Chương 12: Slice of life 1 - part 2

The evening prior to the trial, within the confines of a cell in Dwargon Palace...

"And that's how the chess pieces move," Mamoru concluded, explaining the intricacies of the game to Kaijin and the dwarf brothers.

"Truly fascinating," commented Kaijin, stroking his beard in contemplation.

"The craftsmanship of these pieces is commendable, despite a few imperfections," remarked Dord, inspecting the wooden chess pieces.

"I find them to be just fine, although they could be a bit heavier. Perhaps crafting them from stone would provide a more satisfying feel," suggested Garm.

"Mm-hmm," Myrd nodded in agreement.

"He still refuses to speak!" complained Rimuru.

"Maybe you should play a game with Gobta. He's quite skilled at it and has the potential to become as strong as Rimuru or I," Mamoru suggested.

"Really, Mamoru-sama?" Gobta asked eagerly.

"No," Mamoru replied.

Gobta - "ah."

...

Several games later, the dwarfs and Gobta, feeling sleepy, decided to go to sleep. Only Mamoru and Rimuru remained awake.

Mamoru and Rimuru sat together, engaged in a conversation about their current situation. The topic of loneliness came up as they reflected on their own experiences.

"Mamoru, have you ever felt alone?" Rimuru asked, curious to hear his friend's perspective.

Mamoru paused for a moment, contemplating the question. "Loneliness... it's a peculiar feeling," he replied. "There have been times when I've felt isolated, but I've learned to find contentment in my own company."

Rimuru nodded, understanding the sentiment. "I can relate to that. Being a slime, I spent a considerable amount of time alone before meeting all of you. But now, I have a sense of belonging and companionship."

As they delved deeper into the topic, Mamoru's thoughts shifted to Veldora, the mighty dragon who resided within Rimuru's stomach. "Speaking of loneliness, Veldora might be feeling it more than anyone else," Mamoru remarked.

Rimuru nodded, understanding Mamoru's sentiment. "You know, you could pay him a visit," Rimuru proposed, a spark of excitement in his eyes.

Mamoru's eyebrows arched in surprise. "Visit him? But wouldn't that require me to enter your stomach?"

Rimuru chuckled, diminishing Mamoru's concerns. "Ah, don't worry about that. Veldora resides in a unique space within me. I can send you directly to him, and you won't be consumed in the traditional sense."

"Say no more," Mamoru interjected, rising to his feet. "I'm ready whenever you are."

As Mamoru stood ready, Rimuru's body expanded, gradually enveloping Mamoru in a swift motion, and in an instant, Mamoru vanished into the depths of Rimuru's being.

...

"Aaaah-" Mamoru gasped, his voice abruptly cut off as he was engulfed by the slimy substance. In the blink of an eye, he found himself transported to a space shrouded in complete darkness. "Phew, that was quite an experience..."

Not complete darkness, as a large dragon could be seen from behind, lying down and wagging its tail.

Veldora sensed Mamoru's presence and quickly turned around to face him.

"FUAHA AHAH, you missed me so much that you already want to see me!" he exclaimed, before lowering his voice. "You two had so much fun together, didn't you?"

*Ahem* "I'm sure you had some fun too, didn't you? Weren't you reading manga just now?" Mamoru asked the True Dragon, a knowing smile on his face.

Veldora tilted his head in confusion, and Mamoru pointed to the stack of manga volumes behind him.

"Ah, you mean the holy scriptures!" Veldora exclaimed. "Yes, HAHAHA... but wait, as an otherwolder, don't you have any holy scriptures to share with me?" he asked eagerly.

Even though they were friends, Mamoru saw an opportunity to his advantage in this situation. They both decided to make a bet. If Veldora won, he would receive the holy scri-manga, and if Mamoru won, he would be rewarded with a cup filled with the true dragon's blood.

They sat face to face, and Mamoru realized that he had a checkmate in two moves. While waiting for Veldora's turn, he engaged in conversation with the Shrewd One.

'Hey, can you analyze the space we're in? I want to know if I can get out on my own,' he asked Shrewd One.

{Notice. Initiating analysis...}

Afterward, Veldora made a crucial mistake with his move, leading to Mamoru's victory in the game.

*ROOAARR*

"NOOO! MY HOLY SCRIPTURE!" pleaded Veldora in despair.

"Ahaha, don't worry. I'll give you some when I find paper to write them on," Mamoru reassured Veldora. After pondering for a moment, he continued, "Actually, I should be able to find some tomorrow. I'll give them to Rimuru once I'm done."

"It's a promise," said Veldora as he shook Mamoru's hand, or rather, Mamoru's hand shook Veldora's nail.

After that, Veldora filled a cup with his own blood, as Mamoru's fangs couldn't pierce through his thick skin.

"Savor the blood of the great Storm Dragon, Veldora Tempest, little bat!" exclaimed the overgrown lizard.

"Will do," Mamoru said before gulping down the cup in one shot. "Ah, that was so good!" he exclaimed, tapping his leg in ecstasy.

"FUAHA HAHA of course it was-" Veldora started to say, but Mamoru's attention was drawn elsewhere...

...

«Announcement; Unique Skill [Investigator] acquired.»

«Announcement; Intrinsic Skill [Dragon Spirit Haki] acquired.»

«Announcement; Intrinsic Skill [Universal Sense] acquired.»

'Mmh, Shrewd, can you block the VoW?' asked Mamoru.

{Notice. [Shrewd One} has not the authority to block the Voice of the World.}

«Announcement; Intrinsic Skill [Universal Shapeshift] ...

Tolerances Skills:

-Pain Nullification

-Physical Attack Nullification

-Natural Effects Nullification

-Abnormal Condition Nullification

-Spiritual Attack Nullification

-Holy-Demonic Attack Resistance

Magic;

True Dragon Magic;

Storm Magic:

-Death-Heralding Wind

-Black Lightning

-Storm of Destruction

-Storm Blast

... Acquired.»

'Jackpot!' thought Mamoru when the VoW finally finished its announcement.

...

Veldora and Mamoru bid their goodbyes as it was already a new day, and the trial was fast approaching.

Utilizing his Ultimate Skill, "Traveler God Khonsu," Mamoru waved one final time at Veldora before reappearing in his cell.

Now, they had no choice but to wait for the trial to commence.

-----

AN: Even if a skill is copied, if the skill required too much magicules, Mamoru can't use it unless he has enough magicules or tap in his reserve. Thank you for your attention.