Gazel Dwargo POV - Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken Universe, Central World, Magic Continent, Armed Nation of Dwargon - 2013 AMB
After ending my meditation, I open my eyes as I quickly check my surroundings.
I'm currently sitting in the middle of a dimly lit room of a high-class inn of the city bordering the Great Jura Forest.
This room is actually one that the Espionage Department's leader stays at, using an alias, of course.
Then my mind once again replays the recent events, making me chuckle while thinking, 'It's been a long time since I've had such an interesting experience.'
Suddenly, a shadow appears nearby, and I know right away that it is one of my spies before he asks me in a very respectful tone, "King, are you in good health?"
Taking a quick look at my spy, realizing that it is the Espionage Department's leader, and at the same time, I can't help but smile wryly while thinking, 'The fact that I slipped out of the palace and that I am now here probably caused a great commotion at the palace. In the first place, I have a hundred of people as my personal guard, but for them to have let someone in or out undetected is simply preposterous. They need to be retrained.'
While thinking that, I briefly answer, "No problem!" Then, though it has been a long time since I last used this skill, I use the Thought Reading on the spy and let the Espionage Leader know by mentally communicating.
[You will return to the Royal Capital, taking the Pegasus with you! Disappear into the shadows as you always do after that.]
[Ay! As you command!]
A typical exchange with my trusted confidant, the Espionage Department's leader, who has my same face and my same body.
He is a clone created by the Elemental Engineers, special engineers in the field of Elemental Engineering who aim to incorporate phenomena produced by elementals with dwarven technology.
This is a secret shared only between me and the Espionage Department's leader.
Unlike towards a stranger, I can perfectly use Thought Reading on the Espionage Department's leader.
In case of an emergency, this is one of my trump cards.
Once the Espionage Department's leader is gone, I then remember yesterday's match with that intriguing slime named Rimuru while thinking from the bottom of my heart, 'That slime will become very strong... Just with reaction speed alone he was able to receive my sword. I did not intend to hit the sword out of Rimuru's hands. I intended to land a hit on Rimuru's head. And that hit, whether he fell behind with the attack or not, Rimuru was able to react to. How amusing...'
But then my thoughts once again wander in the direction of the shocking and grim revelations that followed the more lighthearted events, 'An invasion from another universe, huh... One whose only objective is the total destruction of our universe... If someone else gave me such outrageous news, I would call him an insane fool! But when such a powerful entity is the one delivering such news, you can only believe it. Just a small glimpse of that entity called Jayr's power made me feel like an insignificant ant! And even if I am modest, I can confidently declare that I'm one of the strongest people in the world! I mean, I could fight toe-to-toe with some of the Demon Lords for my Ancestor's sake!'
What will become of this treaty, I do not know, and I'm not even sure if I can survive what is to come; however, I will surely start to prepare for the looming threat while feeling the approaching end of the era of peace.
Grucius POV - Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken Universe, Central World, Magic Continent, Great Jura Forest, Tempest - 2013 AMB
I've been assigned by my lord, the Demon Lord Carrion, the work to secretly investigate the Jura-Tempest Federation; however, on my way here, I've met with others who have a similar objective.
Now, I'm standing on top of a branch of a tall tree observing the city known as Tempest from above, and together with me, there are the Demon Lord Milim Nava and the Majin Mjurran known as the Ring Finger of Clayman's Five Fingers.
Like me, Mjurran disguised herself to look like a regular human, so currently she is a fair-skinned young woman with short, pale mint green hair and eyes.
Her attire consists of a long, flowing lilac-colored dress that reaches her ankles.
The dress has a simple, elegant style with long sleeves and a gold-colored belt or sash cinched around her waist.
Over the dress, she wears a large, dark purple cloak that drapes around her shoulders and falls to her feet.
The cloak has a lighter purple lining that peeks out from underneath, and a simple dark pendant hangs from a thin chain around her neck.
She wears dark leggings below her dress and light purple, low-heeled shoes.
(Image Here - Mjurran)
Focusing back on the city, I sigh mentally, 'After running without a moment of rest, we have finally reached the city.'
Then I can't help but internally lament once more, 'What a terrible person Milim is! Any mistake while interacting with her could lead to a great disaster.'
This is a universal truth that I believe with my entire being, especially since shortly after meeting her, she basically forced Mjurran and me to accompany her.
At the same time, I start to seriously wonder, 'So how should he converse with her from now...?'
After staying with her for a while, I realized her complete lack of dishonesty; she is honest to an extreme.
Of course, monsters in general are not good with lies, but we are not as restrained as the world tends to believe, and while this doesn't apply to high-ranking demons, most other monsters have no problem telling small lies.
And if such a monster also happens to omit the truth, they would have no problem conducting successful negotiations.
However, Demon Lord Milim probably hasn't even heard the word "negotiation," she boldly declares her demands and rampages if they are rejected.
At least, that's the kind of image she gives off.
Originally, I intended to observe the situation while hiding my identity as a high-ranking Lycanthrope from the Beast Kingdom of Eurazania.
However, Milim would never even consider such secrecy; she unfortunately believes that if you are working, there is no need to hide anything.
At this point, I can't help but desperately think while searching for a way out of this disaster, 'Now then, how should I proceed...? What could I say to continue working on my own...?'
Mjurran POV - Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken Universe, Central World, Magic Continent, Great Jura Forest, Tempest - 2013 AMB
While observing the lively city of Tempest from above, I continue to not see any chance of this mission actually succeeding.
The reason for that is that we are currently plagued by Demon Lord Milim Nava.
She is, after all, a Demon Lord who focused on sheer, direct strength, so her complete incompetence in espionage makes her a hindrance.
I meekly look at the nearby Demon Lord as she is grinning and think, 'However, I can't just say that to her face! And besides, since Demon Lord Clayman failed to hold her back in the first place, he has no right to complain! Marionette Master, what a joke! Pushing this baggage of a Demon Lord on us and demanding secrecy! Impossible much?! He should have lived up to his nickname and manipulated her despite the fact that she is a fellow Demon Lord.'
Hiding my complaints in the dark corners of my mind, I start to consider my next steps.
I glance at my other companion, Grucius, a Lycanthrope from the Beast Kingdom of Eurazania under the command of the Demon Lord Carrion, and notice the identically troubled look on his face.
In his human form, Grucius has short, styled gray hair that is slightly longer on top, and his skin tone is medium brown.
His facial features include dark eyes with a serious or determined expression, a strong jawline, and a relatively straight nose.
He appears to be of muscular build, with his arms and shoulders visible beneath his clothing, while his posture is confident and upright, suggesting alertness.
He is dressed in a light blue, tunic-style top with a tan sash around his waist.
Over this, he wears a sleeveless, off-white or light gray, open-front coat or jacket. His trousers are a dark purplish-blue.
He also wears dark brown boots that reach mid-calf, and brown-banded wraps around his forearms.
(Image Here - Grucius)
As we lock eyes for a second, my mind quickly tries to come up with a solution, 'Perhaps it would be best for us to work together. At the very least, unless we find a way for Demon Lord Milim to work independently, she would definitely impact our mission if she joins us. From what Demon Lord Clayman gathered, Demon Lord Carrion intends to hire new subordinates. Seems like a number of interesting monsters serve the mysterious masked monster. Demon Lord Carrion probably hopes to win over the masked monster, or, in a worst-case scenario, try to lure away a few of its subordinates. Since Grucius would probably be moving with this objective in mind... Maybe it is better if I offer him my support.'
I come to the conclusion that I wouldn't be able to learn their weaknesses if nothing had happened.
Realizing that, I start to decide on a plan: 'I'll let Grucius do as he pleases and observe the situation. I can't expect too much from Milim, after all. It's like throwing a boulder into a pond; if the ripples are too great, we will also quickly stand out.'
After having decided on a plan, I start to think about how to actually realize it.
Milim Nava POV - Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken Universe, Central World, Magic Continent, Great Jura Forest, Tempest - 2013 AMB
I'm excitedly observing the lively city that spreads beneath me. It is well-made, the citizens all possess strong magical energy, and all seem to be high-ranking monsters.
The term High ranking monsters refers to those that have developed intelligence, and depends not on their strength.
I can understand the extent of their cooperation with a single glance, thanks to my Milim Eye that allows me to measure each of their abilities.
At the same time, as I observe the various monsters living in this city, I can't help but feel an intense amazement and astonishment overtake me, 'How wonderful. Though it's hard to believe, they are all named monsters. Who could have named them all?!'
I certainly cannot replicate such a troublesome feat, especially considering the chance that the energy you bestow on someone may never return to you.
Demon Lords like me, in particular, tend to hate seeing their power disappear like that.
This time, I only showed up to kill some time. After all, if I seriously made my move, not just Frey, but also Carrion and Clayman would answer with great indignation.
And I figured that fending off all of them at once would be troublesome, not intending that I would lose against their combined force, of course.
Feeling an excited grin spreading on my face, I continue to think, 'But I am truly glad that I've come. The very fact that monsters built this city themselves is amusing. The castle that I reside in, in comparison, was built by humans. Humans who worship me as some kind of Deity.'
My dominion's human villages were attacked by high magic beasts, and I, who just happened to be walking by, killed them.
The humans seemed to have misunderstood me somehow, and thus, the land became mine.
The other Demon Lords didn't complain either, nor did I have any particular reason to complain.
Shortly after, I contemplate, 'This time as well, I didn't come searching for new subordinates, but rather, I came to kill some time and to later see Clayman and Carrion's upset faces. That's the only reason for my journey. I intended to let them have whoever once I finished teasing them, but... For it to be like this! The monsters living here are of such high quality. Their abilities are so great. And someone rules over them! How amusing!'
Suddenly, I completely forgot about Clayman and Carrion, as I find my target, someone whose magic energy rivals that of a Demon Lord, and so, without wasting any time, I make my move.
Rimuru Tempest POV - Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken Universe, Central World, Magic Continent, Great Jura Forest, Tempest - 2013 AMB
The moment I had intended to head over to Rigurdo's place to let him know about our successful treaties with the Armed Nation of Dwargon, my Mana Perception notices a large mass of magical energy flying in our direction, making me internally scream, 'Dangerous!'
In an instant, I make the split-second decision to run beyond the gate towards it.
As expected, the massive lump of magical energy also changes direction mid-air and pursues me, extremely quickly, too.
This makes me realize, 'Seems like we'll be meeting each other at the clearing outside the village. Good thing I didn't run into the village... I spared the buildings from some unnecessary damage. Well, maybe not, after all, Jayr-san and the other are still nearby. In hindsight, I may have panicked and made my decision a little bit too hastily. Oh, well... I'm sure everything will be fine one way or another.'
Steeling myself, I observe the opponent. The distance between us shortens greatly with every passing moment, which can be understood with the use of the eyes alone.
A beautiful young woman with long, bright pink pigtails that extend past her shoulders, she has large, expressive blue eyes and a subtly mischievous smile, and her skin is pale, and her physique is slender and youthful.
She's wearing a dark-colored, short jacket or top with gold accents around the shoulders and cuffs.
Under this, she has a white and light-pink bikini-style top, revealing her midriff and stomach.
Her bottom garment is a dark-colored, close-fitting brief, and she wears striped pink and white stockings that reach mid-thigh.
Around one thigh, a fluffy, light-pink and white leg warmer or garter is visible while her footwear consists of tall, red boots that reach up to her knees, with detailing suggesting a scaly or textured surface.
Her appearance is that of a lovely human girl, but the air around her screams the exact opposite.
The lump of magical energy, or rather, the girl, lands right in front of me, and frighteningly, she doesn't cause a single ripple with her landing, even though she was flying at such terrifying speed she was able to erase it completely before landing, making me wonder, 'Could she perhaps have manipulated the law of inertia itself?'
Now, however, os not the time to consider such things as she says in a cheerful tone, "Pleased to meet you! I am the Demon Lord Milim Nava! I came to greet the strongest being in this city!"
Hearing what she just told me, I can't help but focus on a very particular detail, 'A Demon Lord! Why the hell would one of those show up now… Shouldn't your subordinates or some four heavenly kings show up before you!'
I somehow manage to hold back that retort and only scream it in my mind, making me almost praise myself; however, I've got more important issues to deal with, like how should I respond?
I am currently in my Slime Form, and I am not revealing any of my aura.
I've also gotten pretty good at Magic Energy manipulation recently, so I can subconsciously prevent any possible leaks.
In other words, I should appear as some lowly slime to the ignorant eyes as whether I check with a clone or through Mana Perception, I don't seem any different than a normal slime, that's how well I've learned to hide my aura.
Even with all that, I still wonder how she saw through me.
Trying to hide my confusion, I calmly reply, "The pleasure is mine… I am the lord of the city, Rimuru. You seem to have seen through to my true strength, huh?"
At the same time, I also can't help but think, 'Though without any doubt the strongest one around here is actually Jayr-san, who is strong to the point that it is almost unfair. Even after eating the Orc Disaster, I still feel an immense chasm between our levels. It is so absurd that the King and this Demon Lord still feel like ants in comparison. Though I won't say that.'
While observing her, I ask her how she was able to see through my strength, and she proudly replies, "Fufun! That kind of thing is simple for me. Using this eye, the Milim Eye, I can see the target's magical energy even if they try to hide it! So no one can pretend to be weak before me!"
So, eyes with analytical abilities? What an annoying opponent. Compared to my analysis, hers seems to be stronger, and her proficiency level is beyond question higher than mine.
I can't win this fight. If we actually fight, I might have to use all my skills and tactics just to create an opening.
Her level is completely different from the Pseudo-Demon Lord that Orc Disaster was.
Reaching that conclusion, I decide to hear her intentions, after all, knowing your opponent's goal is absolutely necessary, and so I compliment her and ask, "What amazing eyes, you have. Now, what would be the purpose of your greetings?"
The Demon Lord Milim then calmly and honestly replies, "Mu? Purpose... you say? Just to greet you, though?"
Silence, this is the only reaction to her response; we simply look at each other in the eyes in silence while I think, 'She's hopeless. I had intended to eloquently convince her to go back, but stumbled at the first step. Just a greeting, she says! I'm honestly at a loss here.'
While I'm thinking that, she suddenly adds, "Ah! Right, right, I remembered! You, how about calling yourself a Demon Lord and becoming one?"
For a moment, I'm absolutely shocked by what she just said, to the point that I can't stop myself from retorting outright, "Eh? Why would I want to do such a troublesome thing?"
Demon Lord Milim is the one to be surprised now as she exclaims and asks, "Eh, I mean, a Demon Lord! Sounds cool, right? You long for it, right?"
To her question, I respond with a baffled, "I don't...?" While thinking, 'At least not at the moment and surely not for such a simple reason as "sounding cool". Jayr-san already told me all the advantages and disadvantages of the process of actually becoming a Demon Lord and how he could help me skip a few necessary but troublesome requirements. And after discussing with the others for some time, we decided to wait a little more to allow my influence to grow stronger so that more people can take advantage of my evolution into a Demon Lord. This way, we will have an even better force to fight the looming invasion.'
While I'm thinking that, Demon Lord Milim utters in an equally baffled tone, "... Eh?"
Hearing that, I also immediately repeat, "Eh?" while thinking, 'Seems like there's a fundamental difference in our thought process.'
At this point, we're just staring at each other's faces without having our opinions reach the other; well, a slime doesn't have a face, though.
After a few moments of silence, I decide to ask in order to better understand the motive of the Demon Lord standing in front of me, "Well, then, let me ask. What's so good about becoming a Demon Lord?"
Without any hesitation on her part, Demon Lord Milim replies, "Eh? That's... a bunch of strong people aim to fight you? It's fun, you know?"
Hearing that, I calmly tell her in an honest and calm tone, "Nah... I have no need for that. Not interested."
This seems to shock Demon Lord Milim, whose eyes open wide as she exclaims and asks, "EEHH? Then how do you enjoy your life?"
In response to her question, I calmly tell her, "In a bunch of ways…" before asking, "If I were to become a Demon Lord, are there other ways to have fun other than to fight?" Making a slighly deflated Demon Lord Milim admit, "Not really..."
Hearing that, I can't stop myself from immediately asking, "Then isn't it really boring?"
The moment I said that, Milim appeared as if she were struck by lightning, and looked as if she took serious damage, making me realize, 'She is bored, huh. My words were so accurate that she couldn't say anything in response. Any further conversation would prove meaningless. Maybe I should take advantage of her shock to take my leave.'
Coming to that conclusion, I tell her, "Well then, since we got that out of the way, could I ask you to leave!"
After saying that, I calmly turn around and start to walk back into the city while thinking, 'I handled that pretty well, I thought...'
But before I can finish that thought, I hear the voice of Demon Lord Milim coming from behind me as she loudly complains, "Wait! Y-you! You're doing something more fun than being a Demon Lord, aren't you! No fair! No fair, no fair!!! I'm mad. Teach me! I won't forgive you if you don't!"
'I should be the angry one! She is just a brat!'
That's what I wanted to exclaim by reflex, but desperately held it back while thinking, 'The opponent is a Demon Lord, angering her would be bad. Rather, maybe if I treat her like a kid, handling her will be so much easier. At times like this, I just have to be straight with her. Let's imagine her as a relative's kid.'
Reaching that conclusion, I immediately turn around and say, "I got it, I got it. I'll teach you! But I've got a condition. From now on, you'll call me Rimuru-san!"
But Demon Lord Milim doesn't buy and immediately counters, "What? Don't screw with me! It's the other way around! You should be calling me Milim-sama!"
After we stare at each other for a few moments in silence, I suggest, "Alright, then I will call you Milim. And you will call me Rimuru. How about it?"
Pleased, Milim nods, and then, with a grin on her face, she says in an arrogant tone, "Mu mu mu... Alright. Got it! I allow you to call me Milim. Be thankful! Only Demon Lords can call me that!"
Hearing that, I comment, "Ah, is that so." Before adding, "Then let's drop formalities from now on!"
Some sparks flew between us during the previous conversation, but we seem to have settled on dropping formalities entirely between us, which is already a good result.
After reaching a preliminary understanding, I tell Milim, "Okay, I'll guide you in, then. But don't go wandering on your own, okay?" To which Milim quickly agrees with a big smile on her face, "Got it! Rimuru!"
Seeing that, I gently praise her, "Good good! Aren't you obedient?" Before I suddenly remembered a few details I missed and quickly requested her, "Also, don't go rampaging in the city without my permission, okay? If you can promise me that, I'll consider you my friend!"
Hearing my request, Milim easily agrees and says, "That's easy! I promise, Rimuru!"
At this point, I lead Milim into the city while thinking, 'So far so good. She's easier than I thought. Just like a kid who'd listen to anyone who would give them a candy. Monsters have to keep their promises, right? It should be fine then. And even if something unexpected happens, we can always rely on Jayr-san.'