Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken (LN) Vol 1 Chapter 2

Battle at Goblin Village

The pa.s.sageway from the underground lake to the surface.

It’s actually a cavern.

I slowly wiggled my way toward that pa.s.sage.

Though, moving around is easier than I had expected.

Even if it’s in a cave without light, the world I perceive through [Magic Sensing] is bright as day.

 

It’s already been three days after the battle with the black snake.

I’m still in the cavern. Although I can’t feel cold, the temperature in this place should be very low.

After all, sunlight can’t leak in at all.

Even if my vision in this darkness is still as clear as before. But, there’s always a slight hint of unease in my heart.

No, how could that be possible. But, no matter how I think about it….

【I’m, probably not lost right?】

No no no, how can that be possible. Normally speaking, I’ve never heard of anyone losing their way in a beginner’s starting cave.

Aren’t all beginner caves only used for tutorials? Moreover, the trio earlier who looked like adventurers seems to have arrived at the BOSS door easily enough… No problem, it’s surely because the road is just a little long.

However, it still makes me feel uneasy not knowing the cave’s structure. Aren’t there any ways to learn the structure of the cave?

【Answer. Want to display in your mind the path you’ve taken up until now? YES/NO】

Wh-what…!? There was such a convenient function? Say that earlier!

I couldn’t help but to retort.

Navigation maps are the way of the depraved! The old me also had that kind of young and playful period of time.

In the older games, one must prepare pen and paper to record the path they’ve taken step by step. That was indeed pretty fun. However, when humans started to use strategy guides, the navigation map in games had already become the standard equipment; thus the strategy part of the games had lost its fun a long time ago. In any case, after getting used to that convenience, it’s difficult to go back.

What am I trying to express by saying all these things, you ask…. Of course it’s to say, that such a convenient function should be be used immediately! After all, this isn’t a game, it’s real life.

I looked at the map displayed inside my mind.

Is this thing mistaken? Why does it look like I was moving around in circles in the same place….

Following the map, I moved toward a direction I’ve never been through yet.

There finally appeared scenery I haven’t seen in the past three days,

Fufufu. Looks like, I really did get lost earlier.

To actually be able to confuse me to such an extent, this cavern really is something. Let me praise it a little here.

This definitely doesn’t mean that I have no sense of direction, okay?

It looks like I’m already pretty close to the cave entrance.

I can see weeds growing in conspicuous places of the cave.

Sunlight that came from who knows where slowly made the surroundings brighter.

Which is to say, it’s currently daytime?

Until now, I’ve also encountered quite a number of battles.

Centipede shaped monster (Calamity Centipede: B+)

Huge Spider (Black Spider: B)

Blood-sucking Bat (Vampire Bat: C+)

Sh.e.l.led Lizard (Armored Dinosaur: B)

It’s roughly these four types.

That black snake seems to be pretty rare, I haven’t seen a second one yet.

Everyone of them were all strong enemies.

Even though it’s not very convincing at all coming from the me who only used 【Water Blade】 to one-shot them.

That bat fellow, after dodging countless 【Water Blade】s, even tried to counterattack. As for the lizard, if the angle was wrong, 【Water Blade】 would actually be deflected sometimes. They are all strong characters that can’t be faced carelessly.

The centipede shaped monster even hid its presence and attempted to sneak attack from the back. However, it was useless against me who has the permanent BUFF of 【Magic Sensing】 and 【Heat Sensing】. It was simply dealt with by a 【Water Blade】 from the back.

But that huge spider was seriously terrible.

After all, I’m scared of bugs the most, it’s impossible for me to psychologically accept it. Just by looking at it, it kind of makes me want to kneel down and apologize. However, probably because of reincarnating into a slime, my psyche had also strengthened. I didn’t run away, and chose to bravely fight!

Even though I feel kind of sorry, I went all out straight away! I dismantled it into pieces using five shots of 【Water Blade】.

Since it’s that kind of opponent that would make me feel nauseous just by looking, don’t blame me.

I predated them all in the end.

This is after all a world where the strong devours the weak. The loser will become the winner’s food.

Of course, I was really kind of hesitant when predating the spider and centipede.

So, speaking from various senses, I’ve already tried very hard.

But, if a c.o.c.kroach shaped monster ever jumps out, I’ll unhesitantly escape with my utmost effort.

This is not an issue of whether I can defeat it or not.

In this world, there existed a wonderful saying 【Escaping is Winning】.

Like this, I absorbed various kind of demons inside the cavern.

The abilities I’ve acquired are these——

Black snake 【Poison Mist Breath, Heat Sensing】

Centipede shaped monster 【Paralyzing Breath】

Huge Spider 【Sticky Silk, Steel Silk】

Blood-sucking bat 【Bloodsucking, Ultrasound】

Sh.e.l.led Lizard 【Body Armor】

Since I’ve acquired them, it’s natural make the best possible use of them. So I used 【Great Sage】 and researched the obtained demon’s skills.

The first was the black snake’s skill. To be honest, 【Poison Mist Breath】 shouldn’t be used lightly.

Actually, during an encounter with a sh.e.l.led lizard, I had tried it once. Then… the lizard’s armor slowly melted away in my vision, and even it’s body was dissolved.

That scenery was too disgusting. The corpse of a lizard with its organs flooding out, I already don’t want to see it a second time.

Such a dangerous breath attack, too much power isn’t a good thing either,

However, 【Heat Sensing】 is a really good thing.

Most organisms would emit heat, Using this skill coupled with 【Magic Sensing】, I can almost defend against any sneak attacks. However, considering that humans, or maybe superior Majins would use magic and unique skills that I don’t know about, I really can’t be careless.

Next is the centipede.

Actually, let’s just forget about mimicking that appearance.

The breath attack’s range is same as the black snake, and the area covered is similar too.

And as expected, while I’m a slime the range is only around 1 meter.

But, turning the situation around against sneak attacks using the paralyzing breath sounds pretty good.

Although, if the enemy can actually manage to get within one meter of me, if I don’t run, I’ll probably be done for anyways.

As for that lizard.

The armor that would easily melt under the poison mist breath.

I simply can’t have any expectations for it at all.

Besides, I have 【Physical Attack Resistance】 already.

Without mimicking, I directly tried using it in slime form.

The surface became tough.

Like the metal slime in those RPGs suitable for all age groups. (Chinese TL: Dragon Quest)

My crescent white body glimmered with the l.u.s.ter of metal. When the quality of the surface changed, the optical reflectance changes along with it, too.

I don’t really want to take damage just to test it out, though. So I don’t really know how much of an effect it has.

But, this l.u.s.ter really is beautiful.

Perhaps, it’s just right to be used for deterrence.

Those three monster’s abilities are more or less just like this.

The issues are the two that’s left. Their abilities are both very intriguing…

First is the spider.

That’s right, I really want to imitate that famous hero that has the abilities of a spider.

Pew! Shooting out silk to support the body, and jumping from skysc.r.a.pers to skysc.r.a.pers.

That’s right, I’m talking about that man.

The skill 【Sticky Silk】, was originally an ability used for wrapping and snaring the prey.

However, with this, it may be possible to recreate that movement.

Let’s immediately test it.

First, toward the big tree’s tree trunk…

Pew! ….. Puraaaaan…. (Chinese TL: There wasn’t any explanation here, what actually happened is left to imagination)

That, uh, next is the explanation of 【Steel Silk】.

【Sticky Silk】? What’s that? A useless skill that can only suspend one in mid air, I don’t know it at all.
(TL: He’s salty about not being able to become Spiderman.)

Then, as for this 【Steel Silk】, seems like it’s main usage was to defend against the opponent’s attacks.

When making a nest, it’s used to make the terrain more advantageous for itself… I tried creating a string of steel silk, and swung it toward the tree like a whip.

Pew! Paa!

It was easily bounced off.

Although I’m able to clearly see it using my 【Magic Perception】, perceiving this 【Steel Silk】 with human eyes should be quite difficult. With practice, this may actually turn into a useful weapon.

This can be a topic for a later time, let’s add it into my plans for now.

Lastly is the bat.

Actually, this is what I was looking forward to the most.

【Bloodsucking】, through sucking blood one can temporarily use the target’s abilities with a 70% or so strength.

That’s not very important.

Predator’s effect is much better, this is basically just a degraded version.

Something like blood, I have no interest at all. After gathering the data, the skill 【Bloodsucking】 was put to the side.

What I am interested in, is this 【Ultrasound】 Skill.

This skill can confuse the target or even cause it to faint. Its original function, though, is an skill to discern one’s location.

Just like the the past world, bats also used the reflected ultrasound to determine their location.

The important thing here is the vocal organ, the skill itself is actually whatever.

This organ that emits 【Ultrasound】, can be recreated using the body of a slime.

This time I wouldn’t be able to control my body just by imagination. But I’m really lucky to be able to absorb a demon with similar sound producing functions.

Like this, perhaps I’ll be able to find the method to speak.

By researching through sleepless nights….

Well, it’s not necessary for me to sleep in the first place.

After three days and nights, it finally bore fruit!

【I’M AN ALIEN~】

Although this voice still faintly trembled as if it’s going through an electric fan, it was indeed a success!

At this point, what’s left was only the adjustments.

I appeased my impatient heart, and started adjusting the vocal cord step by step.

Anyway, this ultrasound really feels quite handy.

I remembered hearing about a weapon called Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) before.

Should it be called ‘Sonic Burster’ here? Or would it be ‘Sonic Blaster’?

I don’t know if it’s possible or not.

【Answer. The Skill 【Ultrasound】 possess the derivation 【Ultra Vibration】. However, currently it’s not possible to be acquired.】

Derivation, is it referring to the transformation of abilities?

The amount of information on hand is currently too low, so it can only be given up for now.

To be honest, it would be impossible for everything to be that easy in this world.

Looks like I’m being too greedy.

Even though it’s better to prepare more useable cards. But there’s no need to hurry.

Just acquiring the vocal organ, was already enough to be considered a satisfying accomplishment.

Thinking closely, I really did acquire quite the amount of skills this time.

Like this, I kept researching as I moved around inside the cavern.

Then finally, I saw the exit that connects to the ground level.

For the first time after reincarnating to this world, I arrived at a place full of suns.h.i.+ne…..

It really feels like I haven’t seen the sun in a long time. Actually, it indeed has been a few months.

Seems that I won’t dissolve like a vampire, nor will I get burnt.

In fact, for activities dangerous for them, demons can understand them just by instinct.

But it’s also pretty common for them to knowingly do so despite the danger.

I really can’t laugh at that.

They should try their best to correct those behaviors.

The cave, seems like it’s inside a forest.

The cave entrance is on a slightly tall hill. Even inside the forest, this hill is still very conspicuous. How should I say this, that’s the only place I could see the sun from. Just a single step into the forest, and it would instantly become dark.

At the tip of the hill, there engraved a suspicious pattern.

It kind of looks like some sort of magic formation. Did those adventurers that I pa.s.sed by do anything? Well, it doesn’t matter either way.

【One shouldn’t stand under an unstable wall】

I decisively left this place that one shouldn’t remain for long.

Some time went by after I left the cave. Looks like, it’s already evening.

I’m able to deduce that the time when I exited the cave was exactly at noon.

Because there is a timer in my body that’s precise to the milliseconds. But I still wish to have the effect of an clock. Instantly, it naturally transformed.

Even this can be done? As expected of 【Great Sage】.

Right now, it’s just past 4 o’clock in the afternoon.

It’s almost time to prepare dinner, but unfortunately I don’t have the necessity to eat anymore. Even though I can eat stuff, not being able to taste anything only makes it feel empty.

And so, I continued to study the skills acquired from predating those demons earlier. By combining the usage of these skills, maybe they would produce an unexpected effect. Of course, what’s most important is still practicing p.r.o.nunciation.

Like this, I moved along in the forest while carrying out various tests.

It’s not like I have any destinations, I’m just randomly wandering around anyways.

If I were to encounter a village or small town, let’s try to find kind-looking humans and approach them.

However, these past few days were really peaceful. I would clearly be attacked by demons at every turn inside the cave, but there were almost no encounters after coming outside.

There was only one time, when I was attacked by wolves when practicing p.r.o.nunciations. But….

I had only p.r.o.nounced a single syllable, that’s all.

“YIIIP~~~~~!”

They were already scared off running.

They were even bigger than large dogs, and there were even a few that had the body length of over two meters, yet they were scared s.h.i.+tless by a mere slime. How incredibly useless.

But to me, not being attacked is also good.

Although if I predated those fellows, I probably would acquire the sense of smell.

However, when I tried to observe carefully, I realized that those wolves weren’t the only creatures inside this forest.

Yet the area within 100 meters of me was completely clear.

Eh? Why does it seem like they are all afraid of me…

Why exactly is that?

 

Looks like, the demons in this forest are undoubtedly afraid of me.

Just as I had reached this conclusion, I suddenly noticed a group of demons approaching me via [Magic Perception].

Encounters always come so suddenly.

In front of me, appeared around thirty human-shaped demons.

Frail and small body frames.

Shabby equipments.

Behind their messy hair, they had an expression that lacked intelligence.

Nevertheless, I can’t say that they’re completely unintelligent. There were also fellows who carried swords and s.h.i.+elds, stone axes, or bows among them.

These gray colored brain cells of mine, instantly saw through their ident.i.ties.

They’re those group of famous demons who attacked adventurers. That’s right, the Goblins!

They, were considered the model examples.

And the weak demon who’s being attacked. Mn? Me? To send out thirty with just a mere slime as the opponent, isn’t it a little too much. But, why am I completely and fundamentally not scared in the slightest?

It’s instinctual, I just can’t be afraid of them at all.

Not only were their swords full of rust, even their defensive equipments were tattered. There are even some that only wore ragged clothes.

The lizard that possessed the tough sh.e.l.l, and the spider that possessed sharp limbs.

From the viewpoint of the me who had defeated those demons, it would be impossible for these fellow’s equipments to do any damage to me.

Also, even if worse comes to the worst, I can just mimic into the black snake and wipe them all out at once using the breath attack….

As I relaxedly watched them from afar, a leader-like goblin spoke.

“Guga, strong one… Ahead of here, do you have any business?”

The goblin, talked.

Through [Magic Perception], I could understand them to some extent.

That said, is the strong one referring to me?

They clearly took up weapons and surrounded me, yet their words were very polite… What are these guys thinking? I became a little interested.

Moreover, it seems like they have no intention of fighting right away.

It’s just the right time to try and see if they can understand my speech.

Thinking about this, I started to trying to speak with the goblins

First, I glanced at the group of goblins.

From the view of the goblins, they were definitely thinking that they were already doing their best. Cautiously readied their weapons and constantly looking over here. However, regretfully, a few of them were already trying to run away.

But, as expected of the leader. Only it truly managed to look straight at me.

I can feel intelligence from this fellow’s body. Maybe we can really hold a conversation.

In the end, will it work?

I added my thoughts into the voice I spoke, and tried to converse with it.

“It’s the first time we’ve met, I am Rimuru, a slime.”

The goblins made a commotion.

Is it really that rare for a slime to speak? As I thought about that… there were even fellows that dropped their weapons and started bowing down….

What is the meaning of this?

“Guga, strong one! Your strength, we have already fully understood it. Please calm down!”

Mn? Was the power of my thought too strong?

I clearly only wanted to converse with them here.

“Sorry, this is very hard to control.”

Well, all in all, I should apologize first.

“You, you don’t have exaggerate. Please don’t apologize to the insignificant us.”

Looks like, it’s possible to communicate. This should become pretty good practice.

By the way, I used j.a.panese. I didn’t think that they’d be able to comprehend it even like this, how unexpected.

“Then, what do you need from me? I’m only strolling around here, I don’t really have any business, okay?”

Although I should answer politely after being asked politely, they looked way too afraid, and I couldn’t help but to sound a little rough.

“Is that so… actually ahead of here, is our village. Because we felt a strong demon’s aura, we came here to investigate.”

“Strong demon’s aura? That kind of thing, I didn’t feel anything like that….”

“Guga, Gugaga. You jest! Even if your appearance is like that, our eyes still won’t be fooled!”

Looks like, these fellows completely misunderstood.

They probably thought that a demon with very strong power transformed into the appearance of a slime.

In the end they’re still goblins, they were very famous for being the lower level existence amongst demons.

After that, I chatted with them for a while, and the topic changed to visiting their village.

Seems like they are even inviting me to rest there. While they were clearly shabby looking, they really are some cordial fellows.

Even though I have no need to sleep, resting for a little doesn’t sound bad either. Thinking this, I accepted their invitation.

Along the way, I heard a lot from them.

Like, recently they lost the G.o.d they had faith in.

Like, along with the disappearance of their G.o.d, the demons started getting more active.

Like, the numbers of powerful adventurers who were invading the forest was currently increasing.

And as we chatted, I unknowingly became able to clearly understand their speech.

Seems like [Magic Perception] had already gotten used to conversing.

Before speaking with humans, having goblins as practicing partners is really great.

As we chatted about these things, I could already see the village.

Although it’s a village, I feel like it needs some quotation marks.

After all, it’s a goblin’s nest. I really shouldn’t have expected much.

I was brought to a building that at least looked a little decent(?).

The roof was constructed with rotten straw that had gaps everywhere, and the wall was pieced together from wooden boards…. Viewing it from the previous world’s feeling, even the slums may be better than this.

“We’ve made you wait, guest.”

A goblin walked inside as it spoke.

The goblin that looked like the leader who also guided me, was supporting him by the arm.

“Aah, no problem. I didn’t really wait long, don’t mind it.”

I revealed a standard business smile to respond.

A smile is a terrifying skill that can guide a negotiation to one’s own benefit.

Even if I don’t know what I’m going to negotiate with them…

“I’m really sorry about not having much to serve you with, I’m this village’s village elder.”

As he said that, a bowl with something similar to tea inside was carried over here.

Unexpectedly, goblins actually know how to receive guests too.

I tried and drank a gulp. (Even if it looked like my entire body was almost covered by the tea bowl)

I couldn’t taste anything. This is natural. After all, I don’t have the sense of taste.

But, to say if it’s good or bad… I tried to investigate its components. Even though it’s not poisonous, it seemed like it’s very bitter.

Taking account of the goblin’s feelings, I drank it all.

“Then, to deliberately invite me into your village, there must be something you want?”

I went for a decisive straight ball.

[Because we’re all demons, let us friendly co-exist with each other!] It’s definitely not out of shallow reasons like this.

 

The village elder was greatly shocked, and his body trembled non-stop. In the end, he still made up his mind to look at me, and spoke.

“Uhm, do you by any chance, know that the demons are becoming more active recently?”

I’ve already heard about this on the way here.

“Our guardian deity suddenly disappeared without a trace a month ago. Because of this, the nearby demons started eyeing this part of the forest…. We naturally didn’t sit still and do nothing, and bravely engaged them… But the disparity in combat power is too vast…”

This deity, is referring to Verudora? The time frame indeed matched up perfectly.

Well, which is to say, that these goblins want me to help them.

“I understand that you are saying. However, I’m just a mere slime, I may not be able to meet your expectations?”

“Hahaha, you are too modest. A mere slime, cannot possibly emit such an enormous demonic aura! Although I can’t imagine why you would transform into this appearance…. But you must be a famous great demon, right?

Demonic aura…?

What’s that? I don’t remember letting out something like that…. I tried and changed the viewpoint of [Magic Perception] to myself. A layer of ominous halo indeed surrounded my entire body.
It would’ve been better if I had noticed it when testing mimicry and [Body Armor]…. Well, it’s useless to think too much about it now.

This is really embarra.s.sing. I clearly looked so dreadful, yet I didn’t notice at all.

It’s probably like walking on the streets with my fly wide open. Because the magic essence concentration was too high in the cavern, I couldn’t detect it at all.

This is no good! It’s a complete OUT!

The current me has finally understood the reason why demons outside of the cavern didn’t dare to approach me.

Such a dangerous fellow, there aren’t any idiots that would dare to approach at all.

Since it’s like this, I’ll have to give up and put on airs.

“Huhuhu, as expected of the village elder. You can tell?”

“Of course! That majestic posture of yours, and that unconcealable demeanor!”

“Is that so, you actually found me out. It looks like you actually have some sensibility!”

I suddenly felt so elated~

Let’s go with the flow, and muddle through the village elder.

At same same time, I tried to shut off this ominous halo=demonic aura. Using the gist of controlling magic essence outside of my body, I retracted the demonic aura.

“Oh oh…. Were you testing us? There are many younglings afraid of your demonic aura, this really helped.”

Seems like it worked.

My appearance, turned into an ordinary slime.

But, if I strolled outside like an ordinary slime… Wouldn’t I be attacked by demons again and again?

“That’s true. To actually dare to approach the me who had released demonic aura, you guys have quite the guts.”

Guts? Even though I really wanted to retort, I managed to hold back.

“Haha, you flatter us. Then, we won’t ask about the reason why you a.s.sumed this appearance. However…. we have an request. Would you listen to us?”

Well, I knew that was going to happen.

If it’s not for this, they wouldn’t deliberately invite such a dangerous looking demon.

“I’ll listen to the contents of the request, speak your mind.”

While keeping up a dignified att.i.tude, I asked the village elder.

According to the description, it’s roughly like this ——

From the east, a group of demons that eyed the supremacy of this part of the forest came.

And this part of the forest, seemed to have quite a few goblin villages.

Even though this village was one of them, during the battles with the eastern demons, a great amount of goblin warriors fell in battle. And the problem stems from the casualties; there was a warrior who had a name.

That warrior’s existence was like a guardian to this village. After losing him, the value of this village’s existence dropped tremendously.

In the end, the other goblin villages chose to abandon this place.

Establish countermeasures while the eastern demons spent time attacking this village; that was the overall intention of the other villages.

No matter how this village’s elder begged the other villages, what he had received were only cold and apathetic responses.

The village elder narrated with an unresigned expression on his face.

“So that’s why…. Then, how many are left in this village? And among them, how many were left, that were capable of fighting?”

“Yes. There are almost one hundred goblins in this village As for ones who can do battle, including females, there are only about sixty in total.”

What a truly unreliable number.

However, just being able to grasp the number, may actually already be considered a great feat for goblins.

“Fumu. About the opponent, what race are the demons from the east?”

“Yes, they are the Fang Wolf tribe branched from the wolf kind. Originally, we must send out ten of us just to face one of them, and even then, victory would still not be guaranteed…. Moreover, this time it’s a pack of around one hundred wolves…”

Ha? What kind of BUG-like setting is this? I looked at the village elder.

I could very clearly see that this wasn’t a joke from the expression in his gaze.

Even though it’s somewhat muddy, this probably can already be considered a goblin’s most sincere gaze.

“Uhm, is it because the goblin warriors were fully aware that it was impossible to win, that they a.s.saulted them with small numbers?

“…. No, this information… Was obtained with the warrior’s lives.”

Is that so, I felt kind of bad asking like this.

I only found out after asking more questions, that the named goblin warrior was actually the village elder’s son, and at the same time the elder brother of the current goblin village chief.
(TL: Village elder and chief are two different positions and in here, the chief is the elder’s son)

Since I’ve found out this much, next is to think about what needed to be done.

The village elder didn’t speak, and only silently awaited my decision.

I think I’m seeing things, but in that pair of muddy old eyes, I could even somewhat see tears…. Mn, it’s definitely a hallucination.

Tears aren’t fitting for demons.

Unruly and defiant, should be the att.i.tude of demons that the humans dread!

“Village elder, I want to confirm something with you. If the village is saved, what do you plan on giving me?”

It’s not like it’s bad to just casually save them.

But, they were demons that could take on ten goblins with just a single one. Moreover, their numbers were over a hundred.

They’re definitely not opponents that could be carelessly treated.

Even though I feel like it could work if I mimicked into the black snake…. But it’s still not a request I can accept haphazardly.

“We’ll offer you our loyalty!”

To be honest, that kind of thing, it doesn’t make me happy even if I receive it.

However, the me after ninety days of loneliness, indeed felt that it’s pretty pleasant to chat with goblins.

If I was still human, I would probably stay at a respectful distance away from them, out of concern for cleanliness.

But I’m a demon right now, and have no need to worry about diseases.

What’s more, the village elder’s expression in his eyes, indeed transmitted his thoughts to me.

I recalled my past life.

No matter what you say, I’m extremely weak against other people’s pleas.

Even though my mouth complained, I still ended up accepting them.

“Alright, your request, I’ll accept it!”

I nodded greatly.

Just like this, I became the guardian of the goblins.

The ruler of the eastern plains.

They were the source of trouble for the peddlers of the Eastern Empire and the various countries surrounding the Great Jura Forest.

Each one of them all possessed the strength of around a C-rank. Even experienced adventurers would lose their lives in one strike if they weren’t careful.

But, the essence of their threat comes from their movements as a pack.

When a leader with great commanding power appears, that was when the Fang Wolf tribe exhibit their true worth.

As a group, they turn into a ferocious demon, and there wouldn’t even be a trace of disorder in their movements.

For Fang Wolves who formed into packs, their rating was enough to reach B-ranked.

The eastern plains bordered the extensive granary fields.

Therefore, it could be considered as the Empire’s lifeline, and naturally its garrison was flawless.

No matter how shrewd and powerful the Fang Wolf tribe were, they still wouldn’t be able to break through the Empire’s defense. Even if they broke through, they would invoke the rage of the empire, and fall into the threat of being completely annihilated.

The Fang Wolf tribe’s leader understood this very clearly.

This was what he had deeply learned from small skirmishes with the empire over the past few dozens of years.

If they were only to attack small groups of merchants, the empire would only turn a blind eye. However, if they trespa.s.sed even half a step into the granary fields, the empire would bare their fangs.

It was an idiotic action that his own kind had made countless times before.

That was how the leader thought.

However, with the instincts of demons, they understood that if this kept up, their tribe’s evolution would be stopped right here.

For the Fang Wolf tribe, there was originally no reason for them to eat.

Attacking and eating humans, were only as similar as savoring a light snack.

After all, the human body possessed very little magic essence.

For the Fang Wolf tribe, eating was absorbing magic essence.

It was to either attack stronger demons, or to ma.s.sacre large numbers of humans. Those were the only two ways for them to evolve into [Calamity] ranked demons.

But if this went on, it would be hard to proceed with either method.

For the Fang Wolf tribe, the Empire was way too strong. However, to keep attacking scattered merchants like this, to evolve into a [Calamity] ranked demon, was just a pipe dream.

To the south were fertile lands, and it was said to be a haven for demons with strong magic power. However, in order to get there, they must travel through the Great Jura Forest.

The demons inside the forest were not a problem. After all, they had a lot of experience in hunting the demons there. As to the reason why they didn’t move until now ——

[Storm Dragon] Verudora.

 

The existence of that dragon was the reason for everything.

Even though it was sealed, the ominous fluctuation of magic power made them afraid.

The demons inside that forest, all firmly believed that they were under the protection of Verudora. Therefore, they were able to safely live inside that ferocious fluctuation.

If they didn’t believe it so firmly, perhaps they would have gone mad in an instant.

And it was that presence until now, that obstructed their footsteps of invasion.

That’s right, until now….

The leader watched the forest with its keen blood-red eyes.

That sinister fluctuation had now vanished without a trace.

If it’s now, it may even be possible to hunt all the demons within that forest, and become the new ruler of the forest. Thinking this, it licked its tongue, and let out a howl of onslaught.

Then, what should I do after becoming the guardian? In my knowledge, it’s probably okay to just act like a bodyguard. However, I don’t know why the village elder’s response was somewhat exaggerated.

All in all, I made him summon together all the goblins who were capable of battle.

From far away, everyone all looked tattered. It’s simply impossible to expect anything out of them as a fighting force.

But, what’s left, are only the elderly and children… And it’s also impossible to expect any reinforcement from the other villages.

In this kind of despairing situation, from my view, the village elder not going crazy is already very admirable. They don’t have enough food even if they wanted to escape, and in the end, they could only starve to death.

Just like this, the summoned goblins gazed at me with faith in their eyes.

 

This burden is too much.

To me who has yet to experience any pressure and lived freely until today, this sort of gaze is precisely a heavy pressure.

“Everyone, should have all understood the situation now, right?”

Because this isn’t a comedic atmosphere, and I can’t think of any ways to resolve it, I could only ask some simple questions.

“Yes! We are determined to fight to the death!”

The goblin chief answered immediately.

It seems that the gathered goblins also have the same feelings.

Even though some of these fellows are still trembling, that’s something that couldn’t be helped. After all, fear is an instinct of living beings.

“No need to be nervous, relax. No matter how nervous you are, once you are defeated it can’t be changed. All you need to do is to think about right now is how to do your best!”

I slightly showed off a bit.

Both my body and mind are currently very relaxed anyway, and maybe, this would have a better effect.

Then, let’s begin……

If we fail, the fate of the goblins will end here……

Even so, I will still trample over their corpses and continue advancing.

Because I have already decided to rebelliously live on!

Alright! I gathered my motivation and gave the goblins their first order.

At the same time, this was also the order that I would give countless times in the future.

The leader of the Fang Wolf Tribe opened its eyes.

Tonight was a full moon, it was a night suitable for hunting.

After slowly getting up, it glanced at the surroundings.

The other members of the Fang Wolf Tribe observed the leader’s actions without taking a single breath.

This atmosphere is not bad.

The leader thought.

Tonight, we shall destroy that goblin village, and set up a stronghold in Great Jura Forest.

After that, all we need to do is to steadily hunt the surrounding demons to become the true rulers of the forest.

Of course, invading the south will need to be taken into the plans.

They, had the power to make it possible.

Because their sharp claws, can tear apart any demon and strong armor.

“Uoooo——————!”

The leader howled.

It is time to start the ravage.

But, there also existed an element of unease.

A few days ago, their kins who were sent to scout, brought back information worthy of concern. A small sized demon with abnormal demonic energy appeared in the forest.

The demonic energy that the demon gave out, even far surpa.s.sed itself who is the leader.

That is definitely impossible, the leader did not take it to heart.

In this forest, that kind of threat simply could not be detected. What had been encountered were all weaklings; from invading until now, there wasn’t even any decent resistance. At most there was only one time when a few dozens of goblin surrounded and killed a few of them. So the scouts had definitely mistaken. Thinking so, the leader changed its sight to its front.

The village can already be seen.

It is identical to the information brought back by the scout.

It was the location that was confirmed by tailing the injured goblins. The battle strength of this village, was nothing to fear at all.

The leader is very sly, it did not become careless. But, an unfamiliar thing is blocking the way between it and the village.

That’s something that could only appear in human villages…… Fences. It seems that they destroyed all the buildings in the village, and constructed it urgently.

And in front of the entrance of the fences, a slime blocked the way.

“Okay~ stop right there. As long as you go back the way you came from, I won’t pursue the matter any further!”

The slime talked.

Acting like it is smart.

The leader snorted with disdain.

Only by creating a barrier. It wishes to stop the attack just with that?

In the end, it’s just some superficial knowledge of a useless thing.

Then I will let you witness our power! Thinking that, it gave the order.

As if transformed into the leader’s limbs Ten Fang Wolves began the attack.

The gathering of the Fang Wolf Tribe would become a single demon, showing its true value.

The reason why this was possible, was all due to the effect of 【Thoughts Transmission】. Just based on communicating via thought, they could carry out orders faster.

The first attack should have already destroyed the fences.

However, the leader who was imagining the goblins scattering like rats, suddenly revealed a shocked expression. The unit that attacked the fences were repelled. Among them, there were even companions who collapsed on the ground while spewing out bloodied foam.

What exactly is going on? The leader hurriedly began to observe.

The slime at the entrance did not make any movements at all.

Is it not done by that fellow?

One of his subordinates walked up and reported.

(It’s precisely that fellow! It’s that fellow who gave off a demonic energy that’s even stronger than Boss!)

What kind of joke is that! Thinking that, it looked towards the slime.

A small weak demon that commonly appears on the plains.

Just based on them, even being referred to as demon was kind of strange. An insignificant existence.

This guy actually has a stronger demonic energy than me…… Impossible! The leader became enraged.

The leader of the Fang Wolf Tribe was an extremely sly demon.

Using the experience acc.u.mulated through many years, he developed elaborate and meticulous plans. Also, he had the courage to calmly put them into practice.

Based on this experience, from the information on this slime, it did not see any aspects that surpa.s.sed itself.

At this moment, the leader made the biggest, and most fatal mistake of his entire life.

And this mistake, also determined its own fate.

(Just a mere slime —— see how I’ll tear you into pieces!!)

Ahh, that scared me.

I didn’t expect that they’d suddenly attack. Even though I acted cool and warned them to return the way they came from, they simply didn’t even bother to listen.

The Fang Wolf Tribe began to attack the fences from all directions.

I clearly prepared to settle it with negotiation, and they made all my prepared lines go to waste.

I had worked really hard on practicing them during the construction, you know.

My first order, was for them to bring me to the injured.

Even though there were sixty of them plus ten-odd survivors, it didn’t seem to do much in changing in the construction efficiency. But since everyone was so motivated, it’s better to let them do something within their abilities as much as possible.

The injured, were all placed in a building that seemed to be extremely unhygienic.

They had tentatively used some sort of herb medicine for treatment. But…. if this continues, they will undoubtedly die.

The wounds are deeper than I had imagined. The parts that looked like scratches and bite wounds had already begun to fester.

Seems like I’ve got a big job to do. Thinking that, I began to treat everyone.

First, I swallowed the one in front of me. After mixing him well in recovery medicine, I spat him out.

The village elder seemed to have said something but I ignored him, and began to swallow and spit them out sequentially.

After healing a few of them, I turned around and only saw that……

For some reason, the goblins were all kneeling down.

What exactly are these guys doing?

It seems that they have again, misunderstood, and thought that I possessed the power of resurrection.

This is seriously troublesome. I directly spat out several recovery medicine, and made them treat the patients themselves.

In the end, even though it took some time, we still conducted treatment for everyone.
After that, I issued new instructions to the goblins.

Which was to set up fences. Unfortunately, there was no time to cut down anymore trees so they could only be made from the currently available things.

Without any hesitation, I ordered them to take apart their houses and utilize the sc.r.a.p materials to construct the fences.

An enormous circle that surrounded the village was also drawn as a mark for placement.

Taking the gaps of time in between tasks, I chose a few who were sharp-eyed and good at bows as sentinels.

The opponents are wolves and their noses were very keen. I ordered them to go and scout, while reminding them multiple times not to push themselves.

I felt that each and every one of them had the expression of willing to die in valor on their faces. They’re really an exaggerated bunch.

In the afternoon of the second day after I visited the village, the fences were complete.

I used spider web to reinforce and fix the fences in place while increasing its strength.

Coincidentally, I set up 【Steel Silk】 traps in unnoticeable areas. If they rush into the fence unknowingly…… Heh heh.

After the battle ends, I must remember to quickly retract them.

An opening was set on the front side of the fence.

Once 【Sticky Silk】 finished speckling here, then the preparations will be finished.

Next up was to wait for the sentinels’ report.

During this time, the injured goblins gradually recovered and awakened. They touched their bodies with faces full with disbelief. It seems like the effect of the recovery medicine is quite good.

I had initially thought that more applications of the medicines were needed…… It was a surprising effect. It really is a miscalculation that makes one happy.

After that, we gathered the leftover materials in the center of the village and ignited them. This makes one think of camping, but now is not the time to think about that.

Someone needs to stay guard in the night.

Because I do not need sleep, I suggested that I myself should do it. However..

“Absolutely not! How can we let Rimuru-sama do such things!”

“That’s right! Just leave the guarding to us, Rimuru-sama, please quickly go rest!”

Yeah! That’s right! The surrounding reactions were intense.

Even though I am really happy for their concern, they should be quite tired already. No choice, I set up a s.h.i.+fts system, and made them rest respectively.

Late at night, the scouts came back.

According to their report, the Fang Wolf Tribe have already started to move.

Although they were wounded a little, everyone was safe.

I had initially that they were just clumsy and filthy demons but I’ve really experienced a lot from them in these two days.

If possible, I still hope that all of them can safely pa.s.s through this crisis.

Thinking so, I set up the 【Sticky Silk】 at the opening.

Well, that’s probably all of the preparatory work.

Since the battle has begun, there’s no choice but to follow the initial plan.

Even though I was worried that the strength of the fences were not strong enough, it wasn’t destroyed by the Fang Wolf Tribe. Seems that the effect of the traps were very significant. I slighted relaxed.

For now, all of these were within predictions. Not only did the s.p.a.ce set between the fences block the enemies’ attack, they also created the opportunity for retaliation…

If it’s this s.p.a.ce, no matter how weak the goblins are, they could still attack the enemies using bows and arrows. There have already been a few Fang Wolves who got caught and fell while screaming miserably. Naturally, there were squads who tried to forcefully break through by squeezing through, but they were left to the goblins armed with stone axes on both sides that were responsible for cutting their heads off.

Even though they only practiced for about two hours, they all worked very hard. They tried pretty hard to understand my words and carried them out. Now is the time for their hard work to pay off.

The Fang Wolves are indeed strong. Every one of them has the strength of ten.

If grouped up, their battle strength will even more so increase by another dimension.

However, since just a single one of them is already so strong, then you just need to overwhelm it with numbers. If them being in a pack is very strong, then it’s all good if you don’t let them form a pack. In simple terms, it precisely is to use your brain. After all, the strongest organism in the world, are the humans who have knowledge. (ED: Pfft)

How really unlucky…… Thinking so, I leisurely looked at the leader of the Fang Wolves.

A mere wild beast, and yet it wants to defeat me…… What nerves it had.

The leader of the Fang Wolf Tribe, panickedly looked at the situation which was opposite from what he had imagined.

The subordinates had already begun to waver.

It’ll be bad if this carries on.

The reason why the Fang Wolf Tribe could show its true potential, is precisely because they are a pack. Their distrust in their leader, will directly result in the worst outcome.

The leader understood this very well and thus, it made a fatal mistake right here.

Was it angry that his subordinates were useless? Or was it afraid that his companions will push all the blame onto him?

Anyways, it decided to display its power in this place.

It itself was the strongest existence in this pack and it was strong enough even when alone.

In that instant, the victor had been decided.

My eyes focused on the leader of the Fang Wolf Tribe from the start.

Even so, to the surrounding goblins, it probably looked as if that the opponent had disappeared.

But to me, this speed is nothing to look at, it’s so slow that I almost yawned.

Everything is just as planned.

The current situation, has indeed proceeded as per one of the scenarios I had envisioned at first.

It was using the sticky silk traps at the opening to capture the leader of the Fang Wolf Tribe. Although with its strength, it might be possible for it to easily break free from the 【Sticky Silk】.

I didn’t have any ways to confirm that, but it’s fine even if it could do so. The aim of 【Sticky Silk】 was merely to seal his movements, even if it was just for a instant.

If 【Water Blade】 was released and dodged by it when it’s moving freely, then that would be way too embarra.s.sing. Besides, it would be bad if it hits one of us instead. What’s needed on the battlefield is flexibility.

But it seems like I had worried too much.

These fellows couldn’t even break the fences. Although I had considered setting up 【Steel Silk】traps at the opening, that trap isn’t enough to have the effect of a fatal blow, so it’s fine this time.

In this kind of situation, it’s necessary for me to act like an overwhelmingly strong being. The 【Sticky Silk】 trap was exactly made for this.

I used 【Water Blade】without hesitation and chopped down the leader’s head.

It was very easy, and there wasn’t even any decent resistance.

 

“Listen well! Fang Wolf tribe! Your leader is already dead! I will now give you a chance to choose. Will you choose to submit? Or will you choose death!”

Now then, how will these fellas respond?

If they still want to take revenge for their fallen leader, it would become really troublesome.

There are no movements within the Fang Wolf tribe.

Not very rea.s.suring eh…. Will they go 【We’ll rather die than to submit!】 and rush over altogether?

Then it’d really become a battle in all aspects.

The numbers on our side are ultimately at a disadvantage. I’m afraid that many lives would be lost.

I had maintained a zero death count with a lot of effort. Even though we won’t lose, I still wish to avoid this sort of meaningless conflict as much as possible

As if the battle just now were simply illusions, the Fang Wolves stared at me.

I slowly moved in front of them. Even though I don’t know what this scenery looks like in their view, all in all, I must make them understand that I am more powerful than their leader.

I came to the Storm Fang Wolf leader’s corpse unimpeded, and wasn’t obstructed by anyone.

The individuals near the leader’s corpse had even consciously retreated a step back.

I, swallowed the corpse in its entirety. This act, could be said as the legitimate privilege of an victor.

【a.n.a.lysis complete, acquired mimicry: Fang Wolf. At the same time acquired innate skill: Super Sense of Smell, Imposing Force】

In my mind, 【Great Sage】’s voice sounded. Seems like I’ve successfully acquired the Fang Wolf’s abilities.

The Fang Wolves, even when their leader had been eaten right before their eyes, didn’t move at all.

I had originally thought that since it has come to this, they should only have two choices of either escaping from fright, or rus.h.i.+ng toward us driven by fear.

Ah! Right! I think I had said something like either submit or die earlier!?

Oh no… I got too carried away, how do I wind this matter up now….

No choice, I’ll have to leave you guys with an escape route. Thinking this, I mimicked into the Fang Wolf.

Then, I roared using 【Imposing Force】.

“Kukuku, listen well! Only this time, I’ve decided to let you go. If you don’t submit to me, quickly retreat from here!”

They’ll finally run away like this, right? However, the reality still deviated from my predictions.

(We’ve all decided, to vow submission toward you!)

Accompanying the vow of submission, all of the Fang Wolves laid down. Even though it looked like they were only lying down to sleep….

Seems like, they’ve all chosen to submit to me. Is the reason why they weren’t moving earlier, because they were holding a meeting with 【Thought Transmission】? Well, it’s all good as long as we aren’t fighting anymore.

Just like this, the Battle at the Goblin Village came to an end.

Why exactly is this?

What’s troublesome will always be cleaning up the mess after a battle.

Who is it? That guy who ordered for all the houses to be dismantled… Hereon after, what do you plan to do?

Starting from tonight, where will the goblins sleep?

Moreover, who will be taking care of the newcomers?

Even though they suffered heavy casualties, eighty of them still survived.

In this case…. Anyways, today is already over! Plans for the future, can be put aside until these guys wake up.

All in all, I first made the goblins sleep beside campfires. As for the Fang Wolves, they were ordered to standby at the outskirts of the village.

Morning of the second day.

After a night of thinking, the answer I’ve arrived to was…. A plan to let the goblins tend to the Fang Wolves!

The total number of goblins who are capable of combat is seventy. There were no casualties yesterday, and the injuries were at most to the extent of light scratches.

As for the surviving Fang Wolves, there are eighty-one.

Even though this side had a lot of injured, they were quickly healed after applying a little bit of recovery medicine.

Seems like there weren’t any big injuries anyways, and the Fang Wolve Tribe’s self-regeneration ability was also very great.

The goblins that awoke were made to line up.

Non-combatants were made to stand aside and watch. After all, the surroundings were already dismantled to the point of looking like a flatland, it’s too eye-catching.

The village elder stood by my side.

It seems like he wanted to take care of my daily life, but I can’t feel happy at all from being taken care of by a goblin uncle. My sense of aesthetics, is still the same as my previous life.

Even if I’ve reincarnated into a demon, this is the only thing that I absolutely can’t give in. But, ah, there aren’t any cute girls at all in demon’s village. I’ll probably have to give up on this one.

In front of the lined up globins, I called the Fang Wolves here.

“Um~ From now on, you will form a team.”

I tried to observe the response.

They were probably waiting for me to continue speaking, there weren’t the slightest of movements.

There weren’t any who resented to forming a team, seems like there should be no problems.

“Do you understand what I mean? In short, it’s a team of two.”

Hearing my words, the goblins and the Fang Wolves who sat before them looked at each other.

Following the command, they very naturally grouped up into teams of twos.

The so-called 【yesterday’s enemy is today’s friend】. That sounds a little off…. Well, it’s roughly like that in general.

Right at this moment, I noticed something. These guys, could it be that they don’t have names?

Feels like it’s going to be very inconvenient to call them.

Taking the opportunity as the Fang Wolves and Goblins were getting used to each other, I asked the village elder.

“Village elder, it feels like it’s going to be very inconvenient to call you guys, so I want to give you names. Is that okay?”

Suddenly, all of the surrounding gazes simultaneously focused toward me.

“I-is that really… okay?”

The village elder asked back with an expression of being overwhelmed by awe and excitement.

What’s happening? Why is everyone so excited?

“Oh, of course it’s okay.”

The instant that I answered like this, the goblins that were fixedly looking toward here suddenly exploded in cheers.

Why exactly is this?

If you want names so much, why don’t you just give yourself names?

I, at this time, had not yet noticed the severity within.

Starting from the village elder first.

I tried asking for the name of his son that fell in battle, and it was reportedly 【Liguru】. So the village elder will just be called 【Liguru·do】 = Ligurudo. There were no other meanings; it just rolls off the tongue easier so it was just arbitrarily decided like this.

If he had children, then the children will be named Liguru, then he himself will add a 【Do】 onto his own name. It was clearly just a half jokingly made name, I didn’t think that it would actually be taken seriously. And also….

“I never thought that my son would also be allowed to inherit this name, really, thank you so much!”

A burst of guilty conscience suddenly struck me….

Just like this, the Goblin Chief’s name became 【Liguru】. Because it’s too bothersome to think of the next generation’s name, it’s fine to just keep using Liguru. For some reason, he suddenly made a gratified posture of prayer toward me. What an exaggerated pair of father and son. (TL note: The Goblin Chief is the Goblin Elder’s second son, and thus Liguru. The latest generation of this family will always be named Liguru, and the parent will become Ligurudo)

I started naming the Goblins with this sort of feeling. And along with it, I also named the mothers and children, bachelors and orphans who were spectating from the side.

These guys, I wonder exactly how long can they keep pa.s.sing on the names…?

If the village elder got a grandchild, he’ll become 【Liguru·dodo】. If he got a great-grandchild, the village elder will become 【Liguru·dododo】… I feel that even I’m becoming a little speechless myself… Well, anything goes.

Just like this, I continued giving names.

Right at this time.

“Rimuru-sama… is it really okay?”

The village elder Ligurudo asked with a slightly panicked tone.

“What’s up?”

“No, um, even though Rimuru-sama possesses enormous magic power…. But, to name so many people at one time… Is it really alright?”

What exactly is he saying? It’s only giving names, what exactly…

“Mu? Well, it should be fine right.”

Saying that, I continued the task.

After that, Ligurudo had an expression of wanting to talk and hesitating from the beginning to end, but I didn’t mind it.

Just like that, the goblin’s naming ended, and it was the Fang Wolf Tribe’s turn.

Their new leader, is the previous leader’s son.

With a robust body similar to its father, even their style was somewhat similar.

Looking at its golden pupils, I thought about names.

Right! Since it’s Fang of the Storm, let the name be 【Ranga】! Even though the naming was somewhat whimsical, it’s decided! (TL: Fang of the Storm is written as Ranga in JP)

My surname is Tempest, so Fang of the Storm.

Oh well, whimsical is probably all I can do, since I really don’t have any taste in naming.

The instant I named 【Ranga】, there was sudde