Jayr POV - Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken Universe, Central World, Magic Continent, Great Jura Forest, Tempest - 2013 AMB
As we continue to have breakfast, I focus on the last small issue, 'Now, the only thing left to decide is if I should bring her along with me... I kind of have a bad feeling about doing that. To bring Milim to a place where she experienced such a tragic loss… It kinda leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Even more so if I bring her there without saying anything to give her a surprise, I kinda expect that to end quite badly, I may even seriously hurt her feelings... Yeah, better avoid such surprises. If I bring Milim with me, then it is better to explain everything to her beforehand.'
After we finished breakfast, Rimuru led Milim and me back to the smithy. He also takes on his Human Form and explains that he did so because, as a slime, he wouldn't be able to try out the weapons.
As soon as we reach our destination, Rimuru greets Kurobe and asks, "Good morning, Kurobe. Is the thing I asked for yesterday ready?"
In response to Rimuru's question, Kurobe shows us the finished product and says, "Ooh! This one, right? Should be good for Milim-sama's personal use!"
From what I know, yesterday, Kurobe had measured the size of Milim's hands after being asked to make her something, more specifically, a pair of gloves named Dragon Knuckles.
Normally, the point of such gloves would be to prevent injury when punching barehanded and to increase the force of the blow, but that's not why Rimuru decided to give her those gloves.
No, his goal was the exact opposite, as those gloves are made of the light but dense Magisteel, which is actually surrounded by a shock-absorbing material.
Because of that, when someone equips this, their blow will be reduced to only 10% of its norm, likely in the hope of decreasing Milim's destructive power and avoiding making her carelessly destroy half of the city in one of her outbursts.
On top of that, they have used Magisteel in hopes of attaching a regenerative effect to it.
Magisteel is the material extracted from raw Magic Ore, an ore that, even without being processed into Magisteel, is considered equal in value to gold due to being rare and versatile.
Unlike regular ores, magic ore only forms around the vicinity of B-rank monsters or higher.
That's because when over a certain period of time regular mineral ores are exposed to dense concentrations of magicules, the ores will slowly absorb them and eventually turn into Magic Ore.
Magic Ore is already very difficult to obtain, but the amount of magisteel that can be extracted from that ore is only 3~5%.
In other words, even a fist-sized chunk of magisteel is worth at least twenty times its weight in gold.
Anyway, Magisteel is very durable and heat-resistant, and compared to other rare metals, which have at most a melting point around 5,000 degrees Celsius, Magisteel can withstand temperatures close to 10,000 degrees Celsius.
Furthermore, it has a self-repairing trait and is exceptional at inducting mana, enabling any objects made from magisteel to "grow" with their user.
All these properties make magisteel highly desirable for making high-quality equipment with magical properties, and for all these reasons, I didn't hesitate to deeply analyze this material in order to be able to create it on my own and infuse it into Crateris, Bidi, and my other creations to further improve them.
As I take a moment to study the equipment created by Kurobe, Rimuru passes the Dragon Knuckles to Milim, who, clearly excited, happily accepts them, while saying, "Milim, try this on!"
She quickly puts them on, before she lightly throws some punches in the air, and then she comments, "Oh! This is great! My hands feel really light!"
Rimuru Tempest POV - Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken Universe, Central World, Magic Continent, Great Jura Forest, Tempest - 2013 AMB
Watching Milim as she tries her Dragon Knuckles and hearing what she just said, I smile lightly while thinking, 'Alright, seems to be working. If her hands feel light, I guess her power should have decreased a bit.'
Shortly after thinking that, I took a newly developed sword after the last one I had broken during the battle against the Orc Disaster, so I asked them to repair it.
Then I tried copying it myself, but even if it looked identical, its performance was clearly different.
Seems copying an item is impossible when the creator's skills are too high.
Even if it looks the same, even if my appraising ability claims they are the same, there are nonetheless small differences.
I draw the sword to check it, 'Amazing. Kurobe's ability is truly something. I wish I could finally get a sword specialized for my use. Seems like they still need to work on that; I am not getting impatient, but I am looking forward to it.'
Nodding, I put the sword back into the scabbard, and the moment Milim and I acquired our weapons, Rigurd came running over before he said, "Rimuru-sama, this is where you were! An unknown group has come!"
From what he told me, we have an armed squad near the city, and among them are the three adventurers, something that makes me almost sigh out loud while thinking, 'Somehow, the three idiots managed to bring an armed group over. Why are so many problems occurring now? Those idiots…'
While hiding my thoughts under a calm facade, I calmly say, "Well, let's go meet them."
After saying that, I head to the place where Rigurd left them, and as if it is the most natural thing in the world, Milim and Jayr-san followed.
When I arrive at the scene, I see Rigur and the guards surrounding ten or so armed men, they are all dressed similarly; however, their equipment seems rather poor, and their ability likewise, making me realize, 'Our equipment is worlds superior. Nonetheless, among them, there are a man and a woman with clearly superior equipment. And not just their equipment, their skills also seem pretty high.'
While I'm thinking that, the three idiots notice me and loudly greet me.
"Oh! Rimuru-danna, it's been a while!"
"Howdy! We came to hang out!"
"It's been ages! Things happened… so there's more of us!"
Hearing that, I can't help but ponder, 'Things happened, huh. Seems like they are the cause of this "incident," while at the same time greeting them back and asking, "Yo. So, who might these people be?"
In response, Kaval and the other two step forward and start to explain the details while also introducing the others, "About that..."
During his introduction, the man named Youm keeps looking at us while on guard, and when the idiots finished, he comes forward and greets us, "Pleased to make your acquaintance! Falmuth Kingdom, Earl Nidol Migam's Migam Earldom, Frontier Garrison Captain Youm's the name. We heard that monsters built a city here, so we came to check. I heard the chief of the city is a Slime, could I meet it?"
Hearing that, I step forward and reply, "Ah, please pardon the belated introduction. I am the head of this city and its representative. I am known as Rimuru Tempest. Though I currently appear thus, I am, in fact, a slime!"
In response to that, Youm seems stunned for a moment, but then he quickly regains his bearings and says, "Is that how it was? Pardon my rudeness. Kaval had mentioned that "Rimuru" is the name of the head, but I was misled by you being called a Slime, you see. Your human transformation is simply marvelous!"
His attitude surely intrigues me as I start to wonder, 'Whether flattery or not, I don't know, but he seems intent on praising me. I wonder if monsters capable of human transformation are rare? Not that it matters right now.' While at the same time asking, "Be that as it may. Are monsters capable of transforming into humans rare?"
But then, I quickly try to focus back on the situation by asking, "Actually, forget that question; what would be your business today?"
This makes Youm quickly start to explain, "Ah, about that… Our goal was to confirm the report. There has never been a case of monsters building a city before, you see… Moreover, should that report prove true, there's the possibility that you will pose a threat to our country. Thus, considering that the city truly exists, we must confirm whether or not you could pose a threat to us," before he requested, "Could we possibly impose upon you our presence?"
Hearing that, I immediately retort, "I see. However, if we were intending on becoming your enemies and were such a terrifying city, how could we let you stay here?"
Upon hearing my retort, the man named Youm scratches the back of his head for a few seconds, seemingly part embarrassed, part annoyed, before he comes to a decision and says in one breath, "Ah, damn it. I'll just tell you the truth. Frankly, I didn't believe there was a city of monsters here. Now I know I was wrong. And, according to these three adventurers, you've got really good living conditions around here. Please allow our stay and the stationing of troops here!"
Then he turns to the three idiots and deeply bows his head in apology while saying. "I apologize for doubting you!"
Watching this scene, I start to contemplate, 'I had planned to observe him for a while, but maybe it's alright to consider him an honest guy.'
While I'm thinking that, Ellen, for some reason, proudly responds, "Fufuuun! Didn't we tell you! Well, as long as you understand! It doesn't do to always suspect people!"
The other two are also expressing their approval of her words, or more likely, happiness at finally arriving at their destination.
At this point, I start to seriously consider his request, 'Well, he doesn't seem like a bad guy, but approving their presence is a different matter. Maybe it is safer to ask for some more information before...'
Reaching that conclusion, I don't hesitate to ask, "Regarding stationing your troops here: for what purpose?"
Youm faces me and begins explaining their situation in a forthcoming manner.
Their unit was established by the Kingdom of Falmuth's Earl Nidol Migam to protect the villages against monsters; they are composed of thirty members in three divisions.
From where we stand, they could easily access the highway and nearby villages.
In the end, Youm concludes his explanation with a proposal, "Moreover, if we lay roads to the highway, we'd be saving time and establishing a trade route. Of course, we will offer our labor towards that end!"
The reason for his proposal is that even if it's possible to get here on horseback, the same is not true for carriages, as we hadn't cleared any trees in the direction of the highway.
After hearing his proposal, I started to think about it more carefully. 'We didn't want to stand out at the time, but that was before the earlier Orc incident. Now that the forest has begun to calm down, we should think about opening a trade route. So perhaps it might be a good idea to accept his proposal...'
Since it's bad taste to continue such a discussion on our feet, I decided to guide everyone to the cafeteria, and though our menu selection is still limited, it is nonetheless very delicious.
The reason for that is that we unfortunately are low on salt, pepper, and other seasonings; we can't offer any subtle spicing, or so I'd say, if not for Shuna's godly cooking skills and Jayr-san's teachings and masterful recipes.
Of course, she isn't the only one cooking, as there are also her apprentice chefs, the Goblinas.
The number of Goblinas has been steadily increasing, and since the security and order of the city is mostly maintained by men, the women take care of household matters and cooking.
Since they have their individual talents, they spread themselves among Cooking, Cleaning, Education, Sewing, Assistance, and other professions.
Their efficiency can be primarily attributed to Rigurd's skill at governing.
After switching to the cafeteria, we continued our discussion, amusingly, Milim sat between me and Jayr-san, 'It's kind of cute how carefully she handles her dragon knuckles.'
At this point, I'm not the only one who took notice of Milim as Kaval carelessly asked, "By the way, Rimuru-danna, whose child would she be?"
Milim reacts to being called a child, but exercises enough self-restraint not to lash out, but still, I again feel the metaphorical cold sweat run down my back, making me almost unconsciously shiver while thinking, 'Bad word choice, Kaval. Can't forget that this cafeteria has the bomb named Milim.'
While thinking that, I decide to warn them ahead of time, "Oh, she's a guest. A really important person, so treat her with utmost respect, okay?"
If they ignore my warning, they'll have only themselves to blame. At that point, it's not my problem then.
Meanwhile, Milim simply introduces herself in an adorable manner, "I'm Milim. Please to meet you!"
But a man and a woman, the ones whose equipment is much better than the rest, have a worried expression on their faces.
Actually, rather than expression, it's the air around them that has changed slightly.
They look at Milim with complete disbelief, making me wonder, 'Did they find her out? No, there's no way that would be true.'
That's what I thought until I looked closer at the two and realized, 'Huh? Why are two Majin disguising themselves as humans among Youm's group?'
Yes, the two of them aren't human; a simple human transformation can not fool my Mana Perception.
Realizing that, I quickly start to analyze the situation, 'From what Youm said, they joined their group halfway. Infiltration, is that it?'
Reaching that conclusion, I announce using Thought Communication, [Hey, two Majin infiltrated the city, be on your guard!] While thinking, 'Well, it's fine as long as they don't do anything funny.'
Shortly after my announcement, the Thought Communication Network became very active.
[Rimuru-sama, considering that they showed up at the same time as Demon Lord Milim, could they be connected somehow?]
[I am of the same opinion, Rimuru-sama. A ploy to make us lower our guard?]
But suddenly, Milim makes her way into the Thought Communication Network and announces, [Nooooope! I wouldn't do something that annoying!!!]
This is followed by Jayr-san, who quickly defends her by explaining, [That's right. If Milim had any ill intention against this city and its residents. She would have directly attacked and destroyed everything in one single move. She isn't the type of person who likes to play such complicated moves.]
It seems that they have figured out the frequency of our Thought Communication Network and forced their way in. What an absurd thing to do.
Even if I make it sound so simple, make no mistake, it requires an absurdly high level of skill.
[Hey, you, did you just break into our network?!]
[Fufun! That kind of thing is easy for me and my little brother! But let bygones be bygones. Those two have no relation to me!!]
[But you know them?]
[... Eh? I... I don't?]
[...]
[...]
[She does... They were together when they arrived at the city's outskirts yesterday. They should be here under the orders of other Demon Lords, likely to gain more information about the city.]
[Mooou! A little brother shouldn't embarrass his big sister like this!]
[You also shouldn't lie to your best friend, big sister. Even though I think it's wonderful that you don't want to negatively affect your fellow Demon Lords' plans, you don't have to worry too much about it, as soon there will be more important matters to worry about than these petty conflicts.]
[What? Is something going to happen soon!? Is it going to be interesting?]
[Don't worry about it. I'll tell you later...]
At this point, I cut off the discussion by saying, [Well, whatever. Just stay on your guard, everyone!] While thinking, 'Though they aren't related, they are acquainted, it seems. It's enough to know what we need to stay vigilant against. Anyway, those two truly started to treat each other like siblings... They even started to quarrel like them.'
While all this happened over the Thought Communication Network, everyone was busy with self-introductions, and that seems to have ended a second ago, so I announced, "Now that everyone has introduced themselves, let's get to the heart of the matter!"
The main question is whether to allow them to establish a base here; but, before that, they need to clarify something, so I ask Youm, "I should be considering this a personal request of Youm-san, shouldn't I?"
Youm replies without any hesitation on his part, "Yes, that would be accurate. In fact, the country will not know of this," which makes me ask, "Why?"
At this point, Youm snorts and starts a full-blown ranting speech, "Hmph. Though there are a bunch of reasons, frankly, I hate the noble in charge of our province. Our employer, Earl Nidol Migam, is no decent man. He is the kind of guy who prioritizes personal benefit over that of the people. He's greedy and rough with his men. Though he levies a heavy tax on the people in return for protection, the garrison sees none of it. The worst kind of man. Well, as someone who badmouths his employer, I am no decent man either. In any case, as a result, we are severely understaffed. If we set up a base here, we could easily access the surrounding villages. But, if we report this, he's bound to meddle with your city. The clothing you produce is your specialty, right? It's worlds better than what his city produces, you know? Well, this is considered a neutral zone, so I can't imagine him moving independently, but..."
Listening to Youm's very elaborate rant, I immediately figure out the whole situation, 'I see. It's basically a greedy feudal lord. A very common setting. Yes, I wouldn't want to have to deal with such a gloomy character, too. But considering how frankly Youm explains all this, he must be serious. He seriously wants to set up a base here. To earn my trust, he's speaking only the truth.'
Like that, our conversation continues, and after Rigurd, Benimaru, and the others voice their opinions, we pass our decision.
We decided to let them use a single empty house, and of course, should they cause problems, we will immediately evict them.
Moreover, after hearing Kaijin's opinion, we decided that we'll be collecting money for their meals, and after some calculation, we decided that a single night for a single person would cost three silver coins.
The average rate in a city for a sunny room is between 5~8 coins. A single room at an inn could be as low as 3 coins, which includes a single simple meal. Staying without a meal will cost between 1~2 coins. The imperial capital would easily be five times as expensive.
By the way, a hundred silver coins are equal to a single gold one. I still have the twenty gold pieces I got from Kaidou. By our standards, a single silver coin equals a thousand yen, and a single gold coin is a hundred thousand yen.
Though monetary value also depends on item costs and such, well, in any case, Kaidou seems to have spent a lot; however, that's only expected considering the value of the medicine.
Well, it should be enough to kick-start our economy.
After hearing our proposal, Youm starts to negotiate the cost, "Three coins is too high, please lower it slightly!"
But Kaijin snorts and quickly rebuts, "Hmph! Listen up, the room includes three meals a day and a bath! If you have a problem, we'll lend you a storage house instead, how about it? There we'll charge a single silver coin, but no meals!"
Youm ponders Kaijin's words, but in the end, he gives up as he probably remembers the meal he just ate.
And thus, we lent out lodging to the Kingdom of Falmuth's Earl's Frontier Garrison Guard, led by Youm, and we also let them use the first floor of the guard house as their office.
Shortly after we reached that agreement, Youm's group brought in their equipment there.
Seems like they use a Magic Communicator type of thing that allows them to contact individual units. However, unfortunately, they can only speak for three minutes every hour.
The magic cost is simply so high that they can't supply enough, thus it's mostly used to rely on unit orders or for emergency situations.
It's likely an expensive piece of equipment, as they seem to only have six of those; maybe it is also due to how cheap their employer is.
Including the two "newcomers", the human squad is composed of only 32 people.
From where they are located, well, here as of now, they can reach every village within a day, and as a result, they've gotten much more efficient, it seems.
After Youm contacted them via the magic communicator, they all assembled here.
They all seem like a merry bunch as they all excitedly shout.
"""Please take care of us from now on!"""
In response, I greet them back, "Our pleasure!" Before I throw in there a light threat to make sure they behave, "However, should you cause any trouble, I can't guarantee your lives. So be careful, okay?" while thinking, 'Though we're clearly monsters, they were on their guard only for the first few minutes. But let's not allow them to let their guard down so much that they cause a ruckus here. Though they seem like a bunch of good guys, so maybe I'm worrying too much.'
As planned, I then introduced Youm to Rigur, and after we explained how far our defense network spans, the frontier garrison decided to fill in the holes between us and the villages.
Since there's a lot of room to spare, a single unit can work on building a road, and the free high orc construction division will be sent to help them with that.
Thus, albeit very unexpectedly, Youm's group became familiar with our city while Jayr-san left with Milim, but not before reminding me to talk with Ellen, whose true name is actually Elyun, and ask her to contact her family, the royal family of the Sorcerous Dynasty of Sarion, and inform them of the looming invasion and our proposal to form a defensive alliance.
Jayr POV - Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken Universe, Central World, Magic Continent, Great Canaat Mountains, Dragon's Den - 2013 AMB
The Great Canaat Mountains are the largest mountain range on the Magic Continent, taking up a significant portion of its north-central mass with some of its mountain peaks reaching even higher than Earth's Mount Everest.
It's home to both the Armed Nation of Dwargon, which uses it as an impenetrable fortress, and innumerable Dragons, which increase in power the further up the mountains that one goes until they reach the Dragon's Den at the top of the highest peak.
Dragons, not to be confused with True Dragons, are one of the strongest races that exist in the world.
There are 3 main types of dragons: lesser dragons, medium dragons, and archdragons.
Their level is determined by the amount of magicules they possess and the strength of their dragon factor.
A dragon can be born at any of these stages if there is enough factor involved in the process, but it is also possible to achieve a greater form by gathering magicules and evolving normally.
Our current location is on top of the highest peak, right in front of the location where Gaia was sealed thousands of years ago.
Needless to say, Milim is very nervous at the moment, but at the same time, she is also very excited as she looks at me and asks for the umpteenth time, "Jayr! Are you really, really, really sure that you can help Gaia!? You promise me that nothing will happen to him?"