Rimuru's POV:
As we are going to the Treant Settlement, the old hag told me what she did in those past years. While she made a deal with some Demons to help her surveying the surface, she responded to a few summons herself. Not only to gather some intel, but also to construct a persona for the humans.
She found a great way to move their hearts by protecting the king of one of the Western Nations, dismantling a conspiracy to overthrow him and giving clues on how to resolve his kingdom crisis, going further than what the contract stipulated. It has a good impact on the Human world because this king was known to be a good one, loving his people, albeit being too kind and naive with his opponents.
And she did better when she planned the destitution of another one who tried to wage a war against a rival nation. This scum tried to make the people forget about his disastrous ruling by blaming his neighbor for their misery. He wanted a great pawn to assert his power against his target.
But when she responded to his summon, it didn't end well for him as she already saw what kind of trash he was. By making all of his misdeeds publicly known, disposing of him and choosing a good replacement, those who heard about what she did in her first summon started to see her as a token of prosperity.
They started to call her the 'Demon of Honor' *Pfft*, because she helps only those who are worthy and punish those who forgot their responsibility. They even made a great deal about her quirk of sometimes touching people when they are in range, mistaking it as a blessing and calling it the 'Hand of Regalia'. Seriously, I'm trying hard to maintain my pokerface.
In addition to these, she's also known in the Jura Forest for having swiftly ended a war between two of the strongest tribes, preserving the tranquility of this land and even gave help to some of the weakest groups to survive. Man, her reputation will be a great help, for once she made a good use of her brain.
I also got useful info about the current state of the world, and we have work to do. Several Demon Lords have awoken in the last 2000 years, they are called the Ten Great Demon Lords -talk about a lame name- and the red porcupine is their leader.
The Eastern Empire was created when the First Hero defeated or made alliances with the bordering countries, and is currently trying to conquer the world. On top of that, we have the Great Tenma War, when the Angels are attacking the most developed countries every 500 years. That's the cooldown of Armageddon, what a surprise.
Seriously you two, you're still on this stupid game after all this time? We'll need to kick their ass in the future. Your death has worsened everything, Veldanava. If I succeed in resurrecting you, I'll make you work to the bone to compensate for all of this stupidity.
When we finally arrived, Treyni guided us to a small house, in a clearing with a pond. Here lives the last of the Nineheads, the little fox spirit who was saved by the old hag years ago. Apparently she can choose between a fox and a human form, and look like a child when using the latter. But she remains most of the time here, barely talking to anyone.
I see Mithra looking a little sad. She visited her once after leaving her in the Dryads care, and it didn't go well. Pretty normal if you ask me, seeing her face must have brought back traumatic memories of this event. We had our share of pain, but we can't imagine what it means to have lost absolutely everything and everyone you hold dear, and be the sole survivor of the genocide of your species.
-"Little one? Can we come in?"
It's not everyday you see the old hag use such a gentle tone. What would the humans think if they saw this?
-"Leave me alone! I said I didn't want to see your cursed face again, Demon. Go rot in Hell and don't come back."
-"... Rimuru, help me please."
-"I'll see what I can do. Just don't expect a miracle."
At least she knows when to step back. She wasn't really good at dealing with this kind of situation, meaning it was mostly up to me to resolve such problems, and I think it will continue like this for a while. Too bad I'm not much better than her myself.
I waited a few minutes before trying to talk with her. We don't want to pressure the poor child -how long is a fox spirit childhood, I don't know- as it would only be detrimental. I asked Treyni to introduce me, as it seems only she can approach the little one and have some kind of conversation. Using simple words, a calm tone, and letting her think without rushing. It took some time, but we managed to make her open the door.
-"Can we enter?"
-"Mmh."
Not very talkative, but it's still a start. Me, the old hag and Treyni followed her in the house. We took a seat and we let Mithra talk first.
-"How are you? It has been a while."
-"..."
-"I know my face must remind you of bad things, but I still want to look after you."
Hum, old hag, I don't think talking about that day right now is a good tactic.
-"It's not because of the contract, it has been concluded last time. But I can't simply let you down in an improper way."
-"You really try to pass for a good samaritan don't you?"
-"Little one..."
-"You can stop right now, I don't want to hear your blabbering. Seriously, what did I expect from you? Nothing you could say will undo what happened, and no one will revive. Why didn't you do anything? Why am I the only one left? WHY?"
She ran outside pretty fast, we won't see her for a while. Urgh, such mental scars are troublesome to heal, especially when one says they don't want any help.
-"... I needed to try. But it hurts to see her suffer and not know what to do."
-"Don't worry lady Mithra, someday we will find a solution."
Hmm? I sense multiple souls heading toward the place the little fox went. And at such a speed they will stumble upon each other in a few minutes. In her current state it will be dangerous, they aren't that powerful individually but it's like a... pack?
-'[Great Sage], what are those?'
-'[Answer: according to the results, it's certainly a pack of Direwolves. They normally pose no real threat to a Ninehead, but this group leak a peculiar signature showing their status as a superior pack.]'
So the fox is in danger, and she's not in condition for a surprise fight... Wait, it might be a good way to unlock the current stalemate. If we play it right, we can make her open up to us.
-"You sensed that Rimuru?"
-"Yep, but I will do it myself. Don't let her see you there, I'm not sure it will do any good if you help her."
-"...Hey, are you thinking of doing 'that'?"
-"Yup. And don't try to stop me, you know it's the fastest way."
-"Just… Don't fuck it up."
Ninehead's POV:
I ran. I ran far enough to not be bothered by anyone. I don't want to be seen as I broke down in tears.
Why? Why must I remember this cursed day so vividly when I see her? Why didn't she destroy the invaders?
...Why am I alone? Mother, everyone... Why is this world so cruel?
It has been a while since I last cried. I thought after all this time, I would feel a little better, but I'm not... I know I should open myself to others. I know I should try to visit the forest sometimes. But, I just can't... I'm really in need of your advice Mother, I'm lost.
*Rustle*
'What is th- Hyaaa!'
It hurts! I just evaded it by instinct but still got a wound, it was a close call. Are they Direwolves? What are they doing here, they should live in the Eastern border of the forest, and never dared to venture inside.
Oh yeah, the Storm Dragon's aura has faded, nothing stops them from going deeper anymore. And why did they just attack me? They aren't wary of our difference in power?
-"A lost little fox, deep in the woods, completely clueless of her surroundings, waiting to be eaten. I was right, you will be a luxury treat, and the first step to our ruling over this forest," says the one who seems to be the Alpha, and an experienced one. "Guys, be vigilant, even as a child and with this injury she remains a Ninehead. Surround her and wear her out."
-"Help me, my friends!"
I'm an idiot, of course I would be a target if I didn't react quickly enough while they started to approach. It is my mistake to drop my guard like that, it wasn't too uncommon to see some younglings disappear when they ventured too far in the plains alone. And this creepy feeling I got... They are stronger than they should be.
I switched to my full form and summoned my friends from my tails, with them I think we can try to flee, maybe. They normally are way weaker than us, but it's still three against a whole abnormally strong pack, with me wounded. I don't know how long we will last.
-"Here they come, harass them methodically. Son, lead your team and when you get an opportunity, go for the kill."
-"Yes Father", say a wolf with a star pattern on his head.
It's bad, they are pushing us slowly, and block all of the escape paths. They don't fear us. They know they have the advantage of numbers and coordination, and I think the Alpha may have a special ability to strengthen his pack.
*Growl*
'From above now? Arrgh!'
Damn, it hurts! I can't protect myself from all directions. I'm slower than before, but I'm not that tired already. This wound... I was right, it's an Extra Skill. The Alpha is strong enough to possess [Debilitate], a dangerous skill which hastens the weakening of a target if he received a critical blow.
This skill is seen only within the mightiest packs, they must have feasted upon a magicules rich prey before departure. No wonder, even my friends suffer from this effect, the situation is dire. I need to go all-out now.
-"Come back my friends. Take this!"
*Whining sounds*
'Huff,huff... The path is clear. Now, we can- Ooff!'
-"It was a good try, but you're too weak now."
This one... It's the Alpha's son. I couldn't see him, dammit! It is the end?
-"Sorry little girl, but it's the law of nature. May you have better luck in your next life, if reincarnation really exists."
-"It exists, but she won't have to do it."
-"Who said th- Arrgh?!"
What was that? It's a kind of magic I've never seen before. A pale bolt, looking like crystal. The Direwolf was projected on a nearby tree by the impact. And who did... Huh?
-"You're safe now, little one. Don't fret about this form of mine, I'm trying to replicate my old human appearance, but it seems this chibi version is the best I can manage for a fight."
This aura, it's the slime from before? But what with this look? It's... weirdly cute. Same height as me in my human form, brown hair tied in a ponytail, cerulean eyes, a fancy travel suit... and a small beard? It's almost comical when he looks like a child.
-"You see little one, we are all aware of the dangers of this world, and we know what kind of trials represent the mourning of the ones we loved. Even the old hag went through it multiple times, and she wants you to know you don't need to be alone to face the harsh reality. She was tasked to protect you, and I will help her to relieve you of your suffering. But for now, take a rest and let me tame some doggos."
This comforting sensation, his aura reminds me of the happy days with my mother... I'm saved. Thank you. I'm kinda sleepy.
Rimuru's POV:
I don't like to do it that way, but letting her face this kind of peril and delaying her rescue until the last moment is the quickest way to make a good impression. Cliched rescue, you saw it coming? I did it anyway. If we want her to open up to people, we need to make her understand she can rely on us.
Now she's in her little fox form, resting from this commotion in my arms. I must resist touching her fluffy ears, it's not the time, but it's hard.
But, a thing is bothering me. Why am I small like a child? I don't need to return to my previous 2 meter height, but I wanted more than this. Talk about a first impression, I should have tried once before. My Skill should allow me to do better, right?
-'[Warning : consumption of magicules for an adult body exceeds the safety threshold. This form meet all requirements at a reasonable cost.]'
-'Seriously? I may be weakened, but this is ridiculous. Are you telling me my Unique Skill cannot do better? What a scam.'
-'[Notice : [Flesh Master] isn't intended to completely reshape oneself into another species. The cost to convert slime cells into simili-human ones is quite high, as Master don't possess [Perfect Body Control] anymore. It is advised to lower your demands before risking to transform into an abomination and not looking appealing anymore.]'
-'Oh. I see... Can't be helped then. Wait, did you just call me appealing?'
-'[It must be your imagination.]'
-'Imagination my ass, I know what I heard. Man, I really had a masterful body if even a talking computer complimented it. Told them I was better than the average.'
-'[Notice : you should concentrate on the target in front of you before losing yourself in unnecessary thoughts. You'll have all the time to regret your old body that never felt a woman's warmth later.]
-'Hey! I just wasn't interested in anyone, that's all... I just got roasted by a voice in my head, again. You plan to take his place, don't you? Nevermind, you're right about my target. Let's do it.'
I turn my attention to the wolves, they are restless from the little display of my magic earlier and the Alpha's son knocked out. About his father, he looks at me with a mixed expression of fear and defiance. He's not an idiot, I'm stronger than the little one and they cannot ambush me easily.
I have an idea, the Direwolves will be useful if I can make them submit. And I know the old hag is a dog lover, I'll let her have and name the Alpha, I'll take his son with me.
-'Okay Great Wise One, will those doggies accept me as their master if I assert my dominance?'
-'[Answer: Because Direwolves also follow the rule of the strongest, the chances of them submitting to you are maximal if you let them see your power.]'
Good, I just need a little push. I've spread some sticky threads everywhere to ward off any escape attempt, and released a greater portion of my aura to threaten them. I didn't forget to put a barrier on the little one to not let her feel the pressure. And for the final touch...
-"Greater Homing Soulmass."
I released a volley of spells similar to the one I shot at the Alpha's son before. As the name implies, they have a homing function, and will mercilessly pursue the poor wolves if I launch them.
-"Now, submit or-"
-"WE SUBMIT!"
That was easy. Let's not waste time, I'll name and give them their first task. But first...
-"You can get out now."
-"Seriously, your plan was so drastic and it was unnerving, looking at her being manhandled. I would have killed you if anything went wrong."
-"You know I would NEVER let something like this go wrong."
It was hard convincing Mithra to remain on the side. But it wouldn't have worked if it was her who helped the little fox, she's still associated with her trauma of losing everything 20 years ago.
-"Now that's settled, we will grant you names."
*Confused barking*
As expected it's difficult to process, especially because I just threatened to kill them if they tried anything dumb. We'll do it anyway.
-"Don't worry, now you have submitted. We swear to not hold any grudge toward this incident and to protect you. We are strong enough to name you all, and this Demoness here is my equal. Also, we are the newly appointed guardians of the forest by the Storm Dragon himself before he disappeared, so you will be accepted as residents."
-"If you are sure about it, we will gladly take your offer. I thank you on behalf of my pack."
-"Old hag, do you want to name the Alpha? I think he is to your liking."
-"You know me well. I grant you the name Lycaon."
A name from Greek mythology, huh? Quite good. It could have been way worse.
-"As for you, I give you the name Ranga."
I feel a good amount of magicules leaving my body, more than for the old hag. Did I just name the whole pack?
-'[Answer: It is very likely the individual Lycaon stepped down from his position in favor of the individual Ranga. Direwolves usually believe in the concept of 'All for One', so when being named, Ranga probably triggered the pack's evolution.]
So Lycaon thought of this ordeal as his failure as the boss and gave the position to his son? Well, do what you want.
-"We thank you from the bottom of our hearts, our masters," says the whole pack.
Next, I'll give them their assignment. As the new guardians of Jura Forest, we need to meet with all the tribes and villages. From what I was told, this place was outside of humans and Demon Lords jurisdictions when Veldora was sealed, and monsters are seen as a threat by human nations because of religious beliefs. If we want to protect the residents, we need to act before anyone dares to test their luck.
-"I'll give you a mission. You will convey a message from the new guardians to every tribe and settlement of the forest. The Dryads will mark you with their magic. With it, no one will normally mistake you for attackers. If you happen to run upon someone of the weaker races and they are in need, offer your help. And don't attack anyone even if they are rude. If needed, Treyni and her sisters will negotiate themselves. Any questions?"
-"None!"
Good, if all goes well the first meeting with all the tribes will happen in the span of 2 weeks. While waiting for it, I'll finish to hear what I need to know and make my plans. If possible, some sort of union between all races, and starting diplomatic relations with open-minded nations.
A few hours later.
*Yawwn*
-"Oh, finally awake?"
I finished my letters some time ago, the wolves already left and we're chilling in the house. The little one was sleeping deeply, it must have really tired her.
-"Do you feel better?" ask the old hag, a little nervous and waiting for her reaction.
-"...Yeah."
For half a minute, we remained here awkwardly not daring to say anything. Until the little fox talked.
-"...Sorry. For yelling at you..."
-"Don't worry, it's nothing."
Ah, here we are. It will still be difficult for some time, but the first step was made.
-"Say, am I weak?"
-"Why are you asking that?"
-"Because every time someone needs to save me. I can't do anything on my own."
Eh, I know this feeling. Cursing your own weakness when you don't have a better answer. But you still have room to grow, and no one here will let you on the side of the road.
-"You want to become stronger? And why exactly?"
I need to confirm her thoughts, but I already know what she wants.
-"For revenge. I want to avenge my people... And my mother."
-"And outside of it? Did you think about what to do?"
-"..."
Sorry little one, but only revenge will not help you. I saw what this cursed path does to those who blindly follow it without anything else to rely upon.
-"I don't know... For all those years, I couldn't do anything other than thinking about the attack, and I barely talked to anyone... Maybe I was too afraid to lose someone else if I tried to befriend them."
-"So, what if we help you find your answer?"
-"Huh?"
It's your turn now, old hag, she is ready to hear you out.
-"You see, now we have the job to look upon the forest, we will remain here... I will remain here. We can help you get stronger and find how you want to live. And when the time comes, we will support you to get your revenge WITHOUT mindlessly risking your life. But for now, try to talk with people okay? It's not good to rehash the past endlessly."
-"I'll try... Thanks."
A good start, and we can try something as a proof of our commitment.
-"Talking about getting stronger," I leaned toward her, "what do you say about getting a name?"
-"Wha?"
-"Not only that, but I feel weird talking about you as the 'little one' or the 'little fox' all day long. It will be easier for me if you have a proper name."
-"D-dont be stupid, it's way too dangerous for you to name me, I remain a Ninehead. I don't want to risk the life of my savior for a name."
-"Normally it would. But..."
I turned to Mithra, who looked at me like she didn't understand what I meant. It takes a few seconds for her brain to come up with an idea.
-"Ah, my magicules. You want to use them as a side battery."
-"Bingo, and we will both contribute to her naming. Isn't that a good idea?"
-"Guys, are you sure about it?"
-"No worry, we know what we do."
I just asked [Great Sage] for a confirmation, and she said there is no risk involved by this trick.
-"So, what is your answer, little one?"
-"If you say you can manage it..."
Wonderful, we have her approbation. I use my Life Transmitter on Mithra, [Great Sage] will calculate the output and manage the conversion.
-"You will be called Kumara."
Uggh... Even with this trick, the sapping of my reserves is quite heavy. Mithra won't be able to remain for too long, soon she will return to the Demon Realm to recover her strength. We won't do it often, only for specific individuals. I asked the prof to develop a way to name someone using ambient magicules, I know it's possible for having seen it before.
I look at the now named fox spirit. Her appearance didn't change too much, except for her tails. When she got only 3 before, now she has 9. The biggest difference lies in her power, in terms of pure magicules she's not too far behind me. We knew of Cryptids potential for being friends with Insectars in our past life, but it's something else entirely when we got access to the whole system.
-"I feel a surge of power in my body. My name is Kumara, take care of me."