The moment I gave the order for Veldora's release, a storm of energy raged through the expanded stomach lining of my Stomach, grown thanks to my skill "Lord of
It felt like an overwhelming mass of brute force had been unleashed.
《I, have returned!!!》 I tucked away the mental quip about his tone not changing much.
《Greetings! It's been a while, how have you been?》 I offered a casual greeting.
《... What's this? I finally revive, and I get this incredibly light treatment... Still, this was faster than I expected. I thought it would be much longer.》 《It's your imagination! Sure, analyzing the "Infinite Prison" took a huge amount of time. If my skill, "Great Sage," hadn't evolved, it would have taken another 100 years at least.》 《My own Unique Skill, "Analytical Thinker," was analyzing it from the inside. Unfortunately, I couldn't use it as a skill, so I could only send information to "Great Sage." That "Infinite Prison" is monstrously powerful. As expected of the Hero. But what do you mean, evolved?》 I explained Veldora's questions.
That I had evolved into a Demon Lord, and my Unique Skill had evolved into an Ultimate Skill.
That "Great Sage" had become "Lord of Wisdom," greatly enhancing its analytical capabilities, and so on.
《Ho ho, is that so? More importantly, you became a Demon Lord in less than a year! An Awakened Demon Lord is genuinely strong, unlike those fakes!》 《It's fine. Well, you know? I seem like a genius, right? I was born as one of the strongest types of Slimes, after all. This feels like a piece of cake.》 《Idiot. You were way too reckless. That explains why I occasionally felt a huge amount of Magicules being drained from me. The reason you were safe while casually giving out names was because you were taking what you needed from me, wasn't it... You fool, being so reckless. I thought the release would take longer because the drained Magicules lowered the efficiency, but to think evolution would shorten the time! What an unexpected turn!》 Eh? So the reason I was safe while naming people was mainly thanks to Veldora?
Yeah, it did seem strange that I could evolve so easily and without risk.
I couldn't casually name people from now on.
I finally understood the reason why a Demon Lord couldn't easily increase their subordinates.
Well, it was too late for that now. Let's just say everything was according to plan.
《Right? Calculated perfectly (of course, I'm lying)! By the way, did you receive any "blessings"? When I evolved into a Demon Lord, I heard the "Voice of the World" was supposed to be distributed to the lineage of souls.》 Hm? I sensed a thought from him.
After a moment, 《Ooooh! This is what skill evolution is like! My Unique Skill, "Analytical Thinker," has become the Ultimate Skill, "Lord of Investigation"! This must be the ability to reach the ultimate truth sought by my insatiable thirst for knowledge!》 He sounded extremely excited.
Ah, I see. He's one of those slow-on-the-uptake types, like elephants.
Oh well.
To Veldora, who was rejoicing enthusiastically, 《Well, good for you. Skill evolution happens surprisingly easily, right?》 I said.
《Fool! For thousands of years, I didn't even know such a thing could happen! Well, it's probably a secret that doesn't easily get out unless someone has experienced it firsthand. What a valuable experience!》 That came back.
Well, sure enough, Awakened Demon Lords were rarely born, so it was undoubtedly a rare occurrence.
I wanted to keep talking, but it was about time to let Veldora out.
But was it okay? I was a little worried.
After all, the Holy Church and their like had apparently been magically tracking this guy.
If I let him out, his revival would be instantly discovered.
《Hey, the seal is broken and you've revived, so shall we go outside? The only problem is, if you don't suppress your massive Demon Aura, your revival will be discovered immediately...》 《Would it be a problem if I was discovered?》 Hmm.
So that was his response.
Well, actually... I didn't really feel it would be a problem.
If something happened, I could just have Veldora handle it.
《Actually, now that I think about it, it wouldn't be that big a deal. So, use my "double" as a vessel.》 As I responded, I created a double from my imagination and transferred Veldora's thought body into it.
Then, I brought it out from the sub-dimension, my "Stomach."
The double had the exact same beautiful face as mine.
The only difference was the hair color was platinum blonde.
Or so it was...
But then, his height kept increasing, reaching about two meters. His build became solid, his features sharp and rugged.
He became a handsome man with only a faint resemblance left to my original form.
It was exactly like seeing what would happen if I masculinized my appearance.
As expected, a battle maniac. He looked strong and ready for a fight.
At least he didn't turn into a giant dragon, so that was something.
《Kuahahahaha! I've obtained the ultimate power! All who oppose me will be destroyed!!!》 Veldora declared, spouting lines like some villain.
Incidentally, those lines sounded familiar. They were from a boss character in a manga I used to love reading.
"Hey... Hey, old man. How do you know that line?"
"Kuahahahaha! Truth is, I was bored, so I analyzed your memories and read up on it."
"Hey! Don't tell me the reason your analysis was slow is because you were doing crap like that!"
"Eh?"
"... Eh?"
We stared at each other.
Unfortunately, there wasn't a trace of sweet air between us.
"Putting that aside, I've finally been freed. My thanks!" He averted his gaze and forcibly changed the subject.
Just then, 《Notification. Two important reports have occurred.》 The "Lord of Wisdom" announced.
When I urged it to continue, 《First, the establishment of a "Corridor of Souls" between Master and individual: Veldora has been confirmed.
Analysis of individual: Veldora's abilities is complete, and the Ultimate Skill "Lord of Tempest" has been acquired.
The abilities of Ultimate Skill "Lord of Tempest" are as follows: Tempest Dragon Summoning: Summons Veldora in his original dragon form.
※ Summoning duration varies based on the amount of Magicules provided.
Tempest Dragon Liberation: Grants a "double" to individual: Veldora, allowing independent action.
※ Even upon death, memories can be restored. Re-liberation is possible.
Tempest-type Magic: "Wind that Calls Death," "Black Lightning," "Storm of Annihilation."
That is all.
Currently in the state of Tempest Dragon Liberation. This ability has no time limit.
However, while in the state of Tempest Dragon Liberation, "Lord of Tempest" cannot be used.》 It reported this unbelievable information as if it were the most normal thing in the world.
Seriously...
When I told Veldora this, "A 'Corridor of Souls'? All the memories I experience are accumulated in you, transcending time and space. In other words, as long as you don't disappear, I've become immortal. Even if I'm sealed like in the Infinite Prison, you just need to release the skill and re-summon me. I was already near-invincible, but now I might have true immortality."
Well, that was all contingent on me being alive, of course.
What a terrifying thought.
We were fighting with the intent of just us, but before I knew it, Veldora was joining the fray too! Who knows what could happen.
Heh heh heh. Imagining it made me feel sorry for our opponents.
We'd acquired an incredible trump card.
Come to think of it, there was a second report, wasn't there?
《Second, due to food chain effects, a large quantity of "tribute" has been delivered to Master, the superior. We will select, integrate, eliminate, and enhance to modify abilities. Is this acceptable? YES/NO》 It was no use to me anyway.
Normally, you hone a single skill over years to acquire it. Acquiring a large number at once wouldn't make them usable.
There shouldn't be any problem.
Thinking that, I mentally selected YES.
The ability integration was performed and apparently completed swiftly.
《Notification. Using the Unique Skill "Infinite Prison" as the base, ability integration has been performed... Success.
The Unique Skill "Infinite Prison" has evolved into the Ultimate Skill "Lord of Oath."》 What?
More importantly, I had actually acquired the Unique Skill "Infinite Prison"?
I thought that was pretty important information, but was it something Raphael could just brush off?
Oaths, or loyalty.
The crystallized prayers of those who swore allegiance to me.
The Ultimate Skill "Lord of Oath" born from integrating all of that...
The sheer power I felt upon acquisition gave me an immense sense of security.
It was proof of the bonds between me and my comrades.
Hmm? Wait a minute...
That meant I had essentially acquired four Ultimate Skills!
This... surely I was allowed to be a little carried away? No, I couldn't let my guard down.
The fate of villains who get carried away is tragic.
I was calling myself a Demon Lord now; I couldn't afford to be careless.
Right! I always got carried away and failed. This was a time for caution.
Anyway, time to check the abilities.
《Analysis.
The abilities of Ultimate Skill "Lord of Oath" are as follows: Space Domination: Freely swaps recognized spatial coordinates. Teleportation ability.
Defense Barrier: Multiple composite barriers and absolute defense via spatial severance.
Infinite Prison: Seals targets in an ultimate, absolute prison dimension.
Adiabatic Space: Inertia control and heat manipulation. Allows free control of heat release and absorption.
That is all.
With the acquisition of this skill, abilities of Extra Skill rank or lower have been eliminated.》 I see...
Space Domination apparently allowed teleportation. It activated instantly.
Defense Barrier was automatically deployed around me, without conscious thought. It seemed completely under Raphael's control.
Infinite Prison was activation-type based on my will. The barrier that had captured Veldora was equivalent. Meaning, anyone caught in this was essentially inescapable.
Adiabatic Space was still unclear. It seemed to be a top-tier ability related to heat manipulation...
Testing it, I found I could freely generate flames in my palm.
Focusing, they vanished easily. Ah... Now I understood.
I could store the generated heat in this Adiabatic Space without waste.
It exceeded my common sense and seemed impossible to fully utilize, but I understood it was an incredible ability.
I'd leave it to Raphael.
Basically, Uriel's abilities were teleportation, absolute defense, and sealing.
That was my understanding.
Was I invincible now?
... No, no, I had just resolved to hold back.
I couldn't get carried away.
While I was checking my abilities, Veldora had been analyzing his own Ultimate Skill, "Lord of Investigation."
It seemed to be quite powerful.
Apparently, it involved Thought Acceleration, Analytical Appraisal, All of Creation, Probability Manipulation, and Investigation of Truth.
I didn't think I'd understand even if I heard the details.
Probability Manipulation and Investigation of Truth were things I didn't have. Unfortunately, the food chain didn't activate.
But I probably wouldn't understand it anyway.
We finished analyzing our abilities and headed outside.
Opening the door, we stepped out.
There was
Had something happened?
"T-t-today's weather is a-a-also n-nice...
Lord Rimuru and Lord Vel-Veldora appear to be in excellent health, wh-which is the b-best thing of all..."
He was stiff with tension.
Ah, so he noticed Veldora's revival.
You could tell by his presence, no matter what form he took.
Gabiru, of the Dragonewt race, was like a distant relative of dragons.
All the monsters in the Great Forest of Jura had revered Veldora as a god, after all.
It was natural he'd panic with the sudden revival.
Right, even if Veldora being outside wasn't a problem for me, the townspeople might panic.
"Veldora, could you please release your double and return inside me for now?"
"Hm? It's fine.
I haven't finished reading the books of memories in your head, and information still comes in through your eyes."
He readily agreed.
For now, I'd just introduce him to the executives first.
After Veldora returned inside me, "Gabiru, it's okay to relax a bit.
Despite appearances, he's a good-natured dragon."
"Ah, umm...
What is your relationship with Lord Veldora, Lord Rimuru? And when did Lord Veldora revive?"
Gabiru asked, unable to hide his agitation.
I gave a brief explanation.
And promised that I'd introduce Veldora later when the executives gathered.
Now, stepping outside and heading back to town, chaos was unfolding as expected.
Those with perception had noticed.
Detecting the revival of the legendary "Storm Dragon," they were gathering to implement emergency measures.
"Oh, Lord Rimuru, you're safe!
We received reports that the aura of 'Storm Dragon' Veldora suddenly revived in the seal cave.
We heard you went towards the cave, so we were worried."
"My brother! Is Gabiru safe!?"
At the same time, Soka, Gabiru's sister, asked concernedly about her brother.
"Hm? Well, there's no problem. Rigurd, is the meeting preparation progressing?"
"Yes. That is proceeding without issue.
Additionally, sensing Veldora's aura, everyone appears to be heading this way."
As expected, they moved quickly.
This was a good opportunity; I'd introduce him at this meeting.
I had them guide me to the grand meeting room to gather everyone.
I invited Youm, Elen, and the other humans as well.
We needed to decide future policies.
"Soka, Gabiru will be there too, so you both participate.
Tell
"Ha ha! Understood!"
Upon hearing those words, Soka moved swiftly.
She probably went to relay the message to Souei at a speed even Rigurd couldn't follow.
If we left it to them, everyone would gather immediately.
As I was leisurely guided to the venue, Rigurd told me about the executives' abilities he'd inquired about.
First,
Name: Benimaru Race: Kijin Blessing: Blessing of the Storm Title: "Demon Lord"
Rank: A [EP: 213,000] Magic: None Skills: Unique Skill "Great General" – Thought Acceleration, Telepathy Manipulation, Predictive Calculation Extra Skills "Heat Domination," "Black Flame," "Multiple Barriers," "Spatial Movement"
Common Skills "Magic Perception," "Heat Source Detection," "Dignity," "Physical Strength"
Combat Skill "Flame Demon Transformation"
Resistance: Physical Attack Nullification,
He was Tempest's military commander-in-chief.
Next,
Name: Shuna Race: Kijin Blessing: Blessing of the Storm Title: "Demon Princess"
Rank: A [EP: 12,000] Magic: Nature-attribute Magic, Elemental Magic, Curse Magic Skills: Unique Skill "Analyzer" – Thought Acceleration, Analytical Appraisal, Chant Annulment Unique Skill "Creator" – Matter Conversion, Fusion, Separation Extra Skills "Multiple Barriers," "Spatial Movement"
Common Skills "Magic Perception," "Dignity"
Resistance: Status Abnormality Nullification, Mental Attack Resistance Shuna had also reached A-rank.
Though she didn't seem to excel in combat.
As for Hakuro, Name: Hakuro Race: Kijin Blessing: Blessing of the Storm Title: "Sword Saint"
Rank: A [EP: 65,500] Magic: Haki Combat Arts Skills: Unique Skill "Martial Artist" – Thought Acceleration, Super Acceleration, Future Prediction Extra Skills "Wise Man ex," "Multiple Barriers," "Spatial Movement"
Common Skills "Magic Perception," "Dignity," "Physical Strength"
Resistance: Status Abnormality Nullification, Mental Attack Resistance Impressive.
Sword Saint, huh? The title suited him perfectly.
Though, technically, we were the ones who called him that.
Kurobei had acquired not only the Unique Skill "Researcher" but also "Divine Artisan."
He seemed truly committed to his craftsmanship now.
As for Souei, Name: Souei Race: Kijin Blessing: Blessing of the Storm Title: "Shadow"
Rank: A [EP: 187,000] Magic: None Skills: Unique Skill "Assassin" – Thought Acceleration, One-Hit Kill, Super Acceleration Extra Skills "Multiple Barriers," "Spatial Movement"
Common Skills "Magic Perception," "Dread," "Physical Strength"
Combat Skills "Poison Paralysis Corrosion Breath," "Double," "Steel Thread"
Resistance: Pain Nullification, Status Abnormality Nullification Physical/Mental Attack Resistance, Holy/Demonic Attack Resistance, Natural Effect Resistance This guy was also combat-specialized. More importantly, "One-Hit Kill" apparently wasn't a physical attack but an attack against the Mental Body.
It could only be blocked by mental defenses.
He was becoming quite dangerous.
The problem child,
Name: Shion Race: Evil Demon Blessing: Blessing of the Storm Title: "Undying One"
Rank: A [EP: 224,000] Magic: None Skills: Unique Skill "Cook" – Confirmation of Result, Optimal Action Extra Skills "Wise Man ex," "Multiple Barriers," "Spatial Movement"
"Self-Regeneration ex," "Perfect Memory"
Common Skills "Magic Perception," "Dread," "War God"
Combat Skill "Demon Transformation"
Resistance: Pain Nullification, Status Abnormality Nullification Physical/Mental Attack Resistance, Holy/Demonic Attack Resistance, Natural Effect Resistance This one...
I couldn't believe Rigurd's report, so I checked with my own eyes...
Indeed, her abilities were higher than Benimaru's.
A terrifying being.
Seriously, "Demon Transformation"? It was almost Demon Lord class.
If she became a "Demon Lord seed," I wouldn't be surprised.
We didn't need any more dangerous elements, did we?
I was getting tired of this.
Now, as for Gabiru...
Name: Gabiru Race: Dragonewt Blessing: Blessing of the Storm Title: "Dragon Warrior"
Rank: A [EP: 126,000] Magic: None Skills: Unique Skill "Tuner" – Unpredictable Effect, Destiny Change Extra Skills "Wise Man ex," "Multiple Barriers," "Spatial Movement"
Common Skills "Magic Perception," "Heat Source Detection," "Super Sense of Smell," "Dignity"
Combat Skills "Dragon Warrior Transformation," "Black Flame Breath," "Black Lightning Breath"
Resistance: Pain Nullification, Status Abnormality Nullification Physical/Mental Attack Resistance, Holy/Demonic Attack Resistance, Natural Effect Resistance Nonsensical.
Being a Tuner was accurate, but what kind of ability was it?
It was probably some mysterious type of ability that triggered unpredictable attacks or even lucky breaks in the worst situations.
Was this guy living in a gag manga world?
As expected of Gabiru.
I hadn't expected much, but he never failed to exceed expectations.
Incidentally, he had quite a few resistances too; maybe he was surprisingly strong... or something like that.
The town's defense chief, Geld.
Name: Geld Race: Boarman Blessing: Blessing of the Storm Title: "Boar King"
Rank: A [EP: 147,000] Magic: None Skills: Unique Skill "Guardian" – Guardian Granting, Proxy, Iron Wall Unique Skill "Gourmet" – Predation, Stomach, Supply, Demand Extra Skills "Wise Man ex," "Multiple Barriers," "Spatial Movement"
Common Skills "Magic Perception," "Super Sense of Smell," "Dignity," "Physical Strength"
Combat Skills "Poison Paralysis Corrosion Breath," "Full Body Armor," "Thought Manipulation"
Resistance: Pain Nullification, Status Abnormality Nullification Physical/Mental Attack Resistance, Holy/Demonic Attack Resistance, Natural Effect Resistance ex Dependable.
He could take damage on behalf of others and grant his own defense to his subordinate troops.
As a legion commander, he could be expected to perform brilliantly.
Though I didn't know exactly how many people he could affect.
Finally,
Rigurd had said he had no intention of reporting on him, so I asked directly.
I was going to summon him anyway, so it was convenient.
Name: Diablo Race: Demon Blessing: Blessing of the Storm Title: "Demon Duke"
Rank: A+ [EP: 444,000] Magic: Magic Manipulation, High-Tier Demon Summoning Skills: Unique Skill "Great Sage" – Thought Acceleration, Telepathy Manipulation, Chant Annulment Unique Skill "Tempter" – Charm, Persuasion Extra Skills "Multiple Barriers," "Spatial Movement"
Common Skills "Magic Perception," "Demon Lord Haki"
Combat Skill "Law Manipulation"
Resistance: Physical Attack Nullification, Natural Effect Nullification, Status Abnormality Nullification Mental Attack Resistance, Holy/Demonic Attack Resistance Ha ha ha.
A delightful fellow.
He had become absurdly strong.
He definitely had the qualifications for Demon Lord, with room to spare.
Good grief.
Next to Veldora and myself, the strongest was undoubtedly Diablo.
I informed Diablo to attend the meeting and headed for the grand meeting room.
This crucial meeting would determine Tempest's future direction.
Aiming for a world where humans and monsters could coexist...
Please ignore the EP values.
Reference: Archdemon [EP: 140,000] Acquisition of Demon Lord seed qualifications at EP: 200,000 or above. (Optional) These are approximate figures and may change.