"Rimuru POV:"
Right now, Ciel and I are riding on Ranga, heading towards the kingdom of dwarfs, known as Dwargon.
After spending the night, Ciel and I returned to the goblin village, where we saw that everyone had evolved successfully.
All the male goblins have evolved into hobgoblins, while the female goblins have transformed into goblinas. Alongside them, the once fearsome direwolves have evolved into Tempest Wolves, except for Ranga. In a remarkable twist, Ranga bypassed the Tempest Wolf stage entirely, ascending directly to the state of a Star Wolf.
This divergence in evolution showcases the unique paths that individuals may take within a species. While most follow the expected progression, there are exceptions like Ranga, whose evolution defies convention and reveals the depth of possibilities inherent in the natural world.
The unique evolution of Ranga, attributed to the personal connection formed through me personally naming him, highlights the profound influence that individual bonds can have on the evolutionary process. Similarly, the goblins who were bestowed with personalized names have surpassed expectations, exhibiting a strength and resilience beyond their typical capabilities.
Among these remarkable transformations, one stands out prominently: Gobta. Despite his astonishing increase in strength, his physical appearance remains largely unchanged, save for subtle alterations. This phenomenon serves as a testament to the complexity of evolution and the varied paths he can take, even within the same species.
Upon our return to the village, my first act was to appoint Rigurd as the new goblin lord, entrusting him with the vital task of overseeing the village's affairs. As the newly appointed leader, Rigurd's primary responsibility became the maintenance and well-being of the village populace.
To ensure the efficient functioning of the community, we implemented a strategic division of labor. The villagers were organized into three distinct groups: one tasked with patrolling the village perimeter and ensuring security, another dedicated to gathering food, and a third focused on constructing shelters and crafting clothing.
However, it soon became apparent that the villagers lacked fundamental knowledge in essential areas such as construction and craftsmanship. Recognizing the need for skilled artisans to aid in the village's development, Ciel and I resolved to journey to Dwargon, the renowned kingdom of dwarfs, in search of assistance.
As we embarked on our journey towards Dwargon, Rigurd and the other villagers earnestly urged us to take along a companion for our travels. Despite their insistence, Ciel and I initially saw no need for additional company and politely declined their offer. However, their persistence led us to reconsider, and after careful consideration, we chose to bring Ranga, our faithful companion, with us.
Before departing, we took the opportunity to teach valuable skill to Gobta, including the elusive [Shadow Motion] technique, as well as the knowledge of summoning his loyal Tempest Wolf partner. Recognizing the importance of spreading this knowledge, we tasked Gobta with sharing his newfound abilities with the other villagers.
We taught him this skill because in my other variant of my timeline where he took Gobta with him, Gobta learned this skill. It proved incredibly useful for him, aiding in his development of strength. This skill became one of his basic abilities.
And now that we didn't take him with us, there is no way that he will be able to learn this skill on his own. That's why we taught him that skill.
Back to us,
Right now, Ciel is sitting in front of me on Ranga, and I am sitting behind her.
The delicate interplay of sunlight upon her pale complexion lends an ethereal quality, as if her very skin exudes a divine radiance. Each tendril of her loose hair dances freely in the gentle caress of the wind, accentuating her natural grace. Enhanced by the captivating allure of her crimson gaze, which eagerly drinks in the surrounding panorama, she seems intent on capturing every nuance of nature's splendor.
This just makes her already beautiful face even more beautiful. Oh... How I love this scene. I could watch her like this for eternity.
But sadly, we have to stop now because we are near the dwarf kingdom.
As we approach the kingdom, her curious expression returns to its usual state, indicating that she is now content for the time being.
"Ranga, stop here," I commanded as we approached the threshold of the gate, signaling a temporary pause in our journey.
As Ranga obeyed, I gracefully dismounted from his back, extending my hand to assist Ciel in alighting from her perch, embodying the chivalry befitting of a true gentleman.
"Allow me, my Queen," I offered, guiding her descent with a gesture of reverence.
With our feet firmly planted on the ground, our hands naturally found each other's grasp once more, forging a connection that transcended mere physicality.
"For the interim, Ranga, it would be prudent for you to remain concealed within our shadow. When the exigency arises, we shall summon you forth," I advised, acknowledging the necessity of discretion in our upcoming endeavors.
"Yes, master," Ranga acknowledged dutifully, fading into the protective embrace of our shadowy refuge.
"Should we wait in line first, or should we just go inside?" I asked Ciel.
"If we wait in line, it will take too much time, so let's just go directly instead," she said to me.
"Fine then."
And just like that, we found ourselves inside the gates of Dwargon.
What we did was simply replace the space we were in with the space inside Dwargon.
Normally, when people employ teleportation magic or Spatial Motion, they typically create a rift in space between their current location and the desired destination. Through this rift, they transport themselves to their intended destination. However, during this process, there is a high chance that others may sense the disturbance or distortion in space.
And in Instant Motion, individuals traverse by simultaneously manipulating space and time, often involving the manipulation of information particles. To utilize Instant Motion, one requires the skill [Space-Time Domination], or a teleportation-related skill of similar caliber, such as [Space-Time Domination].
Despite the advanced nature of Instant Motion, individuals capable of manipulating information particles, such as [Digital Lifeform] and [Digital Nature] beings, may still detect it. These beings possess the ability to detect changes in information particles.
However, only a select few individuals possess the ability to use Instant Motion, including Velgrynd, Velzard, Veldora, Guy, Diablo, Shizue, Chloe, Zegion, and Dino. Moreover, all of them are [Digital Lifeform] and [Digital Nature] beings.
Although it is rare for individuals to detect Instant Motion, there remains a possibility of it occurring.
"Hm... Dwargon's security is quite impressive," I murmured, my admiration evident in the tone of my voice.
It's true that their security measures are pretty good. They've installed a teleportation detection barrier that catches anyone trying to teleport inside.
But unfortunately for them, they won't detect us. Firstly, we don't have any presence, so even if we walk past them, they won't know we're there unless we want them to. Secondly, we didn't teleport in the first place. Instead, we simply swapped the spaces between two different locations.
So, naturally, nothing has changed. Therefore, no one will be able to detect us because we didn't travel in the first place. To the world, we have been present inside Dwargon from the beginning.
"That's given, considering that they had survived three Tenma wars," Ciel expressed her thoughts.
Well, it's true. This nation is indeed noteworthy for surviving three Tenma wars. I have high hopes for this nation.
But for now, let's forget about that and focus on the main reason for coming here.
"My Queen," I began with a tender smile,
"shall we indulge in the pleasure of our long-awaited date?" Offering my hand, I awaited her response.
"Yes, my King," she replied with equal warmth, her hand seamlessly intertwining with mine in a display of mutual affection.
And with that, she and I commenced our date in Dwargon.
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*Time-Skip: After a wonderful date between Rimuru and Ciel.*
"That was undeniably one of the most enchanting dates I've experienced," I exclaimed, my heart still awash with the lingering warmth of our shared moments.
"We truly had an incredible time together," she chimed in, her eyes sparkling with fond reminiscence of our joyous adventures.
"Now that that is done, it's time to work," I said to no one in particular.
Two days have already passed since we arrived in Dwargon, so the cave incident must have already occurred. Kaijin's brothers are already injured, and if the information that I gathered here is correct, then they are currently at their place, unable to continue their work due to their injuries.
If I go there and propose a deal to heal Kaijin's brothers in exchange for their service to me, it could work. Yes, let's proceed with this plan. By doing so, I will be able to recruit them to my cause.
As we made our way to Kaijin's place, we engaged in some small talk along the way. Lost in my thoughts, we soon found ourselves standing in front of their shop.
"Is anyone here?" I called out, knocking on the door.
Peering inside, I could hear the loud clang of hammers striking metal, accompanied by the grumbling of an elderly man. It must be Kaijin.
"Hey! Is anyone here, or is everyone dead?" I shouted, raising my voice in an attempt to be heard over the noise.
"Sir, do you have any business here?" a voice interrupted from behind me.
Turning around, I saw a weary-looking dwarf staring back at us. His expression seemed worn out, as if burdened by unseen troubles. I presumed him to be Kaidou, one of Kaijin's brothers.
"Indeed, I've come to seek the expertise of the renowned craftsman, Kaijin," I informed Kaidou with a sense of purpose.
"Ah, unfortunately, our circumstances are less than favorable at the moment," Kaidou responded with a hint of melancholy.
"Could it be related to the cave incident from yesterday?" I inquired, subtly probing for details.
"Indeed, the aftermath of yesterday's accident has left three of our brothers injured, and Kaijin himself has urgent tasks to attend to today. Regrettably, we find ourselves unable to accommodate any further customers," Kaidou explained with a touch of resignation.
"Nevertheless, let me speak with Kaijin directly. I believe I may be able to offer assistance," I proposed optimistically.
"I'm uncertain of your intentions, but I'm willing to escort you to Kaijin," Kaidou conceded, leading the way into their workshop.
Upon stepping into the workshop, my attention gravitated towards Kaijin's brothers, whose injuries painted a grim picture- one bore the burden of a missing arm, another bore the scars of a head injury coupled with the loss of an eye, while the third was marked by the absence of a leg and an ear. Their physical afflictions spoke volumes, conveying the challenges that had rendered them incapable of continuing their craft.
"Hey bro, I've brought some customers!" Kaidou's announcement reverberated through the workshop, momentarily piercing the rhythmic clang of metal against metal.
"Huh... did you say something?" Kaijin paused his work, his brows furrowing as he strained to discern Kaidou's words amidst the din.
"I said I've brought some customers," Kaidou repeated, his voice raised to overcome the clamor.
"I see, but I don't have any time to spare from my work. Don't you know that?" Kaijin's response was resolute, his focus unwavering as he returned to his task at hand.
"Yes, I understand, but they mentioned they can help you," Kaidou persisted, his tone tinged with urgency.
As Kaidou continued to advocate on our behalf, Kaijin finally tore his gaze away from his work, his gaze sweeping over us with a discerning eye.
"I see. So, what do you have to say?" he queried, his voice tinged with a hint of skepticism, yet laced with a curiosity born of necessity.
"Could you please elaborate on your condition? I want to understand the specifics so that I can offer you the most effective assistance possible. While I am aware of your brothers' injuries, I would appreciate further details about your situation," I prompted Kaijin, emphasizing the importance of understanding his circumstances fully in order to provide meaningful help.
Initially hesitant, Kaijin took a moment to gather his thoughts before finally opening up.
"Well, as you mentioned, there's another sword hanging over my head. You see, I am obligated to deliver 20 longswords by this evening, but I'm currently lacking the time, motivation, and materials to complete the project," Kaijin explained, his tone laced with concern.
"Couldn't you simply cancel the order or explain your situation to the employer?" I offered, suggesting a potential solution.
"If only it were that simple," Kaijin responded, shaking his head.
He continued,
"The order this time was issued to any and all craftsmen in the nation who were capable of accepting it, directly on behalf of the country itself. Not fulfilling the order issued by the crown could have unintended consequences." Kaijin elaborated on the gravity of his predicament, highlighting the potential repercussions of failing to fulfill a royal decree.
If I offer to both fully heal his brothers and furnish him with the requisite swords, I can effectively persuade him to serve me and accompany me to our place.
Let's put this plan into action.
"I understand your situation, but don't worry because I can help you with both problems. I can assist you with obtaining the necessary swords, and I can also heal your brothers' injuries," I said to him in a businesslike voice.
"How so? I find myself in dire need of ten swords, and even if by some miraculous feat you manage to procure the necessary materials, the task of crafting these swords would still impossible. Furthermore, despite exhaustive attempts with various medicines and potions, none have proven efficacious. Thus, I am compelled to inquire: precisely how do you intend to remedy these predicaments?" Kaijin asked, his skepticism evident as he sought reassurance of my trustworthiness and reliability before proceeding.
"Well, concerning the matter of the swords, I possess a unique ability, one that grants me the means to resolve the sword shortage. As for your brothers' ailments, rest assured, I hold something extraordinary in reserve for their recovery," I replied, infusing my words with a tone of unwavering confidence and reassurance.
"But what's the catch behind this? Surely, you wouldn't extend such generosity without expecting something in return," Kaijin inquired, his tone tinged with cautious curiosity, probing for the underlying motives behind my offer.
This observation only underscores his shrewd business acumen and keen discernment.
Hehehe here goes my villan side.
"The catch is quite straightforward: you simply need to pledge your allegiance to me, serving as my subordinates and accompanying me. In exchange, I will undertake the completion of your tasks and ensure the complete healing of your brothers, restoring them to full health. Should you refuse my offer, I will depart as I arrived, impervious to any enticement you may offer. So, what is your decision?" I articulated in a tone befitting a seasoned businessman, leaving little room for ambiguity.
"Do I truly have to make such a choice? Is it truly worthwhile to abandon allegiance to the king?" Kaijin deliberated inwardly, though his thoughts were not quiet enough to elude my keen senses.
He requires but one final nudge. And I know precisely how to deliver it.
Approaching one of his injured brothers, I retrieved a vial containing a potent potion from my [Imaginary Space], administering it with precision.
Crafted long ago, this elixir, known as a full potion, is the epitome of potency, capable of healing grievous injuries and even regenerating lost limbs, regardless of how long they have been absent. Such a feat is a testament to our unique expertise, though for others, it remains an unattainable goal.
While some may achieve a 98% extraction rate from Hipokute herbs, resulting in what is known as a high potion, only we possess the knowledge and skill to breach the 99% barrier required for a full potion. The key lies in conducting the extraction process within a vacuum environment, a detail often overlooked by lesser alchemists.
But let us not stray from the matter at hand.
As the elixir took effect, the missing limb of Kaijin's brother began to regenerate, while his other wounds swiftly healed, leaving him restored to perfect health.
A subtle smirk graced my lips as I observed the miraculous recovery. Now, it is time to unveil the final gambit.
"Whoa! What happened? What did you do? How are his injuries healed, and his arm-his arm is also healed!" Kaijin exclaimed in shock and awe as he witnessed his brother's injuries miraculously restored to their former state of health.
It is time for the final blow.
"So, what is your choice? I don't have much time, you know?" I said in a hurried voice, emphasizing the importance of the decision and the limited time available.
"If you don't want, then I can leave," I added quickly, ensuring his brother was returned to his prior state before administering the full potion.
With that said, I turned alongside Ciel, gesturing to depart.
As we began to leave, I noticed a particular look in Ciel's eyes. She seemed captivated by my villainous demeanor.
'Master is acting like a villain again, so cool!!!!!! Master is acting like a villain again, so cool!!!! I must record this at all costs!' These were Ciel's thoughts.
But for now, I should just focus on Kaijin.
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And that's end. That's all for this chapter.
Guys I am out of motivation. So give me some motivation!!!!!!!!
Tell me how is the chapter in comments. It is really motivates me to write new chapters.
Word Count: 3k.