The Greater Outside World

A/N: This is going to be a massive exposition dump chapter. While it is highly recommended that you read it, many things are subject to change or additions.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Early the next morning, I met with Gido, Eren, and Kaval. I explained to them that Shizu was feeling a little ill and that I used some magic to heal her and make her sleep so she could rest and recover, but in reality, I was letting her and her mother have the day together to rest and catch up. Demiurge, Albedo, and Shiroe are with me, as this will serve as their briefing as well.

After a few hours of explaining the situation in the forest, along with informing them that Demon Lord Clayman was behind the rise of the Orcs in the region, I had them teach me about the outside world, which I had neglected to learn about during these last few hectic days.

"So you're saying the world is generally divided up into six different regions?" I ask for clarification.

"Yeah. The North West is the most peaceful region and the major powers there are the Kingdom of Belfast, The Empire of Regulus, and Eshen. There is a new nation of beastmen on the rise there as well called the Kingdom of Mismede. Eshen is a confederation of lords and daimyo who are constantly at war with each other, though band together to fight off foreign invasion. If any one of the lords were to take over Eshen, they could be the next Eastern Empire, with the amount of highly skilled warriors, though they generally lack in mages." Kaval explained while pointing to the map with a pointing stick he magically found out of nowhere.

"Next is the South West. They have the overall lowest population and are the weakest region, though they somehow can survive due to their highly defensible terrain and large amounts of natural resources. Additionally, the Dragon Lords ruled over that region until a few hundred years ago when the Eight Greed Kings fought a war against them. They won,, but they succumbed to infighting and destroyed each other.

Their battle resulted in most of the populations of the countries dying off, which is why the population in the region is so low. Strangely, it seems monsters in that region are unable to become more powerful like they can in the rest of the world, though no one knows why."

"I see. Perhaps, the Eight Greed King's war disrupted the natural flow of magicules, which caused monsters to stop strengthening themselves." Demiurge quipped from the corner.

"Maybe, but no one knows. Anyways, the most dangerous kingdoms to watch out for are the Argland Council State, Slane Theocracy, Empire of Baharut, and the Holy Kingdom of Roble"

"Why not the Re-Estiz Kingdom? They are sandwiched between all of those countries. Surely a kingdom who can survive for that long against outside threats wouldn't lose to their neighbors." Albedo asked.

"Well, Re-Estize has a load of problems. The Empire is constantly waging war against them and half of their population is addicted to drugs. The nobles are so corrupt that they can more-or-less openly enslave and treat their people like dirt without any retribution. The king is a kind and good man, but his first son is arrogant and supposedly easily manipulated. I would guess it is only a matter of time until it collapses and the Empire takes them over." Kaval said.

"Yeah, that Prince Barbro even tried to marry the Archduke's daughter of the Sorcerer's Dynasty Sarion. She was only fourteen at the time and he is in his early thirties" Eren said with hesitation.

(A/N: Don't know his canon age, but I hate the guy and just want to make him look worse.)

"So he's that kind of scum..." Shiroe muttered.

"Well, royal marriages are usually like that, but he was solely interested in her family's wealth, not the princess' beauty," Gido said, trying to hide his irritation.

"Anyways, there is another spot here. What's that about?" Demiurge tried to get everyone back on track by pointing to the Great Forest of Tob.

None of Kaval's party knew it, but Albedo, Shiroe, Demiurge, and I were using [Thought Communication EX] to begin planning the infiltration and takeover of the Re-Estize Kingdom to use as a staging ground for invading the whole region, due to its central location.

"Ah! That's the Great Forest of Tob. Supposedly it used to be part of the Great Forest of Jura. Ha. There's even a ridiculous legend about why it isn't anymore!" Kaval joked.

"Oh, what's that?" Albedo said, laying on the charm. My eyebrow twitched for a moment before I calmed myself down.

Kaval blushed before saying "well, it is said that during the Battle between the Demon Lord Krebskulm and the Hero Regina Babylon, one of Regina's wayward strikes split the continent. Rediculous hu!?! Hahaha," Kaval said with a blush.

I nearly spit my drink. Krebskulm is from 'How Not to Summon a Demon Lord' and Regina Babylon is from 'In Another World with my Smartphone' but she definitely wasn't a hero!' I think to myself with shock.

"How di such a clash conclude?" Shiroe asked.

"Ah well, according to legend. Regina sealed away Krebskulm inside the body of her attendant. A pantherian girl. She was supposedly hidden away in the Holy Kingdom of Estonia, before the civil war."

"Estonia?" I ask.

"Well then, let's start with the next region. The southern region. Here!" He pointed.

"There is a large collection of city-states and small kingdoms in this area, closely referred to as the Southern City-States Alliance. They make up the barrier between where Northern Estonia and the Empire of Baharut stand. They had become extremely rich on trade between the two powers, but ever since Estonia's three-way civil war, they have become run down and most are on the verge of collapse.

To the south of them is the Draconic Kingdom. Supposedly, the queen there is a Dragonoid, and likes peace, but is too young to govern effectively. To the east of the southern city-states are North Estonia, South Estonia, and the Dark Elven Kingdom.

North Estonia is controlled by the living reincarnation of their goddess Celestina Lacross and her seven 'princess knights' though they aren't actually royalty. Apparently, they are all renowned for their heaven-defying beauty, but I've never met them before, so I can't confirm that.

They were original Estonia's rulers before the civil war. There has been a massive famine in the north which has weakened the ruling class's power there and led to the starvation of tens of thousands. Radical movements have begun taking shape as well.

Southern Estonia is controlled by the Dark Elven Queen Olga Discordia. She used to rule the Dark Elven Kingdom but was betrayed by one of her nephews after she refused to take a husband. There, she rallied numerous monsters and the "Fallen Horde" to take back the Drak Elven Country. This led to a few misunderstandings and caused the civil war in both countries since the Dark Elven Country was originally an autonomous domain of Estonia. Now there is a three-way stalemate. Supposedly, the "Fallen Horde" have begun raiding into the Draconic kingdom as well, but there is no way to confirm this since there is so little distinction between the Fallen Horde and regular Monsters." Kaval continued to explain.

'So that's why the Kuroinu were able to get away with all the BS like making a country where all women are sex slaves to the men. The people are in such poor straights that they will believe in any ideology, so when the strong guys showed up with the backing of monsters, food, and only one demand, they capitulated. Of course, husbands aren't going to let their wives be used as objects by other men and fathers aren't going to let their daughters be r*ped to death.' I think to myself. 'There were some good waifus there too.'

'*Demiurge, Albedo, Shiroe. Once this Orc Lord is health with, we shall begin planning for the conquest of the Southern and South-Western Regions.*'

"*Yes!*"

"Finally, the Dark Elven country is a country ruled mostly by dark elves but is also home to regular elves, humans, and beastmen. Their king did something to offend the Slane Theocracy a while back, and now they are at war. The whole situation is a giant cluster..." He said before stopping himself while gazing at Eren.

"Ah-hem. Anyways, the Southern Region is also home to the Sorcerer's Dynasty Sarion and the Ulgrasia Republic. Both use tier magic more than Spirit Magic, which is used mostly in the Central and North Western Regions. Separating the Southern and South-Eastern Regions is the Draconic Mountains, where most of the dragons live. They are ruled over by the Azure Monarch, though he is said to be extremely lazy and cares only about protecting his palace and treasury. Supposedly his behavior is responsible for the legend of dragons hoarding treasure.

The Eastern Region is home to most of the Demon Lord's domains as well as the Eastern Empire. The south-eastern region is often called the demonic coast due to this. The Eastern Empire isn't its actual name, but its official name is too long and hard to say, so everyone just calls it the Eastern Empire. They are the predominant human kingdom in the world with several hundred million humans but very few members of other races. Not much is known about the Demon Lord's domains here though.

Finally, We Get the Central Region, which is where Jura lies. Obviously, the greatest feature of the region is the Great Forest of Jura, but the other predominant kingdoms are the Armed Nation of Dwargon, which supplies raw materials and skilled labour to both the Eastern Empire and the Central Regions.

There is the small Kingdom of Blumund, where we come from. It is mostly isolationist and in such a strategically unimportant spot that it is the safest kingdom in the world. We barely even have an army." He said, scratching the back of his head.

"Anyway. There is also the Kingdom of Ingrassia, where the northern Adventurer's Guild HQ is located and the most advanced nation in the world. They are the major power of the region which holds the other two powers in check. Those are the Federated State of Rhodomea and the Kingdom of Falmuth, or Farmas, depending on your dialect.

Not much is known about Rhodomea other than that it is split into seven provinces each ruled by a governor, who in turn, elect a doge to lead the country. Falmuth, on the other hand, is a trade kingpin for the region. They control the trade routes between Dwargon and the massive markets of the Eastern Empire, and they aggressively protect their interests with a powerful army. Supposedly, they have even recently succeeded in summoning three other-worlders, though this may be just a rumor.

Ingrassia leverage's its technological superiority and the fact that it effectively controls the Northern Adventurer's Guild to control the region using its soft power. It is also the host of the Northern City-States Alliance, making them extremely capable mediators. If Blumund is the safest kingdom in the world, then Ingrassia is the most connected and the best place for opportunists to flock."

"I see. What about this peninsula here?" Shiroe asks

"Ah. That's the Holy Empire of Ruberios. It used to be the kingdom of a Demon Lord, but now it hosts the Northern Saints Church. They are the leading anti-monster force in the world and are responsible for why no Demon Lords can arise in the Central or North-Western Regions. They are even the official religion of the last nation of the Central region, the Holy Kingdom of Ramisshu. Both are fanatical and human-centric, but otherwise harmless on the international political stage."

"I see. Is there anything else we should know?"

"Well, the Northern City-States Alliance used to be ruled by the Fallen Hero and Demon Lord Ehit before he was killed by the first Demon Lord Guy Crimson. The nation was called Torus or something. There are remnants of his era all over the region, such as the Great Labyrinths which adventurers use to gain experience. No one has ever conquered a dungeon, but supposedly, the spirits of 7 Great Fairies hid their powers there from the time of the Creator. Only humans can obtain these powers, so no other race can even attempt to conquer them."

'WAIT! Arifureta is in this!?! Did Hajime and his class get summoned yet?"

[Affirmative. It seems they were summoned in response to the summoning of Falmuth's summons. If estimations are to be believed, then there is approximately one month until Hajime's destined fall.]

'That means Yue is still there. Plus if I get all the Ancient Magics with [Rule Breaker] I'll become more powerful than ever.'

[Quiry. Use [Hephestus] to re-create the Ancient Magics?]

'Nah. It'll be boring if I do that. Plus, I want to get Yue and some of Hajime's other girls. Though I guess Hajime can have Kaori since I'm not into stealing lovers.'

[Your planning on getting Yue, though.]

'She isn't his lover yet.'

"Alright then. Thank you Kaval. I think I have a very good idea of the world outside the forest." I say, shaking his hand.

"No! Thank you for taking care of us and essentially doing this mission for us by giving us your intel! Now we can go home and rest. Hahaha!" Kaval laughed jubilantly.

"You know the Guild Master is just going to send us on another mission the moment we get back right?" Gido said dryly.

"Oh yeah..." Kaval and Eren both looked glum and dead after that wake-up call. I was grateful for the information, even though I could have used [Athena] to get it, so I decided to throw them a bone.

"Why don't you lot stay for a few days. Shizu could use more time resting and you lot can hang out at the hot spring on vacation. Your guild master doesn't need to know that you got ALL of the information from me after all." I say with a wink and turn to walk away.

"""That's Great Rimuru for you!""" They all say, mimicking my followers. I nearly trip on air when that happens, but manage to catch myself and leave before they cause more of a fuss. We need to consolidate our information and I need to accelerate my plans.

'After the Orc Lord is defeated in a week, I'll go get Yue and do the other dungeons. It shouldn't take me more than a week. Afterward, I'll travel to the Draconic mountains and recruit some dragons to my cause and when I'm done, I should go see Ramiris about the kids to put Shizue at ease. If I remember correctly, it took three months for Gazel to arrive, and following that, Milim arrived, so I have a maximum of Three Months to travel before I'm stuck here until Milim leaves.' I think while Demiurge, Albedo, and Shiroe all teleport with me to the throne room.

Da Vinci, Mordred, Artoria, and Merlin are waiting for us. It's time to lay out a plan moving forwards. I tell them to call all of the Pillars, Seats, and my other subordinates.

...

"All right then. Now that we know more about the outside world, I have come to a decision." I say after Demiurge informs most of the other servants.

"Demiurge! Take Cocytus, Shalltear, Aura, and Mare and head to the Great Forest of Tobafter the Orc Lord incident dies down. You may take as many Kijin, Trolls, and Hobgoblins as you need, but I want you to conquer the forest before the end of the year. If you do so before then, I want you to make your way to the Demi-human Tribes to the west of the Slane Theocracy and unite them. I shall do an inspection at the end of the year and we shall begin moving to take over the region at the start of next year. I believe only you are capable of this among all of my servants.

Shiroe! Take Artoria, Mordred, Elias, and Chise and go to Estonia. I want you to keep an eye out for the individual who Krebsklum is sealed inside of, but don't make contact. If you see him or her acting or doing anything suspicious, contact me immediately. I want to see the full extent of a Demon Lord in a controlled environment before having to face one in an open field. While your there, also scout out any potential opportunities. If the country is so unstable that it's suffering from two civil wars at once, we may be able to make it our first conquest ahead or the Re-Estize Kingdom."

""Yes Rimuru-sama!""

"Good. Finally, after we deal with the Orc Lord, I shall go to the Great Labyrinths and take their ancient powers before anyone else gets them. Our emergence so close to their borders is likely to make the Nations of the Central Region galvanize and attempt to take any power that they can to challenge us, even if it means summoning other-worlders with unique skills."

"Rimuru-sama. If I may." Albedo says as she steps forward and bows.

"You may speak."

"If Rimuru-sama permits it, I would like to accelerate your dominion over Jura by sending Souei to contact the Lizardmen next. We can send Shuna, Shion, Mordred, and Artoria to the Mezu and Gozu, since they are so close together, and we can negotiate with them. If we send Benimaru to the Tengu, we can have all of the remaining sentient monsters in Jura under your command before our confrontation." She says.

"That's fine. I was planning to do something similar anyways."

"Yes, Rimuru-sama."

"Well then, there will be a lot of moving parts going on in the next few weeks. Make sure to be extremely well prepared by then. We cannot screw up on our reveal or the era will spiral out of our control and my dream will become unreachable except through rivers of blood. A good conqueror can live with that, but I will be a great conqueror we will do so with the least amount of bloodshed possible. After all, every dead person is a potentially dead future citizen of mine.

I shall be counting on you all! Do not disappoint me!" I say as I teleport to my bedroom.

'Ahhh... so much to do, so little time. Also, I need to reorganize the Trinity Seven Stars into something different. There are just too many people now. I also might need to summon Nero to design the dozens of cities I'm going to be rebuilding soon. Should I make different Corps like canon Rimuru? Maybe I could copy Rou's decision and have different Palms? I can make the different commanders the Palms and their subordinates the Verses, but I'm not sure I like that either.

I don't really know.' I think while entering my sleeping chambers. Cixous and 2B-16 were cleaning my room when I entered so I decided to release my stress with them and dragged them with me to the bed.

...

(3rd POV)

After Rimuru teleported out, all of the Pillars, Seats, and Overseers started their own, post-briefing discussion that they always did after receiving their orders.

"Shiroe-san."

"Yes, Albedo-sama?"

"I shall be going with you on your journey to Estonia."

"Eh? Are you certain Rimuru-sama will allow it?"

"I am certain I can convince him. Did you hear what Kaval said about the leadership?"

"They are led by the reincarnation of their goddess and seven beautiful princess knights."

"Indeed. If they are so renowned for their beauty, then they would make fine additions to master's harem" Albedo said as she began to smile devilishly.

"I see! Then it shall be done!" Shiroe said while pushing up his glasses.