Ainz Ooal Gown stood silently, his hollow eyes fixed on the small blue slime bouncing in front of him. Rimuru Tempest continued to talk casually about this strange world, the creatures that inhabited it, and the mana that flowed through everything. Though Ainz listened carefully, his thoughts were elsewhere, calculating.
To anyone else, Rimuru would seem an insignificant creature, he mused, a harmless blob bouncing around without a care in the world. But appearances can be deceiving.
Ainz considered his options. He could end this now—his bony fingers itched with the urge to unleash a powerful spell. One swift incantation, and the slime would be no more. Yet, there was something peculiar about Rimuru, something deep within that Ainz could sense but not fully comprehend. The slime's cheerful exterior masked an immense power lurking beneath the surface—one that was not present in Rimuru's current form but hinted at something more profound and dangerous.
Best not to make enemies unnecessarily, Ainz concluded, his analytical mind kicking into high gear. He had learned long ago that every creature in this world had its role, and sometimes the most unexpected allies could be the most beneficial. An alliance with this slime might prove advantageous in the long run.
"So, yeah, this world is all about absorbing mana," Rimuru continued, bouncing excitedly as he spoke. "Every creature here is connected to magic in some way. You've got weaker ones that barely have any, and then you've got the real big shots—like the Demon Lords. Those guys are seriously strong."
Demon Lords? Ainz's interest piqued at the mention. He had heard whispers of such beings before, creatures of immense power that could rival even the strongest in Yggdrasil. "What do you know of these Demon Lords?" he asked, his voice calm, though his mind was racing. Could they pose a threat to me? Or could they become useful allies, like this slime?
Rimuru tilted his body as if in a shrug. "Well, I know there are a few of them. Rumor has it they're not all the same—some are cruel, while others are more… reasonable. But one thing's for sure—they've all got crazy amounts of mana, and they rule over their own territories."
Ainz remained silent, absorbing this information. The world was clearly much larger than he had anticipated, and it appeared to operate on a magical system similar to Yggdrasil, with mana at the core of its existence. The fact that every creature absorbed mana intrigued him. If that was the case, managing his own mana reserves would be crucial if he intended to compete with these powerful beings.
This slime is useful after all, Ainz mused. Rimuru had a deep understanding of the world and its rules. Despite his light-hearted demeanor, he had clearly survived long enough to command respect—or fear—from the monsters of the Jura Forest. More importantly, Rimuru had no allegiance to the Demon Lords. That meant Ainz could use him as a source of information and potentially as a powerful ally without immediate risk.
"I see," Ainz replied after a pause. "In that case, it may be wise for us to form an alliance. You and I seem to have similar goals—for now."
Rimuru perked up, his small form wobbling in excitement. "An alliance, huh? Sounds like a good deal to me! Having someone as strong as you on my side could really help keep the peace around here."
Ainz almost smirked at the slime's innocence. Peace? he thought. He had no interest in "peace." But Rimuru's willingness to cooperate played right into his hands. Ainz knew that if he manipulated the situation properly, he could gain access to this world's power structures without drawing unnecessary attention to himself. Rimuru would serve as the perfect shield against more dangerous foes—at least for now.
"I'm glad you agree," Ainz replied smoothly. "In exchange for your knowledge of this world, I can offer you my own expertise in magic and battle."
"Sounds great!" Rimuru exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "It's always good to have friends with strong magic."
Friends? Ainz thought, mildly amused. He hadn't thought of this as a friendship—more like a temporary arrangement. Still, it suited his purposes well.
"So," Rimuru continued, bouncing toward a clearing, "now that we're allies, what do you want to do next? There's a lot more to see in this world, and if you're interested, I could introduce you to a few more of the locals. Oh, and I can also show you how to use some of the resources around here."
Ainz considered his options carefully. Information first. He needed to learn everything about this world before making any bold moves. It was far better to observe from the shadows while letting Rimuru take the brunt of any potential danger. "I will follow your lead for now," Ainz said, his tone composed. "Take me to these 'locals.' I am curious to see what other creatures inhabit this world."
"Great! Let's head to the goblin village first. They're pretty friendly, and they've got a good sense of what's going on in the surrounding areas," Rimuru suggested, bouncing with enthusiasm.
As they moved deeper into the forest, Ainz couldn't shake the feeling that something larger was at play. Rimuru's cheerful nature might have been disarming, but Ainz knew better than to underestimate his new ally. He sensed that this slime was connected to something far greater, but he would uncover its secrets in time.
Rimuru chattered away as they traveled, sharing tales of the creatures that inhabited the forest and the adventures he had experienced since his own arrival in this world. Ainz listened intently, analyzing the information for any potential threats or opportunities. It was clear that Rimuru had carved out a niche for himself in this realm—a feat that spoke to his hidden strength.
"Most of the creatures here are pretty harmless," Rimuru explained, "but there are definitely some that you should watch out for. Like the Direwolves—they're fast and can pack a punch. Then there are the orcs, who are a real nuisance."
Ainz nodded, contemplating the implications of Rimuru's words. To navigate this world effectively, I must be cautious yet strategic.
"So, tell me more about these Demon Lords," Ainz prompted, wanting to gather as much information as possible. "What makes them different from other powerful creatures?"
Rimuru paused for a moment, considering the question. "Well, they're just on another level, you know? Each one has unique powers, and they usually have a lot of followers. Some of them can even create entire armies out of the creatures they control. They're like kings of their own little worlds."
Ainz's interest sharpened. Creating armies… This world indeed has its complexities. Perhaps I can find a way to build my own forces without attracting the attention of these Demon Lords. The idea of amassing power, of establishing his own rule in this new world, intrigued him.
"I see," Ainz replied, contemplating the possibilities. "What would happen if one of these Demon Lords took an interest in me?"
Rimuru looked thoughtful. "Honestly? It could go either way. Some would see you as a threat and try to eliminate you, while others might try to recruit you. It all depends on how they view your power and influence. Just be careful if you ever cross paths with them. They're not the type to let rivals live."
The weight of Rimuru's words settled in Ainz's mind, but they only strengthened his resolve. I will not be a pawn in their game. Instead, I will navigate this world on my own terms.
As they approached the goblin village, Ainz felt a sense of anticipation. This was just the beginning of his journey in this strange new world. With Rimuru as his ally, the possibilities seemed endless. They could uncover secrets, gather information, and perhaps even gain power that would allow them to challenge the more formidable foes lurking in the shadows.
For now, the alliance was formed, but Ainz's thoughts were already racing ahead, plotting the future. There was much to learn about this world, and as far as Ainz was concerned, Rimuru was just the first step on a much larger path.
---