Tensei Shitara Slime Datta

Chapter 144: Gathering

Three people stood in the luxurious room with tense expressions. Standing up straight, they were waiting for the head of the room. The master of the room was named Kagurazaka Yuuki. The man who had recently come to the Empire, who, at a shocking speed, reached the position of Commander of the Corps. But to them, they thought it was natural. Anyway, Yuuki is. . . 「Yo, I keep you waiting! Although it is okay for you to sit while waiting for me. . . 」

Yuuki entered the room while saying that. Following behind him was Kagali, who was like his secretary.

「No, no, Yuuki-sama. We are your servants. You don't have to worry about us. 」

A man replied as his representative. The man's name is Damrada. One of the Superiors [1] of Cerberus [2], a secret society. The three people here are Cerberus' boss.

「Hahaha, Damrada stiff as usual. 」

Yuuki urged these three people to sit down while fending off laughter. As they sat in their seats as urged, Yuuki cut in to catch up.

「So, Damrada. How is the situation in the Tempest Country Monster? How does the power transition and technological progress progress? 」「 Ha! Their strength is increasing day by day. The country is already able to support 200,000 people, the possibility of its internal development is complete. The formation in each corps also progressed, and there were links with committees, namely councils, and new organizations. It could be said that the base of the Tempest Country Monster had expanded to include the other side of the Jura Great Forest. The number of organized troops is currently not below 50. 000. Their numbers were not a threat to the Empire, but their individual strength was high, and their cooperation was good as well. It's impossible to make it easy. In addition, the ever-increasing number of mercenaries and other troops should be taken into account. Their total number seems to be at 120. 000 ~ 150. 000.

Regarding the development of their technology, which is ―― Currently, it seems like it was not developed inside Tempest. As for the barrier protecting the city, the goal is to protect citizens, and not to prevent technology leaks. But, the thing called the "Magic Train [3]" that started operating suddenly had destroyed the common sense of transportation capacity. Most likely its development may have continued elsewhere. Unfortunately, even I, as a trader cannot gather information about further technological developments. 」「 So, even you as a trader. Can you determine the structure of their army? 」

"Yes . It seemed that they had no intention of hiding their strength. It is highly distributed and appears to have become two corps. The First Corps was led by General Gobuta, while the Second Corps was led by General Gerudo. Their official main force seems to be the Second Corps. However, these corps seem to be skilled in certain aspects, and are called construction corps. As expected their main force was the First Corps. This is a high-speed task force that is a collection of many people with high flame capabilities. While the Second Corps maintains the front lines, I believe they are planning to make the First Corps trample over the enemy. 」「 High speed movement? Do they move by using horses or something else? 」「 No, I just observed the military exercises by using the magic tool from a distance. . . From the initial position where they are facing each other, the entire force moves at an impossible speed when the initial signal is given. From a distance, their speed seemed to be beyond the speed of a horse. 」「 Hee. . . You are bothered by distraction magic when you use magic for observation, right? It seems like it will be difficult to understand the situation in Tempest from now on. The information you bring back is valuable.

But, I don't believe that's all they have in their squad. . . 」「 Ah, it reminds me. . . Regarding the country's satellite city, the Labyrinth city. There was an elaborate building called a Dungeon, and a city built around it. There were rumors circulating that said there was a city within the Dungeon. 」「 A city inside a Dungeon. . . ""Yes . There may be a technological development base within that city. ""– Indeed . Probably, no. . . . . . is certain when I think about it. 」Yuuki thought a lot when he heard Damrada's report. Their troop numbers might really be that big. However, there were still some doubts in the details. Judging from the thought process of a Demon King like Rimuru, he felt that having two corps was too little. Moreover, in that country, some abnormally strong demons existed. Benimaru, Diablo, Shion, Gobuta. These people were called Shitennou (Four Heavenly Kings). The corps left behind under General Gobuta, who was considered the weakest among Shitennou, was suspicious. No, if you say it's suspicious, all the demons in the country are also suspicious. . . It was suspicious how people with the same strength as the members of the Ten Great Demon Kings were under the reign of a single Demon King.

(Ah, as allegedly failed to kill Rimuru-san was painful) There is no point even in regretting that. Yuuki held his breath and continued to think. There was no threat from the knights and volunteer soldiers gathered from the countries around the Jura Great Forest. The numbers were insignificant, and there was no threat even if they were gathered. But, the monsters gathered from the Jura Kingdom Forest were dangerous. Normally you could ignore the chaotic crowd, but he thought that they would move harder than expected if they were under Demon King Rimuru. In addition to that group, if they were strengthened by some kind of technology they developed, it was possible for the empire to receive an unexpected blow. For Yuuki, it was not like he was seeing the problem befalling his own subordinates of trouble, but there was no reason that he should be unwilling to try to understand his opponent's army. 「Vega, what do you think?」

Yuuki just crossed his arms while listening to the report, and then he questioned one of Cerberus' bosses. Vega, the boss who symbolizes Cerberus's "Power. Vega nodded seriously,

「We must destroy it. No need to worry at all! All problems will be fixed on their own. 」

He answered confidently while smiling widely. (This guy, his strength is great, but his head is bad — or rather too bad — you know.) Yuuki sighed in his mind, but he judged the idea was also acceptable. Of course, if he wanted to conquer the troublesome Dungeon, he would have to check his current condition.

「Miranda, your idea?」

Cerberus' last boss, "Women", Miranda ruled over beauty. She looked like a young girl, but also like a mature woman. She was a woman who exuded a bewitching charm.

"Is it so . . . If the enemy Demon Lord has a gender, we do not have to worry about troublesome matters. . . Plans to gather information on technological developments cannot be made because the place of development is unknown. There is no responsible person who seems weak to a woman or technician with loose lips. It is highly unlikely that it will be useful to you in war, although it is OK if you leave it to me to investigate. . . 」「 No, I will investigate it in order. The Demon King seemed to be full of gaps, but he was suddenly cautious. He would not neglect to be careful of strangers. You're too prominent Miranda. 」「 Ah, so huh? 」「 Yes, then I will count on you, Miranda, as the Commander of the Armored Corps. 」「 Will I do the same as usual, infiltrate the Magic Beast Corps and wait for the order? 」「 I asked, Vega. Don't kill the Corps Commander because it's not good, ok? 」「 I understand. I will try hard not to do it. 「Yuuki-sama, if allowed, how many people under you can I borrow?」 「Ah, it's okay. What if you chose at your sole discretion from 100 people? 」「 Yes, I will be happy. 」

Talks about capturing the Dungeon had been resolved, and the three leaders retired from their seats. All that remains are Yuuki and Kagali

Actually, the preparations for the war were already finished, the only thing left to do was to investigate the enemy's movements. Yuuki had more freedom compared to the other generals, as he had the task of gathering information. 「Nee, Yuuki-sama. Will they dance well? [4] 」「 Who knows, they may. Even if the incitement goes well, we should be able to spread the damage of the war as planned. 」「 But, we finally came here. The war will begin soon. 」「 Ah, really so. We need to reap death wonderfully. 」

And then both of them laughed evilly. Their goal was not the victory of the Empire. Yuuki's intentions and the Empire's interests matched, but their relationship was just that. It should not be misunderstood, but Yuuki felt that he was not responsible for the Empire's victory. It was just that he thought that an investigation inside the dungeon was necessary. There were definitely traps and equipment there, but crashing into it in the labyrinth was an insignificant matter when it came to the destruction of the world. An investigation must be made to find a loophole for conquest, even though it was just a simple idea. . . In the end, because of that idea, the underground labyrinth capture group would bring back an unexpected report, but it was not something Yuki knew.

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It was just words coming out of his mouth to the person who reported the information to him. He made no further statement. He was not the one who expressed his thoughts to others.

With his short black hair trimmed, he exuded a tense atmosphere. His expressionless eyes gleamed with a sharp light, like they could see everything, and stabbed the other party. He was a young man. His youth can be seen when he was in his early 20s. However, there was no gentle light in his eyes, and an astute intelligence could be felt from him. No wonder. Kondou Tatsuya, also known as First Lieutenant Kondou, is not as old as he looks.

Kondou Tatsuya is "Otherworlder". In this Empire, "Otherworlders" were unusual. One of the main reasons for this was that the Empire had a policy called Protection of the "Other Worlds". Tatsuya was one of the people saved by the policy. There is a miracle in this world, therefore it can be said that his life was saved. Since he had bet with death and carried out a suicide attack against the enemy forces when he arrived in this world, he had received innumerable bullets and was the verge of death. She's lucky. Coincidentally, he had landed in the Imperial capital, and happened to pass near the Imperial Magician Leader.

Tatsuya's life was saved by that fortune. Then he swore to devote the life he had once thrown away to the Emperor. So about 70 years have passed, but he has not aged. He had decided not to appear on the front stage, and was lurking in the shadow of the Empire. In the Generalization Headquarters of Information, because his figure remains young. The magician who saved him is dead. He takes Tatsuya as his student, teaches him all his magic, and then he leaves this world. Now Tatsuya is managing the people. Thus, only a few of his subordinates were trusted and the Emperor knew of his existence. Mysterious man obsessed with information. A Lurker in the shadow of the Empire. Man, the conqueror of demons.

He knew that he was afraid and had received various names, but that had no effect on him since he did not get along with others.

His rank as First Lieutenant was actually inaccurate. In reality, he was given a high position by His Majesty the Emperor. But, he is "Lieutenant One".

Because he did not want to forget the memories of his subordinates who fell with him in his previous life – or rather, in the previous world – so he remained First Lieutenant. The existence of First Lieutenant Kondou, who is the director of the Imperial Intelligence Bureau, cannot be ignored, even by the Corps Commander. However, since his original character was unknown, he was a feared person.

Well, there was another reason why there were many "Other Worlds" in the Empire. That's because there are many people who have been called. The one who defected to the Empire, the former leader of the Freedom Association (Guild Master), Kagurazaka Yuuki. The reason his defection was so easily accepted was because he had sent the "Other Worlds" he had placed before to the Empire. They numbered 100 people. There were many who possessed Unique Skills in a group of 100 people, and many of them belonged to the Imperial Guards Army. Yuuki said that he had found them by chance and had protected them, but according to the investigation, it was a lie. Despite his appearance like a boy, his actions were like a veteran. Like First Lieutenant Kondou, you can consider him a dangerous person by his appearance. Kondou concludes that the reason why Yuuki could prepare so many "Other Worlds" was through Summoning. Summoning people using magic was inefficient, even though it depended on the individual's abilities. However, making the promise of their vocation of loyalty is possible if the summoner is able to carve it on the summoned soul at the time of the summoning. Summoning is the most suitable way to get loyal subordinates. In reality, there was no mistake in First Lieutenant Kondou's anxiety. It did not exist on all members, but of course orders had been given to some of them at the time of the summoning. There might also be someone among them who had different intentions, such as Hero Masayuki, a summoned person who could not be completely controlled by orders. Since he has strong power, Yuuki doesn't even mind that he can't control it completely, and only sends it to the Empire like him. However, a case like Masayuki's was unthinkable. He was not very useful, and it was expected that he would not obey orders, so some measures were given to make it in line. Although First Lieutenant Kondou was unaware of the situation, he had already guessed it from Yuuki's speech, behavior, and movements within this one year, and he was aware of the danger from the people Yuuki had sent. Such a perception was too accurate, it could even be called a frightening insight.

The investigation into the other Corps Commanders was not as interesting as Yuuki's. Empire System is 『Power is everything』. Therefore, no one criticized Yuuki openly. There were some people who could complain about Yuuki, who had reached one of the peak of the Empire. So First Lieutenant Kondou thought. (You're dangerous, Kagurazaka Yuuki. You are an existence to be eliminated) It is better to be in another army, but it is a matter if the people belonging to the Imperial Guards Army are supposed to protect His Majesty, the Emperors, it is a matter of, they swear their loyalty to others. This cannot be disclosed. But, the moment Yuuki showed an unnatural move, that was when he would die. Because First Lieutenant Kondou, a lurker in the shadow of the Empire, never forgave a traitor. 「You must be as arrogant as you can be. Because your life is in my hands. 」

A cruel light appeared in his eyes when First Lieutenant Kondou muttered that calmly in the shadow of the Empire.

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In response to Yuuki's orders, three people were chosen. Out of the 100 subordinates of Yuuki, the chosen ones were required to be from the Mixed Corps. It is said that just coming from another world will make you a high position in the Corps, the Empire is not naive. But the 100 people Yuuki chose only had Unique Skills that excelled in fighting ability. Hence, they hid in every corps, living while hiding their fangs. They all accept Yuuki's orders to rebel together, and seize the corps with each other. Now that Yuuki had captured the Mixed Corps, everyone thought that the day was near.

Meanwhile, there were three people who could not hide their confusion on an unexpected underground capture order. Before long, the Empire would attack the other side of the Jura Kingdom Forest. It was natural for them to hesitate about capturing a Dungeon during such a time. A coup (military revolt) by Yuuki's subordinates was planned to take place when the Empire began its invasion, and after several frontlines were finished it spread. As a result, the Empire would instantly fall under Yuuki's control, and he would begin the conquest of the world using his power. They had received such an explanation from Yuuki.

Three men, Tanimura ShinjiMark LaurenZhen Liu Xing [6] flared up on Damrada's unexpected orders. 「Hey, hey, Ossan. We are called for Labyrinth Arrest (Atletics). . . . No kidding! Or rather, are you making fun of us? 」「 Alright wait, Mark. Yuuki-san probably has some kind of plan? Please tell us what you know, Damrada-san. 」

Calming the rampaging Mark, Shinji asked Damrada.The 100 people were war elites, each possessing a Unique Skill. Their pride was high, and they looked down on Cerberus. However, they recognize Vega's superiority, which is the boss who symbolizes "Strength". But, there were some people who respected Damrada whose specialty was counting money. Among those 100 people, Shinji was relatively close to Damrada. This time too, he volunteered for the role to appease Mark who vented his anger on Damrada. Zhen Liu Xing, this man was quiet, and what he thought was unknown. But, he could definitely understand what was being said. Her braided black hair rests on her back, and she wears Chinese-style clothing similar to Damrada. Various hidden weapons seemed to be hidden within his clothes. Shinji naturally realized that he had assembled this team. There is anxiety, but all three are members of the labyrinth capture group – their official name is Platoon Platoon Enforcer. That was why Shinji, as the team leader, asked Damrada that. Damrada explained the situation. As the interior of the labyrinth is unknown, this investigation is in preparation for the upcoming war. There is a possibility that some secrets are hidden inside the labyrinth. That might not be a problem, even if ignored, but the investigation was for the sake of caution.

(No, Yuuki-sama seems to have other intentions. It's not something to be guessed. I better not say anything sloppy.) Shinji decides that there is no need to dare to ask about everything and Damrada finishes his explanation. However, the explanation of the fear and vigilance of Demon Lord Rimuru was deliberately repeated many times. The labyrinth was created, by that Demon King with great confidence. As far as Damrada was concerned, he had not heard the story about it having been arrested. It was just a rumor, but Hero Masayuki had broken through to the 30th floor. 「Please do not neglect to be careful. 」

「Hei, Ossan! Do you underestimate us? 」「 Now, Now, Markus. Wait a minute . Damrada-san, I understand the conversation. Can I ask for a guide? 」「 Ah, guiding and help on the other side is left to me. We left after the preparations were finished. 」「 Understood 」Next day. The group, guided by Damrada, went to the Transfer Magic Formation. Could the three of them really catch the labyrinth? Damrada was more worried about whether the capture was possible, than what was hidden inside the labyrinth. But, he didn't say it. He understood that it would only be a complaint even if he said it. It is better to face some bitter experience, so Damrada thought. Thus, the challenge of heading towards the labyrinth of the Empire by the three members of the Enforcer Scout Platoon began.