Chapter Text
The Royal Palace of Asura breathed power in a way that was almost tangible, as if every stone, every column, and every corridor had been designed not merely to house royalty, but to remind anyone who crossed its gates that the most prosperous and influential kingdom in the human world resided there. It was not only the polished marble that covered the endless hallways, nor the solemn gleam of the enormous columns decorated with gold leaf, nor the tapestries that recounted centuries of conquest. It was something denser and more carefully cultivated: an atmosphere where every servant walked in absolute silence, every guard kept his back straight, and every word spoken within those walls seemed to have been weighed before leaving the mouth.
At the heart of the palace, behind several reinforced oak doors and guarded with zeal, stood the Strategy Room. The immense chamber had been designed for decisions capable of altering the fate of entire nations. At its center rested a huge map of the Central Continent, carved directly into a stone table, upon which small pieces marked fortresses, trade routes, military outposts, and disputed borders. Gathered around it was the kingdom's elite: high ministers, generals, and nobles of high rank.
Beside the enormous entrance door stood motionless a giant with dark skin and monstrous musculature, so imposing that he seemed part of the architecture itself. His arms, thick as tree trunks, rested crossed in absolute stillness. He was Doga, the Gate Guardian, a man whose overwhelming strength and unwavering loyalty preceded him throughout the palace. A few steps away stood another warrior of formidable stature, red-haired and clad in heavy armor designed to withstand the impact of an entire war: Sylvester Ifrit, known as the King's Wall. His expression remained serene as he observed the map with stone-like calm.
Suddenly, the massive double doors swung open wide.
A messenger hurried in, his face pale from urgency and the exhaustion of having raced through the corridors at full speed. He immediately knelt before the table, bowing his head with the strict formality required.
"I bring two urgent reports for His Majes...!" he began, cutting himself off mid-sentence as he quickly corrected himself under the council's gaze. "...For the Royal Council."
One of the ministers, a man with a sharp face and cold eyes, made a curt gesture with his hand.
"Speak. Without delay."
The messenger took a deep breath, unfolded the first scroll, and in a firm but tense voice began his report.
"From the mountainous region to the north, in the Red Range. Several border patrols report an unprecedented magical phenomenon."
Several generals changed posture at once. The messenger did not need to explain the danger: since the Fittoa Teleportation Incident, any large-scale magical anomaly in Asura was treated as a national-level threat.
The messenger spread a sketch hurriedly made by the scouts across the stone table. As soon as the drawing was exposed, a murmur of discomfort rippled through the chamber. Where a prominent mountain peak should have stood, there was now only a vast scar torn open in the earth. The lines were crude, but they clearly conveyed the scale of the disaster: an entire section of the western slope had simply vanished.
"The western slope was... completely evaporated," the messenger swallowed before continuing. "There are no traces of a conventional explosion or debris. The rock shows signs of having been instantly melted, and several kilometers around it remain scorched. No vegetation or fauna survived. The mages sent to inspect the perimeter took multiple measurements."
He paused briefly, overwhelmed by his own words.
"Their preliminary conclusion is that the spell used was, at minimum, Emperor-level offensive magic."
A heavy silence filled the room. No one moved for several seconds. One of the ministers slowly shook his head, rejecting the mere idea that such power had been unleashed near their borders.
"Emperor-level...?"
"The head of the investigation team adds one more observation," the messenger continued immediately. "Due to the mass of altered terrain and the lack of channeling residue, there is a possibility that the power released exceeded that scale. Some specialists believe it could have been God-level magic."
The room fell into absolute stillness. The mere mention of God-level magic suggested the presence of an entity capable of altering the world's geography at will.
Sylvester Ifrit was the first to break the tension. His deep, cavernous voice echoed against the stone walls:
"Did they find the culprit?"
"No, sir. At the epicenter, only charred remains belonging to two Red Dragons were found."
Beside him, Doga moved his massive shoulders slightly. The giant, who rarely intervened in political discussions, spoke in his slow, deep tone, making the air itself seem to vibrate:
"Someone... who uses Emperor magic... and kills two Red Dragons together... Could be one of the Seven Great Powers."
Doga's words fell like an anvil upon those present. A clash between the Seven Great Powers within or near Asura's territory was the worst possible geopolitical scenario.
The messenger waited for the murmurs to die down before proceeding, adjusting the second document in his hands.
"The second report comes from the northern border post. The commander reports an incident that occurred approximately two weeks ago. A small group of travelers entered from the Kingdom of Ranoa. Nothing remarkable at first... until a group of local criminals attempted to rob them nearby."
The sharp-faced minister made an impatient gesture.
"And? Does a common robbery warrant this Council's attention?"
"There were no injuries among the travelers, sir... But one of them demonstrated the ability to materialize the figure of a gigantic dragon. The report suggests the use of extremely high-level illusion magic to intimidate the attackers."
The messenger quickly scanned the final lines of the document.
"The commander proceeded to question the group afterward. The individual responsible for the incident is a young man with light blue hair and an androgynous appearance. Registered name: Rimuru."
This time, the silence was not one of panic, but of confusion and analysis. The messenger concluded the reading in one breath:
"He was traveling with a King-rank Water Mage... a demon of the migurd race named Roxy Migurdia, and a young woman from the beastfolk tribe."
In the bustling central market of the city, we found ourselves surrounded by the everyday noise of merchants shouting their wares over the constant flow of passersby.
Roxy walked beside me, carefully inspecting the stalls of ingredients and magical supplies, looking for a few basic components she needed to replenish her travel bag before continuing on.
The guild receptionist had recommended that particular area, mentioning that the prices were usually far more reasonable than in the main shops of the noble district.
I picked up a small red apple from one of the wooden crates, weighing it gently in my hand before paying the merchant the appropriate amount.
"Well... this should be enough for the road."
It wasn't an extravagant purchase, especially considering the funds we still had from previous jobs, but it was always wise to keep supplies up to date.
In the end, preventing unpleasant surprises on the road remained the golden rule for any prudent traveler.
Beside me, Roxy tucked a couple of glass vials into her robe with a small sigh of relief.
She seemed genuinely pleased to have found what she was looking for without having to haggle for hours.
"Finding herbs of good quality at this price isn't common, so this was lucky."
Pursena, who walked behind us with her hands in her pockets and an expression of absolute boredom, let out a tired huff.
"I still think we should've gone straight to a meat stall instead of wasting time looking at plants."
I turned my head slightly toward her, not fully understanding her eternal fixation.
"You ate just two hours ago."
I replied with complete naturalness, remembering the enormous portion she had served herself at lunch.
The beastfolk girl frowned even harder, as if the logic of my answer were a personal insult.
"That doesn't change the fact that I'm still hungry."
Before I could respond to her argument, a dry gust of wind blew in from the side alley, bringing with it a thick cloud of accumulated dust.
An extremely strange tickle began forming in my nose and, before I could stop it, another spasm shook my torso.
"...Hm?"
The next instant, the sound rang out loudly in the middle of the street.
"Achoo!"
I awkwardly rubbed my face with my sleeve, quite bewildered by the event.
Seriously again? Does a body made of slime really need to react like this to ambient dust???
It wasn't something I could consciously control, so I just floated mentally over the paradox for a couple of seconds.
Roxy stopped beside me and looked at me with a hint of concern in her eyes.
"Are you really all right? That's the second one in less than an hour."
I nodded slowly, trying to downplay it.
"Yes... don't worry, it was just the dust."
Finally, adjusting the scarf around my neck with a resigned sigh, I spoke aloud.
"Mm? At this rate I'm going to end up thinking there's a whole committee discussing me."
Pursena tilted her head indifferently while chewing on a piece of dried meat she had pulled from nowhere.
"Does that mean you're catching a cold?"
I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye for a moment.
"Slimes don't catch colds, Pursena."
Roxy let out a light giggle as she resumed walking.
"In that case, let's hope whoever is saying your name is saying nice things."
—-----------------
The main street of the capital's noble district breathed excessive luxury, with buildings of impeccable architecture and passersby dressed in fabrics that cost more than a common adventurer earned in an entire year.
Pursena stopped abruptly in front of a white marble façade decorated with golden details and a wide window, from which came a delicious aroma of roasted meat with exotic spices.
Her dog ears twitched with excitement as she pointed at the entrance with absolute determination.
"That one. My instincts say they serve the best food in the whole city there."
I turned my head slightly toward her, observing the elaborate sign and the two heavily armed knights guarding the main door in rigid postures.
"That place looks ridiculously expensive, Pursena."
I replied with complete naturalness, glancing at the clothing of the customers crossing the threshold.
The beastfolk frowned, crossing her arms in indignation.
"That doesn't change the fact that my stomach demands high-quality meat right now."
Without waiting for our response, she strode up the entrance steps, ready to walk through the door as if the restaurant belonged to her.
However, before she could take three steps into the foyer, the two private guards crossed their spears in the air, blocking her path decisively.
The man on the left looked her up and down with disdainful coldness, adjusting his stance arrogantly.
"Stop right there, beast. This establishment is reserved exclusively for nobility and distinguished citizens of the kingdom. Your kind is not allowed inside."
Pursena's face twisted in an instant mixture of fury and disbelief. Her ears flattened against her head and she bared her fangs with a threatening growl.
"Who are you calling 'your kind,' you piece of scrap metal?! I have enough money to pay for the whole menu if I feel like it!"
Roxy stepped forward, trying to intervene diplomatically, raising her hands calmly.
"Please, excuse us. We are willing to pay the full fee in advance if necessary..."
The guard on the right simply shook his head, maintaining a completely impassive expression.
"It's not a matter of money, mage. The establishment's rules regarding demi-humans are clear. I suggest you leave before we have to throw you out by force."
That final warning completely shattered Pursena's remaining restraint. The girl puffed out her chest, stomped her foot against the stone floor, making the entrance echo, and pointed at the guard with her index finger, overflowing with outrageous ego.
"You're going to regret this! Don't you know who I am?! I'm the great Pursena, and I'm none other than a personal friend and close ally of Ariel Anemoi Asura herself!"
A sudden silence fell over the restaurant entrance.
Pursena held her victorious pose for several seconds, expecting to see panic or hurried apologies from those present.
However, the reaction was not at all what she expected.
Inside the dining hall, several nobles enjoying their drinks barely bothered to turn their heads, letting out dry, mocking chuckles. The two guards at the entrance, for their part, didn't even blink.
The atmosphere turned icy, charged with crushing indifference.
The guard on the left snorted disdainfully, crossing his arms in boredom.
"Ariel...? Ah, you mean the exiled princess who fled north like a coward."
His companion nodded with a mocking grin.
"Mentioning a princess with no throne and no future isn't going to open any doors for you in the capital, girl. It just makes you look more pathetic. Now get lost."
Pursena froze completely, mouth open and ears drooping from the impact of the response.
"E-Exiled...? But she..."
Before the tension could escalate into a physical altercation, a soft, melodic voice interrupted from the sidewalk.
"Well, well... What an unnecessary scandal for such a pleasant afternoon."
From the crowd emerged a mature man of highly peculiar appearance. He wore a purple silk robe embroidered with silver thread that screamed Asuran opulence, but he also wore a curious wide-brimmed hat decorated with a huge exotic bird feather. In his left hand he held a carved wooden cane inlaid with jewels, and on his face he wore a polished, impeccable, rehearsed smile.
He approached at an unhurried pace, exuding the unmistakable aura of a top-tier merchant.
With a fluid motion of his hand, the man completely ignored Roxy and Pursena, as if they did not exist, and fixed his bright eyes directly on me.
"My apologies for the rudeness of these guards, esteemed young man."
He bowed with exaggerated elegance, removing his hat for an instant in an almost reverential greeting.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I own several trade routes in this district. And I must say... it is impossible for someone with my eye for business not to notice the presence of such a fascinating being."
I blinked a couple of times, taken aback by the sudden shameless praise.
"...Huh? Me?"
The merchant stepped closer, clasping his hands together with a radiant smile that bordered on outright flattery.
"Of course! That aura of serenity, that flawless skin, that distinction that transcends any ordinary clothing... It is obvious I stand before a person of extraordinary status. It would be an absolute honor for me to invite you to dine at this establishment as my guest of honor."
He gestured toward the guards at the entrance, who, upon recognizing the wealthy merchant, immediately lowered their spears and stepped aside with submissive bows.
I quickly recovered from my initial confusion, pointing with both hands at my two companions.
"Ah... well, I appreciate it, but I'm not traveling alone. Those two are with me."
The merchant cast a brief sideways glance at the migurd mage and the beast girl, never losing his business smile for even a second.
"Ah, your... companions. Of course, if the young lord insists, I would have no problem extending the invitation to your entire group."
I turned my head toward the girls, noticing that Pursena was still a little thrown off by the earlier humiliation, while Roxy watched the man with cautious suspicion.
"What do you say? It's free food in a nice place."
I told them with a small conciliatory smile, trying to lift the mood.
Roxy thought about it for a couple of seconds, weighing the situation before sighing and nodding slowly.
"If you're sure it's not a bother... I suppose that's fine."
Pursena, for her part, had the spark return to her eyes the moment the word "food" registered in her brain, almost immediately forgetting the previous incident.
"As long as there's meat, I accept."
The merchant widened his smile, extending his arm to guide us into the luxurious establishment.
"Excellent. This way, please, my esteemed sir. I assure you the evening will be entirely to your liking."
The private dining room on the restaurant's second floor was the perfect reflection of Asura's opulent imperial style: walls lined with fine wood, polished crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow, and plush velvet chairs arranged around a round mahogany table.
Spread across the tablecloth was a true banquet. Cuts of magical beast meat finely seared in wine, roasted birds seasoned with southern spices, and crystal glasses filled with a red wine from an exclusive vintage.
Pursena had already devoured half a platter of meat with an almost savage devotion, completely forgetting the bitter taste of the entrance, while Roxy savored a delicate vegetable cream with discreet elegance, maintaining an upright posture but remaining highly vigilant.
The host of the evening occupied the seat across from me. After removing his extravagant feathered hat, he revealed gray hair slicked back with impeccable neatness and well-trimmed sideburns framing a mature face with firm features.
With a graceful motion, he lifted his crystal glass, swirling the ruby liquid before directing a radiant gaze at us.
"My apologies for not introducing myself properly amid the commotion outside," he said in a soft tone, projecting natural sophistication. "My name is Vane Lordian. My family has managed the northern grain and artifact export rights for the crown for three generations."
Vane Lordian...
The surname immediately rang a bell in my mind. Information ingestion, or Roxy's own memories from her readings about Asura's nobility, were enough to recognize it: House Lordian did not belong to the highest aristocracy with ducal titles, but it possessed something often far more dangerous in Asura: a commercial network with immense financial wealth and overwhelming influence over the kingdom's trade routes.
"It's an honor, Lordian-san," I replied with a polite smile, taking a sip of fruit juice from my glass. "I'm Rimuru. And as you already know, they are Roxy and Pursena."
"The honor is entirely mine, esteemed Rimuru-sama," Vane replied, inclining his head slightly. "I must admit the capital is usually a gray and predictable place. Finding someone with such a... singular presence is a true gift for a merchant."
"Singular?" I asked, tilting my head with feigned innocence. "Just because of my appearance?"
Vane let out a deep chuckle, setting his cutlery on the table with extreme delicacy before resting his elbows on the wood. His gray eyes, sharp as a hawk's, locked onto mine with an intelligence that betrayed years of negotiations at the highest level.
"Appearance is only the wrapping, my young sir," he began in a conversational, almost intimate tone. "A good merchant does not survive in Asura by trusting what he sees at first glance. He survives by listening. And in the northern borders... truly fascinating rumors are circulating."
Roxy stopped her spoon halfway to her mouth, her mercury-colored eyes suddenly fixing on the noble. Pursena stopped chewing for a second, her ears perking up as she detected the subtle shift in the atmosphere.
"Rumors?" I prompted, keeping my expression relaxed.
"Indeed," Vane nodded, toying with the stem of his glass. "You see, House Lordian finances several of the checkpoints and messenger stations in the northern mountain ranges. About ten days ago, my agents at the border with Ranoa sent me a rather curious report. They spoke of a minor incident with bandits... and the sudden appearance of the silhouette of a gigantic dragon that shattered the morale of a dozen armed men in the blink of an eye. A magical phenomenon that the local commander recorded as a 'high-level illusion.'"
Vane paused deliberately, letting the words hang in the air before forming a cunning smile.
The table fell into a deathly silence. Roxy placed a hand near her staff resting against the chair, but I gave her a slight gesture with my fingers beneath the table to keep her calm.
"Well now..." I murmured with a small smile. "It seems your contacts are very efficient, Lordian-san."
"In this business, information is the most valuable currency," Vane replied, keeping warmth in his voice. "And the information tells me that the person sitting across from me possesses a strength that could make more than one army in this kingdom tremble, if he so desired."
He leaned back in his seat, folding his hands over his lap with a relaxed but meaningful air.
"That is why I found it an absolute atrocity that the guards at the entrance treated your group with such disrespect. In Asura, many nobles are blinded by lineage or the political disputes of the moment... They forget that true power does not always wear a crown; sometimes it simply walks among us with a calm smile."
Vane's words were not direct, but the message between the lines was crystal clear. He not only knew that I was a being with disproportionate power; he had also registered the mention Pursena made about Ariel at the entrance. For a businessman of his caliber in a kingdom on the brink of a succession crisis, staying on good terms with someone so powerful—and who happened to be traveling with associates of one of the factions in the throne game—was an investment of incalculable value.
He did not need to position himself openly or say the princess's name. He only needed to make sure that, when the chips fell in the future, House Lordian would be on the right side of the balance.
"Anyway," Vane continued, breaking the brief tension with a light laugh and lifting his glass once more. "A wise man always prefers to cultivate the friendship of giants rather than ignore them. I consider myself a wise man, Rimuru-sama. And I hope this dinner is only the beginning of a cordial relationship between us."
I watched the merchant for a second. He was cunning, dangerous in his own way, and manipulative, but he played fair and knew how to recognize the value of his cards.
I formed a genuine smile and reached for my glass.
"I like wise people, Lordian-san. And I must admit the food is excellent."
"It's the best meat I've tasted in months!" Pursena interjected with her mouth half full, causing the remaining tension at the table to vanish completely.
Roxy sighed in resignation, letting out the breath she had been holding, while Vane Lordian gave a sincere laugh, pleased to have successfully closed his most important move of the night.
—-----------------
By the end of the evening, the serving platters had been completely cleared and the light from the crystal chandeliers had begun to dim softly, announcing the arrival of night over the capital.
Pursena was rubbing her stomach with an expression of absolute satisfaction, while Roxy finished adjusting her robe, preparing for us to say our goodbyes and look for a simple inn where we could spend the night.
However, as soon as I stood up, Vane Lordian did the same with surprising agility for his age, raising a gloved hand in a gesture of polite objection.
"Please, Rimuru-sama... You're not thinking of leaving to look for lodging in some ordinary establishment at this hour, are you?"
I turned my head toward him, offering a polite smile.
"Well, we were thinking of finding a quiet inn near the commercial district. We don't need anything too ostentatious."
Vane shook his head firmly, showing a faint expression of disapproval as he took up his carved wooden cane.
"I'm afraid I cannot allow such a thing. It would be an affront to my hospitality to let my distinguished guests stay in some improvised place, especially under the current circumstances."
Roxy frowned slightly, stepping forward with curiosity.
"Current circumstances? Are you referring to the flow of travelers in the city?"
The merchant adjusted the exotic feather in his hat before answering, and for an instant, the warmth on his face was replaced by a shadow of analytical seriousness.
"Much more than that, esteemed mage. The capital right now is a cauldron about to boil over."
Vane took a couple of steps toward the large window of the private dining room, observing the city lights shining beneath the night sky before continuing in a lower tone, heavy with caution.
"The struggle for succession among the imperial princes has reached a critical point. The tension at court is so thick you could cut it with a knife. The factions are moving their pieces in the shadows, the royal guard is patrolling with extreme paranoia, and the city's inns are packed with spies, mercenaries, and opportunists looking for any advantage."
He paused briefly, turning toward us to fix his gray eyes directly on mine.
"A group like yours... with such a striking presence and that unfortunate mention at the entrance this afternoon, will not take long to attract unwanted attention if you stay in a public place. And I assure you that right now, the capital is not a place where one wants to draw the attention of the princes' men."
I see... The dispute over Asura's throne is at its ugliest point.
The merchant's words fit perfectly with the rigid atmosphere we had felt since crossing the city gates.
Vane widened his smile again, recovering his impeccable, helpful tone as he placed a finely crafted brass key on the table.
"I have a private residence in the upper district. A discreet villa, heavily guarded by my trusted staff and completely isolated from the political bustle. I suggest you accept my invitation and use it as your base during your stay. You will have absolute privacy, the best care, and above all, the assurance of not being bothered by anyone."
I turned my gaze toward Roxy and Pursena. The former nodded slowly, recognizing the logic and tactical value of the offer in a turbulent city. The latter, for her part, only heard the words "private residence" and immediately imagined a soft bed and more food.
I smiled, accepting the key from the table.
"In that case, we gladly accept your offer, Lordian-san. Thank you very much for your consideration."
Vane bowed elegantly, pleased to have secured an even firmer bond with us.
"A true pleasure, Rimuru-sama. My personal carriage is waiting downstairs to take you there. I wish you a night of complete rest."
--------------
Vane Lordian's private carriage carried us silently through the cobblestone streets of the Upper District. Unlike the extravagant mansions owned by the traditional nobility, his residence featured an architectural style that felt surprisingly modern by Asuran standards: clean lines of polished stone, wide tempered-glass windows, and a multi-story structure that wouldn't have looked out of place in an elegant residential neighborhood of any major metropolis.
As soon as we stepped through the front entrance, an attentive butler welcomed us and guided us on a brief tour of the estate. The villa was equipped with dimmable magical lighting, polished hardwood floors covered with plush carpets, marble bathrooms supplied with a constant flow of hot water, and balconies overlooking a breathtaking panoramic view of the capital illuminated beneath the evening sky.
Everything about the place exuded understated luxury—modern, elegant, and overwhelmingly comfortable.
"Wow... Now this is something else," Pursena muttered as she threw herself onto one of the sofas in the main lounge without the slightest hint of grace, sinking into the cushions with a blissful sigh.
Roxy, meanwhile, examined the furniture with a mixture of fascination and caution.
"It's an incredible place..." the mage commented, running her fingers along the polished frame of one of the large windows. "Lord Lordian wasn't exaggerating when he said he was offering us the very best he had."
Once the tour was over, the butler politely informed us that each of us had been assigned a private suite on the same floor.
Pursena didn't wait for a second invitation. She sprang off the sofa with an excited stomp and rushed toward the first room she found, determined to claim the biggest bed for herself.
Roxy gave us a small, polite bow along with a relieved smile before retreating to her own room, quietly closing the door behind her.
As for me, I entered the suite that had been prepared for me.
The room was enormous.
A king-size bed draped in silk sheets occupied the center of the room, flanked by warm magical lamps and a small table topped with fresh fruit.
After locking the door, I let out a long sigh of mental exhaustion.
Finally alone.
The human body I had maintained throughout the entire day simply melted away.
Poof.
With a barely audible sound, I returned to my natural form—a soft, elastic, translucent blue slime.
"Ahhh... Much better."
"Keeping a human form all day after everything that's happened is exhausting in its own way."
I bounced onto the bed, springing a couple of times against the thick comforter before settling comfortably in the very center.
The sensation was incredible.
The smooth silk sheets gently yielded beneath my slime body, causing my spherical form to flatten slightly in pure relaxation.
Far away from the bustle of the capital...
From the intrigues of Asura's princes...
From the weight of the journey itself...
The room fell into a peaceful silence.
Without needing to breathe or even close my eyes, I simply allowed my consciousness to drift away.
And, surrounded by absolute comfort, I fell into a deep sleep.
--------------------------------
Morning light filtered softly through the curtains of the suite.
But it wasn't the sunlight that woke me.
A rapid series of urgent knocks echoed against the wooden door.
"Rimuru! Rimuru, please, open up!"
Roxy's voice was on the verge of panic.
I snapped awake instantly, jumping off the bed as I smoothly shifted back into my human form. Hastily straightening my robe, I hurried to the door and opened it.
Roxy stood there, breathing heavily, gripping her staff so tightly that her knuckles had turned white.
"Roxy? What's wrong?" I asked, rubbing one eye.
"It's Pursena!" she exclaimed, anxiously looking up and down the hallway as though the beast girl might suddenly appear. "She's not in her room! I went to wake her for breakfast, but her bed was empty. She would never wake up this early on her own!"
I gently placed a hand on her shoulder, interrupting her.
"Calm down, Roxy," I said with a reassuring smile.
"Knowing Pursena, the simplest explanation is usually the right one."
"She probably woke up hungry, saw that everyone else was still asleep, and decided to go find breakfast on her own."
"I'm willing to bet she headed straight for the commercial district we saw yesterday."
Roxy blinked, processing my words as her shoulders slowly relaxed.
"Y-You think so...? But leaving without telling anyone..."
"It's Pursena," I replied casually, crossing my arms. "Her stomach always thinks before her head. Let's go find her before she spends all her money on meat skewers."
Despite my attempt to reassure Roxy, the search turned out to be far from simple. We spent more than two hours wandering through the central market. We asked at food stalls, butcher shops, and taverns. Several vendors remembered seeing a beastfolk girl buying meat early that morning, but no one knew where she had gone afterward. With every passing minute, the faint uneasiness in my chest slowly began to turn into a strange, suffocating pressure.
It was as we turned onto one of the main avenues of the commercial district that the city's usual bustle shifted into a tense, hushed murmur. A crowd of passersby had gathered around an open square, forming a circle of spectators who whispered among themselves with cold indifference.
We pushed our way through the crowd. Roxy let out a choked gasp of horror the moment she saw the scene.
And at that exact instant...
Something inside me simply snapped.
In the middle of the square, surrounded by at least a dozen heavily armed guards bearing the insignia of the Capital Guard...
...was Pursena.
She wasn't merely under arrest.
She was being crushed against the stone pavement.
Three heavily armored soldiers kept their boots pressed down on her back and legs, while a fourth forced her head violently against the ground, grinding her cheek into the filthy stone. Her arms were bound behind her back, and her dog ears were pinned tightly against her head, trembling from pain and humiliation. A streak of blood ran from the corner of her mouth, and several crushed meat skewers lay scattered only a few meters away.
A haughty-looking officer stood over her.
He drove a kick into her ribs to silence another groan.
"Quiet, filthy beast. Be grateful we're not executing you on the spot for colliding with our lord."
The surrounding nobles and citizens of Asura merely watched with mockery...
Or complete indifference.
No one said a word.
No one intervened.
Ah...
It felt as though the air inside my lungs had turned into pure ice.
The temperature around my body seemed to plummet in a single instant.
What... are they doing to her...?
A thick, suffocating darkness began rising from the deepest part of my core.
My friends.
My companions.
My people...
No one touched one of mine like that.
No one.
I couldn't care less about whatever ridiculous laws the Kingdom of Asura had.
I couldn't care less about their succession struggle...
Their princes...
Their guards...
Or their rotten nobility.
Seeing someone from our group—
Pursena, nothing more than a loud, carefree girl whose greatest dream was eating meat—
Being treated like a filthy animal for the entertainment of a pack of arrogant men in armor...
Awakened a primitive hatred I hadn't felt in a very long time.
I'm getting her out of there...
Even if I have to flatten this entire city.
The thought entered my mind with terrifying clarity.
Cold.
Calculated.
I can erase these twelve guards before their brains even process pain.
I can collapse this entire square.
I can make this kingdom remember this day for the next thousand years.
The mana within me began to stir.
Dense.
Heavy.
An invisible yet overwhelming pressure seeped into the surroundings.
Pigeons perched atop nearby rooftops exploded into the sky in a frantic flock.
The horses pulling the surrounding carriages reared and whinnied in absolute panic.
Even the ground beneath my boots trembled ever so slightly.
Roxy, standing beside me, turned toward me.
The instant she saw my face...
She instinctively took a step backward.
Not because of the guards.
Because of me.
There was no expression on my face.
My golden eyes had become cold.
Empty.
Devoid of even the faintest trace of the warmth they usually held.
"Rimuru..."
Roxy whispered,
feeling the destructive tide threatening to spill out from my body.
I clenched my fists so tightly that my knuckles cracked.
For barely a millisecond, I released my control over my presence.
Only a thousandth.
Only the tiniest fraction of my true aura escaped.
The officer who was about to kick Pursena again froze on the spot.
Every guard in the square stiffened.
The hairs on the backs of their necks stood on end as icy sweat ran down their spines.
The air itself suddenly became so unbearably heavy that several nobles struggled to breathe, looking around in sudden panic without understanding where that overwhelming sensation of imminent death had come from.
Slowly...
I took my first step toward the center of the square.
"Take..."
My voice wasn't loud.
Yet it echoed inside the minds of everyone present like a death sentence.
"...your hands off her."
A brief silence followed.
Then I spoke once more.
"Or I'll kill every last one of you."