storm Dragon! I'm Rimuru's best friend and what you humans would call a blood brother!"

Ryouma returns the handshake as best he can around his slimes. Well, that certainly explains the dragon silhouette he saw when he looked at him earlier! Seems he wasn't imagining it! "So I guess the crazy protective wards we walked through to get here were your doing, huh?"

Veldora's grin widens and eyes flash, impressed. "Ah, you sensed those, did you? You must be rather skilled in magic, especially for one so young! You're barely more than a hatchling in dragon years!"

Ryouma flushes, rubbing the back of his head. He'd correct him, but he figures even thirty-seven would be a toddler in his eyes… "Only because Kufo, Gain, and Lulutia wanted me to have the best second chance at life I could get." His eyes fall back to Rimuru, and he sobers, turning serious. "And that's exactly why I want to help Rimuru. He's obviously an incredible person if he's managed to build this city and bring all of you together without asking for anything but your friendship in return. He deserves to live this life to its fullest, and he can't do that if it all ends here."

The room's atmosphere turns graver at once, but also more hopeful than it's been in a week.

Milim curls anxious fists at her sides. "So, you really think you can help him?"

Ryouma lifts his slimes a bit, and they wriggle in anticipation. "My Healing slimes work wonders back home, so I don't see why they shouldn't be able to improve things, at least." Actually, since they're all slimes, maybe it'll be even more effective with Rimuru than usual! He doesn't say that part out loud, though, just in case.

Veldora tilts his head. "'Healing' slimes? Never heard of that kind before."

Ryouma chuckles nervously. "W-well, that's probably because it's a type I accidentally created, so…"

Everyone blinks at him. As far as Slime Tamers go, this kid's the real deal!

Ryouma chews the inside of his cheek. He doesn't want to get their hopes up unnecessarily. After all, healing a few gashes in Souei's hand is one thing, but healing an illness he's never seen, doesn't even know the name of? He's not so sure...

He looks Milim in the eye. "I can't promise you anything, so I won't, but I can promise we'll do our absolute best to help him. Won't we, guys?"

His slimes offer a salute, making everyone smile and breathe surprised laughs. It's a nice, welcome reprieve, even if it only lasts a moment, and they're grateful.

Satisfied, Milim nods and smiles, though her enthusiasm is an even farther cry from her usual than her uncle's. "I understand. Thank you so much." She moves to her side of the bed again, wanting to give him room to work and still stay close to help if she can. Ranga gets the hint and moves back to the foot of the bed, while Veldora just scoots a little farther down, never letting go of Rimuru's hand. "We'll let you get to it, then."

None of them are willing to leave Rimuru alone with him, and Ryouma doesn't take offense. He'd be the same way if the situations were reversed.

Depositing his slimes carefully on the bed, Ryouma whispers, "Okay, guys, you know the drill. Highest healing spells, full power. Let's give this our best shot!"

Practically vibrating with anticipation, one nestles in beside Rimuru's head while the other climbs up on his chest. Rimuru's face immediately twists with unease at the unfamiliar monsters, a small whine escaping, but Veldora is quick to stroke his hair with a warm, gentle hand.

"Easy, Rimuru. They're just little slimes, just like you, and they're here to help," he consoles quietly. "We're all here with you, my friend. We've got you, don't worry." He nuzzles his hand tenderly as a soothing rumble emanates from somewhere deep in his chest. Milim looks slightly haunted at the sound, but also so comforted, she might cry. It must be a dragon thing, Ryouma surmises, possibly millennia old. He's honored to be trusted with it. "I promise, you're safe, little storm."

Rimuru calms down nigh instantly, even going so far as to nuzzle the slime near his head, which happily nuzzles back. Veldora chuckles. "That's my boy." He winks at the slimes. "Do your thing, little ones!"

Crisis averted, the slimes salute him, and then a soft, soothing green light emanates from them. In just a few minutes, Rimuru looks more comfortable than he has in days, leaning into the slime near his head like a pillow. The slime wobbles in delight.

The sight sets his friends' hearts at ease more than anything else.

In total, it takes about three hours for the full effects to sink in. Ryouma keeps watch the entire time. He trusts his slimes implicitly, with his life, but these people don't know them like he does. He doesn't want to give them any reason to doubt. Besides, on the absurdly low chance that something goes wrong, he wants to make sure he's right there to help.

Eventually, Souei has to leave to go on patrol, Rigurd and Rigur have to make their rounds around town to make sure everything's running smoothly, and Shuna gets called away for town intricacies matters that can't wait (also taking the time to help Gobichi and Haruna make snacks for everyone and a light soup for Rimuru in case he wakes up), but they all make sure to return before the deadline.

By the time everyone's back together, the spells' limit has been reached. Both Healing slimes are tuckered out, but looking proud and overjoyed (Ryouma's assessment, since it's hard for anyone else to tell). "That's a really good sign!" He rubs their heads affectionately. "Awesome job, you guys!"

The best sign, though, is that Rimuru is sleeping soundly, his expression peaceful for the first time in a week. His once-ashen complexion is nearly back to normal, too.

All of Rimuru's friends are so relieved, they can hardly stand it. Shuna and Rigurd unabashedly cry happy tears with Benimaru and Rigur comforting them. Tears clinging to their eyelashes, Veldora and Milim nuzzle Rimuru's hands and sigh so heavily that Ryouma swears it shakes the building's very foundation.

Ryouma can't help but soften. Rimuru must be a really wonderful person. He has so many friends and followers who worry about and love him so much. He can't wait to meet him.

Once he gets the okay from Raphael (apparently, she needed to bend a few rules first), it's time for the moment of truth.

Ryouma splays his hand over Rimuru's chest. "Monster Appraisal!"

A gentle blue-green glow envelops Rimuru, and Ryouma reads the results as quickly, yet thoroughly as he can. Everyone, including Ryouma himself, waits on bated breath.

His beam blinds.

"The illness has been completely purged from Rimuru's system! He's going to be just fine!"

Ryouma's never seen so many faces light up so quickly. They're all beside themselves with relief and joy, cheering, crying, and hugging each other, Ryouma, and his slimes like there's no tomorrow. When the noise level becomes too much and Rimuru starts to stir, Veldora and Milim shush them and shoo them outside. "We'll call you the moment he wakes up!"

Figuring all they can do now is wait anyway, Shuna brings out the hoard of snacks she and her apprentices made earlier so everyone can replenish their energy. With how ravenous they all are, Ryouma figures they haven't had much of an appetite since Rimuru got sick. He understands that intimately, so he's glad to see they're eating their fill now! The food really is amazing, too! Shuna's a phenomenal cook!

Ryouma's slimes sit in his lap and soak up the sun to restore their energy supply. It's while he's stroking them that a thought occurs to him, and he sits up a little straighter. "You know, my Healing slimes can make elixirs that are essentially liquid versions of their spells. As long as they're able to rest for a while, they should be good to go in around half an hour. Would it be all right if I asked them to make some elixirs of the spell they used on Rimuru to leave with you, just in case something like this happens again?"

Everyone stops to stare at him with wide eyes and gaping mouths. Ryouma blinks. What did he say?

"T-that's an incredibly generous offer, Master Ryouma," Rigurd says, looking like he's warring between jumping on it and wanting to be polite, "but we can't just take them for nothing. You've already given us more than we can ever hope to repay!"

Ryouma laughs. Oh, geez, is that all? He waves calming hands. "There's no need for all that. I helped because I wanted to, not for the sake of compensation. No one owes me anything, really! I'm just happy my slimes and I could help! Your Lord Rimuru seems like a good person, and just seeing all of you so happy that he's okay is compensation enough, I swear."

Rigurd starts crying again in earnest, and Ryouma would be concerned if the others, especially his son, weren't so unfazed. He's guessing this is normal for him. "How right you are, Master Ryouma! Lord Rimuru truly is the greatest Lord we could ever hope to serve! It does my heart good to know a young man like you can see that without even meeting him properly!"

Benimaru smiles helplessly Rigurd's way before coming back to Ryouma. "Waterworks aside, Rigurd couldn't be more right, Master Ryouma." Ryouma blinks. There's that title again. 'Master'. He thought it was just an emotional slip of the tongue with Rigurd, but now… Benimaru bows as low as he possibly can, until his forehead's a hair's breadth from touching the ground. "From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much for saving our Lord!"

The others follow suit. "Thank you so much!"

Ryouma can only stare, eyes wide and mouth agape, cheeks and ears bright red. He frantically waves his hands. "P-please get up! It's not that I don't appreciate it, but that's really not necessary! I honestly haven't done that much!"

They straighten, and Ryouma is caught off guard by the fire in Benimaru's eyes. "On the contrary, Master Ryouma, we owe you an immeasurable debt. If there's ever anything we can do for you, worlds apart or not, please don't hesitate to let us know. I'm sure Lord Rimuru will say the same."

The others nod, in complete agreement. That just flusters Ryouma more, but he can't honestly say he doesn't understand. He'd feel the same way in their situation. Taking a moment to gather himself, he offers a semi-flustered smile and a bow of his own. "Well, in that case, thank you very much. I'll be sure to keep that in mind."

Benimaru's smile warms. "Good. We'll be waiting. Now, back to the matter at hand." Ryouma nods. "If you and your slimes are sure about this, then we'd be eternally grateful for any elixirs you're willing to spare. If it's all right, I'd also like to send a sample to Vesta, our Minister of Science, to see if he'd able to replicate it in case of emergency."

Ryouma brightens. "Of course! That's a great idea!" He looks down at his Healing slimes. "You hear that, guys? Doesn't that sound fun?" They bob with excitement, and he laughs, flushing with adoration and pride. He curls forward to squish and nuzzle them just the way they like it (it's how slimes show affection), and they happily nuzzle back. "You guys are the best! Thanks so much for all your hard work!"

The others can't help but chuckle and coo at how adorable they are. This is one of the cutest things they've ever seen!

About forty minutes later, Ryouma sets his slimes up by the koi pond with some special bottles a dragon newt named Gabiru dropped off, and he's just leaving them to do their thing when Ranga leaps to his paws, tongue lolling and tail wagging like crazy. Master is awake!

To say it's like a stampede back into Rimuru's tiny bedroom is an understatement. Ryouma hangs back, watching the chaos unfold with a bewildered expression. Seated beside him, Hakurou calmly sips his tea. "They're like a pack of wolf pups running to their mother." Ryouma spits out his tea and chokes as he laughs. He's not wrong!

Upon making it inside himself, he can't help but stop and stare at the sweet sight in front of him.

A freshly-washed and -clothed Rimuru is at the center of a massive cuddle pile of monsters. They're all crying to some degree, and it seems to Ryouma like they can't get close enough. There are several quiet murmurs of "Please don't scare us like that again" and "So glad you're okay" and the like.

Rimuru snorts with a fond smile. "It's not like I got sick on purpose or anything."

Ryouma's heart leaps and warms, and he's sure it shows on his face. This is the first time he's ever heard Rimuru speak. His voice is so soft and gentle, yet so enthusiastic and full of life, so nice to hear. It's still a little raspy and weak from disuse and a week of sickness, but that should fade with time. The way he looks at all of them, too… He really does love them, doesn't he?

Case in point, Rimuru just holds his friends as close as possible as his voice lowers and gentles even more. "But yeah, I hear ya. Sorry about that. I never meant to worry everyone so much." He nuzzles into them as far as he can, and they respond in kind. "The last thing I'd ever do is leave you by choice. You guys aren't just my subordinates or my retainers, you're my friends, my family, and I love you more than anything. I'll never go where you can't follow without the fight of my life. I promise you that."

A comfortable, companionable silence settles—before the loudest, most insistent stomach growl Ryouma's ever heard in his life abruptly breaks it.

Rimuru deflates with a groan and cries, "Oh, man, I'm so freakin' hungry! I feel like I haven't eaten in a week!"

The group hug separates with laughter. "That's because you haven't!" Shuna claps her hands. "Luckily, I figured this would happen, so I've already prepared a light soup for you, Lord Rimuru!"

He lights up as his mouth waters. "Yo, seriously? You're the best, Shuna! Thanks so much!"

Shuna giggles behind her hands. He really is so cute! "Of course! I'll bring it right away!" She winks Ryouma's way. "And I'll be sure to bring some for you, too, Master Ryouma!"

Ryouma starts in surprise. "O-oh, thank you so much!"

She bows and backs out of the room.

The allure of food sparking an idea, Rimuru turns to Rigurd with stars in his eyes. (Ryouma thinks he might see a bit of drool at the corner of his mouth.) "Rigurd! We should have a feast!"

Rigurd blinks. "A feast, my Lord?"

Rimuru nods, spreading his arms as wide as he can. "Yeah, a huge one! As big as we can make it!"

Catching on, Rigurd brightens, striking his palm with his fist. "Oh! To celebrate your recovery and to thank Master Ryouma!"

Rimuru nods eagerly. "Yeah, yeah! You got it!"

"That's a wonderful idea, sir!" He bows. "I'll start preparations immediately!"

"And I'll get a hunting party together!" Rigur announces. "We'll let Shuna know, too!"

Ranga stands, tail wagging excitedly. Master, I will join the hunt, too!

They hurry from the room.

Rimuru turns to the rest still present. "I'd actually like to talk to our guest one-on-one," he presses his hands together and bows his head, "so if you guys wouldn't mind helping with the feast prep, I'd really appreciate it!"

Benimaru and the others hesitate a moment, just on principle, but Rimuru waves them off. "I appreciate the concern, my dudes, but I trust Ryouma. Remember, I'm the one who brought him here, albeit subconsciously, and he totally saved my slife!" Ryouma barely smothers a snort at the pun, and Rimuru tosses him a smirk. He likes this guy already! "So, it's fine, really!" He jerks a thumb Veldora's way with a toothy grin. "Besides, if he gets outta line, I can just sic Veldora on 'im."

They chuckle and relax at that (which just makes Ryouma even more aware of Veldora's power) and bow low. "Of course, my Lord. I'm sure you have a lot you'd like to discuss." Benimaru puts a hand over his heart as he straightens. "Just leave the feast to us!"

Rimuru beams, raising a hand in parting. "Thanks a lot, everyone! You're the best!"

Once they're gone, Milim (and Veldora, of course, who Ryouma's pretty sure would have to be pried from Rimuru's side by force, and even then) is the only one left. Not that Rimuru really minds if she stays, she's a good kid, but she can be a little…excitable, and for this conversation…well…

As if she read his mind, Shuna chooses that moment to poke her head back in. "Pardon me, boys. I'll just be a second." Her gaze falls on Milim. "Lady Milim, would you mind helping me in the kitchen?"

Milim pouts, rocking on her heels. "Aw, but I wanna stay with Rimuru! I wanna hear what they're gonna talk about!"

Shuna chuckles. "I understand. You certainly don't have to, don't worry. I was just looking for someone to be my taste-tester for the feast."

Milim lights up like a firework, the ever-unkempt tuft of hair atop her head spiking, and she immediately raises her hand and jumps up and down. "Ooh, me! Me, me, me! I'll do it! Your cooking's so good, Shuna!" (Ryouma knows for sure she's drooling. (Which just makes him even more excited to try more of Shuna's cooking!))

Shuna gasps happily, clasping her hands together. "Oh, you will? Thank you so much, Lady Milim! You'll be such a big help!"

Milim cackles with hands on her hips, a smug smirk playing as she puffs out her chest. "Of course I will! Nobody has a bigger stomach or more discerning palate than me!"

"That's very true!" Holding the door open for her, Shuna winks over her shoulder. "All right, boys, you have fun now!"

As soon as they're gone and he's certain they're out of earshot, Ryouma whistles appreciatively. "Wow! Miss Shuna sure knows how to get things done!"

"True dat!" Rimuru can't help snickering. "Poor Milim. She has no idea she just got played!"

Veldora throws his head back to laugh. "Like a fiddle!"

Hearing them, Ryouma feels comfortable letting loose a few chuckles of his own. "Miss Milim's definitely a character, I'll give her that!"

Rimuru and Veldora release twin weary-fond sighs. "You can say that again…"

Remembering what happened before everyone else left, Rimuru looks back at Ryouma with a sheepish expression, rubbing the back of his neck. "By the way, sorry about the others. It's nothing against you personally, I swear! They totally trust you! I just haven't had the best luck with otherworlders—you call them 'Transfers', I think—so they can be a little over-overprotective sometimes."

Ryouma chuckles and waves a dismissive hand. "No, no, it's fine! I get it, trust me! I have friends back home who'd be the same way with me, if not worse!" A kind smile paints his lips. "If anything, I think it's really amazing how much they care about you, and it's obvious you care about them just as much." He softens. "I think I was right before: you really are a wonderful person, Mr. Rimuru."

Rimuru's eyes widen at that, cheeks reddening, and then he laughs. "W-well, thanks a lot, but I don't know about all that! I just try to treat people the way I'd want to be treated, and it's my dream to make this town a place where the ones I love can live peaceful lives, that's all. They're my family. I want to take care of them as best I can."

That makes Ryouma think back to his loved ones in Seilfall. Callum and Carla, Fei and Li Ling, Miss Selma, the rest of his employees, everyone at the Adventurers' Guild, Mr. Serge, Miss Glissela, and the Jamil family… They're his friends and mentors, yes, but they're his family, too. They're precious to him, and he wants to protect and care for them as best he can.

His eyes flash, and he sits up a little straighter.

Yeah. He understands Rimuru perfectly.

"Oh!" Ryouma blinks, snapped out of his thoughts with a snap of Rimuru's fingers. "Sorry, I just remembered: I haven't properly introduced myself!" He bows his head. "I'm Rimuru Tempest! Demon Lord, Ruler of Monsters, and leader of the Jura-Tempest Federation! It's nice to meet'cha!"

Ryouma dips his head in turn. "I'm Ryouma Takebayashi! Slime Tamer, Adventurer, entrepreneur, and laundromat owner from the world of Seilfall! It's nice to meet you, too, Mr. Rimuru!"

Rimuru's eye twitches. "While we're on the subject of names, you can drop the 'mister'. Just 'Rimuru' is fine." He waves a dismissive hand at Ryouma's knee-jerk hesitance. "I may be in charge of this place, but I'm super casual, and you saved my life, so I think we're even!"

A beat.

"Speaking of which…" he bows as low as he can, his tone shifting to be more serious, "…Veldora told me everything. He says I'd be on my way to my next life without you and your slimes' help. I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me."

Ryouma warms and shakes his head. "You really don't have to thank me, but you're welcome all the same. It just felt like the right thing to do, especially once I saw how loved you are and how worried everyone was. How could I not want to help, right?"

Rimuru stares for a moment before he laughs. "We're a lot alike, you know that? Looks like I was right! You're definitely cool!"

Ryouma's eyes widen, and he flushes brightly with a shy smile. "O-oh, well, thank you very much! So are you!"

Rimuru snorts. Sheesh! Seems he's a little shy about compliments! Remembering the rest of what he was going to say, however, he turns apologetic. "Still, I'm really sorry about pulling you from your world so suddenly. I hope you weren't in the middle of anything important..."

Ryouma raises placating hands. "No, don't worry, you're fine! It was actually perfect timing!" He rubs the back of his head, a little sheepish. "I mentioned earlier that I run a few laundromats in different towns, and just this morning, both my assistant managers got on me about overworking myself. They forced me to take some time off, so I was just researching my slimes when your portal opened! So everything worked out!"

Rimuru sighs in relief. "Well, that's good! I'm just glad I didn't interrupt anything!"

Ryouma chuckles. "I appreciate that!" Tilting his head, he looks Rimuru up and down. "Before I forget, though, how are you feeling? You're awake and your Appraisal came back clean, but do you feel any lingering effects or anything?"

Taking a moment to take stock, Rimuru rolls his shoulder with a grin. "Nope, I think we're all good! Honestly, I feel better than I have in a while!" Still… He frowns, experimentally curling and uncurling his fists. Everything feels normal…but it did before he got sick, too… "I don't understand how I even got sick in the first place, though. I have an Ailment Nullification skill, so…as far as I know, it shouldn't even be possible…"

Veldora hums in agreement. "All of us have been wracking our brains, but we haven't been able to come up with anything. It is rather…unsettling…"

Ryouma sits up a little straighter. "Actually, I have a theory about that, if you're willing to hear me out."

Rimuru and Veldora instantly zero in on him. "For realsies?!" they demand as one.

Ryouma can't help bursting out laughing and nods. "Y-yes, for realsies!" He clears his throat. "I was thinking about it while we were waiting for my slimes to finish their work." He fixes his eyes on Rimuru. "Raphael told me you're originally from Japan, like me. She said your reincarnation in this world and the skills you acquired during it mean you're completely unique, one-of-a-kind. On top of that, your friends told me you have unique skills that are all your own, some of them incredible feats of magic that you alone can perform."

Rimuru nods. "Yep, that's right! I was just a regular guy working for a general contracting company when I died." Gaze drifting to the ceiling, a nostalgic expression overtakes his face. "I was grabbing lunch with a friend when some rando came charging down the street with a knife. He was heading right for my friend, so I pushed him out of the way, got stabbed, and the next thing I knew, I woke up here as a slime."

"Oh, no… I'm so sorry!" Ryouma says, horrified.

Rimuru shrugs and waves him off. "Eh, don't be. It's not like I had anything tying me there—my parents were already gone, and I didn't have a family or girlfriend or anything—and I love my new life! I wouldn't trade it for anything!"

Ryouma sighs in relief. "Oh, good! Glad to hear it!" He frowns. "As for me, I was an overworked, underpaid salaryman forced to work under abusive bosses at an exploitative company. It was the worst, but pretty normal for my line of work, and I was so exhausted from it all and pulling daily all-nighters that I just…" he shrugs, "…went along with it. I didn't have the time or energy to even think of trying to find a better job, let alone a girlfriend or a wife." A tiny, nostalgic smiles crosses his face. "The only woman in my life was my Mom. She was the best. We were so close. Until…she died, that is…" He sighs. "Then, I was all alone, and I just…kept at it, just going through the motions. By that point, I didn't know what else to do, how else to keep going."

There are pinpricks of tears stinging Rimuru's eyes. "Oh, my gosh…! Dude…!"

Veldora isn't any better. "If I ever find a way to your old world, just say the word, and I'll burn your company down!"

Ryouma can't help the surprised bark of laughter that escapes at Veldora's offer. Really, they're not wrong. The more he looks back on his previous life, the more depressing it really was. He waves placating hands at them both. "O-oh, but don't worry! I ended up dying in my sleep," (in a supremely embarrassing way that he will not be sharing, thank you very much!), "and then got reincarnated in Seilfall! I'm happier there than I've ever been, so there's nothing to worry about anymore, I swear!"

Both parties stare him down for a long moment, as if to make sure he's telling the truth, and they must find what they're looking for because their smiles return tenfold. "All right! As long as you're happy in your new life, that's all that matters!" Rimuru concludes.

Veldora nods in agreement, arms crossed confidently over his chest. "Hear, hear! May Kufo and the other gods continue to bless you!"

Ryouma laughs happily. "Thank you so much! Same to you!" A question popping into his mind, he tilts his head. "By the way, out of curiosity, if it's okay to ask, how old were you when you died?"

"Thirty-seven."

Ryouma gasps. "No way! I was thirty-nine!"

Rimuru laughs. "No kidding! And yet, now we both look like kids! Figures, am I right?" Ryouma snorts. "Anyway, before we got too far off topic, back to your theory: my memories from before I died are kinda fuzzy at this point, but I remember Sage and then Great Sage—Raphael's former skill levels' names—talking to me, so I think that's when I got my skills. Mainly riding on the fact that Veldora told me when I met him that otherworlders' skills are Unique Skills based on their desires coming into this world. Essentially, mine involve swallowing devastating attacks and eating other monsters to make their skills my own. Raphael also falls into that category." Ryouma doesn't look disturbed in the slightest—on the contrary, he looks utterly fascinated—but just in case, Rimuru waves calming hands. "For the record, I only eat them as a slime, so it's way less gross than it sounds, and normally only as a last resort!"

Ryouma is practically bouncing in his seat with excitement. It's just like his slimes back home, how they evolve based on what they eat! This is so cool! He'll have to remember that later so he can add it to his research notes!

Not wanting to forget the reason for this conversation in the first place, he shakes his head. Focus, Ryouma! Answers now, research later!

With a thoughtful hum, he nods. "I see. So maybe my theory's more on point than I thought." He leans forward a bit, and funnily enough, Rimuru and Veldora do the same. "If I had to guess, I'd say that illness of yours was as unique as you are—mostly likely, unique to you, hence why no one knew how to help and nothing anyone tried had any effect. The universe—or at least, the one you and I originally came from—seems to believe in equal give and take, so maybe your illness was its version of that.

"Think about it. You perform insane feats of magic all the time, so it would make sense if, eventually, all that magical output would take its toll. Since you've been fine all this time, it seems like most of the time, it's harmless, but once in a blue moon, it can turn deadly." He shrugs. "Of course, that's just speculation. It's the best I've been able to come up with so far."

Notice: This theory makes the most logical sense.

Rimuru and Veldora take a long few moments to think it over. "Even Raphael thinks it sounds solid…" The former looks up at Ryouma. "So, are you saying I won't be able to use my skills anymore? Or I'll just have to use them sparingly?"

Ryouma shakes his head. "Theoretically, neither. Now that you and your friends know what symptoms to look for, you should be able to just keep doing what you're doing. Nothing has to change. The chances of this happening again should be slim to none anyway, and on the very off chance it does, you should be able to catch it early enough that it won't be life threatening." Rimuru sighs in relief, but still looks a little nervous at the idea of a next time. Not wanting him to get the wrong idea, Ryouma holds up a finger and smiles wider. "But if all goes according to plan, you shouldn't have to worry about a thing either way!" He jerks a thumb toward the yard with a proud grin. "My Healing slimes are making some elixirs from the same spells that healed you as we speak. So, if you ever start feeling sick again, all you should have to do is drink half a bottle, and the illness should be stopped in its tracks!"

Rimuru looks at him like he hung the moon, touched tears clinging to his eyelashes. "No way, seriously? For real? Holy crap, that's awesome! Thank you so much, Ryouma! You're a literal slifesaver!" Expression determined, he curls excited fists as half-mast. Steam blows out his nose. "Okay, now I really gotta find a way to thank you! At this rate, I could owe you my slife a few times over!"

Ryouma blushes something fierce and flails. "H-hey, you don't owe me anything! I just wanted to help, remember?"

But Rimuru won't be swayed. He curls his fingers at his chin as he thinks. After a few seconds, he glances up at Veldora, which kicks off a chain reaction in his brain. With an excited gasp and stars in his eyes, he smacks his palm with his fist. "That's it!" Looking back at Ryouma, he steeples his fingers and points them at him. "So, question: do you like manga?"

That both catches Ryouma off guard and makes him feel hauntingly nostalgic. Tears sting his eyes. "I love manga! I miss it so much!"

Rimuru looses a toothy grin, eyes shining. "Perfect! Quick, tell me all the ones you didn't get to finish before you died, every one you can think of!"

Ryouma blinks, but is too curious and excited to question it. He rattles off every one that pops into his head, and by the time he's done, Rimuru's practically vibrating in his seat. "Dude, your taste is baller!"

A surprised laugh bubbles up from deep in Ryouma's belly. It's so weird to hear modern slang again! He didn't realize how much he missed it! In a strange way, it's actually kinda comforting. Reminds him of home. "Thanks! I take it you're a fan, too?"

Rimuru cackles. "Oh, yeah, the biggest!" With a smirk, he jerks a thumb at Veldora. "But no one's a bigger manga nerd than this guy! You should see him go to town!"

Veldora lights up. "I should show you my collection later!"

Ryouma stops short. He doesn't want to read too heavily into what they're saying, but he can't help it! "W-wait, so does that mean…" he gulps, "...you can get manga here?"

Rimuru's grin widens. "It's more fun if I just show you!"

He shifts back to his slime form (which has Ryouma geeking out and half-reaching for his notebook already) and, given a minute, starts spitting out the remaining volumes of all the manga Ryouma named!

Ryouma is star-struck as he watches them land in perfect piles all around him. He immediately starts thumbing through them in an excited frenzy as more and more rain down. By the time Rimuru's done, he feels like he's going to explode from euphoria. "Holy gods, Rimuru, this is incredible! How the hell did you do that?!"

Rimuru, back in his human form, simply smirks up a storm and taps his temple. "I happen to have a photographic memory!" He winks. "I remember every show I've ever seen and every manga I've ever read!"

"Oh, wow!" Ryouma casts Item Box (with more rules-tweaking from Raphael) to store the manga in until he gets home. He can't wait to catch up on everything he's missed! This is officially the best break from work ever! He can't help it when a few legitimate tears escape. "You just get cooler and cooler, man! I can't thank you enough! I'll finally get closure!"

Rimuru laughs out loud. "No problem, dude! Believe you me, it's the least I can do! Honestly, I mostly just use this trick to keep Veldora entertained!" Veldora practically preens at that, and Rimuru rolls his eyes and playfully shoves his shoulder. "Anyway, are you sure there's nothing else I can do to thank you? That was my idea, so now you should come up with one. There must be something! Whatever it is, just name it, and I'll do everything in my power to make it a reality!"

Ryouma opens his mouth to repeat that that's really not necessary, but closes it just as quickly. He doesn't want Rimuru to feel obligated…but to be honest, he seems to be enjoying himself more than anything! He said he's met some other Transfers—er, otherworlders—but hasn't had the best luck with them. Maybe that means he's the first one he's really, truly bonded with? That's a nice thought. After all, Rimuru's the first Transfer he's ever met, and he thinks they're hitting it off great! He gets where he's coming from, too. If he were in his shoes, he wouldn't rest until he adequately thanked the person who saved him. So maybe…it couldn't hurt to try to think of something…?

Rimuru, for his part, waits on bated breath. It's true that this manga thing reminds him of that traitorous bastard, Yuuki Kagurazaka, Grandmaster of the Free Guild, but he also feels like he's grown and learned a lot since then. He has a really good feeling about Ryouma, on top of a gut instinct telling him that he isn't like Yuuki. Hell, he isn't even from this world, so there goes even the possibility of an ulterior motive. And even more than all that, he saved his life, and he's doing his best to make sure this never happens again. He's really going above and beyond for him, a perfect stranger, and it's…

It's really something. Something special.

If anything…he actually reminds him of Shizu…

At that moment, Ryouma snaps up with nervous, yet determined hope in his expression, and Rimuru's ears perk. "So? What's the verdict?"

"If this is rude to ask, please forgive me," Ryouma presses his hands together with a soft, yet decisive clap! and bows his head low, "but would you please allow me to run some experiments on you in your slime form?"

Rimuru blinks, then tilts his head. "'Experiments'? What kind of experiments?"

Ryouma lifts his head, and Rimuru can practically see the gears whirring a mile a minute behind his eyes. "I told you before that I research slimes in my spare time, and you're the first talking slime I've ever met! Given your circumstances, it'll probably stay that way, so I figure this is my only chance to ask an actual slime what it's like to be you! This is the opportunity of a lifetime!"

Rimuru blinks again, tilting his head even more. "So, you just wanna ask me questions and see what I can do?"

Ryouma nods emphatically, the stars in his eyes blinding. "More than anything! I want to find out how similar and different you are from the slimes in my world! For example, my slimes evolve according to what they eat. If a slime eats a lot of poisonous mushrooms, it'll eventually evolve into a Poison slime. From what you told me about gaining new powers after eating other monsters, the evolution process sounds similar, but not quite the same. I'd like to get as much information as possible, on that and a few other things! Depending on the results, it could even help me with my own slimes in ways I never anticipated!"

"Ooh!" Rimuru exclaims. "I like it! I've met plenty of regular slimes in this world, so you can use that as your control group! I've done all kinds of experiments on myself since coming here, so that info should be a big help, too!" Changing back into his slime form, he pumps a slime-fist. "Hell, yeah! This is gonna be awesome! Let's do it!"

"Yeah!"

---

By the time Rigurd comes to check on them a few hours later, they're laughing up a storm.

"Well, aren't you two like two slimes in a slime pod?"

Back in his human form, Rimuru brightens at the sight of him (something that makes Rigurd's heart warm, so much that he has to fight back tears all over again – he's so glad he's okay!), and once the laughter's out of his system, he replies, "You bet! We're the best of friends already!"

Ryouma looks shocked to hear that, but in a good, touched way, and he actually seems a little choked up when he says, "T-thank you, Rimuru! I feel the same way!"

Rigurd glances between them for a moment before locking eyes with Veldora, who just waves for him to go on with an easy smile. Inwardly, Rigurd shrugs. As long as they're having a good time, that's all that matters. He laughs, delighted. "That's wonderful to hear, Lord Rimuru! I just wanted to let you know that the feast is coming along beautifully! Everything should be ready in around an hour and a half!"

Reaching back to twist his hair into a loose, yet tasteful braid, tying it off with the dark blue ribbon Veldora hands him like it's second nature, Rimuru hums in thought. Once he's done, he claps his hands. "Ooh! That's perfect! Just enough time!" He fixes his gaze on Ryouma. "Hey, Ryouma, how would you like a grand tour of Tempest? You said you didn't get a chance to explore earlier, so now seems like the perfect opportunity!"

Ryouma looks ready to burst with excitement. "Are you kidding?! I'd love to!" He glances behind him. "Is it all right if my slimes come, too? They were just as excited as I was, and they should've made more than enough elixirs by now!"

Rimuru nods eagerly. "Sure! The more, the merrier! I'd like to meet them, too!"

Rigurd watches as Ryouma races off to collect his slimes (he finds them playing with the koi fish in Rimuru's pond, the adorable dorks!), then turns to Rimuru, concerned. "Are you sure you're feeling up to it, my Lord? You really don't need to push yourself! Rigur and I would be more than happy to entertain Master Ryouma in your stead!"

Rimuru stands from the bed and runs in place, then does some jumping jacks and windmill stretches. "Appreciate it, my guy, but I'm all good! In fact, I feel better than I have in ages!" He laughs, an absolutely enchanting sound, a matching smile painting his lips (from Rigur's perspective, at least). "Ryouma's slimes really are miracle workers!"

Rigurd nods, bravely holding back another wave of tears. "Yes! Yes, they are, sir!"

"Why don't you come with us, Rigurd? Rigur and anyone else who want to come along are more than welcome, too!" He chuckles. "I'm sure Gobta'll be all over it!"

Rigurd brightens. "I'll have to check in on the feast periodically, but that sounds splendid, my Lord! Thank you very much!"

When Ryouma returns with his slimes a few moments later (having handed the elixirs off to Gabiru, who'd just happened to show up at the right time (Souei's doing, he suspects)), Rimuru slips on his sandals, tapping his toes on the floor twice for good measure (an old habit from his childhood he can't bring himself to break).

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Spinning on his heel, he throws his fist in the air and leads the way out the door. "Let's go!"

"Yeah!"

---

Tempest's grand tour actually goes a lot quicker than Ryouma thought it would, but that's probably because he's so in awe of absolutely everything.

He thought the place was incredible while speeding through it before, but that was nothing! Seeing it all up close puts it on a whole other level! It's ten times more beautiful, a hundred times more elaborate and somehow nostalgic (like something out of one of his visual novels or MMOs)! He can't tear his eyes away, and his slimes are just as enraptured! (He carried them for the first bit, but now they're riding safely atop Ranga. He worried at first when they wouldn't stop snuggling into his warm, soft fur, but Ranga insisted it felt 'heavenly', so Ryouma's content to let them have their fun.)

No offense to Gimul, Lenaf, or even the Forest of Gana, but this town blows them all out of the water! He'd give anything to open a shop here!

Rimuru tells him anything he wants to know, answers every question he has to the best of his ability, all while zipping here and there and smiling like the sun, and Ryouma can't help but adore him more the more time they spend together. It seems he's fallen under Rimuru's spell, too. He just has that effect on people.

Case in point, the whole of Tempest has been working together to get ready for the feast in the town square, and once their tour reaches it, everything stops.

The moment the townspeople see their Lord up and about, healthy and looking so happy, better than ever, they're instantly overcome with emotion. In seconds, Rimuru is surrounded by a massive crowd of tearfully relieved well-wishers.

Ryouma can't help but melt as Rimuru does his best to soothe their lingering worries and reassure them that he really is going to be fine. He truly is such a kind person. He's so glad he's managed to carve out such a wonderful life for himself and his friends in this new world. He prays it'll be a long, happy one. (Maybe he'll try asking Kufo, Gain, and Lulutia if they can put in a good word for him with this world's gods.)

Rimuru only manages to break away by saying he has some urgent last-minute business to attend to before the feast (which is technically true), and then they finish the rest of the tour. This part of town houses the bustling market district, and Rimuru has an absolute blast showing Ryouma everything and even splitting food samples with him. He even rubs Ryouma's back and cries empathetic tears when Ryouma happy-cries while eating natto (one of his favorite meals in his previous life, one of the only things that made him smile) for the first time in almost four years.

(Those closest to Rimuru aren't sure they've ever seen him so happy! They've never seen him have this much fun or bond with anyone like this before! It's surprising, but they're so happy for him, too, for both of them! It's heartwarming to see!)

---

Finally, the time of the feast arrives!

"Wow…!"

For the second time today, Ryouma has to pick his jaw up off the floor. Rimuru wasn't kidding when he said the feast would be huge! Hell, this is more like a festival than a feast!

There are paper lanterns everywhere (shaped like Rimuru), all kinds of games (with assorted Rimuru-inspired prizes), a mini play (about Rimuru's many adventures in this world), fireworks (a few of which are Rimuru-shaped), multiple fortune stalls (all of them ending with 'Lord Rimuru blesses you'), and so many food stalls (with Rimuru-inspired dishes – he's spotted a trend!) that Ryouma nearly gets turned around once or twice!

The actual feast food is just as insane! A hotpot the size of a house with (apparently delicious) monster parts and other ingredients that barely fit inside, a ridiculously huge boar that puts Ryouma's Smash Boar kill to shame, giant yakisoba with noodles so long they could mummify him many times over, enough miso soup for an Olympic swimming pool, a crazy-looking fish as big as a whale, a hot air balloon-sized Rimuru-shaped omelet rice, so many side and smaller dishes that Ryouma loses count, and that's all before Shuna and her apprentices roll out the several-tiered cake at least six Rigurds tall!

Ryouma gets permission to let the rest of his slimes join in on the fun, and they turn out to be a huge hit!

The townspeople are fascinated by them, especially their unique abilities and their many uses. Most of the ones that don't immediately jump to help with the trash and cleanup as they happen (Ryouma assures a hesitant Rimuru that it's fun for them! It's what they live for! – Shuna is thrilled!) rush off to have fun, while several of the others, especially the Metal and Iron slimes, have fun entertaining the children, acting as balls in their games.

One little hobgoblin girl (Lyra, Rimuru whispers in Ryouma's ear) hides behind a huge Orc (correction: Orc Lord) named Geld when one of the Iron Slimes rolls near her. But Geld just sets a large, comforting hand on her back and encourages her to go play in a soft, gentle voice, telling her these slimes are very similar to Lord Rimuru, perfectly safe! That seems to make her feel better, and she eagerly rolls the Iron Slime back to her friends, hurrying after it with a delighted laugh. Geld is content to watch, expression soft as anything. (Ryouma and Rimuru think it's one of the cutest things they've ever seen!)

Even Rimuru has fun morphing into different shapes in his slime form to see how close they can get! ("Much closer than the slimes native to the Forest of Jura!" he reports with a grin, impressed.)

They all have a blast, and it warms Ryouma's heart like nothing else.

Toward the middle of the festivities, Rimuru calls everyone's attention with a toast before he cuts the cake.

"The only reason I'm still here and able to celebrate with all of you is thanks to this feast's Guest of Honor, Slime Tamer Ryouma Takebayashi from the world of Seilfall!" He gestures to Ryouma, who flushes brightly at the sudden attention and all the cheers and 'thank you's thrust upon him, but he does his best to wave and handle it with grace. Fixing him with a soft, warm look, Rimuru says, "From this moment forward, Ryouma, you're an official ally of the Jura-Tempest Federation! If there's ever anything I can do for you as Ruler of Monsters, anything at all, just name it!" He bows at the waist. "Thank you for saving my life!"

The entire town follows his lead. Nearly all of them are crying. "Thank you so much!"

Ryouma goes even redder, but also finds himself getting choked up, tears welling high in his eyes. He's not sure what's come over him, he was fine with all the thanks before, but…maybe it's because he's…never been thanked like this, on this scale! For just doing his job, doing the right thing! The sheer magnitude of the gratitude, kindness, and love he feels from all of them…it could crush him, and yet, he feels light as a feather, like an enormous weight that's been on his heart for as long as he can remember has finally been lifted. It feels just like that time he came home at sunrise after pulling three all-nighters on an Adventuring job to find the Jamil family waiting to greet him at the door. It'd been so long since he'd had anyone wait up for him, since he'd had anyone to come home to, and he'd cried like a baby while they held him.

It just…it's so…!

Rimuru, seemingly oblivious to his friend's inner struggle, straightens and lets his eyes roam over his beloved people. "That said, I think it's only right that he should be the one to cut the cake!" Everyone cheers, and Rimuru laughs as he turns to Ryouma. "Looks like they agree!" He holds the knife out. "Here. You've more than earned it!"

Ryouma takes it and turns to face the cake, but…he can't see it through his tears, and he's shaking so much that he ends up accidentally dropping the knife.

"Whoa there!" Rimuru swoops to catch it, and he softens with a breathy chuckle. He lowers his voice so only the two of them will hear. "You really aren't used to gratitude and compliments, are ya?" Ryouma's eyes widen, and he flushes a little more. So Rimuru does know what's going on. The gentle way he's handling it chokes him up even more. "Don't worry. Being friends with me, you'll get used to it in no time." Rimuru closes his trembling hand around the knife's handle. "Here, let me help you."

They cut the cake together, Rimuru doing almost all the actual work, and everyone cheers. Getting the slice on a plate, they take the first bite ('tradition', Rimuru tells him), and the cheers are even louder this time. Rimuru beams and throws his arm in the air in triumph.

Ryouma, meanwhile, is fighting to keep his sobs inside. The cake is…so sweet! Somehow, it's his favorite flavor, too, even though he knows he didn't tell anyone. And he swears that makes it taste even sweeter, invisibly seasoned with their unbelievable kindness!

These people…! Just like everyone in his world, they're so…! Rimuru is so…!

In his previous life, nothing like this ever happened to him. His father's abuse haunted his every step as a child, and he was invisible in school. Deemed a freak for his pale skin and dark bags under his eyes and constant injuries, never mind the way he flinched and cried and flew into panic attacks so easily, he never managed to make a single friend. And even once he and his Mom got away and he started therapy, became an adult, no one besides his Mom and Tabuchi ever treated him with kindness. They never thanked him, never helped him, never smiled at or laughed with him or, hell, treated him like a person at all—

But here…here and in Seilfall, it's the exact opposite! In both worlds, he's found people who care about him and want the best for him and only ever want him to be happy and safe, healthy and whole. It's been almost a year, but he's still not used to it, it still feels so foreign, so wrong and undeserved somehow…and yet…

And yet…!

He wants it…! He wants it so badly!

He bows his head as his shoulders start to tremble, and he clenches his fists until it hurts to keep his sobs from escaping. His tears are falling in earnest now, but he can't help it. He doesn't even try to stop them, doesn't think he could even if he wanted to. It's all so much, like water building behind a dam, and he doesn't know how much longer he'll be able to hold it back.

He's grown and learned so much since being given his second life. He's done his best to treat everyone the way he'd want to be treated, with kindness and respect and love. He knows now that not everyone is going to hurt him, that not all interactions with other people will lead to pain and heartache, that there are genuinely good people out there just waiting for him to meet them. He's done the best he can to start over with what he's been given, and he has so many people in his life now, in both worlds, that he can honestly say he loves who love him just as much…!

So, maybe…maybe now…it's finally okay for him to say…

He's…he's so glad to be alive…!

The dam inside him finally giving way, Ryouma throws his arms around Rimuru with a lurching sob. The cake in Rimuru's hand goes flying, but Ranga catches it with a decisive snap of his jaws. Everyone who sees it bursts out laughing.

Rimuru's attention, however, is focused solely on the friend in his arms. Ryouma is crying like a baby into Rimuru's chest, hugging him around the neck like he wants to squeeze the life out of him. If he didn't have a Pain Nullification skill, he's pretty sure he'd be hurting quite a bit right now. As it is, all he can do is soften and hug him back, rub his back with one hand and cradle the back of his head with the other, stroking his hair.

"This is about more than just being thanked, isn't it?" he whispers, kind and warm, and Ryouma just clutches him tighter. He wants to explain, tell him how grateful he is, how he can't thank him enough for treating him so well, but…he can't find the words… So he nods instead, another happy sob escaping, a few. He hopes, prays, it's enough—and proceeds to thank all the gods he can when Rimuru curls him closer to his chest. He got through! "It's okay."

It just makes him cry harder.

---

Eventually, far too soon for anyone's liking, it's time for Ryouma and his slimes to head home.

They stand in front of the portal, a soft breeze blowing through it as it depicts Ryouma's peaceful mine home, and as the slimes start their assembly line back through, Ryouma and Rimuru turn to each other.

"Thanks for everything, Ryouma," Rimuru says, grinning toothily with one hand on his hip. "Don't forget: if you ever need anything, all ya have to do is ask!"

Ryouma blinks at that, but before he can ask, Rimuru presses something into his hand. It's a little embroidered charm, a crystal Rimuru hanging from one side with a text box attached to him that says, I'm not a bad slime! *slurp*

Ryouma bursts out laughing at the reference, and Rimuru's grin just grows. "Knew that'd get'cha! Don't go thinking that's just a normal keepsake, though! Raphael and Veldora helped me weave some high level magic into it that'll let us communicate between worlds! All ya gotta do when you wanna talk to me is jingle the little charm twice and repeat the reference, and if I'm able, I'll answer you via my matching one! Oh, and don't worry: it's practically indestructible, so it should survive all your crazy adventures!" He curls excited fists at half-mast, eyes shining. "Isn't that awesome?! I've been wanting to surprise you with it all night! This means we don't have to say goodbye forever now! We can still be friends! Maybe I can even come visit Seilfall one o' these days!"

Ryouma feels heat flaring behind his eyes again. He's never…no one his age has ever…! For the first time…someone…wants him…? Wants to stay…?

"Aw, come 'ere!" Rimuru pulls him into another hug, and Ryouma latches on gladly. He doesn't think he has that many tears left after his breakdown earlier, but he buries his face in Rimuru's hair and shoulder anyway. He smells like this town, like his wonderful people—like warmth and light and joy incarnate. He's never giving this up. Not now that he's finally found it.

His first real friend…!

Given a few minutes to rein himself in, he pulls back, wiping his eyes with the back of his wrist. He sniffs and smiles sheepishly. "S-sorry. That's twice now I've cried on you."

Rimuru just waves a dismissive hand. "Ah, don't worry about it! I'm a slime, so it just rolls right off! You're all good!"

Ryouma laughs, stowing the precious charm in his pocket for safe-keeping. "Thanks for everything, Rimuru. Any time you wanna visit Seilfall, just let me know! My employees will probably keel over from shock, but I'll take a few days off, and we can have some fun together!"

Rimuru laughs, too, bouncing on the balls of his feet, almost unable to contain his excitement. "Yeah, totally! That sounds great!" That said, he points a stern finger at Ryouma. "You'd better take care of yourself, you hear me? I don't wanna hear any more stories about you overworking yourself. Don't think I won't open a portal and force you to relax 'cause I will!"

Not that he's really one to talk, being a workaholic himself…but there's a difference! He takes breaks and has fun without people having to get on him about it! (Honestly, if Ryouma reminds him of anyone in that respect, it's Geld. Come to think of it, he's been meaning to have another little chat about that with Mr. HR's-Worst-Nightmare. At least he came to the feast without him having to beg this time! Thank goodness for Lyra…)

Ryouma raises placating hands with a nervous chuckle. "R-right! I promise I'll do my best!"

Figuring that's the best he's gonna get, Rimuru sighs, but it's mostly fond. "Well, safe travels back home. You should be dropped off right where you wanna be, but let me know via the charm if anything's wonky." He rubs the back of his neck. "I only just found out through all this that I can even open portals to other worlds, so no promises I'll get it right on the second try!"

Glancing back at the portal, Ryouma studies it for a moment before turning back with an easy smile. "My slimes would've alerted me by now if anything was wrong, so I'm sure it's fine. But thanks! I'll let you know either way via the charm once I'm settled!"

Rimuru nods. "Sounds good!" Softening, he holds out a fist. "See ya later?"

Ryouma melts and bumps it without a second thought. "Count on it!"

With that, just like before, he steps through—back to the world of Seilfall!

---

The portal disappears the same way it came, in a blinding flash of light.

Once it fades, Rimuru looks around his mine home. Everything looks exactly the way he left it. Nearly all of his slimes are already dead asleep at his feet, tuckered out from all the playing and fun at the feast. The few that aren't follow him inside his house.

Everything looks normal here, too. There's even the stack of notebooks he's been meaning to consolidate into one on the table by the window.

Making his way into his small bedroom, he changes into his pajamas and slides into bed. His slimes jump in to snuggle with him on all sides, and he breathes a laugh that turns into a long, loud yawn. Oh, man! He didn't realize how exhausted he was until just now! He can barely keep his eyes open!

Remembering his promise to let Rimuru know he got home okay, he reaches into his pocket to fish out the keepsake charm. Following Rimuru's instructions, the charm glows a pretty Rimuru blue.

"Hey, Rimuru!" he whispers into it, not wanting to wake the slimes already sound asleep around him. "I made it back home to Seilfall just fine! Told ya you had nothing to worry about! Your portal worked like a charm!"

There's silence for a long moment. Then, he swears he hears cheering in the background before Rimuru's laugh comes through loud and clear. "Was that a pun?"

"You got it!"

An even more delighted laugh. "Man, you're cool! Thanks so much for letting me know! You get some sleep and enjoy your day off tomorrow, okay? I mean it, don't make me make good on my threat so soon!"

Ryouma chuckles. "I'll take it easy, I promise!" He'll probably just end up organizing his notes. "So…same time next weekend? You could come to Seilfall this time!"

He's not sure he's ever heard a more elated sound in his life.

"Hell, yeah! You've got yourself a deal!"

---

A/N: I had so much fun with this, oh, my God! I really needed that! lol. If you read this entire behemoth of a passion project, thank you so damn much, I love you!

If any of you happened to notice the few Naruto references I sneaked in here (and the Dragon Quest reference that's canon to "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime"), I love you! :D

I gave the little hobgoblin girl who adores Geld the name 'Lyra' 'cause, AFAIK, she doesn't have a canon name (please correct me if I'm wrong)! I just thought it sounded pretty and fit her! :D

I also took some creative liberties with Ryouma's backstory in his previous life! The severe abuse his father inflicted on him as a child in the light novels (which I haven't read, but have heard about) was completely cut from the anime, and AFAIK, neither details how his life played out during or after it until he's an exploited working adult. So, I figured I'd fill in the blanks with something that hopefully makes sense and adds to his character and his newfound friendship with Rimuru! Hope that's okay with everyone! :D

I don't know about the rest of you, but I was really gearing up for some sweet Veldora & Rimuru BFF/brotherly interaction in s2, especially after that (liar of an) opening, LMAO, but we really didn't get much of anything that wasn't comic relief. Made me sad, man! T_T So, I resolved to add in a good amount myself in this fic (including Veldora's 'little storm' nickname for Rimuru, which I came up with and thought was cute)! I hope somebody else shares my need for these specific feels! :D

Thanks so much for reading!