Tensei Shitara Slime Datta
Chapter 178: Black Numbers
When the demons were summoned at Rimuru's command, even the upper echelons of the Empire's army acknowledged the peculiarity of the situation.
Major General Xam'd was one of them.
Like a demon summoning gate materialized,
「U- Outstanding…. For the Gate of Summoning to be that big …. 」
He could not help but hear such things being muttered by the subordinate Mage.
The energy analysis immediately began, and they finally understood the difficulty they were facing.
The demons that had been summoned, each of them were demonic beasts that surpassed the rank of Great Demon.
「I-It just …. How great is the war potential it has …. 」
Words try not to face reality before it starts leaking.
Gradim, who clearly heard those words, turned his attention to Major General Xam'd.
There's no point in hiding it. Xam just said the facts are what they are.
Namely, that demonic army with the power to defeat their own Imperial army had appeared.
Even if they exceeded their numbers, there was not much that could be done to cover the difference in quality.
They would be slaughtered if they did not try and do something about it.
Even if those higher-ups, including himself, could survive, all the regular soldiers would be massacred.
Gradim did not want to believe it, but Major General Xam'd was not the type to joke around.
(Tsk. We underestimated him because it was only the Demon King ..).
It's too late to regret it now.
Now is the time to do whatever is possible.
Since the emperor was also there, they could not take any embarrassing actions.
Gradim made a decision, activated the teleportation magic circle, went to where his troops stood, and took direct orders.
The members of the Beast Corps were the cream of the crop, self-picked and trained by the Beast King Gradim himself.
It was a gathering of powerful people, with rumors saying they were the descendants of the ancient heroes.
And their Demon Beasts partner, was said to be A-rank in terms of strength.
Battle Chimeras: Demon Beasts born from selective breeding after DNA analysis. They are seen as a type of weapon, having combat-oriented abilities.
And it was clear that the Corps members who had tamed them, were also ranked above A-in terms of capability.
Their strength when fighting together on land, was said to be second to none.
But now they are above the sea, which puts them at a disadvantage.
That was precisely why, the Beast King Gradim hurriedly issued one special order.
「Listen, ladies !! From now on, I will issue a Secret Order.
The analysis team had concluded that all the demons were at the top of the ability rank.
It is predicted that we will suffer great losses if nothing is done.
That is why, we will oppose them with our last resort.
Permission to use Medical Skills 『Beast Fusion』 is hereby granted.
Hurriedly. The enemy will not wait for us !! 」
Prohibited orders issued.
Medical Skill 『Beast Fusion』, is a skill developed by the team responsible for the DNA analysis of Demonic Beasts.
This skill, fused the Demon Beast and the handler together. (TN: yes)
Letting humans reach the power of the Demonic Beast; a forbidden power.
The reason it was called a forbidden skill, was because it became impossible for the individual who activated it to undo the effects.
The drug used for the skill, should be removed by surgery in a facility with the appropriate tools.
Through the fusion of the handler and his partner, a warrior who transcends the original concept will be born.
The drug is distributed and remains on hand, so it is possible to activate it whenever necessary. However, its use was prohibited without the Secret Command of the corps leadership.
There's another reason why it's "secret".
Risk of death: 10%
The risk of compatibility failure and completely turning into a Demonic Beast: 20%
Risk of losing control (applicable to Beastmen and Demon Beasts): 30%
Risk of side effects resulting from fusion: 20%
There are many fundamental problems.
There is only a 20% chance for "complete" fusion success". (TN: I don't like doing math but the percentage doesn't add up lol)
But like Gradim, there were corps members who managed to fuse together and complete the process.
As a result, these members gained new power, and became stronger.
These highly compatible individuals, number less than 1% among the entire corps.
They were called the Chimera Knights, and were servants of the Beast King Gradim.
The order Gradim issued quietly, similar to the death penalty for the Beast Corps troops.
If no one could gain power now, they would only end up as food for the demons.
That's a cold, but pragmatic order.
The army quickly followed him.
They have prior knowledge of the risks, and know the high mortality rate.
But since they had absolute confidence in the Beast King Gradim, they followed the order without hesitation.
The result: exit if 30,000 members of the Demon Beast army ….
7,700 turned into rampaging Demon Beasts, 5,800 became complete Demon Beasts.
4,500 turned into rampaging Beastmen, 7,400 became Demon Beast-man warriors.
550 Turned into Chimera Knight.
The result is a pretty big loss.
The rampaging people had already been expelled, and were rampaging on the deck. The ejection-type magic circle had been prepared beforehand, to deal with those people.
It was the work of the Magicians, who stood around the members of the army. This is to prevent being attacked by their former comrades.
Those who were sane and combat-ready numbered 13,750, which was less than half the troops.
The members who turned into Demon Beasts but were still conscious also counted, so the decrease in number was quite significant.
But Gradim nodded in satisfaction.
The number of Chimaera Knights born was higher than expected.
There were about 100 of them who were already his assistants.
Through rigorous selection, only individuals with a great chance of successfully fusing were selected, but it was difficult to increase the number.
But due to the current emergency, it was fortunate that 450 good quality Chimaera Knights were born.
(We can win with this!)
The Beast King Gradim was very confident, and began to reform the ranks to prepare for battle.
―― grind them to dust!
The Black Numbers let go of their restraints as they received orders.
And will head straight to the Airships that have been evacuated to the sea.
The 100 airships that were still in the air, would be food for their masters.
The remaining 200 or so that descended into the sea were theirs.
Subordinates of the 3 pillars (EN: note at the end) Testarossa, Ultima and Carrera totaled 600. They were all beings that easily surpassed the Great Demon.
They were all at A rank, creatures that could rival high-level Majins (EN: note at the end).
They were now observing their pitiful prey, with their strength now unrestricted.
But then, then,
"Wait!"
All their movements stopped, with a single word from Diablo.
Now their attention is on Diablo.
Diablo raised one of his hands, signaling the devil to feel at ease,
「Kufufufufu. Do you all understand?
The order from Rimuru-sama, is that no one is allowed to die.
If even one of you died, it would be such a huge sin that even if our executives offered our heads to redeem, it would hardly be enough. 」
His smile, instilled fear in his subordinates rather than his original purpose.
No one disputes his words.
Satan silently watched Diablo's orders.
「First, Testarossa. Will you be kind enough to clean up the trash under us? 」
「Oh, why not? It was very easy on its own. 」
"Wait a minute! I want to do that! I can also do it easily, you know !? 」
Ultima broke in when Diablo gave orders to Testarossa.
To that, without any displeasure, Diablo replied,
「Kufufufufu. Of course it's possible for you too.
But, since it's floating there undamaged, shouldn't we try to catch it?
All those ships, I was thinking of offering them to Rimuru-sama.
Ultima, aren't you bad at controlling your power output?
Unexpectedly, he explained the reason.
It shows Diablo is in a very good mood.
If there was a disturbance while his mood was bad, the life of anyone who was disturbed would go to zero.
Ultima, sounds satisfied, though,
「Che ~. ―― I don't think can be anything. Right, that's not my forte. 」
He seemed to have let go of his selfish thoughts.
「Ufufu. In that case, I will of―― 」
"Act . Take Venom with you. 」
「Hm, what for?」
「We have been given orders to exterminate them. Did I not say it?
No one is allowed to escape.
We will use the Chevalier Demon to use, for that purpose. 」
「―― understand. They'll be useful, as Bloodhounds. I'll borrow them.
Moss, you're next in terms of capability behind our 4 pillars.
As long as you heed the command not to die, you can do as you please.
Cien, you must control the rest, and sweep away anyone who wants to escape! 」
Testarossa gave orders to his minions, and quickly took action against his prey.
Venom looked at Diablo, and it seemed like he wanted to say something for a split second, but just bowed as if he had given up, and went to follow Testarossa.
「So, are you going after the Emperor, Diablo?」
「No, unfortunately it looks impossible. 」
「Hmm? Why that? 」
Unexpectedly, Carrera replied with interest to what Diablo had just said.
Carrera is known to show no interest, and completely ignore what others are saying.
「Kufufufufu. Emperor, has the Absolute Barrier. 」
As he said that, Diablo suddenly fired a Nuclear Cannon.
The Nuclear Cannon's long-range explosion, maintaining a speed of more than 10 times the speed of sound, breached the Airship's defensive barriers.
And without losing momentum, make direct contact with the Emperor.
But the Emperor was not hurt. The Knights protecting the emperor did not even move, as if they knew the outcome.
"Did you see that? The Royal Knights protecting the emperor did not even move.
That shows they have confidence that the defense field will not be penetrated.
It seemed that the Emperor was using a Supreme Skill.
One of the "Angel Series".
"Angel Series" was known to have a high defensive nature, the defense the Emperor had was probably the highest of them all.
Analysis shows it to be a "Castle Guard".
By using the subordinates "loyalty" around him as energy, he was invincible as long as he had loyal followers nearby.
Simply put, if we don't clear the Empire's army, we don't have the means to kill the emperor. 」
"Hmm . Surprised you could know so much. 」(Ultima)
「Color me impressed too. There was no way to say, just from looking at them. 」(Carrera)
「Kufufufufu. That's very clear (with someone's help)! 」
Boasting Diablo, while the other two looked at him doubtfully.
Clearing his throat to distract them, Diablo pushed to finish the conversation.
「Well that's the point, I want you all to clean the flies around the Emperor.
Carrera, you bring a man in uniform.
Ultima, you are dealing with the different individuals that are left.
All the remaining demon nobles besides Moss and Cien will support Ultima! 」
"As you wish!!"
Taking their orders, the demons left.
But just before Ultima and Carrera take off, the,
"Huh? What are you going to do, Diablo? 」
Ultima asked, after finally noticing.
Diablo looked like he was shuddering.
But calmly, though,
「I have something important to do. 」
Diablo.
Both are more suspicious now.
「Wait a minute, Diablo. What are you keeping secret? 」
He reluctantly answered Carrera,
「My role is to keep an eye on our great Rimuru-sama!
It's a very important role, that it's not something I can assign to someone else !! 」
He stated fit.
「Tu-wait a minute! What's up with that?
I want to see the greatness of Rimuru-sama as well !! 」(Ultima)
"Huh? Are you going to have fun yourself?
Even if you're our boss, it's an abuse of power, you know? 」(Carrera)
The two Demon Lords voiced their objections.
But at the same time, they now understood why he had so quickly sent the haughty Testarossa.
Diablo was their direct superior, if the three of them were together they could "appeal", but there were only two of them now so the odds were not in their favor.
In the end they could only accept it, while continuing to grip it.
"Hey! I can do whatever I want, right? 」(Ultima)
"Yes of course . 」(Diablo)
「I can destroy everything floating in the sky, right?」
"certainly . 」
Diablo conceded as much as he could, to improve the mood of Ultima and Carrera.
Those who are easily convinced are quite cheap.
"Well, then . There seem to be some that look really delicious, so I will give you this time. 」(Carrera)
「Yapc. I also want to rampage around, to let go of some of this frustration. 」(Ultima)
Sounds like they're admitting, they're both flying.
They also gave orders to the remaining demons standing around them, as if an afterthought, he said,
「You guys, spread!
Get under Cien's orders, and show no mercy to anyone trying to leave this airspace !! 」
Carrera screamed loudly, and the demons moved in unison.
―― grind them to dust!
Intending to follow their orders for the letter, the demons set up a full perimeter around the Imperial fleet.
Soon, a decisive battle in the air, and at sea level will begin.
Diablo grinned, pleased that everything was going according to plan.
By observing the fight of his beloved master nearby, he would improve himself.
And with this battle, to give the remaining demons a chance to experience the battle in its true sense, that was the main goal.
Survive obstacles, and gain strength.
Their physical body abilities, were the best they could hope to achieve.
What was left, would be a skill in that body.
This applies to Testarossa, Ultima and Carrera as well.
The power that was only given to them, could never be compared to a mastered sparkle, obtained by itself.
Give them "enemies", and make them break through those barriers.
The Devils are one of the most powerful races.
While they were weak in their inferior stages when compared to Angels and Spirits, that position changed the moment they reached the upper classes.
Due to slow growth, many will fall and perish in the process, but those who manage to reach higher levels will become unmatched.
That was why, the rough power approach of the Demon King other than himself, was too understandable.
It would be a good experience for them to be thrown into a difficult battle.
(Now, for them to survive the ordeal. Hopefully they can come out in one piece. Kufufufufu――)
Diablo's smile widened, as he sneered in anticipation.
Note:
– Pillar: It's like a collective noun, one counter said. In Japan it is used to count nobles, gods etc.
– Majin: Powerful elite monsters, such as oni or tengu. Benimaru and the horde will count.
