AN: No Demon Lord fight in this chapter.
Sorry, I reserved it for the next chapter.
Wait is worth it, almost 8000 words in this one.
Good reading.
Chapter 12
It's been three days since the meeting with the leaders and the end of the battle against the orcs. Talking about orcs, they are slowly integrating, their farms were built in two days thanks to their numbers, and thanks to them, the village building rate increased.
Rimuru named Geld's son, with an Ether marble made by Naruto, Geld in homage to his father, and made him the new Orc King. All orcs were named. For the new High Orcs, they gained muscles and grew but still looked the same while the Orc King grew higher than them and lost his potbelly, leaving only muscles.
Rimuru, right now, was observing the progress of their farms.
"Very good, Geld. The farms progress well," He said. Geld nodded.
"Thank you, Rimuru-sama. Thank the location of our farm, the fields are nicely irrigated by the river. But we're afraid too much irrigation will cripple it. So we're careful on this end," he said. Rimuru nodded. It's true with the river their farms will be safe, but it left less drinking water for the animals and the plants.
"Do you know when will come the next rain days," he asked? Geld shook his head.
"No, we can't predict it. So we thought of a failsafe plan for now," he said. At the end of his sentence, a High Orc came to him.
"Your Highness, the preparations are ready," the High Orc said. Geld nodded to him.
"Well done, Orbogne. Let's show Rimuru-sama the statue," he said. Orbogne nodded and walked in a direction, going up the river. Rimuru has interrogation points floating above him. A statue? What could it be, he wondered? He decided to follow Geld.
After thirty minutes, they arrived at a waterfall. The sound was deafening as the water fell from at least ten stories. In front of the waterfall was a platform made of stone, and on it was a wooden statue. Looking closer, Rimuru could see it looked like Naruto. And it was quite realistic too.
"Wow," couldn't help but said Rimuru. He turned to Geld. "How did you build it this quick? And why a statue," he asked? Geld nodded.
"It's thanks to the Dwarves. They gave us the knowledge to build one. After that, four High Orcs were on it. As for the idea, when trying to find a solution to our river problem, I thought to extend Naruto-sama protection to the river, and then, the statue idea just pop into my head," he said, shrugging. Rimuru shrugged too. A statue is a common item used for worshipping. They are in all sorts of materials and heights. This one is in wood and in the size of Naruto.
"I see. So you will put an offering next to the statue," he said. Geld nodded.
"Yes, but not just that. Look at the hand," he said. Rimuru obeyed and look closer. It looked like the statue had his hand intercrossed, ready to cup something. "I will use Naruto-sama's blessing to purge some water and then put it in the hands, to show the river is taken care of." Rimuru nodded. Then, Shion was running to them.
"Here you are, Rimuru-sama. King Gazel is waiting for you in front of the government building," she said. Rimuru raised an eyebrow until he remembered he will receive a gift. He nodded.
"Then, let's not make him wait," he said to her before turning to Geld. "I let you return to your duties, Geld." The Orc King nodded.
"Of course," he said before walking toward the farm. Rimuru turned back to Shion and nodded before they run toward the village.
Arriving at their destination. Rimuru could indeed see Gazel waiting with something on his shoulder. He cringed at that. It looked like someone was kidnapped.
"Good day to you Gazel. I see you follow your word," he said. Gazel turned to him.
"To you too, Rimuru. And yes, as a king, I don't promise. Plus, while he couldn't do any more for me, I didn't want to let him goof around," he said, throwing the packaging on the ground. Rimuru blanked at Gazel. Him? So, this gift is really a person. It turned to the packaged and gaped. Why?
Because it is Vesta, knocked out, froth in his mouth. He couldn't believe it.
Rimuru sighed, scratching his head. He could understand why Gazel couldn't let Vesta work for the king. But for him? He doesn't have a problem with it, but…
"Did he learn his lesson," Rimuru asked, pointing to Vesta. Gazel nodded.
"Yes, he did. Naruto's punishment made sure of it. His pride was curbed," he said. It is at this moment that Vesta began to wake up, groaning before opening his eyes. He then widens them, sitting quickly before Gazel.
"My king," he said.
"Now Vesta, you will work for Rimuru and be a link between our two countries," Gazel said. Vesta nodded.
"Yes, I will make sure to make you proud of me," he said before standing up and turning to Rimuru.
"Rimuru, I'm sorry for what I said. I hope you can forgive me," he said bowing to him. Rimuru nodded.
"Yes, the past is past and you are working for me now. Let's get along. Plus, I know the perfect place of work for you," he said before turning his head to Gazel. "But for now, let's watch King Gazel's duel." The king and the former minister nodded with the king smiling.
They move to an area without buildings and now waited for each other. After five minutes, Shishibushi arrived with Benimaru and Souei.
"It is time," Shishibushi simply said. Gazel nodded.
"Yes, it is," he said back. They placed themselves, facing each other, and unsheathed their weapons. Shishibushi's weapon was his katana while Gazel's weapon was a double edge long sword with a shining blade and a magicules core. It is a heirloom given down by his ancestors.
The guards step aside, letting the field for the two warriors and ready to watch this duel. They just need to wait for the judge.
And only ten seconds later, Treyny came from the ground while Shuna descended from the sky, floating until she touched the ground. She has cushions for her, Treyny, and Naruto. And Naruto appeared in a flash. But his appearance shocked everyone.
"Naruto-sama, this attire," said Rimuru… Naruto nodded to him.
Naruto was still wearing his normal clothes but now wore a plated samurai armor. It is in gold, no, gold is not the correct term as it has a glow only described as godly. It is made of Ether adamantine, a material only Naruto possesses. On his head was a sort of crown mixed with a Happuri, in the same material, protecting his horns, his forehead, and the side of his face. In his hand was his sheathed katana. It has a white diamond pattern handle with an adamantine circled tsuga that has a dark rainbow glow. The sheath was a pure white color with ever-changing rainbow star motifs. He sat down on his cushion in a meditation pose, posing his katana on his legs. He observed the awing of the crowd before turning to Rimuru and smiling softly.
"Yes, it is my warrior attire. As the judge of this duel, it is a must to be an impartial warrior and show my warrior side," he said before turning back to the two fighters, seriousness on his face.
"Now prepare yourself," he said with power, lifting a hand in the air, and snapping the two fighters back to reality. They faced again, entering their stances. Gazel has his left in front of his right, standing straight with his sword held straight up. Shishibsuhi has his feet under his shoulders, side to side while he held his katana horizontally, the handle touching his navel. Naruto dropped his hand down.
"Hajime," he exclaimed!
Gazel rushed at Shishibushi, sword ready to strike down, but the Oni saw it clearly. When the king struck, the Oni tapped the sword with his katana to reflect the strike before quickly sending a slash at the chest. However, Gazel dodges it with fast reflexes, stepping to the side before slashing horizontally. Yet, Shishibushi crouched, the sword passing above him, and struck at the hand. But Gazel uses a foot to reflect the katana and step back at the same time. The two fighters replaced themselves in their stances.
"That stance, it is the counter style," said Gazel. Shishibushi smiled at him.
"Yes, you're indeed an apprentice to my elder. I used this sense you. But it will be not enough," he said, shifting his position. His left leg is in front now, legs a little wider than his shoulder, chest pointing to the side, hands above his right shoulder, and pointing down. Gazel tightened his stance.
'He will go with a thrust,' he thought. And as predicted, Shishibushi rushed, ready to impale the king. But Gazel waited before reflecting on the hit. But he noticed the move was not overthrown and too light. This is where Shishibushi act. A flurry of thrusts showered the king. Yet, Gazel remained calm, using all his experiences to dodge and parade the barrage. And he saw it, an opening. He sends an upward slash, breaking temporally Shishibushi's balance, ready to strike down.
Shishibushi saw the intent, making him widen his eyes. He saw a giant waterfall set to fall. But then he narrowed, eying this waterfall. In his mind, he just needed to cut it. Shifting his gravity lower, he griped his katana tighter before sending it upward when the sword came down. At the impact, white shockwaves were created, blowing the spectator. The floor was carved, and lightning struck around.
"What a clash of will," exclaimed Benimaru, trying to stand his ground, protecting his eyes!
"They really go to it," said Rimuru. Meanwhile, Naruto watched the clash with a smile. It made him remember the numerous duel he had during his existence. The will to fight a strong opponent and to come atop. The will to go higher, to push your limit. The will to protect. Yes, they are worthy of being leaders.
Shishibushi and Gazel jumped, seeing they couldn't beat the other in this clash. The Oni reentered his stance, but this time, held his katana in position to strike diagonally down-right. He released his presence, an aura of magicules and ether surrounded him and compressed his will in his katana. Seeing this, Gazel smiled and set himself. His sword held to his side, glowing with magicules and intent. The two warriors were ready to release a final strike. The tension was high and the environment was trembling from the release of power.
"It's enough," exclaimed Naruto! Everyone turned to him in surprise. Yet, the king and the Oni began to smile before Gazel burst out laughing. Rimuru sighed in relief.
"It's a good call. I don't want to know of much damage this final clash will do," he said. Benimaru chuckled softly.
"Ma, ma, Rimuru-sama. The fire in them was strong. And then, we weren't without protection," he said. Rimuru shook his head.
"True, but could you tell the same thing about Gazel's guard," he said. He received an 'Ah', making a sigh again. Gazel shook his head. Indeed, they were too into it. But his guards didn't mind it as his fight provoke them to murmur excitedly. He walked toward the Oni before presenting his hand.
"Good duel," he said. Shishibushi shook his hand.
"You too. It's a shame we couldn't continue," he said. They saw Naruto standing before walking towards them.
"Well done, warriors. Might and discipline were displayed as the clash of will. But as warriors, one should be gentle and a protector. Do remember this," he said. The two fighters turned to him before exclaiming 'Hai!' Naruto then turned toward the whole spectators. "When one year of peace has passed, the ritual of warrior will take place." The excitement began again in the whole field. Shuna walked to her god.
"Naruto-sama, we should return to the shrine," she said, smiling. Naruto nodded.
"True. While I long for this ritual, responsibilities await me," he said, following her with Treyny trailing behind them.
"We should go back to the kingdom," Gazel said. He received an 'Hai!' from his guards before they go the pegasi. Rimuru walked to him.
"Before you depart, I wanted to say Vesta's skills will be not put on the side," he said. Gazel nodded and presented his hand. The slime shook it.
"I thought no less of you, Rimuru," Gazel said before joining his guard. After Rimuru saw Gazel flying toward his kingdom, he returned back to the village. He still has Vesta to be put inside Veldora's cave. And he still wondered how the dragon do. Not too cranky, he hopes.
Timeskip: Tomorrow…
The village progressed nicely. With Vesta, the production of potions increased.
About Vesta, the first thing he did was to beg pardon to Naruto, who tell him nonchalantly that he was forgiven the moment his punishment was finished.
After showing Vesta his new Lab, Rimuru takes advantage of the situation to take the news of Veldora.
Naruto said he made Veldora meditate a lot to control his power as he was in constant chaos. The god explained that lightning is chaotic and ordered at the same time. It is this balance that gave the might to lightning. He trained Veldora in power and gave him another True Dragon as a training partner. And it humbled the dragon, as his training partner was stronger than Veldora.
Rimuru put this thought in the Naruto box. The red dragon of the dream? Dimensional Gap? How many powerful beings did his god meet?
Rimuru was observing the construction of a school for the children. An idea given by Shuiro, one he accepted immediately. At the same time, he reflected on his village.
The farm produced enough to sell to other countries. The potions were a work in progress, but the production rate was satisfying, and the homes were all built for the villagers. It is a golden age for them. Plus, training for the Tempest Wolf continued. Under Shiroheki's care, they became stronger day by day. The security of the village was perfect and with Shishibushi's leadership… Wait, isn't he walking to me?
Indeed, the Oni marched toward him with a frown on his face. What happened now?
"Rimuru-sama, we have intruder in the forest," Shishibushi said. Rimuru got a déjà vu.
"Who are they," he asked?
"They are a group of our humans. Right now, they are chased by Red Giant Ants," he replied. Hmm… Why did Rimuru-sama blank at him?
"Is there a girl with blonde hair and a white cape, a blonde man with chain armor, and a brown-haired man who wears thief attire," asked Rimuru? Shishibushi raised an eyebrow but nodded in the end.
"Yes, do you know them by chance," he asked? He never knew his leader partner was acquainted with some human. And they are a bunch of idiots if the facepalm of the slime did indicate anything.
"They don't learn anything at all," Rimuru murmured, but the Oni heard him. "Save them and lead them to me. I will take care of them." Shishibushi nodded before he body flicked away. Rimuru shook his head at the move. The Oni and Kijins learned a lot thanks to Naruto's story. But he should go, he has humans to meet.
Meanwhile…
The four humans that Shishibushi talked about were running for their lives, Red Giant Ants pursuing them. Three of them were Kaval, Elen, and Gido, all wearing the gears Rimuru offered them.
The last one is a man wearing a red short sleeves vest over a white long sleeves shirt, blue baggy pants, a black sash around the waist with a skull on it, red gloves, and red and black pointed shoes. He has spiky black hair whose side became grey, black eyes with a scar over the left one, and an unshaved beard.
"Why did you poke a Red Giant Ants' nest, you dumbass," yelled the man to Kaval!
"I'm an investigator, Guildmaster. It's my job to inspect everything," said Kaval.
"There are better ways to do it! Didn't you learn it the last time," said Elen.
"Yeah, if I die, I haunt you," said Gido.
"Not if I die with you, HAHAHAH," Kaval laughed.
"This is no time to laugh! RUN," screamed the Guildmaster! Fortunately for them, their ordeal will end.
Black lightning struck the ants, burning them to a crisp, and blew the four humans forward. They land on their stomachs, and when they looked up, they saw a black wolf's paw.
"Eh, isn't it the unlucky idiot right there," asked a voice? Recognizing the voice, Elen quickly stood up. And before her…
"Gobta, it's been a while," she exclaimed! The hobgoblin nodded, smiling at them.
"Yeah, I see you didn't change at all," he said. The others stood up.
"Yeah, you can thanks this idiot," said Gido, pointing at Kaval and receiving a 'Hey!' The guild master was staring dumbfounded, his three adventurers were talking to a monster riding a Direwolf, the girl scratching said the wolf, which it accepts and savor them. The rumors of a village of monsters are true then. But, they must continue. They must know what happened to the Orcs, considering the reports they received. He cleared his throat, getting the attention of the others.
"Oh yeah," said Kaval, before walking next to the Guildmaster, and pointing at him. "It's our boss. He came to talk to Rimuru concerning Orcs." Gobta nodded.
"He is waiting for you right now. I'm here to escort you. If you follow me," he said before turning around and walking toward the village. The humans follow him.
The walk was quiet, calm enough to let the Guildmaster think about how he will discuss the master in the village. He has plans, plans that need to be successful for the good of the guild. Yet, with all the thinking, he wasn't ready for the sigh. And the biggest wolf waiting at the gate. He could feel himself staring with eyes wide open, trembling in his shoes. And the biggest surprise was the triple idiots weren't fazed.
"Shiroheki-sama, I didn't know you will greet us," Gobta said. The wolf nodded.
"Yes, at the report of an unknown human, I come to make sure blasphemy will be not made," he said. Kaval took a step forward.
"Don't worry, our boss is not stupid to create a conflict between our home," he said.
"Yes, we're just here to talk with Rimuru," said Elen.
"We will visit Naruto-sama after the meeting," said Gido. Shiroheki nodded.
"I will hold your words then. If you excuse me, Ranga and I must return to our duties," he said. Gobta dismounted Ranga who followed the Bijuu. The group saw the wolves walking somewhere else.
"Now, if you follow me," Gobta said. The humans nodded. But they stopped when they heard a voice. They turned around and see a man with a boy.
The man wears a beige vest over a black shirt, black pants, brown boots, brown gloves, and an orange sash around the waist. He has green eyes, grey hair falling on the right side of his face, and a goatee.
The boy wore nothing special, having short brown hair, and brown eyes. Yet his attire lets people think he is a mage or something, wearing a dark blue robe with golden trims and a strange blue hat on his head.
"So, this is the village of monsters we heard," said the man.
"Yes, Youm-san. We're here to meet the chief of this village. We need to be courteous," said the boy. Youm scratched his head.
"Yeah, yeah. I heard you, boy," he said. Gobta decided to cut their talk.
"Excuse me, but who are you," he asked? Youm raised an eyebrow, but the boy nodded.
"Sorry for the intrusion, we came to talk to your leader. I'm Robert," he said before pointing to his partner. "And this Youm-san. We're from Falmuth." Gobta was taken by surprise.
"Falmuth? What does this country want now," said the guild master. Youm snorted.
"I could say the same thing to you. Aren't you Fuze, the guild master of the Free Guild branch of Belmund," he asked? Fuze nodded.
"I am. We are here for the same purpose," he said. Elen turned to Gobta.
"Gobta-kun, could you lead us to Rimuru? I'm sure he is wondering where we are," she said. Gobta nodded.
"Yes, can't let Rimuru-sama wait for more. Everyone, this way," he said. The humans followed him as he walked toward the government building.
As they walked, Fuze, Youm, and Robert were looking around, seeing the different races of monsters, from Hobgoblins to Ogres and… Isn't that a Dryad? They can't believe their eyes. Full of monsters but peaceful. And they didn't wait long as the building come nearer.
"Here we are. Come, Rimuru-sama is waiting inside," Gobta said, opening the door before walking through the hall. They took a stair and arrived quickly at the meeting room. But Gobta was surprised when he heard voices behind the doors. And his curiosity was rewarded when the doors opened, revealing a group of lizardwomen, including the daughter of Abirai.
"Ah, sorry to block the passage," she said, sidestepping with her group.
"No, no, no problem. But aren't you the daughter of Abirai," Gobta asked? The daughter nodded.
"Yes, I'm Souka now. We're here to learn more about the culture of this village and draw our tribe and your village closer," she said. Gobta nodded, understanding her reason but raised an eyebrow when she sighed. "Don't be surprised inside. If you excuse us. " she and her group departed somewhere they didn't know. Gobta shrugged before entering the room with his party. And despite the warning, he got surprised.
"Oh, Gobat! Thanks to lead them to me. But why is there more than it should be," asked Rimuru. He was sitting on his chair, at the end of the table with Shion behind him? Gobta shrugged.
"Well, another group wishes to talk to you for the same purpose, so I said why not," he said. Rimuru nodded, eying the shocked humans. He remembered Kaval's party, and they too, and with them come a fourth person. The two last seems to be the other group. "By the way, Rimuru-sama, why is Gabiru here," asked Gobta, blinking and pointing at the lizard next to Shion. The creepy thing was Gabiru stood straight like a good and obeying soldier. Wasn't he a douchebag? Rimuru sighed.
"Don't worry, he is here to learn from watching me. He will not interrupt us," he said. The lizardman nodded with fervor. "Now, let's all sit and begin the meeting." Everyone nodded. The group of Blemund sat on Rimuru's right with Fuze next to the slime, followed by Kaval, Elen, and Gido, while the Falmuth's group sat on the left with Youm next to Rimuru. But Youm didn't take this meeting seriously, putting his feet on the table. Fuze looked at him owlishly.
"Youm-san, this is a crucial meeting! You should act more serious," exclaimed Robert! But Youm snorted.
"I will be serious when they will be. No seriously, first off," he said before pointing to Rimuru. "I recognized him as a Slime. Why does this slime act like a big shot? It is a slime!" Shion narrowed her eyes while Fuze stared at the young man.
'Yes, this is a slime. But from the three idiots' report, Rimuru managed to gather monsters under him and name them. This is a flag, only a powerful monster can name others. Meaning we shouldn't let appearance and race deceive us,' Fuze thought.
"Are you insulting Rimuru-sama," asked Shion with a dangerous tone? And Youm didn't like it.
"I didn't ask your opinion, you tits," he snapped at her! Shion got a tickmark on her forehead before she was ready to take her naginata. But she was stopped like everyone else by pressure on her. Everyone turned to Rimuru, seeing him release a mixture of magicules and ether.
"Enough. We have matters to take care of," Rimuru said. Shion let her hand down before bowing, and saying her excuses. Kaval's party smiled at the display, knowing Rimuru improve his leadership skill. Fuze smiled too, but he was more nervous, thinking he was right to be cautious. The more funny expression came from Youm himself as he gaped at the slime and couldn't help but get a shiver, sitting straight.
"This is the power of the leader of this village," murmured Robert, releasing cold sweat. Rimuru took a breath to calm himself and diminished his aura. Silence fell on the room for a moment before Rimuru begin the meeting.
"Now that everyone is attentive, this meeting is opened. We will begin to listen first to Blemund's side. You have the hand, Fuze-san," said Rimuru. Fuze nodded.
"First off, I will announce to you that rumors run in every country about a new country of monsters. Is that true," he asked? Rimuru nodded.
"Yes, because of how big our village, is and how the forest is under Naruto-sama's and my protection, our home has become a country named the United Tempest Federation. The kingdom of Dwargon was a witness to the creation of this country," he said. Fuze nodded, ingesting the news. Meanwhile, Youm scratched his head, while Robert looked anxious.
"Well, it will go to shit with Falmuth," said Youm with his companion nodding. The Blemund's side narrowed their eyes.
"Because they lose an advantage," Fuze asked? Youm snorted.
"Yeah, and you don't the half of it," he said.
"Falmuth is governed by corrupt politicians where money is everything. They tried to gather more and more money while dispensing the less possible. The fee to cross their country is an example as you know. But it applied to the insider too. I'm a mage with a worth of ten gold a month on me, but I'm only paid four a month. And Youm-san didn't get paid for this investigation," said Robert. Rimuru narrowed too. He knew of the corruption thanks to Naruto-sama. But knowing it, and hearing the details of it were two different things. He really to present them to his god. Fuze snorted.
"And I'm sure the guy is a noble," he said. Robert nodded.
"Yes, a disgusting one. Only money and women in his head," said Youm. Blemund's side narrowed their eyes in anger, with Elen gritting her teeth as she was a woman and didn't like what she heard what she thought happened to girls like her. Rimuru clapped his hand.
"We still have a meeting to do. We can talk Falmuth's corruption after," said Rimuru. The others turned to him, listening again. "Now, which other subjects do you bring to us." Robert nodded before standing up.
"The principal subject of our visit is the orcs' situation. What happened to them after their hostility," he asked? Fuze leaned on the table, as it was another subject he needed to know. Rimuru closed his eyes, contemplating his words before returning to the group.
"The reason for the hostility of the orcs was famine. They were desperate and a Majin used it to make them his soldiers for his scheming. The orcs were stopped thanks to the collaboration of all the races in these villages and our allies. The Majin was eliminated and the orcs were put to labor as punishment," he said. Robert's eyes widen, while Youm narrowed them, and Fuze rubbed them.
"Meaning there is a chance a Demon Lord is behind the scene," said Fuze. Kaval's party gasped, leaning toward the man.
"Oi, Guilmaster, are you freaking," yelled Kaval?!
"Yes, Demon Lords are a grave topic. They put countries just with their name," said Elen.
"Are you sure you're not jumping to conclusion," asked Gido?
He pushed them back before speaking to them.
"I know this is grave news, but we dodge the possibility. It was an army of orcs, and only with resources this army could hold," he explained. Robert was trembling in fear.
"If this is the case," he said but didn't dare finish his sentence… Youm tsked, scratching his head in frustration.
"Great, our case didn't improve at all. We will be lucky to be alive if we made it," he said. Murmurs continued in the room. Rimuru waited a moment before clapping again; stopping the noise as the two sides turned to him.
"I know it is scary news and we came to the same conclusion. But the situation will be taken care of. If a Demon Lord is really behind the scene, then divine retribution will be given. Our god doesn't like hostility," he said. Youm raised an eyebrow while Fuze said nothing. Kaval's party nodded.
"U-Um, excuse me, Rimuru-san," he said. The slime turned to him. "You're a monster, aren't you. Meaning you're godless." But he flinched when seeing the slime's glare. Fuze decided to save the young man.
"This is something I would like to know too. The last report of the party behind me was missing pieces of information, only talking about seeing a god realizing a miracle," he said. Everyone is focused now on Rimuru. Rimuru sighed. When Kaval's party left the village last time, they promised to spray Naruto-sama's name and to keep Shuiro's former identity a secret. They keep their promises, but someone was clever enough to find something amiss.
"Oame-no-genten-no-kami, this is the name of our god. We called him Naruto-sama too. I'm sure you have noticed a change in the forest when entering it," he said. The two groups of humans nodded, discovering the strange liveness the forest have. While it still has a full pack of magicules, another purer energy flow in it, rendering the forest healthier. They don't know what causes it.
The Blemund's side was neutral on this subject but the Falmuth's side was cautious on it as they were sure their country will try to get resources from the forest for benefits.
"It is thanks to his blessing and protection. The forest is healthier and got sentience. It acts as Naruto-sama's sense now. I'm sure you have heard some noise when entering," Rimuru said. The humans frowned. A sentient forest? Noise?
"Now that you said it, Rimuru. I can attest that I heard some humming," said Kaval.
"Yeah, a feminine voice being cautious. I remember that," said Elen, tilting her head and putting a finger on her chin.
"I was thinking it was a Dryad honestly. We saw one a moment ago," said Gido. Rimuru shook his head.
"Sorry Gido, but it was indeed the forest," he said to him before turning back to the others. "We will Naruto-sama after this meeting." Everyone nodded. Then Youm scratched his head nervously.
"I'm fearing for my life now," he said. Robert couldn't help but chuckle nervously. Rimuru narrowed his eyes.
"Is there something you didn't tell us," he asked? The two Falmuth investigators looked at each other before returning to Rimuru.
"It is not a secret honestly. Everyone knows how corrupted Falmuth is. When they will learn the status of the forest, they will try to get it for themselves," said Robert. Fuze sighed exasperatedly.
"Yeah, it's them. They will try, and be rejected the first time before sending a whole army," he said. Rimuru sighed, understanding now how Youm feel. Naruto-sama will eradicate them when they trample on his territory. Gods are after all territorial, and protect their followers and the habitants of their territory.
His thought was cut by a feeling, and he widened his eyes for a fraction of a second.
"Well, lucky for us, Naruto-sama is waiting for us," he said. Fuze and Falmuth's side raised an eyebrow. "More importantly," he turned to Youm, pointing at him, "he wants to talk to you." Youm paled, got a shiver, sweating a lot.
"M-me," he asked, pointing to himself? He tried to wonder what this 'god' want, already thinking about the worth. Rimuru smiled in amusement.
"Don't worry, he will not punish, just wish to talk," he said. Youm nodded dumbly. "Now, if there are no other subjects." Robert raised a hand.
"Just a warning about Falmuth. The higher-ups will try to get the forest for themselves," he said. Rimuru nodded.
"Well, if it's all," Rimuru said, standing up… "We will now go to the Silent Shrine." Everyone stood up, ready to follow him.
Rimuru led them out of the building before taking toward the shrine's direction, the humans and Shion behind him. Arriving at the torii, Rimuru walks the road under it. As they trek, the humans look around, watching the beautiful scenery. They wondered what was the red thing they passed under.
"Are they gate," wondered aloud Fuze? Youm raised an eyebrow at him.
"Gate," he asked? He received a nod.
"They are called torii, if I remembered correctly, Guildmaster," explained quickly Elen. The humans turned toward her.
"Torii," they asked? She nodded.
"They are spiritual gates, pushing back evil, and protecting those who wish to pay respect to Naruto-sama," explained Shion with Rimuru nodded. Fuze blinked at that. It is quite useful, if humans have them, monsters could be repelled more easily. The evil one in this case. Because Rimuru is a civil and nice one for him.
"If those exist, why did we never learn about them," asked Youm? It is a good question, everyone thought.
"They came from a different culture. One from another world," replied Rimuru. The humans nodded, accepting this fact as new things tend to come from otherworlder. They continued to walk, a calm soothing their mind.
"What will happen to evil," asked Robert, breaking their comfort?
"They will walk indefinitely, never reaching the shrine, only to notice the entry will be always behind their back," the slime replied. Fuze raised an eyebrow before looking up, seeing the red wood of the torii they passed.
"Gate, huh," he said? Rimuru nodded to him.
"Everyone, we will arrive in two minutes. Be ready and respectful," warn Shion in no non-sense tone. The humans nodded firmly, readying themselves. They exist in the forest, arrive at a clearing, and their breath was cut.
A stone path lead to a two-story building made of high-quality wood. A structure they never saw before. There is a pool with unknown fish jumping in it. A great tree, looming above the shrine. A part of a garden could be seen behind the shrine. It was simple in their mind, but yet divine. Before the shrine, a female ogre with pink hair was sweeping the floor. She noticed them.
"Ara, Rimuru-sama, welcome back. And I see we have guests. I will prepare some tea then," she said. Rimuru nodded.
"You do that. We will wait for Naruto-sama to come," he said. Shuna nodded before going inside the shrine passing a vermillion-haired woman sitting on the engawa, and closing behind her. She is a beauty, Fuze noticed. She wore elegant red clothes, covering her hourglass figure, and hiding the curves she possess. She has golden eyes and golden feathers in her hair. Finally, five giant golden feathers lie on her tailbone acting as tails. Never meeting her, yet he has a feeling that he should know her. And if he did, he will definitely remember as she could be one of the most beautiful women in the world. He was snapped back to reality by her.
"Oya, isn't it the guild master," she asked? Fuze was confused, the others looked at him, except Kaval's party, asking silently if he knows her. He shook his head.
"Did we meet somewhere, miss," he asked? She nodded.
"Shuiro. And yes, we met in my previous life. I was quite known in the guild for my [Fire manipulation]," she said. Now, the guild master was tilting, racking his head at her sentence. A previous life? What the heck is she talking about?
"Well, there was the Conqueror of the Flame in the guild once, but she died unknowingly somewhere," said Robert, tilting his head upward. Youm nodded.
"Yeah, and she wasn't a monster," he said, shrugging. Elen tried to stop a giggle, but Fuze still heard her, narrowing his eyes to her, wanting an explanation.
"You shouldn't make fun of the guild master, Shuiro," she said with amusement.
"Yeah, what Naruto-sama will tell you if he sees you," Kaval said? Shuiro replied with a giggle.
"Oh, he already knows. He doesn't care if the guild master knows my previous name as he can't do anything," she said. Fuze narrowed his eyes, wondering who could go against the guild master of the guild. Gido sighed, taking pity on Fuze.
"She was Shizue Izawa in her previous life," he said. Fuze spitted at what he heard. Falmuth's side was not better, as they gaped at the new.
"How," Fuze exclaimed to Gido, pointing at the phoenix?!
"I gave her a second life," a voice could be heard from inside the shrine. The humans shivered, feeling the power entering their ears, their eyes wide open. They turned robotically to the shrine's door, seeing it open. It revealed Shuna with a trail of tea cups and behind her was the tallest man the humans have seen.
He was wearing white clothes from bottom to top, wood sandals with socks. The top revealed his musculature and the tribal tattoos on it. He has middle back long white hair with four horns jutting out from it, the two middle ones being longer than the external one. But what put their guard up was the eyes, two of them being an eight-pointed star on a black background and the last with the same start but on a rainbow background, surrounded by concentric circles where three four-pointed stars resided on each. The glow show the unimaginable amount of power of this being, and the strange black plates floating behind his back were mystifying and divine. This being is someone who is realm above them. Fuze has his instinct screaming at him to make himself little, while Youm, not being the sharpest one, tensed thanks to his street instinct. Surviving on the street gave him some experiences others don't have. And his instinct never fell him. Robert was a shivering mess.
Naruto walked on the engawa before sitting down on it. He accept a teacup from Shuna and sipped for a moment.
"For rescuing the children she taught in Ingressia, she offered me her soul at her death bed. And she has become one of my guards, the Five-tailed Phoenix," he said. Eying the humans, he saw them tremble and on their guard. He created zabutons for everyone, shocking the humans, so they could begin the meeting, while Shuna gave them filled tea cups. He sipped again his tea with his eyes closed, planning his moves for Falmuth, as the human Youm gave him possibilities to take care of their greed.
"K-k-k-k-k-," stuttered Fuze. Naruto opened his left eye, noticing the guildmaster shaking like a leaf, while Falmuth's side made as little as possible. Kaval's party didn't react as they already meet him.
"Kami-sama!" yelled Fuze, his head touching the floor as he bowed. Naruto saw the adventurer trio trying to stifle a laugh.
"Oi, you accept the facts quite quickly," murmured Youm to Fuze, eying him from the corner of his eyes. Fuze returned the look, while still bowing, snorting.
"Find me someone releasing so much energy just by breathing. Plus, you can't even sense his presence. Even Demon Lord and True Dragon could be sensed. But…" murmed back Fuze.
"He is realms above us, isn't he? Like mortals don't have the right to sense him without his permission or something," asked softly Youm? Fuze replied with a 'Yeah'. Naruto raised an eyebrow in amusement. Looking at Rimuru, he saw the slime sharing his amusement. But they should begin. Naruto cleared his voice, placing everyone on the right track.
"Now, it's time that Truth comes forth," he said. He turned first to Fuze and Kaval's party. "First, the status of the Storm Dragon Veldora." He snapped his finger, and a crystal ball shimmered between them before reflecting Veldora in seiza position trying to improve his abilities on the blinding white lightning between his claws. His surrounding was floating islands made of strange black and white crystal floating in a rainbow void. "As you can see, Veldora was moved into this dimension to refine his abilities and learn control over them. I made sure he learn peace and stop ravaging his environment to release the chaos in him." The humans blinked, trying to digest the information that the being before them just moved a True Dragon and teach him discipline while showing the proof it was true. Naruto waited a moment snapping again his fingers, making the ball disappear. He then turned to Falmuth's side. "Second, Falmuth's situation." Youm and Robert could hear their world breaking apart, their eyes wide open. Youm couldn't help but chuckle deliriously thinking he is doomed. Robert bowed deeply, head on the floor.
"Sorry for my rudeness, but please don't punish all Falmuth. They're still good people trying to fight against the corrupted one," he said, tears in the corner of his eyes. Naruto sighed softly, shaking his head.
"I know everything, child. I had time to see all I need," he said, ignoring the shock of the two falmuthien. "And their pride will be their fall as they just give me the means to their purging." He pointed to Youm when saying that. The concerned one tried to understand but came blank.
"What do you mean, Naruto-sama," asked Youm politely, as he didn't want to anger a being who can handle a True Dragon?
"You shall be the bearing wall for a new revolution, the light purging the corruption, the hero the weak need," Naruto said. Youm's eyes almost fell as his sockets were so wide open. A hero? Him? What the…
"Wait, what are you saying? I have no stature of a hero," Youm exclaimed, trying to put his mind in order from the chaotic thoughts he was in.
Naruto sighed. Youngsters these days seem to not understand what is really a hero.
"A hero is not born. It is not someone with innate abilities or incredible power. The true strength of a hero is his heart. The ability to connect to others, to accept them, and to protect the weak whatever how impossible or nightmare-filled the obstacles before him are," Naruto explained. Youm's mind blanked, not able to process what he heard, too much in awe to do anything. The other humans were not in better shape. Naruto's face turned back serious. "You have seen the people in need, felt their pain, and connected with them. Even with your own suffering, you didn't hesitate to help them, barring a part of their pain. This is the action of a True hero. And I choose you." He lifted a finger, and a small light floated above it. "Now, will you accept this fate, and save them?"
Youm lowered his head, contemplating the offer. The god before is right. Every day, he saw people in the street, working until their bodies burned out, just for gaining enough, so their poor families could survive. Yet, even when they have almost nothing, the nobles took what little they have as taxes. And those same nobles lived in luxury, consuming however they desired, wasting the effort of the commoners for their amusement, and boasting about their actions. He has had enough of this corruption, but he is powerless. What could he do? But now, he received an offer from a god who can help in his desire. Should he take it? The answer is obvious. But he needs to know something.
"If take your offer, could I really save them," asked Youm? This is it. It is the only hope he has now. Naruto nodded.
"If you stayed honest to your heart, darkness will not blind you," he said. There was silence as Youm and Naruto eyed each other, with Naruto staying immobile. After two long minutes, Youm nodded.
"I accept then," Youm said with conviction. Naruto nodded, pointing his lifted finger toward Youm.
"Then, as today, you will bear my blessing and be recognized as a hero," he said, the light rushing through Youm's body before disappearing. There was a glow for a moment, but no other changes happened. All Youm know is that a strange energy course through him now.
/Begin of the evolution of individual Youm.
Notice: With Oame-no-genten-no-kami's permission and blessing, the individual Youm has obtained the title [Hero of Falmuth].
Notice: With Oame-no-genten-no-kami's blessing, individual Youm has obtained [Extra skill: Ether manipulation].
Notice: With [Extra skill: Ether manipulation] and [Hero of Falmuth], [Unique skill: Cleanser of Corruption] has been obtained.
End of evolution/
The humans had lifted their heads, hearing the [Voice of the World], listening to what happened to Youm. After she finished, they stayed like that, digesting the new information they heard. They came back to reality with a whistle done by Rimuru.
"Well, congratulation to you Youm on your status," the slime said, flustering the man who scratched his head. Rimuru then turned to Naruto. "But is there a difference between champion and hero?" Naruto nodded to him.
"A hero is given a specific task while a champion is a proxy," he said. Rimuru nodded, showing he understood. Naruto turned back to Youm.
"As today, the people of Falmuth will depend on you, Youm. Go and save them from evil. And as a gift for your first step, you can claim the defeat of Orc Lord, as it is unnecessary to us," he said. Youm nodded with determination and walk away, to go home with Robert talking to him with entrain. "Now, if it's all, I will go back to my study." Naruto entered the shrine with his cold tea, and the door automatically closed behind him. Rimuru turned to Fuze.
"It's over. I hope you got everything you needed, Fuze," he said. The guildmaster nodded.
"More than you think. If it's okay with you, I will talk to the king of Blemund about a possible alliance and what transpired here. He was for one before I came, so I just need your ok, and we can negotiate at a later day. And I will speak about Naruto-sama to him too," he said. Rimuru nodded happily.
"Oh, you can do it," he said. Fuze nodded, smiling.
"Then if you excuse us," he said. He bowed to him and to Shuiro who waved at him, giving him her blessing for a nice return. He then walked away. Rimuru waited to see them disappear before walking away too, returning to his duties.
"Everything looks up for us," he thought aloud.
Well, he shouldn't talk too quick.
Next Chapter: Demon Lord fight and visit of a new kingdom