Disclaimer: I do not own That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, High School DxD, or any other referenced properties. All characters depicted are consenting adults aged 18 or older.
Chapter 12
Samael POV
I studied my reflection in the mirror one last time, checking every detail. It must be perfect for the next part.
It took longer than expected to track them down. They were careful to bury their dealings under layers of intermediaries, but greed is ever in need of protection, buyers and witnesses. Traces rise to the surface eventually.
They would soon gather at an auction in the Kingdom of Falmouth.
Officially, they were bodyguards for a spoiled noble brat who believed money granted ownership over everything and everyone. Unofficially, the auction is a nest where merchants, traffickers, corrupt nobles, and opportunists gathered under the polite excuse of commerce.
From what I had learned, this was no ordinary auction. It was massive. Invitations were handpicked. And nearly everyone connected to that group would be present.
Perfect.
I intended to make sure no one walks out of that hall untouched.
I adjusted my appearance once more and met my own gaze. The man in the mirror looked ordinary. Forgettable. The kind of person people glanced past without a second thought.
The outfit helped.
Not something I would normally wear, but appropriate for the era. Fine fabrics. Neutral colors. Expensive without being flashy. Enough to blend in with merchants and lesser nobles.
A tool, like everything else.
I turned away from the mirror and began to mentally go over the plan.
Sirius POV
I stayed behind in the house, staring blankly at the dark television screen.
Shizu was out with Rimuru, probably enjoying herself. Good for her.
Milim had left and had not contacted us since. Probably buried under paperwork or setting something on fire.
Veldora had been asleep for four hours, completely motionless.
I continued staring at the screen, wondering what I had done to deserve this level of boredom.
"What are you looking at?"
I turned to see Ifrit watching me with visible confusion.
"Nothing," I replied flatly. "That's the problem."
He tilted his head. "Why is that a problem? You could entertain yourself. What did you do before coming here?"
I exhaled. "Before passing through a door that almost got me killed, I was stuck in a house I hated, alone, wanted for a crime I didn't commit. The only moment I felt free was the instant before I was thrown through a veil that should have killed me."
"That sounds… fun," he replied neutrally. "But aside from that, what did you do for entertainment?"
"Pranks," I said proudly. "I was a prankster, and a bloody good one."
"Then why not do that now?"
I considered my answer carefully.
"I enjoy being alive."
He stared at me, clearly wanting elaboration.
"At the beginning I did not feel like joking. Later, maybe. But right now, I am terrified of what would happen if I were caught. And I would be caught."
"What could happen from a harmless prank?" he asked.
I sighed. "Samael once pranked Rimuru with a single innocent kiss."
That caught his attention.
"She responded by creating an abomination of food and forced him to eat all of it," I continued, shivering slightly at the memory. "They love each other. That was affection. Imagine what she would do to anyone else. Or worse, what Samael would do when he finds out."
Ifrit's eyes widened. I saw the realization settle in.
"I think you are right," he said solemnly. "But why not ask Sage for help? She could make sure no one finds out."
I stared at him like he had lost his mind.
"You do know she is the most dangerous one among those three, right? She would make our lives miserable even if Samael and Rimuru forgave us."
"That is true," he admitted. "But what if we ask her to help relax things a bit? Just a harmless experience. Nothing malicious."
I was about to answer when I noticed the subtle gesture.
Sage was already there, silently signaling me to stay quiet.
Ifrit did not notice her.
"We could help them unwind," he continued. "Like an elaborate puzzle that is annoying but fun. Or maybe some potions, something to relieve tension, like an aphrodisiac, or—"
Sage placed a hand on his shoulder.
Ifrit froze.
I silently prayed to Veldanava for his soul.
"You have an idea," Sage said calmly. "I will assist."
My eyes widened in disbelief.
"But" she continued, her tone sharpening, "if you use aphrodisiacs or any mind or body altering substances on anyone, I will ensure you suffer eternally. Those substances are permanently banned. The punishment is worse than death."
Her eyes glowed briefly.
"We understand!" both of us shouted at once.
"Good." She turned to me. "Sirius, I want you to follow Samael. He is heading somewhere sensitive. He will need someone to keep him in check."
I blinked. "Aren't you already doing that?"
"Yes," she replied calmly. "But if his emotions spike high enough, he can override my influence. I operate with permission, not authority."
I swallowed. "Then what exactly do you expect me to do if he loses control?"
"Distract him for a moment. That will be enough for me to intervene."
"…Why not warn him beforehand?"
"Because he would do something foolish," she answered without hesitation. "This is the best option."
I stood there, trying to process everything.
"…Alright," I said finally. "I'll help. But give me the details first."
She nodded. A list appeared in front of me.
I started reading.
…
…
"I WILL KILL THEM ALL!"
Rimuru POV
I watched the children playing with Shizu, and we both smiled happily.
All of them had been cured with Ramiris's help.
At that thought, I remembered the look on her face when she realized Milim had not lied about the relationship she had with us. The expression of defeat, followed by the quiet muttering about being single, had been strangely entertaining.
[Sage, what is the situation in the village?]
[Everything is going well.]
[Good.]
[I recommend shortening your stay and returning to the kingdom if you wish to ensure nothing unexpected occurs.]
[…Explain.]
I must have shown something on my face because I noticed the look Shizu gave me. I smiled at her and continued the conversation.
[The Kingdom of Falmouth has declared war on Tempest. They intend to wipe out the monster forest in the name of Goddess Luminous. Some members of the church will assist them.]
[Is Luminous involved in this?] I asked, my expression darkening.
[No. Most of the higher authorities are unaware. This information was deliberately concealed from them.]
I relaxed slightly and began to think more clearly. Who would do this, and why?
Falmouth did not have the courage to start something like this against us. Maybe they had been misinformed. But by whom, and for what purpose?
The reason was simple. Money.
They were losing profits and believed fighting us would be easy.
I needed to come up with a plan that would send them back without turning this into a full war.
"Rimuru, what happened?" Shizu asked, noticing my mood.
"Falmouth is planning to attack Tempest," I said quietly. I did not want a war. Was peace really too much to ask for?
"Then we need to go back immediately and make sure everything is alright," she said, panic creeping into her voice.
I smiled and tried to reassure her. "It will still take some time before they move. Sage is tracking their actions and making sure nothing dangerous happens."
"But we cannot leave things as they are. Sirius is the only one in Tempest right now. If something happens, he will blame himself."
Ugh. She was right.
"Alright," I sighed. "Let's talk to the children and prepare to leave."
Would it not be better to stay here and relax instead of preparing for war?
Why could these problems never stop appearing?
Shizu POV
I watched Rimuru's expression carefully.
Samael truly spoiled her. Not by removing responsibility, but by protecting her so thoroughly that danger rarely reached her directly. Even when he gave her all the freedom she asked for, he still watched over her constantly.
I was certain that if Sage had not informed Rimuru about this attack, she would have learned about it only after Samael had already finished everything.
That thought unsettled me.
Samael would slaughter an army and hide it from her, just to spare her worry.
Why had Sage intervened this time?
She never acted without reason, and she was protective of Rimuru as well. If she interfered, perhaps she believed that if she did not, something would break between Rimuru and Samael.
…No. Impossible. Their bond was strong.
But even strong bonds could be tested.
I shook my head and walked toward the children.
Now was not the time for questions, now was the time to prepare for war.
Third Person POV
In the Puppet Kingdom of Jistav, within the highest chamber of a towering castle, a man stood alone, slowly drinking a glass of wine.
This man was Clayman, one of the Ten Demon Lords.
He gazed out over his kingdom and smiled with satisfaction, patiently waiting for his plans to unfold. Soon, he would gain what he had always desired.
Power.
The power to serve his master.
The power to surpass the arrogant, ancient Demon Lords who had always looked down on him.
The power to take whatever he wanted and indulge every desire he possessed.
Knock, Knock.
At the sound, he turned toward the door, already knowing who stood behind it.
"Mmm. Right on time."
Mjurran entered the room.
Once a human, she now existed under his control. He had saved her life, stolen her heart, and bound her to him completely. She remained in her human form, a young woman with green hair and blue eyes.
"It is good to see you again, my lovely subordinate," Clayman said with a pleasant smile.
Mjurran's face remained empty. Only resignation lingered in her eyes.
"Why have you summoned me, Clayman?" she asked coldly.
"Oh? Why the hostility, my dear?" he replied lightly. "What have I done to deserve such treatment?"
(You stole my heart and enslaved me.)
The words stayed trapped in her mind. She did not speak them.
"I have a job for you," Clayman continued, ignoring her expression entirely. "You will infiltrate the nation of monsters in the Jura Forest. Once inside, you will construct a barrier. When the primary barrier is activated, it will weaken the monsters."
"Understood," Mjurran said without hesitation. "I will do as you command."
She turned and left immediately.
Clayman watched her departure, smiling.
She would never escape the chains he had placed upon her. Of that, he was certain.
"Are the preparations complete?" he asked the empty air.
A moment later, a figure appeared. A young woman with twin tails and a mask covering her face.
"Charybdis has failed," she said casually. "But I assume you already know that."
Clayman rolled his eyes.
"You already told me. And it's not like I didn't watch the fight myself," he replied. "I am referring to Falmouth's decision."
"Oh, that?" she said cheerfully. "Everything is proceeding exactly as predicted. The king is a fool and was easy to manipulate. A few nobles mentioned potential profits, and suddenly he was eager for war! Hehehe."
Clayman smiled approvingly.
"And the church?"
"That went smoothly as well," she said. "They are calling it a 'Holy War.' Hahaha!"
"Oh? How intriguing," Clayman mused. "And how do you think it will end?"
She tilted her head playfully. "Does it really matter to you?"
"I suppose not," he said smugly. "If the slime survives, I will attack it as a test. If Falmouth wins, I will destroy them as punishment for attacking a monster nation and claim all surviving monsters for myself. Either way, I benefit."
"A win-win scenario," she agreed. "But remember to consider every variable."
"Do not worry," Clayman said dismissively. "Everything is under control. You're starting to sound like Laplace."
She laughed lightly as she vanished.
"Lord Clayman," a servant called from outside the chamber. "Lady Frey requests an audience."
"Let her enter," Clayman replied, unconcerned.
Moments later, Frey entered the room, accompanied by another figure.
The moment Clayman saw her, his smile twisted into something almost demonic.
He stepped forward—
BOOM!
His fist struck with overwhelming force.
"Heh… hehe… HAHAHAHA!" he laughed madly as he continued striking her. "To think you've fallen under my control! You mocked me before! Look at you now!"
Another punch.
And another.
"A puppet!" he shouted. "Nothing more than a toy for me to use!"
He leaned closely, eyes burning with triumph.
"How does it feel now?"
"How does it feel to be beneath someone else?"
"MILIM NAVA!"
Samael POV
I stepped through a door and emerged in the capital of the Kingdom of Falmouth.
I looked around and took in the city once more. Citizens walked the streets, working, smiling.
Puff. As if.
Most of them looked like they had not eaten in days. And judging by what I could see, that was probably true.
Children darted through the streets, stealing food just to survive.
I clenched my fists.
I could not help them, even if I wanted to. They were not my responsibility. That burden belonged to nobility and the king. A ruler could not personally fix every corner of a nation, but the capital was different. It reflected his power and the proof of his rule.
A leader was responsible for his subordinates.
And this was not a good look for him.
"Help! Help!"
I turned toward the sound and saw a young woman surrounded by guards.
I approached slowly, smiling.
"Good day, gentlemen."
They looked at me with irritation.
"Care to explain why you are attacking this woman?" I asked calmly.
"Huh? A hero?" one of them taunted, and the rest started laughing.
Honestly. Even villains should at least try to act normally.
"This girl was chosen by Lord Daniel," he continued. "So do not think you can interfere."
At that name, many people nearby averted their eyes.
"And would you be so kind as to tell me who he is?" I asked, my smile never fading.
The guard laughed and nudged his companion. "I will do you a favor and tell you. He is a High Noble. A marquis, to be precise. Now that you know, it would be wise to leave. Do not worry about the girl. She will be very happy after today."
He laughed again.
Before I could respond, four arrows struck the guards straight through the head.
…
I looked at the girl and smiled gently.
"It seems today was not your lucky day," I said.
She stared at me in shock.
"You will not be meeting that noble after all. What a shame." I shook my head lightly. "You should probably go to your boyfriend."
I pointed toward a man running toward us. She nodded quickly and threw herself into his arms, breaking down in tears.
I turned to the crowd.
"It saddens me deeply that these fine men lost their lives," I said, placing a hand over my heart. "We should report this tragic incident to the authorities so that the criminal is brought to justice."
"What about the girl?" someone asked nervously.
I tilted my head in confusion. "What girl?"
The crowd froze for a moment. Then smiles spread.
"Yes, yes. You are right. I must have imagined it."
I turned away and quietly ordered one of my shadow soldiers to eliminate a certain noble.
Sirius POV
I looked down at the bodies with a faint sense of satisfaction.
Yes, I condemned killing. That did not mean I would mourn the death of scum who tried to kidnap a woman for their twisted desires.
"Hey, you."
I turned toward a man in uniform.
"Yes?"
"You saw what happened here?" he asked, gesturing toward the corpses.
"Oh, that," I said, scratching my head. "Not clearly. From what I could tell, they were shot from over there."
I pointed toward a tower.
"They were just walking around and then boom. Dead. A real tragedy," I added with exaggerated seriousness.
He studied me for a moment, then looked back at the bodies and smiled faintly.
"Yes. A tragedy. Let us hope it does not happen to decent people."
I smiled back.
"You know them?"
"Yes. Soldiers," he said darkly. "They liked to have fun with the girls around here."
"Oh? That does not sound so bad."
He gave me a long look. "You are not from around here, are you?"
"No. Just traveling."
"Then take my advice. Do not play the hero in this city. Most who tried ended badly."
"Is it really that bad?"
He pointed toward a corner.
"See that man? He tried to stop a noble from taking his daughter. They punished him."
I followed his gaze and felt my stomach turn.
"He lost not only his daughter, but his wife as well," the man continued quietly. "They were probably treated badly until…"
He did not need to finish.
"Can you tell me the noble's name?" I asked.
He shook his head. "No," and with that, he left.
I approached the man in the corner. His eyes were hollow.
"Who did this to you?" I asked softly.
He did not respond.
I met his gaze and read his thoughts. I smiled grimly. The same noble Samael had already made his mark. Fate, perhaps.
But I hoped they were still alive.
I had to make sure Samael didn't kill anyone. After all, death would be a mercy for people like them.
I opened a door and stepped into Sage's domain.
The space opened smoothly, reacting to the bracelet on my wrist. A truly terrifying woman.
She sat calmly with a book and a cup of tea, looking at me with a questioning look.
"The noble Samael is hunting kidnapped a mother and her two daughters, aged fifteen and six, two days ago," I said, forcing myself to remain calm.
She nodded and motioned for me to leave. I obeyed immediately.
Before leaving, I returned to the injured man, used a healing potion on him, and told him to wait until tomorrow.
He nodded silently.
Then I went to find Samael.
Samael POV
I entered the auction hall in a dark mood.
The moment I stepped inside, the sheer rot of the nobility present here irritated me beyond measure. Greed clung to them like perfume. The smiles were false, the laughter empty, and every gesture expressed righteousness.
At least after today, most of the corrupted ones would face judgment.
Or that would be the case if the king himself was not rotten as well.
For a brief moment, I considered simply removing them all and hoping the next generation would be less idiotic.
No. That would not work.
Real change requires education and reform. An entire generation would need to be rehabilitated before anything meaningful could happen. And this was neither my kingdom nor Rimuru's. All I could do here was observe and hope.
I pushed the thought aside. I had a task to complete.
I needed to find the people I came for and capture them.
Now, if I were hired to protect a spoiled, stacked-up brat, where would I be?
I scanned the lobby. The answer was obvious. A casino.
I walked in without any problems. No one paid any attention to me. Once you were in, people assumed you belonged. And no one wanted to risk offending the wrong person.
The scene inside made my jaw tighten.
The men were lounging comfortably, while the women surrounded them. And some of those women were clearly not there of their own free will.
I shook my head.
This place was going to be a test of my patience.
It did not take long to find them. They stood near a teenager wearing a perverted smile, his eyes crawling over every woman in sight.
Truly a moron.
I did not even bother capturing them personally. A simple soldier hidden in every shadow was more than enough.
Yes, Sage technically controlled them when I gave the order. But I liked pretending I commanded an army. Judge me if you want.
[Do not worry. I do not mind indulging you occasionally.]
[Thank you, Sage. You truly are the best.]
[Now that you have completed your part of the deal, simply wait for your reward later.]
…Did she just wink at me?
Damn. After this mission, I will have the time of my life.
[Rimuru said she would be the first.]
…Alright. New reason to be happy.
Just like that, I left the fate of those bastards in my girlfriend's capable hands.
"What to do now… what to do?" I muttered while considering my next move.
I would like to attend the auction. Not out of necessity, but curiosity. Maybe I would find some rare materials. Not that I lacked resources, but it was interesting to look at such things occasionally.
"Hm? Is that…?"
I frowned slightly, staring at someone who gave me an odd sense of déjà vu.
I approached casually.
"Excuse me," I said with a polite smile. "May I ask your name? You look familiar, and I was curious."
"Oh? Me?" He looked surprised for a moment, pointing a finger at himself and then smiled. "I am…
Rimuru POV
Shizu and I stood at the city gate together with the children and Yuuki.
"You really have to leave, Shizu-sensei?" one of the children asked sadly.
"Yes," Shizu replied gently.
"Can't you stay here and leave Rimuru-sensei on her own?" another child added.
My eyebrow twitched.
So even after helping them solve their problems, I was still an afterthought.
"You can stay with us, Rimuru-sensei."
I turned toward the only one who said it, Chloe.
This adorable girl accepted me without hesitation. I should do something for her.
Oh. I know.
I reached into my stomach and pulled out Shizu's mask, then gently placed it in Chloe's hands.
"Here. Take care of this for me."
She stared at the mask, then looked at Shizu with confusion.
"Isn't this Shizu-sensei's mask?"
"Yes," I said proudly. "I won it and decided it suits you perfectly."
"You didn't win it. Samael won it in poker," Shizu corrected calmly.
My face grew warm.
"But everything Samael has is also mine, so I won it!" I protested.
Shizu sighed and ignored me.
Chloe, however, looked even more surprised.
"Rimuru-sensei… who is Samael?"
"My future husband," I answered proudly.
She blinked, staring at me.
"Hey! I can have a husband!" I snapped at her expression.
"I'm sure you can, Rimuru-sensei," she replied sweetly.
No. That smile... she was teasing me.
"Rimuru-sensei," Chloe continued, "can you show us a picture of him? He must be a great person if he puts up with you."
Those were absolutely teasing words.
Shizu POV
I watched Rimuru interacting with the children and smiled.
She had started chasing them with her arms raised, roaring like a dinosaur. The children shrieked with laughter as they scattered in every direction.
I shook my head at her antics.
"Shizu-sensei, you look happy," Yuuki said as he stepped beside me.
"Yes," I replied with a soft smile. "I'm happy that everything has finally ended."
"I'm glad to see the children so lively after everything they've endured," he continued. "And I will make sure none of them suffer again."
I felt a familiar warmth in my chest and gently patted his head, just like I used to when he was younger.
"You are a good person, Yuuki."
He smiled back, then leaned slightly closer.
"Teacher," he said casually, "I wasn't talking about the children."
I blinked. "What?"
"I was talking about you," he continued smoothly, "and that boyfriend of yours."
My face burned instantly.
"How did you find out about that?!" I shouted, mortified.
Before I could recover, the children swarmed around me, their curiosity ignited all at once.
"Boyfriend?" "Shizu-sensei has a boyfriend?" "What's his name?" "Is he strong?"
Ugh. Yuuki. You did this on purpose.
I shot him a sharp glare. He immediately looked away, wearing an expression of complete innocence that fooled absolutely no one.
"Oh? Are you talking about Sirius?" Rimuru asked cheerfully.
Rimuru. What are you doing?
I stared at her in disbelief, but she ignored me completely.
"Rimuru-sensei, do you know him?" Kenya asked.
"Yes," she replied proudly. "He's the best friend of my fiancé. And the best part? Shizu and Sirius met on the exact same day Samael and I met them. Isn't that an amazing coincidence?"
My soul left my body.
I buried my face in my hands as Rimuru happily continued, explaining in vivid detail how I met Sirius and how everything started.
The children listened with wide eyes. Yuuki nodded thoughtfully, far too entertained for my liking.
I would never live this down.
Rimuru POV
After Shizu finally calmed down from our teasing, we decided it was time to leave.
I summoned Ranga and hopped onto his back. Comfy.
Shizu joined me, and we waved enthusiastically at everyone as we departed.
"Rimuru," Shizu said after a moment, "what do you think about the children?"
This was not the first time she had asked.
"Gremlins," I answered without hesitation. "But I know what you really want, and I approve."
She blinked, clearly caught off guard.
"You want to bring them to Tempest," I continued before she could ask. "I allow it. I'll also make you the director of the school."
Her eyes widened, but I kept going.
"Before that happens, though, we need to deal with Falmouth's invasion."
She nodded slowly.
"Thank you, Rimuru," she said softly, her voice trembling. "For everything."
Tears welled up in her eyes.
I rolled mine. "What are friends for if we don't help each other?"
She laughed quietly and nodded.
Obviously, I was right. As always.
"Ranga, stop," I ordered.
I focused on the figure standing ahead of us.
A girl with short hair, dressed in white. At first glance, it looked like a uniform, but on closer inspection, it was a blend of military and religious attire.
A holy knight, maybe?
[Correct. She is a high-level Holy Knight. To be precise, Hinata Sakaguchi. A former student of Shizu.]
[Thank you, Sage. You're the best.]
"Hello," I said brightly. "Can I help you with something?"
"Give me back my teacher, you evil monster!"
I blinked. Once, then again.
"…What?"
"I know what you did!" she shouted. "Don't deny it!"
Honestly. Why did no one ever explain things?
I pulled Ranga back into my shadow just as she lunged forward, blocking the strike effortlessly.
"Can you calm down and listen for a moment?!" I tried again.
"I will never listen to a monster!" she yelled. "Your kind is the root of all evil!"
I stared at her for a second, then casually tossed her aside.
"You vile mon—"
A hand landed firmly on her shoulder.
Hinata spun, ready to attack whoever had interfered.
She froze.
"H-Hinata-chan…" The voice was calm, familiar even.
Shizu stood there, her expression unreadable.
"S-sensei?" Hinata whispered, hope flooding her voice.
"Hinata," Shizu said gently, tilting her head, "can you explain why you just attacked the person who healed me and saved my life?"
"She's controlling you with magic!" Hinata shouted desperately. "She has to be!"
Her words faltered as Shizu applied just a bit more pressure to her shoulder.
"So," Shizu said calmly, "I'm being controlled?"
I watched Hinata's expression crumble.
…Yeah.
She was going to need help if this continued.
Hinata POV
I looked at my teacher with happiness and a little trepidation.
I'm happy that she doesn't look hurt, but the feeling I get from her is that of a Demon.
"Teacher, are you sure that you are not control? After all you are not in your prime and…" before I could say more the feeling coming from my teacher intensified.
Is that monster fault! He is controlling my teacher!
"Teacher give me a moment; I will kill that monster and make sure you come back to your senses!"
I didn't wait for a reply and turned towards the evil creature that did this to my teacher!
Boom!
I felt my head hurt and looked back.
My teacher stood there with a… is that a stick?
Before I could even consider the significance of this event, I see her aura becoming more prominent and taking form of a Demon…
What happened to my smiling teacher??
"Hinata-chan, you know is not good to call someone old." She is still smiling. "I think I didn't teach you better before, but I will correct that now."
Does that stick have lightning around it?
She is getting closer…
"Sensei…?"
"Hinata-chan is time for your punishment..."
Rimuru POV
[Sage, please remind me never to make Shizu furious again.]
[Understood.]
I watched the scene unfolding in front of me.
Hinata was desperately trying to defend herself against Shizu and failing spectacularly.
I knew for sure that Hinata was stronger than Shizu. The problem wasn't strength. It was restraint. Hinata was trying not to hurt her teacher. She hesitated, she held back, she questioned her every move. And Shizu mercilessly punished every moment of hesitation.
And that stick. Why doesn't it break?
[Sage, what is that stick?]
[It is a weapon requested by Shizu for training the Tempest army. It contains a sensory amplifier that increases perceived pain by a hundred times per blow. It leaves no permanent damage and is considered an ideal training tool.]
…
Or the perfect punishment device.
I made a mental note to never, under any circumstances, be on the wrong side of Shizu again.
Sirius POV
I moved through the crowd, scanning the area while trying to locate where Samael had disappeared to.
Seriously. How did he move that fast?
For a moment, I considered asking Sage for help. Then I noticed a large group of people heading in the same direction, their excitement barely concealed.
If Samael was anywhere, it would be there.
I followed them.
"This is..." I muttered as I walked into a huge hall, lined with rows of chairs.
Should I just take a seat somewhere?
Before I could decide, a man wearing a full mask stepped directly in front of me.
"Good evening, sir. Please take this and proceed to your assigned seat," he said politely, bowing as he handed me a tiger mask and a number.
I accepted them without comment and moved past him.
That made finding Samael more difficult. Still... maybe I have a chance.
I continued walking down the hall, carefully scanning the crowd.
These people are absolutely disgusting.
To think that individuals like these were responsible for running this kingdom.
Almost every nobleman sat comfortably with at least one woman in chains by his side. Some had more. And many noblewomen mirrored the same behavior, keeping men as decorations, possessions, or toys.
Their clothing was revealing by design. Not for beauty or comfort, but to show their belonging.
"Yes, you can have her for some fun later," one noble said casually, gesturing toward the person at his side. "Just remember to lend me yours afterward. We are friends, after all."
He said it the same way someone would discuss animals. I clench my fists, forcing my breathing to calm. I couldn't kill them. Not yet. I had to find Samael first. I had to make sure he didn't kill anyone prematurely. After all, Death would be a mercy to creatures like these.
It is far better for them to suffer. To feel the pain, fear, and helplessness of every victim they had crushed beneath their boots.
Only then would their souls be worthy fuel for Samael and Rimuru's ascension to Demon Lord status.
...Now that I think about it, weren't they remarkably similar to the Death Eaters?
A group of privileged lunatics who used status, bloodlines, and influence to justify cruelty and entitlement…
…
I made a mental note.
When I return, I would suggest to Samael that he purge the wizarding world government as well.
Perhaps, if we ever return, I could convince him to take full control and run it properly.
Thoughts for later.
For now, I resumed my search.
But not before silently cursing a few nobles to suffer sudden impotence within the next hour.
Yes.
Curses were incredibly useful tools when fighting scum.
I slipped through the crowd, leaving a silent suffering behind, fully aware that what awaited them later would be much worse.
After all, this was only the beginning.
Rimuru POV
"Shizu, that's enough! We need to go back now and prepare for the invasion!" I shouted after almost half an hour.
Shizu finished her blow and turned to me with a satisfied smile.
"Can we take her with us?" she asked carelessly. "I want more time to make sure she learned her lesson."
I looked at Hinata.
She looked at me with desperation and silent pleading.
I shook my head.
"Unfortunately, no. We need to make sure everything is ready for the Falmouth army before the invasion begins."
I sighed in relief when Shizu stopped objecting.
"I think it's too late for that already."
A voice pierced the air.
Hinata sounded... apologetic.
"Hinata-chan," Shizu said calmly. Too calmly. "Explain."
Hinata shivered at her tone.
"I was ordered to kill Rimuru-san," she said coldly. "At the same time, the Falmouth army was going to attack the capital."
My body went stiff.
[Sage!]
[Finish.]
I didn't think.
A door opened and I ran through it at full speed.
I emerged into ruins.
The capital was gone.
Buildings lay in ruins. The streets were destroyed. Smoke hung in the air.
My chest ached.
I looked for enemies, survivors, anything.
Nothing.
The streets were empty.
I started walking aimlessly until a figure stepped out of the shadows.
Souei.
He was badly injured.
"Rimuru-sama… it's nice to see you," he said, bowing weakly.
"What happened?" I asked, already dreading the answer.
He didn't answer. "Please… follow me."
My body stiffened, but I followed him.
We arrived at the infirmary.
Inside, Hakurou and Gobta lay unconscious, badly injured.
I immediately doused them both with healing potions.
"What happened?" I asked.
"We were attacked," Hakurou replied without hesitation.
"By whom? How did this happen?"
"I'm sorry, Rimuru-san. It's my fault…"
Benimaru started, but I cut him off.
"Answer my question. And do not say it's your fault."
"…Humans," he said. "They deployed a barrier that weakened monsters and attacked from within. Another barrier was placed shortly after to prevent escape."
He clenched his fists.
"I should have—"
"I said stop blaming yourself," I snapped. He stops and I look around for a second.
"Where is Shion?"
The room went silent. Gobta looked confused. Benimaru lowered his head. Souei Wanted to say something but Benimaru just shook his head and for me to follow him.
I looked confused at them, but I decided to follow.
We walked through the ruined streets in silence, I clenched my hands, staring at the devastation.
Then I saw them.
Figures covered in white cloth, after a moment I realized their bodies. I froze. But they continue so I follow them.
We stopped in front of one and I saw Benimaru lowering himself to take the cloth, I looked at the body, and I felt my power going out of my control, my mind became blank. Because down there was Shion.
"Rimuru-sama…" someone whispered.
I forced my aura back.
"…Leave me alone for a moment," I said quietly.
They obeyed.
After a while, I felt arms wrap around me.
Shuna. She didn't say anything. Me neither. She left with the others shortly after.
[Sage… is this my fault?]
[No. You could not have known.]
[Sage, don't sugarcoat it. Tell me. Is this my fault?]
[…Twenty-two percent. If you had returned immediately, there was a chance to prevent this.]
[Where is Sirius?]
[I sent him to follow Samael. To prevent him from destroying the kingdom responsible for this.]
[…I understand. That is for the best.]
[Sage… don't tell Samael yet.]
[…There is a high probability he will discover this himself.]
I froze.
[How high?]
[…Ninety-six-point three percent.]
…
I looked down at Shion.
I reached for Shizu's mask, then remembered I had given it to Chloe.
[Sage, make another one.]
A mask formed in my hand; I put it over my face. After a moment, it cracked. I ignored it.
"I'm sorry," I whispered to the body in front of me.
Maybe because I'm a monster, I couldn't cry.
Maybe I couldn't feel sadness the way humans do.
But—
"I'll let you rest in me. I won't let your bodies disappear."
I prepared to use my ability.
"Rimuru-san! Rimuru-san!"
I didn't turn around.
"Ellen… please, wait. I need to give them peace first."
She struggled to breathe, then spoke.
"That's why I'm here. There's still a chance to revive them."
...Revive them?
[Ellen is probably referring to the legend of Milim's ascension.]
[?]
[It is said that after her evolution, she revived her companion.]
I listened to Ellen as she explained everything to me. About how Milim destroyed a kingdom after killing her pet dragon and rose to the rank of true Demon Lord and used her power to revive the dragon's body, but it started to wreak havoc, and she sealed it away shortly after.
When she finished, I asked the only question that mattered.
"And how does this help me?"
She pointed to the remains of the barrier.
"The dragon wreaked havoc because it lacked a soul. But because of the barrier, the souls of the victims should still be sealed here."
"...So, there is a chance."
[Sage, how big?]
[If you attempt this alone, the probability of success is 3.14%.]
[Alone?]
[Yes. With Samael present, the probability becomes—]
[(Notice: Rimuru Tempest and Samael Tempest have met the conditions for evolution. The Harvest Festival is about to begin.)]
"…What?"
That was all I managed to say before darkness took me.
[Sleep, Rimuru. I will ensure everything proceeds correctly.]
Ellen POV
I stared at Rimuru-san after she collapsed, watching in disbelief as her body reverted into a slime.
"What…? How? When?"
The questions spilled out of me without pause. I did not even know if I wanted answers anymore. The situation was simply too strange, too unreal.
Before anyone could respond, a door opened beside Rimuru.
A girl with black hair and an unreadable expression stepped through.
She looked at all of us calmly.
"Do not worry," she said. "You will receive your answers once the festival is finished."
Without waiting for a response, she began placing barriers around the village. Mist spread outward, lifting debris, repairing damaged buildings, and gently moving the bodies away from the streets.
"Hey! What are you doing?!" I shouted. "Who are you? What is happening?!"
I could not stop myself. Questions poured out faster than I could think. I did not care who she was or what the consequences would be. I needed answers.
She did not even look at me.
She simply continued her work, ignoring me completely.
I took a step forward, but Kaval grabbed my arm.
"Let go of me," I protested. "I need to know what's happening!"
"I think it's better if we wait," he said firmly. "She's preparing something. We shouldn't interfere right now."
"How can you be sure?" I snapped. "We don't even know who she is!"
"He's right. Do not interfere."
I froze at the familiar voice and turned around.
Shizu.
I ran straight into her arms, unable to hold back my tears.
"Shizu-san… help," I cried. "I don't know what to do."
She gently patted my head.
"Don't worry," she said softly. "Everything will be alright."
But the look she gave the covered bodies told a different story.
She pulled away, smiled at me reassuringly, then walked over and carefully lifted Rimuru into her arms.
Shizu carried her toward a raised platform that had appeared nearby and gently placed her onto one of two thrones.
…Wait.
When did that platform appear?
My mind was spinning.
"Shizu-san…" I whispered.
She turned back to me and smiled.
"Everything will be fine," she repeated.
But I noticed the slight tremble in her movements.
I chose to stay silent.
For now, that felt like the right choice.
I could only hope it truly would be fine.
Samael POV
"…Gojo Satoru," he said pleasantly. "And may I have your name as well?"
Why did this feel exactly like Sirius right before a prank?
"Samael," I replied, taking his hand. "A pleasure to meet you."
Gojo Satoru. The so-called Strongest Jujutsu sorcerer from his world.
"Well then," he said cheerfully, tilting his head, "how can I help you, Samael-san?"
His tone was relaxed. And far too cocky.
I let out a quiet sigh. "You resemble someone I know. I thought you might be him."
It was not the truth. I had no intention of dealing with someone this troublesome any longer than necessary.
"Hmm? Is that all?" He leaned back, then grinned. "To think there's someone as beautiful as me out there?"
I blinked. Once.
"Not quite," I replied flatly. "Just someone with an equally irritating personality."
For a moment he stared at me.
Then he burst out laughing.
"Hahaha! You're quite entertaining, Samael-san," he said happily. "But I think I'll take my leave now."
"Very well," I said, extending my hand again. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Gojo-san."
"The pleasure was mine," he replied, shaking it. "I hope we meet again someday."
And just like that, we parted ways.
I turned toward a growing crowd moving toward another chamber and followed.
At the entrance stood several attendants wearing animal masks, distributing numbered tags for the auction.
I took a mask and a number, then quietly extended my senses throughout the room.
At least twenty guards were stationed inside. Several more were hidden among the guests. Most of them were weak, but assumptions were dangerous. I placed shadows discreetly on each one, ready to immobilize them the moment I decided to act.
No one was missed.
After that, I took a seat by myself, at least three spaces away from the nearest person, and waited.
The spectacle began soon after.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" the auctioneer announced enthusiastically. "Tonight, we bring you the finest selection we've had in years!"
He paused for effect.
"Today, by the gracious will of our king himself, we have received exceptional contributions. But before we reach the main attraction, let us begin with our most recent acquisition."
The curtain rose.
A young girl stood on the platform. Blonde hair. Blue eyes. Pale skin. She was trembling.
"She comes from a border village," the auctioneer said proudly. "Fourteen years old. Still young enough to be trained for her new occupation!"
He grinned.
"And most importantly… she is still a virgin!"
My hands clenched so tightly that blood seeped from my palms before healing instantly.
Those bastards.
"And next, a true blessing!" the man continued. "Yes, ladies and gentlemen, today you may have two for the price of—"
The curtain shifted.
Two identical girls appeared. Twins. Their eyes trembled as they tried not to cry.
"Their mother sold them to pay off her debts," the auctioneer announced cheerfully. "So you may consider your purchase a generous act of charity!"
…
…
…
I stood there, listening to the farce, wondering if I should simply end this now.
It was not as if the people being sold would be spared suffering. I would kill their buyers before they ever touched them. But until the auction ended, these monsters still believed they owned them.
"And now," the auctioneer declared excitedly, "we arrive at the most anticipated item of the evening!"
He stepped aside.
The curtain lifted.
And what was revealed made me stiffen.
My power surged, spiraling out of control.