Rimuru's POV:
Thanks to Ramiris, I had quite the headache, explaining to Gazel my relation with two (officially) Demon Lords. Thankfully he trusted me to know what I'm doing and let it go rapidly, without forgetting to give me a worried gaze before returning to Dwargon.
When she heard about her Queen's arrival, Treyni rushed so fast Ramiris almost got blown out by the shockwave. Her sisters coming not long after, it was kind of a heartwarming reunion, and they asked me and Mithra if they could serve under her again if she lives here now. Obviously we agreed, Ramiris is still their primary master, and I think Beretta could use some help. Talking about him, he respectfully greeted the old hag, apparently he worked with her a few times before.
Still, her meeting with Lulu and Milim the evening was a little tense, as our 'godly' guest threatened to give the pixie a really bad time if she slipped out her true identity. I was right in thinking Ramiris can be unaware of her surroundings. And Milim just mocked her because she got lectured like a kid, for Ramiris blatant displeasure.
Hinata almost missed her chair when trying to sit, as meeting the Destroyer is considered a fuckin' bad omen for mere humans. And seeing the actual Spirit Queen almost blew her mind, as she appeared to be able to summon some herself. The brat understood how small she is compared to the actual world, and decided to stay quiet until Shizu participated in the talk too. And about Shizu...
-"So, you're returning to Ingrassia tomorrow? Mind if I join you? I want to see the world while I'm not too busy, and it would be faster to return here with a teleportation."
-"I'll gladly accept it if you want to accompany me," Shizu smiled. She's reviewing some items I figured would be gifts for the children. "I'm sure they will like those, and thanks for finding me a picture book, Mithra. Chloe will like it I'm sure."
At my left, I saw Lulu react weirdly to that name, or am I imagining it?
-'[No, you're not.]'
-'Okay, but I won't ask. Must be something trivial.'
-"Will you go with us Hinata?" Shizu asked her former student, hoping they would get more time to catch up.
-"Unfortunately, I have a mission ongoing. I'll return with Lady Lumin- Lulu..." She's uneasy with giving a 'nickname' to her goddess, prolly she knows the teasing who await her back in Ruberios. "But I'll visit you when I'm done."
-"While you're away, I'll continue to learn and train with Mithra, so don't worry." Kumara managed to say almost intelligibly while eating pastries with Milim and Ramiris, who's choking as she ate a piece too big for her size.
Before night fell, I took a stroll in the streets, observing our citizens' daily life. Mithra said she remembered she had to do something, and left for a random place South-Westward from here. I took my time to appreciate some quiet before leaving tomorrow, when I felt a presence who just entered the barrier. An unknown soul, not linked to me or Mithra, and with a strange signature placed in it. A spy, no doubt about it.
I concentrated my mind to get more data on the trespasser, and boy, my barrier works as I wanted. It's a quite strong majin, with what seems to be a curse in its heart... Wait, the heart isn't here. I see,that's a way to monitor it remotely, such a disgusting idea, this Majin is a tool of Clayman. So, the Demon Lords are on the move, and we'll probably have the two other's spies soon. Well, for now I'll deal with that one.
I teleported a little behind our intruder, and saw a woman trembling and mumbling. I could grasp a few pieces, like 'I hope I won't have to blend with people, I don't know how to do that', and 'so many evolved monsters, I'm done for if their master finds me'... What should I say?
Nevermind, I have to strike while no one is aware, and resolve this swiftly. I prepared a special spell, a dummy soul fragment, infused with my [Flesh Master]. I hit her, before teleporting again far from here. From what I see, she tripped and fell, wondering what the hell just happened, as she couldn't see anything. No reaction from her curse, that's good. Now, time for phase two.
-'Can you hear me, Majin?'
-'WHHAAA!?' She jumped higher than I thought possible for her. 'What is this voice? It's not like Sir Clayman.'
-'Don't worry, Clayman can't hear us. This spell I hit you with hasn't meddled with the curse he put on your heart. It's a separate line.'
-'What did you do? No, more importantly, who're you?'
-'Before I tell you, I have an offer. What would you say if I could save you from your pathetic master?'
-'...What are you saying?'
-'You're cursed aren't you? Your heart is missing and probably in his hands, in case you try to flee or go against him.'
-'...'
-'I take that as a confirmation. The spell I used is a little jewel, I can use it to talk with you from afar, and if one day your heart gets crushed, I can create a replacement with it as a foundation.'
-'You're kidding. How should I trust you?'
-'Myulan, ex-witch of the forest, who wanted to pursue her researches and find a disciple to pass on her knowledge.'
-'Wait, hold on-'
-'Fearing death, you got tricked by Clayman who promised you eternal youth by working under him. Currently Ring Finger of his Five Fingers, working as a spy because of human looks. Yet, incredibly shy around strangers because of a life of secrecy, and looking goofy and weird for strangers-'
-'Aaaaahh! Stop it, that's embarrassing. Wait, how do you know all of it?'
-'Just know that's a fraction of my power, as I'm stronger than the one who's enslaving you. But contrary to him, I despise using those barbaric methods on innocent souls. Now, here's my offer. Continue your work as usual, but notify me of any order you'll receive from now. When the day comes, I promise you'll be free from his clutch. And to make you trust me more easily, try to feel a foreign object deep in your soul.'
-'...I can feel it. What is it?'
-'A shard of my soul, that we can use for a magical contract.' Well, not at all, but the illusion is almost perfect for someone who isn't an expert, and I just need a strong plea. 'I you accept, it will serve as a lifeline in case I try to break my part of the agreement. What do you say?'
-'...Can you really promise me I'll get to live free?'
-'I swear it on my name, as Rimuru Tempest, guardian of the forest.'
-'S-seriously? Well, I can't really go against you if I want to survive, as you could have killed me on the spot. And I want to hope again... Okay, I accept.'
-'Very good. Now the contract is signed, I'll let you continue as if nothing happened. I wish you good luck.'
I've ended the talk, and now I got a foot in Clayman's camp. He's closer to his end without even knowing it, and we just have to find any potential hidden ally before planning his end perfectly.
Still, I feel bad for Myulan, working as a double agent, used like a pawn, even by me. But I'm doing what I have to, if I want to achieve my objectives. At least I can really promise her a brighter future once it's ended.
The next day, we said goodbye to everyone with Shizu, as it will take us some time to go to Ingrassia. And before actually heading there, she said she wanted to visit someone in the neighboring kingdom of Blumund. Well, I don't mind, as I could use this opportunity to learn a few things on the spot about this world's humanity.
Thanks to Ranga, we crossed the forest real fast. When we could start to see human settlements, I made him return to my shadow, and I modified my body a little, gaining some height and changing my face to avoid looking like Shizu. Else, I know outsiders would have mistaken me for her child, and even if it would've been funny as hell, I suppose I'll spare her this embarrassing moment.
A few hours later, we arrived outside the capital of this small kingdom. As Shizu is well known in these lands, we entered without problem, and we headed toward the local branch of the Freedom Guild. According to Shizu, its head is an old acquaintance, and will help us travel faster in the Western Nations by giving me my own adventurer ID. Effectively, it will be a good way for me to blend in and access all kinds of places without resorting to hazardous shenanigans.
In the Guild building, we ran into the tree idiots who're complaining about Fuze's temperament. When they saw Shizu, they tried to hug her, and fell on the ground as she evaded them to avoid getting crushed in their excessive display of friendship. They decided to accompany us to go see Fuze, as they have a rapport to make. Fortunately, they understood why I changed my appearance, or else Shizu would probably have lectured them if they spilled the beans.
When we met Fuze, the local Guildmaster, he inquired about Shizu's health, and about my true identity. Elen's party told him what happened in the forest, even inadvertently explaining all they know about Tempest, the old hag and me. I'll have to give those three a lesson later, I can't have them spill the secret everywhere. Thankfully, Fuze kept his mouth shut until he could get further information.
He looked even more stressed than Gazel, so I'll keep the explanations to a minimum, else he'll surely faint. After a while, he sighed in relief as he got confirmation I'm not a danger to Humans, and promised to keep it for himself as much as possible. He only excluded one of his noble friends and the King of the agreement, as he got his job as a Guildmaster to do. That's not a real problem, as Mithra recognised Drum Blumund as a good and keen ruler. If all goes right, we might get our first ally in the Human nations soon, no matter their actual weakness compared to other kingdoms.
As expected, he gave me an adventurer card. For practical purposes and secrecy, he exempted me from any exam and set my rank to B, higher would need the involvement of the HQ. My class was registered as Druid-Sorcerer, it will explain my peculiar magic without giving too many details.
Before departing, they wished us a safe trip. He told me he'll certainly visit Tempest by himself and with the idiots someday, for laying the foundations of an adequate partnership between the two countries. I see he's also thinking as a citizen of this land, and not only as an employee of the Guild.
The rest of our journey went fast, no special event occurred until we arrived in Ingrassia. This country is considered as the center of Western human nations, and I see why: populous, wealthy and modern for this world's standards. The Guild HQ too corresponds to what I'll call a modern building, neatly accommodated, yet sophisticated enough for nobles' tastes. Its Grandmaster was also one of Shizu's students along Hinata, and is the chairman of the Academy where the children live.
We introduced ourselves to the reception, the receptionist called the chairman and allowed us to go to his office. I see they even got magic elevators, nice to see they thought of everything. When we arrived in front of the door, an elf waited for us. I suppose she's his secretary, and I understand why he gave the job to an elf if he's Japanese, which is a common fetish for young men here.
Yet, this one is strange. Not by her looks, but her aura is unnatural, as if she's an artificial construct. I didn't have the time to inquire further, as the chairman greeted us. And what I saw made me go on guard immediately.
This guy, I can't see anything about his soul. According to Shizu, Yuuki isn't supposed to have any Skills, and made his way through the top by sheer will and training, demon instructor's fashion. Yet, my vision can't betray me, I'm purely blocked when I try to observe him.
He's dangerous. The only one until now who completely blocked my [Soul Assessing] was Milim, thanks to her Ultimate Skill. Even Lulu couldn't totally do it the first time. But strangely, the response I got with Milim isn't the same as this guy. If he got an Ultimate Skill himself, maybe each Skill has a special signature when defending from outside interference, but I can't be sure because of my lack of sample. He could also have a simple Unique Skill, but totally directed toward spiritual protection, and have a perfect mastery of it. No matter what it is, I can't meddle with this guy, and consider him as currently stronger than me.
-"Good to see you again prof Shizu." Yuuki is giving a handshake to her, and acting kinda childish for a grown-up man. "If you returned, does that mean you found what you searched?"
-"Hello Yuuki, I've effectively found a way to save the children. And it's all thanks to Rimuru here." She turned to me, unaware of my uneasiness. "He even managed to save me from my own problem with Ifrit."
-"Oh? Thanks a lot, sir Rimuru. You don't know how much it means to us, we couldn't find any solution for so long." He bowed respectfully, as a proper Japanese. "If that's not too much, could I ask you how you did it?"
Oh, sly fox. Trying to get such info that fast? You're surely thinking I'm oblivious to your real power, but I won't give it to you so easily, not when I can't trust you yet.
-"Well, I'm not sure I should divulge it casually without my friend's approval. I don't know you well enough, and can't risk you spreading the word and having too many people bother us if it's widely known."
Shizu looked puzzled, as she doesn't know why I'm not telling the truth. But she didn't say anything herself, as she understood I have a reason for that.
-"Well, too bad. But I understand, and won't insist. As long as you can save those children, that's good for me."
-"That, I can promise you. Especially as a fellow otherworlder." I could divulge it, as it may help to gain his trust more easily. It's not simply because he's shrouded in secrets that I have to consider him as a complete menace, just that I have to be cautious enough.
-"Oh, you're from Earth too? Which country?"
-"I'm French."
-"A Frenchie? Hon hon hon, baguette and wine. Too bad there's strikes everyday."
...That little bastard, he dare use those dumb old-fashioned clichés? He looks so proud of himself with that stupid grin, just you wait.
-"Ahhh, yamete kudasai tentacle-sempai, I can dogeza or seppuku if I've displeased you."
I counterattacked with my best loli-voice imitation and tried to look disgustingly kawaii with my altered body, just to go with all the clichés in one go. Shizu is completely lost, trying to process our sudden stupidity, and Yuuki loses his smile.
-"...Worst being, I can't argue back. Dammit, is that really how we look outside?"
-"I saw a Japanese TV program once... Try just half of it elsewhere, and you'll prolly pass for degenerate. Thankfully for you, commonsfolk see mangas and anime as the weirdest things, those uncultured swines."
-'[Tell me you'll never act like that in front of your subordinates.]'
-'I won't, today was simply an emergency procedure.'
-'[Why do I feel my processors frying when replaying what I just saw?]'
I let my autonomous brain recollect herself, as Yuuki grabbed my shoulders dramatically. A dead serious look in his eyes, he inspired and exhaled deeply before asking:
-"Do you follow mangas?"
-"I do."
-"Tell me everything you know."
-"Tell you? Don't you prefer to read them yourself?"
He reacted instinctively at my words, trembling like an addict who's going into a relapse. I won't say anything, as I personally knew this phenomenon. Mangas are a constituent of many young people's culture now. I'll use it at my advantage, and make this guy own me one.
"Give me paper, and I can print my manga's memories on it. Just be careful as it won't be like the Jump, I read them on printed volumes or scans."
-"What do you want in exchange?"
-"For now, just the ability to visit the Academy and Shizu easily without needing to pass by the official way. I'll keep the rest of my payment for another time, if I think about something I want."
-"Consider it done. Kagali, bring me as much paper as you can, quick."
For a few minutes, I printed a shitton of mangas for Yuuki, and let [Great Sage] do the calibrations for an optimal reading experience. But because I'm a Frenchie, I also prepared a few of our own comics for cultural broadening. No, I'm not a mere chauvinist... Okay, just a little.
When I finished this batch, saying I won't do it in one go because of sheer quantity, Yuuki praised me so much it started to get really embarrassing. At least, if this guy is really shady, he'll think twice before acting suspiciously, as I'm now his only provider of reading drugs. Shizu looked a little disappointed by her student's behavior, but she seems kinda comprehensive.
Soon after, we excused ourselves as Shizu wanted to meet with her class as soon as possible. Yuuki wished us a good day, and shut himself in his room to start a marathon. As for me, I got valuable information before leaving.
His secretary, I took a little time to assess who she was, just in case, as she had a peculiar aura. At first, I encountered a few setbacks, her soul looked ancient, but more importantly weird. It was as if I wandered into a small labyrinth, someone must have done experiments on her, and I was slowed down by some curse remnant. Plus, she wasn't especially weak, and I needed more time than I thought to find what I wanted. But I found it.
Clayman. His name was in one of her memories, and by the way she thought of him, he's almost like her child. Thanks to this Kagali, I just found his secret allies.
Man, my Skill is so useful. In my past life, I could barely look into someone's soul and memories. And now, I discovered maybe the remaining threats for our plans so fast, thanks to it. That's the true value of this power: someone can try to fool you, but a soul cannot lie.
However, I must remain on alert around Yuuki, until I get a better insight of his strength. I know my current limits, and as the Headmaster of the Guild, his position makes him even more dangerous if we play our cards wrongly.
Aaaaah... Hopefully we'll never have to confront each other directly. I don't know what his objectives are, but it would be good if we could one day find an agreement. From what I saw, this guy is really funny, even if annoying, and I prefer to befriend this kind of person as they make life enjoyable.
***
The lost world, 158 years before D-Day
'Okay, my preps are almost done, I just have to wait for Alestar and Oryos to finish there.'
Invidia carefully reviewed her equipment for the next expedition, as the trio will venture into a part of the planet almost untouched. Even the Insectar only visited their objective once, and just scraped the surface.
Why bother to go so far in the uncharted lands? Because the farthest you travel, the more you can find relics of the past. On their previous journey, Invidia and Alestar managed to find powerful weapons who're now their main strength.
Still, it wasn't an easy task, as those two almost met death a few times, separated from the others because of bad luck. It was Invidia first who fell into a pit who led down far below, into an ancient lava lake, now all cold. On her way back to the surface, which took a few days, she found what looked at first glance like a huge rocky column. When she got close enough, it revealed itself to be a goddam freaking huge sword, sculpted in a powerful magic infused rock.
Intrigued, she tried to hold it. Despite its size and absurd weight for a sword, she didn't find it too hard to wield. Strangely, she felt attracted, and thought she heard it call her. She instinctively knew this sword once wielded the power of ancient fire and darkness, unfortunately as time went, it got cold and forgotten. But she felt a link with it, as if it wanted to burn once again. With her new weapon, she managed to resurface without too much damage.
After her, it was Alestar. Lost in a sudden and treacherous fog, he took refuge in a cave, but was forced to go deeper in the mountain when the exit collapsed. Wandering into a system of crystal caves, filled with optical traps and deadly monsters, he found a safe place. In a room where he found a few pieces of a gigantic skeleton, who supposedly belong to a species of dragons, he tripped upon a sword.
This was a fine piece of art, a greatsword finely chiseled with a mystical blade, who got glints of a forgotten magic imbued in it. When holding it, Alestar felt all the weight of this blade's history, at first crushing his mind, probably testing him to see if he's worthy. Soon, it got better, and he gradually got bribes of this ancient magic engraved in his head, while the sword glowed with a renewed power. Thanks to his new weapon, he managed to find another pathway to the outside without needing to worry about the monsters.
They're stronger than ever and yet, still have room to grow, as they're still far from reaching Oryos's natural strength. With the dangers of the far lands in mind, they decided to take enough time to prepare for the next adventure...
But the two others are really taking their time, and Invidia is losing patience.
'Goddamnit, why are they so slow? It doesn't take so long to fetch mere tools and clothing.'
-"We're here, sorry for the delay. We're just doing some tests."
-"Ah, Oryos. Finally, don't make wait so mu- *pffft*"
Invidia lost it when she saw why those two took so long. And it's understandable, as no one ever saw an Insectar wearing a long pink dress with a lavender pattern before. And behind him, Alestar is coming, wearing a long white dress with a cloth hat, reminding of the traditional garb of the desert tribes from Earth.
-"What, is it that bad on me?" asked Oryos, completely oblivious to the reasons for her breakdown.
-"W-w-what are you doing with a girly dress? We're not going to a fashion show."
-"Well, I saw Alestar trying his own, so I just thought it's a human tradition."
-"Oh that's why, I thought you wanted to make a joke," said Alestar, scratching his head from embarrassment. "Mine serves as a protection for desert and volcanic landscapes. I won't use my usual clothing where we're going, it will be too goddam hot and I'm not fireproof like the two of you yet."
-"Oh, so that's why the clerk seemed so surprised... But you didn't answer, does it fit me?"
He never got his answer, as Invidia had a nervous laugh, and Alestar posed with him for the greatest amusement of the passerby. Anyone who met with this dumb trio knew the future would never be boring around them.