Jayr POV - Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken Universe, Central World, Magic Continent, Great Jura Forest, Tempest - 2013 AMB
In the end, after explaining everything he needed to know about the Champion of Power and his allies, I was able to gain the full support of Yuuki Kagurazaka, and as a result, the full support of the two massive organizations under his control.
With most of my objectives and preparations for the Champion of Power's invasion completed, I decided to relax a little and spend the rest of the day with my family and friends.
After all, I've successfully unified the whole Central World against a common enemy, the only things left to do are keep training and help my allies get strong enough to repel the enemy's assaults.
The next day, as the city of Tempest prepares for Rimuru's Harvest Festival, where I will help him become a True Demon Lord, I suddenly remember a very important and powerful character that may not make an appearance, thanks to my influence, Rimuru's most powerful subordinate, the third-oldest of the seven Primordial Daemons, Diablo, also known as Noir.
Realizing that, I immediately move to fix this mistake and inform Rimuru about it.
At first, Rimuru is a bit reluctant to summon an Archdaemon as he is worried that it may rampage and harm his people, but in the end, I am able to convince and reassure him that what he worries about won't happen as I can easily stop the Archdaemon before he can do anything and then I add that the Archdeamon is also willing to be summoned and follow him.
Curious by my last affirmation, Rimuru asks why the Archdaemon would be willing to be summoned and follow his orders, so I tell him that the Archdaemon noticed his existence when he helped Shizu and developed a fascination with his unique and powerful soul, as well as his abnormal growth and potential.
After that, I don't give Rimuru any chance to have second thoughts and quickly create a ritualistic altar and prepare the necessary "sacrifice" in the form of a cube of pure soul energy of my creation, and tell him to just do it.
In response, Rimuru sighs before he begins gathering his power, then he spreads his arms and begins to chant a spell to start the High Demon Summoning ritual using the cube of soul energy I created as an offering.
Not that he actually needs to chant, but since there is an altar and he is about to summon an Archdaemon, Rimuru feels that it matches the atmosphere, so he puts a bit of theatrical flair.
In an answer to his chant, a magic circle began to form on the floor in front of him, and at this point, Rimuru calls out, "I prepared thy meal, come forth, demon. And serve me!"
The next moment, from within the magic circle, two Greater Daemons and the Archdeamon appear, kneeling before Rimuru, facing the ground as they respectfully greet him.
"We are honored to respond to your summons. This grand offering you have bestowed upon us fills our hearts with endless joy!"
"It's an honor to be in your presence, oh, forth-coming Dark Lord! Can we expect to be later put to use by You?"
"..."
The two Greater Daemons possess a more animalistic and distorted appearance, resembling something more like a hybrid between a human and a horrific monster.
Despite the extreme variety in their appearance, they both possess claws, horns, and wings.
Like most daemons above the Lesser Daemon stage, belonging to a specific color lineage, with their color being apparent in their appearance.
The color of a daemon's sclera usually matches their lineage, and, although not always, other parts of their body match this color as well.
In the case of these two particular Greater Deamons, their pitch black sclera perfectly gives away their Black lineage.
On the other hand, Noir, the Archdeamon, looks almost like a normal human male.
He has short, dark hair with a striking red streak, as well as golden eyes with red pupils and black sclera that are sharp and somewhat narrowed, suggesting a serious or perhaps slightly cynical expression.
He is finely dressed in garments like those of a prince with a dark, almost black, coat with long tails that flare dramatically behind him, suggesting flowing fabric.
The coat is open, revealing a purple or burgundy undergarment with gold detailing at the waist.
A dark-colored sash or belt cinches his waist, and his footwear appears to be dark-colored boots, fitting the overall attire.
(Image Here - Noir/Diablo)
Noir is the only one who didn't greet Rimiru, but from his attitude, it is clear that he is amused by what is happening and is greatly curious about what is going to happen next.
After responding to their greetings, Shion quickly arrives and informs us that all the preparations for Rimuru's Harvest Festival are ready.
Because of that, Rimuru informs the summoned Daemons that they will talk later and quickly orders them to be on guard in case something unexpected happens and to protect the city and its people before we all move to the center of the city to start Rimuru's ascention to the True Demon Lord level.
Once there, I don't waste any time and immediately start by using my authority over the Voice of the World to gift Rimuru the Unique Skill Merciless, a skill that is necessary to not only fully consume and absorb the Soul Energy I'm going to give him, but also to evolve the Unique Skill Gluttony into an Ultimate Skill raising Rimuru's power and potential to another level.
After gifting Rimuru the Unique Skill Merciless, I start to help Rimuru evolve by infusing an insane amount of Soul Energy into his being, and then cross my arms and start to admire the whole ongoing process that I've started.
Rimuru Tempest POV - Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken Universe, Central World, Magic Continent, Great Jura Forest, Tempest - 2013 AMB
I sit down at the place we prepared beforehand and wait for Jayr-san to start the whole process that will jumpstart my evolution into a True Demon Lord, while all around me, I see the faces of all my loyal subordinates and friends.
Some have an expectant expression on their faces, some are tense, some are excited, some are curious, some are happy. I feel very supported by their presence.
Suddenly, Jayr-san steps in front of me and says, "First of all, you'll need to acquire a very special and useful skill..."
Hearing that, I begin to wonder what kind of skill I need to acquire and why he didn't tell me about it beforehand.
However, before I can actually ask him those questions, he continues with a smirk on his face, "... But since the conditions to acquire that skill are quite nasty, steep, and difficult to fulfill, we'll have to cheat a little bit. As some like to say: Why work harder when you can work smarter?"
Shortly after saying that, Jayr-san lightly taps my forehead, and I immediately hear not the usual Great Sage but the voice from heaven that I haven't heard for a long time, the Voice of the World.
[Confirmed. Unique Skill, Merciless acquisition... Succeeded.]
Immediately, I ask Great Sage to analyze this new Unique Skill that Jayr-san seemingly effortlessly gifted to me.
A few moments later, the analysis of the Unique Skill, Merciless, is complete, and I learn that it is a skill that affects any individual within range who is recognized by the user as an "enemy".
From that point on, if they lose the will to fight or their heart is broken, their soul comes under the influence of the user and allows them to reap it at any time.
Even if they were allowed to escape, their soul remain under the thrall of the user and can be taken at any time at the first thought of rebellion.
On top of that, it gives the user access to the Sub-Skill Soul Consumption, which allows the user to selectively reap the souls of those who are under the full influence of Merciless.
It can also be applied as a coating to the user's attacks, making their every attack eat away at the energy and Spiritual body of the target on contact, like a deadly poison.
It is quite a powerful and frightening skill that leaves a bad taste in my mouth, even more so when I consider just what kind of condition would allow an individual to naturally acquire such a skill.
Luckily, I have Jayr-san, who helped me skip all those necessary steps and directly granted me such skill.
Shortly after thinking that, I focus back on what is happening and see Jayr-san lightly wave his hand while saying, "Now, I'm going to infuse you with enough Soul Energy to trigger your evolution..."
The next moment, an insane amount of colorless energy is sent into my body, which triggers the Great Sage, who asks, [Question. Do you want to use Unique Skill, Merciless? YES/NO]
Yes. I answer with a calm mind, there is no hesitation, and immediately after I use the ability, I feel it greedily consume all the Soul Energy that is flooding my body as my consciousness is suddenly and quickly waning.
At this point, I hear the Voice of the World resounding in my mind.
[Notification. The necessary human soul (nourishment) for the requirement of the evolution (Seed's Sprouting) had been confirmed... Recognized. The requirement had been met. From now on, Evolution to Demon Lord (Harvest Festival) will begin.]
Without my consent, my body begins to transform and organize itself.
I am not a person who wanted to call myself a Demon Lord; I am the one who turned myself into a True Demon Lord to protect this world and the people who are important to me.
On this day... A new Demon Lord is born in this world.
I lost consciousness. This deep sleep I fall into is actually the first time I am completely unconscious since coming to this world.
Great Sage POV - Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken Universe, Central World, Magic Continent, Great Jura Forest, Tempest - 2013 AMB
Master fell into a deep slumber.
His consciousness slipping from his fingers, he could no longer maintain the human form and reverted to being a Slime.
Failing to reach the darkness he is in, as the Voice of the World announces.
[Announcement. The transformation into a Demon Lord, the Harvest Festival has begun. Body reconstruction has begun, transforming into a new species.]
[Confirmed. Race: Evolving from Slime into Demon Slime... Successful. All parameters have been greatly increased. The ability to freely change between material and spiritual bodies has been added. Intrinsic Skills are: Dissolve, Absorption, and Self-Regeneration. Furthermore, with regard to acquired resistances, new ones have been added... Physical Attack Nullification, Natural Effects Nullification, Status Change Nullification, Spiritual Attack Resistance, and Holy Magic Resistance. Reconstruction has granted the following skills.]
[Now, with regards to daily skills: Magic Perception, Heat Detection, Super Olfaction, Auditory Perception, Demon Lord's Haki. Have been added. End of script, evolution has been completed.]
At this point, being but a concept of a unique skill, without having any self-awareness, but for the sake of serving the master, the Great Sage also desires to evolve.
[Announcement. Additional evolution shall be attempted. Attempting to evolve Unique Skill, Great Sage,
... Failure.
… Attempting again.
… Failure.
… Attempting again.
... Failure.
… Attempting again.
… Failure.
… Attempting again.
... Failure.
… Attempting again.
… Failure.
… Attempting again.
...
… Integrating Unique Skill, Degenerate ... Success.
Unique Skill, Great Sage has evolved into the Ultimate Skill Raphael, Lord of Wisdom.]
After attempting a million combinations, finally a result... The Harvest Festival bestowed upon me such a gift.
The ability to evolve a skill to what this world knew as the Ultimate Skill.
That is something thought to be nearly impossible to occur, but after many failed attempts, such was the result.
That is something I desired in order to fulfill my master's request, but, as a mere concept, I feel no joy.
I do feel sympathy, however.
But for me to feel sympathy and not joy...
With the newfound ability, I go back to work on my master's request.
But, to fulfill it... perhaps... Again, evolution resumes.
[Additional evolution shall be attempted. Attempting to evolve Unique Skill, Gluttony,
... Failure.
… Attempting again.
… Failure.
… Attempting again.
... Following the suggested set of actions.
... Sacrificing and integrating the Unique Skill, Merciless... Success.
Unique Skill, Gluttony has evolved into the Ultimate Skill Beelzebuth, Lord of Gluttony.]
In order to fulfill the master's request.
Thus, while master's consciousness is shrouded in darkness… In order to fulfill his wish, his skills evolved in silence.
Benimaru POV - Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken Universe, Central World, Magic Continent, Great Jura Forest, Tempest - 2013 AMB
[Announcement. Individual: Rimuru Tempest, the transformation into Demon Lord (Harvest Festival) shall now commence. Upon its completion, related monsters shall be blessed with a gift.]
Every monster that has gathered in the city heard the Voice of the World announce that, making me realize, 'It seems that Jayr-sama truly did what he promised to do. He helped Rimuru-sama evolve into a True Demon Lord. In that case, it is now our time to shine.'
Coming to that conclusion, I do not hesitate to shout, "Brace yourselves! Our master has begun his evolution. It is our turn now!"
My voice resounds throughout the city, and in response, the city becomes alive.
Our master would do anything in his power to protect us, as he clearly stated that he doesn't want to lose any of us in the future battle against those invaders, and it is our duty to do everything in our power to fulfill his wish.
For a moment, I forget about the announcement that the Voice of the World gave a few moments ago and focus my attention back on my master's body.
Right in front of my eyes, my master's body has undergone irregular and strange changes away from its slime form, but soon it calms down, returning to its original, perfect streamlined shape.
However, shortly after that master's body starts suddenly blinking in colours like red, blue, yellow, green, and purple, there is also a variety of black and white in the mix too, and all of it seems very suspicious, but looking at the calm smile on Jayr-sama's face, I'm reassured that everything is proceeding as intended.
And like this, some time had passed unrelentingly to the point that our sense of time becomes so messed up that it loses its meaning, and some people start to truly become worried about how long has already passed.
Just when people start to become agitated, the Voice of the World once again echoes in the minds of all the monsters present.
[Warning. The individual: Rimuru Tempest's Demon Lord evolution has been completed. Moving on, the blessing of all affiliated monsters shall commence.]
Suddenly, a wave of drowsiness strikes while I look around and sleepily think, 'It would seem that Rimuru-sama's evolution was a success. Next is our turn, but I would have never thought that we would possibly feel this sleepy.'
I watch as everyone around me falls asleep, unable to resist the urge; however, I made a promise with Rimuru-sama to keep watching over him and the city, and I can't possibly afford to fall asleep myself.
At this time, Rimuru-sama's body emits dazzling rays of light, and after the light settles, it reveals a gorgeous being with long, lustrous silver hair.
Removing its familiar mask, it is Rimuru-sama with silver blue hair flowing over its cheeks; it was a display of heavenly beauty.
(Image Here - Rimuru Demon Lord)
Suddenly, a voice resonates softly within my head, [WARNING. Leave the rest to me, please go to sleep.]
The voice gives me a deep sense of security, and guided by the voice, I let myself go and fall into an irresistible slumber.
Jayr POV - Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken Universe, Central World, Magic Continent, Great Jura Forest, Tempest - 2013 AMB
Add something about the two Greater Daemon wishing to sacrifice themselves to help the weaker monsters, with Raphal erasing them and using their energy to empower his people.
I calmly move in front of Rimuru's newly evolved form and immediately notice that he gained another 10 cm in height, giving him the appearance of a child around the age of twelve or thirteen before I smile and say, "Calm down, Raphael. With me and my friends here, nothing will happen to Rimuru and his people. You can leave everything to me and focus on adjusting to the changes that Rimuru's evolution into a True Demon Lord has brought."
In response to my words, Rimuru's body, now under the control of the Ultimate Skill Raphael, Lord of Wisdom, looks at me in silence for a few moments before it replies in a mechanical monotone voice, "Acknowledged."
Shortly after that, Rimuru again falls asleep just like the rest of the monsters living in the city, who are currently receiving the gifts from Rimuru's Harvest Festival, which makes many of them go through evolution and receive very powerful Skills.
At this point, as I watch over all the asleep residents of the city, Nikita and the other approach me while commenting.
"Whoa... Knowing about it is one thing, but watching it happen before your eyes is a whole other matter."
"I admit that seeing everyone suddenly fall asleep at the same time was quite unsettling despite knowing that everything was fine..."
"Hmph... This is a very obvious weakness. If any knew about the Harvest Festival, it could have easily taken advantage of this glaring opportunity to do whatever they wanted."
"Oh, come on! Don't be so harsh with them. It isn't their fault if this universe works like this. They already knew that this was a possibility and were fully prepared for it by erecting barriers and asking us to protect them. On top of that, Jayr made sure that currently there are no actual enemies in this world that would want to take advantage of this opportunity to take them out."
I turn toward the approaching group of Champions and former Champions with a smile on my face and say, "That's right. Right now, the only ones we have to worry about are the Champion of Power and his army."
At this point, as we are talking about the most pressing issue, an idea comes to my mind as I tell them, "Now that I think about it, the fact that we have no clear idea of when the Champion of Power will start his invasion is quite problematic in itself..."
In response to my words, Aletha agrees and quickly suggests, "That's true... Maybe I can try to use a bit of Divination to learn about when the Champion of Power and his army are going to invade..."
However, her enthusiasm quickly dims as she mutters, "... But I have to admit that after the last time I tried to divine something about them, I'm not very confident of the possible results... That Unicron may very well block all my attempts, deceive me by making me see what it wants, or even try to kill me again. I feel that my chances against that powerful entity are pretty low..."
Hearing that, I quickly reassure her, "Luckily, you don't have to do anything because I may have a solution for that. However, it is better that I focus on that after we are done with all this. So, for now, let's focus on keeping an eye on Rimuru and his people."
Rimuru Tempest POV - Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken Universe, Central World, Magic Continent, Great Jura Forest, Tempest - 2013 AMB
'A new morning has come!' That nostalgic phrase suddenly appeared in my mind.
It's been a long time since I last felt the feeling of awakening, I mean, since I don't need to sleep in this world, this is this body's first experience at sleeping.
I behold the scene before me and see busy preparations occurring in every corner of the city.
Even a quick feel reveals pulsating strength emanating from their bodies, and that, I believe, is the effect of my evolution into a True Demon Lord.
Suddenly, I hear a very familiar voice, "Ah! Rimuru-sama, you have awakened!"
And from behind me, I feel the very familiar aura as I am hugged from behind by two warm, soft hills, while I suddenly feel myself thinking, while taking a look at myself, 'Evolution hasn't changed my slime form very much. If anything, my color became silver with faint streaks of gold. So… I'm that, right? Gold Slime or something? The one that can move at the speed of light. Wait...! I am not a Saint like Jayr-san! Though that's probably impossible, I do feel a kind of "highest type of slime around" aura about me.'
This new me is sitting on top of Shion's lap, her cheek rubbing against mine, making me think, 'Yup. It feels great. But, thank goodness! Everything went as planned; it seems that everyone is fine. And I have become a True Demon Lord.'
While rejoicing that everything went according to our plan, I also dutifully enjoy the feel of her breasts, a truly heavenly moment it is.
But as if intending to ruin this beautiful moment, Benimaru walks in and, with an evil smile on his face, he asks, "Oh, Rimuru-sama, you have awakened? But I must confirm whether you are fully yourself, or else we couldn't rest easy. You should remember our code, don't you? Now then, let me confirm. 'How's Shion's cooking?' How will you respond!?"
Making me almost sigh out loud while thinking, 'Of course I remember, just like we planned, I have to respond, "It's horrible, right? Seriously, what a worrywart.'
However, the moment I am about to respond, I notice the peril I am in, 'Hmm? Aren't I being held by Shion right now…? If I say "It's horrible"... What will happen, I wonder…'
Suddenly, a terrifying image fills my mind as I start to panic, 'Wouldn't she squash me out of anger? Damn it! He got me!!! A classic Hiroaki-style trap. What should I say? What would be a good response? Right! Great Sage will certainly come up with a good answer.'
I thought, and tried activating my Unique Skill Great Sage, but it does not respond, worrying me even more, 'What… does this mean…? Hey, Great Sage!!!'
[Announcement. Unique Skill Great Sage has evolved into Ultimate Skill Raphael, Lord of Wisdom. As a result, it has been erased and cannot be used.]
This makes me realize, 'Oh… So even my skills evolved. But Raphael, huh? Named after an angel; it seems pretty amazing. That aside, what's important is escaping this perilous situation. Alright, Raphael, what's the best phrase to deceive Shion with?'
[Solution. After some calculations, an adequate phrase was not found.]
Making me internally scream, 'Useless~!!! Great Sage was no good with these situations, and Raphael is just as bad. Honestly, so did the evolution affect the name without changing any parameters!'
Of course, this exchange happened within a single second, as shortly after Shion asks, "Eh? What about my cooking?"
Before she can reach a conclusion on her own, Benimaru says, "Hmm? Oh, it's been so long that Rimuru-sama wants a taste, right? That way, you'll be able to show the results of your efforts. Surely, he'll happily accept the meal? And just a side note, I don't need any!"
At this point, I almost growl out loud, 'Benimaru said such a wicked thing. And to try to leave himself out of it… this bastard! You know… Just when I woke up in a good mood, to be sentenced to eternal sleep is…!'
Meanwhile, Shion happily accepts his proposal and hastily runs off, screaming, "I have received his favor!"
I feel an unbelievable fear overtake me before I glare at Benimaru and say, "Hey, what are you doing! No way I could respond, 'It's horrible,' you know! You purposefully trapped me, didn't you, Benimaru!"
In response, Benimaru laughs and says with a distant, reminiscing gaze, "Hahaha, I have no idea what you're talking about. Well, shouldn't you have a taste after so long? Thanks to the constant taste testing that I do, I've recently acquired Poison Resistance..."