"Where... where am I?" Roger murmured, rubbing his forehead which ached slightly. Then, he looked at his hand in shock. This strength… how long had it been since he last felt it? Ever since he'd been poisoned, his body had deteriorated with each passing day. By the end, he'd lost nearly all of his strength. Even if the Navy hadn't executed him, he probably wouldn't have lasted another month.
Standing up, Roger could feel the power surging through him. A wide smile crept across his face. After all, who truly wants to die? He wanted to live—to live with his child, with the woman he loved. Once, those were distant dreams, but now… they might actually be within reach.
He walked to the window and opened it. Blinding sunlight poured in, revealing a massive, prosperous, and boundless city. But what truly stunned Roger wasn't the city—it was the beings walking its streets. Not just humans, but creatures he had never seen before: legendary werewolves, winged elves, and even pig-headed humanoids. A massive dragon soared overhead, and hundreds of people rode on the backs of giant centipedes, each hundreds of meters long, navigating the city streets.
"What kind of fantastical place is this…?" Roger mumbled, dazed by the scene.
"Guest, you're awake?" A soft voice sounded behind him.
"Huh? What?" Roger turned around in surprise. He hadn't even noticed anyone enter.
Standing before him was a girl with soft pink hair—and two tiny horns on her forehead.
"My name is Shuna. I'm Lord Rimuru's secretary. I've been assigned to look after you," she said with a gentle smile.
"Really? Thank you. You're a beautiful and kind young lady," Roger said with a grin.
"Thank you for the compliment. Lord Rimuru is waiting for you in the office," Shuna replied graciously. "Please follow me."
As Shuna led the way, Roger followed behind, chatting with her here and there.
"So, Miss Shuna, would you be interested in having dinner with me tonight?" Roger asked playfully.
"Hmm!"
Before Shuna could respond, a hostile voice cut in.
Roger turned his head and saw a red-haired young man glaring at him with murderous eyes.
"Uh… Did I do something to offend you?" Roger asked cautiously.
"She's my sister," Benimaru said coldly, his eyes never leaving Roger's face.
"Uhhh…" Roger scratched his head awkwardly. Trying to flirt with someone's sister right in front of them? It was a wonder he hadn't been cut down on the spot. He gave Benimaru a sheepish smile.
"Hmph." Benimaru snorted and ignored him completely, stepping in between Roger and Shuna. Anyone who tries to touch my sister… dies.
Knowing he was in the wrong, Roger said nothing and followed behind quietly.
Along the way, they passed many people—humans, elves—who all greeted Benimaru and Shuna warmly. The two returned each greeting with smiles, clearly respected and well-loved in this place.
Before long, they arrived at a massive conference hall. The room was nearly full, and Rimuru sat at the head, listening to reports. After all, he wasn't just a Demon Lord—he was the ruler of this nation. Having been away for some time, it was only natural for him to handle state affairs now.
"Roger, you're awake!" Rimuru called out happily. "Come sit over here."
Roger nodded and sat beside Rimuru.
"This is the Pirate King—Gol D. Roger," Rimuru introduced him to everyone present. "In his world, he's incredibly famous and a man truly worth admiring!"
"Rimuru," Roger asked, "what's going on here? Why did you bring me here? And what is this place?"
Rimuru let out a sigh. "Can you not ask everything all at once? You've been unconscious for three months. This is another world—my kingdom. The Jura Tempest Federation."
"Another… world?" A visible question mark might as well have popped over Roger's head. What does he mean, another world?
"This isn't the world of One Piece," Diablo explained from Rimuru's side. "After you lost consciousness, Lord Rimuru brought you here."
"Uh, thank you. And you are…?" Roger still hadn't quite caught up but offered his thanks anyway.
"I am Diablo, Lord Rimuru's first secretary," he said with a courteous bow. "I'm a demon."
"Demon!?" Roger blinked in disbelief.
"Ehh, Diablo isn't a bad demon, okay?" Rimuru chimed in with a chuckle. "Anyway, let's put that aside for now. Roger, everyone—I've called you here today to discuss something important. But we'll wait for a few more people to arrive first."
"More people?" Veldora piped up. "My friend, don't tell me… you invited all of them?"
"Who are they?" Roger asked, thoroughly confused. Ever since waking up, he'd been in a state of constant bewilderment.
"The other Demon Lords," Rimuru replied casually. "You've already met Milim and Ramiris. But I've invited the other five Demon Lords too. Oh, and that guy over there? The one napping in the corner? Yeah, he's a Demon Lord as well."
Roger: (＠_＠?)
There are that many Demon Lords!? Then… does that mean there are tons of Heroes too? If there's only one, that'd be way too sad…