Interlude I

Tempest is a ticking time bomb. That is my first impression.

This entire city, and the nation surrounding it, is a powder keg just waiting for someone to light a match.

A city of monsters? According to Rimuru, they're the first. "Breaking the mold", so to speak. It's revolutionary, a massive paradigm shift. And just a single glance at map tells me that this shift is for more than one reason.

Surrounded on all sides by potential enemies, by potential allies. Other nations, no doubt aware if not openly worried about the rapid growth of a newer nation. About it's strength.

Where have I heard this tale before?

What Rimuru told me – his backstory, his explanations for my questions, and his presentation of his ideas for the Tempest of now and the Tempest of the future – gives me the impression of an idealist. Someone's who's never had the displeasure of working in Human Resources, who doesn't realize the full extent and effort required to achieve what he believes in.

No offense, but he's a tad too… trusting, to be the best leader. Right now, at least, he's clearly an optimist. And everyone I've met so far in this world – other than Mary Sue, of course – seems to think he can do anything.

As in, literally anything that he puts his mind to. Perhaps this is a difference of worlds.

It is true that Rimuru is the most powerful being I've met in three separate worlds, barring that devil Being X. And even though I'm positive there are those stronger than Rimuru, his growth potential is, and this is not an exaggeration in the slightest, feasibly infinite. As long as he is not taken out prematurely, then eventually he shall grow to become the strongest of all.

I'm not sure he realizes this. No, I'm certain that he doesn't realize this. The extent of his strength, and the extent it will reach. His followers, however, seem to have grasped this concept on some instinctual level. I'm likewise certain that this is why they followed him in the first place.

Oh, I'm sure most if not all of them love him now, regardless of his strength. They adore his personality, his progressive attitude, his desire for peace and fun over war and bloodshed. These are admirable traits, after all.

But they were all drawn, initially, because of his power. For protection, for a favor, for his help. I wonder if this is an inherent trait of monsters. Being drawn to power, that is. Humans are similar in this regard. There's no question about that.

However, monsters are not humans. That is obvious from my very few interactions with them in the few hours I've been in this world. So, perhaps what he wishes for is possible. His people follow him with a surplus of loyalty that most human leaders could only dream of. That is nothing to scoff at.

It's startlingly familiar, in truth. I look at the way his people look at him, and can't help but remember…

Ah, there's no time to reminisce now, is there?

Afternoon

Central Plaza

Tempest, Jura Tempest Federation

"What's the relevance of this fountain here?"

"Ah, a great question! You see, this spot is where Lord Rimuru-" Rigurd began yet another gushing rant.

Tanya tuned him out, as she'd quickly come to realize much of what the Goblin King spoke about led back to Rimuru in some shape or form.

How did I get here again? Like, specifically. I feel like it's impossible to do anything these days without some contrived misunderstanding or set of circumstances.

-=-

"I'll have to speak with Geld about your lodgings. For now, you should go explore Tempest." Rimuru waved someone over. "Rigurd can show you around!"

"Lord Rimuru!" The Hobgoblin came to a stop beside them. "Did you need me for something?"

"That's right!" Rimuru put his hands on his hips, "I have some other business to attend to, so I'd like you to show Tanya here around Tempest. She's our newest resident and a new powerful ally, so show her all the best spots! And get this, she's human!"

"Even humans appreciate your greatness, my Lord! I'm honored!" Rigurd nodded emphatically, looking two steps away from bursting into tears of joy, "I'm more than happy to show her around!"

"Glad to hear it!"

Tanya glanced between the two.

…What have I gotten myself into?

-=-

It's not to late to find a mountain somewhere and hole up for the rest of my life. I could do it. Building a nice log cabin wouldn't be that hard, right? It'd be quiet. Peaceful… probably. Tanya shook her head. No. No. That's just sad. I am not a hermit. I am a productive member of society. No matter how eccentric the society may be.

"Oi, Rigurd!"

Hm? Tanya blinked, snapping back into reality.

The shortest – They're Hobgoblins, Rigurd said? – Hobgoblin she'd seen thus far casually strolled towards them, with strut to his step that he most certainly did not deserve.

"Who's the new girl?" He came to a stop a few feet away, hands behind in his head in way that would probably look cool on literally anyone else.

"Gobta, good afternoon." Rigurd nodded with a toothy grin, "This is Tempest's newest resident, Miss Tanya. Lord Rimuru speaks highly of her!"

"I'm not a fan of the 'Miss', Rigurd. Just Tanya is fine." Tanya said, before extending a hand. "Gobta, was it? A pleasure, I'm sure."

Gobta took it, giving her a decisive handshake.

Stronger than he looks. Appearances can be deceiving. I would know. She let go, crossing her arms. Kinda looks like he'd be the comic relief, especially next to Rigurd. Are they really the same monster species?

"You're humanoid, so, did Lord Rimuru give you your name?" Gobta asked, stepping back.

"No. My parents gave it to me before they died, presumably."

Gobta's eyes widened. "Oh, you're not humanoid, you're human!"

"Yes. Was that not…" Tanya hesitated.

Well, you wouldn't know Rimuru was a monster either if you met his human form first. Right, that is a valid question then. Fantasy world. I have to keep that in mind.

"That's right."

"Yo, father! Gobta!" Another Hobgoblin jogged over, this one bearing a serious resemblance to Rigurd, for obvious reasons.

"Ah, Rigur!" Rigurd threw an arm around the young man's shoulders. "Tanya, meet my son! Rigur, as I was just telling Gobta, this is Tempest's newest resident, Tanya. She's a human friend of Lord Rimuru's!"

"Oh, a human resident? That's a first." Rigur waved, still trapped under Rigurd massively muscled arm, "It's great to meet you. I'm Rigur, Tempest's current Head of Security. We have human visitors all the time, but none of them have actually moved in or anything. How are you liking Tempest so far?"

Head of Security? He must be fairly competent to have such a job at his age. Assuming Hobgoblins have similar aging conventions as humans, that is.

"Pleased to meet you, Rigur. Tempest is a lovely city so far, though I'm still on my first official tour and it's my first day here, so I'm afraid I'll have to get back to you later with an actual answer to your question."

He is also more powerful magically than any of the surrounding civilians. Let's see… Gobta is about the same, and Rigurd ever so slightly stronger. Interesting. So far, power has lined up nicely with status. A natural progression of monster society, one might assume. I need a larger sample size to be sure.

"You know, it is a shame though…" Gobta suddenly muttered, leaning forward.

"Hm?" Tanya raised an eyebrow.

He squinted, apparently eyeing her torso. "If you had been Named by Lord Rimuru, you might have grown more."

Tanya's other eyebrow shot up to match the first. Meanwhile, off to the side, Rigur dropped his head while Rigurd pinched the bridge of his nose.

It was dead silent for several seconds.

I'd be insulted if I actually cared about that sort of thing. Still, for appearances sake, what road should I take? Tanya glanced to the side, noting the exasperation alongside a slight splash of trepidation on both Rigurd and Rigur's faces. Judging by their reactions, this is par the course. And they're expecting retaliation. Well, if I must…

"Ha?" Tanya crossed her arms, "That's big talk from a guy that can't even ride a rollercoaster."

Gobta tilted his head. "Ro-roller… coaster?"

Whoops.

"Forget I said that." She shook her head, "Anyway, you're shorter than me, don't you know?"

"Shorter? That's not what I was-"

"Oi." Tanya reached forward, grabbing him by his large nose and squeezing.

"Owowow!!" Gobta pawed uselessly at her wrist.

"I'm giving you an out here, a chance to seem more polite than you clearly are." Tanya twisted a bit, "Are you really going to squander my good will? I could make this a lot more painful, you know."

"I get it, I get it!" Gobta said, now twisting his head with Tanya's hand in an attempt at relieving the pressure. "I'm sorry!"

At least, that's what he probably said. It was a bit muffled, what with his nose being twisted and all.

"Good." Tanya let go, watching in undisguised amusement as Gobta stumbled backwards. "I'm glad we could come to an accord."

She heard a tired sigh off to the side. Footsteps approached her position, with Rigur coming into view not a second later, an apologetic expression splashed across his face.

"I'll deal with him. Sorry about that, Tanya."

"People make mistakes." Tanya said graciously. "However, it would be better for you to ensure something like this never happens again. For his sake, and for yours too."

"For mine?"

Tanya gestured at the groaning-in-pain Hobgoblin, "Gobta is your subordinate, yes?"

Rigur nodded.

"I figured. And as your subordinate, his actions reflect on you."

"That's right…"

Rigur looked embarrassed. But not quite enough. Hm.

"Which means his actions also reflect on Rimuru. Think, how would Rimuru feel about this? Annoyed? Embarrassed? He trusts you to keep Tempest secure; how would another incident like this look, had someone less understanding than me been involved."

Rigur blinked, a look of comprehension dawning on his face.

Bingo.

"You're right!" Rigur turned abruptly, marching over to Gobta and hoisting him up. "I'll deal with this, don't you worry!"

The two left, one pulling the other, while the other in question continued to complain about his nose.

That worked like a charm. I'll keep that in mind. When in doubt, play the "Lord Rimuru" card.

Rigurd cleared his throat, coming is beside her with a faintly embarrassed look still adorning his face.

"Well, let's continue the tour, shall we?"

Tanya resisted the urge to pat the Hobgoblin man on the shoulder to reassure him. He probably would rather just move on. A fact Tanya could emphasize with.

Besides, she'd have to jump to reach his shoulder anyway, and that would be remarkably undignified at best and incredibly demeaning at worst.

"Sure thing." She replied instead, "What's next on the agenda?"

"I'm glad you asked!" The life returned to the man in an instant, "There's another area that Lord Rimuru-"

Ugh. Tanya resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Maybe I should have just hung around Mary Sue.

-=-

"There's a surprising amount of energy left in you, after all the times you've been knocked out today." Rimuru said conversationally to the struggling Steel Silk-wrapped bundle he was carrying on his shoulder.

"Mmph! Mmm! FFckk! Ru! Rrrgghh!"

"You know, that's exactly why I had to cover your mouth." Rimuru added in a deadpan.

Mary headbutted his back in response.

"And that is why you're still restrained. Okay."

Rimuru continued walking, the scenery changing from city to forest as he stepped outside Tempest's northern gates. Another minute or so at his casual pace saw him a comfortable enough distance outside city limits.

"Alright, this is as good a spot as any."

Rimuru strolled over to a tree, setting Mary down so she was sitting up against it.

"Ffck! Ru!" She jerked forward, trying and failing to headbutt him.

"Yes yes, I got that." Rimuru stepped back, a bit of annoyance bleeding through his voice.

Mary huffed, her admittedly fearsome glare telling him exactly how she felt about the current situation, far better than any words could. Of course, she was gagged at the moment, so she couldn't exactly express how she felt with words anyhow.

Rimuru sighed. "I feel like I might regret this."

He leaned down, ripping the Steel Silk away from her mouth. Then, he was forced to quickly pull his fingers away, as Mary attempted to bite them off.

"Yeesh." He shook his head. "Awfully hostile, aren't you?"

"Fuck you!"

Yeah alright. He sweatdropped. Is this really what Tanya's been dealing with over the years?

"Alright, listen. I know Tanya had her talk with you already," Rimuru crossed his arms, giving her an exasperated look, "But Tempest is my domain, so you and I are going to have nice, calm little chat of our own. Is that cool?"

"You damn monster, consorting with devils like her!" Mary spat out the words as though they burned. "Die!"

That's… is that racist? Species-ist? I am a slime, so… ah, now that I think about it, I don't think she's referring to "monsters" literally here. She hasn't seen my slime form yet, so she probably doesn't even know I'm an actual "monster".

"You could stand to calm down and hear me out, you know? It would be to your benefit."

"Why should I listen to you?!"

Okay, not going to just listen, I guess. Hey Great Sage, how should I go about this?

Query recognized. Analyzing…

Rimuru tapped his foot, ignoring the way Mary kept trying to murder him with her eyes.

Answer: The individual known as Mary Sue is unaware of Rimuru Tempest's abilities. Given her background as a powerful mage, and her recent passage into our world from her own, it is likely the only persons in this world Mary Sue knows and respects the ability of are the individuals Geld, Hakurou, and Tanya von Degurechaff.

So, a display of my own abilities might change that. Right?

Correct.

Awesome! Thanks, Great Sage, you're the best!

Hm.

"Why?" Rimuru shot Mary a cocky grin, "Oh, it's really simple actually."

He lifted a hand, pointing it at a nearby grouping of trees. Purple wisps gathered around his arm, before exploding out and forward in a horizontal tornado of magical energy. After just a second, it disappeared.

And with it, several trees as well. Only the bottommost roots remained, the small patch of forestland seemingly having been eaten right out of existence. Rimuru whipped his arm out to the side, dissipating any remaining wisps of magical energy. An unnecessary flourish, certainly, but one that absolutely looked cool, if he said so himself.

Mary watched all of this happen with a blank look on her face, giving no outward indication of her thoughts. She looked between the empty patch and Rimuru a few times, her lips pressed together in a thin line.

"…You make an excellent point." Her voice was quiet. Much more reserved than before. "Go on, then"

No, that wasn't reserved. She wasn't really scared, per se. A little, sure, but not entirely. Rimuru could tell that much. Not with the way that fire in her eyes still burned. No, this was…

Caution. She's wary of me now.

It was the most cordial she'd been since arriving, Rimuru also thought. In fact, there was an odd sort of sobriety to the girl now, as if the display had finally forced Mary to recognize her situation.

Well, it wouldn't be the first time Rimuru had made someone realize his power and their lack thereof. And it likely wouldn't be the last.

That didn't mean he enjoyed doing it, though.

"Alright, so here's how this is going to work…"

-=-=-=-

Meanwhile, in another world…

Winter

Imperial Strategic HQ

Capitol City Berun, Empire

"What's the meaning of this, Zettour?" Rudersdorf barged into Zettour's office without any prior warning, tossing a stack of papers carelessly on the other man's desk. They landed heavily, directly on top of the series of papers Zettour was already in the middle of reading.

"Well, they appear to be a stack of documents, old friend." The older general pushed the stack slightly to the side, attempting to ignore the other man's obvious anger.

"Don't 'old friend' me, damn you. I'm here for a reason, Zettour, so don't be your usual self and give me a straight damn answer for once."

Zettour gave up on his pretense, leaning back in his chair with a weary sigh.

"I'm not quite sure what answer you want to hear from me. For all intents and purpose, you've barged into my office whilst I was busy with other work and interrupted me. And for what?"

He leaned forward, glancing at the packet Rudersdorf had barged in with.

"A packet of papers, titled 'Concepts, Theories, and Practical Applications of Miracle-Level Magical Phenomena in Magical Transportation'. What, do you want me to comment on how much of a mouthful it is? Pretend to skim through it, perhaps?"

"No, I want you to tell me why the author of this paper, one Doctor Adelheid von Schugel, has so expertly described his idea of magical transportation, not for the purpose of improving trains or perhaps building better automobiles, but instead as a means of traversing worlds."

Zettour's eyes widened before he could stop himself. Rudersdorf smirked wryly at the motion.

"Transportation between worlds. What a load of bullshit. Isn't that right, old friend?"

His expression darkened. Some mix of weariness and sad understanding covered his face, a tired sigh escaping him.

"The Argent is dead, Zettour. As is that terror in the sky, Mary Sue. I know you let the Doctor's inane project hit the greenlight. There's no proof of it, and I'm certain I won't find any, but I know."

Neither man spoke for a moment.

"Mistakes happen. Soldiers die. You have to let this come to its rightful conclusion, Zettour."

"The rightful conclusion, Rudersdorf, is to let the Doctor's experiments pan out."

"Zettour-"

"The Doctor believes what occurred out there between Colonel Degurechaff and Mary Sue was not an explosion, but an implosion. Furthermore, one of his most prevalent theories gives reasonable backing to the idea that the Colonel is, in fact, alive." Zettour adjusted his glasses, "And from what's he's told me, and from the report coming from his lab, the only thing I find myself willing to do is continue supporting his project. Everything that's been theorized or tested thus far has been a step forward. In some shape or form, he and his team have made real progress. So, he shall be allowed to continue, regardless of intent or inanity."

"That may be so, but to allow the 203rd to fall under that idiot's influence as well? They're practically frothing at the mouth for revenge, and you want to give them a false hope-"

"Nothing Doctor Schugel has provided has been false. Elenium Arms has never failed us. I am willing to gamble on that admittedly mad genius of his, based on this track record."

"Do you hear yourself? Zettour, we're talking about, what, bringing back the dead? Visiting another planet?" Rudersdorf pinched the bridge of his nose. "The phenomena created by the Colonel and Mary Sue was something we've never seen before. It's something that should be completely impossible. They broke – not disrupt or triggered, broke – magic sensors in Berun, and they were fighting near fucking Moskva!"

"Exactly! Can you imagine if we could recreate that?"

Zettour stood abruptly, his chair nearly hitting the wall behind him. The lamp on his desk rattled at the motion. Its light flashed across Zettour's face for a split second, his eyes flashing gold under the beam.

"'It is our duty to protect the Empire. It is our duty to secure our people's future. With this project, we could have not just the ultimate power to protect our Fatherland, but also the ultimate soldier, upon the recovery of Colonel Degurechaff. We would have fulfilled our duty to the fullest extent! Is that not worth pursuing?"

Rudersdorf had no real answer, his eyes wide at the sight before him.

And elsewhere, where no ears could hear and no eyes could see, someone chuckled quietly to themselves.

There had been a bit of a mishap, what with the disappearance of his two favorites. That had been a mistake, but not an irreparable one.

All it took was a little nudge here, a whisper there, and...

Soon, everything would once more be moving as intended.

-=-=-=-=-=-

Known Skills List

Tanya:

Common Skill: Thought Communication

Extra Skill: Magic Sense

Extra Skill: Magic Aura

Extra Skill: Voice of the World Communication

Unique Skill: Formulaic Casting

Unique Skill: Tetrabattery Limit Enhancement

Mary:

Extra Skill: Magic Sense

Extra Skill: Magic Aura

Other Skills Unknown