Flame Giant
Silence was suddenly broken.
Cracks ran along the surface of her mask, and magical power gushed from within.
Slowly, Shizu rose, and began to mutter.
"Summoning magic?!"
Ellen exclaimed in surprised.
"Oi oi, seriously? What rank she going to summon?"
"...., Uh, looking at the scale of the magic, it's going to be monster with rank "B+" or higher."
"Dan'na-kata, do not say things so leisurely, it can't be stopped!!!"
As expected from skilled Adventurers.
They ended the conversation in instant, and then spread out.
"First! Refrain her! Mud Hand"
"Uoooooooo----rya!!! Heavy Collision (Knock Down)"
Ellen makes rope to tie her, while Cabal launches a technique with his body.
Guido was an equally important member; he immediately assumed guard.
Fumu.
Although they are only rank B, their team work is first class.
There is no wasted movement.
But,
"Haaaa----! Explode!"
Shizu swung her finger, pointing first down and then up.
And then, a small scale explosion centered on Shizu occurred.
Shredding my tent to pieces.
The tent aside, are any of the three injured by that explosion?
As I wasn't harmed in the slightest, I wondered about them.
While attempting to Knock Down Shizue, who had been restrained with Mud Hand, Cabal was blown away by the explosion.
The lookout Gido sensed danger and was able to push Ellen away, saving both of them.
"Oi, you guys okay?"
I ask them.
"Ah, we're okay!"
"Wait ~u, all my body hurts! I better receive injury compensation!"
So, the two responded.
"O o it hurts-….. You guys…..Please worry a bit about your leader!"
While complaining, Cabal stood up. What a sturdy guy!
"I knew Shizu-san could use magic, but even summoning…?"
"The heck she was saying?
"No, no… don't worry about that. As far as I know, for a summoner to use a chant is unheard…"
Guido stop moving when saying that, then,
"Eh..., no way..... Explosion Monarch?"
In any case, the situation is just as I had thought.
Shizu continued to chant. As her body continued to emit red light, something began to emerge.
Her mask slightly rose, and black hair freely flowed before it.
What is her goal? For her appearance to become so strange suddenly…
"Rigurudo! Help evacuate everyone! Bring them someplace safe!"
"But…"
"It's an order! When you finish the evacuation, call Ranga over here!"
"Ay! I have received your order!"
Rigurudo immediately began the evacuation.
From what I can see, the goblins won't be of any help here. And, I don't plan to see them slaughtered pointless.
Nor did I call Ranga to fight Shizu.
The reason is simple.
Perhaps these adventurers have merely set up this play to create an opportunity to strike at us.
Thus, the massacre they plan to beset upon us enabled them to so freely discuss those things (no matter how trivial it actually was).
So when we encircle Shizu, they could strike at us from behind.
"Oi, Gido! Explosion what-now, who's that?"
Quickly answering his question,
"That is, someone who was active 50 years ago, a hero-like person?"
Ellenreceived such response.
Someone famous? The moment I thought so,
From Shizu's face, the mask fell.
The flame rose as the wind.
It swallowed Shizu, and from within a Flame Giant had appeared.
Summoning Magic "Flame Giant (Ifrit)"! The ruler of flame swallowed all things.
<Unique skill "Shapeshifter" activate>
Voice of the World resounded.
Then, Shizu's body and the Flame Giant (Ifrit) fused as one.
"Ge~e!!! It's Ifrit, A high ranking Spirit with a rank over A!!!"
"Wow...., first time I see it! So~, no way to win against it, huh~!!!"
"There's no doubt about it..... She's the Explosion Monarch!"
Fu~u-----! Don!!!
Impact and heat slowly approach us.
It seems the trio tried putting up a Magic Barrier, but they were blown away with a single blow.
Although they didn't die, there clearly harmed.
Conscious, but unable to move.
In any case, they are fighting for real. No question about it.
And so, I can officially ignore the possibility that they came here to wreak havoc.
But, wow, that skill has considerable power.
Releasing bottomless magical power, with the Flame Giant (Shizu) in the center, a scorching wind surrounded her with a diameter of 30 meters.
This fellow, if I don't fight, I'm a goner.
However, there was something strange.
Even in this situation, I did not feel any fear. Did becoming a monster cause such a change? I did feel fear of Verudora and the black snake, maybe I'm just using them as a comparison.
"Oi. What's your objective?"
"Fu~u---!"
Ka~tsu!
Shock!
Unlike the previous explosion, she radiated a heat wave this time. However, I had already moved from that spot.
With my perception speed, even if something moves at the speed of sound, I could evade it!
Rather than the previous explosion, the heat wave came toward as radiation. However, I already avoid the wave.
On a side note, I'm glad we haven't built the city yet. Those were my sincere thoughts.
Moreover, with all the trees cut down, we fought in an open area. Had we been inside a forest, it would've caught on fire, causing me much trouble.
However, don't get carried away!
Bishun!!!
I take aim at the abdomen, and shot "Water Blade".
But the attack, just before reaching the Flame Giant (Shizu), evaporated. A maelstrom of flames surrounded the Flame Giant (Shizu), protecting it.
Mumu... so it seems "Water Blade" cannot pass through it.
Would firing at full power be a good idea? So I thought, but then I imaged a steam explosion. Yeah, that won't be fun.
Guess I have to resort to this.
At that moment, Ranga had arrived.
"You called? My lord!"
For now, I ordered Ranga to retrieve the three.
Then,
"Good, quick retreat to a safe place! I'll defeat it!"
Although he nearly rejected that order,
"I will do as My Lord said, I wish for your fortune in battle!"
With those words, he left while holding the three people in his mouth.
Now I can fight without reserve.
The flames rage around her.
Using my perception ability, I accurately grasp the distribution of heat within it.
Although the Flame Giant (Shizu) was creating clones of itself and sending them to attack, I could easily predict the danger resulting from the flame's temperature.
Against me, that attack will never land.
But at the same time, my attack will have no effect.
What a troublesome flame that is.
The ground turned into magma… the temperature inside must be unbelievably high.
Thus the problem: to use skills like [Paralysis Breath] or [Noxious Breath], I'd need to come within ten meters of the target.
I can't just stroll into that place.
To begin with, such as [Paralysis Breath] or [Noxious Breath], it would be necessary for the target to be within 10m when it was used.
In that high temperature, it would only be a bother! I cannot afford to do that.
I don't want to class change into a Charred Slime.
What should I do… neither of us can cause decisive damage on the other
If this is how it ends, I should have predated more…
While I was deep in thought, a magic circle appeared below my feet!
Dangerous!
By the time my intuition scream so, I was already trapped.
Wide Area Capture Barrier. Is this a special skill of the Flame Giant (Shizu)?
Without a single chant, the magic circle instantly appeared.
With a range of 100 meters, my body will soon turn into vapor (gas), and be consumed by the scorching heat of the flame.
It's the strongest fire range attack!
"Flare Circle"
She said, with voice neither feminine nor masculine, young, nor old.
This is... there was no escape!
I was prepared for death.
Aa… I was sure I hadn't let my guard down, but I feel like I could've done something.
Maybe depending on everybody without trying to look cool…
Or mimicking the black wolf, using its speed, and piercing through the heat.
Not wait for it to move first, not do something stupid, try to hit it with [Black Lightning]… should've tried any one of these!
Etc…
However, although my perception speed should be 1000 times the norm, I just don't sense the damage.
Well, maybe dying without pain is a good thing.
But seriously, isn't this too slow?
S&M play?
Strange…
I'm sure I was engulfed by the fire.
Hmmm….
<...Solution. Due to Heat Fluctuation Resistance EX, the fire attack has been nullified>
Somehow, I had forgotten about Heat Fluctuation Resistance EX! Is what I felt.
Don't reply to every one of my thoughts! Stupid!
To such abuse, I could feel it respond with a […..].
Though I'm surely just imaging it.
There's no way [Great Sage] has developed its ego.
Hahaha.
Definitely just my imagination.
So no problem!
Well, now.
Oi oi, it disables fire attacks?
What? Did somebody set the mode to super easy?
Is everything going according to plan?
"I'm doomed!" I cried, but soon the tables turned! Just as the theory teaches!
In any case, I can now end this fight quickly.
"Now, what should I do?"
I proceed to secretly, entangle the flame giant (Shizu) with [Sticky Steel Thread].
In just a bit, it'll be my win.
I made [Sticky Steel Thread], a combination of the Sticky and Steel Thread, which I created from days of diligent practice.
Additionally, my resistance seems to be indefinitely active. In other words, I'm not taking damage.
Checkmate.
"Imp, Impossible!"
For the first time, signs of fear revealed themselves in her voice.
I underestimated you, but you too underestimated me.
This I'll forgive, as we are both at fault
So, you're free to resent me!
"Is it my turn next?"
Ku~stu! The flame giant (Shizu) tried to make her escape. However, I had predicted that action.
There is no escape from my [Sticky Steel Thread].
Thus, I slowly walk to her.
To deliver the finish blow...
On the Ifrit.. who had probably possessed Shizu and manipulated her body.
And without panicking.
Unable to run away nor even struggle, such a pitiful creature I approach.
And Then,
<Do you want to use Unique Skill "Predator"? YES/NO>
The answer, of course, is YES!
The dazzling light wraps around us.... and then suddenly disappears.
The remaining actors: me and an old woman.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Reminiscence~ Funeral March
Fire pouring from the sky like rain… that's the first scene I remember.
My mother's hand, that I held so dearly, seemed far too light.
I was afraid to look above it.
The napalm bursting in the air turns my surroundings into a sea of flames.
Should I run someplace?
Everything is covered in fire…
Izawa Shizue was slowly drowning in despair.
And then, she felt she was bathed in strong light…
Ah… so this is where I die…
She was just a young girl, but that much she could understand.
She was four at the time.
With no relatives, she lived alone with her mother.
Her father was drafted, and his face she could not recall.
She felt neither blessed nor unfortunate. That being the norm, she could do naught but accept.
"Do you wish to live? If you desire life, answer my call!"
A voice resounded in her head.
Do I want to live? Why? I don't understand.
She was too young to answer such a question.
However… looking at her mother who was reduced to nothing but a hand… I want to live! She screamed.
<<Acknowledged. Answering the summoner's request… success>>
I want to live without having to fear the fire!
<<Acknowledged. Acquiring Extra Skill [Fire Manipulation]… success>>
The next time I opened my eyes I was in a demon's lair.
The one in front of me, was a beautiful Demon Lord.
Long golden hair, blue eyes. A well ordered face, almond shaped eyes.
And skin so pale it's almost transparent.
So beautiful that it wouldn't be strange to mistake him for a woman.
Leon Cromwell.
He is whom the humans call the Demon Lord. Also known as the Blond Devil.
「Aah… failed again.」
He so muttered, losing interest in her.
However, he did not kill the girl whose body was covered in burns.
She did not matter to him.
And the girl, found that fact vexing.
Even now she sometimes recalls. That beautiful face. And, the arrogant eyes, devoid of interest.
But at the time, she could only survive by clinging to him,
In the end, she was saved by the Demon Lord's whim.
「Wait a second…」
She reached out to him.
"Maybe he, beautiful like an angel, would heal my pain?" So she thought, but…
「Thought it was just trash, but this thing is suitable with fire, huh.」
With those words, he called forth the Flame Giant Ifrit. With no incantation, as if he were breathing.
And the summoned Ifrit, obeyed without question.
「I bestow upon you flesh. Use it!」
Those words, to the girl, became undeniable proof dashing her hopes.
And thus, the pain she felt turned into hatred–
As this curse (trauma) engraved itself upon her heart.
However, is can also be said that this possession enabled her to keep her life.
Since then, how much time had passed…?
As a flame demon, she ruled over one of the Demon Lord's castle. By his side, as a high demon.
*Gotsun gotsun gotsun*
The footsteps reverberated through the castle halls.
The Demon Lord had already ran away. Abandoning this castle.
The girl was the rear guard. A sacrificial piece.
The Demon Lord had treated her as a tool until the very end. Nothing had indicated otherwise.
The one who was approaching was the "Hero".
Long black hair gathered into a ponytail, and covering her body–black light armor.
A beauty that would rival the Demon Lord. The only difference, the hero was a woman.
With one glance, she was certain.
I can't win!
When that thought overpowered Ifrit's minds, a little of the girl's ego had returned.
She looked the hero in the eyes.
「He…. help me…」
Words that one'd easily ignored. Who'd trust the words of a demon…?
However,
「It'll be fine from now on. Good job enduring this far!」
And from then on she was cared by the hero.
The "Anti-demon Mask" she wore restrained Ifrit and hid her burns.
Her whole body she covered with a robe, and thus she followed the hero.
And one day, she came to be called the "Explosion Monarch".
Then one day the Hero left on a journey.
Her reason she did not understand. It was probably a reason the Hero could not ignore.
The girl as well planned similar action. That one day she'd set of on a journey.
To kill the Demon Lord.
Who had saved her life, and then threw her away.
That is, killing the demon lord Leon Cromwell became her life's goal.
Therefore, the girl hardly found the hero's actions reproachable.
But there was one regret left–she had never seen the hero's smile.
Since then, the girl became famous for her heroic deeds.
Sometimes called one of the founders of the Freedom Association, she had worked for the expansion and benefit of the Adventurer Cooperation Union.
She also took part training adventurers and her successors.
At one time, she had taught excellent pupils.
With a sincere, pure gaze–a boy. Kagurazaka Yuuki.
With a depressed gaze– a girl. Sakaguchi Hinata.
These two were excellent students and fellow Japanese World Travelers.
These two were polar opposites.
The bright and optimistic Yuuki, and the grudge-against-the-world Hinata.
"That's probably because Hinata was attacked the moment she came here."
So thought Shizue.
She was able to kill the assailants, and thus escaped safely, but probably made some frightening memories as a result.
She thought that Hinata was somehow similar to herself, and thus grew sympathetic.
But, that was a mistake.
「Sensei, thank you for the care you have shown. I fear there is nothing else I can learn from you. Nor shall we meet again, I think.」
With those words, and without a second glance, Hinata had left.
She, in a mere month, had surpassed Shizue in strength. Such overwhelming excellence…
After a few years, Hinata had received an important post within the empire, but was not satisfied.
Rather, she had treated the promotion with mild indifference…
In comparison, Yuuki was a sweet boy.
After the Adventurers Cooperation Union had formally changed its name to Freedom Association, Yuuki had introduced the current ranking system.
As a result of it, casualties during subjugation missions greatly decreased.
And thus, to this day.
Shizue had been supporting Yuuki behind the scenes.
That is, she no longer could do anything but guide new adventurers.
And, recently,
The time she spent as a demon have begun to haunt her in her dreams.
As her lifespan dwindled, she felt she was unable to restrain Ifrit's consciousness any longer.
However, the "anti-demon mask" has yet to fail her.
So she told herself, "I don't have long to live!"
"So, let's at least shoot an arrow at the demon lord."
Thus, she decided to set off.
Which she reported to Yuuki.
Without a word, he acknowledged her resolve. Perhaps he had wanted to stop her, but…
At the time, a message came from the the Farmas Kingdom's guild.
Veldora's disappearance confirmed. Will continue investigation!
Was it perhaps some divine guidance?
In any case, they needed help to break into the forest.
Someone needed to slip in with the trio.
Their specialties she had heard from Yuuki. And as she had heard, they were a cheerful bunch.
She was glad to have met such good companions on her last journey.
A strange city.
Saved by monsters, they were brought there.
Well, it wasn't really a city, though; lacking a single building, everyone lived in tents. Clearly a temporary measure.
Even so, it was full of life and monsters (!) happily worked there. A bizarre city.
It was unthinkable, in the first place, to be saved by monsters.
Had she used her flame power she could have easily burned away the giant ants; but, she felt that she shouldn't.
That is, each time she used her powers, Ifrit's consciousness would strengthen.
Her negligence could lead to her powers running wild.
Thus, she met a strange monster, with the attitude of a king, arrogantly carrying itself.
Amusing.
Although the monster could speak, the words uttered were,
"Although I am a slime, I am not an evil slime" and such!
A line that no one would ever believe.
The fun times abruptly ended.
I still haven't achieved my goal…
At the moment her life force seemed to have finally ran out, Ifrit took over her consciousness.
Again… I'll cause problems for…
As if sneering at her thoughts and hopes, the demon had manifested.
And she lost her consciousness.
...….
…..
..
I tried to check on the woman's condition.
Chances are, no matter how long I wait,
She will probably not awaken.
However, as a compatriot of mine, I want to see her through to the end. Those were my thoughts.
The three injured adventurers were in high spirits.
"I won't be paying your hospital bills!" I wanted to shout, but,
「What is this? The burns have completely disappeared… and my skin feels smooth and shiny!」
「Awesome… with those injuries, I thought we'd be bedridden for weeks…」
「Well, I'll be… these guys have some amazing medicine.」
They seem to have healed without issue.
However,
「But, with this, we won't be getting any injury compensation, will we?」
「Yeah… No one we'll believe us…」
「Yup… but I'd take this over being left with injuries!」
Suddenly they had started to discuss their financial worries.
They can't read the mood at all.
Let's tell them to come hang out here sometime,
「What should we report to the guild master?」
But instead, they were the ones who asked.
I happily left a message for them to deliver.
I admire adventurers. But, since I probably won't be able to avoid a background check, registering with the guild may prove hard for a monster.
Thus, to repay his debt, Cabal will mention the name Rimuru to the guild master upon their return.
Really, what a great guy.
Being pleased with them, I decided to give them some parting gifts,
Spider robe,
Scalemail,
Hard-leather armor,
I handed to them those goods along with 10 pieces of the restoration medicine.
「Wha!!! What's with this robe!!! So light, but sturdy! Actually, very sturdy!」
「Whoa!!! The famous Scalemail!!! Wait, isn't this master Garm's product?! I'll make it my family heirloom!!!」
「Eeh! Is this fine? This is clearly wasted on someone like me. And to have used the skin of fang wolves…」
What to say, a noisier reaction than expect.
And well, I gave it to them cause they lost their equipment in that fire, and I wouldn't be able to buy them replacements either.
It was clearly not my fault, but I can sympathize a bit.
And besides, what I gave them is naught but a test product.
Which, of course, I won't tell them.
Cause they are so happy with the gifts. No need to disappoint.
No problem. No need to tell them either.
Since, even as a test product, it's good quality!
Well, if they are this happy, they'll definitely deliver the message.
In the end, the three would call me Danna (Benefactor), and were quite attached.
And although they did worry greatly for Shizu-san, they set off three days later.
And a week had passed.
Shizu-san has awoken.
「This is… I see… sorry for the trouble」
She's fully conscious.
Seems like she clearly remembers her time as the demon.
「I saw a dream…
A nostalgic dream. Of a city… to which I can no longer return」
In Japan?
「Hey, Slime-san. Could you tell me your name?」
I thought I already introduced myself as Rimuru.
「Rimuru」
She closed her eyes as if in deep thought.
「Could you tell me your real name?」
So she asked.
Had she noticed? And after a moment of hesitation.
「Fine. You won't last long anyways. It's Mikami Satoru.」
My real name. Didn't think I'd ever say it again.
「As I thought, you're Japanese, huh… I wondered if that was the case. That air you carry, you know」
Silence. And then,
「I also asked this of my disciples. What do you think became of that beautiful city? The one that turned into a sea of flames…?」
「Oh. Let me show you.」
Having said so, I conveyed my memories with [Telepathic Communication].
A truly useful skill at times like this.
「Ah…」
A tear rolled down her cheek. And,
「… Slime-san… no, Satoru-san. Would you listen to my request?」
「What is it?」
Probably some pointless request anyways.
But, since I decided to look after her to the end, I can at least listen to her request.
「Please eat me…!」
What? What did this granny just say?
「You ate the curse placed upon me… It made me so happy. Well, I did want to beat the guy who cursed me senseless, but…
In any case, it would have been impossible for me.
My last request. Could you put me to rest within yourself?
You know, I… hated to be in this world. But, I couldn't bring myself to hate this world… just like that guy…
There's a chance I someday… meet that guy again…
So, I don't want to be reborn in this world.
Please. I beg you, eat me!」
Hmph.
What a request. It's far too simple for me.
For me to become her seal. For me, to succeed her hatred.
Am I unsure? To put her heart at ease, and to send her off peacefully.. I made my decision.
「Fine. I'll carry out your vengeance. What is his name? 」
She opened her eyes wide to my question, revealing the burn marks, and with tears flowing down…
「Leon Cromwell. The strongest Demon Lord…」
As if in a prayer, she looks me in the eyes.
「I swear! By the name Mikami Satoru… no, by the name Rimuru Tempest!
I'll force Leon Cromwell to regret having incurred your hatred.」
Thank you… she muttered.
And, she closed her eyes. And as if falling asleep, her last breath escaped her.
<<Activate Unique Skill [Predator]? [YES]/[NO]>>
Rest in peace, within me!
[YES]! I respond. And, I pray…
Within me, without waking for eternity, may you see only the happiest of dreams…
Status
Name: Rimuru Tempest
Species: Slime
Divine Protection: the Storm Crest
Titles: One who Commands Monsters
Magic: None
Skills: Unique Skill [Great Sage], Unique Skill [Predator], Slime-Specific Skills [Dissolve, Absorb, Regenerate], Extra Skill [Water Manipulation], Extra Skill [Magic Perception], Acquired Skills: Black Serpent [Heat Detection, Noxious Breath], Centipede [Paralysis Breath], Spider [Sticky Thread, Steel Threat], Bat [Ultrasound Waves], Lizard [Body Armor], Wolf [Supreme Sense of Smell, Telepathic Communication, Intimidation, Shadow Step, Black Lightning], Fire Giant [Clone, Flame Change, Area Boundary]
Resistances: Thermal Fluctuation Resistance EX, Physical Attack Resistance, Pain Resistance, Electricity Resistance, Paralysis Resistance
———————————————
*Gotsun gotsun gotsun…*
The girl lifts her face up.
Her Young, lovely, face.
And, with relief, she smiled.
Here you were! Don't leave me again!
But the shadows of men only shook their heads, pointing someplace.
The girl, her face turning sad, looked to where they were pointing to.
And there,
Mother!!!
Filled with happiness, she rushed towards her parent.
The shadows, having confirmed this, disappeared. As if they never existed in the first place.
Perhaps, they were but phantoms created by the girl herself…
And so, the girl reunited with her mother.
Her long journey had now come to an end.
Translator's Corner
Clown: I'm crying you know…
AK: So am I Clown-sama *wipes away tears and hands back his handkerchief*
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