3 weeks of random wandering turned out to be uneventful. Who could have guessed? But all things considered, it was kind of interesting getting to know the protagonist of a light novel…He was just as much of a generic nice guy as he was portrayed. Then again, it wasn't like he was complaining.
Then one day, something interesting happened. His companion fell off a cliff. "Waaaaaah!!!"
"Hahahahahaha!!! Holy shit, that's hilarious! You just dropped off my radar like a rock!"
"I'm gonna haunt you!" You're not gonna die. Leaning over the drop, the new protagonist watched as jelly hit the water and began to slowly sink. "Welp, this is it. Looks like I'm gonna die again. What a short life this was. Or would slife work better?"
"What? Are you stupid or something?" The narrative invader claimed, "You're a slime. You don't need to breathe. Try to swim or something. Do you think you'll get eaten by a carp or something?"
"Wha? No." Grumbling, the innocent one silently works through his options before doing something odd. Almost as if grabbing onto the water itself, he began to almost push himself through. Kind of like an amoeba but on a larger scale. Interesting.
Originally this situation was where Rimuru obtained [Water Propulsion] through making use of his body's special properties. However, this was only 3 weeks into Rimuru's life. [Great Sage] manifested 3 months into Rimuru's journey so creating skills on the fly wasn't something that was on the table yet and he wasn't skilled enough in controlling his own body to do it manually. So he found another way?
"Well, I too can play that game!" Rolling around, the new protagonist felt as he let his body slide around, picking up speed. Faster and faster, his rolling quickly turned to spinning, then finally full on circular movement before, as if letting go of a cocked spring, he let himself move forward in the direction he saw Rimuru. Boom. Off the cliff he went at speeds rarely seen even among A Rank adventurers, hitting the water at speeds so fast, he skipped off it.
"Let's go!" One skip, two skips, three skips. Ow! He felt as if his body smacked into something.
I need to practice that more. What he had just done was a slime exclusive combat technique that Demon Lord Milim came up with while inhabiting one such body. It allowed slimes to move faster than what was normally possible with just normal movement by taking advantage of momentum. As childish as she was Milim was a genuine genius, he admitted.
As he talked about this to himself though, he was suddenly cut off as he heard a deep, rumbling voice that shook to his core. "Can you hear me, little one?"
This is so slow! Were all Americans like this?
While the new inhabitant dealt with the giant dragon, the original suffered as he painstakingly dragged himself across the water.
It was horrible! "I hate this!" Was there any faster way? He angrily pulled himself along. "Gr! If I ever find a way to punch him, I'll do it!" He wouldn't do it. He was too nice for that. "Is there something out there that I can use to move faster!"
{Answer- It is possible to forge Extra Skill [Water Propulsion] to create water based movement}
"Huh!? There's another voice! Who are you?"
{Answer- It is the effect of the Unique Skill [Great Sage]. Normally, communication between skill and possessor would have been impossible. To solve issues in skill efficiency, Unique Skill [Great Sage] borrowed access to the World Function [Voice of the World] to allow communication}
"I…I don't know what most of that means but I get that you're a talking skill." He had discussed the presence of such skills with his companion before. He had told him that they were probably similar to skills in games. "Why are you just talking now?"
{Answer- Unique Skill [Great Sage] required time to fully incorporate into the user's soul. However, in response to the user's plea the process of settling in the user's soul was sped up as the intentions of Unique Skill [Great Sage] and the user matched}
So it was in response to what I wanted then? "You said there is a way to speed up my swimming?"
{Confirmed- Using Unique Skill [Predator], it is possible to analyze water with Subskill [Analytical Appraisal] to create Extra Skill [Water Propulsion]. Propulsion would then become achievable through the expulsion of water in one direction}
Makes sense. Alright, get to it [Great Sage]!
The extra arrival to this world felt as something poked at his body. He stretched his body out and felt the foreign object. It was a long, hard, pointy thing with a rough texture. "Dad?"
"Bwahahaha! I am not your father, little one." Right, your real child is a flying shark. My sister would kill me if she heard that joke, he thought.
"Yeah, yeah. Storm Dragon Veldora, right?"
"Oh, so you are more knowledgeable of your superiors than I first gave credit for. Indeed. I am the Great Storm Dragon Veldora!" His voice raised several octaves upon saying his name. "You are quite the intriguing slime, little one. Are you a named monster, or perhaps some form of unique?"
{Notice- Unique Skill [Soul Link] has been activated. The process of soul stabilization has been sped up. Unique Skill [Great Sage] has been activated}
"Huh!?" Wait. It's only been 3 weeks though? What happened to speed up the process?
{Answer- Unique Skill [Great Sage] belonging to Unnamed Soul Link 1 was sped up by the pleas of its user. Upon settling, the data recording the method used was transferred to the user's [Great Sage] and used to replicate the process again}
Oh, that's interesting. So Rimuru made it work.
"Little one! Are you truly going to ignore me in favor of conversing with a simple skill?"
Yeah, the 'simple' skill you'll kneel before in two years. Interesting. So Veldora can hear the voice. It's oddly inconsistent whether he can or can't in the original story. Guess this confirms it. "Sorry about that. It's just, I just got this skill, you know."
"Oh, so this strange voice is new then? In that case then you truly are a unique monster."
In comedic fashion, Veldora's comment was immediately followed up by the original hero blasting out of the water and slamming into what the new arrival assumed to be the edge of Veldora's cage.
"Ugh, what was that?" He asked as he slided off.
"Some kind of magic barrier." He heard back.
"Most interesting. So there are two of you?"
"Wha! Another one! So many new voices today!" Okay, maybe he really was losing his mind this time, Mikaeru questioned after hearing that.
"Calm down, this one's different. There's some guy behind this barrier. You missed that part. Some guy!? I am not some mere guy! I am the Great Storm Dragon Veldora!" Veldora yells out.
"Right. It's not like we would be able to tell just off your voice, you know. We're blind right now."
Oh! I see. So you two are blind…How about this. For my own convenience, I shall teach you two how to perceive the world around you."
"Huh!" This world's new protagonist didn't even get the chance to speak before the original jumped in. "Really!? You can teach us how to see!"
"Why of course! Such a simple thing is but a minor inconvenience to one as great as me, Storm Dragon Veldora! Bwahaha!" You can stop saying that.
The more calm of the two responded, "I see. In that case, let's get to it. How do we do it?"
You are quite eager, I see. Very well. To begin, try to move the magic around you with your own force."
Move around the magic? Hm. The new arrival stopped to concentrate. In this world, there was an ever present layer of magical charge all around formed from particles called magicules. What Veldora was asking was essentially to feel them out and move them. So he did as was said.
"It appears the two of you are quite gifted."
Well for him, he remembered how it was described in the story. His companion though, that was pure talent. Along with [Great Sage]. Speaking of which, he started to invoke his own.
{Notice- Extra Skill [Magic Sense] has been obtained. Use Extra Skill [Magic Sense]?
Yes/No?}
"Yes." Immediately upon activation the new arrival was flooded with information. Enough to fry a human brain. But of course, not enough to overwhelm a slime. Light, sound, sight, smell, all of that information came flooding in, processed all at once as [Great Sage] sorted through it all. A complete 360 degree view of all surroundings came through, filling in the once completely empty view of the world.
Interesting. This world is quite the colorful place. Magic was inherently rainbow in color and as a result, everything that contained it shimmered in a vibrant display of color. The normally deadly magic filled surroundings gave way to a beautiful sight of particle packed wind, shimmering magistone and of course, a massive blue dragon towering above.
"Waaah! You're a dragon!" One voice yelled.
"What? You didn't hear the "Storm Dragon Veldora" speech? Of course he's a dragon."
"Bwahahahaha! No need to be ashamed little one. It is rare for those that first see me to not be overwhelmed by my great power!"
The two looked on at the dragon, sitting still before them almost as if it was completely bound. "You really can't move an inch, can you?"
"It is unfortunate, but I am afraid so." He confirmed.
The first slime asked, "Were you sealed or something?" He heard it was a common trope.
Ah, yes. It was a great fight between me and a team of heroes. Yes, perhaps I had underestimated them. I eventually began fighting them with, let's say…a bit more urgency so to speak. But it was too late by then. I had already lost the bout."
"Were they that strong!?" Asked the original slime. Team of heroes? Questioned the new slime internally. That was different. It was supposed to be just Chloe. Did something change in this timeline? That wasn't out of the question with time travel.
"Of course. The team was made up of the pinnacle of humanity's offerings. Saints and heroes. With that many, even one as great as I would naturally struggle. It was unfortunate, but before I knew it I had been pinned down. There was little I could do when the one to finish the fight used her Unique Skill [Unlimited Imprisonment]! But let it be known, such a result is not to happen again! If I am to go all out, even they shall fall before me!"
So Chloe was still present. There were just more people. "I'll have to investigate that."
He turned to look at the dragon. "Did you catch their names, perhaps? You should have."
"Alas, I was not thinking clearly at the time. I believe the only one that formally introduced herself was the one to deliver me here. Chronoa I believe she called herself. She was quite the cryptic one. She said I was to spend my sentence here for a purpose. I never did learn what she meant."
So they were not in the chaos timeline at least. Chloe knew of Rimuru. However, even knowing that, the new arrival cursed at the dragon's stupidity. The only name he extracted was the one that was already destined to appear. What about the rest?
Next to him, the kinder slime asked, "Wait, why were you fighting heroes in the first place?"
Veldora tapped his two claws together, "I might have accidentally destroyed a city or two."
"A city!?" Yelled out the original slime.
"Well, you don't get a title like Storm Dragon for no reason." The additional slime added.
Veldora waved his arms, "Let's just, move past that!" He fake coughed, "I…find it most intriguing that there are two of you. It is quite the spectacle."
"What do you mean?" Asked the less knowledgeable slime of the two.
"For two slimes to achieve consciousness, especially two identical slimes. It is odd. It is not unheard of for an ego to develop in beings that did not previously possess one, but the process by which this typically occurs can often take decades. The odds that both of you develop an ego at nearly the same time and place is unimaginable."
"Is it different if we already had egos prior though. Both of us used to be humans, you see."
The dragon's eyes widened, "So the two of you are otherworlders!? That is even more absurd!" He leaned forward, "Much like developing an ego, it is also not unheard of for souls coming from elsewhere in this creation to be moved here through a function called the Reincarnation Cycle. However, it is a rare event for souls to keep their memories."
The original slime asked, "Why is that?"
"The transfer between worlds entails a movement through space that is quite abrasive. For most souls, this can often result in the cleaning of one's soul, removing all memories and experience accumulated in life. For the both of you to have survived that process intact, your souls must be quite durable. The chances of that are unimaginably low."
As if he didn't know already, the addition to this world commented, "We got very lucky then."
"Indeed." He stopped for a bit, "I believe this explains why the both of you are unique monsters. Even though the two of you are identical, that is not enough to explain it. Those that survive the process of movement between worlds are often gifted with unique abilities from an overload of magic. I assume that is why I sense potential from the both of you. You might very well grow to a notable level."
Catching something, the more knowledgeable of the two slimes asked, "Did you call us identical?"
"Of course, the magicules your bodies are made of appear to be of identical makeup. It is likely you two were formed in the same magicule cloud. The result of such an event is the formation of genetically identical monsters, or twins per se."
"So we're twins then?" Asked the new arrival. [Great Sage], who's older, just so I know?
{Answer- The user was created 3.24 microseconds after Unnamed Soul Link 1}
Said unnamed link responded in a different way, "Wait, doesn't that make him my brother?"
"Generally speaking, it is an equivalent. However, it would still be up to you to decide whether or not to acknowledge it. After all, it is very likely that you were formed from a cloud originating from me. You could very well see me as equivalent to your father."
"Yeah, not gonna happen. He's way too immature for that. I'm fine with considering you my brother though," said the former reader of this world.
He ignored the dragon as he called him rude. "Anyways, I think this has gone on long enough. Veldora, why are you talking to us?"
"Eh? What are you implying, little one?"
"It's not exactly common to see a dragon going out of their way to talk to two random slimes. Is there something you want? Or something you need?" It was about time to get the ball rolling.
Veldora seemed a bit taken aback as he was asked this, "Well…I was actually…"
"So you're lonely then. Want to be friends?"
"Eh!? To imply that, I, the Great Storm Dragon, would want to befriend two puny slimes!"
"Then you would be fine with us leaving?"
"Wait! Wait!" The Storm Dragon had suddenly become way less intimidating as a look that seemed like he was about to burst into tears appeared on his face. "So be it! If you truly insist! I shall accept!"
He's desperate. "Alright then. Friends."
The new arrival looked at the original and advised him to just go with it. And through that, something extraordinary happened. A True Dragon became friends with a pair of tiny slimes. As they backed away though, the dragon suddenly proposed something interesting. "If you are to become my friend, I suggest we give each other names."
"Names?" Questioned the original protagonist.
"Indeed! Names for monsters are a unique event. The event of obtaining a name chisels the meaning and weight of such a title into one's soul. If we are to name each other, the action would chisel into our very being that we are of the same rank. It is something similar to the family names humans use, except for you this shall also provide my divine protection. The both of you are still nameless under the eye of the world. Through this, you shall both obtain the rank of a named monster!"
The soon to be named Rimuru asked, "So you wanted to come up with a name to share?"
"Why yes, in exchange, I am also planning to provide the two of you with unique names."
"I understand," the story invader commented. "Right, given that you're the storm dragon. Shouldn't we use a name that relates to that?"
"Oh!" His counterpart yelled out. "Tempest!"
Veldora jerked at the suggestion, making the slime flinch. Did he not like it, he questioned.
"Bwahahahaha! So be it! What a wonderful name! Yes! From here on I shall be Veldora Tempest!"
He leaned down, "And from here on, you shall be Rimuru and you shall be," Unknown to the three of them, a voice from elsewhere echoed through the dragon's head that day. One from above that would influence his choice that day. For the name that would end up given by the dragon would be, "Mikaeru! Rimuru and Mikaeru Tempest!"
The newly named Mikaeru flinched. "Mikaeru?"
"Do you not like it? I believe it is a fine name."
"No, it's good just…" It's way too close to my human name. Is this a coincidence? He shook the thought away. "Yeah…I like it. I am Mikaeru."
"Bwahahaha! Indeed!" Veldora laughed.
Mikaeru stopped as if thinking about something. "Hey, Veldora. You said you're stuck, right?"
"Ah, indeed." Veldora drooped. He explained, "It is likely I will stay here until my magicules run out. After which, I will finally be forced to die."
Rimuru jumped, "You're going to die here?"
"Oh, no need to panic, Rimuru. I am a True Dragon, you see. Upon my death, I will simply reincarnate elsewhere." He sighed, "Unfortunately, the process will strip my memories."
"You're talking like you're used to this," Mikaeru commented. He resisted chuckling at the sight of Veldora flinching. Mikaeru stopped moving, giving the impression that he was thinking. "Wait a minute." He turned to Rimuru. Time to give a suggestion. "We're able to analyze things that we eat, right?"
"I think so? Why do you ask?" Rimuru questioned.
He turned back to the dragon, "Veldora, I think I have an idea. If one of us eats you, we might be able to analyze that prison you're in."
Veldora caught on, "Oh, so you wish to use that skill you have then? An intriguing idea." He laughed, "Yes, an intriguing idea indeed! Let us do it!"
"You seem quick to agree," Mikaeru said.
"Well, we might as well give it a try." He leaned down, "Go ahead. Let us do it now."
Mikaeru turned to look at Rimuru. "Do it."
"Wha? Isn't this your idea?" Rimuru asked.
"Just do it," Mikaeru said. The reason why Rimuru had to do it was actually quite simple. It was shown in the original story that Veldora was able to access Rimuru's memories while inside his body. In which case, if Mikaeru were to eat Veldora, he would gain access to everything in his mind. Including one particular piece of fiction. The Tensura series. Every manga, anime, and light novel volume.
Rimuru looked indignant. "Hmph! Fine, but you owe me one!" He walked over to the barrier.
Once again, he couldn't help but ask if that really was the soul of a man in his mid thirties.
From there, Mikaeru watched as Rimuru activated [Predator], expanding to the size of a building in seconds, before coiling around the dragon and eating him in one fell swoop, leaving nothing behind.
{Notice- Unique Skill [Soul Link] has registered a new Sub-Link [Veldora Tempest]}
Mikaeru was left stunned as a metaphysical gateway opened, linking straight to Veldora through Rimuru. "Whoa." He immediately got two things. Access to Veldora's magicules through Rimuru and the ability to feel Veldora inside Rimuru. It was an odd feeling. He asked, "Did it work?"
Rimuru paused for a moment as he asked his [Great Sage]. "[Great Sage] said it worked."
"I see." He turned, "In that case, let's head off. We still have to get out of this cave."