Where am I? I can't see anything, it's dark. Well not like I could see better in all those years trapped in the circle of reincarnation... Wait, I'm not here anymore? I've started to regain some senses, I feel less... how could I say, dead? Yeah, less dead than before. Does that mean?
OH YEAH!! Fucking finally! I thought I'd get crazy drifting outside the worlds for so long. I can't even recall how long it took, I lost count after a century, being all alone, not feeling anything apart from the slow fading of my mind. I was afraid that I may have screwed up my forceful rebeginning, but here I am!
Uhrrr... My body feels sluggish. I think I'll need some time to recover from this journey, thankfully I won't do it again. But, my body feels too sluggish. And squishy? Hold on, I must be sure... Yep, I'm a slime. This perfect round shape who's wiggling when I move and this body cellular structure can't say otherwise.
Well, good enough. I mean, if I have retained most of my powers, even downgraded, this new form will be quite accommodating. I'll just have to test it carefully. But first, let's try to see something. Normally, I would have conserved a Skill as mandatory as [Magic Sense]... Yep, I can feel it in my soul, so let's turn on the light.
It seems I'm in a cave, quite peaceful, with beautiful glowing crystals and vegetation. And a huge density of magicules, what the hell? Even for the Cardinal World, I don't think such a density is really normal. Any normal human would die of magicule poisoning by standing here for a minute. Not that it would have bothered me anyways, but still.
And I see some veins of ore on that wall. Isn't this? Magisteel as expected, and such a high degree of purity; plus those herbs are hipokute, covering a good part of the ground. What an absurd amount of quality materials. Might as well stock some later, it's too valuable to let it go to waste.
Before I forget, let's see what Skills do I possess now. With being under the rule of the system in its totality now, I must have access to higher ranks than Extra Skills.
-'[Notice: do you want a recap of your current Skills? [Y/N]]'
-'Wah?! Who talked?'
-'[I'm the Unique Skill Great Sage, at your service.]'
-'[Great Sage]? How can you talk? Normally a Skill doesn't have a voice option, unless that dumbass forgot to explain some points.'
-'[Notice: while Master was drifting between worlds, I was the first Skill to be bestowed upon you. As you were slowly losing your mind from being alone, I gained access to the [Voice of the World] system to be able to meet your expectations.]'
Hum... in a way, it reminds me of something. As if I tried to hold a conversation with someone to preserve as much of my sanity as possible. My memories are still hazy, but I have scraps of this feeling. As if I wasn't really lonely...
-'Nevermind. So [Great Sage], do a resume of my Skills please.'
-'[Notice: those are the Skills you presently possess]...'
Oh fuck! That's crazy powerful for a restart. Well, most of them are reconstructed from my former Skills and some are weakened, but still. For now, let's try this new one, [Predator]. I can easily store all those high quality goods from this cave, they will have their use later. And it works well with this slime form, having a synergy further boost the Skill efficiency, I couldn't ask for more.
But something bothers me. I was reborn as a unique monster, in a place where most of the common races will die by simply being here, and this magicule signature reminds me of something... no, of someone. Could it be? Only one way to confirm it.
I'm expanding my field of view, a lake is further down this way. And beyond... here it is. No doubt possible, it's similar to his presence. It explains many things, if I've spawned in the lair of a True Dragon.
But from what he told me about his family, the only one who would live in such a place could only be his idiot brother. And, what is that thing, a barrier? Are you kidding me Veldora? You're a representative of the strongest species of the world and you managed to let yourself trapped in here?
Let's go see him, I want to see it with my own eyes... Nevermind. You better have a good reason for that, or else you would be another headache to deal with. Maybe I could try to tease him a little with a surreal story, just to see how much I can fool him.
Mmh, it's quite easy to move with this body once you get it. Bouncing, sliding and probably some other neat moves will be available when I get strong enough to maintain a human form. Really this slime body is a boon if you know how to use it, and a cheat for me. Ok, here we are.
-"Can you hear me, little one?"
-"Hmm? Can you see me, son?"
-"What are you saying little one? Of course I can see you, and why are you calling me son? How could I be the son of a mere slime, me, the Storm Dragon Veldora, alive for countless years? Kua-hahaha!"
-"I know you, True Dragon Veldora. But I'm surprised, what are you doing here in such a place? Normally you would be out there roaming freely in the sky, letting your almighty powers burst in all their glory."
Okay, I've thrown the bait, now let's hear what you've got to say for your defense.
-"Well, it happened 300 years ago. Some foolish humans who dared invade my forest wanted to pick a fight with me, so I simply demonstrated how stupid it was for them to ever think about it. And while I gave them the scare of a lifetime, the Hero appeared."
-"The Hero?"
-"Yeah. She was way stronger than the other puny humans, even though she looked like a powerless girl. Her short stature was very slender, snow-white skin, silver-black hair in a ponytail, small apple-red mouth-"
Woah, are you serious? Why give such a detailed analysis of her look, that's not the main concern when you're fighting. Plus, your goofy brother never told me about your tastes in girls, as you weren't interested... Unless you had a crush or something.
"-she was fierce, and elegant at the same time, with a precise use of her Unique Skills, truly a blessed sight... What?"
-"Your big brother would have been so proud of you, finally understanding the beauty of girls. So the time he bragged about his wife to you wasn't a waste of time."
-"W-what are you saying? It's not like I was mesmerized by her looks, even if she was beautiful, she was really strong okay?" The big guy got all flustered, it's fun. "It was a fierce fight, and how do you know about this story? It happened long ago. Who are you really?"
Now, time to mess with you. How long will you take to detect the bullshit in this story, I wonder.
-"I said it before, you are my son. As to why I know this, it's because I always looked upon you and your family from where I was."
-"HEEEEEH?! Really? But why didn't I ever heard of you? Even big bro said that me and my sisters were born spontaneously from the laws of the world."
-"That's simple, truly. As long as your brother was alive, managing the world he created, I hadn't any reason to descend and take any role in it. My whole being is too complex to understand and it would have caused too much havoc compared to the good I could have bestowed upon you all.
So, when he awoke in the Beginning of Time, I made him promise to never tell anyone about me, as it could have created an unbearable chaos if his creation were to know about me."
Pfft... I don't know what Veldanava would think if his little bro really swallowed that dumb joke about another original god. Please, make him lie, don't fall for it.
-"If you think telling a single story about us is enough to make me trust you, you're mistaken. Prove me you really know about our lives before going any further."
...You were right Starry Trap, your little bro is too dumb and gullible for this world. And I thought it was too big to pass. Anyways, I can do even better, prepare yourself.
For the next few minutes, I told Veldora about a large amount of stories of the old days, most of them never could have been heard by a lowly lifeform of the surface, some were even known only to a handful of people like his angelic servants. What a farce, he looked at me like I am the walking truth of the world, he fell for good. I can now do whatever I want with him, it will be glorious.
-"What a shocking reveal. So, you really are what you..."
-"Yes I am, son. And if you ask yourself how can I be here if my mere presence can endanger this world, this form is the answer."
-"A slime?"
-"Yes, a slime, a seemingly weak creature, whose body is almost similar to a spiritual lifeform, without a true ego but within lies an unknown potential. In other words, a perfect vessel to infuse a small part of my will, enough to interact with you."
-"Whoah! What a discovery, that's interesting. I never thought such a small creature could hide a secret like that."
At least he has the face of a child who understands something big about how the world works. He seems to be a more curious guy than I imagined, contrary to what the shining oaf told me. Not all is lost in this joke.
-"For how long do you intend to bully this Dragon? You just arrived and are already doing something dumb, for a change."
-"What?"
What? Who said tha-
***
Veldora's POV:
Eep! That startled me. Who could sneak upon us when we had such a groundbreaking conversation? This aura, it's a demon. How? We didn't summon one, and there is no one apart from us. And even in this barrier I would have sensed it if it came from the outside, unless it managed to come here by itself. A variant maybe? It wouldn't be too farfetch'd, as demons are a peculiar race.
This one looks like a mature woman, with a well-built and muscular body, truly the look of a warrior. But I don't like those eyes, they remind me of my big sister when she wants to 'educate' me. And by the aura this slime release, he doesn't like it either.
I'm shivering. If someone like him is this tense, she must hide a dangerous power. And I can't use [Investigator] on the outside while trapped here, so I don't know how strong she is. Will they fight? I hope not, the cave would collapse, and the surrounding be destroyed.
...How long will they stare at each other? It has been minutes already. I can't bear this pressure, it's unnerving.
-"...Hey...hey, guys?...Guys? Can you stop, you're scaring me... Heyhooo. Please?"
-"Heh."
!!! He talked! I think, maybe. Or was it a laugh? Why? Anything funny here? What is it? Do something please!
-"Something to say, blob?"
-"Yeah, you lost some weight."
-"Mmh, and you, you lost some hair."
...What is this surreal conversation? Do they know each other?
-"Pfft, bwahahaha!"
-"Mwehehe!"
...I'm lost. What's happening, I can't tell. Are they mad? I feel like I'm only in the background, being ignored. Maybe it's the best, if they lost it I could at least make myself invisible, well trying anyways.
-"You couldn't live without me huh, old hag? Even after death, you still want to mess with me."
-"As you say lil' shithead. It would be too boring if you weren't here."
-"So, how late am I?"
-"170 years today, took you quite long."
-"What can you expect? Forcing my way with only half of my soul, it's good enough to be here now."
So they are acquaintances. This awkward feeling was lifted, I can breathe again, not that I've the need anyways.
-"You should lift up the misunderstanding with the winged snake, your bullshit may have gone through his head."
-"Yeah, I did expect it, but it went beyond what I anticipated."
Are they insulting me? Nah, they just think I don't understand the situation, but don't fret, it's all clear now, she must be another one of those primal deities if they are as friendly as they seem.
-"So Veldora, sorry for my little joke, it was too tempting. I'm not some kind of old god, they never existed anyways. Your dummy big bro is still the oldest thing in the universe."
-"WHAT?! So you lied to me? But, how do you know that much about us, it doesn't come from nothing, no? Answer me!"
-"Let's say I had access to a good database in my old life, Veldanava is such a chatty guy when he wants to."
-"Huh? You know my big bro? But he still hasn't resurrected... Wait, you said old life, so you're reincarnated yourself?"
-"Bingo! I was a human in another world, and I had a good piece of his soul residing inside me for more or less a century. I had the time to hear many things with that."
-"As for me, I come from the same world as a human too. I knew this blue ball beforehand, and heard some spicy tales of this world too."
That's really uncommon. Not one but two reincarnated? And they retained their memories, I don't think it ever happened before. Maybe it's an augur of something big in the future. But, did I hear right about my brother?
-"For your reincarnations, I can envision it, but what you said about him and his soul, is that the truth?"
-"Unfortunately yes. This guy didn't plan a way to resurrect if he went to... you know what. I bet he never envisaged losing his powers and being reduced to a human life before encountering his wife."
-"...Ho...But a part of his soul was with you, so he's still somewhere in the world?"
-"In a way, yes. He wants to come back actually, but in his state he can't really do anything."
So that's what it is. We all thought it was curious for him to take so long to manifest. Some even feared he decided to never reappear again, but almost no one dared to talk about this possibility.
His angels followers were in panic, big sis was super depressed for a while, even I was really angry about his death. I think it was the sole time she let me vent up my anger without trying to 'educate' me. But at last, we could hope to see him again.
-"Thanks for telling me, I liked him as he tried to defend me against my sisters when they were overboard."
-"Hah! You better lower your expectations of him on that one. He could do more, but he kept it to a minimum, only helping you when Velzard was in a good enough mood."
-"...How come?"
-"How did he tell... Ah yeah, when I asked him he said 'No way in hell I would have tried to reason with her when she was on a bad day. That girl is freaking scary when she wants'. So sorry pal, you were on your own more than necessary because of his cowardice. Knowing he could have forcibly made her harmless, it's even worse."
My world just crumbled before my eyes. Big bro left me alone being tormented that much because he was afraid? Well, I won't blame him, she really is scary when pissed off. If our roles were reversed, I wouldn't have done better, for sure.
We talked for about an hour, these two are good fellows. Their previous lives were full of wonders and hardships, it was surprising to get knowledge about this forgotten world where they were trapped and couldn't find a way to get out.
Considering that a part of big bro's soul was hidden there, it makes sense this world was normally impossible to access unless by accident. Man, I would like to see the outside, there is so much to discover to remain like an idiot here.
-"So, don't you want to leave this goddamn cave?"
-"Huh? You have a way to free me?"
-"I have a plan, but it will take at best some decades with my current power. But I won't let my friend's brother rot in this place of boredom all alone. After all, I made a promise to him if I managed to find a way to this world."
-"Friends huh? Alright, except for the cruel joke from earlier, I trust you. Tell me your plan."
-"Let me devour you."
What?
-"Maybe you want to elaborate because I don't understand what the fuck you just said." The woman raised an eyebrow."And with the face he's making it's the same for the scally boyo, apparently."
-"Yeah, so what I wanted to say is I possess a Skill that can analyze this barrier, but as it would be troublesome to just stay here for years, I can use another one to put you in my Stomach. From here, you would be able to see the outside world from my point of view, and we could slowly break down the barrier from the outside and inside at same time. How's that?"
-"Ku-kuha-kuhahahaha! Interesting, I accept. But before that, let me name both of you. At the same time, you can think of a surname for us to share, as I want you to stand as my equals for being my big bro's friend and guardians of his legacy. "
-"You could say it as your friend also."
-"I-idiot, it's not that I really want friends you know." I say that, but somehow I'm happy to finally have a friend.
-"Yeah sure, you lil' tsundere."
-"Tsundere, what does that mean?"
-"Nevermind, but are you sure about it? If we do it this way, it's as if one of us didn't do anything. We could do it in a three way naming."
-"Yeah this will be more impactful, and we will see which one can think of the best name." The woman said with a grin. "You biggie, you give a name to the blob, the blob gives me one, and I'll prepare a surname to mark us three as equals."
-"A naming contest? Seriously old hag, respect the gravitas of the situation for once."
-"That's rich coming from you. Good for you dawg?"
...From the beginning she said anything but my name. Is that what they call a kink? Better let it slide, if I say it loud I have the feeling it will be dangerous for me.
-"Okay, so let's do it! You will be named Rimuru."
-"I sense it, it's engraving itself in my soul. What a strange feeling, as if I became... complete. Your turn, old hag. You will be called Mithra."
-"Yeah, that's a good one, and knowing you it has a meaning so tell me later. As for our surname, how about Tempest? A name who recalls storms and chaos, same as your attributes."
-"Kuahahaha! Magnificent, such a fitting name, I will be called Veldora Tempest now!"
-"Now, are you ready to leave this forsaken cave?"
-"You bet I am! I owe you for that Rimuru, no matter how long it takes we will see each other again. But can you accept a request of mine beforehand?"
-"Tell me."
-"Can you two protect the forest while I'm in your stomach? Without me, the balance of powers will break and the dryads won't be able to do much more. You're the only ones I can entrust with such a task, and I give you the right to use my name as you deem necessary."
-"Sure, no problem for me. And you?"
-"Me neither, we will take the responsibility." She nodded, and was thinking about something. "As for the dryads, they already know me as I was summoned twice in the forest the past century, so it will make it easier to gain the trust of the inhabitants."
-"Thanks, guys. Now Rimuru, do it."
***
Rimuru's POV:
I've devoured Veldora with his seal. I can sense him in my stomach, but I don't know if I can interact with him while he's here. I'll see that later. First, I want to quickly explore the cave, getting used to my new form and powers. As I prepare to leave, I turn back to see what she will do.
-"If I understood right, you can appear on the surface when you want for a short time? So do you mind rejoining me outside the cave in a few days, while I test some things here?"
-"... Hey Rimuru."
-"Yes?"
-"...About what happened that day..."
Ah... Yeah, it would've been strange if we didn't talk about it. She must feel awkward, seeing me and doing as if all was still normal between us… Weird, it's as if I've forgotten what it was primarily about. Must be my imagination.
-"Don't fret about it, it's all in the past."
-"B-but-"
-"Forget it. It was just a misunderstanding, and it's cool as we are both alive here. We just have to not reproduce the mistakes of the past."
-"You really mean it?"
-"I do."
It's been long since the last time I saw her anxious about something. Behind our apparent bickering, we always supported each other for more than 2 centuries. If she had spawned here as soon as it happened, then she would have had too much time to worry about it and let it consume her in guilt.
-"Thanks, you don't know how good it is to hear you say it."
-"I think I can, mom."