《That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime》 Chapter 1 - Prologue: Death and Rebirth A life so normal that nothing can be said about it. After leaving college, I joined a major general contractor firm and am living alone now at the age of 37. Having no girlfriend. Filial duty left to my older brother, my life is essentially that of an independent, single noble. Neither short of height, or wanting of a good face. Yet unpopular. I have tried exhorting effort into finding a girlfriend ¨C and have confessed thrice! ¨C but after being dumped, my heart is left shattered. Well, having reached this age, I can honestly say that this romance thing is naught but troublesome. And although you could say that I am mostly busy with work, it''s not like I am troubled by not having one. It''s not like I am making excuses¡­ really. "Senpai! Sorry for keeping you waiting!" With a cheerful smile the young man approaches me. And, by his side¨Ca beauty. More specifically, the young man, Tamura, is a junior at the same company I work at; the one by his side is our company''s renowned Madonna, the receptionist Sawatari-san. Yep, I have been asked by these guys to offer consultation on their upcoming marriage. And by the way, this is the reason why I started wondering about my own unpopularity.The after-work rendezvous was held at an intersection, and there the two hoped to indulge my thoughtfulness and support. "Yeah. So, what kind of advice are you looking for?" I ask while greeting Sawatari-san. "Hello, pleased to meet you. My name is Sawatari Miho. Although we have seen each other before, this would be the first time we are speaking, right? Makes me nervous, somehow." And in the first place, with no apparent love experience, what kind of advice can I even offer? Aren''t you all just poking fun at me! It''s spite, isn''t it. "Hello. I am Mikami Satoru. No need to be nervous or anything. Sawatari-san is famous with us, so I know who you are even without the introduction. About Tamura¨Cwe went to the same University, you know, so we''ve had lots to talk about. After which we naturally hung out a bit." "What''s this about being famous? Are there weird rumors floating about?" "Yeah. Like having had an affair with Chief X, or going on dates with Ykun¨Cthings like that." It was all just teasing, of course. And although I intended these to be just some light jokes, Sawatari-san''s face turned bright red and she looked at me with watery eyes. Hate to admit it, but she looked adorable. Well, my jokes lack both delicacy or tact, and I am often told to keep my mouth shut¡­ but I end up saying them anyways. Yep, failed again, huh? Yep, I am just bad with women. And as if on cue, in steps Tamura, lightly tapping her shoulders. Damn it, Tamura you bastard! It''s these situations where you riajuu[1] should just all explode! I should shout this, right? "Senpai, please leave it at that! And, Miho, you are just being teased!" "My bad. I''m just not that good with women. And, well, the location doesn''t help much, does it? Let''s get something to eat and talk there." It''s just jealousy, after all. And just when I thought so¡­ Kyaaaaaaaaaa! Screams. Confusion. What? What''s going on? "Move it! I''ll kill you!" Turning to the sound of the voice, a man brandishing a knife and holding a bag is running towards us. I hear the scream. I see the man. I see the knife. Where is it pointing? At¡­. "Tamuraaa!" *Dosu* There''s a burning pain in my back. "Tch, damn hindrance!" Having shouted thus, I see the man escaping and turn to make sure Tamura and Sawatari-san are safe. With a shout that resembled no words, Tamura runs up to me. Sawatari-san is stunned by the sudden turn of events, but appears without other injury¡­ thank god. That being that, my back burns. Feelings of pain aside, it just burns. What''s up with this? It''s too hot¡­ can''t it let off a bit? [Confirmed. Establishing heat resistance. Success] Could it be¡­ was I stabbed? Can''t be dying from a stab wound¡­. "Senpai¡­ there''s blood coming out¡­ it''s not stopping¡­ its ain''t¡­" What''s up with this loud guy. Feel like his voice was strange just now; well, that much can be expected from Tamura. But blood? Yeah, that''s clearly leaving. I am human, after all. When stabbed, I bleed! But pain is unpleasant, isn''t it¡­. [Confirmed. Removing perception of pain. Success] Well¡­ this is bad, right? Pain and impatience are muddling my senses. "Ta¡­ Tamura¡­ you are damn loud. It¡­ is not that big of deal, right? Stop worrying¡­" I tried to smile but it turns out to be so hard. "Senpai¡­ the blood¡­ you keep¡­" his face is pale, on the verge of tears, Tamura continues to hold me. That''s the face that is the ruin of handsome men. [Confirmed. Creating a bloodless body. Success] ''Hey, you, what''s this you''ve been going on about the past few minutes¡­.'' I try to speak, but no words come out. This is bad, maybe I really will die¡­. But hey, I no longer feel neither pain nor the burning. But it''s cold. So cold, and nothing I can do about it. What''s with this¡­ I am too busy of a man to be freezing in this cold. [Confirmed. Establishing cold resistance. Success.] [Additionally, heat resistance has successfully evolved into ] At that time, the dying brain cells of mine, with a flash of inspiration, have remembered the truly important things! Yes! The contents of my PC hard drive! Thus I, having summoned the remainder of my strength, have conveyed the matters of most grave importance. [Confirmed. Attempting full format of all information. Error, impossible due to lack of definition.] [Attempting alternate interpretation. Establishing electricity resistance. Success. Additionally, paralysis resistance has been acquired] I don''t know exactly what Tamura was saying at that moment, while giving me that blank look. But, I understood the meaning of what was said. "Haha¡­ that''s so like Senpai¡­" He said with a bitter smile. Who would even want to look at a man''s crying face? That grin is so many times better. "You know, I¡­ about Sawatari, I wanted to show her off to Senpai¡­" Heh, I knew it.. .this bastard. "Tch¡­ jeez. I''ve forgiven all of it, so your girlfriend, make her happy, got it? And take care of my PC¡­" The last of my strength, was only enough to say that much. Completely unsatisfied, Mikami Satoru died. And at that instant, Mikami Satoru''s "soul" linked with a spawned monster in another world. Into a dimensional crack so small that no eye could see. His soul linked with a mass of magic essence. This mass of magic essence was the source that bring forth monsters, and to Mikami Satoru who had linked to it, with his thoughts as the base, the mass constructed him a body. What is normally is essentially an impossibility with an astronomically small chance of occurrence, Mikami Satoru was reborn as a monster in another world. A life so normal that nothing can be said about it. After leaving college, I joined a major general contractor firm and living alone now at the age of 37. Having no girlfriend. Filial duty left to my older brother, my life is essentially that of an independent, single noble. Thus, a v?r??n. Unbelievable, departing the world without ever been put to use¡­ my ''son'' must be crying right now. Sorry, I never could make you into an ?du?t¡­ When I am reborn, we''ll change things around. Go on the offensive with a bang. Call them out, and go on devouring spree¡­. But that''s no good, is it? [Confirmed. Unique skill has been acquired] And well, at almost forty years old, the thirty year old v?r??n that I am, in a magical world would certainly be a sage¡­ heck, a great sage wouldn''t be out of the question, would it? [Confirmed. Extra skill has been acquired.] [Additionally, extra skill has successfully evolved into unique skill ] ¡­.Ehh, the hell you''ve been on about? The hell is ! Are you making fun of me? It isn''t even a bit unique! I am not laughing here! So rude.. Thinking that, I went to sleep. ''So this is death, huh¡­ not as lonesome as I thought.'' Those were Mikami Satoru''s last thoughts before he left this world [1] A person with successful/fulfilling life, object of envy also object for explosion target for Otakus. Chapter 2 - Lets Find Out What I Can Do It''s dark. The darkness envelopes all, preventing me from seeing any shape or figure. Where am I? Besides, what had happened? Wasn''t there someone making fun of me, calling me a¡­ sage?¡­ no, a great sage. With that thought, I regained consciousness. My name is Mikami Satoru. A 37 year old, nice guy. While saving my kouhai[1] from a some street slasher, I got stabbed instead. Alright~, remembered. I''m okay. No time for panic. And really, could a cool guy like me even panic? Hah. That''s as likely as a grade school kid shi**ing his pants. When I tried to look around, I finally noticed. I can''t open my eyes. That problem aside, when I attempted to touch my head¡­ I noticed my arms don''t respond. And even more perplexing is the fact that I cannot tell where my head is. Alright, time to panic. Oi, oi, give me a sec here. 1, 2, 3, Daaaaa!!! Wrong! That''s not right. One is not a prime number, is it? No no, who cares about that. No time for this foolishness. I mean, aren''t I in trouble? Are~? Hey, what the heck happened? Maybe¡­ I mean what if it is too late to even consider panicking? Gathering my thoughts, I confirmed that I am in no way in pain. No pain. Feeling pretty good. Neither hot nor cold. Actually, a really comfortable atmosphere they''ve got here. Next, let''s check the limbs. Forget about them fingertips, I can''t even move a muscle¡­ How could that be? It''s not like one can lose their arms and legs from being stabbed¡­ so what happened? And still, I cannot open my eyes. Without seeing anything, I am in utter darkness. Dread and unease slowly creep their way into my heart. Could this¡­ be what they call a vegetative state? Consciousness separated from nerve endings¨Cimmobile¡­ is this what it is? No, no, no, no! Please don''t let that be true! And yeah, both outcomes would be terrible. But to be alone in this darkness, without any senses¡­ isn''t that just hell? Having imagined the worst scenario, panic has quickly turned into despair. I want to think it over. They say that when people are confined in darkness, they quickly go mad. I happen to be in that state right now, and cannot even kill myself. Rather than despairing, the only thing I can do is go insane, huh? And then, *Touch* There was a sense of touch. Hmm? What is¡­ With a horizontal stroke across my belly (?), I felt something akin to grass. Focusing my entire consciousness on that area, I slowly began to make out the shape of my body. And by the way, the grass''s tip felt prickly against my body. It kind of made me happy. Yet, I''m still in complete darkness. And although I regained only one of the five senses, I could finally feel again. Amused, I decided to try to head towards that grass. *Zururi[2]* I could feel my body move. It¡­ moved?! At that time, I was pretty certain that I was not on top of a hospital bed. Under my belly (?) I could feel some hard ¨C rock, maybe. Moreover, my eyes still can''t see. Can''t hear anything either, but it could be just that I''ve gone deaf. Although I don''t know if i am facing it or not ¨C I can''t feel my head, after all ¨C I''ll head towards the grass. I''ll learn about myself through contact. No scent in the air either. Could it be? Did I also lose the sense of smell? And seriously, I just can''t understand the shape of my body. I really don''t want to accept it, but it seems sleek, jelly like¨Cthe kind that is really famous in RPGs¨Cthe appearance of that kind of monster. I have been entertaining that possibility in the back of my head for a while now. No, no¡­ there''s no way. I mean, no matter how¡­ it just can''t be. For the time being, let''s set those fears aside. But¡­ I don''t even know where my mouth is. What to do¡­? "Activate Unique Skill¡ºPredator¡»? YES/NO" Suddenly, there was a voice in the back of my head. Wha¡­ what was that? Unique Skill¡ºPredator¡»¡­? And¡­ what was that voice? I thought I heard a strange voice while talking to Tamura before, but I guess I wasn''t just hearing things, huh¡­ Is someone there? Yet, somehow that doesn''t fit. More than someone being here¡­ it''s more like words appearing in my mind. The voice lacks intent; like the voice that would come from a computer, calling it synthesized would perhaps be most accurate. For now¡­ [NO!] is my response. I am Japanese who can say no, after all. Bringing up the words [NO] in my mind, I wait for a response. Yet it did not come. I waited for a bit, but felt no voice. Seems like I won''t be getting a second question. Did I choose wrongly? Could this be a game that ends when I don''t choose [YES]? I thought that it would be the same as in an RPG¨Cthe same question repeating until I chose [YES]¡­ I guess I was wrong. Asking a question and then leaving¡­ what a rude guy. Though I have to admit, hearing a voice did make me slightly happy. I slightly regretted the decision. Well, nothing can be done now. I guess I''ll go back to trying to taste something. I moved my body towards that piece of grass. While verifying my sense of touch, I leaned my body on the piece of grass. I envelop the object with my body to confirm what it is¡­ and I was right¨Cit is, in fact, grass. While touching the grass, the piece that was in contact with my body melted. And while I was worried that my body had melted, it seems to have been the grass only. And thus, I understood that by melting the grass it was incorporated into my body. It seems, the grass melted because it entered my body. In other words, rather than enveloping it, I seem to have swallowed it. And by the way¡­ it had no taste. This is, in other words, that kind of thing. I''m not a human. That is, I seem to have died from that stab wound, right? And that was not a question, I am completely certain of this fact. And thus, rather than a hospital bed, I can confidently say that I am at some rocky place where grass grows. What happened to Tamura? And Sawatari-san? Has my PC been properly disposed of? Some suspicions still remain. But, fretting over this won''t achieve anything at this point. I have to decide what to do next. Actually, wait a moment. The me right now, is anything happening to me? And by the way, that earlier sensation¡­ I once again directed my consciousness to myself. *Puyon. Puyon[3]* My body moves with rhythmic motion. In that pitch black darkness, I spent some time to figure out my appearance. And¡­ What a discovery! I used to be simply handsome, but now I have this sleek and sophisticated body style! Bah, are you an idiot! Don''t accept it~!!! From all that I have gathered about my body, only that description seems appropriate. No no, you know, that description. I don''t hate it, right? Yeah. Some could even call it cute, after all. But well¡­ If you were asked "Would you want to become one?", I''d say 90 percent of people would reply the same way. However, all I can do is accept this situation. It seems that I have reincarnated as a slime. *Mosha mosha[4]* *Mosha mosha mosha* I am eating grass. Why? It''s obvious! I. HAVE. NOTHING. TO. DO! Since I have accepted, albeit grudgingly, the fact that I became a slime, a day has passed. The first concern on my mind was, of course, food. I first tried to see if this slime body can feel hunger. For that purpose, I first checked my surroundings and found a place where grass seemed to be abundant. On that note, I need to point out that the first grass was right by my side. When needed, I could eat it, and it''s sap seems to be usable in its own way. Being stuck in this complete darkness, I am very lucky to have had it so close. Even basic motion could result in death, after all. And so, let''s experiment. After counting fifty thousand sheep, I got bored. I tried to see if I would fall asleep, but don''t feel even a little bit tired. I tried counting prime numbers, but didn''t know the next one, so I gave up. Shiritori[5] by oneself is also pointless¡­ is there a way to kill time by yourself? If there was Internet, I could waste my time away endlessly; cellphone games would also do. But this¡­ this is torture. Meditating like an ascetic monk is impossible for an amateur like me. One thing I am still uncertain about: where any animals run around here. There have been no signs of them until now. Well, having no sight, hearing, or smell I can''t say there have been none close by until now, but I haven''t been attacked by one until now, at least. Thanks to that, without fearing for my life, I am leisurely living. That is the conclusion I reached after heroically suffering this (mental) agony. I do not feel hunger. Nor do I need sleep. Seriously, my stomach neither craved food nor did I ever d?s?r? sleep. As to how many days had passed¨CI could not tell in this darkness. Nor have I heard that strange voice again. If I had, I wouldn''t mind playing along now. Thus, since I have nothing to do¡­ I am eating grass. Since I have no other way to kill time, I am quietly munching on some grass. Now, I''ve accumulated and dissolved so much grass in my body that I can sense it. If you asked what purpose that served, I would confidently respond: none. I am just afraid that if I don''t do something, I''ll go crazy. I''ve gotten used to the routine around here. First [Absorb], then [Disassemble], end with [Store], and then repeat. And that''s where I found a point to investigate. Lacking an appetite brings forth another question: what about excretion? Clearly food is unnecessary for this body, but what about excretion? The answer was¡­ it''s unnecessary! I have yet to excrete anything after all this time. Being a slime and all it is not unexpected for this things to be unnecessary, but, in that case, what is this [Store] thing all about? From what I''ve noticed, I haven''t been changing in any way. But in that case, what happens with what I eat? "Solution. It is stored in the stomach ?ssociated with Unique Skill¡ºPredator¡». At this moment, less than 1% is occupied." What? A response©`©`©`! But, since when have I been using that skill? I''ve selected [NO], after all¡­ "Solution. Unique Skill ¡ºPredator¡»has not been activated. Substances entering into the body are automatically stored. This function is modifiable." Huh¡­ The responses are much more smoother now. Not that it''s important. About the skill, what will happen if I use it? "Solution. The effects of Unique Skill¡ºPredator¡»are¡­ Predation: To absorb the target into the body. However, if the target is conscious, the success rate greatly decreases. The affected targets include organic matter, inorganic matter, skills, and magic. Analysis: The absorbed target is studied and analyzed. Craftable items can then be produced. Should many items gather, a duplicate can be produced. In the case of successful skill or magic analysis, the same technique can be acquired. Stomach: The target can be stored. Items produced can also be stored. There is no storage time limit. Mimicry: Replicate the target''s appearance. The skills and abilities used by the target can also be used. However, this depends on the successful analysis and acquisition of relative information regarding the target. Isolation: Materials harmful or unnecessary for analysis can also be stored. They will be used to replace magic energy. These five points are your power" Eh¡­? EH? It''s been a while since I last trembled with excitement. Somehow, I just heard of some incredible power¡­Such an amazing ability has never been held by a slime before. Wait, before that. The voice that hears my questions, what is this? Is there someone there. "Solution. This is an effect of the Unique Skill¡ºGreat Sage¡». For the sake of quickly utilizing your skills, a response function has been added" Great sage, huh¡­ A title I thought was given out to spite me. To think it would be so reliable now. From now on, I''ll depend on it more. That being said, this is a pretty good situation. This could be the end to this isolation I thought eternal. Perhaps this "Voice" is only an auditory hallucination I made myself. Well, that would be fine in its own way. And thus, since a long time ago, my heart has felt at ease. Status Name: Mikami Satoru Race: Slime Title: None Magic: None Abilities: Unique Skill¡ºGreat Sage¡» Unique Skill¡ºPredator¡» Slime Natural Skill¡ºDissolve, Absorption, Self Regeneration¡» Resistances: Thermal Fluctuation Resistance EX Physical Attack Resistance Pain Nullification Electricity Resistance Paralysis Resistance [1] Junior. [2] Sfx for slipping [3] Sfx for jiggling/bouncing like jelly. [4] Sfx for munching, eating something crunchy. [5] Japanese word game, using the final kana of the first word for the basis of the next word and so on Chapter 3 - First Contract At the moment, it has been 90 days since I have reincarnated. To be precise, 90 days, 7 hours, 34 minutes, and 52 seconds. How can I be so sure? It''s a function of the Unique Skill¡ºGreat Sage¡». Iya~, this skill sure is convenient! ¡ºGreat Sage¡» Saves The Day! Because it answers any question. According to it, for the skill to establish itself in this body 90 days are needed. And that would be "establish" in this world''s sense. I mean, I was sure that I had possessed that skill since the beginning, but that was true only regarding my soul. Until now, it had been accessing and usurping the "Voice of the World", or so it explained. But damn I didn''t get any of that. It seems that normally a convenient skill that answers any question doesn''t exist. The "Voice of the World" is only audible when the world changes, a skill is acquired, or undergoes an¡ºEvolution¡». To answer my questions, the ¡ºGreat Sage¡» skill had been appropriating that particular function. I hadn''t heard of such an existence in my world, but it seems to be pretty normal here. In any case, things like skill acquisition and¡ºEvolution¡»are not everyday occurrences. When the world had recognized significant growth ¨C and in rare cases! ¨C it will grant a skill. ¡ºEvolution¡», on the other hand, transcends the common sense. Well¡­ still am not certain whether I really got any of that, but nothing to do but to accept it. If I don''t talk to it, it won''t come asking questions. And that''s a shame. However, I am just happy to have a one-way conversation with someone. Though talking to my own skill¡­ most would call me simply delusional, eh? And so, since I had nothing else to do in this darkness, I kept asking questions. As a result, I have confirmed that I am, in fact, a slime (Viscous Life-form = Non-rare life-form). Lack of hunger and need to sleep had also been explained. The slimes of this world could absorb magic essence, and thus have no need for physical nourishment. Where there is poor magic essence concentration, monsters and small animals serve as an alternative. And so in this world, unexpectedly, the slimes in the regions with poor magic essence are extremely violent and strong. Wouldn''t you expect regions with abundant magic essence be homes to strong monsters instead? In other words, in the place with a lot of magic essence like where I am now is a place where food is unnecessary. "Solution. Slime bodies are a composition of identical cells. Every cell serves as brain cell, nerve ending, and muscle at the same time. Thus, as thought process is undertaken by different cell at different times, sleep is unnecessary" And that was that. So where are my memories stored? Perhaps, it''s like a PC HDD with RAID setup, right? When thinking that, I got a"Roughly so" response. This ¡ºGreat Sage¡» guy seems pretty good at holding conversation[1]. And so, I got to wondering what the effects of ¡ºGreat Sage¡» were¡­ "Solution. Unique Skill¡ºGreat Sage¡» has the following effects¡­ Analysis and Judgment: Ability to analyze and make judgments regarding a target. Parallel Processing: Ability to detach thoughts and analysis of phenomenon. Chant Annulment: When using magic, there''s no need to chant. All of Creation: Ability to comprehend all non-concealed phenomenon in this world. These five are your abilities." And that was that. But, All of Creation? Could it be that I have obtained all the knowledge in the world without lifting a finger?! Or so I thought but¡­ In reality, depending on the information I understand and the things I know about, additional information can be inferred. In other words, I need to see it at least once, but for the matters that I have seen¨Cthose I understand through this power. The answer is [YES]. With this in mind, there is no need to memorize magic. Tried to see if that would work with ¡ºGreat Sage¡», and of course, it didn''t. And then I got an idea. Could I link together¡ºPredator¡»''s Analysis and ¡ºGreat Sage¡»''s Parallel Processing? "Solution. Linking ¡ºPredator¡»''s Analysis and ¡ºGreat Sage¡»''s Parallel Processing is possible. Will you link the abilities? [YES]/[NO]?" Of course, [YES]! But well, it''s not like I have anything to analyze¡­ wait a second! That which has been collecting in my stomach¨Cthe grass I ate to kill time. What is it? Since I got nothing to do anyways, might as well analyze it. ? ? ? "Analysis has been completed¡­ Hipokte Grass: Used to create ointment. Only grows in areas with abundant magic essence. If grass''s sap is combined with magic essence, a restorative medicine can be created. If the grass is ground up and combined with magic essence, an ointment to stop bleeding can be created." Woah! All that weed I have been storing to kill time¡­ So I quickly began production of energy restoration pills and ointment. Though I say "I began" production, my body does most by itself so I don''t really feel it. Taking only a second to analyze, and three seconds to produce¡­ after five minutes I can make a hundred of these! I had no finished product to compare it to, but when I judged it as a high quality. I might be satisfied with the result. And wasn''t analysis compiled way too quickly? I mean, wouldn''t you expect it to take more time? Linking Parallel Processing was definitely the correct decision. Out of curiosity, I decided to cancel the link and try to make one. It took 50 minutes. Processing time has become terrifyingly short¡­ I seem to have gotten my hands on a wonderful skill. While being unconscious, that is¡­ There''s plenty of weed being used up inside of me, and most of the grass around here seems to be the Hipokte kind. Since it might be needed later, I might as well devour all the grass around here. And at the same time, medicine is being produced. What to say? I''m still stuck in darkness. Nothing else to do (that I can do) around here. At this time I was completely off guard. Though my skill was passive, I had been high on finally having a conversation partner (?). And during these 90 days, I had never met another living thing, nor had any threat to my life. Whatever the reason, I became negligent. *Pochan!* (Attention: The person in question cannot hear. Please enjoy this objective sound effect) Eh? That''s all the time I had to think as it happened. My body had suddenly become light ¨C or was it heavy?¡­ a bizarre situation. Had I¡­ fallen in water? During these 90 days, I have never had the experience of falling in water. That is, I was either in a cavern or inside some structure and have thus become negligent. I seem to have fallen into some river. Since there could hardly be a river inside some building, could I possibly be in an underground lake or something like that? Until recently, since I saw nothing at all, I had been carefully taking every step. But while I was busy eating grass and listening to the skill''s explanations I seem to have¡­ Forgotten to check my footing. I''m always like that! Always getting high off good luck. Even at my company. ¡¸Leave it to me! It''s a piece of cake!¡¹ Due to those words I''ve seen hell many times. I could still see the resentment in the eyes of my Senpai. And seriously, what kind of idiot runs around in total darkness? Damn it¡­ I want to beat the crap out of myself. If I live, that''s what I''ll do. Or so I say, but I''ll probably regret without reflecting¡­ And well, I''ve got time. Actually, I''ve got no feet to flap in the water with, so it''s not like I can even panic in this situation. I guess that''s it. What a short human life¡­ no it was a slime life. Preparing to suffer from lack of air, I have said my goodbyes. ¡­ ... ...¡­ And yet I did not feel any suffering. Why? Did I not fall into water? At times like this¡­ ¡ºGreat Sage¡» Saves The Day! Let''s quickly ask a question. "Solution. Slime bodies move with magic essence. Since oxygen is unnecessary, breathing does not occur." Huh¡­ I wasn''t paying attention, but I guess I really aren''t breathing. I see. After 90 days, I have again become a bit smarter. That being so, I seem to have really fallen into water. Not a situation where I will die, but still an unpleasant one. What to do¡­ I don''t even know whether I am floating or sinking. Since I don''t have hands or feet, I don''t think I can swim. If I sink to the bottom, could I crawl my way to surface? And if I am floating, would I flowing around like this? Rather than flowing, it feels like I''m begin cradled. Like slowly rocked in an embrace¨Ca rather pleasant feeling, but¡­ I guess I am not flowing anywhere. Rather than a river, this is probably a lake. Doesn''t feel like I am getting carried somewhere, after all. Floating, sinking, with no indication of ever reaching the bottom. This could last forever, for all I know. This is an rather bad situation. What to do¡­ And then, My brain cells = slime body had devised a terrifying plan! What would happen if I predate a lot of water and then expel it like a water jet to move? Having thought of that, I immediately tested it. Nothing else to do, after all! But that this decision would lead to a fateful encounter, that I could not have known¡­ I am glad I had this idea. To say the least, had I went in a different direction, this meeting would never had happened. But, as if led by fate, I went into this direction. And so, predating enough water to fill about 10% of my stomach (¡ùThe person in question is unaware, but water levels drastically decreased). And in one breath, I released it. I completely lost my sense of place. "Skill¡ºHydraulic Propulsion¡»has been acquired." I suddenly heard a voice in my head. That''s the first time I consciously hear it. That is the "Voice of the World". Since ¡ºGreat Sage¡» never starts a conversation I can''t be mistaken, but otherwise it''s exactly the same. But, I don''t even have an ounce of time to verify that hypothesis! . With a *Zugun!* a feeling of acceleration envelopes my body¡­ is this what if feels like to fly through the air? (At this point, in the direction I thought I wanted to move in)¡­ I was shot out there. Hate to admit it, but maybe it''s a good thing I can''t see. Even in this complete darkness, the sheer speed at which I a feel I am moving is terrifying. Correction. No, if I could see I''d still feel at least half as afraid¡­ but not seeing is scary in its own way. If you had ridden on a roller coaster in a dimly lit amusement park, you could sympathize with what I am feeling¡­ maybe. In my life? The one time I had gone to a rat infested amusement park is all the experience I have. And besides, in this case there is no such thing as safety belts. I really should kick myself for coming up with this water jet propulsion idea. Act then think? Idiot! Checking safety is the first step! *Apapapapapa?????????* Can''t even focus my thoughts out of fear. Would this flight continue forever? And seriously, how much momentum did I even throw out? When I thought that, . *Don! Boyon!!! Gororom zudon!!!* . And then intense pain¡­ there was none. Hmm? Did I not receive any damage¡­ or maybe, even if I received damage, do I not feel any pain? "Solution. Due to having acquired Pain Nullification, you do not feel any pain. Due to the Physical Attack Resistance damage has been reduced. Currently, the damaged area is only 10%. Monster Skill Slime Natural skill¡ºSelf Regeneration¡»has activated. Will you ?ssist it with the unique skill ¡ºPredator¡»? [YES]/[NO]£¾£¾ Though there''s no pain, there''s damage. Is that how it is¡­ whether that''s good or not, I haven''t a clue, but if I am careful maybe I would not need pain. Oh and, ?ssist with ¡ºPredator¡»? Don''t really get it, but for now, [YES]. At that moment, it kind of felt like my body had decreased a bit. And after a bit, it had returned back to normal. It seems, that I had predated on the damaged parts, analyzed and repaired them type of thing. What a useful body¡­ now, should I see how much I could decrease it before this restoration method becomes unusable? However many percent my body decreased it seems to have no effect on my movement¡­ Even so, so that I do not end up in an overly dangerous situation, I should probably proceed in moderation. Yup. As you would expect, even I would become careful. This time, even though I have restorative pills, there was no need to use them. In any case, you''d expect 10% damage across the body to be a rather serious wound, but repairing it didn''t even take 10 minutes. This time, if I took damage (of course if I didn''t I''d be very happy¡­) I''ll use the medicine. And so¡­ where would this be? Having confirmed that my body had returned to normal, I proceeded to check my surroundings. Maybe there are dangerous monsters lurking around here. Though I exited the water, it wouldn''t be strange to find some amphibious monsters. I carefully started moving. Lately, it feels like when I''m careful I fall into some rather dangerous situations, but maybe that''s just my imagination. Thinking that was probably a mistake. (Can you hear me? Little one) So I heard something. Status Name: Mikami Satoru Race: Slime Title: None Magic: None Abilities: Unique Skill¡ºGreat Sage¡» Unique Skill¡ºPredator¡» Slime Natural Skill¡ºDissolve, Absorption, Self Regeneration¡» Skill¡ºHydraulic Propulsion¡» Resistances: Thermal Fluctuation Resistance EX Physical Attack Resistance Pain Perception Nullification Electricity Resistance Paralysis Resistance [1] The term used here is Aizuchi, which refers to interjecting into a monologue with a short phrase to indicate understanding. Chapter 4 - First Friend I was surprised. Excuse me for thinking you''re a softy. Unmistakably, he''s dangerous. I''m so certain! I think I had acted rudely due to my lack of sight, but I''m now renewed. (Hey. Do you remember the promise? ¡­ or rather, for all that complaining, you''ve acquired it so quickly.) (Of course~! It was just a light joke. I can see my surroundings, and I can also hear sounds. You''re a bit help!) (Humph. It would be better if it takes more time to acquire it¡­) Well, I should be fine. I got scared by his appearance, but this dragon is kind. Moreover, as I expected, this dragon was just feeling lonely. He''s the type where the outside didn''t match with the inside. Just like "The Red Ogre who Cried". (So, what do you want to do from now?) (Ummm. For the time being, I think I''ll go looking whether there''s Otherworlder from the same country as me. Although there''s no harm if I don''t find any.) Finding some would be better, but I don''t know whether we will be on good terms or not. And besides, since I finally can see might as well see the world. With this, I don''t need to munch on grass to kill time anymore. However, this dragon. The more I looks at him the more evil he''s, but it seems he doesn''t move any inch. Come to think of it, didn''t he said that he was sealed for about 300 years? (By the way, Veldora-san, you mentioned that you have been¡­ sealed, right?) (Uhh? Ah, yes. I''m certain that I underestimated a small opponent¡­ Although I went serious in the middle of the battle, I lost!) This dragon announced "I lost!" proudly for some reason. Honestly, doesn''t really seems like sword nor spear, and certainly not magic, can even wound this guy, but¡­ (Was the opponent really that strong?) The outside world is scarier than I thought! Probably. (Yes. So strong. Possessing "Divine Protection", the existence that called as humanity''s "Hero".) Hero. An existence that I''m rather familiar from various games. Recently, there''re many works with the "stumbled into the position of a Hero" plot, although I don''t imagine them being so overwhelming. It seems like they are really strong in this world. (Speaking of, the Hero referred to oneself as the "Summoned Person". The Hero might be coming from the same place as you.) (Eh? No no, if the Hero is from the same country as me he shouldn''t that strong, you know?) (Well, many of the "Otherworlder" possess special power when they came to this world. That is the power that engraved into their soul before they crossing the world. The reason might be their strong "soul" which can endure the summon, different from "Otherworlder" who stumbled by chance The fact that success rate of summoning is less than 0.03%, supported it) (When you say summoning, do you mean summoning with magic or something?) (That''s right. Thirty or more magicians performing the ceremony for about 3 days. The success rate is low, but that''s expected to obtain a powerful "Weapon".) (Huh? "Weapon"?) (Yes. In order to prevent the "Summoned Person" to disobey the summoner, curse was engraved to the soul.) (What''s with that!? Didn''t that ignored the summoned person''s human rights!?) (Human rights? ¡­ The otherworlder sometimes speak of that. That thing is but an illusion in this world. Survival of the fittest, that is the absolute truth for all creature in this world.) Apparently, when summoned to this world with the common sense of the former world, there seems to be things that can''t be accepted so easily. (Then, wouldn''t the treatment of the "Otherworlder" are like slaves?) (No, I''d depends on the person. They have not received the "Monster Warding Charm"¨C those that do either live quiet lives or become adventurers, or something like that. Truly, among the many foes I have repelled, quite a few came from another world! Fuhahaha!!!) (In other words, forced labor is only applied in case of summoning¡­) (I do not know whether it is appropriate to call it "labor", well, maybe something like that? I know much about humans, but certainly not everything.) (That''s so¡­ You''re a dragon after all.) Rather, for being a dragon I think he''s extremely informed. And then for a while, the dragon, Veldora-san and I, talked about various things. About how he fought the Hero. About how strong the Hero was. White skin. Small, crimson lips. Jet black, long hair. Not too tall, petite and slender physique. And though the eyes were hidden by a mask, the Hero was clearly beautiful. The hero was a woman. "She carried a peculiarly curved blade, sword which called as "katana" and fought without a shield. Unique Skill¡ºAbsolute Severance¡» Unique Skill¡ºInfinite Prison¡» Using these skills, and every kind of magic, she overwhelmed me!" so he happily exclaimed. I understood what he said, but this dragon, he seems to like humans. He calls them small fry or trash so on, but it seemed he never killed anyone who attacked him. As long they didn''t earned his wrath¡­ Once one time, 300 years ago, a certain incident occurred, he seemed to have turned a town to ashes. With that incident as the cause, the Hero was sent, and he got sealed in the end. The Hero used her Unique Skill¡ºInfinite Prison¡». I don''t know the dragon''s feelings. After all, I can only know another person''s feelings just from my imagination in the end. But, I think that he''s not a bad dragon. Also, I like him. Now, I don''t think he''s scary. Therefore, (Alright! Then, me¡­ no, can we be friends?) Just a bit¡­ no, that''s quite embarrassing. My face must be red currently¡­ (Wha, what did you say? Fo, for a slime like you, became a friend of mine, the feared "Storm Dragon Veldora"!?) (We, well, it''s okay if you don''t want to¡­) (Stupid! You!!! I didn''t said anything about not accepting though!!!) (Eh, so? Then¡­ what will you do?) (¡­ let''s see¡­ well, if you insist¡­ I can consider¡­) For some reason, I feel he timidly stealing glances at my way. It would be great if''s a cute girl, but the one who do it is a evil looking dragon¡­ I don''t feel happy. He''s an interesting fellow though. (Anyway! I decide! If you don''t want it, then deals off. No second chances!!!) (Wait¡­ It can''t be helped! You shall become my 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!) (Same with me! ¡­ By the way, let me give you a name. You also give me one!) (Huh? What? Why so suddenly?) (To etch into our souls that we are equals. The humans seems to call it as Family name or something. I naming you shall become a "Divine Protection". You''re still "nameless", but with this you can call yourself a named monster!) Hmm. In other words, does that mean I need to think of a Family Name (=a shared name with this dragon)? I don''t really have a sense in it though¡­ (Because you''re storm, will "Tempest" be good?) It''s useless. I quickly said it because, storm=tempest, eh, isn''t that too simple? (I decided! That''s it!!! What a wonderful name!) Hey he liked it! (From today, I am Veldora Tempest! And then you''re¡­ I grant you "Rimuru" as your name. You shall call yourself Rimuru Tempest!!!) That name was etched into my soul My appearance, abilities etc didn''t change. But, deep inside my soul, something changed. That''s something can be said for Veldora too. And so, we two become friends (or rather our relationship is more deep than that, it could be said we''re "Soul mates"). (Oh, and before I go, that seal can''t be removed?) (Not with my power. If I have Unique Skill equal to that Hero''s, it might be possible¡­) (You don''t have Unique Skill?) (I do. But, I can''t use it at all from the moment I was sealed. I b?r?ly managed to do telepathy¡­) The Hero''s Unique Skill¡ºInfinite Prison¡»is a skill which sealed the target for an eternity in an imaginary infinite space; an unpleasant skill that does not allow interference to the real world. In this case, it''s strange to think that the only thing he can do is to communicate telepathically. The seal didn''t seem to weaken as time passed. It''s strange how the way Veldora able to interfere even if it''s just telepathy and able to sense the real world¡­ Of course, both of us noticed this. (Alright. There''s something I want to try¡­) As I said that, I touched Veldora. And then, "Predating Unique Skill¡ºInfinite Prison¡»with Unique Skill¡ºPredator¡»¡­ Failed" As expected, Hero''s seal was different. My Unique Skill interfered with it and it emitted a dazzling flash, but it was reflected immediately. It made a bit opening, but only that much. It''s immediately restored itself. In the first place, "If there''s an equal 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¡ºInfinite Prison¡»has been partly analyzed. Escape methods shall be presented. Escaping with physical body is impossible. Possibility to destroy the prison with physical damage is 0%. Escaping by releasing the imaginary space can''t be analyzed. It''s necessary to analyze it from the inside, from the same situation= captured by¡ºInfinite Prison¡». Therefore, it''s not possible to be done currently. Possibility of escaping only with the spiritual body is 1%. Should dwelling object[1] for the spirit was prepared outside, and migrating to it, the success rate is 3%. In addition, this process is similar to "Reincarnating". In case the affinity with the dwelling object is poor, all of memories and abilities are wiped. Escape methods are presented above." ¡­I see. The success rate are too low. The Unique Skill¡ºInfinite Prison¡» can only be seen as a transparent swaying membrane. However, for it to be impossible to be destroyed by physical damage¡­ Perhaps, it''s a absolute defense ability as well. (Hey, did Hero receive damage? Or rather, did she get injured?) (Well asked! Although most of my attacks were evaded, I have landed a few direct hits! But, there was no effect. Even "Death Heralding Winds", "Black Lighting", and even "Storm of Destruction", that shouldn''t be possible to be evaded, had no effect! All over! I laughed!!!) Veldora laughs loudly while saying this and that. I think her body was covered by Unique Skill¡ºInfinite Prison¡»and it become shield that prevented attacks from outside. What a convenientskill! Unique Skill¡ºAbsolute Severance¡» Unique skill¡ºInfinite Prison¡» With these two, weren''t she essentially invincible? I don''t want to meet her, but she''s a person from 300 years ago. I want to think it''s safe as she likely already have died. Certainly, she''s the strongest class. ¡ùActually, Veldora is the strongest class too. At the current time, Rimuru have no way to know that. Anyway. The escaping method by reincarnating to a dwelling object heh¡­ (For the escape, something seems to be necessary to become the dwelling object. Escaping only with the spiritual body seems to be possible, but the success chance is low.) I intentionally don''t mention the probability If Veldora lose his motivation, the success rate would decrease. (Hm? There''s an escape method! Actually, my magic power would hit the bottom after 100 years! At any rate, my magic essence won''t stop leaking¡­) (I see~ That''s why the magic essence concentration around here is so high.) (Ay. The truly high rank monsters can''t come near. Grass also hardly grows underground. Only rare vegetation are able to grow in this place you see!) Ah. I remembered about the Hipokte Grass. It was mostly valuable medical plants. (Oh well¡­ since that''s the case, will you attempt to escape? If there''s a dwelling object, the chances seems to go up¡­ um, do you know what''s considered a dwelling object?) (¡­ Unfortunately, even if only spirit escaped, it''d be difficult to gather magic essence to reforming the core. Leaving through the opening in the seal, it probably be success. Hm, dwelling object. In other words, if a new core was prepared, I just need to transfer there. That way, isn''t that reincarnation!) This guy! I thought that he can''t use his head, but he wonderfully guess it. He reach the same conclusion like¡ºGreat Sage¡», so splendidly. (That''s. Then, Should I look for something for the preparation?) (Hmm. Actually, I don''t need a core¡­ the secret you ask? Because I''m a "Perfect Individual". A special being. As I''m a spiritual life-form, I have no fixation to physical body. This physical body was only a response to the belief of the surroundings.) Again he said some incomprehensible stuff. And so we spoke until I understood. The result, Magic essence are collected by one''s mind, and formed the flesh. Right now, only his flesh is being bound, but he can''t gathered the magic essence outside with his mind. That''s the situation. So, I asked whether he could leave with just his mind? (That is impossible. I would need something as the vessel!) Is what he said. If only mind that escape out, it seemed that it''d diffuses with magic essence and disappears. And then, somewhere else, a new "Storm Dragon" would be born. It might be possible to escape, but if there''s no meaning to it if it he became a different person. I''m at a loss. Should I eat Veldora with¡ºPredator¡»? Analyzing it inside Predator''s stomach, can''t I open the seal after get rid just the isolation effect of¡ºInfinite Prison¡»? "Solution. Subject: Veldora can be accommodated inside Unique Skill¡ºPredator¡»''s Stomach." Oh it''s possible¡­ If I explain it and get his consent, let''s do it. If this goes on, after 100 years of isolation, only to disappear would be his fate. And so, I explained to Veldora about¡ºPredator¡»''s ability and what would I do. Although, success might be impossible without¡ºGreat Sage¡»''s correction¡­ (Kuahahahaha! Interesting!!! Please do so. I''ll entrust my everything to you!) (Is it okay for you to trust me that easily?) (Of course! Rather than waiting for you to come back here, it would be more interesting to break¡ºInfinite Prison¡»and escape inside of you! What! You and me, the two of us might just be able break¡ºInfinite Prison¡»!) I see. Not alone. Together. Isn''t it fine? While I analyzed it with¡ºGreat Sage¡»and¡ºPredator¡», Veldora would try to destroy it from the inside. And as it''s inside the stomach, there is no fear of his mind scattering and disappearing. I have a hunch that we can do it. (Well then, I''ll eat you now, you break out from¡ºInfinite Prison¡»quickly, okay?) (Kukukuu! Leave it to me! You don''t need to wait long, I''ll soon be in front of you!!!) Okay! I made my decision. I touch Veldora, and begin Predation. Instantly, Veldora''s gigantic figure disappeared from my view. That was too quick. We were talking together until now. I feel lonely now that he''s gone. I failed before as the skill resisted mine, but there was no resistance together with Veldora''s main body. I''m surprised as his gigantic figure could be swallowed. For the amount of space of Stomach used is about 25% currently.... How big the space it have I wonder? And then¡­ "Will you begin the analysis of Unique Skill¡ºInfinite Prison¡»? [YES]/[NO]?" I beg you! Like praying, I answered YES. Status Name: Rimuru Tempest Race: Slime Divine Protection: Storm Crest Title: None Magic: None Abilities:Unique Skill¡ºGreat Sage¡» Unique Skill¡ºPredator¡» Slime Inherent Skill¡ºDissolve, Absorption, Self Regeneration¡» Skill¡ºHydraulic Propulsion¡» Extra Skill¡ºMagic Power Perception¡» Resistances:Thermal Fluctuation Resistance EX Physical Attack Resistance Pain Perception Nullification Electricity Resistance Paralysis Resistance [1] Yorishiro is an object capable to attracting spirit (Kami) giving them a physical space to occupy. Chapter 5 - Trouble Formenting On this day, earthquakes rippled across the world. The disappearance of the "Calamity" class monster, Storm Dragon Veldora has been confirmed. Although he had been sealed since 300 years ago, he still a Calamity class monster. With his disappearance, it might be a sign of a new threat born in a different place. However, after the 20th day passed since the information of his disappearance, the Western Holy Church declared the complete disappearance of the "Storm Dragon Veldora". Count Nidole Maigam was angry ¡¸As if such ridiculous thing can be true!!!¡¹ He cursed so while remembering the Cardinal''s words. Cardinal Nicholas Shpelthas. It maddened him to even recall those words. ¡ºThe threat of the "Storm Dragon Veldora" has disappeared. Therefore, the provisions and monetary support from the Holy Church shall be terminated from today.¡» Saying so, the Cardinal ended the one-sided conversation. After calling him one-sidedly, he was even made to wait for three hours. Certainly, the monetary support he had received until now was extremely helpful. As his territory which bordered the Great Jura Forest is the cornerstone of defense for Farmas Kingdom''s frontier. But that''s not just a problem for the Farmas Kingdom alone, it''s also Western Holy Church''s which bordered the territory. That''s no exception even for the monsters No, rather, it could be said that he was more of a threat for the monsters. With the disappearance of such threat would only mean the increasing activity of monsters'' movement. Although the defense of the frontier area should be strengthened, they ended their support in this timing. This was the reason of Count Nidole Maigam''s anger. And though the Western Holy Church had their own reasons, none mattered to Nidole. ''What should I do to protect my territory now¡­'' He has the money to hire mercenaries. As for the Freedom Association''s adventures, they''re unreliable in case of emergency. His last hope is from the kingdom, but¡­ Nidole despaired imagining the king''s face. Even until now the king hadn''t given any support with the existence of the "Storm Dragon Veldora". As the threat is gone now, he thinks that the defense expenses would simply be reduced. And if he handled it poorly, he''d be unable to increase the tax. Just thinking such things caused Nidole to frown. Inside the carriage returning towards his territory, Nidole racking his brains for the measures hereafter. Nidole''s head was full thinking about monsters, he couldn''t think about another threat¡­ Nidole wasn''t the only one troubled by the situation. Farmas Kingdom in terms of scale is a mid-sized country. Therefore, even if something happened it would be stopped at the frontier. As Nidole had guessed, there was a minister who thought to reduce the defense expenses too. However, other small countries bordering the Great Jura forest couldn''t afford to do the same. There''s no point in asking someone''s help, as they must come up with countermeasures by themselves¡­ The kings and ministers in each country held emergency conferences every day about information gathering and countermeasures for hereafter. One minister of the small country Burmund, Baron Belyard was one of them. ¡¸There''s one reason why I called you. Have you heard the matter about the "Storm Dragon Veldora"?¡¹ Asking without changing his attitude, Baron Belyard asks the man who entered the room. Although his stature is short, he was a man with watchful eyes. ¡¸Of course, Baron.¡¹ With a deep hoarse voice ¡¸Hmm. ''As expected for a guild master!'' or should I say so?¡¹ Baron Belouard snorted and continued as if spitting out words ¡¸So, What kind of measures the guild will take?¡¹ ¡¸Nothing in particular, there''s no plan to do anything.¡¹ ¡¸What? I didn''t hear it well but¡­ Does that mean you have no intention for any countermeasures?¡¹ ¡¸Yes. I don''t feel there''s any need for that.¡¹ The man who was called the Guild Master, answers indifferently. With an expression like he didn''t understand why Baron Belyard was mad. Although it could hardly be said that his effort was completely successful¡­ ¡¸Saying there''s no need is strange. With the disappearance of the "Storm Dragon Veldora", the monsters would surely more active! And yet, you are not taken any countermeasures!?¡¹ ¡¸This is a weird thing you have said. It''s the country''s job to think about countermeasures. We of the Freedom Association, aren''t volunteers you know?¡¹ It was a fact. Freedom Association is a guild that''s not bound by country''s system. Compared to the workers affiliated with the country, their livelihood wasn''t guaranteed. However, a minimum social position was guaranteed, they were given status proportionate to a citizen. Therefore, they were only imposed with an obligation of a fixed tax. For example, taking a cook as the example, A cook who belongs to the country has an obligation to pay tax corresponds to their position as a citizen. In return, the country guarantees their property and status. However, they need to protect the safety of their property and life themselves. A country affiliated cook is permitted to open a store in the capital protected by the city walls, and they could let their child inherit the store. The cook affiliated with the Freedom Association has no such privilege, they can only set up a shop at the free market or so around the country For example, even if they set up a store in the outer area of the city walls, their child can''t inherit it. This is the foundation of the new tendency to looked down upon Freedom Association although it''s no deep-rooted. This system is not only applied to this Burmund Kingdom, but also to almost all of the surrounding countries. On the other hand, the Freedom Association is an organization that has surpassed the country''s framework, though it possesses organizational strength surpassing a country¡­ Whether it''s accidental or intentional is unknown, but it''s a fact that their activity slips through the country''s supervision. ¡¸Protecting the citizens'' property is the basic duty of a country, isn''t it? Similarly, we of the Association, have to protect our guild members. We both have it tough.¡¹ Hearing the shameless excuses of the guild master, a vein popped up on Baron Belyard''s forehead. Obviously, he realized that he has been taken advantage of. ¡¸Enough with the tedious talk!!! From the Free Association, how many mercenaries can you send? How many adventurers excelled in combat? How many can you send to protect this city!!!?¡¹ The guild master let out a sigh like saying ''Good grief'', ¡¸I don''t want you to misunderstand, but we are not a volunteer group. As for mobilization based on the agreement between the country and the ?ssociation, we could mobilize 10% of our members, if you demanded more, it would dependant on the price.¡¹ The population of Burmund Kingdom is 1 million people. About 7000 people are members of the Association. This not included their families. Based on the official agreement between the country and the Freedom Association, the number of people that Freedom Association can mobilize is 10% of its members (about 700 people in this case) who would enter the command of the country. This is of course only the number of people affiliated with the guild in each country, it''s not applied to the member of another country. For that reason, even though it''s a Freedom Association, the country they affiliated with has been clarified. Moreover, although the country can set the period which this agreement is issued, as in the agreement during that period the tax that a member of the guild had to pay is reduced by 20%. It has compelling force, but it''s not possible to abuse the pact to thinks it as revenue. After all, as the ?ssociation need to rebuild the salary of the collected member, it''s a natural decision. Even if for argument''s sake, it''s collected from all of the members, such thing is impossible. Since half of the ?ssociation members are non-combatants. Even as a Kingdom, it understands this thing well. For that reason, normally it didn''t use force but¡­ right now is not the time. As the monsters became active. That''s certainly is the biggest reason. But, the real reason is¡­ ¡¸Enough. Hey, Fuze. Can you speak what you really thinking?¡¹ The Guild Master, no, Fuze was a bit surprised at being as his name was called. And so, for the first time, he gazed at Baron Belyard right in the face. ¡¸It was a nonaggression territory where the place the "Storm Dragon Veldora" was sealed. As now the route is available, there''s a possibility that the Empire in the east would start to move.¡¹ ¡¸That''s right! I don''t know whether they were hesitating against Veldora or afraid that the seal would be broken, but there''s a movement in the Empire that had been docile till now!!! Don''t you understand? If they can pass through that forest, all the surrounding countries will be swallowed up in a flash. Not to mention, we can''t count on the Western Holy Church! The countries around the Great Jura Forest that aren''t united would be under the rule of the Empire in a flash.¡¹ ¡¸The church won''t move¡­ so I think. They aren''t interested in the conflict between humans. Because their doctrine is extermination of monsters.¡¹ ¡¸That''s so. At least if one of the Holy Knight moves, even the empire won''t carelessly move¡­ Although we can gain time even just by losing our preparation to the monsters.¡¹ ¡¸It would be impossible¡­ For the church, even if the country collapsed, it won''t hurt their purse. It''s not like the church would save all of their believers.¡¹ Fuze thinks as he gazes at Baron Belyard''s face. "This guy, his face became so tired¡­" or so. It might be understandable, but Baron Belyard seemed to have aged instantly on these few days. The two of them was actually a childhood friend. Although he''s a Baron, it would be a bit inconvenient if his friendship with a noble become public. It''s necessary for them to build a relationship that makes people think they''re using each other, so they always acted like they''re on bad terms. As a small country like theirs can''t overcome this predicament. But, this probably just a needless worry. Certainly, there''s movement in the Empire, but it''s not certain that the Empire will come to attack. If it''s just the monsters, they can still set up countermeasures. ¡¸It hasn''t certain yet that the Empire moved right? Anyway, I''ll investigate it myself. Don''t expect much, but I''ll try to investigate the current state of Great Jura Forest and the Empire''s movements.¡¹ ¡¸Sorry¡­ you saved me from the trouble.¡¹ Right, it has not been certain that the Empire moved. And even if they moved for example, no, if they moved it would be a large military movement. Even they would not fare well against constant ambushes and skirmishes. The Empire won''t be so lenient to move to commence a skirmish. With an army over one million, it''s likely they''d trampled all of the surroundings countries altogether. If that''s the case, there should be enough time for the preparation. At least about 3 years... Even so, it can''t be said that''s a long time, but it''s enough for this side to be prepared. ¡¸Anyway, it''s all about getting information. There''s no time either. I''ll go!¡¹ ¡¸I entrusted it to you¡­¡¹ The two nods to each other and then separate. Because there''s a lot of things they ought to do. Cardinal Nicholas Shpelthas sprouted a thin smile after making sure that Count Nidole Maigam had left. ¡¸Damn Bug!¡¹ So he spits out those words with smiling face full of kindness. Bugs that only swarming due to the Church''s money, influence, and military strength, without having faith in God. That''s is his, Nicholas''s evaluation of Count Nidole Maigam. And not just him. All people who belong to the church were thinking so. ¡ºIf you believe in God, devote yourself to Holy Empire Ruberios and become a believer!¡» So. The Western Holy Church, as the state religion of the Empire, was the only group with the one and only, holy and inviolable Pope as the leader. The Holy Empire Ruberios is the headquarters of the Western Holy Church, and all of its citizens are made of believers. No matter how much those from another country proclaim their faith, they''re worth nothing if their faith just on the surface. God takes precedence over everything. If that''s so, they didn''t need to show benevolence for those who won''t become their citizens even if they beg for help. That''s consensus of opinion of the people who affiliated to Western Holy Church not just those below Cardinal Nicholas.. Originally Nicholas thought that they should kill all of the heathens who don''t believe in God. But there was a person who ridiculed that idea and changed his mind. That person was the "Otherworlder" Sakaguchi Hinata. This is what she said. ¡ºit''s pointless. To change the hearts of those who believe in other gods need a lot of energy. Rather than doing such thing, just give them your hand, and accept theirs. That is the most proven method.¡» ¡ºProtect the people from monsters, and make them think we are a "group of justice". Anyway, since war won''t disappears from this world, lend them your help in times of trouble! Monsters are humanity''s common enemy, but isn''t that the same for fellow human?¡» ¡ºNo need to pointlessly provoke someone''s enmity. Because the masses are foolish, they would immediately believe in god once you saved them in times of trouble. Isn''t that the raison d''etre of a religion?¡» She is a complete pragmatist. Despite being an Atheist herself, she didn''t deny religion. She thoroughly uses it. Even for Nicholas, she''s so cool-headed. Nicholas was shivering staring at her icy eyes, ¡ºAll we need to do is waiting. Let the other countries lose their strength! Therefore, we need to make them indebted!¡» He trembles when that whispered to close to his ears. Is it due to delight or terror¡­ Yet Nicholas obeyed. And as a result, the status of the church has changed greatly during these 10 years. It possessed their own influence till then, but just in 7 years the church became an indispensable existence to each country Having distinguished achievements, Nicholas was promoted to a cardinal from a bishop. Everything is thanks to her. ¡¸Oh well, just as she says, even a bug have their uses.¡¹ Nicholas thinking about things hereafter. It''s uncertain whether the Empire would move, but the monsters'' movement will become active There''s no doubt that he''ll be busy. How will she move? It might be a good idea to contact her after a long time. Right now she should be the "Head of the Imperial Guards under the Pope''s Direct Command", the Holy Knights Leader Sakaguchi Hinata¡­. Chapter 6 - Skill Acquisition 30 days have passed since I ate Veldora. What have I done up until now? Aren''t you an idiot! Just think for a second! I''ve become a slime, you know? If I were attacked by a monster, how do I fight! Or rather, it''s hard to run away!!! So, I''ve been thinking about how to fight. While at it, I''m munching on the grass that grows in this area and minerals that mysteriously glowing. It''s the place with thick concentration of magic essence that Veldora mentioned. The grass I''ve collected here are mostly the Hipokte grass. As expected. With this, my stock of restorative medicine has increased. And, the mysteriously glowing minerals are apparently called "Magic Ore". They seem to be raw materials of metal that harder than steel, yet flexible. it seemed to be metal that has good compatibility with magic. I expected a more rare ore, but come to think about it I don''t know whether the famous Orichalcum, Hihiirokane and other ores exist here. Perhaps it''s actually a rare ore. I might be just being a bit too greedy. Since I can shoot out water, can''t I use it as a water cutter or something? Hmm. You don''t need to say I understand. You guys think that I''m going to fail again, don''t you? Wasn''t I been looked down on enough? I''m a man who can do it when I do it. My report card was always written with¡ºA child who can do it if he works hard¡». And so, I can do it if I try it. With that thought, I immediately went to the underground lake. As I had imagined while enshrouded in darkness, the underground lake is pretty big. Lacking any presence of life, it can''t be helped for the silent. Although the magic essence permeates the water, I dare say that no living thing inhabits it. An example of uncorrupted nature! What a beautiful sight! That thing aside¡­ I didn''t practice shooting out the water last time, anyway having jetted around with full power was unpleasant. Because the mouth of the spray was too big, the propulsive power was too high. This time, while imagining a water gun, I felt releasing water just a bit. I imagined my mouth filled with water and try spouting like whistling. Was the spout too small? When I expand it a little, the water came out strongly. The target rock was splashed wetly. Alright, good. Next, I added a bit pressure and open my mouth a bit more. Aiming at the rock, I practiced the water gun while gradually increasing the power. Okay. I kind of got the hang of this. It seems to be painful if I hit a person with it, however, I can''t call this a decisive finisher move. What''s to be done¡­... Nothing beats a bath while tired. I''m not simply playing in the water, you know!? I observed my body floating and sinking in the water with¡ºMagic Perception¡». Just like a jellyfish¡­ Couldn''t I create a water current by vibrating the surface of my body? Spreading magic power through my body surface while boing, I produced vibrations by controlling the magic essence. With "jiggle jiggle¡­ jiggling!", Small vibrations were generated. And, I''m moving through the water. It''s a success!!! Amusing myself, I enjoyed swimming in the water. "Skill¡ºWater Current Movement¡»has been acquired" For a second I thought it was¡ºGreat Sage¡», but apparently, it was the "Voice of the World". It seems I have acquired a skill by playing around right now. Whether in the water or on the water, I''m able to move in any direction and at any speed. When needed, I can also accelerate with¡ºHydraulic Propulsion¡». Considering the fact that I don''t need to breathe, it might actually be pretty easy to fight in the water. It''s also suitable for running away. While thinking about such a thing, I went out from the underground lake. The break is over. By refreshing myself, I came up with a new plan. Doing the water pistol, it was necessary to keep the pressure on the water gently. This time, I try doing it while imagining "Applying pressure inside the cylinder to shoot out a small quantity of water". By adjusting the caliber and the pressure, it''s the same principle like before to adjust the power. "Whoosh!!!" A small amount of water dashes out sharply and hit the target rock. The portion get hit was a bit broken. It''s a success¡­. I think? Before I forget the feeling, I do a further practice. Adjusting the caliber and pressure. I practiced shooting with the image of adding rotation to the water. Rather than the size of the caliber, I tried adjusting the shape thinly. That''s right! My image was "Cutting with water". *Whuush!* The water blade that came out has cut the rock!!! I, the one who did it was surprised by its power. The result of one week''s training (lol), had finally bored a fruit! "Skill¡ºWater Blade¡» has been acquired" "By acquiring Skills¡ºHydraulic Propulsion¡»¡ºWater Current Movement¡»and ¡ºWater Blade¡», it has evolved into Extra Skill¡ºWater Manipulation¡»" Woah! It seems to have really bored a fruit. Extra Skill seems to have big differences in power and ability than Normal Skill. With this, I got myself a way to fight. Thus, I am ready to set out on a journey. At last. After 120 days of my reincarnation to the side of this underground lake. Finally, the day when I depart from this place came. There''s something I feel uneasy about. I can''t talk. Because I have no vocal cords, I tried to see whether I could reproduce them in my body. However, it has been so far unsuccessful. I''ve thought about staying here to practice, but I just can''t imagine it right. I have no choice but to rely on communicating through the mind with "Telepathy". At the worst, I''d rely on the other party, but it''s inconvenient until I obtain means to speak, well it can''t be helped. No matter how many hours I playing here, it''ll be no use. I want to see the outside world quickly and if possible meet with "Otherworlders" from the same country. Learning magic seems to be fun too! Thinking so, I ought to start the journey quickly. Like they say, no time like the present. There''s no reaction from Veldora. He seems to have vanished, but I know that''s untrue. We made a promise, after all. I''ll prepare an episode where the two of us can talk happily and laughing together when the next time we meet. I hastened my ''legs'' on the sole continuing path to the surface from this large extending place that I''m familiar with. Thinking about the world that I have not seen yet, expecting the events that will occur from now on¡­ Status Name: Rimuru Tempest Species: Slime Divine Protection: Storm Crest Title: None Magic: None Ability: Unique Skill¡ºGreat Sage¡» Unique Skill¡ºPredator¡» Slime Natural Skill¡ºDissolve, Absorption, Self Regeneration¡» Extra Skill¡ºWater Manipulation¡» Extra Skill¡ºMagic Power Perception¡» Resistances: Thermal Fluctuation Resistance EX Physical Attack Resistance Pain Perception Nullification Electricity Resistance Paralysis Resistance ????????????????????????????????????????? At the bottom of the deep, deep darkness¡­ Where no one will visit, amidst the despair. Veldora was thinking about one person today. "Calamity" Class Monster, the "Storm Dragon Veldora" A Special S Class Monster. The rank of a monster is also represented in a way of 6 categories from A to F just like the way Adventurers are. There''s also cases where evaluation of a bit strong monster added with "+" and a bit weaker or a semi-class added with "-". This''s a classification newly formulated by the man called Kagurazaka Yuuki who bear the title of "Grand Master", the head of the Freedom Association who rumored to be an "Otherworlder". It was well received and easier to understand rather than the 4-grade evaluation that is Novice ¡ú Beginner ¡ú Intermediate ¡ú Advanced which used until now. By the way, Advanced = C rank and above, Intermediate = D rank, Beginner = E rank, and Novice = F rank. By hunting monster of appropriate rank, the number of death decreased sharply. In case of the same rank, 1 vs. 1 will be equal. Thus, it became a good standard to fight safety by forming a party. As for Special S Rank is a S rank that exceeded the evaluation of A rank ?ssigned to Demon Lord Class, further on that are monsters of "Calamity" and "Disaster" class. An existence outside of the norm deviated from the scale of the 6 categories evaluation. Originally, even an A class monster is a redoubtable threat and able to make a country falls into a crisis. A danger that capable of inducing despair. Although, the person in question, Veldora, not aware of his surroundings at all. He thinks again today. In his free time¡­ About the "Hero" who defeated him from 300 years ago. He remembered that fight many times. There''s regret. However, strangely he held no hatred. He fights as he wanted, living as he wanted. Those who could obstruct his way were few in number. For him, it was not the first defeat. But, it was his first experiencing a defeat fighting under the same condition 1 vs. 1. White skin. Small, crimson lips. Jet black, long hair. Not too tall, petite and slender physique. And though the eyes were hidden by a mask, the features revealed she''s a female. In addition, she''s a beautiful girl. Because he couldn''t see her eyes, he couldn''t guess her feelings. Is that why? Without fear or hatred, it was regrettable that she was merely indifferently swung her sword¡­ ''What if I can get out of this prison?'' He sometimes thinks so. Would he fulfill his revenge against her? Although he did not have grudge¡­? If he had the chance, he wants to fight her again. Without any lies, it was Veldora''s true feelings. However, rather than fighting her like a machine, he wants to fight putting all of his existence! So he thought. To make that girl, the Hero, recognize him and go all out. Before he noticed, that had become Veldora''s wish. A human life is short. Veldora knew it well that the wish wouldn''t be fulfilled. But still¡­. Veldora''s thought loops...¡­ How many years passed¡­? One day, *Rumbling, Bam!!!* A light blue object struck him. In this area, due to the thick magic essence he released, no normal life could be sustained.Moreover, touching a lump of magical energy that Veldora was, would be difficult even for a high-class monster. Amused, Veldora observed that being. That was the encounter. Before he noticed, to Veldora who had given up on his will to live, that mysterious existence became his hope. This meeting will surely bring something. Veldora had that premonition. One that he had not had until now¡­ (Can you hear me? Little One.) Holding on to that belief, Veldora called out! Chapter 7 - First Battle A path leading out of from the underground lake. It was a single tunnel. With a *boyo boyo*, I ascend the path. Moving around is actually more pleasant than you''d expect. Even places that light fails to reach are perfectly visible to [Magic Perception]. I would more around slowly¨Cchecking every step¨Cwhen I was blind; and, slimes aren''t that fast to begin with. Now, I normally move at a walking pace, but can also run. Nor do I get tired. But, since I don''t have any reason to hurry, I move at a moderate pace. A short while after, a giant gate had appeared before my eyes. A human made structure inside the cave. Nothing that strange about it. But, that''s because this development is common in RPGs. It''s normal to have a door in front of the boss''s room. So¡­ how should I get it open? Should I cut it with the [Water Blade]? When I though that, Gigigiiiiiii!!! With a creaking noise, the door is opening. ¡¸It finally opened, huh. Lock fell apart and the doors rusted¡­¡¹ ¡¸Hey, that''s only to be expected. Don''t they say that no one entered here in 300 years?¡¹ ¡¸Not on record, at least. But more importantly, are we really going to be fine? We won''t be attacked suddenly, right?¡¹ ¡¸Gahahaha! Don''t worry. He might have been unrivaled 300 years ago, but times have changed. I mean, ain''t he just a big lizard! I''ve subjugated Basilisks by myself. Leave it to me!!!¡¹ ¡¸About that, I''ve wondered for a while, but that''s a lie, isn''t it? Basilisks are ranked B+, right? Solo subjugation would be impossible for Cabal-san, wouldn''t it?¡¹ ¡¸Fool! I am a B rank myself! They are just big lizards; no trouble at all!¡¹ ¡¸Okay, okay, I got it, so would you please not let your guard down? Well, if it comes down to it, I''ll just escape using "Forced Withdrawal"¡­¡¹ ¡¸Guys, I got the extent of your friendship, so could you please be quiet? You''ll blow my "Camouflage Skill"¡¹ Somehow, a boisterous trio had entered. Actually¡­ why do I understand their words? £¼£¼Solution. In cases where intentions are vocalized, [Magic Perception] converts them to appropriate words and transmits them to the brain.£¾£¾ I see. I can''t talk to them, but at least I can understand them. Thank goodness. I had always been bad with English. I think that if you live in Japan there should be no need to study foreign languages. Those who plan to go abroad can struggle by themselves. But that excuse won''t work here. I''ll probably have to learn eventually. Well, that matter can rest for now. This dilemma is worse than the previous one¨Chow to open the door. I don''t know what they came to do¡­ but they seem like adventurers. Did they come searching for treasures and stuff? They are the first humans I meet in this world. sort of want to go and greet them. But¡­ if a mute monster slime (a.k.a I) were to go out there¡­ I''d be killed without questions. Let''s wait for now. Meeting humans will have to wait until I can talk. For now, I observed this situation in hiding. Did he call this¡­ camouflage? Probably a type of skill. Is he just trying to peek? What an outrageous guy¡­ Does he even know why they came here? Probably should get to know him later. When the three had finally left, I started moving again. Nothing to worry about. Not like I won''t meet people anymore. I''ll move while checking every step. As people have always said, "haste makes waste". Leaving these matters for later, I quickly went through the gate in case the three had returned. I wonder which way leads to the surface? Though even if I thought about it, there''s no way for me to know. I chose a path and went down it. *Chiro chirori!* Our eyes met. Just a bit above the ground¡­ in front of my eyes, there was a giant serpent. Like the past world''s snakes, you could consider it cute. It was harder, covered in scales, and pitch black in color. Like a frog in front of snake? Nope, I am a slime, not a frog. Let''s pretend I''m air. It would be best, though, if it doesn''t notice me. Well, let''s just try to slither away. *Kisha¨C!!!* I was threatened. No good. I won''t let you go! Or so it would probably say if I could hear it. A fight, huh¡­! I have a secret skill that I gained from a week''s long practice! But even so¡­ you''ve got to be resolved to die if you want to fight this beast. To summarize, I''m pretty darn scared! Don''t panic. If I think hard enough, I can imagine something far scarier. Yes, Veldora. Let''s compare it to that dragon. Oh? Doesn''t seem that scary now. Can''t I do this? After calming myself, I began quietly observing the serpent. The snake seems to have let its guard down, thinking I was so afraid I that I couldn''t move. Probably planning on how it will cook me. Yeah. Well then, let''s not hold back either¡­ *Bishun!* Without hesitation I fired a "water blade" at the serpent''s neck. *Zuban!!! Hyuuuun, dosu. Gorogoro¡­ zun.* It was but a moment. I couldn''t believe my eyes. Without even a hint of resistance the "water blade" beheaded the serpent. I could only gulp; up until a second ago, there was an ominous sneak right there. This¡­ is even more powerful than I had thought. Had I been forced to use it on the adventures, it would end gory. Good thing my first enemy was a monster. Oh and by the way, my stomach is currently occupied at 30%: Veldora 15%, Water 10%, Medicine and other crap 2%, metals and resources 3%. "Water Bullet" uses less than a cup of water (and I can regulate the size¨Cwith the intention of increasing it, of course). Thus even if I fire thousands of these, I won''t have to worry about the amount left. This just might be better than magic. If monsters come out, let''s meet them with a "water blade". Now, about this snake. If I eat and analyze it, would I steal its powers? Well, let''s try it. The result¡­ Inherent skill [Heat Detection]¡­ the ability to see nearby heat sources. Furthermore, camouflage skills are nullified. Inherent skill [Noxious Mist Breath]¡­ the ability to release a powerful toxic (corrosive) breath. Released at 120 degrees for a distance of 7 meters. (TL Note: 22 feet) Along with these two skills, I could also mimic the snake. The poison''s main effect seems to be corrosive damage (damage to both equipment and flesh). Would be pretty effective against normal adventurers, eh? Though with this world''s magic, it just might be an easy win. And so I spent some time analyzing the snake''s skills. Best to increase my hand while I can. Things I''ve confirmed: 1. I''ve gained the ability to transform into the snake. 2. I can use the acquired skills even without transforming. But, their strength decreases. Those two things. If I had to explain them, 1. ¡­ I can stock up on the bodies of monsters I ate and analyzed. My body had repaired the section I previously damaged, but it kind of has the feel of stitches¡­ made with cells. 2. ¡­ Inherent skills are skills specific to that monster race. Similar to my [Dissolve, Absorb, and Regenerate]. Regarding the skill, if I am not transformed into the appropriate monster, I cannot use it with 100% effectiveness. However, there also skills like [Heat Detection], which I can make completely my own. To summarize, it''s like this. I totally dig [Predator]. It''s another skill which is super useful. 3 days have passed since I fought the snake. I''m still inside the cavern. I don''t feel cold, but it''s probably below freezing in here. Sunlight doesn''t reach here at all. And so, I kept worrying over one fear. I know, I know.. there''s no way it''s true. But no matter what, I just couldn''t get it out of my head. Yeah¡­ what if¡­ I am lost? No, no, there''s no way. I mean¡­ right? Who''s heard of someone getting lost in the beginner''s cave? Isn''t this supposed to be the easiest part? Besides, even those three adventurers got this far without being lost. I should be fine. It''s probably just a long path. But, it''s probably a good thing I was reborn as a slime. Had I come here as a normal "World Traveler", I''d definitely collapse from hunger by now. Who would have thought that I''d be thankful for being a slime. However, not knowing the way is troubling. Isn''t there like a map of this place or something? £¼£¼Solution. Should I display the current location? [YES]/[NO]?£¾£¾ Replay the current narration..? Just couldn''t help making a pun. But seriously, what the hell! Let me know sooner if I have such a useful ability!!! Absolutely [YES]! Curse you auto-mapping! I also had a time when I thought that. Back in old games, you''d sit down with a pencil and a piece of paper, and record every step to get to the goal. It was fun to plan every step. However, many people began relying on game guides, and eventually mapping became a standard game feature. No more p???sur? of the hunt¡­ Moreover, had you gotten used to that feature once, you can never go back again. Well, it''s also true that without this feature, you''d be stuck in most recent games. Anyways, let''s put this useful skill to use. I look at the map displayed in my head. This has got to be some mistake¡­ I''ve been walking in circles. For me, who has compiled game guides before, to have been lost?! Impossible! ... .... ¡­ Definitely possible. According to the map, I''ve entered previously unexplored regions. So, I''ve spent three days looking at the world no one has seen before. Fufufu. To have mislead me¡­ the dungeon is a worthy opponent! Let''s pointlessly praise the dungeon. And don''t even begin to think that I have no sense of direction! Is the entrance close by? There is various moss and weed growing around here. The light reaches from somewhere, bathing the grass in light and color. So it must be day. I''ve fought many battles to come this far. A centipede monster (Evil centipede: rank B+) Big, black spider (Black spider: rank B) Vampire bat (Giant Bat: Rank C+) Carapace Lizard (Ammosaurus: rank B-) Those are the four species I encountered. There was that one serpent, but I haven''t seen another. They were all powerful foes. Defeated with one "Water Blade"¡­ Well, the bat evaded it a few times, and the shooting angle was bad for the centipede. Can''t relax just yet. For example, the centipede erased its presence and attacked from behind. Luckily, that kind of attack wouldn''t work on someone with [Magic Perception] and [Heat Detection]. So I shot out a few water blades from my back. The big spider was pretty dangerous. In the first place, I''m no good with spiders. It''s a psychological thing. Just a sight of one makes me want to cower. But, maybe due to my heart become stronger through reincarnation, I somehow managed to fight without running away. My bad, but I''m going full force! With that thought, I cut it up with five water blades. It wasn''t an opponent I wanted to look at, after all. And of course, I ate them all. It''s survival of the fittest in this world. If you lose, you get eaten. And well, I did hesitate to eat the centipede and the spider. But I did do my best. But, if a ???kroach monster exists, I''ll absolutely run away without eating it. There''s these wonderful words in this world: he who fights and runs away will live to see another day. Here''s the skills I got as a result, Centipede monster [Paralysis Breath] Big spider [Sticky Thread, Steel Thread] Vampire Bat [Vampirism, Ultrasound Waves] Carapace Lizard [Body Armor] And so, having gotten my hands on new powers, I successfully left the cave. For the first time since being reborn, I was bathed in the light of the sun. Status Name: Rimuru Tempest Species: Slime Divine Protection: the Storm Crest Titles: None 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 Skill¨CSerpent [Heat Detection, Noxious Breath], etc. Resistances: Thermal Fluctuation Resistance Physical Attack Resistance Pain Resistance Electricity Resistance Paralysis Resistance. Chapter 8 - The Power in my Hands There is a way out of the underground river leading to the surface. But that was not a mere cave. I proceeded towards that way. *Puyopuyo* Passing here was more comfortable than what I had in mind. A place where light does not reach darkness, I''ve put to use ¡ºMagic Perception¡» since light will just reflect on my vision. Since I can''t see I ensure my pace but I noticed while moving, slime''s moving speed is not I can move like the pace of walking, in fact I can even run. I''m not tired nor do I have the reason to hurry, so I proceeded with a normal speed. It''s not like I have a trauma because I fell in the lake while running!(TL: Ahahaha Tsundere or If you like the other phrasing for this was change "It''s not like" to "Not in the least do") After a while of walking, I stumbled upon a big gate blocking the way. A man-made thing inside the cave. RPG so I don''t think of this as strange. It''s normal for Boss rooms to have a door in front of it. Now, how do I open the door? As I ponder about that, 81 Gigigyiiii©`©`©`!!! (TL: Finally, I was waiting for this) As the creaking sound rise, the door opened. I frantically averted the situation to the edge of the way. ¡¸Finally it opened. Though ain''t the keyhole nearly destroyed and it''s all ¡¸Well it can''t be helped. No one entered for about 300 years, right?¡¹(Unknown 2) ¡¸There is no record of entry. Other than that, is it really safe to enter? Nothing will appear and attack, right..? ¡¹(Unknown 1) ¡¸Gahahaha! Worry not! 300 years have passed so it might be unrivaled or what, in the end it''s just a Lizard, right!!! I once suppressed solo style a Basilisk. Leave it to me!!!¡¹(Unknown 2) -B +Rank 5 Demon, right? Even for Kabal-san a solo subjugation was impossible , right?¡¹(unknown 1) ¡¸Fool! I am also a B rank! It''s just a large Lizard, not even an opponent!¡¹(Unknown 2) ¡¸Yeah yeah. I understand, but don''t lower your guard, please? Well if things get worse I''ll just use "Kyousei Ritatsu"¡­¡¹(Unknown 1) (TL: Kyousei Ritatsu = RUN or Coercion Breakaway ) activate my "Anmitsu Skill" so shut up!¡¹(unknown 3) Somehow three person came inside. I wonder why. Strangely I understand their language. "Explanation. In this situation your intention to load the sound is changed in your mind due to ¡ºMagic Perception¡»''s practical use that enables you to understand the language." 82 I can''t speak but I can understand what they''re saying huh. Good. I''m not that good in english you see. I lived my whole life in Japan, so I deemed studying foreign language as useless. But, this time it won''t lead to a good version. It looks like I''ll need to study¡­ But that doesn''t matter. What do I do? This was a harder question than opening the door¡­ I don''t know what they''re after but they''re adventurer¡­-ish. They''re the first humans that I encounter. I have a feeling of wanting to follow them. But.. If a speechless slime demon appear in front of them¡­ they''ll kill me upfront. So this time I''ll stop. I''ll appear in front of them after I can speak. I hid for a while and observed. What did that calm looking man do, they''ve suddenly blurred. Yet, not totally disappeared. Was it the one called¡­ Onmitsu. Probably another kind of skill. What a rude fellow¡­ peeking all they want. What kind of motive did I remember¡­ It looks like I''ll need to ask if I can be their friend. Once I presumed that the 3 presence was gone, I continue moving. No need to fret about it. It''s not like I wont meet anymore humans. I confirmed step by step as I proceeded.Old people used to say "more haste, less speed". Before the three comes back I need to pass through the door peacefully. Afterwards that place. After passing the door I continued for a while, arriving at a point where the road complexly diverged. Which way leads to the surface? I was about to think about it but , there''s no way that I know it. I''ll pick one way and tread it. Chirochirori! I see it. I gently avoided my gaze¡­ in front of me was a sinister serpent. In my past life I thought of snakes as cute, better less hard and covered by prickly scale and black snakes. The snake glared at the frog, nope it was a slime. I wont stand out. If it doesn''t notice nothing bad will happen, right? Slowly, I made my retreat but¡­ Chapter 9 - Negotiation with the Goblins It''s been a long time since I''ve been under the sun. I''m not melting like a vampire or getting burns either. Practically, comprehending demon''s instincts is what I would call dangerous. Even thought you comprehend it you end up doing it, a fairly common thing. It''s not a laughing matter. If there is self-awareness, improvements can be made. It seems like the cavern is inside the forest. An elevated ground but much less than the base of a mountain, that had Surrounded by large trees making that ground stand out. How can I say this. That''s the only spot where you can see the sun. One stride, and it''s already dimming in the forest. At it''s peak were suspiscious patterns carved. A magic square? -like thing. "A wise man keeps away from danger." I immediately left that matter later. After I left the cavern I ??pse for a bit. Days are apparently incline so it seems. Not surprisingy, I adjusted the etched biological clock each day. While thinking so, spontaneously something changed. Is this a degree something easy¡­. It''s currently past 4 of the evening. Dinner preparations are uneeded sadly because I don''t neet to eat. I can eat but I can''t taste so it''ll only be fruitless effort. I remembered food. The one''s living inside the cavern which I predated. After I finished analyzing the demon I left them there, and aquired new Black Snake ¡­ ¡ºHeat Perception, Poison Breath¡» Centipede monster ¡­ ¡ºParalyze Breath¡» Giant Spider ¡­ ¡ºSticky Web, Steel Web¡» Vampire Bat ¡­ ¡ºBlood Sucking, Ultrasonic Waves¡» Armored Lizard ¡­ ¡ºBody Armour¡» The Black Snake''s skill ¡ºPoison Breath¡» was practically useless. Truth be told, when the Armored Lizard appeared, I mimicked the Black Snake and used it. Then¡­ Look, look the lizard is totally melting. It was a rarely seen grotesque scene. I don''t even want to remember it. I thought. If the adventurers encounter the Black Snake, they would immediately annahilate them¡­ right. Eh? If it was used against me? That thing''s unthinkable, I don''t even wan''t to think about it. It was right that I did a preemptive strike! is the only answer I can give. If this dangerous breath attack gets more power it will be awful. I don''t want to see another grotesque Lizard''s guts everywhere so I terminated the ¡ºPoison Breath¡». Then what if used in a slime''s circumstance? The range will drop in half. The Serpent''s range was 7 ~ 10 m, aand if mimicked and used limit to 1 m. Do you want to see your enemy melt in such a short distance? This skill is sealed. However the ¡ºHeat Perception¡» is great. If this skill is paired with ¡ºMagic Perception¡», anyone who faces me will roughly defend against a surprise attack right. If a human, faces of with a witty top-ranked demon, I don''t know what kind of magic and unique skill they will use so negligence is taboo. Next is the centipede. I don''t want to mimick it, with that form. The breath''s range was the same extent as the Black Snake''s. Even in the largness it was the same level. And as expected of the same state, if used in a slime state the range is still 1m. But, a surprise attack of a paralysis breath may work. Yet, getting close to the enemy as near as 1 m case, while mimickin g will make running a lost decision. Lizard. An armour which immedieately melts away with poison breath. I can''t hope for it. Frankly, I also have physical attack resistance so this doesn''t have any more meaning. Without mimicking, I used the skill in slime state. My exterior hardens. A common enemy that appears in RPG, a somewhat Metal Slime. My light colored body became Blue-silver metal colored. I didn''t take any damage so I don''t know its effectiveness. However my hue is great. Maybe I can also use this to scare my opponents. That''s how the 3 abilties work. And the problems are the 2 left. These 2 abilities are interesting. What piqued my interest are¡­ First the Spider. Yes, do you know that hero that has the spider''s ability? Hyuui! went the web and supported the body of the hero, jumps from high buildings and wander from place to place. That famous man.(TL: hahaha Spider-man) ¡ºSticky web¡» primarily coils around the prey and seals it from moving. But, if I were to use this skill, will I be able to reproduce that moves? Let''s start experimenting. I then face the tall tree''s branch¡­ Hyui! ¡­ Buraaaaan..... Uhmmm, we were on the explanation for ¡ºSteel Web¡» right. ¡ºStick web¡»? What''s that? I don''t know, maybe it''s a down hill skill. Then on to ¡ºSteel Web¡». This is, can I use it for the purpose of blocking my enemy''s attack. If I make a web (maze) maybe I''ll be able to utilize it and become advantageous¡­ I tried to fling a thin whip like web to a tree. Pyun! Puchin. It immediately flung to the tree. But. I have ¡ºMagic Perception¡» so I can clearly see it but a n?k?d eye can not catch it. Dependng on practices it may become a weapon. This is the current goal for my practice. Last is the bat. I was really hoping for this bat. ¡ºBlood Sucking¡» Skill? It can temporarily use the 10% ability of the target it sucks. A trivial skill. The ones I used predation is much better. You can also call it deterioration skill. I don''t even want to suck blood. According to the data collected, I will neglect ¡ºBlood Sucking¡» ability. My interest lies on ¡ºUltrasonic Wave¡». This Skill bewilders it''s target rendering a so called trance like effect, and is primarilly a specific location skill. Even in my world the bats did this kind of thing, using soud to specify locations. What''s important here is the vocal organs. A trivial skill because of it. I''ll start using this when I developed a vocal organ for my slime body. I didn''t imagine a manipulating a body from nowhere, I used what luckily I absorbed yesterday from what the mamono posses. With this I can maybe obtain a way to speak. Without sparing time for sleep I continued my experiment. Well, I don''t need sleep¡­ 3 days and 3 nights, without rest while walking results came from my experiment!!! ¡¸I am an alien!¡¹(Rimel) Success! A distorted voice that sounds like a voice getting minced in front of an electric fan came out, I really succeeded! After I came to this, adjustment are only needed! I calmed my excited heart, and started the adjustment of my voice. However, I can now use Ultrasonic wave. Or I think it''s an ultrasonic wave weapon. I think it''s called Sonic Buster or Sonic Blaster? Can I even use it? "Answer. Skill ¡ºUltrasonic Wave¡» has a possibility to be derived to ¡ºUltra-Vibration¡». However obtaining it now is impossible " Derivation, maybe it''s an ability change. It''s seems like I lack information so it is impossible. "Native wave resonance with alignment with Vibration wave fire together, will destroy the target" or if I understand somewhat strong creature it will be great¡­ Frankly, I don''t even understand my own meaning, so it''s proper that it isn''t usable. It seems like I am too greedy. The more I know the better. but, I don''t need to be impatient. Even if I aquired vocal organs, it''s a satisfiable result. Then, as I test out many things I countinued my way. It''s not like I don''t have an objective. My objective is appropriate. Find a town or a village and call out to a caring human or so I thought¡­ But, the past few days have been so peaceful. Since I was in the cavern attacks were frequent but after I got out nothing attacked. I once tried to practice speaking amidst a wolf hoping for it to attack but, ¡¸Ah"?¡¹(Rimel)(TL: it''s like the ones with the small fry delinquent) I only voiced out a threathen, ¡¸Kyaiiiiiin!!!¡¹(Wolf) It voiced out a pitiful sound and ran. Larger than a large-breed dog, a length more than 2m than the big things recorded¡­ How to call it, a mamono who gets scared to a slime, a pitiful one. For me, it doesn''t attack or pass-by. If I eat a wolf maybe I''ll get an olfaction. However, I got interested and followed it, it looks like it''s not only a wolf. Mamono will not enter my circumference no less than 100 m. Are? It looks like they are afraid of me¡­ Why? This forest''s mamono fear me, just like I''ve thought. As I boasted that with confidence, my ¡ºMagic Perception¡» sensed a group of demon closing in. Problems really do come suddenly. In front of me was, creepy, 30 humanoid demons. That has a small stature. Shabby equipment. Lightly dirty and has an expression that makes them look stupid. Even so, it''s not like they don''t poesses any intelligence. They even have sword and shield, ax and even a bow. My grey brain cell, instantly breaks these guys true form. The famous adventurer attacker demons! Yep, the Goblins!!! Certainly a template. Then the attack begin against the weak demon, yes, me? wait, a slime facing off against 30 giblins is to much. However, for some reasons fear won''t arise. My instincts tell me not to fear these guys. The swords are rusted and the armor is thin. And they even have clothes coiled around them are that rotting. I wrapped myself in scales of the Lizard, and stiff blade hands and legs of the bat. With that I defeated the goblins, I didn''t even imaged this guys equipments to be damaged. I can even round up these bunch while mimicking the Black Snake to use the breathe. While thinking that I look at the group''s leader opening its mouth. ¡¸Guga, strong person¡­ Do you have any business with us?¡¹(Goblin Leader) The goblin spoke. Or possibly, I can understand them because of ¡ºMagic Perception¡». Wait, they are refering to me right. They surround me with weapons, and carefully approached. What the heck are these guys thinking? It piqued my interest. It seems like they aren''t going to attack and steal anyhting form me. Will my words come through, testing will also help. I tried to hold a conversation with the Goblins. Status Name: ¥ê¥à¥ë£½¥Æ¥ó¥Ú¥¹¥È (RimuruTempest) Race: ¥¹¥é¥¤¥à (Slime) Divine Protection: Crest of Storm Title: None Magic: None Skills: Unique Skill ¡ºSage Master¡» Unique Skill ¡ºPredator¡» Slime Specific Skills ¡ºdissolution, absorption, self replication¡» Extra Skill ¡ºWater Manipulation¡» Extra Skill ¡ºMagic Perception¡» Acquired Skill ¡­ Black Snake ¡ºHeat Perception, Poison Breath¡», Centipede ¡ºParalysis Breathe¡», Spider ¡ºSticky Web, Metal Web¡», Bat ¡ºUltrasonic Wave¡», Lizard ¡ºBody Armour¡» Resistance: Resistance to Temperature Change EX Resistance to Physical Attack Immunity to Pain Resistance to Current Resistance to Paralysis Chapter 10 - Fight of the Goblin Village The Fang Wolf family. The rulers of the eastern plains. The cause of many headaches among the traders from Eastern Empire and other countries bordering the Jura Forest. Each is a C rank monster, and could easily devour a negligent adventurer. However, they were mostly feared as a pack. When gathered, they move like a single entity, capable of organized attack. And, as a pack¡­ they are often evaluated as a B rank. The eastern plains are located adjacent to Empire''s wheat fields. As it is the Empire''s primary food source, it boasts of impenetrable defense. Thus, although the Fang Wolves are rather cunning and possess excellent abilities, breaking through the defense would be exceedingly difficult. Furthermore, even if they did break through, they would only earn the Empire''s wrath, and would probably be hunted into extinction. The many decades spent skirmishing with and learning from the ever-expanding empire instilled that ominous premonition in them. As long as they preyed only upon small-time merchants, the empire wouldn''t get serious. However, if they even once decided to intrude upon the wheat fields, the empire will b?r? its fangs. As a result, he had prevented many mishaps from beginning true incidents. Those were the thoughts that filled the pack leader''s head. However, will this not stop his species evolution? So his instincts screamed. Currently, the pack did not lack provision. If people were attacked and eaten, they were more of a snack. That''s because humans aren''t born with a lot of inherent magical energy. Fight strong monsters or slaughter many humans, and evolve into a calamity class monster. But as things stand, neither method seemed very plausible. The Empire was simply far too strong. However, should they simply continue attacking merchants, their goal will be but a dream within a dream. But they have heard of a paradise for powerful monsters¨Ca forest set on blessed lands far in the south. However, to reach those lands, they''d have to traverse the Jura Forest. The inhabitants of which aren''t anything special. The many times they hunted those of them that ventured into the plains proved this point. In that case, why have they not invaded the forest yet? The existence of that dragon is the reason. Even while he was sealed away, the ominous energy he emitted was enough to frighten them into submission. They were convinced that the forest''s inhabitants received Veldora''s protection. And that is why the can live inside that fiendish aura. Had they believed otherwise, they would surely go mad. Until now, they lived with these shameful thoughts, and held back their urge to invade¡­ Yes! Until now! The Pack Leaders looks into the forest with his blood red, sharp eyes. That despised, evil dragon''s presence had vanished. Now, they could freely ravage through the forest, and become its supreme rulers! Oh, the very thought whet his appetite. . Having become the guardian, I contemplated the next step. Personally, even with that title, I think their treatment of me is too grandiose. In any case, I gathered and studied the goblins'' fighters. ¡­ They are practically falling apart. Doesn''t seem like I can depend on them during combat. Also, the remaining goblins, kids and elderly, came to observe our preparation. No reinforcement from other tribes, either. As things stand, it''s a small miracle that the chief hasn''t lost his mind yet. And, the goblins whom I gathered are staring me as if at a deity¡­ What a heavy burden I took up. Feels especially so since I just wanted to lead a carefree life away from responsibility. ¡¸Do you all understand the situation?¡¹ Not the kind of atmosphere to make a joke, and I don''t have any good words of encouragement, so I went straight to the point. ¡¸Yes! This shall become the fight to decide whether we live or die! We have already said our prayers!¡¹ The goblin leader was the first to reply. The rest nodded in approval. And while there are some with trembling knees, that''s only to be expected. Heart might be willing, but the flesh is weak¨Csomething like that. Tried saying something cool. I, at least, felt better, so maybe it''ll have some effect. In any case, should we begin? Failure will most likely result in the goblins'' certain demise. But still, I chose to be "Going My Way" about this. (TL Note: reference to a 1944 film) Ahead, with arrogance! That''s my choice. Alright! "Put your spirit into it!" That is the first order I gave them. And from then on, many more orders will follow. Those words announced that the moment has come! . And the sun had set. The Fang Wolves'' pack leader awoke. That night was a full moon. The perfect witness to their battle. He slowly awoke his flesh, and gazed over his dominion. The pack, seeing their leader like that, bated their breath. How tensely they await. So thought the leader. Tonight, they will crush that goblin village, and so take the first step into the Jura forest. Afterwards, hunt the nearby monsters, as to prove themselves as the forest''s rulers. And someday soon, continue southward in search of greater power. We have the power to accomplish this, they thought. Our claws rip through the flesh of any beast, and our fangs piece any armor. *Uoooooooooooon!!!* The pack leader howled! The time to trample their foes had come. However, there was one thing that bothered him. A few days ago, a brother he had sent on reconnaissance had brought back bewildering information. A small monster releasing monstrous energy. That monster''s demonic aura far surpassed that of the leader. There could be no such thing. So concluded the leader. He had not perceived such a threat, and all the monsters he met were weak. There had been nothing to call resistance as of yet. Only that one time, ten or so goblins had murdered a few of their brethren, but never again. Chances are, the scout was far too excited to see rationally. Thinking that, the boss only looked ahead. And in front of him, lay the village. It was just were the scouts reported. Using the wounded goblin, they had marked this village. So now, they can hardly offer proper resistance. The leader was a cunning wolf. He wouldn''t let his guard down. However, the village was not as expected. As if it belonged to humans¡­ it was fenced. They had dismantled every house and erected a wall. And, in the middle of the entrance ahead, stood a single slime. How ingenious! So laughed the leader. They left an opening to defend against our numbers! Were his thoughts. After all, they were slow-witted, trash of a monster. That wall will quickly topple before our claw and fang! We shall show them our might! With these thoughts, he ordered the attack. And as one, ten fang wolves ?ssaulted the walls. They truly were a single being. That was their true worth¨Ctheir unity in combat. Movement made possible through telepathic communication. A form of communication many times faster than words. The first attack should have destroyed the walls. Surely, the leader imagined, the goblins will soon realize the futility of their plan and panic. Instead, it was the leader who let out a voice of surprise. The attack squad was repelled! And, there was something rolling on the ground while splashing blood among them, too. What had happened? Without a hint of panic, he sought answers. The slime had not moved. Did he do something? And then, the closest of his subordinates, (It''s the one from that day! The one that possessed an aura stronger than our lord!) So he reported. How foolish! He thought while looking at the slime. They would sometimes be born in the plains. You''d exaggerate if you called them monsters; a pitiful existence. To be surpass myself in demonic aura¡­ impossible! But then, ¡¸Alriiight! Stop right there. If you withdraw now, I will not pursue. Depart at once!¡¹ Is what the slime declared. The Fang Wolves'' leader was a crafty and cunning monster. Having lived many years and experienced many things, he''d never neglect making a plan. He was cool-headed and possessed courage tested through many battles. His many experiences, and the information he collected, all rejected the presence of a being stronger than him among the goblins. But the leader had, at that one moment, made a fatal mistake. And that mistake has decided their fate. *Uuuru!! Garuuuuuuuu!!!* (Miserable existence!!! I''ll pulverize you!!!) He ordered the attack. . Wow, that was a surprise. Didn''t think they''d attack so suddenly. I thought we''d start with a conversation¡­ now all my lines went to waste. All the practice gone to waste! I even practiced during break¡­. The first order I gave was to be guided to the wounded. Well, even if I add ten or so more to the sixty, the odds won''t change all that much. However, being idolized and all kind of makes me want to do all I can. They were placed in a rather large but filthy-looking building. So about the wounded. They seemed to have received some first-aid, but will surely die as things stand. What deep wounds. Ripped open by claw and fang, and their wounds had festered. Have to go all out here. And so, I absorbed the closest one. And, having dressed the wounds, spit him out. The village chief seemed to have been trying to say something ¨C stuttering, actually ¨C for a while, but I ignored him. And, going through every patient, I repeated the process. After many patients, I finally looked back at my handiwork. For some reason, the goblins were all prostrating themselves before me. What the hell are they doing? In any case, it seems they thought I had healed them with some inherent restorative power. Since that reaction was unpleasant, for the remaining wounded I spit the medicine out and treated them right there. And so, some time was spent on healing. Having finished medical treatment, I relayed next orders. The next thing to do would be to build a wall. Cutting down trees to build it would also be good, but we may not have enough time. Have to do with what we have. So without a hint of hesitation, we destroyed houses and recycled them into walls. One that would circle around the entire village. And while we were building, I sent out the brightest goblins, armed with bows, to scout. The enemy are wolves, so they have an excellent sense of smell, so I made sure to tell the scouts to avoid reckless action. Their resolve is impressive¡­ "Even at the cost of my life!" that''s the kind of aura they emit. Don''t they love to exaggerate. The wall was finished on the evening the day after I arrived. I put on some finishing touches. Right, I increased its durability with my spider''s thread. And by the way, I didn''t forget to place a trap using [Steel Thread], either. Wouldn''t it be great if they blindly attack the walls? They''d be cut to pieces. After this fight, definitely can''t forget to go around collecting¡­ "components". And at the front, we left an opening. Here, I''ll place some [Sticky Thread] and that will be it for preparations. Now, all I can do is wait for the scouts. About that time, the goblins I treated started waking up. Having them touch my body, I confirmed their condition. Seems like the restorative pills are pretty serious stuff. I thought they''d need to be treated many times, but¡­ It seems to have been super effective. What a pleasant surprise. Then, we had gathered the remaining wood at the center of the village, and started a fire. Kind of like a campfire, except without the merry faces. We have to stay on guard the whole night. As I don''t need sleep I naturally offered to stay on watch, but¡­ ¡¸There could be no such thing!!! We can hardly allow Rimuru-sama to further exert yourself.¡¹ ¡¸As he said! We shall stay watch. Please rest, Rimuru-sama!¡¹ That''s right! As they said!!! Came all the responses. And I appreciate the sentiment, it''s just these guys are probably so much more tired than I am¡­ Nothing I can do, I guess. So we decided to keep a look-out on rotation. In the dead of the night, the scouts had come back. The wolves had begun to move¨Cso they reported. They had some wounds, but all returned alive. I used to think they were filthy and ugly monsters. But I grew sympathetic to them over these two days. In prayers, each and every one of them wished for these battles to end. Those were my thoughts as I set up the [Sticky Thread] and stood at the gate. The battle began with the fang wolves'' attack. I was worried if the gate would hold, but the wolves cannot mount an attack that would penetrate them. Seems like the traps were effective as well. At least that went well. For now, ¡¸Alriiight! Stop right there. If you withdraw now, I will not pursue. Depart at once!¡¹ Is what I called out. And I was completely ignored. The wolves moved at once, and begun ?ssaulting the gate from all direction. Well, it can''t be helped. Hopefully things will proceed according to plan. Having predicted this outcome, I left small openings in the fence. An arrow-slit. Even the clumsy goblins are capable of shooting through that hole. Many wolves were hit by arrows, and fell whimpering. There were also wolves that try to dig through those openings, but¡­ *Zasu!* Every time, they''d be hit from both sides by stone axes and perish. Though the goblins hadn''t even practiced for two hours, they were desperate. Desperate to understand my directions and put them to use. And the result is the current situation. Without a question, the fang wolves are strong. As single beast, they are capable of taking on many goblins at once. As a pack, they might be truly formidable. But, that''s the key. Just hit them a few times, one at time. Divide and conquer. In short, brains will always triumph over brawn. The strongest animals in the world are those blessed with supreme intelligence¨Chumans! ¡­ how unlucky¡­ while thinking these things, I felt the cold stare of the pack leader. He''s but an animal, and thinks he can defeat me¡­ how conceited! . The pack leader was bewildered by this sudden turn of events. His subordinates are beginning to panic. This could be bad. Fang wolves are as strong as they are united. Leader''s distrust of his subordinates has always led to a single, devastating result. He had understood that much. And so, this was where he had committed the gravest mistake. He was angry that the wall wouldn''t come down; but, he was also afraid that his comrades'' anger was directed at him¡­ "The leader needs to show his power!" or "He''s the strongest one in the pack, he should be able to do this himself!" They may think. And at that moment, it was settled. . No one took their eyes off the leader''s movement. However, to the goblins, it appeared as if he had disappeared. For me, he moved as if in slow motion. It all went according to plan. I''ve thought up quiet a few scenarios, and the battle had played out according to one of those. As you''d expect from beasts. They''d never triumph over a human. The leader was caught in the [Sticky Thread] I lay at the entrance. With his strength, perhaps he could cut through it. I don''t have a way to verify that point¡­ not that it even matters. The goal of the [Sticky Thread] was to hold the leader down if for but a moment. Without a pause in movement the "water blade" may miss, and it''d look uncool. To say nothing of the worst case scenario: hitting a friendly during combat. Well, those kinds of accidents do happen on the battlefield. I did have a trap prepared to avoid that, but seems like setting it up was a waste of effort. This guy never came up with a better plan than destroying the walls. I did consider laying some [Steel Thread] traps at the entrance as well, but considering all the situations where they''d avoid them, I decided against it. Right now, I have to play the part of an overwhelmingly powerful monster. It''s for that reason, that I set the traps. And without any hesitation, I decapitated the leader wolf. That''s how easily he died. ¡¸Hear me, Fang Wolves! Your leader has been felled by me!!! I give you a choice. Servitude or death?¡¹ So, how will they respond? Having just arranged the leader''s funeral, I''d rather not extend that list to a bunch of mad wolves looking for a place to die¡­ Status Name: Rimuru Tempest Species: Slime Divine Protection: the Storm Crest Titles: None 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] Resistances: Thermal Fluctuation Resistance EX, Physical Attack Resistance, Pain Resistance, Electricity Resistance, Paralysis Resistance