Discussions for Moving Forward P1

I'm a pacifist at heart. Humans killing other humans – sapient life killing other sapient life, it seems – is one of the worst aspects of life. Violence and emotion are the rule of beasts. Of course, humans came from beasts; we are not as far removed as we'd like to believe. In truth, I'd imagine monsters are much the same way. Possibly even more so, from what I've seen.

And me? Pacifist by desire, warrior by necessity. After all, the enemy does not hesitate to shoot on the battlefield. You can't expect humanitarianism in such a hellish place. Everyone should know that.

So, in order to survive, I adapted to my new world. I became a symbol. White Silver. Devil of the Rhine. Ace of Aces. Mad Dog. The veneer of the hard-working, war-skilled fool who wouldn't hesitate to rain fire on a city if it meant pleasing her superiors. I became the strongest individual war maniac at the head of a battalion of war maniacs, under the leadership of even more war maniacs.

Ugh.

Now, don't mistake my distaste for guilt, or sorrow. I did what I had to do. My hands are grey at worst, and under the fog of war, grey might as well be as white as snow. Claims to the opposite are suspect at best.

-=-

Late Morning

Streets of Tempest

Tempest, Jura Tempest Alliance

"I'm new here, so this question may seem strange, but…" Tanya glanced around as they walked, taking in the bustling city around her. "Do monsters usually run cities in this world?"

"Or let humans live?" She wanted to tack on but decided against.

Most likely, it had something to do with this slime, Rimuru's past life. And given that Tanya didn't know whether or not these monster subordinates of Rimuru were aware of this past life, the smart thing would be to wait until it was just them to mention things like that.

Was Rimuru even from Japan? A Dragon Quest reference wasn't exactly exclusive to that region. Though, if Tanya were to go by typical isekai logic, there'd be no place other than Japan that Rimuru would have reincarnated from.

Given how atypical her own isekai experience had been thus far, basing decisions on such logic wasn't going to fly. No, it'd be best to find out personally.

"Not from what I'm aware of." Rimuru called over his shoulder. "Everyone is always so surprised to hear about us."

"I'd imagine they're more surprised that a slime is running the place. Are slimes sentient in this world naturally?"

"I'm not sure. Hakurou?"

"Lord Rimuru is the first sentient slime I've ever heard of." Hakurou stroked his beard. "It's quite remarkable."

Okay, so they definitely don't know he's a reincarnate. Or they're great actors. Always important to consider that.

"Well. There you have it." Rimuru laughed.

Though, with how relaxed and carefree Rimuru is, I don't believe that's the case. He seems too earnest. Not that I mind. I'd have to be an idiot not to notice how powerful he is, even with that suppressed aura and cutesy appearance. If anything, it'll make it easier to ingrain myself.

"Hm. What an interesting coincidence." Tanya would allow Rimuru to keep his secret. It's not like she ever told anyone in her second world about being a reincarnate.

"Right?"

"We're eternally grateful for that coincidence." Benimaru said, adjusting his grip on the unconscious and tied up Mary Sue in his arms. "It is by Lord Rimuru's will that we exist so freely and happily. I'm grateful."

"Aw, thanks Benimaru!" Rimuru put his hands behind his head. "I'm glad you guys are here too."

I think you're underestimating the devotion of your subordinate. Tanya sweatdropped. Benimaru has the same look in his eye that some of my more war-hungry subordinates did. It's the look of someone who'll go with you to conquer Hell if you asked. In other words, he's dangerous. I'll try to avoid him, I think.

"By the way, where are we heading exactly?"

"I'm glad you asked."

Rimuru stopped, gesturing forward with his head. Tanya looked, noting the surprisingly familiar architecture.

"We'll talk inside. But first, welcome to my home!"

"Ah." Tanya raised an eyebrow. "Nostalgic much?"

Rimuru simply smiled.

The Argent shook her head. "Well, at least it's humble. Alright, should we head in?"

Benimaru stopped them. "Ah wait, where should I put this person, Lord Rimuru?"

"Just on the porch is fine. Then you're free to go."

Benimaru sighed quietly in relief. It's not like the girl was heavy or anything, but the quicker he got away the more likely it'd be that he could avoid further punishment.

Carrying the unconscious teen had felt like punishment enough for his jumping the gun earlier, given how violently she'd thrashed and yelled the one time she woke up on the way back. Granted, he'd knocked her out relatively quickly, but it had been a harrowing 5 seconds, nonetheless.

It probably wasn't healthy for the girl to repeatedly be knocked unconscious. Tanya couldn't quite bring herself to care, an attitude that was largely reflected by Rimuru, Benimaru, and Hakurou. Besides, that's what healing potions were for.

"Oh, one more thing!"

The Kijin cursed under his breath.

"Don't forget to report to Shion for lunch today. I heard she's been dying to try out a new recipe."

If you looked up the phrase "dead man walking" in the dictionary, you'd likely see a picture of Benimaru's face in that exact moment.

Tanya made a mental note to never eat Shion's cooking, no matter the cost.

-=-=-=-

Around the Same Time

Council Chamber

Armed Nation of Dwargon

The room was dark, the only light coming from several lit candles on the council table.

Four figures sat around the table, shadows flickering across their faces. One, the obvious leader of the quartet, was reading a letter under the candlelight.

"Your Majesty, what does the report say?" One of the four spoke.

"Hm." Gazel Dwargo, the King of the Armed Nation of Dwargon, folded the letter and placed over the candle he had been reading it under. "The Orc Lord has been defeated."

"By who? What country has the might to dispatch it so quickly?"

Gazel stroked his beard with his other hand. "The term 'country' is not quite accurate. The report mentions sightings of Hobgoblins and a variation of Direwolves. Alongside four Kijin. All of which are subordinates of that slime."

"That slime?" The man to Gazel's left laced his fingers together. "You mean the one involved in Kaijin's trial?"

"Correct. It seems I was right in my initial assessment." The Dwargon King pulled his hand back as the last remains of the letter turned to ash. "That slime is one to look out for."

"What do you intend to do, Your Majesty?" The cloaked woman on Gazel's right said.

"Isn't it obvious?" He leaned back in his chair. "Soon, I'm going to view this slime's strength in person and uncover the truth of this matter myself."

-=-=-=-

Noon

Rimuru's Home (A simple name is just fine, Rigurd)

Tempest, Jura Tempest Alliance

"Oh! So this is your second reincarnation!?"

"Unfortunately, yes." Tanya glanced around. "Though this one has been much more pleasant so far. I haven't sat under a kotatsu in ages. And I haven't seen even a hint of Being X here."

"It's super satisfying, isn't it?" Rimuru leaned forward. "Kaijin – ah, he's a dwarven craftsmen under my employ – was able to make it pretty easily."

"And it uses magic to operate."

"That's right! How'd you know?"

"There's no electricity here, from what I've seen." Tanya gave Rimuru a look. "And I can feel it with Magic Sense."

Notice: the individual "Tanya von Degurechaff" is correct-

I get it I get it! It was a dumb question, you don't have to rub it in! Rimuru shook his head, not noticing Tanya's curious expression at the motion. I'm just excited to meet someone else from modern Japan here, okay?

Notice: Understood.

"Do you remember the year you reincarnated?"

Tanya crossed her arms. "It's been a while now. It was near the end of 2013, I do remember."

"Whoa!" Rimuru's eyebrows shot up. "Me too!"

"You shouldn't be so excited about us dying in the same year."

Rimuru chose to ignore that. "For me, it was in early 2013!"

Tanya blinked. "Really? Before me?"

"I was stabbed in the back in the middle of a busy sidewalk." Rimuru continued, pointing at his side. "The next thing I knew, there was this voice in my head talking about 'Skills' and such."

"What was your name, by chance?"

"Ah, my name was Satoru Mikami."

Tanya was silent for a moment.

"…You were the victim of the Runaway Stabbing Incident?"

Now it was Rimuru's turn to blink in surprise.

Eh?

"Is that what they called it? Er, wait, that means we're from the same Japan?!"

"It appears so." Tanya's brow furrowed. "But why did Being X show up for me and not for you? Furthermore, why did I appear here the second time I died?"

Great Sage, do you have any idea why Tanya's reincarnation was different?

Answer: Insufficient data. Suggestion: Ask more about this "Being X" so an appropriate hypothesis may be formed.

Well, alright then.

"By the way, who's this Being X character? You mentioned him earlier."

"Geh." Tanya looked like she'd swallowed a lemon.

"That bad, huh?"

"Let me put it this way: Being X is the worst sort of individual. A childish, unreasonable devil claiming at God who forced me into another world out of some petty desire to make me worship him. That's the politest way I can put it." Tanya sighed. "In any case, he's the reason for most of my suffering over the years, interfering with 'miracles' and inciting war just to spite me."

Rimuru tilted his head. "So, he has the ability to reincarnate people into other worlds, yet he spared no expense in tormenting you. Sounds like a real bastard."

"He's the reason I'm a woman instead of a man, and he's the reason I was forced to fight through years of world war. 'Real bastard' is wholly accurate, if a bit lenient."

"You mentioned 'world war'. Like, did Being X send you back in time?" Rimuru paused, "Uh, sent you back in time to another world that had magic, I guess."

"How much do you know about our original's world's European history?"

"Not very much." The slime admitted.

He had always been more interested in manga and video games than history class. Though, he could tell you everything you needed to know about elves from multiple different sources of media. Including the game that had him telling his coworker to destroy his computer, but that wasn't important right now.

"Then I'll give you the abbreviated version." Tanya took a deep breath. "I was born again under the banner of the Germanian Empire with the name Tanya Degurechaff. The Empire, as it was called, was of one of the Great Powers of the world, with a military that was likely the greatest of the world. In 1923, we were-"

Rimuru turned back to Great Sage as Tanya continued.

Come up with anything yet?

Answer: The being known as "Being X" reportedly holds some powers over reincarnation. Hypothesis: Being X is a minor deity whose influence partially intersects with that of various versions of the world 'Earth'. As such, it is likely that the case of Tanya von Degurechaff was merely an outlet for divine frustration.

So, it's like some divine coincidence? Yeesh, talk about unfair. Rimuru glanced over at Tanya, who seemed to be nearing the end of her explanation. Er, you were listening to all of that, right?

Answer: Correct. Tanya von Degurechaff's Tragic Backstory has been catalogued for later review.

Ah, that's good.

"The next thing I remember was a bright light-"

"One question."

Tanya paused, then motioned for him to continue.

Rimuru glanced at the doorway meaningfully. "How does she, Mary, fit into all this?"

It was silent for a moment.

"You weren't listening."

It wasn't a question.

"No, no, I was!"

"Really?" Tanya raised a challenging eyebrow. "Then what's the name of Mary Sue's father?"

"It- uh, that is to say, it's,"

Great Sage, help me out here!

Answer: Mary Sue's father is named Anson Sue. He fought against Tanya von Degurechaff a total of-

That's enough, thank you!

"His name is Anson. Anson Sue."

Hmph.

Hm? Did you say something Great Sage?

Answer: No.

"So maybe you were listening." Tanya's expression did not match her words.

"You don't believe me." He deadpanned.

"You know, Mary was one of the few mages to ever give me trouble on the battlefield." Tanya glanced outside. "Indeed, she was the only mage who could consistently give me trouble at my peak."

"Okay, I guess we're moving on then." Rimuru sweatdropped, before leaning forward. "So, how did she manage that?"

Tanya scoffed. "She didn't. In all honesty, Mary was a terrible soldier. Inefficient, illogical, tactically incompetent, a terrible shot. The only thing she had going for her was that her base mana potential was S-grade. Even with that, the only reason she could compete with me equally was because of Being X's interference."

She frowned at that.

"I'm not sure of the specifics. But what I know for a fact is that between our first and second meetings, Mary had somehow gained the ability to surpass an S-grade level of mana. With the Type 95 operating on full, I was still superior, but she was still the only mage at a near enough level. And her being at that level meant I was the only one who could fight her."

She let that statement sink in.

"So, whenever she showed up, no matter what was going on you had to-"

Tanya nodded.