Hi, readers! This is actually a side-chapter, partially recap, partially new content; all inspired by the canonical Veldora's Journal (this will essentially be in the same style). Enjoy!
The window to Rimuru's perspective blipped out, leaving behind the dark void that was his stomach.
Yet again, another victory for my favorite slime; my sworn brother. I expected it, but I was still pleased to see it. "Rimuru really is something, isn't he?"
Ifrit tilted their head at me. "What are you talking about, Lord Veldora?"
"Rimuru. Are you dense, Ifrit? I'll check your head, I cannot allow my students to become inept." I attempted to activate Dragon Eye, but the skill was still sealed. So I just whistled while making my eyes glow. "It appears your head is OK! Just think more before speaking."
"Lord Veldora, aren't your skills sealed?" The Demon tilted their head at me.
"Ahahah…" I looked away, deciding not to humor the question one bit. I couldn't have these three questioning me.
The Phantom, remaining the odd one out, simply stood away from us with a raised brow.
Now, I bet you're wondering how I ended up with these three puny bedmates, and it's simple. I brought them here when Rimuru ate their physical bodies, since allowing them to escape seemed foolish.
They were troublesome creatures, after all.
"He is really something, I agree," the Demon shrugged. "I love the show he just put on for us. I wish I was out there to participate, actually. All those pained screams for mercy, the merciless bloodshed, the–"
"Stop. That is unnecessary." Ifrit placed a hand on the demon's mouth.
"Well. Rimuru is great. Leave it at that. All those fancy words would embarrass my little brother."
The phantom dared to roll their eyes at me. The audacity!
"Why does someone as powerful as you consider that your brother?"
"I declared it, for he is my first friend! He shares my name! We are family. Do not question that, puny angel-defect."
"Yes, learn your place, insolent fool!" the demon jabbed.
"Why is it that every time Lord Rimuru sleeps you begin fighting with each other? It's exhausting…" Ifrit sighed.
"I must defend my sworn brother's pride! Surely, you can understand that!"
"Yes, the phantom is misguided. Lord Rimuru is worthy of being called your brother, Lord Veldora."
"See? My wisdom is unending," I chuckled to myself.
Ifrit spoke up. "I don't disagree with you, Lord Veldora, but perhaps some proof and a record of events would help here?"
"A record of events, huh? What does that mean?" I'd not really heard of anything like that… Aside from those boring history books in Rimuru's memories. I didn't enjoy them.
"The spirits record history in long sagas, grand fables that carry meaning and help keep track of events. A story."
"Are you suggesting that I turn Rimuru's many adventures into a grand story?"
"Written down for others to experience, yes."
"WHAT A GLORIOUS IDEA, IFRIT! WE MUST BEGIN IMMEDIATELY!"
The other three backed away, as the space around us shook. It is drafty here from time to time, I suppose.
"Lord Veldora, please remain calm. I am simply talking about a book!"
"A book?! A simple book will not do for Rimuru! We will honor him with something far greater! His own manga!"
"Excuse my… impropriety, my lord. Are you capable of making such a thing in your current state?"
"OF COURSE I AM! I AM THE GREAT STORM DRAGON, VELDORA TEMPEST! KWAHAHAHAHA!"
…
"This is hopeless…"
A collective sigh of relief emanated from those around me.
After many attempts, I just couldn't capture the full glory of Rimuru's smooth, round form. A shame, really; for the first time in my long life, I had to admit defeat.
"Perhaps this diminished state has left you unable to achieve the skill I'm certain you have, my lord."
"Yes! That is it, Demon! That accursed hero and her seal are responsible for this shortcoming!"
"So, would you be willing to allow me to assist?"
"Kuwahaha!" I roared, "I like your enthusiasm! But there is another here most qualified for artistic endeavors. Ifrit!"
"I don't see why I'm most qualified," Ifrit objected.
"Nonsense!" I encouraged them, "as you said, spirits are the great recorders of tales! Art is in your very nature!"
"...I would beg to disagree, Lord Veldora," Ifrit said humbly.
"Now, don't be shy," I shoved the pen I had conjured into Ifrit's tiny hand. "Get into position, and I shall dictate my masterpiece!"
Ifrit looked at the pen for a long, silent moment, obviously gathering his courage so as not to disappoint me, the great Storm Dragon! Truly, I had great sympathy for them; I would be intimidated by me as well!
"Lord Veldora," Ifrit began, "would it not behoove someone as great as you to allow those eager to serve the opportunity to shine?" They handed the pen off to the Demon, who was positively melting in joy at the gesture.
"Hmm," I thought for a moment. "Yes, you're right! YOU'RE RIGHT!" I roared happily. "Very well! Demon, step forward!"
The demon eagerly took a seat at the drawing board.
"Now then," I mused, resting a claw against my chin. "Where to start… ah! I know!"
It all began when a seemingly ordinary slime bumped into my seal in– "Hey, wait a second," I leaned over to view the demon's work. "What is that?"
"It's Lord Rimuru," the demon answered.
"That," I said, pointing at the circle with two lines for eyes, "is not Rimuru." Sure, it was the right shape, but it was emanating an evil, sinister aura that didn't feel like Rimuru at all!
"Well, of course I can't depict his greatness perfectly," the demon protested. "But this is his essence! What he's like on the inside! Look," they gestured to the paper. "How beautifully rotund, yet inherently menacing, and exuding power!"
"No, no, no," I argued. "You have it all wrong! You've failed to depict the kindness in his heart! His sense of humor! Here," I grabbed the pen and drew a quick portrait next to the demon's, a circle with two lines for eyes.
"Hm… yes, I see it now!" The demon said, hand on its chin wide-eyed. "I can't believe I didn't recognize it before!"
"...I see absolutely no difference," the phantom harshly observed, having come up to see what we were discussing. "Both of you just drew slimes, that is all."
"No difference–!?" The demon gasped at the same time as I roared, "nonsense! Clearly you need your eyes checked! Ifrit!"
I grabbed the paper and thrust it in his face. "Tell this fool that we're right! They're clearly different!"
Ifrit looked at one, then the other, his eyes moving between them as he studied them intensely. "I agree, they are entirely different."
"HA!" I laughed in triumph. "You see, Phantom? Don't worry, one day you too will appreciate the subtleties of my sworn friend, Rimuru!"
The phantom rolled their eyes and stalked off, mumbling some nonsense about "idiots" which I was sure referred to themself. Nobody else here was being an idiot!
"Now then," I leaned over the demon, "do it again."
But a minute later, the results were exactly the same.
"Hmm…" I squinted, considering how to solve this dilemma. "An excellent attempt, Demon. We will continue your training later. Ifrit!"
Begrudgingly, the demon handed the pen off to Ifrit, who sat down with a big sigh. "Go ahead and continue, Lord Veldora," they said.
"Ahem," I cleared my throat. "Right. As I was saying…"
The moment I laid eyes on this slime, I knew it was unique. Special. So I reached out to it, and– "No, no!" I stopped mid-sentence. "That's not right either!"
"What is the problem?" Ifrit asked, lifting the pen from the paper.
"He's not nearly majestic enough," I said emphatically. "He is the most impressive creature in this world, second only to myself, of course! Kwahahahaha!"
"B-but… at this moment, you hadn't realized how majestic he is," Ifrit tried to explain.
"Nonsense!" I scolded, "I knew from the moment I laid eyes on him! Now do better!"
"Hmm…" I grumbled as I watched Ifrit make several more attempts. "No, that's not right either. You simply lack the vision of it. Fine then," I turned to our newest companion. "Phantom! It seems you are our only hope!"
"Why should I have to do anything for that loathsome animal," the phantom sneered.
"Because if you don't," I glared, "and you keep talking like that, I'll kill you myself."
"...Very well." The phantom grumbled, snatching the pen away from Ifrit and scribbling on the paper. The other three of us gathered around to observe their efforts.
"...that's the sorriest attempt yet," I scolded. "You weren't really trying, were you?"
"I very much was!" The phantom scoffed in offense.
"We have no choice," I grumbled. "I wanted to make this record perfect, but as limiting and insufficient as it is, we will have to use words alone. Ifrit, take the pen."
The phantom gave the pen to Ifrit immediately and went back to their corner to sulk.
"Now then," I eyed the paper. "Make sure you get every word of this, hear me?"
"Yes, Lord Veldora," Ifrit said.
Lord Veldora is a… unique existence.
His perspectives on things are equally unique too. Bafflingly so, at times.
But he had the decency not to kill me after I found myself in this space. I got the feeling that he was lonely. It explained many of his behaviors that I'd learned of so far.
That was all I thought of his "obsession" with Rimuru at first. Although the slime had defeated me completely, it took a while for me to realize what I had been actually dealing with. An anomaly birthed from Lord Veldora's magicules and named by the dragon himself. How could I have stood against a monster like that?
I was lucky to escape complete destruction. By Rimuru or Lord Veldora.
Really, the moment I first met the Storm Dragon was unusual in itself. Something almost as outlandish as the Storm Dragon.
[[Flashback Start]]
"Welcome, to your prison, with me!" A loud voice boomed throughout my existence. "Veldora Tempest, The Great Storm Dragon!"
In that moment, I felt doom; my impending annihilation.
The Storm Dragon? Here? First I was eaten by a slime, and now this?!
…
After a very very long pause of me staring at the True Dragon before me in abject terror, he finally began to move and speak again.
"Is something on my face? I've seen this trope before, usually it means that I've gotten a piece of food on my face. That must be why you're staring."
I had absolutely no idea what the Storm Dragon was talking about.
I decided to play along. "T-there is nothing on your face."
"Really?" The dragon paused. "Good, that would've been embarrassing. Now, For your punishment! You will stay here with me, and we will!..."
I awaited my impending torturous fate.
"Play Shogi!" The Storm Dragon boomed.
I paused to consider what exactly that meant, but quickly realized I had only heard the term a handful of times. Only when The Girl spoke to fellow otherworlders. I never paid close enough attention to know what it was though. "What is 'Shogi,' My Lord?"
"Outrageous! How did you spend 70 years with an Otherworlder from Japan, and do not know! You uncultured, impudent spirit!"
"I give my sincerest apologies, Lord Veldora. Please enlighten this clueless being…"
The Storm Dragon bellowed loudly. "Very well!" He then summoned what appeared to be a wooden board with white and black stone sitting atop. "Shogi is the epitome and truest test of cunning and wit! Two individuals engage in a battle of the mind, which can last hours! Some even say they've had bouts that lasted days!"
"I see…" That did sound like torture.
"The great one to whom you are speaking also happens to be, The Divine Master of Shogi!"
…
To this day, I'd never beaten Lord Veldora at Shogi… Though I was unsure he was really following the rules properly.
[[Flashback End]]
"Now then," Lord Veldora sighed reminiscently, "Rimuru was an unnamed slime who rammed into my seal in the cave where I was imprisoned. I could tell immediately he was special–no slime would dare bump into me, except for one as incredible as Rimuru!"
As I scribbled down Lord Veldora's words, he began to preen behind me, huffing happily.
"In fact, it was quite the amazing discovery," Lord Veldora chuckled with pride. "I, the Great Storm Dragon, was the first to discover an intelligent slime! Truly, it's only befitting that one as great as I would have!"
"...what next, Lord Veldora?" I prompted, opting to skip that last bit.
"Ah, yes!" He leaned over me. "Rimuru, in his great kindness, cleverly deduced a solution to my situation! I allowed him to consume my seal, so we could work out a way to break me out together. Then, once I arrived in here, I soon found I could observe the outside world through Rimuru's eyes."
"And what a great discovery it was!" The demon laughed with joy. "Now I am privileged to observe my lord in even his most intimate moments! Truly, this shall be a great boon to winning his favor," they chuckled sinisterly.
"Hey," Veldora snapped, "that makes you one of those peeping perverts in the holy scripture! Rimuru wouldn't like that, not one bit!"
"Oh," the demon gasped in horror, then with consternation, began to think hard. "...you are right," they said. "I must keep this to myself. And atone for this heinous crime, in private of course–I cannot allow myself to lose this chance!"
"I would recommend it," Lord Veldora said. "Now, no more interruptions!"
Shortly after, Rimuru came across a group of humans in the cave, and began to follow them. It was baffling–they didn't look like much to me. At first, I thought he was going to eat them; Rimuru had eaten many monsters by this point, gaining their forms along the way. Humans don't have much worth in skills or magic, but he could gain their form! And as a former human, surely he would have wanted that.
But, I have since learned Rimuru is too nice for that. He wanted to befriend the humans, but as just a shy little slime, he couldn't bring himself to approach them. It was quite adorable!
He followed them all the way out of Jura to one of the human cities. If I could communicate with him I'd have warned him to turn back, but I was forced to watch helplessly as he accidentally triggered their anti-monster alarms and was nearly captured escaping! Imagine, my only hope in three hundred years, snuffed out by some insignificant humans! I was furious!
But fortunately, Rimuru made it back to my forest, where he acquired the forms of even more monsters. And before either of us knew it, the adventurers were back, and with a new companion.
One with a ominously familiar mask, however it could not be that one for she was beaut– I mean evil! This one however, radiated sincerity and kindness!
Her name was Shizue, and she was the one to finally confront Rimuru after he followed them again for a short while. Frankly, it was relieving to see something finally happen–I'd have told him to get in there already!
Shizue was a former subordinate of a Demon Lord named Leon, who I only vaguely remembered as a hero from before I was sealed. I had wanted to test my strength against him, but no matter where I looked it seemed I couldn't catch up. And now I see that's only to be expected! Given how strong Shizue was, Demon Lord Leon must have been very powerful in his own right. Yet he never bothered to visit me in my forest–and I can't imagine why! Any hero would want to challenge a legendary dragon, wouldn't they!?
"I believe he simply did not want to go to the trouble, Lord Veldora," Ifrit interjected.
"Quiet," I growled, "and keep writing."
There was another thing about Shizue that made me sure their meeting was destiny at work. She was also an otherworlder, and from the same place as Rimuru. But their friendship was sadly short-lived–the fire spirit inside her wrested control from her body, and in the ensuing battle Shizue was fatally wounded. She ended up giving her form to Rimuru as a parting gift.
"...I didn't know what I was doing back then," Ifrit suddenly said as the pen dropped. "And I deprived Lord Rimuru of a close friend."
"Yes, you were quite childish back then!" I laughed. But when Ifrit didn't respond, I looked down to see the spirit sitting very still, looking at the paper.
"...and you have since learned under my tutelage," I added gently. "Have you not, Ifrit? You will likely have to beg for forgiveness, but I am sure Rimuru will give it to you."
"Or he will give me the same fate as that Orc Lord," Ifrit said pessimistically.
There was nothing I could say to that. Rimuru was hurting deeply after losing Shizue–but I was sure I could eventually convince him to give Ifrit another chance. He would listen to his sworn brother, after all!
"Continue, Ifrit," I gestured, and they picked up the pen.
Rimuru remained with the adventurers from Shizue's party for some time. Along with her form, he had taken on her last wishes, to rescue a group of human children from certain doom, and to eventually confront Demon Lord Leon.
First however, he needed to map my glorious forest for these humans! Take track of every monster and their movements. Really, it would've been a trifle for me to do such a thing myself! Even while sitting in my cave!
Rimuru was not yet to that level, but I was sure he soon would be.
Especially as, when he hunted, he came upon the strongest race of monsters in my forest! The noble Ogre tribe. Such creatures were intelligent, they lived in a similar way to humans, yet they had their own culture and preferences… At least based on what I'd heard.
Before seeing them I had no idea what those words even meant!
Upon meeting them, the young prince of the ogres confronted Rimuru, only for his wise sword master to interrupt. Inviting my sworn brother into the village, they attempted to befriend and ally my little slime! Genius.
I'd seen many such situations in the sacred scriptures, even if such a thing never worked on me! Truly I should have allowed it, if I had known better at the time.
I saw many unusual things during Rimuru's stay there, such as the village well. I assumed this was for disposing of things you no longer needed, as I had used one for the last time I'd seen one!
Yet these ogres used it to get water! I had never realized mortals needed water.
After a short stay in the village, Rimuru finally moved on. He was invited to stay, but my sworn brother refused.
The issue with the children was too urgent, it seemed.
Shizue's former companions had previously welcomed Rimuru into their circle, and taught him the ins and outs of adventuring life, and how to remain safe in the human cities. So now, he would attempt to return to one, to find Shizue's students!
"That was how I arrived here," the demon said. "Lord Rimuru was tested by one of the human Guildmasters, and as part of this test he came to the village I had taken over to acquire a physical body. Truly, had I known what a glorious being he was, I'd have never thought of going against him–but he hid his magical force very well."
"Kuwahahaha! Yes," I laughed. "He made a tempting target, didn't he? His soul is more brilliant than any I have seen. A delectable treat for demons like yourself!"
The demon merely ducked their head in shame. "I was bested," they said petulantly. "I had a little going for me, but thanks to the mercy of yourself, my prospects are even better! Here I have grown stronger, and been shown many incredible things. I cannot wait to meet Lord Rimuru face to face again, and serve him!"
"Quite a turn around from your previous attitude," Ifrit remarked.
"I merely lacked information!" The demon snapped, "demons must be flexible. Lord Rimuru is more than worthy of serving as my master!"
[[Flashback Start]]
What!?
What happened!?
The majin I was fighting was gone. I couldn't feel my followers, or my body! They were gone! And so was the lair I'd painstakingly built up in that pathetic human settlement. I couldn't even feel gravity's pull–I was just floating. Lost, in darkness.
This wasn't Hell. This place was void of magicules, letting me see, yet here there was nothing to see!
I reached out with my spiritual form, seeing if there was anything… No! Not even Violet! So if I hadn't died and reappeared in Hell, where was I?
{{Hello little one!}}
"Ah!?" I felt for this presence, but couldn't find it. These thoughts didn't come from that monster… Or any human.
{{That was quite a fight! Though naturally you didn't stand a chance against my sworn brother, kuwahahaha!}} The Entity chuckled.
"Who are you?" I asked. Clearly, this was someone far more powerful than me.
{{I'm glad you asked! But before I tell you, I need you to answer a question for me.}}
"What question?" I asked warily. If this being thought he could ensnare me in a contract, he had another thing coming–
{{Do you want to live?}} The Entity asked.
"What!?" I blurted out. "Of course I do!"
{{Kwhahahaha! Excellent!}} The void trembled with the force of the being's words. {{Then by all means, come on in!}}
There was a tugging sensation, and then I was in a new space–one that I could tell was more isolated. And standing in front of me, looming above, was a presence I had not heard of for a very long time.
"Kwhahahahaha!" The dragon laughed, "I am Veldora Tempest, the Storm Dragon! Welcome to my lair, little demon!"
"I do not think Lord Rimuru would appreciate you referring to his [Stomach] as your 'lair', Lord Veldora," Another being made its presence known, a fire spirit… One of similar power to myself.
"But it ismy lair!" The dragon argued, "after all, I will be dwelling here for a very long time! And Rimuru is my sworn brother! His [Stomach] is just as much a part of me as he is! We are family!"
"Rimuru…?" Come to think of it, one of those useless humans my thralls captured spoke that word.
"But first!" The dragon snapped his fingers, and a small table appeared between us, with many strange-looking tiles arranged across its surface. "Now, demon!" Veldora laughed, "we shall play Shogi!"
"Are you seriously using the same script with them as you did on me?" The fire spirit asked condescendingly.
"Shush, Ifrit! This is how one makes friends, is it not!?" Veldora growled, "and you're ruining it!"
As my shock faded… I stared on at the situation before me and considered how to approach this. "What is this… Game." I attempted to provide one of my strongest social techniques… a smile!
It was a strategy for making humans happy, it showed joy.
Yet, the storm dragon stared at me in surprise, before shifting his posture.
"Hoh?" The dragon suddenly seemed to get bigger, and I realized that it had been sitting. The creature of legend towered over me, looming over me at its full height! I shuddered looking up at it. "You prefer to battle the old fashioned way?"
"I…" I was about to try and placate the dragon, feeling fearful and reluctant to battle for the first time in my existence. But suddenly, it threw back its massive head and roared. "Kahahaha!" It laughed. "Very well then! Ifrit! I choose you!"
"...do you not want to battle this demon yourself, Lord Veldora?" The ifrit said reluctantly.
"Of course not!" The dragon turned its head to stare the spirit down. "My immense strength would be wasted on a creature like this! Besides, this is my chance to study the sacred scriptures of monster catching!"
"...is it not cruel to use a type advantage against our guest? I consider it a cheap tactic more than anything…" the ifrit grumbled.
"Nonsense!" Veldora roared. "It's all part of the strategy! Now, Ifrit, use Fire Punch!"
The ifrit looked at me, sighed, and attacked. I smirked, sidestepping easily.
"Isn't it foolish to telegraph your attacks like that?" I chuckled. "Even if you are a spirit, do not expect our match to be easy."
"I don't expect it to," the ifrit replied.
"Demon used dodge!" Veldora roared. "Ifrit missed! Now Ifrit, use Flamethrower!"
"Heh," I laughed, flying up to escape the torrent of spiritual flames. "Are you really only that fast?"
"Ifrit," Veldora shouted, "use Double Team!"
Suddenly the flame spirit multiplied in front of me, surrounding me with more than a dozen copies.
"Oh," I grinned, "now this is getting interesting!"
But, looking around, it was quite difficult to tell where the real one went. All of them looked like illusions, I just couldn't make out which was the true spirit.
"Unique Skill: Miasma!" I announced, proud of the ability I had acquired. An eerie fog rolled out from my position, laced with spirit particles.
With a smirk, I saw the spirit's many bodies begin to wither, burned by the acidic properties in the fog.
"Now, Ifrit! Use Flare Circle!"
Suddenly, the world around me burst into flame, and looking down I realized that one of the copies had been quietly casting a spell beneath me.
"Ach!" Calling on [Miasma] I tried to dampen the flames as best I could, and then shot forward to attack the copy I now knew was the real one.
The ifrit, still burned from the fog, barely evaded a toxic punch.
"Ok Ifrit, use Fire Punch!" The dragon roared in the background. "Now Flamethrower! And now Fire Punch! Double Flamethrower! Double Team!"
"Will you stop it already!" The ifrit shouted, "just let me fight!"
"Hmph!" The dragon pouted, "fine. If you don't want my immense wisdom, then so be it!"
"Finally," I grinned, "now we can fight for real."
I kept myself coated in miasmic fog, dogging the ifrit without mercy. Locked on to my target, I made sure I couldn't lose it when it tried to confuse me with copies.
Meanwhile, the ifrit turned the battlefield into a scorched hellscape of spirit fire, attacking from all angles and just barely staying out of my reach.
And finally, I collapsed, my spirit spent well past its strength.
"Gah…" I gasped, looking up. "Very well, fire spirit. I acknowledge your strength."
"What about my strength?" Veldora preened, flexing his muscles. "I did like, half that battle."
"If you are who you say you are, then that was never in question," I replied smoothly. "But I thought you were dead, Storm Dragon. And yet…" I looked around. "You're here. Wherever 'here' is."
"Right," Veldora said. "You need to get caught up to speed. Ahem," he cleared his throat. "Welcome to my lair! This is where I have hidden from the world, rebuilding my strength, and preparing to make my glorious return and stand at the side of my sworn brother, Rimuru!"
"Who is this Rimuru?" I asked. They had to be very powerful indeed for the Storm Dragon to consider themselves equals.
"The majin who curbstomped you," Ifrit flatly answered.
"What?" I said incredulously. 'Curbstomped'? "That puny blue-haired thing? That cavorts with humans?"
"Hey," I shrank back as Veldora loomed over me, giving twin looks of disapproval with the ifrit. "Watch your tongue, demon. You ought to speak more respectfully of him from now on."
"...my apologies," I said.
"Yes, you are completely at his mercy," Ifrit said. "As much as Lord Veldora refers to this space as 'his' lair, you are currently inside Lord Rimuru's 'stomach' space."
"You're saying I was consumed?" I stared at them.
"Your body was," Veldora said. "And I am certain he copied your skills as well. I prevented you from fading away completely and brought you here, but he can finish the job any time he likes. You should be eternally grateful, kuwahahaha!"
"I…I see," I thought back to the last glimpses I'd had of that majin before ending up here. "Yes… it seems I lost," I realized.
"Your only hope now is to become something useful to him, and he may release you," Ifrit said.
"Hmm…" I thought hard. "Well, someone the great Storm Dragon considers family would surely make a suitable enough master. Very well." I knelt on one knee and bowed to Lord Veldora, "allow me to serve you until that time comes. And in your infinite mercy, perhaps you can vouch for me."
"Kwahahaha!" Lord Veldora laughed jovially, and the space shook again. "Your behavior has been very disagreeable this far, and Rimuru doesn't need that sort of trouble. But prove yourself to me and you may consider it a deal, demon! In the meantime, you can hang out with us here!"
"And watch everything Lord Rimuru experiences," Ifrit added. "That was how we knew of your actions before ended up here."
"As you wish," I bowed my head.
"Now then," Lord Veldora said excitedly, "first thing's first, I must introduce to you the sacred scriptures!"
And that was how I came to spend my time with Lord Veldora and the ifrit, until a new companion joined us.
[[Flashback End]]
"Maybe someone as weak as you might see fit to submit to him," the phantom scoffed. "I, however, will not be subjugated so easily. I will leave this place, and I will see that majin receives revenge before I leave for good!"
"Yes, yes," Veldora waved his hand, "and we'll be happy to watch how that goes down for you."
"He has a death wish," Ifrit muttered.
"Indeed," I muttered. "It's unbelievable they would say that right after watching what he did to that orc lord. He's been blessed by the Great Spirit of Darkness–we demons are the closest of all to that being, and even we very rarely receive such a gift!"
Truthfully, even if I hadn't been distracted by Lord Rimuru's enticing soul, he would have gotten the best of me. After watching him in action, I had learned that, and now it was even more imperative that I earn Lord Veldora's trust and take my rightful place at Lord Rimuru's side.
"Tut-tut-tut," Lord Veldora clucked, "we're not yet at the part with the Orc Lord. Ifrit, continue writing!"
"Yes, Lord Veldora," Ifrit, ever long-suffering, acknowledged.
Once he arrived in Rura, capital of the largest human nation Englesia, Rimuru went to the Free Academy to find the children Shizue asked him to save. He was given an appointment with Yuuki Kagurazaka, Chairman of the Free Academy and Grandmaster of the Free Guild, which the Academy was part of.
Rimuru explained Shizue's fate to the Grandmaster and earned his trust, becoming the homeroom teacher for Class S–a group of misfit children who were all failed summons from other worlds. From Yuuki, Rimuru learned what exactly Shizue had wanted to save them from.
The children were all summoned too young to control the massive magic power they gained by crossing between worlds. If Rimuru couldn't find a way to control or remove the energy, the children would eventually be burned alive from the inside out.
"Come to think of it," I said, tapping a claw on my chin, "one of those children seemed very familiar to me. The one called Chloe–every time I saw her I felt as if I should recognize her, but even now I still can't put my claw on it. I have never interacted with human children before, so I can't fathom where this recognition is coming from."
"You have lost bits of your memory over time, correct Lord Veldora?" Ifrit said.
"Yes," I huffed, "my mind may be vast, but I have lived for a long time. And Velzard constantly killing me hasn't helped." Just thinking of my elder sister sent a chill down my spine.
"Perhaps that is why," Ifrit suggested. "Although…" They put the pen to their lips. "Chloe Aubert does seem familiar to me as well. But perhaps all black-haired human women simply look alike."
"It's the eyes," I nodded sagely. "And the way that it feels when she looks at you. So intense for a child!"
"Whatever you two are going on about, that was no child," the phantom suddenly interjected. "She fought like an enlightened human, no child should have that sort of mastery."
"Hmm…" Ifrit muttered. "Fascinating. Perhaps you were feeling that strange spirit, which entered her after–"
"Ifrit!" I interrupted, "we're not there yet! Stop falling into tangents!"
"Yes, Lord Veldora," Ifrit said.
Rimuru quickly won the hearts of the children with the help of a magic-suppressing mask he acquired from Shizue; and clearly he loved to spend time with them. I was quite envious, I would love some adorable little students to look at me like that!
But, alas, my current roommates do not see me that way. Not even Ifrit…Maybe if I took a cute human form like Rimuru's, people would treat me like that?
It has to be taller than Rimuru though! Anything else would be an affront to my dignity as his older brother!
Regardless, Rimuru worked very hard for the students Shizu left behind. By day he gave math lectures and graded papers, by night he was scouring every library in the city, delving into forbidden archives, all to find a cure.
And he was successful! Later, of course. He had an epiphany while sitting in on one of his students' classes. That led him to fly across the continent to a remote forest, seeking out a magic den of spirits, guarded by their Queen–
"What's wrong, Ifrit?" I asked, as the spirit had stopped writing.
"My apologies, Lord Veldora," they said. "I'm just remembering. Up until that moment, I'd had no idea I was the reason Shizue survived."
"Yes," I nodded. "You didn't get along."
"I never tried to get along," Ifrit admitted. "I'm not sure why. But now I feel regret for it, and it's a little comforting that, at least, I provided her life when I was my foolish self. And I wish I had known sooner, but…" They hesitated.
"But?" I asked.
"Well, my previous self would likely have abandoned her to return to Lord Leon, which would have killed her." Ifrit said, "so it's for the best that I only learned then."
"There's never any point in dwelling on regrets, Ifrit," I said. "Now back to work, kuwahahahahaha!"
The Dwelling of Spirits, hidden in the depths of the labyrinth of Demon Lord Ramiris. Rimuru went in search of it, determined to find greater spirits to control the rampant magic in the children. He fought a great battle inside the labyrinth against one of Ramiris's constructs, and managed to convince her to let him bring the children to try and gain the blessings of the spirits in the dwelling.
When Rimuru returned, Ramiris instructed the children to pray at the entrance to the dwelling. Only two of the children successfully summoned greater spirits, but never one to give up, my sworn brother had an ingenious solution!
Many lesser spirits also answered the summonings. Rimuru used his then Unique Skill, [Predator], to devour them, and assemble them into artificial greater spirits which were implanted in the kids!
The effort almost killed him. I helped too, of course; I wanted Rimuru to succeed. He clearly cared a great deal for those children, and I had come to as well. I also prayed, calling on the might of the spirits to draw them to the children, and I lent Rimuru my magicules in the process.
After the last child was saved, Rimuru collapsed. That was how the kids found out he wasn't human at all, but a slime monster!
"Lord Veldora," Ifrit interrupted. "The spirit, remember?"
"Oh! Oh yes!" I had nearly forgotten! "I was just testing you Ifrit, to make sure you were paying attention! Kwahahaha!"
"Anyway," I cleared my throat. "The child named Chloe summoned a greater spirit that none of us, and not even the Spirit Queen Ramiris, had seen before. Ramiris was quite put out–called it 'dangerous'. And she stole Rimuru's first kiss!"
"Are you certain it was his first?" Ifrit asked.
"Definitely!" I nodded, "not once in Satoru Mikami's memories has he kissed a girl! I mean, of course his mother kissed him when he was a child, but that doesn't count!"
Regardless, the spirit saved Chloe's life, so Rimuru considered it a success. Ramiris allowed the children to stay in her labyrinth until Rimuru woke up. And when he did, he had quite a lot of explaining to do.
The children had never seen him as a slime, and when he passed out he was unable to maintain his human mimic. But after Rimuru woke up, the kids took the news that their teacher had been a monster the whole time surprisingly well!
Alice Rondo was quite upset about being lied to, but the other managed to win her over. Rimuru had done enough for them at that point that they trusted him, majin, monster, or human regardless.
Rimuru returned the children to the Free Academy and spent more happy months together. During this time, the children participated in an annual adventuring exam, where they traveled across the country to one Count Guratol's domain.
While exploring the caves in which the second part of the exam would take place, they were attacked by a phantom that had possessed the Count's butler, and recruited a local gang of thieves to do its dirty work.
"That impudent creature stole my prey," the phantom growled sulkily.
"That 'prey' was under his protection, what did you expect?" I growled, a stab of annoyance directed at the phantom running through me.
"A majin as powerful as he is had no business looking after some human brats!" The phantom snapped. "I was still in the process of strengthening my body, and five powerful children was a huge windfall! I needed them!"
"And look where you are now," the demon scoffed. "A prisoner of said majin. And with that attitude? An eternal one. If you survive at all, that is. I suspect Lord Rimuru will eventually render the rest of you into magicules and make you part of his own glorious power."
"Why you–!" The phantom snarled.
"No fighting!" I snapped, "we're in the middle of making a tome of great historical importance here!"
Anyway… The children were being escorted by a teacher named Tiss, who was the only one still conscious when Rimuru arrived on the scene. Rimuru ate the phantom and saved the day, but in doing so he revealed himself to her.
After that, Rimuru and Tiss had an awkward relationship for a while. But eventually she came around as well, and Rimuru gained another ally at the Free Academy.
Later, during one of his outings with the children, Rimuru accidentally revealed the information about Shizue's death. They were distraught, to say the least. It had been a late night, and Rimuru convinced them to go to bed and recuperate by promising he would tell them everything in the morning.
That night, Yuuki suddenly came to Rimuru with an urgent mission. I found the whole affair very suspicious–something mysterious was causing a disturbance in the Forest of Jura. Being my sworn brother, and promising me he would keep an eye on the place, it was only natural that Rimuru be the one to check it out.
Yuuki insisted Rimuru leave immediately, even despite his protests, so Rimuru asked Yuuki to promise the children he'd be back, and set out for Jura. The first place he went after returning was the ogre village which had taken him in.
To Rimuru and I's equal shock, the village was gone. Burnt to cinders, not so much as a single wall left standing.
Treyni, the leader of the dryads, appeared to inform him that an orc army had attacked and devoured every inhabitant. Some of Rimuru's friends had survived the initial onslaught, but by the time he arrived, they had already confronted the orcs themselves, and perished.
Rimuru was distraught. I felt great sympathy for him, if only I could have wrapped my arms around my sworn brother–but alas, I was still trapped. But, it did not take long for Rimuru's grief to turn to anger.
He immediately attacked the orcish army, which was led by an Orc Lord with the Unique Skill [Starved]. Using the skill he copied from the demon,
"Huhuhuhu," the demon chuckled in glee. "It has been my proudest moment yet, to see my ability be of some use to my lord. And he used it with such overwhelming power–the sight of thousands of enemies suffering, truly it was a moment of bliss!"
I glared at the demon, who bowed in apology for interrupting.
Rimuru created a rainstorm of poison. He was truly enraged–I could tell, because Rimuru is normally such a gentle soul. But he made those orcs suffer. And I'm very proud of him for it.
The rain caused immense pain, poisoning and paralyzing the lesser orcs, while Rimuru and the dryads took on anyone who was able to resist its effects. Rimuru killed several orc generals, rescuing the chief of the lizardmen from certain death in the process, before he finally located the Orc Lord that was leading the march.
It was then that the mastermind of the scheme, the majin Gelmud who had shown up in the ogre village, appeared, wielding the sword of the ogre chief's son.
And truly, what a pathetic majin he was. Boasting and bragging and putting my sworn brother beneath himself, while waving around that sacred artifact. Though Rimuru's anger had cooled into something hard and merciless while executing the orcish army, this caused him to fly into rage all over again.
Rimuru tormented Gelmud, then fed him to the Orc Lord as the ultimate karma. I found it extremely satisfying to hear that weakling's screams, given what he had done to Rimuru, and by extension myself.
The Orc Lord and Rimuru then engaged in a fierce battle, an eating contest in which the first to devour their opponent would be the victor. Naturally, Rimuru won, and though I reached out to him, the Orc Lord named Geld refused my offer, and was devoured completely.
After the battle, Rimuru fell into deep sleep.
There, we are done. I think. I could never capture the truth of Rimuru's greatness in simple words, but this was as close as we'd get. "WE HAVE COVERED EVERYTHING! SUBARASHI!"
"There are several things we skipped over, my lord." Ifrit notably was the first pain in my ass.
"No! WE DID NOT!" The argument in our little lair would continue after that.