Rimuru's POV:
It's been a month since the Dwarves first arrived in Tempest. The construction of our capital is going smoothly, thanks to the Hobgoblins and some others. I had some requirements in the elaboration of the plans.
First is having the city built like a magic circle seen from the air. It will serve as reinforcement for magic such as barriers, and I'll be honest, we will need those one day or another. Second is a joint concern with Treyni, it's leaving some empty spaces for nature and parks. We want our city to be harmoniously integrated in the forest, and not simply take over it.
Third is to anticipate the limits of the city's growth. I don't want it to spawn over too much land, even if our nation is bound to develop and its population increase. Outside of those requirements and some personal preferences, I let them design the city how they want, as I don't possess real skills in this area.
Talking about population, I'm already thinking about the upper limit it can reach without being a problem for the forest. In the same way, I'll have to find how to limit the growth of the global population to a certain threshold, especially if one day we attain the technological level and comfort of Earth.
We may have magic, spirits and all, but I don't want to risk the future of the Cardinal World because we mindlessly followed the same path as in my former world. Too much resource consumption, an absurd idolization of the upper class' way of life and immature governments who think growth can be endless, all of those forced Earth's humanity to take the risk of a dead end for modern civilization for centuries.
That's mostly why the gate of the lost world was an opportunity. Not really because of the thirst for adventure but more for the need of sustaining such a way of life, or hoping to find a better future in an untouched world.
That's why Veldanava programmed the Tenma War here to strike once in a while, to halt the development of civilization to an acceptable level. I don't say it was the best method, but until now it was somehow efficient... But as it will be a bother to me, I'll have to change things in this world, when we'll be strong enough to face the powerhouses of the world, that's it.
-'Boss Rimuru, there are intruders northward from the city. Four adventurers it seems, chased by giant ants.'
-'Oh? I'm on my way. Lycaon, keep an eye on them and take action only if their life is in danger.'
-'Understood.'
Adventurers huh? Well it was bound to happen someday, they need to confirm Veldora's disappearance after all. That's why we created a small corps with some individuals talented in espionage and stealth maneuvers, to survey the borders of the forest.
To the south went Souei, a blue haired Kijin who's somehow Benimanu's friend and 'bodyguard'. To the east went multiple Elves and Rabbitmans, they created a small outpost to look at the border with the Empire and Jistav. And Lycaon went to the north-northwest.
Like Ranga, he evolved further than the other wolves but took another path. He evolved into an Underworld Wolf, a peculiar species specialized in stealth, mind and dark magic. That's the old hag's influence as a Demon for sure. With his [Debilitate], he could become an expert at assassination.
As I'm sliding to their location, I heard after a few minutes some fighting sounds and cries. Those ants must be really pissed off for following them for such a long time.
-"It's your fault, poking a nest with your sword like that!"
-"If I die, I'll haunt you in your sleep!"
-"You won't be able to do that, because I'm about to die together with you!"
Ah, somehow it's nostalgic. It happened a few times to us too, when the old hag wanted to punch something too strong for us and we ran for hours before it let go... I should help them before someone falls behind. I jumped behind the adventurers and released my attack.
-"Soul Barrage."
This spell doesn't have a great accuracy normally, but it's enough for dealing with those giant ants. As they are all packed together, it was easy to hit them. They all succumbed to it, freeing those four from this death race.
-"Wha? A slime?" said dumbfounded the one who seemed to be the leader of the party.
-"Got a problem with slimes?"
-"Ah? N-No..."
Now that I see them up close, they are a weird party. Let's use my Soul Assessing to see who they are... Those guys are humans, but conceal their strength. The girl here is an elf who casted an illusory spell on her ears, and the last one... Hm. That name, Shizue Izawa, sounds Japanese.
She's an otherworlder right? She has a spirit inhabiting her. Apparently, he's trying to overwhelm her, and could do it soon. It's a matter of weeks at best, even if she doesn't use his powers. I'll ask later if she needs help on that matter.
She picked up the mask which fell because of the shockwave and equipped it. Interesting, this item can block my soul reading. I assume it also reduces the burden that spirit puts on her. But I don't think it will last for long.
-"Ahh. Thanks for the help anyways. We were chased by those ants for three days." The party leader said it while letting himself drop on the ground.
-"Yeah, we lost our luggage and have barely slept," said the one who looked like a thief.
-"Our equipment broke, we don't have any strength left, and we are hungry," said the elf girl in disguise.
They are in a pitiful state indeed. Once the adrenaline will dissipate, they'll be stuck here for a while. But lucky them, they ran into the right person... slime. I'll treat them to a meal, and they'll serve as the first contact with the human world. I'm not worried about their intentions, their souls aren't tainted by evil, even if the guys look shady.
-"Okay, if it's a meal you need, it's my treat."
-"What, mister slime, do you live near?" asked the elf.
-"Yeah, we're currently building a city in a plain not too far away."
-"..."
-"You're suspicious of me, that's understandable. But if I wanted you to die, I would have let those ants chase you. I assure you that I'm not a bad slime."
*Pfft*
This Shizu laughed. So she really came from Earth, having recognized that line. That's good for me. If I can talk with someone who came from the same world, I'll have more leeway to negotiate effectively with humans.
-"Let's take his hospitality. This child is definitely trustworthy," she said while picking me up.
Well, I'm definitely sure I'm way older than you but nevermind. At least those three are following us.
-"Say mister Slime, that line from before. I've heard it from fellow countrymen. It's from a game isn't it?"
-"Indeed. So you came from Earth as well. Japanese?"
-"Yes, I'm Shizue Izawa. And you?"
-"Here I'm called Rimuru. I was from France."
-"France? I've heard stories about this country."
-"I'm sure you did if you encountered one of your countrymen. Our countries are in a way good friends. We see each other as the weird sibling from far away with similar culture and center of interest."
We talked passionately for a while about our previous world. It's somehow nostalgic. We soon arrived at the city, our guests almost dropped their jaws from this sight. Not only the buildings, but also how different monster races are living and working together. I jumped out of Shizu's arms and led the way for them.
Our first guest house is almost finished, and I can smell the lunch from outside. An appetizing odor of juicy meat accompanied by a variety of savory vegetables made in salad and freshly baked bread, Gobuichi really got better in a month's span. I thank my [Flesh Master] for allowing me to experience those small pleasures even as a slime.
The three idiots look entranced by the smell, their stomach making the loudest growl I've heard in a while. Even Shizu under her mask let out a small expecting noise.
It soon became a battlefield. Those idiots are bickering, stealing each other's meat. Shizu laughed at this spectacle and ate peacefully with her mask still on her face... How is she doing that? As for me, I'm slowly dissolving a good chunk of meat, letting it taste spread on my whole slimy body.
-"You three, don't worry about the food. There's still plenty if you want."
-"Really? Yay." They're crying from the outburst of emotion provided by this providential feast.
-"It's really lively with them," said Shizu while drinking a cup of tea, looking satisfied after having emptied her plate. "If all days could be like this."
-"How about taking a walk for digestion? I still have some questions for you." I quickly took a cup of coffee, having finished eating myself.
-"I'll take the offer. I'm quite curious to hear your story too."
We left those three, feasting like it's their last day to live. I called Ranga to give us a ride. I haven't played with him for a few days because of my work, so he'll be pleased to accompany us. He's coming at great speed from the forest, with a little fox tailing him.
-"Hey, slow down you big goofball. I can't follow you like that."
-"Heh. I won't, you better train to be able to match my speed."
Kumara got accustomed to his presence, and started to play and train with him a few days ago. While she's stronger, her skills are still rough. With the old hag, we're teaching her how to defend in human form, and Ranga does the same for her fox form.
Seeing me, she switched to her human form to cuddle me... And rammed into me because she forgot to slow down.
I was reduced to a stain on the wall. The hardest part was to unstick my body from it, before reshaping myself in a normal giggly ball. It was fun seeing her hiding her face from shame, flustered all the way to her ears.
-"Don't worry, mistakes happen," I patted her head, showing I wasn't fed up by it. "You haven't eaten yet, right? Lunch is ready at the guest house, go take your part before it gets cold."
-"Okay, see you later Rimuru."
As she's running away, I noticed Shizu holding a laugh after this little mess.
-"She's a cute child really. It's good to see humans and monsters have more in common than what we can think."
-"Yeah, a 'child', sure. Just about 300 years old. But I concur about the rest."
-"What? Really?"
-"Yep. I feel you, even I was surprised at first. Thankfully, I still beat her."
-"What do you mean?"
-"I'm almost 400 years old, accounting my two lives... I'll explain later."
She almost dropped her mask because of the shock, that's expected. Yeah, I'm an old man... On paper only, my mind's as sharp as my twenties and I never got physically older. I can hear from here the jealousy and murderous intent from the poor souls on Earth who're bound to become decrepit as time goes on.
We jumped on Ranga's back and rode to a small hill not far from here. On the road, we talked a little about our respective circumstances. The great bombing of Tokyo huh? Fate was quite harsh with this girl, being summoned here and forcefully fused with a fire spirit.
I showed Shizu some of my memories about Earth. I showed her the post-war reconstruction and the current state of her country. Man, Thought Communication is so useful. How did I do all those years without it?
We arrived soon and sat on a grassy field. From here we have a beautiful view of the surrounding and the city. We can tranquilly continue our conversation while feeling the sun warming us.
-"Your city looks promising mister Slime. I'd really love to come again if I can."
-"Just call me Rimuru. And you're always welcome. I plan to make this place the best in the world, just you see."
-"Thanks, Rimuru. I'm sure you'll be able to. You did it once after all."
-"Feeling homesick sometimes?"
-"Yes... Actually, I resent this world. It's like a curse for me."
She looks dejected at the ground, losing her smile. If this spirit made her life hell since she's a child, no wonder.
-"...The spirit who inhabits you. Do you want to get rid of it? I could do it."
-"Wha?"
-"I don't look like it, but I'm pretty strong. I can win against the weakest Demon Lords, so don't worry for my safety. Will you take my offer?"
-"For real?"
-"I can swear on the Storm Dragon's name if you want."
Hearing this made her take a step backward from shock. A monster swearing on this forest deity's name, for sure it's serious. Her eyes changed. Since she was in Tempest, they lacked this little spark. This light we usually call hope. For the first time, I can see it when I look at her.
-"If you're really able to... Please, do it."
As soon as I got her consent, I touched her head, casting a spell to separate their existences. I could sense the spirit going wild, trying to eject me and take over Shizu. Unfortunately, he's too weak to stand against me.
But I should be cautious. Severing a fusion is dangerous, and I don't want to cause her demise. Especially if they're fighting each other for decades, her body will take a recoil. She'll need some powerful healing after this.
This Ifrit couldn't resist anymore, and I devoured it. He can still be useful one day, so I don't need to destroy him. I'm even sure he could be a good toy for Veldora to cure his boredom in my Stomach.
As Ifrit is now gone, Shizu fell on her knees. She's weakening slowly, but surely. I teleported her into a guest chamber, and started to stabilize her body. Now, she's back to a normal human, and her age is catching up. I can momentarily stop the process with my Skill, but she'll need something more suited to interrupt it completely.
Why am I going to such length some would ask? Because I have the power to do it, simple as that. If I can save a life, I'll do it as long as one is worth it. I'm not gonna do it for complete scum without any hope of redemption. But as long as someone still has enough light in their soul, I'll give them a second chance. It's good that I can read one's soul to get impartial data.
And for Shizu... I want to give her a chance to actually live a worthy life. Far from war, curses and pain. She may resent this world, but I want her to have a good, peaceful time. Also, it is weird for someone in her state to venture in this forest like that. She must have a special task or something. If we can help her with it, lifting a weight from her shoulders...
-"Nnnggh..."
-"Awake already?"
-"Mist- Rimuru, you really did it?"
-"Yep. Now you're free of your curse."
And, here comes the tears. After all this time, she can finally live without a sword of Damocles above her head. She's squeezing me as she's crying with all her heart. Thankfully, she got more normal strength, no risk for me this time. I let her use me as a pillow for a few minutes, until she calmed down.
-"I don't know how I could repay you for what you did. I'm so grateful."
-"Just don't throw away this chance you got. With time, I'm sure you will see this world isn't only cruel, but can bring happiness too."
-"...You really think I can feel joy and live in peace, like someone normal? After what happened to me?"
She let me go, and looked at me perplexed. I'm sure she may have preferred to die rather than give this world a chance, but I'm quite the thickhead when I want.
-"Do you remember Kumara? The little fox?"
-"Yes. What's with her?"
-"Two decades ago, she lost everything in an attack from the Empire. She may as well be the last survivor of her kind. Someone saved her and brought her to the Dryads, but she lived secluded and depressed for all those years until I managed to gain her trust almost two months ago."
-"....Oh. That's tragic, poor little one."
-"For sure. And yet, she's slowly regaining her will to live, she's smiling and laughing again. She's opening herself to others, as hard as it may be at first. It's a long process, but well engaged. Why would she be the only one to manage it?"
-"..."
It's making her think, but I need a last push.
-"When I told you about our world... I wasn't completely honest with you earlier. I eluded the reason why we ventured into another universe."
-"Oh? Something happened?"
-"Something would happen, yes. You see, our civilization's growth was too fast and uncontrolled. We didn't realize our shortcomings unless it was almost too late, and the situation became dire.
Not an existential threat to humanity as a whole, but a long announced regression because of lack of resources. And a real risk of a new global war. Even our original world can become hell for many, well, more than it was for a good third of the global population when I left."
-"That's horrible."
-"So, the Cardinal World may look like hell for you, but with the right people, we can easily change it for the better. I started the process for this forest, in a few years it could affect the whole world. I plan to make it a paradise, and I won't stop until I manage to do it, that I swear on the name of the Creator. Don't you want to bet on it?"
I may have been a little forceful, but there's now way I'll let someone prefer death to the possibility of a better existence. Especially when I can back my words with acts, and power.
-"...Heh. You like to have the final word, don't you?"
-"Does that mean?"
-"Yes, I'll bet on this future you're promising me. Not only for me, but for all those who need hope. Like those children."
-"Children?"
-"That's why I came here. There's five summoned children who don't have much time before them. I wanted to find a way to save them, and my first goal was the ruins of Demon Lord Leon Cromwell's old palace, the one who summoned me first."
Leon Cromwell... That's an English name for sure. Would be ironic if he's an otherworlder too. As for Shizu's quest, there aren't many solutions for this. Managing a surge of magicules in a child's body needs specific powers.
I can think of only 2 good ways : first is to find a special Unique Skill user who can regularly absorb the magicule overload -like me or the old hag- but it's too bothersome and restrictive, for both parties. Plus, it can be hazardous. The best way is the other, and what a twist of fate, it's to let a spiritual being possess you and control your power from within. Like what happened with Shizu.
-"NNNGGGHH? It's hurts, what's happening?"
-"Hey Shizu, stay with me. What the hell?"
Shit, her situation is worse than anticipated. Fighting for so long with Ifrit also damaged her spiritual body quite a bit. And her soul will go wild, trying to escape from a receptacle now unfit to hold its power. I have a few ways to repair it, but what's the best?
-'[Notice: you will drastically increase the individual Shizue Aizawa's chances of survival by reducing the weight of her soul. It is advised to sewer her Unique Skill from it.]'
-'Seriously [Great Sage]? Suggesting the heavy protocol right on the go?'
-'[Do you want the best outcome or not?]'
Okay I get it. I trust your judgment on this, no matter how radical it looks. But only if she agrees to it.
-"Shizu, your body won't be able to hold your soul much longer. I can help you, but only if I get your consent, because it's quite the treatment. I'll have to separate your Unique Skill from you, it will definitely release you of this burden. But as it's somehow personal, I won't do it if you don't want to. I need your answer."
-"Arggh... Just do it, please. I trust you Rimuru."
-"Ok, here we go." I prepare myself to let [Great Sage] take control of my body for this task, as I'm not really confident to do it right. I've already tinkered with my own soul a few times, but nothing this heavy… Well, nothing that I remember. 'Do your job my partner.'
-'[Understood. Starting right away.]'
As she momentarily took control, she started by absorbing Shizu in my Stomach, as it's a safer place to perform such an operation. She meticulously cut the part of her soul which held the Skill, and reconstructed it thanks to my theoretical knowledge on the matter.
As the Skill is now without an owner, it appears to have stuck itself within me, the first soul available for it. I think it was a side objective of the Sage, who has found an occasion to make me stronger. She's really a sly one.
She released Shizu on the bed, now definitely saved. She will still need some regular healing to halt her aging, but that's not the hardest part. I've recovered the control, and Shizu is waking up again. This girl really has quite the willpower.
-"Thanks again Rimuru, my debt to you is increasing agai- Heeeeeehhh?"
-"Something wrong Shizu?"
-"Wh-why do you look like me? No, nevermind that. Just, put some clothes on you, please."
...Wat? I take a look at my body and dafuq? I really resemble her, just smaller, like a 10 years old child, and androgynous. With blue hair? Must be because I'm a slime... [Great Sage] took the opportunity to scan her body while she was at it right? So now I can use Mimicry for it. Really a cunning one.
-'[Heh.]'
-'Going all smug now? Well thanks, you did a good job.'
I materialized some casual clothes before Shizu passed out from embarrassment. I won't tell her I can change to a feminine form, it would be a fatality. Not that I would have done it anyways, even as a 'genderless' slime, I refer to myself as a guy...
And if I really wanted to try, I would at least have the decency to ask for her permission beforehand. Pervy sometimes okay, but a pervy gentlemen. Respecting consent, that's the way of an honorable cultured guy.
-'Hey Rimuru, we have a problem.'
-'Mithra? What's going on?'
-'A fully equipped Orc army was spotted, invading the forest by the South. The vanguard will reach the nearest Ogre Village tomorrow.'
-'An army, now? This timing, it's too suspicious. You think like me?'
-'Yeah, it stinks of the Demon Lord's implication.'
-'For real... But it wouldn't be too hard to deal with it, unless the actual boss is following them in the shadows. You're still there?'
-'At the Village, yeah. I'll handle it?'
-'No, we'll switch places. I have a little problem here, you'll deal with it. And I prefer to conceal your presence in the forest for now from the Demon Lords. It's too soon.'
-'If you say so. Wait a minute, you got a problem too?'
-'Just come here now. I'll be faster to explain.'
She teleported right away to my left. Her sudden appearance made Shizu jump a little, the girl will be exhausted from all those emotions soon.
-"Mmh? Wait, the Conqueror of Flames?"
-"You know her?"
-"Noir told me about her once, years ago. He's intrigued by her mask since it repelled him once."
At the mention of this name, Shizu tensed. Her adventurer instincts told her to get ready to fight for her life in case the newcomer would be hostile.
-"Ha. Don't worry about her Shizu, she's not an enemy. We work together and she also came from our world."
-"*Sigh* It was bad for my heart. So you know Noir? Was it really him I faced at that time?"
-"It was," acquiesced Mithra looking at the mask on the desk. "I'm sure this weirdo is currently vibing like an idiot in his castle, seeing how the two targets of his curiosity are now together in the same room... The other is Rimuru by the way. Nevermind, what's the deal here?"
She turned to me, I turned to Shizu, Shizu looked at us alternatively and dumbfounded.
-"I need you to keep an eye on Shizu. I've separated a spirit from her and she needs rest and healing. Can you do it?"
-"Sure. But that's not what I mean. What is this form? Did you do something to this girl?"
I don't like those eyes. She's imagining something crude, and is judging me. I understand the confusion, but you're making assumptions too fast.
-"Hum. Don't worry, he didn't do anything nasty. He just saved my life."
-"Okay, if you say so. I may have jumped to conclusions," the old hag said, not even apologizing for it. She's scrutinizing me, curious about my new form. I should get out before she gets the idea of dressing me like a girl for the joke, I'm sure she'll do it.
-"Goddam you did. Thanks for the save, Shizu. And we have three other guests downstairs. If they want to see her, let them come. Just don't reveal who you are unless it's necessary. I'll come back as soon as I can. And tell Kumara where I'm gone."
This is our first crisis. I thought we would have more time before someone tried to profit from Veldora's disappearance. Nevermind, it was bound to happen one day. I'll go directly to the Ogre Village to assess the situation and prepare our forces.
We won't really risk anything if we play it right, as we've named a dozen of them already. The only thing who's bothering me is the actual trigger of this invasion.
I've heard their kingdom became a wasteland because of a Cryptid outbreak 70 years ago. They didn't dare to enter the forest when Veldora was sealed, and I find the timing too weird for this movement. Especially if they are fully equipped, it means they are backed up by someone powerful enough. Now, which one of them is involved? Those Demon Lords...