Chapter 04 – First Friend
To say the least, I was surprised.
Real sorry for calling you a softy.
No question at all–he's dangerous.
I'll blame my rude attitude on the lack of sight… not like that will achieve anything.
(Oi. Do you remember our promise? … and besides, for all that complaining, you've learned it pretty easily.)
(Of course~! I was just kidding. I can see my surrounding, and I can also hear sounds. Thank you!)
(Ay. Could have taken more time learning it, though…)
Well, I should be fine.
Got scared a bit, but can't ignore the fact that this dragon has been so nice to me.
Moreover, he really is just lonely.
Just from the glance, he's looks like he's lost a lot. Kind of like the "crying red ogre".
(TL Note: look up The Ogre Who Cried on google for more information)
(So… what shall you do now?)
(Umm… I think I'll go around looking for fellow world travelers, though no harm if I don't find any. )
Finding some would be good, but only if on good terms.
And besides, since I finally can see might as well see the world.
The world seems so much bigger now.
No need to munch on grass to kill time anymore.
But… this dragon.
Doesn't seem like he can even move a muscle.
And you're saying he stayed like that for 300 years?
(By the way, Veldora-san mentioned that you have been… sealed?)
(Mu? Ah, yes. I made the mistake of underestimating a small nuisance… had I went all out, I would not have been defeated!)
Somehow, the way he announced "defeated" sounded prideful rather than anything.
Honestly, doesn't really seems like sword nor spear, and certainly not magic, can even wound this guy, but…
(Was he really so strong?)
What beast could possible be stronger than him?
The outside world is scarier than I thought! … probably.
(It is so. Strong indeed. Clothed in divine protection, the humanity's "hero".)
Hero.
I'm rather familiar with the term from gaming.
Recently, the "stumbled into the position of a hero" plot line has been popular, but I don't remember them being so overpowered.
In this world, seems like they are truly strong.
(Speaking of, the hero referred to oneself as the "Summoned". Could the hero have been from your world?)
(Eh? No no! No one is that strong in my world!)
(Nay, the world travelers in this world typically hold some special power. That is what serves as the power to etch their souls into this world.
The "Summoned" most certainly holds some special power. Most likely, holding the one of a kind–unique skill.
Different from those who stumble by chance, summoned souls are especially strong.
The success rate is less than 0.03%, but in this hero's case it succeeded.)
(When you say summoning, do you mean calling something out with magic?)
(As you say. It is a three day ritual involving thirty people. The success rate is low, but success is typically met with a powerful weapon.)
(Huh? Weapon?)
(Ay. The summoner engraves a curse into the soul of the summoned to prevent rebellion.)
(What's with that?! Are summoned people not recognized as humans?!)
(Humans? … world travels sometimes complain about that. That type of thing is but an illusion in this world. Survival of the fittest, that is the only truth in this world.)
I see…
It's pretty hard to accept this worlds summoning with my world's stories in mind.
(In that case, would the "World Travelers" also be treated much like slaves?)
(That would depend on the person. They have not received the "Monster Warding Charm"– those that do either live quiet lives or become adventurers, or something like that.
Truly, among the many foes I have repelled, quiet a few came from another world! Fuhahaha!!!)
(In other words, forced labor is only limited to the "Summoned" case, huh?)
(I do not know whether it is appropriate to call it "labor"… but, so be it.
I know much about humans, but certainly not everything.)
(That's only to be expected… sorry.)
Rather, for a dragon he seems extremely informed.
Anyways, just talking makes him seem so happy, and he answers any question.
So for now, the dragon and I, will continue or conversation.
About how he fought the hero.
About how strong the hero was.
White skin.
Deep crimson, small lips.
Jet black, long hair.
Not too tall, petite and thin physique.
And though the eyes were hidden by a mask, that the hero was beautiful was clear.
A woman.
.
So… was it her looks that got him? When I asked that, "Don't be spouting nonsense!"–came the angry reply.
.
She carried a peculiarly curved blade – called a "katana" – and fought without a shield.
Unique Skill [Certain Severance]
Unique Skill [Endless Prison]
With these skills, and every form of magic, she overwhelmed me! — so he happily exclaimed.
I understood the tale but, this dragon, he just loves humans, huh.
He calls them small fry and trash, but it seems he has never killed any of them.
At least those that have not earned his wrath.
That one time,
300 Years ago, after a certain incident, he turned one city to dust.
And due to that incident, the hero was dispatched, and Veldora was sealed.
By the hero's skill [Endless Prison].
I doubt I can understand the dragon's feelings.
More than it just being someone else's emotion, in the end, imagination can hardly lead to true sympathy.
But, at least I can say that he isn't a bad dragon.
And hey, I like him.
So of course I'm no longer afraid of him.
And so,
(Okay! So, with me… no, can we be friends?)
Ouch… that's still pretty embarrassing.
I must be bright red right now…
(Wha, what did you say? For the feared Storm Dragon Veldora to become f-f-friends with someone of s-s-slime's social standing?!)
(Ah… well, if you hate it that much…)
(Stupid! You! Nobody said anything about hating!)
(Eh, then? Umm… what will you do?)
(… let's see… well, if you insist… I can consider…)
Somehow, it seems he is timidly stealing glances my way.
Had this been done by a cute girl, I'd be very happy… but when it's done by an evil looking dragon…
Well, it is interesting.
(I insist! Decide! If you hate, the deals off. No second chances!!!)
(Cho…! Then I have no choice! I'll become your friend! Show me your gratitude!)
Phew.
This dragon isn't very obedient.
I also aren't, so we're a good fit.
(Then, I'll be in your care!)
(Ay! … oh, and let me grant you a name. You also give me one!)
(Huh? Why? So suddenly?)
(To etch into our souls that we are equals. As humans call it, Family Name type of thing.
The one I grant you will bestow upon you "Diving Protection". You still lack a name, so you shall become a named monster now!)
Mu mu.
So, I have to come up with a Family Name (one for common use), huh?
I'm not really good at this stuff…
(Since you are called the Storm Dragon, how about simply "Tempest"?)
That's no good, right?
Since it sound good, I simply took Storm and changed it into Tempest…
(It's decided! What a wonderful name!)
He liked it!?
(From now on, I am Veldora Tempest. And you…
Shall be called "Rimuru," Rimuru Tempest shall be thine name!!!)
And that name was etched into my soul
From what I can see and feel, I don't feel any different.
But somewhere deep in my soul, I felt something change.
That would be something to mention to Veldora, wouldn't it?
And so, I have become friends (or would it be more appropriate to call this soul-mates?) with him.
(Oh, and before I go, I wanted to ask. Is there nothing you can do about that seal?)
(Not with my power. If it were a unique skill like that of a hero, then it could perhaps be possible…)
(You do not possess any unique skills?)
(I do. But from the moment the seal was placed, I could no longer use any. I barely managed retaining my telepathy…)
At the moment, the hero's unique skill [Endless Prison] prison seals the target in endless time and imaginary space; an unpleasant skill that does not permit interference from here.
Though it does seem strange that the only thing he can do is to communicate telepathically…
It's not like the skill weakens with time, after all.
Being able to even recognize the present and converse with other creatures all seem like example of interference. What's unusual is Veldora himself here…
Of course, both us noticed this.
(Alright. There's something I want to try…)
As I said that, I touched Veldora.
And,
<<Attempting to predate unique skill [Endless Prison] via unique skill [Predation]… failure>>
As expected, a hero's seal is not going to be this easy.
For but a second, interference with the hero's skill released a blinding light, but then it returned to normal.
Seems like for a brief moment, a seam opened in this endless prison. But it quickly restored itself.
And anyways, "Since it's also a unique skill, something'll happen" type of thing will only lead to trouble.
Isn't there anything I can do?
What to do…
<<Solution. Unique skill [Endless Prison] has been partly analyzed. I shall present the escape method.
It is impossible for flesh to escape. Physical damage wise, the chance of destroying the prison is 0%.
With regards to the imaginary space escape method–the analysis proved impossible.
Analysis in identical situation–imprisonment in an [Endless Prison] is necessary for analysis. Therefore, currently this is impossible.
The chance of releasing a spiritual body is 1%.
Should one prepare a host for the spirit ahead of time, and move there in the process, the success rate increases to 3%.
At the moment, this process is similar to reincarnation. Should the affinity with the host be poor, memories and skills will all be reset.
End of the report on escape methods>>
…Fumu.
The chances are far too low.
Doesn't look more than flimsy film, this [Endless Prison] skill.
But for it to be impervious to physical damage….
There must be some weakness to this absolute defense.
(Did hero take any damage? Any wounds or something?)
(Well asked! Our blows were well watched, and I have landed a few direct hits! But, there was no effect.
"Death Calling Winds", "Black Lighting", and even "Storm of Destruction". All are skills that cannot be evaded, and yet no effect! I gave up! It was laughable!!!)
And all other similar babble would end in Veldora's loud laughter.
Unique skill [Endless Prison] was definitely used to cover her body, if all outside interference is negated, no shield is necessary.
What a useful skill!
Unique skill [Certain Severance]
Unique skill [Endless Prison]
If you combine these two, wouldn't you be essentially invincible?
Definitely don't want to meet her…
She should have passed away by now, so should be okay.
Without a question, she belonged in the strongest class.
※In reality, Veldora was also in the strongest class but the Rimuru of the time could not have known this.
Anyways.
The escape to host method, huh?
To escape, a host to transfer the soul to seems to be necessary. It is also possible to escape in a spiritual body, but the success chance is low.)
Don't really see the reason to mention the percentages.
If Veldora's desire to escape decreases so could the chances…
(Mu? There was an escape method! Honestly, after some 100 years my magical energy hit empty!
Probably since I didn't stop the flow of magical energy…)
(I see… that would be the reason why the magical energy concentration around here is so high.)
(Ay. The truly strong monsters also avoid this area. Grass also hardly grows underground. Only some rare vegetation inhabits these caves!)
Ah.
I remembered about the Hipokte Grass.
In this case, it's a pretty valuable medicine…
(Well… since that's the case, will you attempt to escape? If you had a place to transfer to, the chances would be higher… and also, what's considered a good host?)
(… Unfortunately, even if I detach my spirit, to gather the magical energy into a single core is rather difficult…
By opening a seam in the seal, that's how this will succeed.
And a host, huh. That is, preparing a new core and moving there… reincarnation!)
This guy!
I thought that he might be slightly slow-witted, but he perfectly understood all of it.
How wondrous… he reached the same conclusion as the [Great Sage].
(That's the thing. So, if there's something I can prepare, should I go look for it?)
(Hmm. The thing is, I don't really need a core… oh, and keep this secret? I am a "being perfect as one". Especially durable.
I am a spiritual life-form, and thus have no attachment to this body. I merely responded to the wishes of religions and the like when forming it.)
Again with that incomprehensible stuff.
And so we spoke untill I understood.
The result.
Gather the magical energy with one's mind, and then form the flesh.
At the moment, the flesh being bound is beyond question, but the mind also cannot affect the surrounding magical energy.
That's the situation.
So I asked if he could leave as a spirit.
(That is impossible. I would require an offering.)
Is what he said.
If he were to leave in this way, he would scatter with the magical energy and cease to exist.
And, somewhere else, another "Storm Dragon" would be born.
That is one means of escape, but if there's no meaning to it if it means becoming a different person.
I'm at a loss.
Wouldn't eating Veldora with [Predator] be a better alternative?
Place him into the [Predator]'s stomach, analyze at depth the [Endless Prison]'s effects and eliminate just them… could this work?
<<Solution. Target: Veldora can be absorbed with the unique skill [Predator]>>
It's possible, huh…
If I explain it, will he consent?
If this goes on, after a hundred years of isolation, only to disappear would be his fate.
And so, I explained to Veldora the [Predator] ability and how I thought to use it.
This would be impossible, however, without the [Great Sage] ability correction.
(Kuahahahaha! Interesting!!! Of course I'll try it. To you, I'll entrust my everything!)
(Should you be trusting me so easily?)
(Of course! Rather than waiting for you to come back here, tearing [Endless Prison] asunder and leaving together inside of you sound so much more amusing!)
I see.
Not alone. Together.
Isn't it fine?
With [Great Sage] and [Predator], I'll continue analysis and seek to free Veldora from his imprisonment.
And in this stomach there is no fear of scattering and disappearing.
I think we can do this.
(Alright. I'll eat you now, try to break out of [Endless Prison], okay?)
(Kukuku! Leave it to me! Don't wait, I'll pause it for you!!!)
Okay!
I made my decision.
I touch Veldora, and begin Predation.
In a second, the giant Veldora disappeared from my view.
That was too quick.
He was speaking up until a second ago.
Having disappeared so suddenly… makes me lonely.
The skill highly depends on the target's resistance to being absorbed, but as expected of Velodra–no resistance what so ever.
Must say, I'm surprised I could absorb that huge body.
It seems that at the moment, my stomach is 25% occupied…
Just how big of a space have I got in there?
And…
<<Will you begin analysis of the unique skill [Endless Prison]? [YES]/[NO]?>>
I beg you!
As if in a prayer, I accepted.
.
.
Status
Name: Rimuru Tempest
Species: Slime
Divine Protection: the Storm Crest
Title: None
Magic: None
Techniques: Unique Skill [Great Sage], Unique Skill [Predator], Slime-Specific Skill [Dissolve], [Absorb], [Regeneration], skill [Hydraulic Propulsion], extra skill [Magic Perception]
Resistances: Thermal Fluctuation Resistance EX, Physical Damage Resistance, Pain Resistance, Electricity Resistance, Paralysis Resistance.
Chapter 05 – First Steps
On that day, an earthquake rippled across the world.
The calamity class monster Storm Dragon Veldora has disappeared.
The one sealed for 300 years, the living calamity.
His disappearance signifies his return somewhere in this world.
And yet, twenty days after the disappearance, the Western Saints Church declared his presence to have completely vanished.
.
.
Count Nidole Maigam remained indignant.
「That's bullshit!!!」
He cursed while remembering the Cardinal's words.
Cardinal Nicholas Shpertas.
Even the mention of his name evoked the Count's anger.
『The threat known as the Storm Dragon Veldora has disappeared. Therefore, the provisions and monetary support from the Saints Church shall be immediately halted.』
And having unilaterally so exclaimed, the cardinal ended the dicussion.
And more than ignoring anything they had to say, he even made them wait for three hours.
Though it is true that the emergency funds have been given to combat emergency…
But the lands bordering the Great Jura Forest – the Count's property – is the primary defense line of the entire Pharmas Kingdom.
That is, although Storm Dragon Veldora had been sealed, he was, nonetheless, a potent threat.
And even for monsters that was no exception.
No, actually, he was especially a threat for the monsters.
The fact that this threat has disappeared can only be attributed to monsters' movements.
Although Pharmas should be improving their defenses, they are cutting them instead.
This was the cause of Count Nidole Maigam's indignation.
And though the Western Saint's Church had valid reasons, none of them mattered to Nidole.
How should he protect his lands now?
He has the money for mercenaries.
Not the right time to be hiring adventurers.
As a last resort, he could appeal to the king… but just remembering the king's face induces despair.
It would be difficult to explain how the support funds received until now were used.
Without a threat, it is natural for defense spending to be cut.
And if this were handled poorly, he'd have to raise taxes.
Just the thought of caused Nidole to gramce.
On the way back to his domain in a carriage, his thoughts were filled with devising countermeasures.
Focusing only on monsters, Nidole could not have thought of anyone else to make use of.
.
Yet Nidole was not the only one troubled by the situation.
Pharmus Kingdom is a country of moderate strength. And thus, they have abstained from expanding the fontier.
And thus, there is little posing danger to them.
As Nidole expected, many cabinet ministers are planning to reduce defense spending.
However, other countries surronding the Jura forest may not do the same.
To not regret it later, each must come up with some countermeasures.
The kings and ministers of those are now hastily hosting emergency council to devise strategy.
One such troubled individual is the Baron Belouard, minister of the tiny country call Brumund.
「There could only be one reason for me to call you. You have heard about the Storm Dragon Veldora, I take it?」
With an overwhelming attitude, the Baron directed his question to the man who had entered the room.
Of short stature yet of serious appearance, the man never failed to maintain eye contact.
「Of course, Milord.」
Was the simple reply.
His voice was deep and corase.
「 Ay. As expected of a guild master! … is that what I should say?」
Baron Belouard snorted and continued as if spitting out every word.
「So, what is the guild planning on doing?」
「 Nothing in particular. No plans I am aware of.」
「 What? I didn't really get that… are you saying there are no countermeasures at all?」
「 Yes, we see no need for any.」
The guild master responded apathetically.
With an appearance that asked: Why would Baron Belouard be mad?
And although the Baron saw that attitude, he continued while ignoring it.
In the first place, whether his efforts would be answered…
「 What is necessary depends on the person, I imagine. The disappearance of the Storm Dragon is surely a plot by the monsters! Would we not need countermeasures against that?!」
「That's a funny thing you have said. Countermeasures are planned by a country. We are a Free Guild, not a group of volunteers, you know?」
It was so.
Their freedom lay in the fact that they were outside of the country's system.
Compared to the normal laborer, their lifestyle was not guaranteed.
However, basic social status was; moreover, they were granted appropriate land. Thus, they at least had the duty of paying taxes.
To explain, let's consider the example of a cook,
The cook who belongs to the country pays the social status tax along with a one appropriate for his income. For this, the country protects his life and property.
On the other hand, the guild cook pays significantly less in taxes. For the fee that he pays to the guild, he receives the guild protection of his persona.
However, protecting his property becomes his problem.
Also, a country cook can one day open a store in the castle, and have his children inherit it.
A guild one has no such privilege, and thus sets his store in the caste vicinity.
Moreover, should he even establish a successful store, his children cannot inherit it.
It from this fact, that citizens have acquired a deep-rooted prejudice and hatred for the Free Guilders.
Nor is this system unique only to Brumund. In fact, basically every country around follows the same rules.
On the other hand, the Free Guild has surpassed every regime in existence, and they possess the greatest organizational power…
Whether by coincidence or intention, they operate right under the country's nose while maintaining an underground society appearance.
「Protecting the citizens' property is the basic duty of a country, isn't it? Similarly, we have to protect our associates. Don't we both have it tough…」
Hearing these impudent words, Baron Belouard could no longer conceal his anger.
Since the morning, nothing has been going his way.
「Enough of this pointless chatter!!! From the Free Guild, how many soldiers can you send? How many adventurers excel at combat? How many can be used to protect this city?」
The Guild Master could only sigh.
「Make no mistake, we are not a volunteer group. If mobilized together with the country's forces, I could perhaps gather 10% of our associates, if you require any more, there has to be proper remunerations.」
There are ten million people living in Brumund.
Of the, seven thousand are guild members–their families not included in the count.
In the case of a joint exercise, the Free guild can provide 10% of its members (about 700 people in this case) who would serve the country.
As a side note, the guild members of this country cannot apply for membership in another country's guild. Thus, although they are free, there is clear allegiance.
Additionally, it will take time to make the joint mobilization official, and in the meantime the tax has to be agreed upon to be set at 20%.|
Force can be used, but that will definitely hurt the revenue.
And in the first place, it's not like the guild can immediately come up with appropriate tax levels for its members.
Moreover, implementing the tax and communication with the guild is nearly impossible.
Since half of its members are non-combatants.
Even a king understands this much.
For that reason, extortion is normally avoided… but this is no longer a normal situation.
The monsters are moving.
That, in itself, is a big reason.
But, it is not the main one…
「Enough. Hey, Hughes. What's on your mind?」
The Guild Master, no, Hughes was surprised at being suddenly called by his name.
And for the first time, he looked Baron Belouard right in the face.
「We had a non-aggression pact on the land where the Storm Dragon was sealed. Now, the Empire may choose to claim that root.」
「Exactly! Whether they were holding back around Veldora or afraid of damaging the seal… I don't know. However, they have begun to move!!!
Do you understand? If they claim that forest, all the surrounding countries will be swallowed up. To say the least of the Eastern Saint's Church abilities!
Those countries surrounding the Jura forest that fail to prepare properly will end up under the Empire in a blink of an eye!」
「The church… will not move. They care little for the mundane things. For them, it is defeating the demons that is their holy duty.」
「As you say. But if one knight were to decide to move, and unless the empire does something stupid… when not fighting monsters, they have to earn their keep, don't you think?」
「Impossible… for the church, the whole country can go under and it won't be any skin off their backs. Not like the church can strive to save every believer.」
Looking at the Baron's face, this is what Hughes thought.
He looks so exhausted.
It's not impossible, but he probably had been aging a year a day here.
The truth is, these two are childhood friends.
For the Baron, having intimacies and friendships be revealed public can become rather inconvenient.
And so, the two have made it seem like they were using each other, and acted as to display their hatred for each other.
This small country would be unable to weather the coming storms alone.
But, perhaps this is all just empty panic.
Yes, the Empire had begun to move, but it is not as if they had already invaded.
Just for the monsters, there are plenty of countermeasures.
「The Empire hadn't revealed its intentions yet, did it? Anyways, I'll go check it out by myself.
Don't expect much, but I'll try to see what is going on in Jura Forest and with the Empire's movements.」
「Sorry… and thanks.」
Right, what the empire will do is yet undecided.
And even if they move… rather, their attack will become a large scale war. Even they would not fare well against constant ambushes and skirmishes.
With a hundred thousand soldiers, they could surely crush every surrounding country.
But to that end, extensive preparation are needed.
At least… 3 years.
Can't say that is much time, but enough to carefully plan ahead.
「Anyways, I'm off to collect data. Early bird catches the worm, right?」
「Please…」
And with a nod, the two parted.
On their shoulders, a burden as heavy as a mountain.
.
Cardinal Nicholas Shpertas was welcoming Count Nidole Maigam's departure with a thin smile.
「That leech!」
He exclaimed with a benevolent smile and sighed.
Doesn't believe in god but just crowds around the Church's money and power.
Nicholas was testing Count Nidole Maigam.
And not just him.
All those in the church were thinking the same thing
「Those who believe in god should swear allegiance to the Holy Empire Ruberios!」
The Eastern Saint's Church took the Empire's faith and merely elected the Pope as their ruler.
As far as they are concerned, the Holy Empire is essentially the main temple, and their citizens are the Empire's believers.
Further, those living in other countries yet professing to believe must remember that deceit is punished.
As god comes before all.
Therefore, all those idiots making excuses against becoming the Empire's citizens do not deserve any mercy.
That is the opinion of every man serving under Nicholas regarding the Eastern Saint's Church.
Nicholas himself was of the opinion that heretics that do not believe in god should all be killed.
But there was a person who offered a scornful smile to those words.
World Traveler Sakadachi Hinata.
She said this,
『Waste of effort. It takes tremendous force to change the hearts of those who believe in other gods. Rather than that, lend them your hand, and accept theirs. That is the most proven method.』
『Save the people from monsters, and convince them that you represent justice. And, since wars aren't going to just up and disappear, in times of trouble offer support! Monsters are humanity's common enemy, but the same is not true for humanity, is it?』
『No need to pointlessly provoke aggression. Normal people are idiots, if you save them when they are in trouble, they'll quickly believe. Isn't that the entire raison d'etre of the church?』
The girl was pragmatic.
Neither promoting atheism, nor rejecting religion.
Just thoroughly use both.
For Nicholas, that seemed like a cool-headed approach.
Nicholas was watched with a sight so cold, it could kill
『All we need is to wait! Let the earthly countries' strength fall! And then, demand you dues!』
Those words caused him to shudder.
Was that excitement or fear?
Yet Nicholas obeyed.
And as a result, the church has changed greatly during these 10 years.
Their influence speaking for itself, in just 7 years they became a topic discussed in every nation.
Having achieved these things, Nicholas was promoted from a bishop to a cardinal.
And it was all thanks to that girl.
「Well, just as the girl said, there is a way to use even a leech…」
Nicholas was considering the current situation.
The Empire's movements are unclear, and the monsters are becoming increasingly active.
I'll definitely become busy from now on.
How will that girl move?
Might be a good idea to try contacting her.
Right now she would be..
To Imperial Guard directly under the Pope, Holy Knights Division Sakadachi
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