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# The Genesis of Legends: When Aeternus Deus and Rimuru Forged Tempest
## PROLOGUE: CONVERGENCE OF DESTINIES
In the endless expanse of the multiverse, where reality blossomed like countless flowers across the vast garden of existence, two beings of extraordinary potential found themselves drawn to the same nexus point—a humble forest in a world where magic flowed through every living thing, where monsters and humans coexisted in an uneasy balance.
One, a corporate worker named Satoru Mikami, had been reincarnated as a slime with an insatiable hunger for knowledge and growth. With only the analytical abilities of Great Sage and the consuming power of Predator, this humble blue slime—now named Rimuru Tempest—embarked on a journey of self-discovery that would reshape an entire world.
The other, a wandering fragment of mythic potential known as Aeternus Deus, existed as the embryonic stage of what would someday become the supreme conceptual entity across all realities. Though only at Level 5 of the Omnithrone Genesis path, even this diminished form radiated an aura of cosmic significance that caused reality itself to shiver in anticipation.
Their meeting was no accident—it was an inevitability, a crossroads of fate that would forever alter the foundations of creation itself.
Across countless timelines, these two entities might have passed like ships in the night, each pursuing their own destiny. But in this particular strand of the multiverse, they would forge a connection that would elevate both beyond anything they might have achieved alone. Their alliance would birth legends that would echo through eternity, stories that would outlive stars and transcend the boundaries of dimensional existence.
This is the story of that meeting—a tale of friendship, growth, power, and the forging of a nation that would stand as a beacon of possibility in a world defined by limitations.
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## ACT I: FATEFUL ENCOUNTERS (Aeternus Level 5-15)
### Chapter 1: The Wanderer and the Slime
The Great Jura Forest sprawled across the western territories of the continent, its ancient trees reaching toward the sky like pillars supporting the heavens. Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, creating ever-shifting patterns on the forest floor. The air hummed with magic, a subtle vibration perceptible only to those sensitive to the flow of mystical energies.
Rimuru Tempest, still acclimating to existence as a slime, rolled along a forest path, absorbing the sensations of his new environment with childlike wonder.
*«Analysis complete,»* intoned Great Sage, the skill embedded within his being. *«This forest contains 273 known monster species and 149 varieties of magical flora. Recommended course of action: continue exploration while maintaining cautious parameters.»*
"I know, I know," Rimuru replied to the voice only he could hear. "But it's hard not to get distracted when everything is so new."
As a former human, the novelty of perceiving the world as a slime—without eyes or ears in the conventional sense, yet somehow seeing and hearing with greater clarity than ever before—continued to fascinate him. Substances he absorbed yielded not just their physical properties but their essence, their information becoming part of his growing database of knowledge.
Three days into his exploration, Rimuru encountered a tribe of goblins being attacked by direwolves. Without hesitation, he intervened, using his newly acquired water manipulation abilities to create barriers between the predators and their prey.
"Stand behind me," he commanded the goblins, his gelatinous body glowing with determination. "I'll handle this."
The frightened goblins, unaccustomed to aid from strangers, followed his instructions with wary gratitude. Their leader, a wizened goblin with a makeshift spear, nodded respectfully. "We thank you, Great One."
Rimuru had just begun to coordinate a defensive strategy when a presence manifested at the edge of the clearing—a tall figure whose very arrival caused the air to shimmer like heat waves over desert sand. The direwolves froze, their predatory instincts suddenly overridden by something more primal: the recognition of apex authority.
Aeternus Deus stepped into the glen, silver-gold hair flowing like liquid starlight around a face of angelic perfection. Though appearing merely as an exceptionally beautiful humanoid dressed in flowing garments of impossible craftsmanship, there was something in their bearing that transcended ordinary existence. The very ground seemed to strain toward each footfall, as though eager for the touch.
"Interesting," Aeternus observed, voice resonating with harmonic undertones that made nearby leaves tremble. "A slime commanding goblins against direwolves. This world continues to surprise."
Rimuru paused in his water manipulation, his gelatinous form quivering slightly as he assessed this newcomer.
*«Warning,»* Great Sage's voice echoed within Rimuru's consciousness. *«Entity exceeds analysis parameters. Power level undetermined. Caution advised.»*
"Well, that's not ominous at all," Rimuru muttered to himself before addressing the stranger. "I'm just helping out. These goblins didn't do anything to deserve being hunted down."
Aeternus tilted their head, eyes containing swirling galaxies in miniature. "And you believe intervention is justified based on... moral considerations?"
"I believe helping those who need it is just common decency," Rimuru replied simply. "Human, monster, or whatever—suffering is suffering."
A smile graced Aeternus's perfect features—not condescending, but genuinely intrigued. "Impressive tactics for one so newly born to this world," they spoke, their voice causing the very air to vibrate. "Allow me to contribute to this effort."
Without waiting for a response, Aeternus moved with fluid grace that seemed to bend space itself. A crystalline blade materialized in their hand—not summoned through magic but seemingly coalesced from the concept of 'weapon' itself.
The direwolves, previously frozen by Aeternus's presence, now broke from their stupor and attacked with desperate ferocity. What followed was not combat in any conventional sense but an exhibition of martial perfection. Each movement of the silver-haired entity was precisely calculated, each strike finding its mark with unerring accuracy. Direwolves fell not with violence but with precision, each defeat an inevitability rather than a struggle.
Rimuru watched, mesmerized, as Aeternus flowed between opponents like water between stones.
*«Recording combat patterns,»* Great Sage noted. *«Efficiency exceeds known parameters. Subject demonstrates perfect economy of movement.»*
When Rigurd, the goblin leader, faltered against a particularly massive direwolf that had circled behind the main group, Aeternus appeared beside him in an instant. With a touch to the goblin's forehead, they left a glowing sigil that pulsed with golden light.
"Receive this blessing: **Mythic Battle Instinct**," Aeternus pronounced.
The change in Rigurd was immediate and extraordinary. His movements, previously clumsy and desperate, acquired a fluid precision. His eyes, once clouded with fear, now gleamed with tactical awareness. His strike with the crude spear became a masterful thrust that found the exact point between the direwolf's ribs, ending the creature's life with merciful efficiency.
The remaining direwolves, sensing the tide turning decisively against them, retreated into the forest, their howls of frustration echoing through the trees.
In the aftermath, as the goblins gathered their wounded and bowed in gratitude to their saviors, Rimuru approached the mysterious entity.
"That was... something else," the slime admitted, unable to fully articulate what he had witnessed. "I've never seen anyone move like that. Or do... whatever you did to help Rigurd."
Aeternus studied the slime thoughtfully. "Your intervention was similarly noteworthy. A slime with strategic thinking and moral consideration is... unusual."
"I'm not exactly a normal slime," Rimuru admitted. "I was human before... this."
"And I am not exactly a normal traveler," Aeternus countered with the ghost of a smile. "Perhaps that is why our paths have crossed in this remote place."
A moment of understanding passed between them—two anomalies recognizing something of themselves in the other.
"You're clearly not from around here," Rimuru observed, his tone conversational despite the extraordinary nature of their meeting. "Neither am I. This forest seems to have potential, though. I was thinking of helping these goblins establish a safer settlement. Maybe we could form a mutually beneficial alliance?"
Aeternus's cosmic eyes regarded the slime, perceiving not just the present form but infinite futures branching from this moment—the limitless potential within this humble vessel. In some timelines, Rimuru Tempest would rise to become one of the most powerful beings in this world through his own journey. But in those where their paths intertwined...
"Indeed," Aeternus replied, a rare genuine smile gracing their perfect features. "I sense the seeds of greatness in you, slime. And in this place." They gestured to the forest around them. "Perhaps it is time I planted roots for a while. My journey to full awakening requires... interesting catalysts."
The alliance was struck—not with grand ceremony or formal declarations, but with simple words that would echo across reality for eons to come:
"Let us build something worthy of remembrance," Aeternus proposed.
"A nation where all beings can live in peace," Rimuru added.
"A legend that will transcend this world," they concluded together.
As they spoke, neither fully comprehended the cosmic significance of their pact. The direwolves watching from the forest edge, however, sensed it instinctively. Later that night, their howls carried a new message across the Great Jura Forest—a message that would spread to every creature with the instinct to understand:
The forest had new masters, and the old order was ending.
### Chapter 2: Foundations of Greatness
The goblin village transformed under the guidance of its new protectors, though not through magical shortcuts or reality manipulation. Rimuru, having named the settlement "Tempest" after himself, began the process of evolution—granting names to the goblins and thereby awakening their dormant potential. Aeternus, meanwhile, provided subtle enhancements to their natural development, weaving threads of mythic influence into the very foundations of what would become a nation.
The evolution of the goblins exceeded all expectations. When Rimuru named Rigurd as the leader, the elderly goblin's transformation was remarkable—growing taller and more distinguished, his intelligence sharpening dramatically, his bearing becoming that of a natural leader.
"This feeling..." Rigurd marveled, examining his transformed hands. "Is this the power of naming?"
"It is the power of recognized potential," Aeternus corrected gently from where they stood observing. "The name merely unlocks what already exists within. The true transformation comes from how you use this gift."
Rimuru, impressed by the result, continued naming the village's inhabitants. Each named goblin evolved, their physical forms growing stronger, their minds becoming sharper. The goblins, once among the weakest monsters in the forest, rapidly developed into hobgoblins—a transformation that would normally take generations occurring in minutes through the catalyst of naming.
Even more dramatic was the evolution of the direwolves who had survived the initial encounter and later returned to offer fealty. Led by Ranga, the pack's alpha who became Rimuru's loyal mount, the wolves' transformations included distinctive changes not seen in normal tempest wolves. Electric-blue streaks appeared in their fur, and their howls occasionally caused thunderclaps in clear skies—a phenomenon that Aeternus observed with quiet interest.
"Your gift catalyzes changes beyond normal parameters," they noted one evening as they stood with Rimuru, watching Ranga lead his pack in training exercises. "The mythic potential you unlock intersects with natural evolution in fascinating ways."
"Is that good or bad?" Rimuru asked, still uncertain about many aspects of his abilities.
"It simply is," Aeternus replied with characteristic equanimity. "Power flows where opportunity exists. Your naming creates such opportunities."
Their complementary approaches to leadership quickly became apparent. Rimuru engaged directly with the villagers, learning their needs, adjudicating disputes, and establishing practical systems for food production, shelter, and defense. Aeternus remained more distant, observing rather than participating, offering guidance only when fundamental principles were at stake.
This dynamic extended to their first encounter with the group of ogres who would become central to Tempest's future. When Benimaru, Shion, Shuna, Souei, Hakurou, and their companions arrived seeking revenge for their destroyed village, it was Rimuru who stepped forward to negotiate, while Aeternus watched from the shadows.
The situation was tense—the ogres, believing goblins responsible for their tragedy, came prepared for slaughter. Rimuru's diplomacy initially fell on deaf ears until Benimaru, their fiery leader, launched an attack to test the slime's strength.
Rimuru easily redirected the ogre's flames, demonstrating power that gave the attackers pause. The standoff might have escalated further had Aeternus not chosen that moment to make their presence known.
Stepping from the shadows, their form emanating a soft golden light, Aeternus spoke with quiet authority: "Your village was destroyed by the Orc Lord and his army, not by these goblins. Your rage is justified, but misplaced."
Benimaru bristled at the interruption. "And who might you be to make such claims?"
Rather than answer directly, Aeternus extended a hand, palm upward. Above it materialized a perfect miniature recreation of the ogre village's destruction—the orcs rampaging through streets, buildings burning, defenders falling. The illusion was so vivid that Shuna gasped, tears forming in her eyes.
"How do you know this?" Hakurou, the elderly swordmaster, demanded, his hand tightening on his weapon.
"I perceive what has been, what is, and some of what may be," Aeternus replied simply. "Your true enemy marches even now, consuming all in its path. It will reach this region within a fortnight."
The revelation changed everything. Through Rimuru's diplomatic skill and Aeternus's irrefutable evidence, the ogres were convinced to ally themselves with Tempest rather than destroy it. They pledged loyalty to Rimuru specifically—a distinction that did not escape Aeternus's notice.
That night, as the newly allied settlement celebrated around communal fires, Rimuru found Aeternus standing alone on a small hill overlooking the village.
"They've sworn loyalty to you," Aeternus observed as Rimuru approached. "Not to us both."
"Does that bother you?" Rimuru asked, genuinely curious about his enigmatic partner's feelings on the matter.
Aeternus's lips curved in a slight smile. "Not at all. It is as it should be. You offer them connection—something tangible and immediate. I offer... perspective. Different gifts for different needs."
Rimuru considered this. "So you're okay with me being the face of... whatever we're building here?"
"More than okay," Aeternus assured him. "I have never sought adoration or direct authority. My journey requires... a certain distance."
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Shion, the violet-haired ogre whose cooking was quickly becoming infamous for its lethal potential despite her earnest efforts.
"Lord Rimuru," she called, bowing deeply with a formality that made the slime uncomfortable. "I've prepared a special dish to celebrate our new alliance. Would you honor me by tasting it first?"
Rimuru's internal monologue became a panicked stream of consciousness. His previous encounters with Shion's cooking had left him convinced that her culinary skills were, in fact, more dangerous than her considerable combat abilities.
*«Probability of survival if consumed: 37.2%,»* Great Sage helpfully calculated.
Before Rimuru could formulate a diplomatic response, Aeternus intervened with unexpected grace.
"Lady Shion," they said, using a formal address that clearly pleased the ogre. "Your dedication to supporting Lord Rimuru through your skills is admirable. However, perhaps your talents might be better directed toward protection rather than provision? I sense in you a guardian's spirit—one who would excel as a personal protector."
Shion's eyes widened, then gleamed with new purpose. "A personal bodyguard to Lord Rimuru? Yes... yes, that feels right!" She straightened, abandoning the dish she carried (which immediately began to dissolve the grass where some had spilled). "I shall be your shield, Lord Rimuru! None shall harm you while I draw breath!"
As she hurried away to begin what would undoubtedly be an extremely thorough security assessment of the village, Rimuru turned to Aeternus with profound gratitude.
"You just saved my life," he said with complete sincerity.
Aeternus's answering laugh was like distant bells. "Consider it my contribution to our nation-building efforts. Not all threats come from outside enemies, it seems."
The interaction highlighted something Rimuru was beginning to understand—Aeternus possessed an uncanny ability to perceive the true nature of individuals and guide them toward their optimal path, often with just a few carefully chosen words.
In the days that followed, each of the ogres found their place within the developing community:
- Benimaru, with his natural leadership qualities and mastery of fire, became the military commander
- Shion embraced her role as Rimuru's personal bodyguard with zealous dedication
- Shuna, gentle yet powerful, began developing fabric production using her magical abilities
- Souei, the shadow-wielding ninja, established a network of scouts and spies
- Hakurou, the elderly swordmaster, began training the evolved hobgoblins in combat
The people of Tempest came to understand the unique dynamic of their leadership—Rimuru was their visible lord, the one they interacted with daily, sought guidance from, and celebrated openly. Aeternus remained in the background, a mysterious figure whose counsel was sought only for matters of profound importance. While Rimuru built relationships, infrastructure, and community, Aeternus subtly reinforced the mythic foundations upon which Tempest's future greatness would stand.
"True strength must be earned, not gifted," Aeternus explained to Rimuru during their nightly strategy sessions, walking along the village perimeter under the light of twin moons. "I could rewrite these creatures into gods with a gesture, but such power would destroy them from within. True evolution requires adaptation through challenge."
Rimuru, ever practical, nodded in agreement. "We'll build this nation on solid foundations, not shortcuts."
By the time they had established rudimentary defenses and infrastructure, Aeternus had reached Level 15 in their progression—still wielding only the most basic Noble Phantasms, but growing steadily as they fought alongside Tempest's defenders against forest predators and trained the evolving monsters in combat.
A visitor to the nascent village would observe an unusual phenomenon: when threats approached, they would inexplicably hesitate or find their attacks slightly weaker than intended—the passive result of Aeternus's growing mythic aura gradually extending a protective influence over what was now officially called the Nation of Tempest.
None understood this better than Shuna, who possessed a natural sensitivity to magical energies. One afternoon, as she worked her loom creating fabrics of supernatural quality, she paused and looked toward the hill where Aeternus often stood in solitary contemplation.
"May I ask you something, Lord Aeternus?" she ventured when they acknowledged her approach with a slight inclination of their head.
"You may ask anything, though I do not guarantee answers to all questions," they replied, their tone gentle despite the limitation.
Shuna hesitated, then pressed forward. "What are you, exactly? You're neither monster nor human, neither spirit nor demon... I can sense that much."
Aeternus considered her for a long moment, cosmic eyes reflecting starlight though it was midday.
"I am becoming," they finally answered. "A work in progress, you might say. Just as your nation is becoming something more than a settlement, just as Rimuru is becoming something more than a slime... I too am in transition."
Shuna absorbed this, her intuitive understanding grasping more than the words alone might convey. "Will we... will Lord Rimuru be safe when you complete this transition?"
The question revealed her primary concern—not for herself or even their community, but for the slime lord who had given them purpose.
Aeternus smiled, genuinely moved by her protective instinct. "Rimuru Tempest will be many things throughout his existence—challenged, tested, transformed. But never will he be abandoned by what I am becoming. This, I promise you."
The sincerity in their voice reassured Shuna more than any elaborate oath might have. She bowed deeply, then returned to her work, her hands moving with renewed purpose across the threads of her loom.
What none in Tempest yet realized was that threads of a different sort were being woven throughout their growing nation—mythic connections binding their fates together in patterns that would eventually reshape reality itself.
### Chapter 3: The First Test
Word reached Tempest of a horde of orcs devouring everything in their path, led by an entity of terrible hunger called the Orc Lord. While Rimuru treated this as a potential diplomatic situation, Aeternus recognized the magical manipulation behind it.
"This is no natural migration," they stated one morning during a council meeting, tracing runic patterns in the air that revealed distant magical signatures. Golden light formed complex geometric shapes that shifted and pulsed with information only Aeternus could fully interpret. "Someone orchestrates this chaos. I sense a familiar pattern—demons playing with lesser beings as pawns."
"Demons?" Benimaru's expression darkened. "Are you certain?"
"Not demons as you understand them," Aeternus clarified. "Something more... bureaucratic. Entities who see this world as a game board and its inhabitants as pieces to be moved or sacrificed."
When scouts reported the Orc Lord had consumed a majin and grown exponentially more powerful, Aeternus nodded grimly. "As I suspected. He bears the Starved One's curse—an artificial calamity designed to test the forest's defenses."
Preparations began immediately, but differently than might have occurred without Aeternus's insight. Rather than relying solely on Rimuru's considerable abilities, Aeternus implemented systematic training regimens for all Tempest forces:
- Benimaru led offensive combat training, his natural fire abilities enhanced by Aeternus's mythic runes
- Hakurou drilled the troops in swordsmanship and tactical discipline
- Souei established an expanded network of scouts and spies to monitor the orcs' movements
- Shion, despite her enthusiasm sometimes causing more damage than intended, became a formidable front-line fighter
- Shuna developed support magic to bolster defenses and heal injuries
- Rigurd organized the civilian population for potential evacuation
- Ranga and his direwolf pack prepared for swift, coordinated attacks
The training was intense, pushing everyone beyond their perceived limits. During one particularly grueling session with the hobgoblin troops, Hakurou approached Aeternus with uncharacteristic hesitation.
"These preparations," the swordmaster began, "they seem... excessive for mere orcs, even with their lord empowered. Is there something you're not telling us?"
Aeternus regarded the elderly ogre thoughtfully. Of all Rimuru's inner circle, Hakurou possessed the keenest tactical mind and the widest experience.
"The Orc Lord is merely a catalyst," Aeternus explained after a moment. "This world—specifically this forest—has become a point of interest to powers beyond your current understanding. They test our defenses, our resolve, our potential."
"And if we fail this test?" Hakurou asked, his weathered face betraying no emotion.
"Then another will come, and another, until either we fall or prove ourselves beyond testing." Aeternus's gaze shifted to where Rimuru was working with a group of children, using water manipulation to create fantastic shapes that delighted his young audience. "But we will not fail. There is too much at stake."
The day before the expected arrival of the orc army, Aeternus and Rimuru addressed the assembled forces of Tempest together—their first joint public appearance as the nation's leaders.
"We face a grave threat," Rimuru began, his slime form hovering slightly above a raised platform so all could see him. "The Orc Lord leads an army that has already destroyed multiple settlements. They consume everything in their path, sparing none."
Murmurs of concern rippled through the gathered monsters—hobgoblins, tempest wolves, evolved goblinas, and the ogres who now served as commanders.
"But we are prepared," Rimuru continued, his tone firm with conviction. "Each of you has trained for this moment. Each of you has evolved beyond what you once were. Together, we will defend our home."
Aeternus stepped forward then, their presence immediately commanding absolute attention. The air around them shimmered with golden light, and when they spoke, their voice reached every ear with perfect clarity.
"We will not simply defeat them," they declared, power resonating in each syllable. "We will break them so thoroughly that all who hear of it will think twice before threatening Tempest again."
The assembled forces roared their approval, weapons raised toward the sky, morale surging with martial fervor.
Rimuru, diplomatic as ever, raised a pseudopod to calm the celebration. "But we will offer mercy to those who surrender," he added firmly. "This is not about vengeance, but security. We are building a nation where all can live in peace—even former enemies who choose a better path."
The contrasting approaches complemented each other perfectly—Aeternus the unyielding sword, Rimuru the discerning shield.
Later that night, as final preparations were underway, Shion found Rimuru reviewing defense plans in his newly constructed residence.
"Lord Rimuru," she said, kneeling formally before him. "I wish to serve as your personal guard in tomorrow's battle. Nothing must be allowed to harm you."
Before Rimuru could respond, another voice joined the conversation.
"Your dedication is admirable, Shion," said Aeternus, stepping from the shadows of the room where they had been observing unnoticed. "But consider this: your strength would better serve Tempest on the front lines. Lord Rimuru is more capable of self-preservation than most realize."
Shion frowned, clearly torn between her desire to protect Rimuru directly and the strategic wisdom of Aeternus's suggestion.
"Both roles are important," Rimuru intervened diplomatically. "Shion, I value your protection, but Aeternus is right that your strength is needed where the fighting will be fiercest. Perhaps a compromise—you fight on the front lines, but if the enemy breaks through to my position, you have full authority to abandon your post and return to my side."
This solution satisfied Shion, who bowed deeply before departing to prepare her equipment for battle.
When she had gone, Rimuru turned to Aeternus with curiosity. "You've been unusually active in preparations. Is there something specific about this threat that concerns you?"
Aeternus was silent for a long moment, their cosmic eyes focused on something beyond physical perception.
"This battle represents a confluence point," they finally said. "A moment where multiple possible futures branch from a single event. In some timelines, Tempest falls here. In others, it survives but is fundamentally changed—hardened, embittered, set on a path of conquest rather than coexistence."
"And in our timeline?" Rimuru asked, feeling a weight of responsibility he was still adjusting to.
"That," Aeternus replied with the ghost of a smile, "is what we shall determine tomorrow."
---
### Chapter 4: The Battle of Burning Plains
The Orc Lord's army arrived with devastating force—far stronger than anyone had anticipated, with nearly 200,000 orcs descending upon Tempest, their hunger unquenchable, their Lord grown to fifteen feet of rippling muscle and magical potency.
Unlike what might have been a relatively straightforward battle, this confrontation became a three-day war of attrition and tactical brilliance that would later be chronicled as the Battle of Burning Plains.
On the first day, Tempest's outer defenses held against the initial onslaught. Benimaru's flames created barriers of fire at strategic choke points, while Souei's shadow clones reported enemy movements with perfect precision. The evolved hobgoblins, organized into disciplined units under Rigurd's command, held their formations with unexpected resolve.
Aeternus moved with impossible speed between vulnerable points in the defensive line, wielding a Noble Phantasm that resembled a golden spear—a lesser version of Gáe Bolg that could penetrate any defense but lacked the full causality manipulation of its true form. Each time they appeared, orc forces broke and scattered, only to regroup elsewhere.
"They fear you," Hakurou observed during a brief respite, as he and Aeternus watched the orc forces regrouping at the edge of the forest.
"Not me," Aeternus corrected, their gaze distant. "What I represent. Even in their mindless hunger, they recognize an existential threat when they encounter one."
Rimuru coordinated from a central command post, using Water Blade techniques to create defensive moats and barriers, while directing the evolved hobgoblins in strategic counter-attacks that maximized their growing strengths. His calm, analytical approach balanced Benimaru's aggressive tactics and Souei's fluid maneuvers.
By nightfall of the first day, Aeternus had reached Level 20, their power visibly growing as the conflict intensified. The air around them began to shimmer with golden light, and when they spoke, their voice carried undertones that made the orcs hesitate instinctively.
This growth did not go unnoticed by Tempest's inner circle. During the night, as the defenders rotated shifts and tended to their wounded, Benimaru approached Aeternus at the edge of the camp.
"You're changing," the ogre observed without preamble. "I can feel it—your presence affects the battlefield differently than before."
Aeternus inclined their head slightly, acknowledging the astute observation. "All things change through conflict. I am no exception."
"What exactly are you becoming?" Benimaru pressed, his tone respectful but insistent.
"Something necessary," Aeternus replied simply. "For Tempest. For Rimuru. For this world."
Benimaru studied them for a long moment, then nodded once. "Good enough for now. But someday, I'll expect a real answer."
Aeternus's lips curved in the barest suggestion of a smile. "Someday, you might even understand it."
The second day brought the Orc Lord himself to the front lines, his Starved ability devouring the magical barriers Rimuru had established. Here, the battle diverged dramatically from what might have occurred:
Tempest's guardians proved their worth—Benimaru engaged the Orc Lord's generals in explosive combat that lit up the sky, while Shion's chaotic strength smashed through elite orc forces. Hakurou moved like a silver blur through enemy formations, his blade finding vital points with unerring accuracy, while Souei's intelligence network allowed Tempest to anticipate and counter every strategic move.
When a particularly powerful orc general broke through the defensive line and charged toward the command post where Rimuru coordinated the battle, Shion intercepted the attacker with terrifying efficiency. Her blade cleaved through the orc's weapon, armor, and flesh in a single strike, her expression showing not battle-rage but cold determination.
"None shall pass," she stated, taking up position before Rimuru's post with immovable resolve.
Meanwhile, Aeternus and Rimuru fought in perfect tandem against the Orc Lord himself—the embodiment of mythic combat alongside adaptive ingenuity. When the Orc Lord's regenerative abilities neutralized Rimuru's Water Blade attacks, Aeternus stepped forward with a new manifestation: a crimson spear that temporarily severed the conceptual connection between the Orc Lord and his stolen abilities.
"**Gáe Dearg: Conceptual Severance**," Aeternus named the weapon as they drove it through the Orc Lord's shoulder, causing the monster to roar in pain and confusion as his powers flickered. "Now, Rimuru!"
Taking advantage of the momentary vulnerability, Rimuru unleashed Predator, beginning the process of consuming the weakened Orc Lord. Yet the monster broke free, retreating with his elite guards to regroup.
That evening, as Tempest's forces took stock of their position, Shuna worked tirelessly to heal the wounded. Her gentle magic flowed through the makeshift field hospital, closing wounds and restoring strength to exhausted defenders.
Rimuru found her swaying with fatigue near midnight, her reserves nearly depleted from continuous healing.
"You should rest," he told her gently. "You can't help anyone if you collapse."
"There are still so many wounded," she protested weakly, though her eyes could barely remain open.
Aeternus appeared beside them, observing Shuna's condition with quiet concern. With a gesture that was almost tender, they placed a palm on her forehead.
"Sleep," they commanded softly, and Shuna's eyes immediately closed as she collapsed into Rimuru's hastily formed pseudopods.
"What did you do to her?" Rimuru demanded, alarmed.
"Nothing harmful," Aeternus assured him. "She will sleep deeply for six hours—no more, no less. When she wakes, her energy will be partially restored." They glanced around at the wounded still awaiting treatment. "As for the others..."
Aeternus raised both hands, palm outward, and spoke a phrase in a language that seemed to resonate directly within the souls of all who heard it. Golden light emanated from their form, spreading throughout the field hospital like morning mist. Where it touched wounded defenders, it accelerated healing, dulled pain, and restored vigor.
"That should stabilize them until morning," Aeternus said, their voice slightly strained—the first sign of exertion Rim uru had yet observed in the cosmic entity.
"You shouldn't exhaust yourself either," Rimuru said, carefully laying Shuna on an empty cot.
"A minor expenditure," Aeternus replied, though they seemed to dim slightly, the golden aura around them flickering momentarily. "My current level permits such interventions, though not without cost. Tomorrow will demand far more."
Benimaru approached, his expression grave. "Our scouts report the Orc Lord has consumed more of his own troops. His power grows with each passing hour."
"As does mine," Aeternus said quietly, their eyes shifting from galaxies to supernovae, power building behind their gaze. "Tomorrow will end this, one way or another."
The third day brought the final confrontation. Aeternus, now at Level 25, manifested multiple Noble Phantasms simultaneously—a feat previously beyond their capabilities. Golden swords rained from portals around them as they engaged the Orc Lord's generals, while Rimuru faced the Lord himself.
Each of Tempest's guardians fought at their limit, displaying abilities that transcended their previous boundaries:
- Benimaru's flames turned blue-white with heat, melting orc weapons before they could swing
- Shion's chaotic strength increased exponentially, her blade cleaving through dozens of enemies with each swing
- Ranga moved like living lightning, his pack following in perfect coordination
- Hakurou seemed to be everywhere at once, his age forgotten as he outmaneuvered foes a quarter his age
The battle reached its climax at midday, when the Orc Lord, having consumed enough subordinates to grow to three times his original size, broke through Tempest's main defensive line. Hobgoblins scattered before his unstoppable advance, and even Benimaru's flames seemed to wash harmlessly over the creature's regenerating flesh.
"He bears the Starved One's blessing," Aeternus called to Rimuru across the battlefield. "A concept that cannot be defeated by conventional means."
"Then we use unconventional means," Rimuru replied, his slime form rippling with determination.
What followed was a coordinated attack that showcased the perfect synchronization that had developed between the two leaders:
First, Rimuru used his Water Manipulation to create a sphere of high-pressure water around the Orc Lord, momentarily restricting his movements.
"Containment established," Rimuru called out.
Aeternus nodded, then raised their hand. The air above them shimmered, and a spiral-shaped sword of rainbow light materialized—more developed than any Noble Phantasm they had yet manifested.
"**Caladbolg: The Spiral Rainbow**," Aeternus intoned, grasping the weapon. With a single fluid motion, they drove the sword into the ground before them.
Reality fractured along the path between Aeternus and the Orc Lord. The very fabric of space-time distorted, creating a tunnel of slowed time that trapped the Orc Lord in a field where seconds stretched into minutes.
"Your hunger is borrowed power," Aeternus declared, their voice resonating with growing authority as they approached the time-locked monster. "True strength comes from within—something you never understood, puppet."
The Orc Lord roared, struggling against the temporal distortion, but found himself unable to break free. His movements became increasingly sluggish as Caladbolg's effect intensified.
"Now, Rimuru," Aeternus called. "Before the distortion collapses!"
Rimuru didn't hesitate. Marshaling the full power of Predator, he expanded his slime form to engulf the massive Orc Lord completely. Within the isolation of his specialized stomach, Rimuru began the process of analyzing and breaking down the creature's essence—not merely consuming its flesh but its abilities, its knowledge, and the conceptual curse that drove its endless hunger.
*«Warning,»* Great Sage cautioned within Rimuru's consciousness. *«Target possesses conceptual corruption. Complete absorption may cause contamination.»*
"I'm aware," Rimuru replied internally. "But we can't let this threat continue."
As Rimuru struggled with the consuming process, Aeternus approached, placing a hand on the surface of Rimuru's expanded form. Golden light radiated from their palm, spreading throughout Rimuru's body.
"Accept this: **Conceptual Filtration**," Aeternus spoke softly. "It will separate the corruption from the power."
Within his being, Rimuru felt a change—the hostile, corrupting aspects of the Orc Lord's abilities began to separate from the raw power and knowledge, allowing him to safely absorb what was beneficial while neutralizing what was harmful.
When the process completed, Rimuru contracted back to his normal size, his blue slime body temporarily shot through with veins of gold—the visible manifestation of Aeternus's assistance merging with his own evolution.
The remaining orcs, witnessing their lord's defeat, laid down their weapons and prostrated themselves before the victorious leaders of Tempest. The battle was over.
### Chapter 5: Mercy and Meaning
In the aftermath of victory, Aeternus and Rimuru faced their first major policy decision: what to do with the surrendered orc army. Many of Tempest's commanders, particularly Benimaru, advocated for harsh measures.
"They would have consumed us all without hesitation," the ogre argued during the council meeting held that evening. "Strategic wisdom suggests eliminating the threat entirely."
Shion nodded in fierce agreement. "They cannot be trusted. Lord Rimuru, allow me to execute their remaining leaders at minimum."
The council chamber, hastily repaired after the battle, buzzed with similar sentiments. The defenders of Tempest, having lost friends and comrades during the three-day conflict, were understandably inclined toward retribution.
Rimuru listened to all arguments patiently, his slime form unreadable. When the voices finally quieted, all eyes turned to him expectantly.
"What do you think, Aeternus?" he asked, surprising many who had expected an immediate decision.
Aeternus stood at the window, gazing out at the fields where the surrendered orcs were being held under guard. Their form seemed more substantial somehow, their previously ethereal presence solidifying as they progressed along their evolutionary path.
"There are countless paths before us," they said without turning. "In some, we slaughter them all and gain immediate security but plant seeds of future conflict. In others, we integrate them and face immediate challenges but gain long-term strength." They turned to face the council. "The question is not what to do with the orcs, but what kind of nation Tempest will become."
The chamber fell silent as the implications of these words sank in.
"What would you choose?" Rimuru pressed.
"Mercy," Aeternus replied without hesitation. "Not from weakness, but from strength. True power lies not in the ability to destroy, but in the choice to preserve."
Rimuru was quiet for a moment, then nodded decisively. "The orcs will be integrated into Tempest. Those who wish to leave peacefully may do so, but any who stay will become citizens with full rights and responsibilities."
Benimaru's flames flickered with suppressed disagreement, but he bowed to Rimuru's authority. "As you command, Lord Rimuru. But I recommend strict oversight until their loyalty is proven."
"Agreed," Rimuru said. "Souei, establish a monitoring system. Hakurou, develop an integration program. Shuna, assess their needs for food and shelter." He paused. "And Shion... no unauthorized executions. That's an order."
The violet-haired ogre pouted but nodded her acceptance.
When the council dispersed, Rimuru and Aeternus walked together through the battle-scarred settlement, surveying the damage and observing the reconstruction efforts already underway.
"Was that the right decision?" Rimuru asked quietly. "I'm still new to this whole 'nation-building' thing."
Aeternus smiled—a genuine expression that transformed their perfect features into something almost approachable. "There is no single 'right' path in governance. There are only choices and consequences. But for what it's worth, I believe you've set Tempest on a course toward greatness rather than mere power."
"Is there a difference?" Rimuru asked, watching as a group of hobgoblins worked alongside several cautious orcs to repair a damaged building.
"The greatest," Aeternus replied. "Power can be taken. Greatness must be earned."
Over the following weeks, the decision proved its wisdom. The integrated orcs, their insatiable hunger managed through sustainable farming techniques developed by Rigurd and his administrative team, became valuable citizens of Tempest. Their physical strength made them exceptional builders and defenders, while their gratitude for mercy fostered fierce loyalty to the nation that had spared them.
The battle and its aftermath transformed Tempest's standing in the region. Rumors spread of a slime who commanded the loyalty of ogres, goblins, wolves, and now orcs. Some called him the "Great Beast Tamer." Others, who had glimpsed Aeternus during the conflict, whispered of "The King's Shadow" or "The Golden Sentinel" who stood beside the slime lord.
Each of Rimuru's guardians found their roles expanding in the growing nation:
- Benimaru became Commander of Tempest's military forces, his authority second only to Rimuru himself
- Shion, despite her infamous cooking, took pride in her position as Rimuru's personal bodyguard
- Shuna established herself as the cultural heart of Tempest, bringing beauty and refinement to the evolving nation
- Souei built an intelligence network that extended throughout the Jura Forest
- Hakurou founded a martial academy where Tempest's defenders learned the arts of war
- Rigurd served as Prime Minister, handling the day-to-day administration with dignity and wisdom
- Ranga and his pack became Tempest's rapid response force, able to reach any border within minutes
By the time envoys from the Forest Alliance arrived to investigate the sudden change in the forest's power balance, Tempest had established itself as a functioning nation with agriculture, trade, and military might that could no longer be ignored.
The arrival of these envoys, led by the treant Treyni, marked Tempest's first formal diplomatic engagement with established powers of the region. When they were escorted into the newly constructed reception hall, they found Rimuru seated on a modest throne, with Aeternus standing slightly behind and to his right—present but deliberately positioning himself as advisor rather than co-ruler.
"We come seeking understanding," Treyni announced, her wooden features betraying surprise at finding a mere slime in a position of such obvious authority. "The forest has felt great power flowing from this region—power that disturbs the natural balance."
"Tempest seeks harmony, not dominance," Rimuru replied smoothly. "The recent conflict was not of our making, but we resolved it as peacefully as circumstances allowed."
Treyni's gaze shifted to Aeternus, her ancient eyes narrowing slightly. "And what of the other power we sense? The one that stands beside you yet exists partially beyond our perception?"
Before Rimuru could answer, Aeternus stepped forward, inclining their head in respectful acknowledgment of the treant's perceptiveness.
"I am Aeternus," they said simply. "An ally of Tempest and advisor to Lord Rimuru."
"You are more than that," Treyni replied, a hint of apprehension in her wooden voice. "The forest spirits whisper of golden light and reality bent like grass in strong wind. They speak of stars in your eyes and time flowing differently in your presence."
Aeternus smiled faintly. "The spirits are observant, but need not fear. My journey intersects with Tempest's growth, but threatens no natural order that deserves preservation."
The carefully chosen words did not escape Treyni's notice. "And orders that do not 'deserve preservation'?"
"Will change," Aeternus stated simply. "As all things must."
The tension in the hall was palpable. Benimaru's hand drifted toward his sword, while Shion positioned herself more protectively near Rimuru. The other envoys from the Forest Alliance shifted uncomfortably, sensing they were in the presence of something beyond their understanding.
Rimuru, ever the diplomat, intervened smoothly. "What Aeternus means is that Tempest represents positive change—a place where different species can live together in peace. We have no intention of disrupting the forest's balance, only enhancing it through cooperation."
Treyni considered this, then nodded slowly. "Indeed, the spirits also speak of mercy shown to defeated enemies, of healing freely given, of protection extended to the weak. These are not the actions of conquerors."
"Then perhaps we can discuss formal relations between Tempest and the Forest Alliance?" Rimuru suggested.
The remainder of the meeting proceeded more amicably, establishing the groundwork for future cooperation. When the envoys departed, Treyni lingered briefly, addressing Aeternus directly.
"The path you walk shadows the world in ways my eyes cannot fully perceive," she said quietly. "But I have lived long enough to recognize when destinies intertwine for purpose. Watch over this slime lord, Star-Eyed One. He may yet surprise even you."
Aeternus inclined their head, a gesture somehow both respectful and sovereign. "Of that, wise treant, I have no doubt."
As Aeternus approached Level 30, subtle changes manifested in their abilities. Their weapons now carried trace elements of causality manipulation, and when they performed demonstrations for training purposes, the very laws of physics seemed to bend slightly in their presence. Yet they continued to restrain their growth, focusing on building Tempest's strength rather than accelerating their own evolution.
"There is no hurry to reach my potential," they explained to a curious Rimuru during one of their evening walks, now a regular habit. "True godhood is not about power, but understanding. Each step in this nation's growth teaches me something about creation itself."
"And what have you learned so far?" Rimuru asked, genuinely interested in Aeternus's perspective.
Aeternus considered the question as they gazed at the expanding borders of Tempest—new buildings rising, fields being cultivated, monsters of various species working together in harmony.
"That potential exists in unexpected places," they finally answered, their cosmic eyes reflecting the twin moons overhead. "That mercy can be stronger than might. That a single choice—like your decision to spare the orcs—can redirect the flow of fate itself." They turned to Rimuru, their expression unusually open. "And that companionship has value beyond tactical advantage."
Rimuru stared, momentarily speechless at what seemed to be a personal admission from the typically reserved cosmic entity.
"Are you saying you consider us... friends?" he ventured cautiously.
"I am saying," Aeternus replied with gentle precision, "that in all the countless paths my evolution might have taken, I am... satisfied with the one that led me here."
Coming from Aeternus, it was perhaps the closest thing to a declaration of friendship Rimuru could have hoped for.
---
## ACT II: DIVINE INTERVENTION AND HUMAN AMBITION (Aeternus Level 30-45)
### Chapter 6: The Holy Knight's Arrival
News of a monster nation led by a slime, protected by a being of immeasurable power, eventually reached the Holy Empire of Ruberios. The Western Holy Church viewed Tempest's rapid rise with alarm, particularly the rumors of a silver-haired entity whose mere presence caused divine instruments to resonate in warning.
Hinata Sakaguchi, the Church's most powerful Holy Knight, was dispatched with a clear mandate: assess the threat of Tempest, eliminate Rimuru if possible, and determine the nature of the entity called "The Golden Sentinel."
Unlike a straightforward ambush, her approach was more calculated. Recognizing the potential danger, she arrived with a formal delegation, requesting an official audience while secretly planning to strike if necessary.
Tempest had changed dramatically in the months since the Orc Lord's defeat. Proper buildings now stood where crude shelters had once been. Streets were paved, markets bustled with activity, and a protective wall encircled the central settlement. Monster citizens of various species went about their daily business with purpose and relative harmony.
The holy delegation was escorted through these orderly streets by an honor guard led by Benimaru, whose barely concealed contempt for the human visitors manifested as occasional wisps of flame from his fingertips.
"You seem uncomfortable in our presence, Commander," Hinata observed coolly as they approached the central administrative building.
"I have fought humans who believed all monsters should be exterminated," Benimaru replied without looking at her. "Forgive me if I remain cautious around representatives of an organization known for such views."
"The Holy Church pursues balance, not extermination," Hinata countered smoothly. "Monsters who stay within their natural domains are left in peace. It is only when the natural order is disrupted that we intervene."
"And who determines this 'natural order'?" Benimaru asked, finally turning to face her directly. "The same humans who claim dominion over lands they barely understand?"
Before Hinata could respond, they arrived at the Grand Hall—a recently completed structure that served as Tempest's administrative center and formal reception area.
The meeting in Tempest's newly constructed Grand Hall became a pivotal moment in the nation's history:
Rimuru, diplomatically cordial, welcomed the delegation with appropriate ceremony. His guardians positioned strategically: Benimaru and Shion flanking his modest throne, Souei hidden in the shadows, Hakurou appearing as nothing more than an elderly advisor. Aeternus, normally content to remain in the background, chose to sit visibly on a simple throne of crystalline material beside Rimuru's more elaborate seat.
Hinata's first sight of Rimuru surprised her, though she masked it well. Despite the rumors of a monstrous slime lord, she faced what appeared to be a young human male with blue hair and golden eyes. Only the faint translucency of his form betrayed his true nature.
"Welcome to Tempest," Rimuru greeted them cordially. "I trust your journey was comfortable?"
"Adequate," Hinata replied tersely, her gaze already shifting to the silver-haired figure beside Rimuru.
The moment her eyes met Aeternus's cosmic gaze, she felt a profound disorientation—as though she were suddenly standing on the edge of an infinite abyss that looked back into her very soul. The holy sword at her hip vibrated in warning, its enchanted blade recognizing something beyond its comprehension.
"You harbor significant killing intent for a diplomatic envoy," Aeternus observed casually, their eyes reflecting light that wasn't present in the room.
Hinata, trained to detect falsehood and evil, found herself unable to read Aeternus at all—it was like trying to comprehend the intention of a mountain or the purpose of a star.
"I come to determine whether the rumors of a monster nation led by a former human represents a threat to humanity," she responded, hand resting near her sword.
"And what have you determined, Holy Knight?" Rimuru asked.
"That you are indeed the Japanese salaryman Satoru Mikami, somehow reincarnated," she stated coldly. "Your existence violates natural law."
Before Rimuru could respond, Aeternus laughed—a sound like distant bells that made the air vibrate with harmonic overtones.
"You speak of natural law to me?" they said, rising with fluid grace. "Interesting perspective from one who channels divine energy through artificial constructs."
The calculated precision of this observation visibly startled Hinata. Her holy weapons and artifacts were indeed artificial conduits for divine power—a fact few outside the Church's inner circle fully understood. That this being could identify this at a glance spoke volumes about their perceptive abilities.
Provoked and sensing what she believed was an opening to fulfill her true mission, Hinata drew her blade with supernatural speed and launched a Disintegration attack directly at Rimuru. "Judgment has been passed!"
The events that followed happened too quickly for most observers to process:
Shion moved to intercept, but even her incredible speed wasn't sufficient. Aeternus moved with impossible fluidity, interposing themselves between Rimuru and the attack. Rather than blocking it, they allowed the disintegration magic to connect—then systematically reversed its effects through localized causality manipulation, a power they had only recently begun to manifest.
"An interesting technique," they commented as the deadly magic dissolved harmlessly around them. "But fundamentally flawed in its conception."
Hinata's eyes widened in genuine shock. The Disintegration attack was one of the Church's most potent holy techniques, capable of erasing monsters from existence at the conceptual level. To see it not merely blocked but unraveled was beyond her experience.
"What are you?" she demanded, falling back into a defensive stance.
"A question you should have asked before attacking," Aeternus replied calmly.
Hinata, undeterred by the failure of her first strike, unleashed her full arsenal: Multiple Disintegration strikes, Holy Severance barriers, and finally her ultimate technique—Melt Slash, designed to separate the soul from the body.
What followed was not the one-sided battle she had anticipated, but a genuine test of skill that forced all of Tempest's guardians to coordinate perfectly:
- Rimuru provided tactical analysis through Great Sage while deploying water shields and barriers
- Benimaru and Shion created diversions, forcing Hinata to divide her attention
- Souei attempted to bind her movements with shadow techniques
- Hakurou analyzed her fighting style, identifying critical weaknesses
- Aeternus engaged Hinata directly, manifesting multiple lower-tier Noble Phantasms that tested her limits
The battle destroyed much of the audience chamber as divine energy clashed with mythic power and monster abilities.
During a momentary pause in the conflict, as Hinata prepared another attack sequence, Rimuru addressed her directly.
"This is pointless," he said firmly. "You came here with preconceptions and attacked without provocation. Is this the justice your Church represents?"
"Silence, monster," Hinata snapped, though uncertainty had begun to creep into her voice. The defenders of Tempest fought with coordination and restraint she hadn't expected—aiming to disable rather than kill her companions, protecting each other rather than seeking individual glory.
"Look around you," Rimuru pressed. "Do you see chaos? Evil? Or do you see a community defending itself against unprovoked aggression?"
Hinata's gaze darted around the chamber, taking in the defenders who now surrounded her. The restraint they showed despite her attacks unsettled her disciplined mind.
"It changes nothing," she declared, though with less conviction. "Your very existence disrupts the natural order."
"And what exactly is this natural order you defend so zealously?" Aeternus asked, stepping forward with hands empty of weapons. "Is it truly divine mandate, or merely the comfortable status quo that keeps power in familiar hands?"
The question struck deeper than Hinata would admit. Before she could formulate a response, she prepared her final attack—Melt Slash, the holy technique designed to separate soul from body, a fatal blow against any being.
As she launched the attack toward Rimuru, Aeternus countered with a newly manifested ability: **Myth-Thread Severance**, a technique that temporarily cut the connection between Hinata and her divine blessing.
The effect was immediate and shocking. For the first time since receiving her holy powers as a child, Hinata felt... ordinary. The divine energy that had flowed through her veins since initiation abruptly vanished, leaving her momentarily stumbling in disorientation.
In that moment of vulnerability, Rimuru encased her in an unbreakable water prison, ending the conflict.
"Kill me and be done with it," Hinata said bitterly, floating suspended in the water sphere that perfectly regulated her ability to breathe while preventing movement. "The Church will send others."
"Why would we kill you?" Rimuru asked, genuine confusion in his voice. "That would only prove the preconceptions you came here with."
"Then what? Torture? Imprisonment?" she demanded.
Aeternus approached the sphere, their cosmic eyes studying her with something approaching curiosity. "Education," they said simply.
### Chapter 7: Perspectives and Paradigms
Rather than execution or imprisonment, Rimuru and Aeternus took an unexpected approach with their captured opponent: education.
For seven days, Hinata remained in Tempest as a "guest," her movements restricted but not entirely constrained. Each day, she was escorted by different members of Tempest's leadership to observe various aspects of the nation's functioning.
On the first day, Rigurd guided her through the administrative district, showing her the systems of governance that maintained order among diverse monster species.
"How do you resolve disputes between different species?" Hinata asked, genuinely curious despite herself. "Monsters typically establish dominance through combat."
"We have established a council system," Rigurd explained, his evolved hobgoblin features arranged in an expression of dignity. "Representatives from each species meet regularly to address concerns. Lord Rimuru only intervenes in matters of security or when consensus cannot be reached."
"And this actually works?" Hinata pressed skeptically.
Rigurd smiled wryly. "Not perfectly. But better with each passing month. We learn from our mistakes rather than repeating them—a concept some human nations might benefit from studying."
The subtle rebuke was not lost on Hinata, who fell silent for the remainder of that day's tour.
On the second day, Benimaru showed her the military training grounds, where monster troops practiced defensive formations rather than aggressive tactics.
"Your soldiers train for defense, not conquest," she observed, watching as hobgoblin units practiced coordinated shield walls.
"Lord Rimuru believes the best victory is the battle never fought," Benimaru replied. "We prepare for war precisely so we can maintain peace."
"A convenient philosophy for a nation not yet strong enough to expand," Hinata countered.
Benimaru's eyes flashed with momentary flame. "We could have eliminated the orc army to the last child. Instead, they are now citizens. We could have executed you and your companions for your unprovoked attack. Instead, you receive a tour." He fixed her with a steady gaze. "Do not mistake restraint for weakness, Holy Knight."
On the third day, Shuna guided her through the residential districts, where she witnessed monster and human families living side by side in apparent harmony.
"These humans choose to live among monsters?" Hinata asked, watching human children playing with goblin youths in a community square.
"They were refugees from villages destroyed by the Orc Lord," Shuna explained. "When no human nation would accept them, Tempest offered sanctuary without conditions. Many chose to stay even after rebuilding efforts made return possible."
Hinata frowned, this information challenging her established worldview. "The Church teaches that prolonged exposure to monster auras corrupts human souls."
Shuna smiled gently. "Perhaps you should ask them yourself if they feel corrupted."
When Hinata did so, speaking to several human residents, their answers universally expressed gratitude and contentment. A middle-aged farmer summed up the sentiment: "I lost everything to monsters, then found a new home among them. The Church never came to save my family, but a slime did. Which should command my loyalty?"
On the fourth day, she observed Hakurou teaching combat techniques to monster and human children alike, emphasizing discipline and restraint rather than lethal efficiency.
"You teach monsters to fight alongside humans?" she questioned the elderly swordmaster.
"I teach all who wish to learn," Hakurou corrected her. "The blade cares not for the hand that wields it, only the spirit behind the motion."
"And when these monster children grow into their full power? Will humans still stand equal then?"
Hakurou's weathered face creased in a smile. "You still think in terms of species rather than individuals. That young ogre girl struggles with focus. The human boy beside her has natural talent but lacks discipline. Each has strengths and weaknesses that have nothing to do with their birth."
On the fifth day, she was permitted to observe Souei's intelligence operations, where information flowed in from networks extending throughout the Jura Forest and beyond.
"You monitor human settlements," she noted, seeing reports from nearby human towns.
"We monitor all potential threats and opportunities," Souei corrected. "Human, monster, or otherwise. Knowledge is security."
"And when you identify a threat?"
"We assess, inform Lord Rimuru, and prepare contingencies," Souei replied with characteristic precision. "Preemptive action is authorized only in cases of imminent danger to Tempest citizens."
On the sixth day, she accompanied Shion on patrol along Tempest's borders, witnessing firsthand the security measures that protected the nation.
"You're wasted as a bodyguard," Hinata commented after observing Shion effortlessly dispatch a rampaging bear monster that had wandered too close to an outlying farm. "With your strength, you could command armies."
"I serve where Lord Rimuru needs me most," Shion replied simply. "There is no greater honor."
"Such loyalty to a slime," Hinata mused. "I wonder what inspires it."
Shion studied her for a moment, then spoke with uncharacteristic thoughtfulness. "Before Lord Rimuru, I had strength but no purpose. I could destroy but not build. He saw more in me than a weapon." Her violet eyes fixed on Hinata with sudden intensity. "Does your Church see you as more than a sword, Holy Knight?"
The question lingered uncomfortably in Hinata's mind long after that day's tour ended.
On the seventh day, Hinata was permitted to observe Aeternus as they trained Tempest's defenders, demonstrating methods focused on bringing out their natural potential rather than imposing artificial power.
"Your approach is... different than I expected," she admitted, watching as Aeternus guided a young hobgoblin through a complex series of movements.
"How so?" they asked without interrupting their instruction.
"The Church teaches that monsters gain power through corruption and consumption. Yet you seem to be helping them evolve through... refinement."
Aeternus nodded approvingly at the hobgoblin's progress, then turned their cosmic gaze to Hinata. "Your Church teaches that monsters are abominations and humans are the chosen of the divine," they stated calmly. "Yet I, who have witnessed the birth and death of countless pantheons, see no fundamental difference between them. Potential exists in all forms—it merely expresses differently."
The casual mention of witnessing the birth and death of pantheons sent a chill through Hinata. If true, it placed this being far beyond her understanding of divine hierarchies.
"And what of souls?" she challenged. "The Church teaches that monsters possess corrupted souls incapable of true salvation."
"An interesting theory," Aeternus replied with mild amusement. "Tell me, Holy Knight, have you ever actually observed a soul—monster or human—with your own perception rather than through the doctrines you've been taught?"
The question struck Hinata speechless. In truth, she had not. Her entire understanding of spiritual matters came from Church teachings, never from direct observation.
Aeternus continued: "Consider this: if your doctrine is correct and monster souls are irredeemably corrupted, why would your god create them at all? Is your deity so imperfect as to spawn abominations, or so cruel as to create beings incapable of redemption?"
The theological implications disturbed Hinata deeply. She had never considered this perspective, and found herself without a ready answer.
That evening, during a private dinner with Rimuru and Aeternus, Hinata finally asked the question that had been burning within her since her capture.
"What are you?" she demanded of Aeternus, setting down her utensils with deliberate control. "You're neither monster nor human, neither demon nor true divine."
Aeternus smiled enigmatically. "I am becoming. Just as this nation is becoming. Just as you, Hinata Sakaguchi, are becoming something more than the Church's sword."
"That's not an answer," she pressed.
"It is the only answer currently meaningful to you," Aeternus replied. "Complete understanding would require context you do not yet possess."
Rimuru intervened with his characteristic diplomacy. "What Aeternus means is that some questions have answers that unfold over time rather than being delivered in a single explanation."
Hinata frowned, still dissatisfied. "And why keep me alive? By now you must realize I was sent to eliminate you."
"Because killing you would only reinforce the Church's misconceptions," Rimuru explained. "And because everyone deserves the opportunity to see beyond their conditioning."
"You believe you can convert me?" Hinata asked incredulously.
"I believe you are intelligent enough to form your own conclusions when presented with evidence that contradicts your teachings," Rimuru replied simply.
The honesty of this answer affected Hinata more than she cared to admit. For seven days, she had been treated not as an enemy but as an honored guest being shown the truth of a situation—a courtesy she knew would not have been extended to a monster prisoner of the Church.
When she eventually departed on the eighth day, Hinata carried not just a formal non-aggression pact between Tempest and the Western Church, but also the seeds of doubt about her lifelong beliefs—doubts that would eventually transform her into a crucial ally during the events to come.
As she mounted her horse to leave, Aeternus approached her one final time.
"Your path has forever changed through this encounter," they observed. "But do not mistake uncertainty for weakness. Questions can be stronger than dogma, if you have the courage to pursue their answers."
Hinata met their cosmic gaze directly for the first time without flinching. "We'll meet again," she stated—not a threat but a certainty.
Aeternus inclined their head slightly. "Indeed. Under very different circumstances than either of us might predict."
As Hinata and her subdued delegation departed, Rimuru stood beside Aeternus, watching until they disappeared into the forest.
"Do you think we've prevented conflict with the Church?" Rimuru asked hopefully.
"No," Aeternus replied with blunt honesty. "But we have planted seeds that will bear fruit when conflict becomes inevitable. Hinata Sakaguchi will remember what she has witnessed here when others attempt to twist the truth."
### Chapter 8