Tensei Shitara Slime Datta

Chapter 67: Forest Assault

When I confirmed that the barrier had indeed fallen, I decided to finally get out.

At the exact same time,

「Are you okay, my lord!」

Ranga anxiously jumped out of the shadow.

"No problem", I told him while confirming the state of my body.

It seems like I'm fine, the skill is back to how it was.

Seriously, this is a really messed up story.

He's a terrible man! Choosing a fight without hearing what I have to say .. well, I did play along.

But, contrary to my expectations, I was defeated …

No, not defeated. They say that running away is also a victory.

"The wise avoid trouble" they say.

As I thought .. devoting myself to escape was the right decision.

Since I was just trying to escape, now that is, this is my victory! . . That's kind of painful to say.

Let's call it a series.

It's a very close call. I was able to survive thanks to the insurance I made before, but this is almost over.

Because I felt so disadvantageous, I made a clone and planned my escape.

Had I used magic energy to make it, she would have known; so, instead, I physically separated a piece of my slime body and sent it.

I was able to escape thanks to the minimal activity conditions and hence avoid the effects of the battle, but it was still painful.

Had he foreseen my ability to part like this, it would have been the end …

But because he doesn't know all my abilities, he can't plan that far.

And I don't think anyone would have planned it by default. So, I was saved.

I timidly left the battlefield, and reached what was once the boundary barrier, and thus lost time.

I would die if Hinata saw me, so I devoted all my intentions to hiding my presence. As a result, I managed to escape, albeit with great difficulty.

But .. Hinata is too strong!

With that power he did not need a barrier .. but he was still trying to use it just in case. Seriously! Cut me a little, right ?!

This time, I can't even scratch it. He didn't even see any reason to wear armor …

Are all travelers of the world and the so-called strong?

There seems to be a lot of skills for me to acquire.

By the way, this battle harvest included the rapier Hinata, the skills he used, and his magic data.

Even in Gluttony's rampage mode, 『Great Sage』 keeps data links.

I also ordered it to record data for future reference. Honestly, I didn't believe I could win from the start.

In addition, "Disintegrated" is so powerful that it gives me goosebumps. You can't protect yourself against that.

Even a few layers of obstructions would be pierced resulting in death. No kidding .

I'm very lucky to have seen it. So in the face of such magic, the only thing you can do is escape or interfere with drawing the magic circle.

It would be great if I could absorb and analyse it, but I don't have such a chance.

Life is not easy.

When I "look at it", the data link is disconnected. And just receiving feedback from the clones made me feel dizzy.

From what I see, you can't avoid it. Chances are, the target is marked by a spell; so unless you remove the barrier, you will die.

Can Milim bear it? Let's ask him next time we meet.

That's how much data I can get this time. You can even say that this is my victory.

Let's call it a series.

Nah! I am not a loser!

This is not the time to joke.

I'm worried about Tempest.

I tried transferring to Tempest. By the way, even though I could feel his purpose, I did not feel any response from him.

That's bad, isn't .. is this the weak barrier Hinata talks about?

I should return as soon as possible.

"Let's go!"

I said to Ranga.

And, with a heavy heart, I was transferred to the Seal Cave.

In front of the cave, which was just outside the barrier, gathered Gabil and his troops.

When he saw me, he,

「Oh! Rimuru-sama, we are in trouble! 」

He called.

It seems my fear has come true. I can only regret when I lost the fight with Hinata.

I don't have time to talk here. After deciding, I made a telepathic connection with the Gabil group.

And, while chatting, rushed to Tempest.

This time, I forcefully accelerated their mental abilities, allowing them to report in a moment. As a result, I unfortunately put Gabil in charge, but this is the wrong time to think about such a decision.

Thanks to this I feel the situation.

Here's what happened.

About an hour ago, a report came in.

They spoke through spirit communicators, and were thus able to hear the news.

A number of attackers have arrived, he said.

Souei intended to find out their identity through shadow steps, but he could not use them.

Telepathy stopped working.

So, despite the slight panic, they remembered about the spirit communicator.

Created as a backup, we were lucky that it allowed a conversation between the cave and the city.

According to the information Gabil heard, the adventurers were also in a state of panic.

And, about 15 minutes ago, reports stopped coming.

So Gabil told me.

Gabil's group is ordered to protect the cave by Rigurdo.

But they were so worried about the city that it was debating whether to send a scout or not.

To send or not to send – they cannot straighten out their priorities resulting in a split of opinion.

(All right, I understand. You guys back off and protect the cave.

Please capture the invaders without killing them)

(Aye! By the way, Bester-dono asked if he could travel to the Dwarf Kingdom?)

(Ah, have him wait a minute. When the situation became clearer I didn't really mind, but at the moment it's not good)

(Understood! Take good care of yourself!)

Telepathic link disconnected.

15 Minutes, yes …

Were it not for Hinata's interference, I would have succeeded.

Strengthening my heart, I shadowed a step closer to the city. Chances are if I jump into the city, I won't be able to leave behind a shadow.

So I jumped close enough to fly there.

A jump I could make without any problems. And 〈Flying Magic〉 is set with the highest speed, I am heading to the city.

The barriers that spread around the city made a resistance. However, while holding my left hand in front of me, I absorbed some of the barrier and thus broke through.

After successfully entering the city I felt the barrier improving behind me.

Inside, the concentration of magic had decreased significantly, but magic energy was flowing properly.

This barrier is clearly inferior to the Holy Barrier used against me.

What is relieved…

After entering the place of the city I rushed to the square.

A large crowd had gathered in the city; their faces were gloomy.

Something happened like that. My heart is beating fast.

Upon noticing my arrival, the group paved the way and knelt down in front of me. And, in this condition, several people appeared before me.

Rigurdo and Kaijin.

「Rimuru-sama, we are very happy that you have returned to us. There are things that we have to hear your opinion, so please come here ... 」

They ... prevent me from moving forward?

Looks like something's ahead. I have a bad feeling about this .

「Rigurdo, Kaijin. Get off the road. What's going on?"

「Ti-no. Some small problems here and there, so for now .. 」

「Do not try to hide it. Move"

At my command, people timidly cleared the way.

What appeared before me, that scene.

Countless monsters lay there.

Men, women, and even children.

It looked as if they were sleeping …

All dead .

Why should …

I can't feel my legs.

What is this, what has …? Not good, I can't think straight.

As many as 100 friends were lying in front of me.

Uh ... all .. are dead? You lied, didn't you ?!

My mind is not focused. Even though I didn't need it, I felt out of breath.

Even though I have no heart, my heart is racing.

「What is this, what happened?」

My voice came out of my lips.

A cold voice that could be heard from far away.

I felt my heart go cold.

Rigurdo explained to me the trembling,

「Some time ago, we were attacked by a group that identified themselves as followers of the West Saint Church.

We suddenly lost contact with another group, and due to the sudden lethargy we felt …

Furthermore, we were attacked by a group disguised as adventurers. 」

The West Saint Church.the group that Hinata spoke of came sooner than I expected.

Next, an elder Hobgoblin continued

「As you ordered, we welcome humans with respect without hurting them ..」

「Stupid! Are you trying to say this is Rimuru-sama's fault! 」

Rigurdo replied, angry.

「Please forgive me! I didn't mean it that way .. 」

A distant apology sounded, but it did not reach my heart.

I see, my order, my words cause this …

I am a monster.

… who was once human.

I just want to hang out with people.

… reality is far more cruel.

Then what should I do !!!

… who knows? Think yourself.

A voice rang out inside my head, denying responsibility.

But I won't allow it. I am the cause of this tragedy; responsibility is mine.

I felt tremendous regret and baseless anger in my heart.

…………

……

…

Calling the conference of elders, we reconfirmed the situation.

Even in this shaken state, my mind was able to assess the situation appropriately.

First, there were ten attackers.

In ten minutes, they can kill a hundred of us.

From the looks of it, the group that set up the barrier remained outside of it, so their true numbers had yet to be confirmed.

「The West Saint Church has condemned this city as a den of monsters.

In a week, together with the Kingdom of Pharmas, we will clear this land.

We are led by the great hero, King Edomarishu!

If you choose to surrender, we will guarantee your life and existence on behalf of our Gods.

Stop the struggle in vain, and give up.

Otherwise, only death awaits you!

Oh wise adventurer! You need to know who justice is with.

We hope you will choose wisely. That's it all!"

They said, and ran out.

And while shouting so that they mercilessly slaughtered women and children …

Benimaru seemed to have something to say, but held it in. His face was clearly in pain.

But for those, who are in charge of guarding the city, such a thing would never have happened had it not been for my orders.

My words have caused this tragedy.

「Adventurers who come here?」

"Next door…"

We came.

A number of merchants were there, numbering around 50 people.

They said,

「About this, please ..」

「We can understand the reason behind the Farmas Kingdom's aggression, but we adventurers love this place.

We cannot accept the methods used by the Kingdom of Pharmas.

They said they would come to attack, are you going to let us help prepare for the attack? 」

「However, to make an enemy out of the church .. This unpleasant story has become」

And other lines like that.

I can feel their concern for our suffering.

I feel grateful for their words, though,

「I appreciate this sentiment, but we will clean up this mess ourselves at this time.

Instead, I want you to bring this news as soon as possible 」

「In that case, shouldn't we just send messengers?」

"That's not good…"

"Why?"

I explained my thoughts.

Instead, what I suspect are people who are waiting to think.

That we are bloodthirsty monsters. They will kill the messenger themselves and blame us.

So I told them,

"… I see . That makes sense, but will they go this far? 」

「Church representing justice?」

"No way…"

They answer.

But, uh,

「No, wait a minute. I remembered!

Those people were probably those famous Blood Shadows.

Remember how they killed children without hesitation? 」

"What's? Ah, that rumor, yes …? 」

"I saw . It looks like their job .. 」

"Are you kidding? To think they really exist .. 」

「Despite the declaration of war soon followed?」

「Well, that's what you'd expect from Blood Shadows」

「Considering that their enemy is a monster .. ah, shitku」

They suddenly became noisy.

There seems to be a rumor about the secret forces serving the church.

The group that will laugh in the midst of bigotry.

But if that is the case, then we have a troublesome opponent in our hands.

So, since we are monsters, they do not recognize us as a country but only treat this as a request for conquest …

That is why adventurers should leave now.

If they stay and die, they'll claim that we did.

When I told them, they reluctantly agreed.

So we asked them to pack up immediately and prepare to leave the city.

Rigurdo offered them to use our cars and carts.

So, with many farewell words, we saw our guests from Brumund Kingdom.

They promised to inform the country and return with reinforcements.

But, is that going to happen?

One country cannot make enemies of the church.

I don't expect much from them. Not that we need help.

It's a matter of this country; all I have to do is slaughter the perpetrators.

Personally

After all, if I do nothing, the pain and wrath that fills my heart will not subside …

After confirming their departure, I asked Rigurdo about something that had been bothering me for a while.

「By the way, where is Shion?

I haven't seen it 」

After hearing these words, not only Rigurdo, but Benimaru, Souei, Hakurou, and Shuna suddenly stopped moving.

What happened to their reaction …

It is impossible ... is it possible …?

「Si that idiot didn't go for revenge himself, right? She

「T-no ... about that ..」

Hm? Something is strange here.

They take their eyes off.

「Then where is he?」

No one answered.

If I take a closer look, Shuna holds back tears.

I have a bad feeling about this.

Fear crept from the dark corners of my mind. But impossible, please tell me that is impossible …

"I got it . I won't be mad, so just tell me where she is .. 」

I asked from Shuna.

「I understand ... in this way, I will lead. 」

Nodding at Benimaru's words, I followed him.

To plaza.

There was a girl lying between the fallen.

Covered with a white cloth that does not stand out from the rest.

So I won't notice – it doesn't stand out.

Haha, to think that I haven't noticed .. I can't laugh.

Open your eyes…

I don't believe this.

Please open your eyes …

This can't be happening.

Wh why? Why this …

Shion protects a child …,

Magic energy concentration down …,

So his power has fallen …

Shion is always bad with obstacles …,

And the sword that slashed at him was the Ogre Eater magic sword …

The explanation was given, but I did not want to listen.

My heart refused to listen.

Shion, please open your eyes …

I wanted to cry but I couldn't.

Even though my heart has been torn to shreds, this body does not feel the need to cry.

I see .. I am a monster after all.

Somehow, I was happy with that realization.

「Sorry. Can you leave me alone for a moment .. 」

Hearing these words, they all dispersed.

For a moment, Shuna hugged me while crying.

Ya

I want to be alone .

I don't understand.

Although I felt madness creep in, my mind was completely calm.

Grief, regret, tremendous anger.

These feelings were mixed up in me looking for a way out.

Why this …

OlSolution. It is impossible to count. Impossible to understand. Reply is impossible. ≫

What actions should be fair?

OlSolution. It is impossible to count. Impossible to understand. Reply is impossible. ≫

Is it wrong to go to a human city?

OlSolution. It is impossible to count. Impossible to understand. Reply is impossible. ≫

Hey ... am I wrong?

OlSolution. It is impossible to count. Impossible to understand. Reply is impossible. ≫

Look, Great Sage 』the great can't answer.

Fuck me …

If this is not my city .. I will let my anger run amok, I will trample everything I live for …

Stop making love to me …

To steal someone important from me …

If I think about it, this is the first time I have lost someone close to me.

A person who has not lost anyone cannot understand the depth of this grief.

Now, for the first time, I felt a pain far beyond the tear of the flesh.

Hold pain? Jokes ... are useless.

From within me, a powerful magical energy surged along with my emotions.

Unable to endure it, a crack appeared in the anti-demonic mask.

Now it appears as though tears are running down my face …

And then night came without notice.

I look at the moon.

What am I supposed to do?

There's no answer. Even though my head is clear, I can't think of anything.

I looked at the moon for answers.

But nothing was given to me.

Still ... As if I was a fool, I continued this meaningless act.

The moonlight cannot reach me.