บท 4: Chapter 3: "Not" Normal
"Excuse me, miss, would you like some help carrying those bags?" a kind voice called out from behind.
Rimuru glanced over his shoulder, balancing a basket filled with fresh vegetables in one hand and a bag of rice in the other. "Oh, no need. I've got it, but thanks."
The man gave him a sheepish smile before walking away, leaving Rimuru to chuckle softly to himself.
Miss, huh? Rimuru thought, shifting the weight of the groceries in his arms. I guess I'm just going to have to get used to that.
He made his way to the next aisle, scanning the shelves for spices.
It had been so long since he'd done something as mundane as grocery shopping.
Back in cardinal world, everything had been chaos-battles, politics, rebuilding nations, making connections and resolving conflicts.. Also baby sitting a bunch of world ending monsters.
Here, though, in this quiet city, he could just... exist.
"This feels weirdly nostalgic," Rimuru murmured, picking up a jar of cinnamon. "Shopping for myself, worrying about what to eat tomorrow... It's almost relaxing."
He paused for a moment, eyeing the shelves with a growing sense of amusement. People around him continued to sneak glances, their whispers barely concealed.
"She's so beautiful."
"Is she a model or something?"
Rimuru didn't react, letting the comments roll off him.
Correcting them felt unnecessary.
He wasn't here to cause a scene, and honestly, he'd stopped caring.
Let them think what they want. It's not like it matters, he reasoned, placing the cinnamon into his basket.
As he approached the counter, the cashier-a young woman with a wide smile-looked up and immediately fumbled with her scanner. "W-Welcome! Did you find everything you need, ma'am?"
"Yep, all set," Rimuru replied casually, sliding his items forward.
The cashier's face turned pink as she quickly scanned the items. "Y-You have such amazing hair! What's your secret?"
Rimuru blinked, caught off guard. "Oh, uh... good genes?"
The girl giggled nervously, clearly taking his response at face value.
Rimuru just smiled politely, paid for his groceries, and exited the store, leaving behind a trail of admiring stares.
As he walked home, carrying his groceries, Rimuru glanced at the nearby electronics store.
Bright posters displayed the latest gadgets, televisions, and consoles, including the shiny new PS5.
"Hmm... Should I?" he muttered to himself, stepping closer to the window.
The thought of having a TV or a gaming console was tempting.
His house was sparse, with barely any furniture beyond a bed, a couch, and a table.
A week in this world, and he'd been living simply, almost spartan.
"I can't just keep reading books or baking all day," Rimuru reasoned aloud. "I should probably get something for entertainment. A PS5 wouldn't hurt, right? And a TV to go with it..."
He stared at the display for a while, mentally tallying his budget.
"Maybe tomorrow," he decided with a sigh, continuing his walk home.
As he turned the corner onto his street, Rimuru glanced at the quiet neighborhood, the golden hues of sunset painting the rooftops.
Despite the misunderstandings and his new reality, there was something peaceful about this life.
For now, he'd settle with his groceries, his baking, and his plans for a cozy little escape with some modern entertainment.
"What the-?" Rimuru stopped mid-step, his bag of groceries nearly slipping from his grip.
A streak of red zipped past him, moving faster than anything he had ever seen in this world.
To most, it might've been a blur, but Rimuru's eyes caught every detail.
The red suit, the glowing lightning design, and the emblem on the figure's chest-a bold lightning bolt enclosed in a circle.
"That's... not normal, he muttered, frowning. "I thought this was a normal world."
Still stunned, Rimuru broke into a brisk walk, heading straight back to his home.
Once inside, he dropped the groceries unceremoniously onto the counter and quickly activated his mental link.
"Ciel," he called, his voice edged with urgency.
There was no response.
"Ciel, what's going on?" he tried again, his tone more insistent this time.
Silence greeted him.
His brows furrowed. "That's not like her..."
Concerned, Rimuru began preparing to open a portal back to his world, his fingers weaving the energy almost instinctively. Before he could finish, Ciel's voice finally echoed in his mind.
"Apologies, my lord. I was occupied."
"Occupied? What happened?" Rimuru asked, a mixture of relief and exasperation in his voice.
"Veldora and Milim... had another quarrel over food. It escalated. I had to clean up their mess."
Rimuru pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing deeply. "Of course they did. Why am I not surprised?"
He shook his head, brushing the thought aside. "Anyway, I need answers. What kind of world is this? I just saw someone-someone wearing red-running faster that sound.. Like way faster"
Ciel responded immediately, her tone calm and informative. "This world is unique. It is inhabited by cosmic entities, gods, and various magical races. Additionally, there are individuals with extraordinary powers, often referred to as meta-humans."
Rimuru's face fell. "Meta-humans? You're telling me this isn't a normal world?"
"It is more 'normal' compared to your previous existence, my lord, and gods are also pretty common here so you will fit in oerfectly" Ciel explained patiently. "But, by my parameters, this world is still exceptional in its own way."
Rimuru groaned. "Right. Your parameters."
He slumped onto the couch, resting his head on the backrest as he processed the information. "I specifically asked for a normal world, but I guess your definition is a bit... loose."
"If you wish, I can prepare a way to leave-"
"No," Rimuru interrupted, sitting up straight. "I've already started something here. I can't just abandon it now. I'll figure out what to do somehow"
He bid farewell to Ciel for now and turned his focus inward.
Pulling up the Akashic Records, he sifted through its knowledge.
Information about this world's history and its so-called heroes trickled into his mind like a stream.
Groaning at the new knowledge, so much for normal
He leaned back, glancing at the groceries he'd left on the counter.
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