Rimuru's POV:
It's been a week since I returned from the Labyrinth and Shizu got her new spirit. After a day of resting, she gradually recovered her strength. She may not be in her prime, but now she can use fire freely, and will continue to grow. Thanks to Hakurou, she has a sparring partner who's helping her to adjust to that new power.
For now, she's remaining here, as she prefers to be sure no complications will occur. That's a wise decision, if anything goes wrong with her state while she's still convalescent, we're here to deal with it. Once we're sure no threat can arise, she'll return to Ingrassia and see the children. When that day comes, I'll accompany her, as it will be faster to teleport them, and a good opportunity for me to visit foreign lands myself.
As for Ramiris, she'll be here in a few days. She needed to pack a few things and call back her fairies who are roaming in Ulgrassia.
This week, a few things happened. First, Lulu returned to her land the day after our trip. She plans to return soon, with a surprise for Shizu. She had a cheeky smile, and promised it would make Shizu fall on her butt. We'll see. Kumara was pleased to see her 'opponent' leave that soon, and I won't try to understand why they bicker so much... It lasted all day, until I forced her to go to sleep.
Second, I 'invited' the Kijins to try Shion's food, and ascertain her progress. Shuna managed to evade it, she has good instincts when it comes to this matter. Welp too bad, as now Shion's food isn't lethal anymore... Don't misunderstand, it's far from being tasty, but at least it's edible now... Still looking ominous though. I'm proud of my teaching, especially when I saw Redheads father and son flooding the room with tears of relief. They all were so moved they swore loyalty once again, in repayment for this miracle. I appreciate it, because if I'm being honest, it was painful to get this result...
Painful for Gobta I mean, he served as a taster all along, and it took me a few tries to understand why Shion couldn't cook. It appears no one (Shuna) had the courage to properly teach her after witnessing the disaster the first time. Why was Gobta here on the death row? Because this idiot prefers to laze around and act like a dumb pervert, rather than train properly. Now, he understood his wrongdoings -I think- and suffered honorably under Hakurou's training. Some would say it was harsh, but that's for his own good. He has surprising potential, and I don't know how much he can progress.
Third, the old hag returned two days ago, not amused. Her face gave it all, the others managed to prank her flawlessly. I know one day she'll do the same for me when I'll lower my guard, but I regret nothing.
-'[Says the one who will curse itself when he'll get pranked.]'
-'I regret nothing.'
-'[...I won't care anymore.]'
...Whatever. Milim also apologized for her punch, and Mithra admitted she was... blunt? I explained to Milim how this idiot basically forgot the concept of private space, leading to embarrassing moments. But since it had the desired effect, I won't say anything this time.
And fourth, my current project. I'm creating a wide barrier around the city, which will serve as a intrusion detector, mainly for spies. Because of the Demons Lords, -basically Clayman and potential associates- we need to enhance our defenses against hidden threats. In our positions, the game-changing objective is intel. We don't know if he's backed by someone, and he doesn't know the real extent of our power and intentions.
Some could say it's overkill to use such precautions against someone weak like him, when we have such powerful allies, but the same are the first to pay the price of their overconfidence. I won't let luck dictate our future, and this barrier will still be useful later, with further enhancements for a wider usage. Its main function is to detect the souls of those who enter in its range. I'm fueling it with [Soul Master], and my symbiosis brain aka [Great Sage] will keep track of those who aren't linked to me, and potential abnormal status. Since Clayman is renowned to curse his subordinates, any suspicious outsider will be detected on the spot.
I'm currently in a field, beyond the Eastern gate. I did only half of the job, as I need to polish the spell as much as I can. It wouldn't be smart if I need to let my mental coworker use too much of her abilities to process data because of a half-baked work. I just need to avoid any disturbance-
-'Hey shithead, there's a dimensional rift who just opened North-Northeast. Go see what's the deal.'
Here's my peace gone.
-'Yo gorilla, just do it if you sense it.' Somehow, I missed those insults, and I'm sure she did too. 'I'm a little occupied now.'
-'Me too idiot. Shion is stubborn enough to compete with me, I can't leave right now.'
Fuck, why can't I have five minutes without something happening. Let's do it fast, before anything else pops up. But what are they doing anyways?
The training ground, Mithra's POV:
-"Hey, take it easy. No need to level up the area, you'll get nothing from it." I'm blocking Shion's blade and repel her, destabilizing her posture. "Concentrate on your moves, not your strength dammit."
-"Shit. Once more." She rush again, but I block her swing without even paying attention. "Raarrgh. Once more."
-"Stop it now." I disarm her with a punch, ending our session. "You're not in a good state for now."
Shion fell on her knees, gasping as she overworked herself, but not in a good way. Out of all the times I trained her, today gave the worst results. She only tried to subdue me by pure strength, discarding all swordsmanship notions. What's in her mind?
-"What the hell are you doing? That was underwhelming, plain and simple. I know you're able to do better."
-"...I know I'm stupid, disappointing you after having annoyed you all day long since you returned."
She's curling up, hiding her face behind her arms, being barely audible. I haven't seen her like that since I named her. I crouch to be at her height, and give her a headpat.
-"...Hey, what's the problem?"
-"...Can I really be your right-hand when I'm not even able to avoid you to take a punch?"
Oh, that was simply it?
-"Heh. You're aiming a lil' too high, Milim is literally in the highest realm of this world along the True Dragons."
-"I know that! But, I couldn't even react on time." Her mood worsened, it seems her inferiority complex is deeper than she let transpire. "What if next time, I'm still unable to do my job?"
...Okay, I have to resolve this matter now. I gave this numbskull a flick on the forehead. She yelped, and rubbed her bruise while giving me a surprised look.
-"It seems I have to tell you clearly, right in the face. I won't abandon you, not for something this futile."
-"Futile? But-"
-"No but. It was just my mistake, and the power gap was too high for the two of us anyways." I can feel the shockwave in my guts after a week, this kid hit like a mountain. "You're still at the beginning of your training, and we have time before needing to face real trials. And no matter the hardships, no matter how much you struggle, I'll be here to help you reach new heights. I haven't named you on a whim, Shion. You can do it, so raise your head and be proud of who you are."
She took some time to accept my little cheer, but her smile returned. I helped her to get up, and we decided to stop for today. We'll join Rimuru to see why a rift opened in this forest... And totally not for escaping from Hakurou's reprimands about the state of the ground. I must admit this youngster knows how to make himself understood.
A small glade a few kilometers of the city, a certain beetle POV:
Uurgh... What a day, being chased by a beast after fleeing from our homeland and that bastard brother. I managed to kill it, but... I may not last long, not with this wound. Thankfully, my dear sister is alive, albeit severely damaged too. She doesn't have the strength to fly anymore, so I must find a hideout.
-"B-big brother... It hurts."
-"I'm sorry, try to endure it." I gently put her on my back, and started walking. "I want at least you to survive."
-"Don't s-say that, please. It means nothing if you're not here too."
Alas, I could only take a few steps before collapsing. I feel my life fading slowly, as I curse my weakness. I can hear my sister crying, and it's painful for me... If only I was strong like you, Ant-hero...
-"...Insects? What a surprise."
-"W-who? Stay away... I won't let you hurt her, not after what she went through."
I turned toward the mysterious voice, ready to use the last ounce of my life to protect my sister. It's probably what they call a Human- no, a Majin, with long blue hair and golden eyes. That's bad... In the Cardinal World, those who know about us treat our existence like an imminent threat. And I won't argue because of our father's plan to expand our territory here. But it doesn't matter, I have someone I need to protect too.
-"Keep your strength little guy. I'm not here to kill you."
-"L-lies. Who in this world is stupid enough to help us, when they know about our nature?"
What does he want? Using our bodies as materials, or seeing us as potential experiments? He's approaching slowly, and I'm ready for a final fight.
-"W-wait, brother."
-"Ssshh... Don't say anything and keep your strength. I'll give you some time, try to flee-"
-"Idiot, stop it. I can't sense any ill-intention from him, and we're too battered up to do anything."
-"But-"
-"Please... Stop. I won't be able to take it if you die meaninglessly."
...Yeah, she's right. I have to stop pretending, we're at his mercy now. But if he decides to end us, please, make it swift. I don't want to see her suffer anymore.
-"Maybe it's better if I do that. You'll trust me more easily."
He suddenly metamorphosed into... a Slime? Seriously? Nevermind, since it's a monster, maybe...
-"Mmmh. For such wounds, I'll have to give you my cells." He turned back into his human form while examining me. His hand is... melting? "It will sting a little, so bear with it."
-"What are you- argh?" He's putting this slimy thing on my injuries, it burns. But soon, it was replaced by a pleasant warmth that engulfed me whole. "...What? How can I feel better that fast?"
-"It's good than a Slime body is this compatible with all kinds of spiritual beings." He went to my sister and began tending her wounds too. "Next, I'll have to repair your exoskeletons, and we're good."
-"Hey Rimuru... Insects? That's nostalgic." Someone else came, but this aura... A Demoness? And another woman follows her.
-"Since you're here, help me heal them. I want them strong enough to endure their exoskeleton' repairs without taking any risk."
The Demoness put her hands on us, and used what seemed to be a strong Skill. A surge of vitality rushed through my entire being, and with how my sister reacted, it must be the same for her. At the same time, the slimy substance merged with my body, and it felt like it became fully part of me. All fatigue and pain disappeared, as if I was reverted to my prime state... No, even better.
The Slime then touched the parts where my armor was torn apart. It was excruciating, but didn't last long. When he finished, I saw my new outer shell, shining and sturdier than ever. He did the same to her, and while I found it unnerving to see her shake from the pain, her eyes were beaming with joy when all was finished.
She flew at full speed and collided with me, crying from relief... Unbelievable. Those guys saved us, just like that, without harboring disgust or hatred. Is it fate?
-"Now you're better," he sat next to us, smiling." Do you mind telling us what you were doing here, in such a state?"
-"Of course, I have to repay you for your kindness."
*A few minutes later*
-"Mmmh... You really had a bad day, but good job to have survived until now." The Demoness called Mithra said, while petting my sister who's struggling to stay awake. "You're safe here, we will provide you a place to live."
-"As she said, we'll take you under our care. Descendants of Zelanus or not, we don't mind your origins." Our savior agreed with her, and brought some sweet smelling liquid. "Here, take these. It's not much, but you two deserve some solace after your escape."
So, here we are, out of this hell. It was such a desperate bet we made, being targeted by our eldest brother. And while we were on the verge of death, a true divine presence blessed us with his compassion. He knows what we are, and yet, is unfazed by it and allows us to remain here. Please, if I'm dreaming, do not wake me up.
-"You're too kind. If you're willing to accept the two of us, no matter our origins, I'll gladly serve you until death."
-"I will too." My sister left Lady Mithra and landed on my back. "Thanks to you, our dreams of liberty and peace aren't mere dreams anymore. Let us repay you as much as we can."
-"Heh, you're taking it so seriously. We accept your pledge. And as a token of our appreciation," our new lord Rimuru turned to lady Mithra who seemed to provide him a fraction of her power. "We'll give you names. Welcome to the party, Zegion, Apito."
I barely had the time to process what he just said, when another surge of power hit me. I feel light, yet stronger than I could ever dream off. On top of me, I see Apito glowing too, and flying all over the glade at full speed. But, when the light faded, our new lords stumbled. The other woman helped them to stay on their feet, as I feared, giving us names was dangerous even for such mighty beings.
-"Thanks Shion. Man, we haven't felt such weakness since naming Kumara, you two are the real deal too." Lady Mithra is holding her head, moving like she is suffering from dizziness.
-"Yeah, I need to rest a little before finishing my magic circle."Lord Rimuru made two bottles appear and gave one to lady Mithra. "From what I saw, Zegion, you're seeking strength to protect your sister, right? I assure you, you'll reach unfathomable heights one day, your potential is tremendous. Just be diligent in your training from now, and almost nothing will reach her."
-"I am grateful for your words. I'll do my best to meet your expectations... And surpass even my hero Oryos."
*Pfffftt*
Our lords cough up their drinks simultaneously, and are looking at me with eyes who're struggling to remain in their orbits. They turned to each other, then toward me again... Did I say something outrageous?
-"W-when you say Oryos... You mean Oryos, the Ant-Insectar? Four arms, red and blue, a goofy head with a mohawk?" Lord Rimuru is imitating the appearance of the one I told the name.
-"I-I meant it... Wait, do you know it? How? He disappeared about three centuries ago."
-"What was his role? We need to know."
-"He was a royal guard, not a direct offspring of our father Zelanus. But his astounding skills impressed our father enough to be granted a name. Even the rest of our siblings were forced to respect his talents and utmost loyalty."
-"Heh. Hehehehehe... That bastard, he never told us he was such a big shot." Lady Mithra is laughing suspiciously, and they seem to really know him. "Acting all ignorant, my ass."
-"No wonder he was absurdly strong, it took us so long to rise to his level." Lord Rimuru looked at the sky, holding a laugh himself. "So, apparently you're a hero even in this world, my brother."
***
The lost world, 161 years before D-Day
Our two human explorers continued to map uncharted areas, visit old ruins, and gather data about the exotic life forms. Growing stronger, expanding their influence, a routine was installed. But life knows how to give you a good surprise.
-"Shit-shit-shit-shit-shit. It wasn't supposed to migrate here, we're screwed." Alestar is running as fast as what's possible for a superhuman, leaving behind him a huge trail of sweat from his effort.
-"Who da hell is the smartass who couldn't properly study its behavior?" Invidia too, ran away with all her soul, her face crimson red from the overheating.
-"It was me, but this is not the time. Shut up and run."
Why are the two strongest of their species fleeing with their tails between their legs? Because in their current journey, they pissed off a peculiar monster far above their league. Something called here, a Titan class lifeform, the biggest and mightiest of all.
What's chasing them resembles an armored quadruped dinosaur, high like a 10 floors tower, two sets of jaws with vicious-looking teeth, and enraged as hell. He was disturbed in his migration for the mating season, and is ready to bring misery to the little fuckers who crossed his path.
-"Do something, we can't keep this pace endlessly." Invidia yells at Alestar, and barely avoids tripping on a root.
-"Your turn genius, I threw to him my arm full of poison, but it's too large."
-"I can't either. My flames just worsened his mood."
They actually tried to attack this monster, but a battalion is needed to bring down such a walking disaster, even composed of individuals strong enough to compete with those two. Invidia's magic is too weak against armor sturdy enough to resist some True Demon Lords blows. And Alestar doesn't possess, yet, any real method for dealing substantial damage against such calamity, even his last resort trick isn't enough. Usually, he keeps in his body poison samples, lethal for most life forms, and enough to deal with several targets. But this monster is too massive for it to act fast.
Their situation is getting somehow desperate, as the beast proves to be unusually fast for its size, and dead-set on making them regret their life choices. Until something unexpected occurs...
*Booooom*
Their pursuer suddenly collapsed, after getting hit so hard by something who moved so fast it was accompanied by a deafening shockwave. When the dust cloud dispersed, they could see its skull cracked and a jaw torn apart. The Titan died before having the luxury of roaring one last time.
Feeling the adrenaline leaving, Alestar and Invidia fell on their butts, with aching muscles who refused to move after such pursuit. Wariness is tainting their faces, as they don't know what is powerful enough to subdue this beast with a single blow. They didn't have to wait for long, as a humanoid silhouette landed a few meters away.
-" You're quite bold to venture so far from safety. But I suppose that's awaited from the strongest Humans."
-"Who're you? Don't you dare approach without giving me an answer." Invidia weakly got up and readied a spell, but was stopped by Alestar.
-"Don't bother... If I'm right, then this guy can deal with both of us at our best shape." Alestar leant on Invidia to get up, and observed the newcomer. "I've seen a few statues of the one the Insectoids call their hero. They put so many details in your mohawk it became unintentionally funny."
-"So, that's what you call my 'hair'. Quite the good sounding name." The four-armed humanoid walked forward, and became visible in the daylight. "Greetings, I'm Oryos. An Insectar, and the strongest of my people."
As he stated, Oryos is the strongest of all Insectoids, but he's also considered to be the top of the known world. Being the only Insectar, and thus, having a name in the usual way of the Cardinal World, with his centuries of experience and growth, no one ever dared to question his power.
It's rare to have a chance to witness his skills, as he tends to stroll in the deepness of this world. He returns once in a while to keep track of the events, but can remain in the wilderness for years sometimes. Revered as a hero, he's also considered by his people as their best chance to escape this dimension, because of his Space-related powers.
-"You've heard of us, I see. Not a surprise, that's probably the first thing your kin talked about." Invidia, who also heard once or twice about him, dropped her guard. "We're lucky to receive help from someone who lived in the wild for a damn decade."
-"Bahahaha, I admit I took my time to get back this time. But when at home, everyone flocks toward you and doesn't give you space, you tend to prefer the quietness of the outside."
-"The problems of celebrities, we can relate, kinda." Alestar approached Oryos, but remained tense in front of someone overwhelmingly stronger. "I suppose we haven't met by sheer luck, not in such a vast world. Did you perhaps followed us?"
-"You're a sharp one. I indeed followed you when I heard about your destination, as I feared you didn't know the dangers of this area. Looks like I did well."
-"And? It's hard to believe you just wanted to give us a hand if we messed up. What do you really want?" Invidia don't find amusing the thought of being watched by an outsider, as if they needed to be guided like children.
-"Oh yeah, I was warned about your explosive temperament." Oryos scratch his head, seemingly embarrassed. "Simply put, I want to travel with you guys."
This wasn't exactly what Alestar nor Invidia expected, as they looked at each other dumbfounded, and pondered if this guy had a normally functioning brain.
-"...I should elaborate. You see, I'm getting bored of wandering alone to search for an answer. For centuries I went on my way, without someone obstinate enough to make me feel challenged. But you two, you're interesting. In such a short time, you reached a level one could only dream off. And your dedication, not only for your species, but for all, is unheard of. Maybe by accompanying you, I'll find what I search... And, be honest, you'll need a few more hands if you wish to continue exploring further." Oryos finished his talk by showing his two pairs of hands, seemingly proud of his joke.
-"...So, not only the strongest, but also a comical one, heh? Well, we won't say no to some help." Invidia smirked and dropped all tension.
-"As she said, your contribution will be much appreciated. Welcome aboard, Oryos."
All three of them shake hands, sealing a future where all trespassers will share their skills and knowledge to create a safe and peaceful world, until the day they'll find a way to escape for good.