Rimuru's POV:
The ambiance at the Ogre Village could be defined as hectic. They're preparing for a siege, knowing an absurdly large army is at their gates. Normally, Ogres would never show such nervousness about mere Orcs, even more when several of their brethren evolved. But they're aware, thanks to the old hag.
Such an army at this time, it's marked by a Demon Lord's involvement. Our first crisis as a nation, but it will be a good test actually. I'll see how our subordinates will handle this event, and how we need to prepare for the future.
Upon arrival, Benimaru and his father greeted me, not without giving me a questioning gaze about my new look. I'll need to take time explaining this with the different chiefs, and make them spread the info throughout all the forest. I don't want to be bothered by something this trivial for too long.
As we're heading to their house, a purple haired Kijin sprinted at our location. Some Ogres jumped off her path before getting trampled, as she didn't pay attention to anything else. She managed to stop herself before making contact with our group.
-"Great Rimuru, where is Boss Mithra?" she asked while grabbing my shoulders, not even taking time to breath. "She vanished as soon as we heard the news, is something wrong?"
-"Don't worry Shion. We exchanged our places, as I prefer to dissimulate her existence, just in case. She's in the capital for now."
This Shion, really. I don't know her much, but I understand why she's reacting anxiously at Mithra suddenly going away. They will have a special bond, when with Lycaon she's the only one who got named without my participation...
A few days ago, third POV
In the village training grounds, the still unnamed purple haired girl is smashing rocks with her morning star. She did it for hours, and didn't plan to stop soon. When news about those two forest guardians who became the heads of a nation reached her, anxiousness grew within her.
The chief and his children were named, and those benefactors would travel here and give one to every inhabitant someday. But what if she wasn't good enough?
As a child of mercenaries who never came back, she always had deep in her heart a lingering feeling of insecurity. The villagers were kind to her, she became friends with many people, even the son and daughter of the chief. But she has no family herself. What if one day, they decided she wasn't worthy of their time anymore?
That's why she's so passionate in everything she's doing. And now, she's training like there's no tomorrow. She needs to prove her worth to the new heads of the forest. She has strength, she's a warrior. The village Swordmaster taught her how to use a sword, but does a sword really suit her style, she isn't sure. As she reduced the last rock to crumbs at best, a voice could be heard.
-"Trying to even the ground, young lass?"
-"Who has the guts to interrupt me when I'm training?"
The young Ogre turned around swiftly, displeased to have someone intruding when she needed to be alone. She was ready to give a good punch to the insolent fool, but her resolve faded when she looked at the newcomer.
The girl understood immediately when she got a glimpse of that person's aura. A little more, and she would have attacked the Demoness who's now their guardian.
-"Eek- I'm so sorry," she started panicking about her rude behavior, hoping it wouldn't cost her too much. "I didn't realize it was you m'lady, I'm stressed about the whole thing, about getting a name and everything, andIjustwantedtobeuseful-awawawawa."
-"*Pfft* Don't worry, girl. I think I understand," said Mithra calmly, putting her hand on the girl's shoulder. "Try breathing, you're starting to mutter and I can't hear you properly."
-"Y-Yes. *taking a deep breath* I'm better. Sorry for that, I'm just training to be a proper fighter."
-"I saw that. I've been here for a few minutes. You've got some muscles, swinging such a weapon. I like that."
-"Uh, thanks... Wait, minutes?"
-"Yep. I saw how you move. Not bad, but you've been trained to use a sword haven't you?" Mithra started analyzing the Ogre's little show, thanks to her own experience. "Those movements don't really correspond to what a hammer user would do."
-"Yes, but I don't think it's for me. Look at me," she said while showing her stature and muscles. "It feels off when I'm using one. Too light maybe. And I can't muster my strength how I want."
-"Mmh, for a regular sword maybe, but have you ever tried your hands at greatswords?" Mithra asked while materializing one almost as tall as her. "The lighter ones need all the dexterity of swordsmanship, while allowing a greater variety of moves than single handed swords. And the heavier ones, the strength to use a warhammer. More of a good balance for you."
For the next hour, the girl learned the way of the (ultra)greatsword with Mithra. It went better than she expected. The Demoness was right, it gives the perfect harmony between strength and dexterity, the best choice of weapon.
She never thought about it before, mainly because almost every swordsman in the village uses katanas, following the old man's steps. No wonder no one could properly help her before she found her way.
After this session, they went to the river, allowing the girl to wash off her sweat. While doing so, she told her story to Mithra, and why she's trying so hard. She barely finished when Mithra said those words:
-"Okay, I'm gonna name you."
-"Ehhhhhhhhhh! Just like that? And what about having the two of you naming us?"
-"Meh, Rimuru will understand," the old hag brushed it off, unfazed. "It may be to give equal blessings to those we name, and make it easier for us, but nothing forbids me to name someone by myself. Rimuru did it for Ranga too. And normally I delegate the naming to him because I'm not that good at finding names, but this time I'm inspired."
-"You're really sure? And why so suddenly?"
-"I'm as sure as I can see you. As for the reason... Let's say it's because you remind me of when I was a young girl. With similar youth... Anyways, you want your name or not? You don't need to prove your worth as it's our duty with Rimuru to protect you all."
-"You're joking lady Mithra. I can't just simply get a name and thank you with mere words. I want to follow you and be your sword."
Those words of a girl who needed some attachment made Mithra feel genuine sympathy for her. Maybe a recall of her own youth, maybe because she wanted to give her help, like how Rimuru managed to give a sense of security to Kumara.
-"If you want to follow me, you must learn one rule beforehand," she said with a serious look in her eyes. "Those who are close to me don't call me 'lady'. I let the others say it if they want, but honestly I don't really like it, it's odd. Choose between 'miss' or 'boss', something fun or nothing at all, it's allowed. Got it?"
-"Yes, boss Mithra." The girl is radiating with joy at the prospect of being one of the close aides of the guardian Demoness.
-"Good. Welcome to the party, Shion."
End of flashback, return to Rimuru's POV
Shion followed us to the meeting, and apparently, a few outsiders are here too. Gabiru, the son of Abiru, who traveled here as an envoy from the Lizardmen to prepare cooperation with other tribes. Gobta, a Hobgoblin who retained his Goblin's look and who found it funny to tag along the old hag to visit the Ogres.
But knowing the guy, he wanted to see what kind of sexy women live here. It doesn't take very long to understand how his mind works. And yet, this oddball has a surprising potential. He will go far, if he overcomes his laziness.
From the village, Shuna came with Hakurou, the sword teacher and a true master at his art. Souei is still watching the advance of the Orcs. Before we started, I called Treyni. She will have her part to do as one of the strongest people we can deploy.
According to Souei's report, more than 270 000 Orcs are marching. With those numbers, the entirety of their population must have left the Orc kingdom. The vanguard who will come to us tomorrow is led by the Orc Lord, his generals and a force of 10,000 elite soldiers. A majin named Gelmud who visited the village a few days ago trying to name an Ogre is also with them.
He is accompanied by another suspicious majin who seemed strong enough to give Souei chills. The main horde is around 2 days behind, and their path is directed toward the land of Lizardmens.
With those movements, it's easy to understand their goal. Gelmud wants revenge against the village for having been kicked out, and this place is supposedly the main threat for the invaders. If this unknown majin is this strong, the old Ogre village would have certainly been wiped out. And the whole forest soon after.
What a wicked play, using the desperation of a race falling slowly toward extinction. If the plan was to control this whole place by putting in charge an entire species eternally grateful to you, it was well thought. But I'm not sure other forces would have let it be, why make such a move?
-"This was bound to happen one day," regretted Treyni, sitting heavily in a chair. "Thanks to lady Mithra's magic, we managed a few times in the past decades to surcharge the forest boons and send a fair amount to Orbic. It lessened their burden, but this was just a temporary solution."
-"Wait, Boss Mithra did what?" inquired Shion, rising suddenly and almost destroying the table.
-"She transferred her power to you, heh? The results must've surprised you if you could send help to such an extent," I nodded, knowing how she can take her duties seriously.
-"So that's why some years our harvest became outstanding," said Akamaru, leaning backward. "I'm glad she's on our side."
Knowing the Orcs dire situation, and how the old hag already prepared the way, I proposed to welcome them after clearing this mess. Unsurprisingly, no one argued. We can withstand such massive arrival thanks to our established cooperation, and such work-power will accelerate construction drastically. We all win from it.
Soon, we established our course of action. An ambush. Souei will lay numerous traps, other Kijins plus Gobta and Gabiru will wreak havoc among the vanguard, and the strongest fighters will be on standby in case an intruder tries to interfere. Treyni confirmed herself the presence of an unknown strong individual following the vanguard, and another with the main army. Our reserves have a mission to keep them at bay and try to get intel, while I'm dealing with the Orc Lord.
-"Pretty classical plan, but efficient," I resumed before concluding the meeting. "All will be finished in a few minutes, once the Orc Lord is vanquished. Before departure, I'll do some observation tonight. Maybe there's something more to unveil, and if a problem occurs I'll take measures."
-"While there's still sunlight, I'll train our troops a little," said Hakurou while looking menacingly toward Gob & Gab, giving those two chills. "You two, don't be late. I have to see your progress."
-"I'll give instructions to the Treant Settlement and the different tribes to prepare for our future companions," said Treyni before teleporting.
-"Rest well, be ready at dawn. The meeting is concluded, you can go." I dismissed them and went on my way to survey the Orcs' advance.
Nothing should go awry unless the actual boss of their side comes out. Not that they could really do anything if it's one of the 3 youngest Demon Lords. I've faced worse than mere Seeds, and with our firepower this will be a piece of cake. I reminded our troops to be aware of their teammates, surroundings and avoid falling into the trap of overconfidence. The old hag and I won't be compliant if someone messes up in this 'training' in a real situation.
Once the night fell, I created little clones to expand my view toward the two armies. Through them, I scanned the mass of intruders to get a precise idea of their state. As expected, the ones who follow the Lord are quite strong for Orcs.
I see the two majins, the fat one is a real threat for my subordinates. Even someone like Benimaru will have a bad time fighting him solo, that's the level of a Seed. It's even worse for the one going with the main army. This one is stronger, just by his aura he surpasses Kumara a little. And as I can't pry deeper into their soul, they certainly have Unique Skills.
Saying that, it may seem bad news, but as long as no one on our side gets arrogant and works as a team, it will be as predicted. Individually, our fighters are weaker than the unknown majins but represent a serious threat as a group. And compared to me, the Orc Lord is just a prey.
As I scan the mass of Orcs, a detail bothers me. [Starved] is strengthening them all, but their life force should be greater. The last gift from the Dryads was half a year ago. Not enough to fully restore an Orc normal condition, especially with this many souls, but the values are too low... Those bastards, don't tell me they hijacked it? You would go that far for your plan? That's the extent of the value of the lives you play with?
That's bad. Many will quickly die when [Starved] gonna fade. I'll have to name them all, only using the surrounding magicules, without adding some of my own like I do normally. Thankfully I now have enough experience using this method, plus [Great Sage]. The worst will be to find names... I'll let my sentient computer do that automatically.
'[Abandoning so early?]'
'I'm not gonna answer this taunt.'
I scanned the whole area a second time, just in case. Nothing more was revealed, so I can let it go and make last minute preparations for the battle.
At dawn, everyone was in place, ready to defend their land. I can see Gobta complaining from his last training session, some bump remnants on all his face. The sight made a few Ogres and Kijins grin, as they know how harsh their instructor can be.
Soon, the Orcs were in sight. All fighters readied themselves, hiding along the path, while Souei finished to lay his traps. We just need a decisive blow, not letting our opponents the opportunity to breathe. Benimaru and Ranga at my side, I prepared a few spells to keep them safe while they fought against the masked majin.
I feel bad for Kumara. When I called him, Ranga told me she was dejected because I didn't take the time to tell her where I went, nor what happened. I'll have to apologize fast.
At last, I gave the order. Wreak havoc, while keeping their team safe. The vanguard fell into chaos, thanks to a few spells launched before close combat. All traps work perfectly, restraining and weakening many of the Orcs. Even an idiot will understand how this is a one-sided fight.
Now the vanguard is dispersed, the area around the Orc Lord is cleared enough for me to take action. As we rushed toward him, a masked majin blocked our way, only to be met with thunder and flames, as Benimaru and Ranga engaged him. The other majin, the one named Gelmud, launched a spell at me when he saw his colleague being occupied by my helpers.
It's not really strong, not a menace for me, I don't need to bother evading it. From what I sense, this guy got weakened. He must be the one who named the Orc Lord. And he wanted to name an Ogre afterward? Know your limits, fool.
As I decided to forget his existence, I attacked the Lord. The big guy can hit hard, but he's slow, and I feel his mind is shrouded by mist. It won't be difficult to force him into submission. But as I was on my way to attack his mind, I needed to avoid one of Beni's flame attacks. The fat majin kinda managed to deflect it toward me, but he couldn't take his sight from those two for too long. He's strong, but slowly getting overwhelmed.
I might have resistance to fire, but we have trained Beni quite a bit. Enough in fact for his attacks to be able to hurt me, as the old hag found it useful to teach him some basics in a forgotten kind of fire magic.
-"Hey, who are you stupid, to get on our way like that?" ask Gelmud while squirming like a pissed clown. "Nothing is going right in this damned forest. Geld, my son. Move your ass and kick him into oblivion."
-"Don't bother, you two are too weak to best me." I taunt him as I evade Geld's attack before recharging my spell.
-"Stop talking, blue brat. I won't let an unknown majin jeopardize our plan. Not with how much we worked on it. I haven't poisoned the Dryads boons the last two times for naught. I need to prove my usefulnes-"
I crushed his head with a gravity spell as I heard what he did. My suspicions were right on the mark, and the bastard was kind enough to spill the beans like an idiot. I collected his soul, as I will prepare a fair punishment for him.
As Gelmud died, the Orc Lord stumbled. His soul corridor severed gave him a good shock. I used this moment of weakness to invade his mind, and speed up the process. Thanks to Thought acceleration, what will happen from now won't take much time in the real world.
I pry into his soul, seeking for [Starved]. I'll absorb it, ending the battle. It will damage Geld's soul, but I think I could repair it enough for him to survive. There's no need for me to kill someone who was used as a pawn, in such a cruel way.
On the way, I witnessed some of his life. The slow fall of Orbic, the desolate land, the children's cry, and his desperate quest to quench his subjects' hunger. The life of a king who knew his duty, but the world was unfair, and he couldn't accomplish it.
...I understand his pain. I never really was this helpless personally, but I saw misery and desolation multiple times. Thankfully, I had the strength to save many lives. Now that I think about it, I'll let him see it. How we are alike. And how he can trust me to help him.
***
The lost world, 169 years before D-Day.
-"What the hell happened here?" Alestar asked in disbelief, staring at the ruins of a settlement in an oasis. "Half of them are missing, the others are malnourished and injured. The old hag won't let it slide."
-"The leader of their expedition was too greedy," replied his lycanthrope aide, pointing at a corpse who's upper half is missing. "We warned him about the dangers of this place, but never listened. At least his punishment was already brought upon him."
It was supposed to be an outpost in the desert, destined to mine precious ores and protect caravans traveling between Human and Insectoids territories. The one who was put in charge, a rhino Beastmen, was usually quite competent, albeit hotheaded.
He must've fallen to the appeal of adventure and ventured too far, awakening a horde of scorpions with gems encrusted in their shells. The result is the complete destruction of the outpost, and a few dozen survivors to repatriate, belonging to the three races.
*A.N: Small definition for Insectoids: Insects trespassers who mutated to gain an humanoid form without evolving as Insectars. Those mutations also gave them natural needs, making them vulnerable to hunger, lack of water... The weakest of them are weaker than their normal Insects counterpart.
-"If we have gathered all we could save, let's go," ordered Alestar, opening the way. "We have a week of march ahead of us, and numerous beasts wanting to shed blood on our heels."
-"Hey, boss. What's about this carriage we've brought with us? You didn't tell us what's inside... Yuck, it stinks. What is it? A monster repeller?"
-"Not now, you'll see when it will be useful."
The rescue operation was departing, slowed down by the worrisome state of some refugees. Because of the harsh terrain and an accidental fire which burnt down a big warehouse at their base camp, they couldn't afford to bring with them many carriages. The resources are rationed, and no one can be certain it will suffice until they return to safety.
The first two days were calm, but the scorpions appeared on the third. They terrified the survivors, traumatized by their first gruesome encounter, but couldn't do too much damage. Alestar isn't considered as the second strongest human for naught, and his squad, composed of individuals from all races, who followed him since years is an elite force recognized by many.
The first assault scattered rapidly, but a second one ambushed them a few hours later. This time, a carriage of provisions took a blow, halving their food resources. Morale dropped, a few civilians started to cry as they lost hope, but it doesn't matter, they must advance.
The night of the third day, Alestar finally revealed what's stored in the mysterious carriage, the only one those scorpions never targeted due to its foul odor. Roots, only roots, but a special kind called Ebony claws. These are nutritious, and can store a small amount of magicules, but they possess a bad side.
-"You're kidding me, boss. Those are highly poisonous. And they need to be processed for a long time before usage. What will we do with this crap?"
-"You, nothing. I'll use these."
-"For what?"
-"Come with me."
The two men walk toward the camp kitchen, desperately empty because of rationing. Here, Alestar unsheathe his bastard sword, putting it on the table. He's sitting on a bench, rolls up his trousers and removes his shoe. His aide can't react rapidly enough to stop him from severing his own leg.
By a swift movement and a clean cut, it detached from the rest of his body. Alestar took care of the bleeding by focusing his regenerative powers, but regrowing a limb still cost a fair amount of energy to him.
He managed to get up, having prepared a crutch he can attach to his hips. He then sliced his leg in two parts, before turning to his aide.
-"This part will be served to the Beastmens and Insectoids. I've stored some of my magicules in it, which should help them heal faster. And this one, we'll cook it for the humans. No magicules in it, so no risk of poisoning."
-"Y-You're insane."
-"You're discovering it now?" Alestar asks with a grin of his face, while opening a bag he brought with him, taking out some roots. "And here's the time to use these wonders."
Alestar starts to eat, ignoring the poison oozing from them. He chugged some water, let out a burp before continuing:
-"You see, I don't care about most poisons, as I've developed a strong tolerance toward most of them. I just have to fill my stomach with roots, processing nutrients and magicules to regrow my leg in an hour span. That's my plan for the next few days."
-"... I wonder why we are following a madman like you."
-"Morbid curiosity maybe? Or you actually want to see a new era and grasp it with your hands."
-"...You have a big head, y'know?"
-"It helped me to not falter until now, so that's good."
Like Alestar planned, this usually taboo plan improved the survivors health, even if they felt guilty. Guilty of needing their savior to sacrifice his flesh for them, and it doesn't matter if he brushes it off as if it was trivial.
The following days, a new dynamic was installed. The guards took care of the pursuers, Alestar chopped his legs several times a day and fed the survivors. He also started to use spells to fight from the rear, something he never publicly used until now, as his skills are still rough for practical usage. Seeing how their boss learned a new way to fight, nowhere near being out of the picture despite his burden, the soldiers strengthened their resolve.
Oh, yes. A small change occurred, physically. Alestar started to inflate like a balloon, little by little. He may not be bothered by the root's toxins, but he's storing a large quantity in his body. Eating a truck load of supplies in a few days would obviously leave some stigmata on someone's body.
The last day, when the last wave of enemies appeared, he ordered all men to take cover as he released a gigantic toxic cloud, killing all monsters in a clean sweep. Deflating and recovering his usual form, he let out a burp of satisfaction, before looking away slightly embarrassed.
When they finally reached the borders of a safe plain, another squad led by an Insectoid chief relieved them of their duty. When he heard what happened by survivors, he walked toward Alestar, laying on a couch, resting from his unusual work, and asked:
-"Why?"
-"I expected greetings first, but nevermind. What do you mean?" Alestar sat down, looking at his colleague.
-"Your 'sacrifice'. You don't know any of them, and gave your flesh to save all their lives. Why?"
-"Easy, because I'm strong. I could do it, so I did. Doesn't matter what your race is, if you need my help, I'll grant it. We're all in this mess, so might as well make it easier for everyone, don't you think?"
It took the Insectoid chief aback. Alestar said those words seriously, without any hint of hesitation. Only a few would go to such lengths to save a life, and yet this Human did it. The first Human to have encountered his race decades ago gained a good reputation, and now he sees why firsthand. It reminds him of someone... If they meet, this guy, and the peak of the Insectar race, could create a new era of prosperity for everyone.
***
Geld's POV:
-"What are those?" I ask the blue haired boy about what I just witnessed, it doesn't seem to be an illusion or a mental attack.
-"My memories of a previous life. I saw yours in return," he replied while giving me a faint smile, walking toward me. "You did well too, saving as much as you could all those years."
-"You're joking, it wasn't enough. I'm weak, pathetic, and a sinner. Even now, as an Orc Lord I feel it. I can't win, no matter what I do. I resolved myself to be a pawn and cause a massacre in the forest to save my people, trampling anyone on my path. It's unforgivable, and too heavy of a burden."
-"Maybe you bear a 'sin', but not your kin. We shall provide help, and welcome you all once it's finished."
He's serious? What kind of fool can accept to save someone who tried to kill them, just like it was nothing... But, if those really are his memories... What he did that time, will he do it again for us?
-"You're willing to accept my people to your side? Even if we have nothing to repay you with?"
-"I will and I swear on my name. The Orcs won't suffer another day. Those who seek a better future and are ready to fight for it will never be left behind, not on my watch. That's the kind of world I'll build."
For the first time in my life, I feel hope. True hope. Nothing like the pale light brought by the Dryads support, nor the foul promises of Gelmud tainted by darkness. I can leave them in good hands.
-"...I see. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I can finally die in peace."
-"Are you sure you don't want to see for yourself what kind of future awaits your people? What if I mess up, or lie?"
-"*laughs* I'm sure you're not some kind of malevolent god. From what I saw about you, the Orcs are safe in your hands." I turn back, facing the darkness of this dimension, ready to be part of it. "I'm not like you, my spirit is weak. I've reached my limits, I can't take it anymore. Now that my part is done and my hunger satisfied, I just want to sleep... Please, tell my son I'm sorry for leaving so selfishly."
-"If that's your wish... I'll tell him, don't worry." I can feel the darkness surrounding me at his command. "Good night Geld, King of the Orcs. Your benevolence will never be forgotten."
I feel nothing anymore. Was death always this quiet and peaceful? I opened my eyes one last time, and the sight awed me. Fields of flowers, small animals resting under trees, a small pond reflecting sunlight... Is that a gift? Heh. What a nice place to rest eternally...
***
Rimuru's POV:
It's over. The Orc Lord Geld passed away, and I don't sense the masked majin anymore. He fled huh? As I turn toward the Orcs vanguard, I sense their numbers dwindled by about 4 000 in a few minutes. I gathered their souls before they dispersed.
One day I could resurrect them if I grow stronger, or use those if it becomes a necessity. Our forces haven't suffered any kind of loss apart from a few bruises and small wounds.
I used my powers to watch the main army. Like the vanguard, they all stopped their march when Geld died. Their life force will fade gradually from now, so I'll need to act soon. The other majin is nowhere to be seen too, but that's not a problem for now. I'll ask later to those who fought against him if they could find some intel about the mastermind.
Well, it will only be for confirmation. After all, with such a wicked plan and ways of doing, there's mostly one name in mind. The old hag told me how he likes to proceed, how he uses his subordinates like puppets and discards them if they don't meet his expectations. So, it seems you'll be our prey, Demon Lord Clayman...
***
3rd POV, Clayman's castle:
-"It ended abruptly. Gelmud was the only one with a surveying artifact?" asked the Harpy queen Frey, just after the stream got cut off by Gelmud's death. "I was brought here by Milim, but if it's only for that..."
-"Unfortunately yes. Honestly, who could have imagined such majins lived here?" wondered the Beastmaster Carrion, somehow excited by having found other strong beings. "I knew there was something weird happening in this forest but still. They were mighty enough to overpower the Orc army, those guys are interesting."
-"It's bothersome to have lost such a pawn, still," remarked Clayman, mildly annoyed to see how his friend Footman was pushed back by those majins. 'Laplace even decided at last minute to accompany the army because of an intuition, but was repelled by a surprise attack of the Dryads. I thought he was better than this.'
-"I looked forward to this new toy, but the result remains good," said the daughter of the Creator, Milim Nava. 'This guy is strong. I couldn't really understand what he did to the Orc Lord, but it was swift... Strange. When I looked at him, it was as if he reminded me of something.'
-"New toy, huh? You tried to create a new Demon Lord?" asked Frey, looking dubiously at Clayman.
-"As sharp as ever," admitted Clayman, shaking his head. "But it's not needed anymore. With the Orc Lord's rapid defeat and such strong majins, we can assume someone in the forest is strong enough to be considered a Demon Lord too."
-"I want to send a scout there, but we can't interfere directly with the forest because of the pact," said Carrion.
-"No worry, we can just delete it now," replied Milim while eating a cookie. "We're four, enough to make a decision. And it was originally to avoid unseal Veldora accidentally, but now he's gone, we don't need it anymore."
After she explained that, all four agreed to revoke the pact concerning Jura Forest. While the 3 youngest Demon Lords went to choose a scout to deploy in the forest, Milim decided to go there herself in a few days, once she told her head priest that she'll be out for a while. The blue haired majin awoke her curiosity, and she planned to greet him, while trying to understand why she got that much interested in him.