We decided to sit and hash things out with the ogres the next day. We chose the log house built atop the recently burned-out public square in the center of the village.
Mildo, youngest of the three dwarf brothers, had done a great job crafting it from the basic sketch I drew on a plan of wood. My previous stint as a general contractor gave me at least that much knowledge—but honestly, I barely needed to think about it anymore.
Six years as Satoru Mikami on Earth. Six years of preparation.
During those years, I hadn't just been working construction. I'd been studying. Reading everything I could find about all the topic from geography to different science branches to literature to different kinds of martial arts or in general any kind of art.
And Raphael had catalogued all of it.
＜＜Master, blueprint projection capabilities confirmed. Full architectural database accessible. Shall I display the structural models?＞＞
Not yet. Let's not overwhelm them.
I'd given Mildo a simple blueprint this time—just a basic log house with proper measurements and structural integrity. But I could do so much more.
In my mind's eye, I could see them. Skyscrapers reaching toward the heavens like the ones in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Qatar. Bridges spanning impossible distances like Shanghai's architectural marvels. Shopping malls with multiple levels, fountains, parks with geometric precision.
We couldn't yet create a computer with just Great sage while Raphael could create one as she had used beelzebuth on all kinds of technology and analyzed them but there was no need for them yet.
Someday. When we're ready.
For now, this simple meeting house would do.
Mildo had no problem comprehending the blueprint—maybe my drafting approach was a lot easier to understand than whatever was this world's mainstream. Which made sense. The buildings around here were child's play compared to the kinds of things we'd designed for the concrete jungles back home.
Maybe we'll have high-rises built on this square someday. It's amusing to think about.
I guided the ogres to the house's reception room, looking around to make sure everything was built as I ordered. They meekly followed behind, eagerly looking around the house like it was a novelty.
They haven't seen anything yet.
The reception room had a large table, along with a few simple stools encircling it. We were all gathered there—Rigurd, the four goblin lords, and Kaijin the dwarf as a mediator. Thirteen in all, counting me.
Why did I have Rigurd and the rest here? Because I figured the ogres had some important things to tell us. If something was happening to the Forest of Jura, it'd come to our doorstep soon enough. I didn't want to be the sole go-to point for every crisis.
Plus, I already know what they're going to say. Might as well let everyone else hear it too.
Haruna came in with tea for everyone. She gave a quick bow once she was done and left the reception room. It was still a tad awkward for her, but she was beginning to learn some manners. Wonderful progress.
I brought the cup to my lips. Bitter, but not distastefully so. The green tea–like bitterness played around my tongue. I could feel its heat, too. My [Thermal Fluctuation Nullification] meant I could choose whether to feel temperature or not—and right now, I wanted to enjoy the warmth.
The ogres seemed to enjoy it as well. I waited for them to settle in before we began to talk.
"So," I started, keeping my voice casual. "Why were you all in the forest in the first place?"
I know why. Orc attack. Demon Lord Clayman pulling strings. Gelmud as his pawn. Orc Lord with the Ravenous skill. Two hundred thousand orcs. The whole timeline.
But they don't know that I know.
The red-haired ogre—I'd call him Red for now—set down his cup with deliberate care.
"We were fleeing," he said, voice tight with suppressed anger. "Fleeing to regroup and rally ourselves."
Here we go.
"Fleeing from what?"
His crimson eyes met mine, and I saw the pain there. The fury.
"From an army of orcs. They attacked our homeland out of nowhere. Their power was overwhelming…" His fist clenched on the table. "Those hideous pigs!!"
The other ogres tensed, reliving the memory.
Yep. Right on schedule.
I let him continue. Better to hear it all laid out.
To sum up their story: There was a war, and the ogres lost.
Their home had been a settlement of about three hundred—equivalent to a small nation's knight corps. B-ranked fighters, every one of them. Mercenaries by trade, occasionally fighting for demon lords or other powerful entities.
And they'd been destroyed by D-ranked orcs.
"It makes no sense," the gray-haired elder—let's call him Gray—muttered. "Orcs should never dare attack us. The difference in strength…"
"Unless," I said carefully, "they had something making them stronger. Or someone."
Red's eyes sharpened. "You know of this?"
Careful. Can't reveal too much.
"Just speculation. But you said there were some especially powerful orcs, right? And someone in a mask?"
The pink-haired ogress—Pink—nodded. "Yes. A magic-born with a brutally dark aura. Wearing a mask like an angry clown."
Gelmud. Clayman's pawn.
"And the orcs were organized. Armored. That takes resources. Planning." I tapped the table. "Someone's backing them. Someone powerful."
Demon Lord Clayman. Though Milim, Frey, and Carrion are also involved—Milim just wants fun, the other two are following her lead.
"Several thousand orcs," Red continued, "all in full armor. Like a wave of metal steamrolling across the forest."
Try two hundred thousand. But let's not drop that bomb yet.
"And you six are the only survivors?"
Silence. Heavy, painful silence.
"Yes," Pink said quietly. "My brother—" she gestured to Red "—took me away while our lord held them off. We… we saw him fall."
To the Orc Lord. With the Unique Skill Ravenous.
The black-haired ogre—Black—slammed his fist on the table. "We will have our revenge! No matter what it takes!"
The blue-haired one—Blue—remained silent, but his eyes were cold. Calculating.
The purple-haired ogress—Purple—looked ready to tear something apart with her bare hands.
These are the survivors. Benimaru, Shuna, Hakurou, Souei, Kurobe, and Shion. The ones who'll become my strongest subordinates.
Well, after I name them, anyway.
"So," I said, bringing them back to the present. "What are you going to do now?"
"What do you mean?" Red asked.
"I mean, what's your plan? Run and hide? Regroup somewhere? Or…?"
"We will build our strength," Red declared. "Wait for an opening. And challenge them again!"
"We must avenge our lord!" Gray added.
"I refuse to let those two-legged pigs live!" Purple snarled.
There's the fire I was waiting for.
"""We promise to follow our young master and princess!""" the others chorused.
I let that settle for a moment. Then:
"Hey. You guys interested in joining my side?"
Red blinked. "What?"
"I put it clearly enough, didn't I? If you were working as mercenaries anyway, why not work for me instead? If you want to fight for your old lord, I'd be happy to hire you to do that."
And I need you for what's coming. The Orc Lord. The Demon Lords. Everything.
"We…" Red hesitated.
Before he could continue, Pink leaned forward. Her eyes—fixed on me—were intense.
"Brother," she said quietly. "We should accept."
Purple nodded immediately. "I agree with the princess."
Oh. They're already sold on this. Interesting.
Red looked at his sister, then at Purple, then back at me. "You would… involve your village in our quest for vengeance?"
"I don't see a problem with this," Rigurd interjected. "We are here to serve Sir Rimuru, and no other. If he wills it, no one will work against his desires."
"Yeah," Kaijin added. "That, and I kinda expect we'll get involved in this sooner or later anyway. If that many orcs are on the move, I doubt anyplace around here is safe."
Exactly. The Orc Lord's army is two hundred thousand strong. Nobody in this forest is safe.
One of the goblin lords chimed in. "A lizardman spy once made contact with the village we used to live in. We were unable to understand what he wanted at the time, but I imagine he was investigating some new movement. This place could become a battlefield. It is best for us all to work together."
Good point. The Lizardmen are next on the Orc Lord's hit list after the ogres.
"Besides," I said, leaning back, "if you agree to serve me, I think I might be able to make your dreams come true."
"How?" Red asked, suspicious.
"Simple. If you join me, I promise I'll fight with you if something comes up. I never abandon my companions. And if you let me hire you on, I will be glad to cooperate with you."
Plus, I need you all at full strength. Which means naming. Which means evolution.
Pink smiled—actually smiled—for the first time since they'd arrived. "So we protect this village, and in turn, the village protects us?"
"Exactly. We're gonna be fighting anyway. You might as well come along for the ride."
Red closed his eyes, thinking it over. Pink and Purple were both watching him expectantly.
Come on. You know you want to.
Finally, he opened his eyes.
"Very well. We will serve under your leadership!"
Perfect.
Naming Ceremony
Winning over the ogres was exactly what I needed. They were B-ranked at minimum, and some—like the gray-haired elder and the red-haired leader—were probably pushing A-rank already.
And after I name them, they'll all be solid A-rank. Maybe higher.
"Right!" I said. "Let me give you people names, then."
"Hah? What are you…?" Red looked confused.
"What do you think? I said names. It's annoying not to have them, right?"
"N-no, er, we are able to communicate with one another well enough already, so…"
Gray stroked his beard. "Hoh-hoh, indeed! Humans may have names, certainly, but we monsters have little need for them…"
Oh, you're going to need them. Trust me.
"Don't be stupid. I don't care if you don't think you need them or whatever. I'm saying I need them, 'cause otherwise it's a pain to get your attention, okay?"
"Y-yes, but…"
Pink raised her hand. "Please, wait a moment! Giving a name can be a very risky maneuver. We had best begin with those of a higher ranking first…"
She's worried about magicule consumption. How sweet.
"No, no, quit worrying. It'll work out just great!"
I have Veldora's magicules constantly flowing through our soul corridor. Plus my own massive reserves. Plus Adaptive Evolution and Essence of Overcoming Limitation constantly expanding my capacity. I could name a hundred monsters of their caliber and barely feel it.
But they don't need to know that.
Time to think up some names.
Already got them planned out. Thanks, meta-knowledge.
The red-haired leader became Benimaru—"red circle," associated with samurai. Something virile and strong.
The pink-haired princess became Shuna—"scarlet plant." She knew herbs, had pink hair, and the name felt right.
The gray-haired elder became Hakurou—"white elder." Pretty obvious.
The blue-haired one became Souei—"blue shadow." That sneak attack yesterday had been impressive.
The purple-haired ogress became Shion—"violet garden." Her ponytail stuck out like a flower.
The black-haired one became Kurobe—basically "black" with a country flair. Boorish but likable.
I was pretty satisfied with my choices. They came to me almost immediately, like I'd known them my whole life.
Because I have. Just not in this timeline.
But as I finished the last name, I felt… something.
Not exhaustion. Not magicule depletion.
Just… tired.
Huh. I don't actually need to sleep. But…
You know what? I'm going to anyway.
＜＜Master, magicule levels remain at 87% capacity. Sleep mode unnecessary.＞＞
I know. But I want to. Just for a bit.
＜＜Understood. Entering rest state. Additionally, skill [Universal Shapeshift] has been successfully integrated into Master's core abilities.＞＞
Perfect.
I let the transformation drop, reverting to slime form.
"Wha—? A slime?!" Benimaru's eyes went wide.
"How on…?! You were a slime all along?!" Shion looked equally shocked.
Too tired to respond. Sleep time.
The ogres were shouting something, but I was already drifting off.
Just a quick nap. That's all…
Sleep Mode
My consciousness faded, but not completely.
I was aware of things. Vaguely.
Something soft pressing against me. A pleasant warmth. A sweet fragrance.
This is… nice.
"Shion! How long are you going to hold Sir Rimuru close to your chest like that? It's time to switch out!"
Wait, what?
"Princess Shuna, you cannot be serious! There is no 'switching out' to be done! I will take care of Sir Rimuru, so please, you should rest yourself…"
Are they… fighting over me?
"Enough of your nonsense, Shion! I tell you that I will watch Sir Rimuru, and watch him I shall!"
They ARE fighting over me.
Well. Could be worse.
I felt myself being… tugged? Pulled? Like a tug-of-war.
Please don't actually tear me in half, ladies.
Eventually, the sensations faded, and I drifted into genuine sleep.
When I finally woke up—
＜＜Notice: Rest cycle complete. Magicule capacity has expanded. Previous maximum: 847,000 units. Current maximum: 1,694,000 units. Increase factor: 2.0x.＞＞
Holy shit. It DOUBLED?
< So every time I push my limits, I get stronger. Even when I'm not actually struggling.
That's… broken. Completely broken.
＜＜Indeed, Master. At current growth rate, projected maximum capacity within one year: 879,198,464 units. Within five years: beyond calculable limits.＞＞
Jesus Christ.
I opened my metaphorical eyes to find six figures standing before me.
Evolution Complete
The one in front was a handsome young man with a burning blaze of crimson hair. His eyes were bright red, fixed squarely upon me, never wavering.
Benimaru.
He was maybe just under six feet tall, lean and well-defined. Two horns—smooth and beautiful as polished obsidian—poked out from his crimson locks. They used to be thick as elephant tusks, but now they were honed, refined, artistic.
The amount of energy I felt from him was massive. Not quite Ifrit-level, but close.
Solid A-rank. Maybe A-plus.
Next to him, almost hidden in his shadow, was a fetching young woman.
Shuna.
She was… stunning.
Long pink hair cascading to a ponytail. Two white porcelain horns. Lightly shaded skin. Lips the shade of cherry blossoms. Crimson eyes that seemed glossy as she looked at me.
Around five feet tall, with an aura that made you instinctively want to protect her.
A total princess. Damn.
Hakurou looked younger—no longer ready to keel over at any moment. Maybe approaching his golden years, but with perfect posture and restored physical strength.
White hair tied back. Sharp black eyes. Small horns on both sides of his forehead.
He's dangerous now. Really dangerous. But I am still stronger.
Shion had clearly paid attention to her appearance. Her purple hair was washed, combed, and straight, with a fetching sheen. A single obsidian horn parted her hair naturally.
Purple eyes fixed on me. Nearly white skin. Bright red lips.
About five and a half feet tall. Sleek as a supermodel.
And then there was… that.
Oh my god.
Her chest was… massive. Like, impossibly large. Straining against her clothing. The kind of proportions that would make gravity physicists weep.
She'd look amazing in a business suit. Her post as my secretary is fixed now.
Souei was handsome—genuinely handsome, unlike Benimaru's more rugged appeal. Dark complexion, bluish-black lips, a single white horn contrasting against his forehead. Navy-blue eyes full of will.
About the same height as Benimaru.
He'll be a spymaster so it's suits his profession.
Kurobe was rugged. Hairy. In the prime of his life but standing out among the beauty pageant around him.
Black hair and eyes. Dark brown skin. Two white horns.
Average looks. But I have a feeling we'll get along.
They'd all evolved from ogres to kijin—ogre mages. A natural progression like goblins to hobgoblins.
But the power increase was insane.
All of them past A-rank now. Some probably pushing Special A.
No wonder it drained my magicules so much.
Well, "drained." I was never actually in danger. But still.
Benimaru stepped forward and knelt.
"Sir Rimuru, we have a request! Please, we beg of you to accept our solemn oath of fealty!"
Oh. They're going full loyalty mode.
"Hmm? Geez, you don't have to get all formal about it. Just because you're my mercenaries doesn't mean I want you groveling at my feet."
"It is not that, my lord. We wish to serve you as your loyal retainers!"
What?
I'd told them they were free to go once the orc business was settled. But apparently, they had other plans.
"""Please, give us your benevolent aid!!""" they intoned in unison.
They talked this out while I was asleep, didn't they?
I had no reason to say no. If that was what they wanted, I might as well believe in them.
"Alright. Welcome to the team, everyone."
Thus, the village's population grew by six in a single day.
Six A-rank monsters just swore loyalty to me.
Clayman is going to shit himself when he finds out.
Role Assignments
Taking another good look, I realized exactly how much they'd all changed.
They'd shrunk a decent amount, which made their clothing flap loosely about. Except Shion, whose now much ampler chest was threatening to spill out.
Better do something about that before there's a wardrobe malfunction.
I called for Garm and explained the situation. We needed proper clothes. Good clothes.
But more than that—I wanted Earth-style clothing.
Time to introduce hoodies to this world.
I pulled out some wood and charcoal and started sketching. But this time, I didn't just draw flat blueprints.
I projected.
＜＜Activating holographic display. Source material: Earth fashion database, years 2015-2025.＞＞
A three-dimensional image materialized above the table—faint, ghostly, but perfectly detailed.
Hoodies. T-shirts. Jeans. Sneakers. High-tops. Even Jordans.
Garm's jaw dropped. "What… what is that?!"
"Clothing designs from my homeland. Think you and Shuna can make these?"
Shuna leaned forward, studying the projection with fascination. "The construction is… intricate. But yes, I believe I can manage."
"Perfect. I'll even help with the zippers."
"Zippers?"
I manifested a small zipper using [Molecular Manipulation]—just a basic metal track with interlocking teeth.
"This. You slide this piece up and down to open and close the garment."
Easy when you can manipulate matter at the molecular level.
Shuna's eyes lit up. "Remarkable! This would make clothing so much more practical!"
"Exactly. So, Shuna—you're in charge of textile production. Work with the goblinas to process silk, hemp, and cotton. Souei will lead a team to collect hellmoth cocoons for the silk."
Souei nodded. "Understood."
"Garm, you're on armor production. Work with Shuna's silk as a base layer. Dold handles dyeing."
I turned to Kurobe. "And you—you're our dedicated swordsmith now."
His eyes gleamed. "You mean it?"
"I do. You've got the [Researcher] skill, right?"
Which will eventually evolve into [Craftsman]. The same skill I had in One Piece. Still sealed, but I remember how it works.
"Yes, sir! Omni Analysis, Spatial Storage, and Transmutation."
Basically Predator but for crafting. He can store materials and transform them internally.
"Perfect. I want you working with Kaijin. You'll make weapons for the whole village. Start with swords for me and the other kijin."
I pulled out a massive chunk of magisteel from my [Stomach] and handed it over.
"Make them good."
Kurobe struck his chest with his fist. "I'm gonna make the best swords you ever did see!"
I'm looking forward to it.
Underground Training
Later, I decided to check on Benimaru and Hakurou.
Shion had volunteered to be my secretary—and my transportation—so she was carrying me around in slime form, held close to her chest.
I definitely don't have any impure motives like enjoying this sensation or anything.
Nope. Purely professional.
We found them in the underground cavern, crossing wooden practice swords.
Benimaru's blade was shrouded in a white aura. When he slashed, it emitted an arc of light that surged forward—slipping through Hakurou's body like a ghost and cleaving a boulder behind him in half.
The next moment, Hakurou appeared behind Benimaru's back, wooden sword at his throat.
"Impressive," I called out.
They both turned, immediately kneeling when they saw me.
"Sir Rimuru!" Benimaru said. "We were just testing our new abilities."
"I can see that. What was that white light?"
Hakurou smiled. "Ah. That would be Modelwill, Sir Rimuru. One of the Battle Will Arts."
Ofcourse I know what is a battle art, I already copied it from Hakurou during our fight.
"Tell me more."
And so Hakurou explained.
The Battle Will Arts were techniques passed down among the ogre warriors. They involved manipulating one's aura—the energy naturally leaking from the body—into specific patterns and effects.
There were several key techniques:
Formhide - Suppressing one's aura to become undetectable Haze - A special application of Formhide that created afterimages Instantmove - Using aura to enhance speed explosively Modelwill - Projecting aura as a weapon.
In just explanation it sounds a lot similar to Haki but fundamentally it is different.
Armament Haki for reinforcement. Conqueror's Haki for projection. Observation Haki for sensing.
They even fire projectiles with Modelwill, like magic bullets made of Aura which is essentially the leaking Mana/energy from a lifeform one can shape this Aura to materialize attacks and these attacks are not affected by mana jamming and barrier but there is also a weakness as they are purely physical attacks they become sort of unusable against an opponent who has a Physical attack resistance or nullification tolerance unless it is combined with some other attacks thus in canon these techniques are often used to coat magic or skill attacks.
"These are excellent techniques," I said. "Hakurou, I want you to teach the goblins. Start with the basics—aura control and Formhide. Build from there."
"It would be my honor, Sir Rimuru."
Benimaru looked frustrated. "I still can't execute them properly. My Modelwill is unstable."
Hakurou placed a hand on his shoulder. "You must continue training, young master. These arts take time to perfect."
Yeah, but you'll get there. Eventually, you'll surpass even Hakurou.
"By the way," I said casually, "did you ever have visitors to your village? Humans, maybe? Or other monsters?"
Hakurou stroked his beard thoughtfully. "We did, on occasion. There was one human in particular… a master swordsman. He spent several months with us, decades ago. Infact he was my Grandfather"
Byakuya Araki. Either way, one of the legendary swordsmen.
"Well, keep training. We'll need every advantage we can get."
"Sir Rimuru," Benimaru said carefully, "this Orc Lord Goblin lord spoke of earlier… how does he compare to you?"
Oh. They're trying to gauge the threat level.
"He's weaker than me," I said honestly. "But he's still a strong monster. Don't underestimate him."
The Orc Lord has Ravenous, which gets stronger the more he eats.
Benimaru looked relieved. "Then we have nothing to fear."
"Don't get cocky. He has two hundred thousand orcs under his command."
The number made them both pale slightly.
"Two… hundred thousand?" Benimaru whispered.
"Yep. So we're going to need every fighter we can get. Train hard."
"""Yes, Sir Rimuru!"""
Gabiru's Arrival
A few days later, I was in my tent reviewing some plans when Rigur burst in.
"Sir Rimuru! We have visitors!"
Visitors? At this hour?
"Who?"
"Lizardmen, sir! And they're asking for an audience with you!"
Oh. Right. Gabiru.
The idiot son of the Lizardman Chief. The one who thinks he's a genius but is actually a buffoon.
This is going to be fun.
"Bring them in."
A few minutes later, a lizardman strode into my tent with all the confidence of someone who thought they were hot shit.
He was tall—maybe six and a half feet—with green scales and a crest of fins running down his head and back. He wore leather armor decorated with… were those self-awarded medals?
Oh my god. He actually gave himself medals.
Behind him stood about a dozen other lizardmen, all looking nervous.
"Greetings!" Gabiru announced, striking a dramatic pose. "I am Gabiru, son of the Lizardman Chief! And I have come to propose an alliance!"
An alliance. Right. More like he's trying to build a private army to usurp his father.
Let's mess with him a bit.
"An alliance?" I said, keeping my voice level. "What kind of alliance?"
"A glorious one! Together, we shall defeat the orc menace and—"
I released just a touch of Conqueror's Haki. Not enough to knock anyone out. Just enough to make Gabiru feel it.
His words died in his throat. His eyes went wide. Sweat beaded on his scaled forehead.
There we go.
"Continue," I said mildly.
"I… that is… we…" He swallowed hard. "W-we lizardmen are the strongest race in the forest! With our forces combined—"
Time to bring in the big gun.
I reached out mentally.
Veldora. You there?
＜＜Rimuru! Finally! I was going insane with boredom!＞＞
Still analyzing the Unlimited Imprisonment?
＜＜Yes! And Great Sage won't let me rest! I barely have time to read manga anymore! Do you know how far behind I am on Naruto?!＞＞
I can imagine. Listen, want to have some fun?
＜＜Fun? What kind of fun?＞＞
There's this idiot lizardman here who needs to be scared straight. Remember that scene in Boruto where Kurama frightened Shin's clone?
＜＜OH! YES! The one where Kurama showed his true power and made the clone piss himself?!＞＞
Exactly. Want to recreate it? You play Kurama, I'll play Naruto.
＜＜HELL YES! I've been DYING to do something like that!＞＞
Perfect. On my signal.
I turned my attention back to Gabiru, who was still trying to regain his composure.
"Lizardmen are the strongest, you say?"
"Y-yes! We have never been defeated in—"
"What about the ogres?"
He paused. "Well, they were defeated by the orcs, so—"
"And the orcs?"
"We will crush them! I, Gabiru, have devised the perfect strategy to—"
Now.
Veldora. Show him what a True Dragon looks like.
Suddenly, the air in the tent changed.
The temperature dropped. The very atmosphere seemed to compress under an impossible weight.
And then—
A presence manifested behind me. Not physically. But spiritually. An avatar of pure power, visible only to those with magical senses.
Only Gabiru could see it.
His face went from confident to terrified in an instant.
Behind me, a massive draconic silhouette formed. Black scales. Four wings. Eyes like burning stars.
Veldora, the Storm Dragon.
＜＜"You dare speak of strength before my partner?"＞＞ Veldora's voice rumbled through the spiritual plane, echoing in everyone's minds. ＜＜"You, who know nothing of true power? You, who strut about like a king while being nothing but an insect?"＞＞
Gabiru fell to his knees, trembling.
"I-I-I—"
＜＜"Silence."＞＞
The draconic avatar leaned closer, its massive jaws opening to reveal rows of teeth each the size of a sword.
＜＜"Rimuru is my friend. My sworn brother. And you would propose to 'ally' with him as if you were equals?"＞＞
The killing intent was palpable. Not real—Veldora wasn't actually going to hurt anyone. But Gabiru didn't know that.
"M-mercy! Please! I meant no disrespect!"
＜＜"Then remember this moment. Remember what true power feels like. And never forget your place."＞＞
The avatar faded.
The pressure lifted.
Gabiru collapsed onto the ground, gasping for air. His subordinates looked equally terrified, some having wet themselves.
Perfect.
I kept my voice calm. "Now then. About this alliance…"
Gabiru looked up at me with wide, fearful eyes. All his previous bravado was gone.
"I… I apologize for my rudeness! Please, I beg you, accept my sincere apologies!"
"Your apology is accepted. Now, tell me—what does your father, the Chief, think of this alliance?"
"M-my father? I… I have not yet informed him…"
So it's exactly what I thought. A private army.
"I see. Well, Gabiru, I'll be honest with you. I'm not interested in forming alliances with people who go behind their leaders' backs."
His face fell. "But—"
"However," I continued, "if your father wishes to discuss an alliance, I'd be happy to meet with him. Officially."
And I will. Because the Lizardmen are next on the Orc Lord's menu.
Souei's probably already making contact with the Chief anyway.
Gabiru nodded frantically. "Y-yes! Of course! I will relay your message immediately!"
"Good. Now go."
He scrambled to his feet, bowed so low his head nearly touched the ground, and fled with his subordinates.
Once they were gone, I felt Veldora's amusement through our connection.
＜＜That was AMAZING! Did you see his face?!＞＞
I did. You nailed it.
＜＜I know! Oh man, I wish I could do that more often! Being stuck in analysis mode all the time is SO BORING!＞＞
How's that going, by the way?
＜＜Great Sage says we're at 34% completion. Only about sixty more days to go! seeing your growth rate＞＞
Sixty days. Then you'll be free.
＜＜And then we'll RAMPAGE! …Well, actually, can we just hang out and read manga? I really need to catch up.＞＞
Sure, buddy. Whatever you want.
＜＜Oh! By the way, I've been teaching Ifrit how to play shogi. He's terrible at it.＞＞
Ifrit? The fire spirit?
＜＜Yeah! He's in here with me. Great Sage is analyzing him too. We've become friends!＞＞
That's… actually kind of sweet.
＜＜He keeps complaining about how you "disrespected" him by beating him so easily. I keep telling him you're just built different.＞＞
Ha. Well, he's not wrong.
＜＜Anyway, thanks for letting me scare that lizard! That was the most fun I've had in weeks!＞＞
Anytime, Veldora. Anytime.
I severed the connection and leaned back.
Gabiru thoroughly terrified. Check.
No misunderstanding about Gobta being the leader. Check.
Lizardman alliance in the works. Check.
Everything's proceeding according to plan.
Outside, I could hear Rigur talking to someone.
"Sir Rimuru is incredible, isn't he?"
"Did you feel that aura? That was… that was beyond anything I've ever sensed!"
"And Sir Gabiru just ran away with his tail between his legs!"
Good. Let the rumors spread.
The more terrifying my reputation, the fewer idiots will try to challenge me.
I allowed myself a small smile.
This world has no idea what's coming.
END OF CHAPTER 26
Major Developments:
City Planning:
Rimuru displays advanced architectural knowledge from Earth Can project 3D models of skyscrapers, bridges, malls Plans include Dubai/Saudi/Qatar-style high-rises, Shanghai bridges Currently keeping it simple but has massive plans for future
Battle Will Arts:
Formhide, Haze, Instantmove, Modelwill explained Similar to Haki system (armament/conqueror's) Based on aura projection Can fire projectiles Hakurou to teach goblins
Clothing Production:
Earth-style designs introduced (hoodies, jeans, sneakers, Jordans) Rimuru can make zippers easily Shuna handles textiles Souei leads hellmoth collection
Gabiru Encounter:
Rimuru uses mild Conqueror's Haki Veldora manifests as draconic avatar Terrifies Gabiru completely No misunderstanding about Gobta Sets up official Lizardman alliance
Power Levels:
Rimuru far stronger than Orc Lord All kijin A-rank minimum Battle Will Arts explained as Haki-equivalent