The air in the Ogre camp was thick with suspicion, grief, and the looming authority of Arthur.
The Ogres were caught between their burning need for vengeance against the "Goblins" and the undeniable truth in the Dragon's powerful words.
The Ogre prince finally lowered his sword, his voice rough with despair.
"We have lost everything—our home, our chief, our honor. Vengeance is all that remains. If you truly wish for our alliance, prove that you are worthy of our sacrifice!"
His sister, the beautiful and proud Shuna, stepped forward, her eyes fixed on Rimuru.
"You say you lead a nation of monsters. You must know that a name is power. If you are as strong as your companion claims, then grant us power! Give us a name that will allow us to avenge our fallen!"
This was the final, non-negotiable condition.
The Ogres were demanding the ultimate act of faith and power from Rimuru.
Rimuru understood the gravity of the request instantly.
This was the moment of absolute commitment.
She turned to Arthur, her masked face unreadable, but her mental transmission was resolute.
"I'm doing it, Arthur. I have to. They are worth the risk."
Arthur nodded, a faint, proud smile crossing his lips.
He knew the immense magical cost this would incur, especially combined with the earlier naming of the Goblins, but the strategic necessity was absolute.
"Do it, Rimuru. Commit to them fully."
Rimuru took a deep breath, her figure shimmering as the massive amount of magicules pooled within her.
She focused her power, directing the raw energy of her being toward the seven surviving Ogres.
"I accept your condition!"
Rimuru's voice rang out, clear and firm.
"From this day forward, you are no longer the Ogres. You are my most trusted allies, and your new name shall be Oni!"
The surge of energy that followed was catastrophic.
Rimuru's entire reserve, already taxed, was violently drained to its absolute limit.
The entire area was bathed in a brilliant, searing white light.
The Ogres screamed, not in pain, but as their bodies were violently reconstructed, evolving into a new, higher monster species.
Arthur immediately stepped close to Rimuru, using his Dragon's Aura and Dragon's Heart to shield her and stabilize her core magicule pathway.
The naming was complete, but Rimuru instantly collapsed, falling into a critical, deep slumber.
When the light faded, the seven Ogres were gone, replaced by the magnificent figures of the Oni.
They were transformed—their physical might increased exponentially, their beauty refined, and their innate magical power unleashed.
Shuna, now a striking woman with two elegant white horns, felt the torrent of power surge through her.
The Ogre prince, now a wise and powerful leader, fell to his knees not in fear, but in awe and profound loyalty before the unconscious Slime (whose human form had dissipated with the loss of magicules).
"This power... she has truly saved us and elevated us!"
The prince declared, now their leader in spirit as well as blood.
"We are reborn! We pledge our absolute and eternal loyalty to Rimuru Tempest!"
The newly named Oni turned their attention to Arthur, whose fierce presence shielded the small, sleeping slime.
They recognized that he was the true anchor of the alliance, and their deference to him only deepened.
With the alliance now cemented by the irrevocable bond of naming, Arthur, the Oni, and the Star Wolves prepared to move.
"We must return immediately,"
Arthur stated, lifting the unconscious slime gently.
"The Orc Disaster is upon us, and Rimuru needs to recover. We will join forces with the Lizardmen and prepare the final strategy."
With the terrifying power of the Oni secured, Rimuru's alliance now had the muscle necessary to face the overwhelming forces of the Orc Lord.
Rimuru is currently unconscious and defenseless, and the Orc army is closing fast.
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