Moonlight bathed his features as a man strolled through the streets of Bayam, seemingly deep in contemplation. His brows were furrowed and lips pressed thin as he absentmindedly walked on the uneven cobblestone.
Marcus Shaw, or rather, Rimuru Tempest was deeply troubled. Following his consumption of the alcoholic pirate, he had immediately usurped his identity, while simultaneously analyzing everything about the man. That had led to several discoveries, each only further adding to his headache.
Firstly, much to his relief, the [Stomach] subskill of his [Predator] still functioned relatively the same, the only difference being that the storage subspace wasn't inside him anymore, rather it was connected to the mysterious dimension he himself was connected to. But there was no way to learn more without investigating the mysterious dimension itself, which wasn't something even near the top of his priority list as of now. For now, he would use the [Stomach] as is. It was currently filled with several hundred liters of water which he had purified after consuming seawater, some rock samples, and lastly, the corpse of the man he had consumed.
Secondly, he, with some help from [Great Sage] had figured out a way to absorb the memories of the people he consumed. It relied on his Unique Skill [Degenerate]. First, he would use it's subskill [Separate] to rip apart the person's memories from their body and soul, and second, he would use the other subskill [Synthesis] to combine it with himself. He had given the job of passively filtering the memories into useful information to [Great Sage].
He had gotten his inspiration from Shizue, who had fused her own soul with Rimuru's and passed on her will to him before her death. There was a difference though, while she had combined her entire soul with his, he was only going to absorb the memories of the people he consumed. He had no use for their will and emotions.
So now, essentially everything the man known as Marcus Shaw had ever learnt was Rimuru's to use… not that there was much, the pathetic man was barely literate. Regardless, it had been supremely helpful. He had quickly learnt about the language, geography, religions, customs, etc etc.
He was in currently in Bayam, the Capital of the Rorsted Archipelago, located on the Blue Mountain Island, and also known as the City of Generosity. It was a colony of the Loen Kingdom, which was arguably the most powerful and prosperous kingdom in this world. As far as places to be reincarnated went, this wasn't so bad.
The day was Saturday, 31st August of the year 1349. To his immense surprise, this world followed something similar to the Gregorian Calendar, meaning the celestial scenario was the same as Earth back in his first life. He had found several other intriguing things too. The gravity, atmospheric composition, soil, rocks and even the flora was eerily similar to his Earth. [Great Sage] had run an in-depth analysis on all of those at his prompting.
All these facts suggested that he was on Earth, or atleast some variant of it. The only major difference was that the constellations visible in the night sky were vastly different compared to the Earth he knew.
Marcus Shaw had proven especially useful in his general knowledge and street smarts. He was an adventuring pirate, and hence possessed vast knowledge of the sea, sailing techniques, identities of pirates, bounties, etc etc.
Lastly, the most curious and also the most worrying thing Rimuru had learnt, was the existence of people known as Beyonders, and also an entire hidden world of Beyonders unknown to the general public. Unfortunately for him though, Shaw had very little information about them.
These Beyonders made up the supernatural aspect of this world, and to Rimuru, it was vital to find out more about them. Unlike his previous life where magic was widespread, the mystical elements of this world were heavily shrouded in mystery.
He would have to exercise caution during his investigations, since he knew far too less for any semblance of confidence. But despite all that, there was a certain feeling of anticipation burning within him. A sense of thrill and exhilaration originating from the unknown. This world had a lot to offer, and he wasn't gonna shy back from it.
But before that, before he acted on anything, he needed to absorb and assimilate all the information Marcus Shaw had accumulated over the 32 years of his life. That would take atleast a few hours even with the use of [Thought Acceleration].
He sighed again, continuing his aimless walk around the island city.
---
Morning of September 1, 1349. Stonecreek Bar, Bayam.
Loud chatter filled the room as hooligans and vagrants of all kind mingled and drank. One of them, was Marcus Shaw, sitting facing the bartender, and involved in a conversation for the past few minutes. "How long will it take?" he asked the bartender, who was polishing glasses with a white cloth.
"A fake identity with all the documents is troublesome business, Shaw. It will take time, and not to mention a lot of money," the bartender answered. Then, after a short pause, he added, "And anyways, why do you suddenly need a new identity, did you get in trouble with someone?"
"Alright, I get it," Shaw said in acceptance. "Just introduce me to the right person, I'll work out the details with them, and as for why I need it… let's just say I'm doing it on behalf of someone," he lied.
Technically, I'm not lying. Marcus Shaw is indeed doing it on behalf of Rimuru Tempest, there's no need to look at the fact that they're the same person now… Shaw thought with hilarity.
The bartender narrowed his eyes, and then sighed as he spoke, "Fine then, I'll arrange for a meeting, tomorrow morning, be here at 10. I'm warning you though, people involved with the government are dangerous, especially for someone like you. Don't get carried away and end up arrested."
"Appreciate your concern man, thanks for this," Shaw replied, and got up from his seat, turning to leave. As he began walking towards the door, he heard his name being called out loudly, which made him pause.
He turned to the source. Ahhh… this guy. What was his name again? Uhhh… oh right! Davers, that's it! A low-level pirate with a loyal crew. Shaw had joined his crew a few times before.
"What's up, Davers?" He barked.
"You free today, Shaw?" Davers barked right back. He was sitting in one corner of the bar, surrounded by his small crew. They were occupying a whole table, which was littered with snacks and bottles of alcohol.
"Yeah, got no job today… you offering?" Shaw replied with a question of his own. He wouldn't turn down a job offer, since it just gave him more opportunities to learn more about this world. Additionally, he needed the money too. His original plan was to steal from some pirates, but if he could earn through a job, that would be even better. He was definitely going to need a lot of funds moving forward, so any and all sources of income were gladly welcome.
"Come over here and sit with us," Davers invited as he made space for him to sit at the table. Shaw nodded and joined him and his crew. As soon he he sat down, Davers poured him a drink, sliding the filled glass towards him, to which he nodded in thanks.
"Today's different than usual, Shaw," Davers commented as Shaw raised the glass to drink. Then the man's voice lowered significantly as he almost whispered, "We're gonna clean up some mess tonight, and an extra pair of hands would be appreciated."
Shaw's eyes widened slightly as he whispered back, "You're gonna do it on land? And just how large-scale are you talking?"
Davers smirked, "Well let's just say that bastard Old Tony and his 6 lackeys won't be doing any more pirating from tomorrow… or doing anything, really."
Killing 7 guys in a single night… No wonder they're trying to bring me in. There's 8 of them already, and with me it'll be 9. It's a safe bet. He sighed. "I got two questions before I say anything."
"Shoot."
"First, what're you gonna do about those rotten Military Hyenas, and second, what's in it for me, to take such a risk?" Shaw asked.
"Those MI9 fucks oughta be happy seeing as we're ridding the streets of filth like Old Tony…" Davers huffed, and then added. "Don't worry about them, they'll be looking away, just for today," he smirked. "And as for your second question, it's the same as usual… even spoils, Shaw. We all take an equal share of everything."
Shaw put up an act of deep contemplation, while on the inside Rimuru had already made a decision long back. I've heard the name Old Tony before… He has a small bounty on head, and gained his fame after he mutinied against the captains of the crews he was a part of, on two separate occasions. That said, Davers isn't much of a saint either. None of them are. Fucking pirates…
"This one's personal to me, Shaw. That old bastard Tony killed my brother. If you do this, I'll owe you one," Davers spoke further in an effort to convince Shaw.
"Alright man, I'm in."
---
Night had settled in over Bayam. A chill coastal breeze whistled over the quiet streets, and the occasional bat or two flew over the rooftops in search of food.
Rimuru, in the form of Marcus Shaw, waited patiently in an alleyway, one hand on his gun and other on a dagger tucked inside his clothes. Beside him were 2 of Davers' men, similarly armed for a fight. They were a total of 9 people, split up into 3 groups, hiding in different spots around the ambush area.
It was near the exit of the Silver Dove, the biggest brothel in Bayam after the Red Theater. According to the intel, Old Tony and his 6 men were currently inside, about to exit at any moment. He hoped they would come out soon, since he was getting bored of waiting.
They had planned and waited the whole day, preparing for the coming moment. The perfect chance.
For a man about to enter a gunfight, Rimuru was astonishingly calm. It wasn't that surprising though, when you considered that he had faced the Orc Disaster and his army of 200,000 rampaging Orcs. A few pirates were essentially insignificant.
"Hey look, the door's finally opening," one of the pirates beside him said. Shaw looked toward the door, and sure enough, Old Tony walked out, followed by his men, all laughing and grinning, having indulged in their desires for several hours inside the brothel.
And then just as expected, they absentmindedly walked towards the ambush area, lost in their one world. Davers and his men had chosen and prepared the area very carefully, with no chance of accidental witnesses, unexpected variables or obstacles.
In a just few seconds, Old Tony's group entered the boundaries of the ambush area, and right on schedule, without hesitating, Davers gave the signal— a clank of his gun against his sword.
Finally… Rimuru grinned inwardly as he raised his gun. He was itching for some action.
BANG
BANG
BANG
All 9 of them immediately drew their guns and open fired on the targets, taking care that their trajectories didn't point at each other. 4 of the 7 targeted men dropped on the spot, suffering fatal wounds. The others ducked and scampered in a panic.
Discarding their guns after the first shot, Shaw, Davers and his men rushed the scattered and frenzied leftovers of Old Tony's group with their blades.
They were met with no resistance amidst the chaos. 6 lives were reaped in mere seconds.
Just another day in the City of Generosity.
There was only one man left alive. Old Tony himself. He was bleeding vigorously. A bullet had grazed the side of his gut, and he had been slashed on his shoulder with a blade. He lay on the ground, bloodshot eyes widened in pain and outrage. "W— What the fuck do you think you're doing!?"
Davers took a step toward him, his grin widening, "Just repaying a favor, old bastard. Any last words?"
"I— I can pay you, I have money! I have connections!!"
"Alright, that's enough. I asked for your last words, but here you are begging for mercy. You aren't getting out of here alive, old man…" Davers said, his voice filled with malice. "Anyways, I don't wanna waste anymore time, the bribe only makes sure we get 30 minutes of invisibility from the MI9 hyenas."
Davers then bent down and picked up a gun from the ground, arming it and pointing it at Old Tony's face.
Can't let this old guy die, he still has his uses. It's time for phase 2 hehe… Rimuru thought to himself as he spoke up,"Wait."
Davers turned around. "Huh? What is it, Shaw?"
"You said 30 minutes right?"
"Yeah, what about it?"
"Haha, that's more than enough time for me to deal with everything… quite convenient, I must say."
"What the fuck are you on about, Shaw? Let's get this over with so we can collect our spoils," Davers said with a hint of irritation.
"That won't be necessary," said Shaw, a small smile splitting his lips, and then snapped his fingers in an exaggerated manner. A translucent dome appeared over the entire group, blocking them in. Shaw took a step toward Davers.
"What in the—" before Davers could complete his sentence, he found his vision turned upside down. He couldn't even complete his thoughts.
His head had been separated from his body.
Shaw had disappeared from his spot in a fear of pure speed, appearing behind Davers, his dagger held high, dripping with crimson blood.
The alley was silent, except for the sound of Davers' head and body falling to the ground. His men didn't get any time to comprehend what was happening.
"I'll try to make this painless…"
With two daggers held in his hands, Shaw moved again, appearing between two of Davers' men, stabbing both in the neck simultaneously. Without even waiting for their bodies to fall, he went on to his next target, flashing through the alley at speeds undetectable to the naked eye in the cover of darkness.
3 seconds.
8 casualties.
Bodies dropped to the ground as their weapons clattered and their blood stained the cobblestone.
"To be fully honest, I didn't expect to be so unfazed taking human lives so ruthlessly. Although, technically, you all barely qualify as humans in my eyes…" Shaw spoke to no one in particular, as he stood surrounded by corpses.
His words didn't match his racing thoughts.
They're all irredeemable criminals. They plunder, they steal, they rape, they kill, they're the lowest of the low. There's no need for remorse or guilt. They don't deserve it… I have no reason to feel anything for them… I shouldn't… Rimuru told himself. He looked up at the night sky, hands dyed scarlet with blood, and sighed.
Humans are emotional animals. Emotions are irrational.
Does that even apply to me?
He had questioned his humanity ever since his first reincarnation into the body of a monster. But then he had managed to make genuine bonds in that life, he had felt joy from the little things that made one human. He had gotten to experience what he hoped was human emotion, only for it all be taken away again. His second reincarnation had only furthered the notion that his humanity was gone.
But this…
Perhaps… perhaps I'm still human somewhere deep inside… What determines if I am? Is humanity is characteristic? Ingrained into the very nature of an entity? Or is it a path anyone can take?
Is it a choice? Is it up to me to make that choice? No— actually, that doesn't matter, there's no use getting all philosophical about it. It isn't very complicated at all, it's my life in the end. I decide how I live.
He had chosen. He would hold on to this feeling. To his humanity. He refused to let go of it now. No matter how ugly or uncomfortable it felt at times, he wouldn't let go of it. Because there was a certain spark that came with it. A spark of joy, of attachment, of growth, of love. He wanted to feel that, experience that. It made it worth all the trouble.
He was Rimuru Tempest, a mysterious creature in a mysterious world. An anomaly.
He was Rimuru Tempest, Head of the Jura-Tempest Federation. A monster.
He was Satoru Mikami, a 37-year old salaryman from Japan. A human.
He stood unmoving in the alleyway for quite some time, moonlight illuminating the spilled blood, the darkness of the night shrouding the corpses in his wake.
This… this is so troublesome… Humans truly are emotional and irrational. Rimuru groaned, but his mind was a calmer now, his internal struggle subsiding.
Then his attention was drawn when the barrier he had created around the area fizzled out. This mysterious energy sure depletes fast, maybe it's because the [Multilayered Barrier] skill isn't compatible with it. He noted.
Now then… to conclude this… He walked over to Old Tony, who had already fainted from shock and blood loss, and stopped right in front of him. He extended his hand toward the body, and it instantly transformed into silvery-blue slime, expanding and consuming the old man whole.
He then turned around to face the aftermath of his carnage. He ignored the gruesome view as both of his hands turned into slime and grew to cover the entire area, consuming everything, from the corpses to the weapons and flowing blood. In under a minute, the scene was cleared and left without any evidence of activity.
Rimuru's slimy arms withdrew and transformed back into regular human hands. He inserted them into his pockets, and with one last look at the scene, he walked away into the night, silence reclaiming the alleyway.
---