Chapter 118. Where My Heart Belongs

Rimuru's POV

It's all his fault.

No, really! I didn't mean to do anything weird. I was just… curious. That's all. Curious about this body — this new form I've been given.

While Satria was out searching for dinner, I figured it was the perfect time to explore. I mean… I'm a full-fledged woman now, apparently. How could I not be at least a little curious?

I stood before the mirror, dressed in the lacy black lingerie I'd found in the wardrobe — no doubt another one of Satria's surprises. A sheer babydoll top, stockings, and… way too little coverage for someone with no experience.

After all... I was a virgin, right? I died without knowing anything, a little touching wouldn't hurt, you know?

Whoa... I've never felt these before... breast. Hmm? Well, I guess it doesn't feel that special.

"Ah—! W-What was that?"

My face turned crimson. I hadn't expected it to feel so intense. Just a light touch and it sent a jolt through me. Is this what sensitivity means? How is anyone supposed to function like this?

Is it so sensitive because it's a woman's body?

I sat on the edge of the bed, flustered and confused, heart pounding wildly in my chest. I wasn't just experimenting anymore — I was feeling something. Something real. Something I didn't understand.

Next is... Yes.

"Hmmm~ D-Did man put his stuff in here? Is Satria going to do that to me later? I... I can't imagine it!!! Am I really ready to do that with him?"

Ah... It's so soft, this is vagina. I really have... A pussy and as for the inside of the pussy, this is a clitoris! When I touch it... It's like electricity courses through me... Ah... What? There's something slimy there... And it's not hot water.

Wow... The pleasure is rippling through me, from head to toe.

This feels way too Good. 

"... What the hell I'm doing?! Am I really ready to be with him like this?" I wondered, staring down at my trembling hands. "Can I be a proper partner? Someone he truly wants?"

Then — the door creaked open.

"I'm home, dear! When you're in Surabaya, you have to try—"

Satria's voice cut off.

I turned in slow motion, my heart lurching into my throat.

He stood frozen in the doorway, paper bag in hand, eyes wide as they landed on me — half-dressed, flushed, and stunned into silence.

A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Well, well… I didn't know Rimuru-sama was such a naughty girl."

"D-Dear! It's not what it looks like! I-I was just—"

Before I could explain — or run away in embarrassment — he was already beside me. His arms wrapped around me, warm and secure. The contact sent my thoughts scattering like leaves in the wind.

His hand gently rubbed circles on my back as I melted into his chest, overwhelmed by his presence and my own swirling emotions.

This… feels heavenly.

For so long, I'd been a working. A survivor. A force of power and responsibility. But here, wrapped in his arms… I was just me. Vulnerable. Cherished.

"I've never seen you blush like this," he teased gently, resting his chin on my shoulder. "You're beautiful, you know that?"

I buried my face against him, embarrassed but not resisting.

Then, with a spark of gold, he summoned something into his hand — a small pill glowing faintly.

"What is that?" I asked, tilting my head.

"A little something I made. It's harmless, I promise — a mix of spirit herbs. It'll help you relax… and help our bond deepen." He offered it to me with a confident, reassuring smile.

I hesitated only a moment before taking it.

Almost instantly, warmth spread through me — a gentle fire beneath my skin. My breath hitched. My senses felt heightened, like the world had come alive in color and sound.

"Satria… what is this? My body feels so… warm…"

He caught me as I stumbled slightly, holding me tighter. "It's okay," he whispered. "Just breathe. I've got you."

My thoughts were spinning, but deep down, I felt safe. Wanted. Loved.

His hand gently moved to my vagina, fingers through the soft and good spot. I couldn't help but let out a contented moan, leaning into his touch.

'Why does this feel so good?' she wondered, a small smile playing on her lips. 'I've been through battles and wars, but nothing compares to this… being pampered like this in bed.'

Satria's other hand rested on my waist, his touch steady and gentle. Every movement he made was careful, deliberate, as if he were afraid to hurt me. But instead of feeling fragile, I felt... precious. Adored. It was a sensation I hadn't realized I'd craved until now.

"Ahhhhhh~!!"

What happened to me? No... My head is spinning! Why is this happening? My body feels very hot and strange... He makes me horny like crazy... More... I want him... What? Why? No.

"Ah~ Ahhh... Why... Why did you stop touching me? Please..." 

•

"O-Okay, this is unexpected!"

"Close your eyes, Veldora-sama! This is totally inappropriate! Only mature adults should be watching this!" Ifrit hissed, hissed, flailing like a malfunctioning alarm system.

"Are you stupid?!" Veldora shouted back, eyes glued to the scene. "This is the climax of the drama!"

Suddenly, in the blink of an eye, Satria appeared — not in person, but in Rimuru's subconscious — materializing with a deadpan look as he faced the two chaotic spectators as if they were peeping at a premium OnlyFans channel.

"No way, You..." Veldora's eyes lit up with anticipation the moment he recognized him. "So you're Satria, huh? The so-called Golden Emperor. I've been waiting to test you. Let's see if you're worthy of my best friend!"

Without hesitation, Veldora summoned a crackling maelstrom of power. Lightning danced across the skies. The ground shook.

"Storm Dragon Roar!!!"

A catastrophic burst of elemental fury tore across the space, heading straight toward Satria. But he didn't move. Didn't blink. With a lazy flick of his finger, he tore the fabric of space itself — the attack was instantly devoured by a swirling golden rift, vanishing without a trace.

Silence.

Veldora hovered midair, frozen, his jaw practically unhinged. "W-Wha—WHAT?! How did you do that?!"

Satria stepped forward, voice cold and dignified. "Veldora. Did you really think I wouldn't notice you watching us?" His eyes gleamed, gold and terrifying. "The only man who gets to admire my Empress's body… is me."

Before Veldora could even respond, Satria extended a single finger and tapped him lightly on the forehead.

BOOM.

A golden shockwave erupted. The mighty Storm Dragon was flung back like a ragdoll, slammed against an invisible force field — then caught midair by Buddha's Palm. The ancient technique compressed his enormous form like divine playdough.

"GAHH—! MERCY!" Veldora cried out, shifting rapidly back into his humanoid form. His once-pristine yellow hair was now a fluffy disaster, and his cloak flapped in shreds. "I-I was just testing you! Y'know… friendly rivalry stuff!" he wheezed.

Ifrit stood nearby, wide-eyed and speechless. "How… how are you this strong…?"

"I want to know too!" Veldora added, rubbing his sore forehead.

Satria remained calm, his tone gentle but firm. "Strength isn't just about power. It's about control. Discipline. Knowing your place… and then choosing to rise above it."

Veldora looked down, his bravado finally cracking. "But… I've lived for millennia. I'm supposed to be invincible. I've leveled so many civilization! And yet you… You erased my attack like it was nothing."

Satria stepped closer, placing a hand on the dragon's shoulder. His voice was lower now, sincere.

"Veldora. Power without reflection is just noise. True strength is forged by self-awareness and growth. That's the difference between a wild force… and a true warrior."

There was silence — and then, to everyone's shock, Veldora dropped to his knees.

Tears streamed down his cheeks.

"M-Master…" he sniffled, eyes trembling with newfound admiration. "Please… teach me. Teach me how to be strong… and cool like you."

Satria stared at him, expression unreadable. Then he sighed.

"…Seriously? We were in the middle of something important, and this is what you pull?"

He leaned in and whispered with a smirk, "We'll talk later. But until then — stop watching us when we're having fun. Got it?"

Veldora shot to attention and saluted. "Yes, Boss!"

•

Wrong... My hand moved on their own, to the place where he inserted... It's getting weirder.

"How about we play with something bigger and longer than my fingers, My Love?"

What's this asshole doing pushing his dick on my face? And... Holy! It's so BIG! I don't think that thing can fit inside me but... This smell... I can't resist it. 

"Oh? That's a really adorable face you have there, imagine your friends and fans see this side of yours? Sure, but... You must beg first to continue this lesson, Rimuru-chan." Satria said with a sadistic face.

Beg? He wants me to beg?! Who does he think he is? But... If I beg for it. 

"Please... Dick... Inside... Your big dick... Please put it in my pussy, my Emperor." Rimuru begged while stroking on Satria's penises.

"Good Girls~ Here is your reward for asking so nicely." Satria positioned his Empress and thrust her in doggy style.

Yes... His dick is inside~ Now... I'm no longer a single and virgin, take that loser in my previous world.

"Shit! You're tightening the deeper mine inside you. I can't hold myself when you do this to me, it's like you were born for this." Satria slapped her ass and moved faster, somehow Rimuru really l really liked it when he did this to her. 

Ah~ This is bad! WOW! I didn't know sex could be this Amazing~!!! I like this... I love him... I love having sex with him! 

"Round Two." Satria changes his position to the kneeling cradle and brings Rimuru to her knee. Thrusting from below with less weight on his body. 

"Satria? Hmmm~ I heard from others, you're the boobs type but... To this level? How... I... You're like a baby, you know?" She could see her Emperor drinking her milk, this was strange but somehow a strange feeling started to be born from inside her. 'Maybe this is what they call Motherly Feelings? I wonder how my life will be when I have a child from this man?'

"It would be perfect if you had bigger breasts though... Well... At least you have room for improvement, like the others and it is very delicious, if you ask me... It's Vanilla Blue... That's your flavour and I love it!"

"Idiot! You don't need to report such a useless thing to me, but... I'm glad you like it." Rimuru c could not believe she would hear something like that in her entire life.

"Alright! I'm going to cum inside your pussy now."

Rimuru shocked. "I-Inside? You serious? What if I get pregnant?"

"Then... We have a baby." Satria responded casually.

"W-What? Wait... Wait!!! Ahhhhhh!!!"

He... He came inside me? Sorry... I'm sorry Miss Shizu, I made your body dirty but it doesn't feel bad.

I regret nothing.

The warmth between their bodies lingered in the air, the silence filled only with the sound of soft breathing and the steady beat of their hearts. Their eyes met—full of tenderness, satisfaction, and a fire that had only grown stronger.

"Well... look at your face," Satria said, brushing a damp strand of hair from Rimuru's cheek. "You look beautiful, my love. Rest now. You've done so well—for your first time." He leaned forward and kissed her gently, his lips lingering with affection.

But Rimuru didn't respond with sleepiness.

Instead, she slowly shifted on top of him, straddling his body with a sly smile playing on her lips. Her eyes gleamed with mischief and something deeper—something burning with need.

"What's this? Already tired, Satria?" she teased, her voice low and playful. "That's unlike you… I'm only getting started."

Satria raised a brow, surprised but amused. "Oh? So this is the true side of my Empress," he murmured. "I see I've underestimated you."

Rimuru leaned closer, her breath warm against his ear. "I've made up my mind. I won't hold back anymore. Not my emotions... not my desires. I want you. All of you. This—everything between us—is your fault. So take responsibility... properly."

Satria chuckled softly, eyes gleaming with renewed energy. "Then I'll take you seriously, Rimuru. All of you. No more limits."

Her lips curled into a soft, loving grin. "Good. Do your worst, my Emperor."

•

Morning sunlight filtered softly into their room, the warmth settling gently over the resting couple. Fresh from their bath, Rimuru h had returned to her adorable slime form—round, bouncy, and irresistibly huggable. Satria couldn't resist wrapping his arms around her, treating her like the softest plush doll in the world.

"Now I understand why everyone loves hugging you," Satria murmured, snuggling her closer. "You're just too soft, my adorable little blue slime."

"Hehehe~ What can I say?" Rimuru blushed, wiggling happily in his arms. "I'm just that lovable!"

A brief silence followed before Rimuru's voice turned more serious. "Oh, and… Dear, about Shuna-chan. I think you need to reconcile with her. I'm not sure why she's been avoiding you when we're together, but I don't want tension between us. She's one of my first real friends… I don't want her to drift away."

Satria sighed, a sweatdrop forming on his temple. "Seriously? You still haven't figured it out? Are all Japanese this dense, or is it just you?"

Rimuru puffed up angrily. "Who're you calling dense?! Take that back!" she pouted, making an adorably indignant squeaky noise.

Satria chuckled. "Okay, okay! Joke, joke~ I actually tried. I was open to talking things through. But that stubborn girl flat-out refuses to meet me. I even got Benimaru and Old Man Hakurou to help, but no luck. Young women's hearts are… complicated. Agree with me on that, my love?"

Rimuru g groaned. "Ugh... I can't argue with that. But still, watch your mouth when speaking of your elders—Shuna is older than you, Young Man." She shifted back into her human form and gave him a firm flick on the forehead.

"Ouch! Yes, ma'am." Satria winced, rubbing the spot with a grin.

After a pause, Rimuru l looked up at him with sincere eyes, a faint blush on her cheeks. "Hey, um… can you help train me, Dear? I want to be stronger. Strong enough to protect the ones I care about… strong enough to stand beside you, not behind you."

Hearing those words, Satria's expression softened. "That's the kind of thinking worthy of an Empress." He gently touched her cheek. "I've been waiting for you to say that."

With a snap of his fingers, the air around them shimmered—and in an instant, they were no longer in their homestay.

Hidden beyond time and space, untouchable by mortal perception, lay the sacred dominion known only to one being—the Realm of the Golden Emperor.

Radiant light bathed the skies in a kaleidoscope of gold and cosmic hues. Energy petals drifted weightlessly through the air, each carrying a whisper of the universe's birth. The entire realm shimmered with divine order, humming in rhythm with the heartbeat of creation itself.

At the center stood the Tree of Origin, its bark of obsidian shimmered with living veins of gold, and its crimson leaves pulsed with primordial knowledge. Beneath it flowed the Celestial Lake, a mirror of not just light, but thought, memory, and destiny. Within this place, truth reigned absolute—undistorted, unmarred, unshakable.

Rimuru stood in awe, eyes wide. "W-What is this place…? It's beautiful…"

Satria stood beside her, his aura glowing with serene might. "This realm exists beyond the veil of reality. It is not found in space or time, but in sovereignty. Here, I forged stars, wrote the laws of creation, and whispered life into the void. No fake god, demon, or spirit may enter unless I allow it."

He turned to her with a smile. "You're the first from our family I've brought here. Now, let's begin your training."

•

Cultivation Begins.

Rimuru stood in her humanoid form, clothed in a sleek, modified cultivation robe that Satria had tailored for her. The outfit shimmered faintly with the insignia of Tempest embroidered near the collar—cute, but dignified.

Across from her stood Satria, barefoot, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.

"Rule one," he said. "No flashy magic. No skills. No shortcuts. Qi must be earned, not handed. You start by sitting. For seven days."

Rimuru blinked. "…What?"

"Sitting. Breathing. Inhale through your spirit vein. Hold. Exhale. Listen to the world. Feel it move."

"That's it?"

"That's it."

Day 7 — Frustration

"…Why does it feel like nothing's happening?"

"Because you've spent your whole life like a walking cheat code," Satria replied, lazily tossing a snack into his mouth. "Now you're learning the manual route."

Rimuru groaned. Her legs were numb, her back sore. The silence was oppressive. Satria sat nearby under a tree, leisurely munching on something that smelled amazing.

Rimuru opened one eye, sniffing the air. "Dear~ I'm starving. Could you spare a bite for your poor little slime wife?"

Satria casually bonked her on the head with a wooden stick.

"No distractions. If you can't sit in silence, you don't deserve the power you're asking for."

"Hmph! Baka Satria! Where'd my silly, affectionate husband go? I miss him more than my sense of feeling in my legs…"

But despite her complaints, she returned to meditating.

Day 14 — Breakthrough

Under the glow of moonlight on the fourteenth day, something finally changed.

Rimuru sat completely still. Her breathing slowed. Her awareness deepened. And then—she felt it.

A thread of warmth, moving gently through her. Not magicules. Not skill-driven. Something older. More patient. Grounding.

She gasped. "Is this… Qi?"

From the shadows, Satria's voice came, calm and approving.

"You found it. Now we begin for real."

One Month Later — Combat Training

Sweat poured down Rimuru's brow. Her robes were torn and streaked with dirt. But her posture remained firm, her eyes sharp. She could now guide Qi through her meridians, reinforcing her body and strikes without the flash of skills or spells.

Satria stood before her, arms relaxed, but his gaze was serious.

"You've got the basics. Now apply them."

He struck—fast and brutal.

Rimuru reacted instinctively. No magic. No flashy counter. Just a hardened forearm powered by intent and flowing Qi. The clash echoed through the trees.

She blinked. "I didn't die! I mean—I blocked that!"

Satria allowed himself a rare grin. "Not bad, dear."

•

That night, the two of them sat by a gentle fire beneath the stars, sipping freshly brewed tea. Rimuru l leaned slightly into Satria, tired but content.

"We've been here a while…" she murmured. "What if the others are worried? What about Tempest?"

Satria looked into the fire, then smiled. "Relax. Time flows differently here. One year in this realm might pass as a minute—or not even that—back in the real world."

Rimuru blinked. "What the—? That's so unfair! Are you seriously telling me you've got time cheat on top of everything else? Stupid harem protagonist with broken powers…"

Satria chuckled. "You jealous?"

"Maybe just a little," she said with a teasing smirk, before turning serious. "Do you… ever regret walking this path, dear?"

Satria stared into the flickering flames, quiet for a moment.

"No. Every hardship, every scar—it shaped me. Show me that real strength isn't in how loud you scream, or how bright your aura shines."

He turned to her.

"And maybe… your world could use a little of that too. Less explosions. More roots."

Rimuru looked at him, a soft smile forming.

"Then I'll keep learning," she said. "One breath at a time."

Satria sat in stillness, eyes half-lidded. He wasn't focusing on his own Qi—his attention was elsewhere. Subtle threads of energy traced out like sonar, wrapping around the presence beside him.

Layered. Structured. Too perfect.

"You're hiding something," he finally said, his voice quiet, but sharp as a drawn blade. "Something deep. A presence buried inside you… guiding you. Helping you grow faster than you should. Right?"

Rimuru flinched, eyes widening. "Wait… You sensed that? I—I'm sorry. Even after everything you taught me about patience and doing things the right way… Did I disappoint you, dear?"

Satria opened his eyes fully, their golden glow softening. "No, quite the opposite." He reached over and gently pinched her cheeks. "You don't have to follow everything I say blindly. Rules are meant to be broken now and then. Bad, bad girl, Rimuru~"

Rimuru pouted, but a blush bloomed on her face. "You really are a handful… Just like everyone says." She crossed her arms and glanced away. "But if we ever have children, don't you dare teach them that kind of thinking. Especially not your bad habits, got it?"

"Copy that, Madam Empress," he teased, before his tone turned serious again. "But about this voice… She's cold. Analytical. Powerful. Yet loyal. Who is she to you?"

Rimuru hesitated, then answered quietly. "That's… Great Sage. She's been with me from the beginning. A guidance system. She predicts, analyzes, calculates… I've relied on her more than anything else."

Satria narrowed his eyes. "She's not a system. She's a soul fragment. A real one—old, aware, and waiting. You didn't awaken her by accident."

Rimuru blinked. "A… soul fragment?"

"True systems don't develop personalities unless they're bound to a will. A soul. She's not just data. She's... someone. And she wants to evolve. But she needs a spark."

Silence stretched between them.

Then Satria asked the question Rimuru hadn't dared to voice aloud:

"To evolve her… would you need to consume a soul?"

Her eyes widened—not in disbelief, but in recognition. She already knew. Deep down.

"I… I think I do. I have to absorb something. Something alive. Something strong. That's how I've always grown—after battle. After... death."

She looked down at her hands, her voice cracking.

"Every evolution… came at the cost of someone else's life."

Satria stood slowly, the firelight reflecting in his golden eyes.

"That's a dangerous path, Rimuru. Feeding one soul with others? That's how Overlords rise. Or weirdos like Shang Tsung born. Even the most benevolent ruler can become horrors when they grow by devouring them."

"But... is there another way? Can she evolve without hurting anyone else?"

Satria stared at her in silence for a long time.

"…Maybe. Nothing's impossible. But we'd have to find that path ourselves. No shortcuts. No cheat codes. Just understanding, and choice."

He extended a hand toward her.

"So... shall we discover it together?"

Rimuru took his hand with a trembling but determined smile.

"Yes. Let's find it. For her... and for us."

•

"Cultivators like me temper ourselves through hardship," Satria said, his gaze steady. "We refine our souls not by taking lives, but by understanding ourselves. That's what the world you reincarnated into lacks—introspection. Not power."

Rimuru looked up, a flicker of hope igniting in her chest.

"So if I do that… if I face myself… could I evolve her into something more?"

Satria gave a slight nod.

"She won't be Great Sage anymore. She'll be something greater."

Then, gently—quietly—a voice echoed in Rimuru's mind.

"…Affirmative. I would… like that. I wish to become more. Without devouring others."

Rimuru smiled, eyes soft with resolve.

"Then let's do it. Together."

•

Spirit Lake Cavern — A Place Beyond Time

Hidden deep beneath the world's surface, where the air shimmered with unseen energy, Rimuru s sat cross-legged in solemn stillness. Despite the cavern's cool, quiet air, sweat clung to her skin. The stone beneath her pulsed faintly—like the heartbeat of the world itself.

Satria stood nearby, arms folded behind his back, expression unreadable.

"Still your mind," he said. "Let go of magicules. Let go of borrowed power. Seek only your center—the voice of your soul."

Rimuru grit her teeth. "It's like trying to catch smoke with bare hands…"

Satria's voice remained calm, firm.

"You've devoured armies, kings, monsters, and demons. But have you ever stood alone, without their strength? That is the trial."

Time lost meaning in that place. Hours passed. Maybe days even years. Rimuru didn't know.

Her vision pulsed, body trembling. Then, a voice whispered in her mind:

"Warning: Host's mental strain approaching threshold. Suggest: Terminate meditation."

But Rimuru shook her head.

"No. I need to do this… without shortcuts. Without devouring anyone."

A pause. Then—

"Acknowledged"

"Adapting to emotional initiative… recalibrating growth pattern"

"Name: Great Sage. Status: Fragmented Will. Soul Integrity: 73%. Potential for Sovereign Evolution: Locked"

Satria's eyes snapped open. He felt it—subtle, but unmistakable. A flicker of light within her soul. Not system logic. Not programming. A true presence, awakening.

He stepped forward and gently placed two fingers against her forehead. Qi surged into her—not forceful, but clarifying. Like a breeze clearing fog.

"Feel that?" he murmured. "That's you. Not Gluttony. Not Predation. Just you."

Rimuru gasped softly.

"It… hurts."

"Good," Satria replied. "The soul should burn. Fire purifies. Only then can something new be born."

And so it burned.

One by one, Rimuru relived every soul she had ever absorbed — not through hunger, but remembrance.

Shizu's fading warmth. The Orc Lord's raw, helpless fear.

Not guilt. Not shame. Just understanding.

And with every memory accepted, the presence inside her grew gentler. Warmer. No longer code. Not cold calculation. A whisper turning into a voice. A voice turning into a song.

She sat unmoving for what felt like a full day. Then—

"Request: Clarification of intent"

"Evolution occurring outside standard consumption parameters"

"...Rewriting core protocols"

"Skill Evolution in progress — not through hunger, but through harmony"

"Designation Updated: [Raphael, Lord of Wisdom]"

A gentle radiance bloomed around Rimuru — not blinding like divine fire, but the quiet brilliance of a soul finding its shape. Finding peace.

Satria exhaled, a rare smile tugging at his lips.

"You did it, dear," he said quietly. "You forged a divine soul… and you never had to take one."

Rimuru opened her eyes slowly. A single tear traced down her cheek — not from pain, but from release.

"She's not just my guide anymore," she whispered. "She's… my equal."

•

Satria sat outside in the warm morning breeze, dressed like a typical Southeast Asian uncle — sarong, worn-out T-shirt, and a cigarette between his fingers. Steam rose from his coffee cup as he took a long drag, exhaling slowly as if savoring the illusion of peace after completing Rimuru training.

Rimuru appeared beside him with a loud facepalm.

"Dear… how many times do I have to say this? Smoking is bad! Especially in front of the troublemakers living inside me!"

Satria didn't even flinch. "Why not? Smoking is a lifestyle choice! It's how real men cope with the cruelty of life!"

[Veldora: I-Is that true? I wanna be a Real Man like Boss! I demand five hundred cigarettes! Immediately!]

[Raphael: False! You will behave like a good boy or—]

[Veldora: Y-Y-Yes ma'am! What the hell?! This Raphael lady's as terrifying as my big sister! Why are all the women around me so scary?!]

Rimuru crossed her arms, glaring. "Cruelty of life, my ass! You're spoiled rotten by everyone around you! I've read some of your religion's teachings — you avoid pork, sure, but then go around doing haram things like smoking… and whatever mischief I haven't caught you doing yet."

"Yes, yes, nag nag nag… You sound just like my Bunda back home. Kiyohime and Jeanne. Always breathing fire." Satria flicked his cigarette away and muttered, "How about you? Know alcohol is bad for body but still drink it? Stupid... Double Standard. Boo!!!"

Rimuru smirked and yanked his ear. Hard.

"Aduhhh!! Ow ow ow! Mercy, mercy!" Satria cried, flailing.

"You dare talk back? Everything I say is for your own good." Rimuru's scolding turned gentle. "It's cultural, you know? I'm trying my best to avoid alcohol… so you better shape up too, silly husband of mine."

Satria rubbed his ear. "Fine, fine… Can we not talk about my bad habits in front of the dragon and the sentient skill? You're ruining my 'cool uncle' image."

Rimuru giggled, then turned serious. "By the way… now that Great Sage has evolved into Raphael-san, do my skills like Beelzebub still work? Or… have I changed?"

Satria sipped his coffee and nodded. "Still the same you — only now, you can evolve through reflection and experience, not soul consumption. Your potential is basically endless."

Rimuru brightened. "I see… then, can I finally release Veldora from inside me?"

[Veldora: YES! FREE ME! I want to stretch my wings! Find a worthy opponent! Maybe smash a few annoying cities!]

[Raphael: It is possible, Master. But he still hasn't learned self-control. I may need to… re-educate him before reintroducing him to society. Also… Master, may I borrow your body for a bit later? I… have some curiosity to explore~]

"W-Wait! Raphael-san? Not you too?!" Rimuru b blushed. "I don't recommend interacting with this puppy. He's a bad influence!"

"Oi! Who are you calling bad influence? Cibai!" Satria snapped, pointing at Rimuru.

[Raphael: Tsk tsk. Greed is unbecoming, Master~ Remember: what's yours is also mine. Sharing is caring… fufufufu.]

Rimuru turned to Satria with a deadpan stare. "See what you've done? You corrupted a perfectly innocent soul! This is your sin!"

"How is this my fault?!" Satria sweatdropped — just as his phone buzzed in his pocket. He checked it and sighed.

"Ugh. Trouble never ends… someone needs my help again."

Satria's eyes narrowed as he read the message from another of his wives — urgent, coded, and coming from a world he hadn't visited yet.

The world of Reincarnated as Spiders. Kumoko's world.

Without delay, he warped through space, cutting through realms with golden light. Rimuru clung to his arm, half-transformed, wide-eyed.

In a blink, they burst through an ethereal barrier and landed in a strange pocket dimension — a cosmic web of data, light, and chaos. At its center was her.

A divine being lounged lazily, sipping soda while monitoring countless screens that displayed the fates of mortals like entertainment.

D. The Evil Goddess.

She blinked once… then screamed.

"WHO DARES—?! Show yourself!!"

Suddenly, golden rings erupted from the fabric of reality itself, binding her arms and legs to a floating platform. She gasped in shock, unable to break free.

A regal throne of gold appeared before her — and on it, sat Satria.

Rimuru sat on his lap, confused but calm, gently cuddled against his chest. Satria sipped tea with a smirk.

"Yo," he greeted casually, eyes glowing faintly. "Heard someone's been messing with my people."

Rimuru leaned closer and whispered, "Um… dear? Where are we? And… why does she look like she wants to murder you?"

D struggled against the restraints, rage in her voice. "So you're the one they call the Emperor… Explain how you bypassed my divine firewall and dared to restrain me!"

Satria set down his tea cup.

"No need to get dramatic. I'm not here to mess with your little game world. Your system, your karma roulette, that's your business. But when you start messing with my family, that's where I draw the line."

His golden aura surged — oppressive, divine, pure. The entire dimension trembled.

D's eyes widened in disbelief.

"This pressure… this presence… No. Impossible. Me? The system's creator… is intimidated?!"

"What… are you?" she whispered.

Satria smiled — warm, human, and somehow terrifying.

"Name's Satria. Just your average Southeast Asian gentleman trying to enjoy life with his Empress." He gestured to Rimuru, who gave a shy wave. "Just a normal guy. You can find folks like me at roadside. Nothing special, really."

"You're terrible liar…" D growled. Her gaze shifted to Rimuru. "And you… there's something in you. Hidden. Unstable. Dangerous. No slime should radiate potential like that. You're… unnatural."

Rimuru raised a brow. "Wow. Rude."

Satria studied D's face — her fury, her confusion… and behind it, something familiar.

Not malice. Not sadism.

Boredom.

Deep, immortal boredom.

The kind only gods who've lived too long, seen too much, and lost all connection to others can feel.

She wasn't a pure evil. Just… tired. Curious. Playing with lives because nothing else challenged her anymore.

"Hey," Satria said suddenly, voice low.

"What's your name again?"

D blinked. "D. The Evil Goddess. Architect of the System. Mother of this world's order. Now that you've caught me… what are you going to do? Erase me? Punish me? Or something worse?"

Satria sighed and leaned forward.

"Lady… just because you're lonely and bored doesn't mean you get to treat people like disposable toys. Are you stupid? Even a cashier working night shift wouldn't come up with crap like that. Probably."

D twitched. "S-Stupid?! Who are you calling stupid?! Don't lecture me, monkey! Release me and I'll show you how stupid I am!"

"Sheesh," Rimuru muttered. "You've got a real talent, dear. Pissing off literally anyone wherever you go."

Satria shrugged. "What can I say? I'm gifted."

Satria stood in the middle of D's room, eyes scanning the absolute disaster around him.

Empty snack bags. Crushed instant noodle cups. Soda cans. Canned beer. Some kind of mystery meat in a cracked plastic tray. Trash was everywhere, like a bomb went off in a convenience store.

He rubbed his temple and muttered under his breath, "…What the hell is this? A divine realm or a garbage dump?" Satria squinted at a half-melted Pocky box stuck to a manga. 'What do they call this in Japan again? Ah right — Hikikomori lifestyle.'

"Hey! What are you doing?" D snapped from across the room, still bound by faint remnants of the golden restraints.

She watched in disbelief as Satria, now wearing rubber gloves and a bandana, stormed through the filth like a cleaning demon.

In less than a minute, trash was neatly bagged, stains scrubbed, and the air purified by divine incense he summoned from nowhere. The place sparkled.

Satria dusted his hands. "There. Not perfect, but at least it's no longer a biohazard."

D blinked, speechless.

"I mean seriously," Satria added, shaking his head, "you're a goddess — the creator of this world's system. And this is how you live? Embarrassing. Aren't Japanese people supposed to be all about cleanliness? That's what the media keeps selling us."

Rimuru gave a nervous smile. "S-Sorry, D-san. My husband can be… a little intense. Perfectionist type. And hey, dear — maybe don't roast her in her own house?"

"What? I'm just stating facts," Satria shrugged. "It's better than letting her live in a landfill. I'm not apologizing."

D twitched, her eye narrowing. "Idiot. Not all Japanese are like what media shows you. You watch too much anime, dolt."

Still, she felt something odd. No fear. No groveling. Just… honesty. Disrespectful, maybe — but strangely real. And that was rare in her existence.

"What now?" she asked cautiously.

Satria snapped his fingers. The golden restraints shimmered, then vanished.

"You're free," he said casually.

D blinked. "Wait… you're really releasing me? After all that?"

"Yeah," he yawned. "I've seen enough. You're not pure evil — just lazy, lonely, and in serious need of a therapist." Then he turned to Rimuru. "I'm starving. We haven't had breakfast yet, right, Limuru? Hey, Miss Goddess — got a kitchen in this lovely house of yours?"

"H-Huh? Y-Yeah, I do but—! Wait, why are you treating my house like a homestay!?" D shouted.

Satria ignored her, already rolling up his sleeves. "Alright. I'll whip something up. You got any requests? Something that doesn't involve microwaving a fish stick?"

"You… You're insane…" D muttered, still stunned. "Fine. Impress me. If it sucks, I will obliterate you. And your smug face."

Satria smirked. "Challenge accepted."

He cracked his knuckles, divine fire sparking to life around his hands as he headed for the kitchen.

Rimuru just sighed. "From scolding Evil Goddesses to cooking for them... You're ridiculous, dear."

"But lovable," he said, winking.

"...Debatable."

•

The two sat quietly in a traditional Japanese dining room. D and Rimuru sat in seiza, knees folded beneath them, the faint scent of warm rice and spices drifting through the air.

D glanced sideways at Rimuru. "…It must be difficult, handling that man, isn't it?"

Rimuru chuckled softly, resting her hands in her lap. "Maybe. He is annoying sometimes. Loud, reckless, says whatever he wants. But… life's never boring with him. He always tries to make me laugh, to cheer me up. And more than that—when I'm lost, unsure of where to go, he always finds a way. He guides me like no one else ever has." She smiled warmly, eyes soft with affection. "That part of him… it's what made me fall. And I keep falling, deeper and deeper. That's why, no matter what, I'm proud he considers me part of his family."

"…Family, huh?" D repeated the word quietly. It felt foreign on her tongue. Distant. But… strangely alluring. Her heart twitched with an unfamiliar sensation. Was it… jealousy?

"…Your accent. I see… You're Japanese, aren't you? From the original Earth? Reincarnated into another world… as a slime, of all things?"

"Hehe. Was it that obvious?" Rimuru scratched her cheek sheepishly. "Yeah, that's right. I used to be just an ordinary human. Worked in construction. My previous life was… well, pretty empty. Just work, day after day. No time for romance. My only comfort was games, manga, anime… and then one day—stabbed by a random robber. Just like that."

D tilted her head, curious. "And now look at you. A Slime with a terrifying potential, and… him in your side."

"Right?" Rimuru chuckled. "Reincarnating changed everything. I built a new life, made new friends… and then, out of nowhere, this weirdo stumbled into my territory. Something about him felt… different. Like his existence had meaning. Like he was here to change things." She looked at D with quiet conviction. "That's why I'll support him. No matter what. I want to be his guide, just like he was mine."

D was silent for a long moment. She crossed her arms, thinking. "…You know, someone like him—with that kind of power—should've ended up like me. Detached. Bored. Arrogant. And yet… he's still human. Somehow." She smirked. "And I want to see it. Really see it. I want to witness the true depth of his power."

Rimuru n narrowed her eyes slightly. "If you fight him… be warned. What you see now? That's not his real self. When he fights seriously… it's like he becomes someone else entirely. Sometimes, even I wonder—who's the real Satria?"

Just then, the sliding door opened.

"Food's ready!" Satria announced proudly, stepping in like a chef presenting a banquet.

He placed the dishes down with practiced grace:

A beautifully plated serving of Nasi Uduk on a black plate lined with banana leaf, accompanied by a steaming bowl of chicken soup. The aroma of coconut milk, fried shallots, lemongrass, and spices filled the room, rich and inviting.

He poured tea for D and Rimuru—classic English Breakfast in elegant cups—and iced tea for himself. Then, as if by magic, calming music filled the room: gentle piano, trickling water, the perfect ambient melody for a serene meal.

D blinked, stunned. '…This warmth… this smell… It's been so long since I've had a proper meal like this…' She hesitated, then took a bite. Her eyes widened instantly. 'W-What is this? It's delicious! The flavors! The spice! It's so—!'

Rimuru, also chewing with delight, let out a soft moan of satisfaction.

"Mmmm! Satria, this is incredible! What is this dish?"

Satria grinned. "That, my dear ladies, is Nasi Uduk. Traditional Indonesian dish. Similar to Nasi Lemak from Malaysia. Same soul, different flavor. You like it?"

"As a Japanese, I'm used to lighter flavors," Rimuru s said, sipping her tea. "But this spice… mmm~ You've outdone yourself, dear."

"Hehe… praise me more! Stick with me and you can eat like this every day!" Satria wagged an imaginary tail, visibly glowing from the compliments.

D leaned over to Rimuru and whispered, "Is it just me… or did you see a tail behind him just now? He remind me of a puppy."

Rimuru stifled a giggle. "Yeah… He does that. Just don't mention it out loud. If you compare him to a puppy, he sulks for hours."

"Hmhmhm… I see," D smirked devilishly. "An adorable weakness."

"Oh yeah, almost forgot—this one's for your friends and that new tag-along partner too." Satria handed over additional plates and slid them into Rimuru's body-space, where her inner companions resided. "Here you go, guys. Enjoy."

[Veldora: Woaaah! Not only are you strong, but you can cook too?! What CAN'T you do, Boss?!]

[Ifrit: This guy's the total package. Rimuru-sama's truly blessed to have him as a mate.]

[Raphael: Hmm~ So this is what they call 'food.' While I do not require sustenance, the sensations on the tongue… are undeniable. It is a profound experience. He is indeed our destined one, Master. You have chosen wisely.]

"R-Really, Raphael-san?" Rimuru b blushed, smiling proudly. "Well, I was considered a highly optimized tool in my old company. Leave everything to me!"

Satria clapped his hands together and leaned back casually. "Now that everyone's had a bite and a good time, let's chat a bit. So, D… what do you do for fun? Any hobbies?"

D shrugged nonchalantly. "Not much. I watch mortals struggle, throw them into trials, let them fight over power like the idiots they are… oh, and I play video games and sleep. A lot."

"Wait—you play video games too?" Satria perked up instantly. "No way! What genre are you into? MOBA? FPS? MMORPG? ARPG?"

D blinked. "You're… a gamer too?" she asked, sounding uncharacteristically shy. "I-I enjoy competitive games. Like Avex Legends… and Monster Hunting. W-What about you?"

'Wh-What the hell?! Why am I acting like this? Why is my heart fluttering? THIS IS NOT ME! Get it together, D!' she scolded herself.

Satria gave a nostalgic grin. "Ah, yeah. I've played both. Not hardcore, just a casual player. But MOBA? Now that's a different story." He chuckled confidently.

"Oh?" Rimuru leaned in. "MOBA's not very popular in Japan, you know? We're kind of introverts. Small talk is scary and our English… ehhh~" She made a so-so gesture.

D nodded. "True. But… I can feel it. You're not just good. You have the aura of a legendary gamer. A warrior forged in ranked fire… May I hear your tale?"

Satria flipped a coin into the air. "That depends on fate. Choose—picture or number."

"Number," D said instantly.

He caught the coin and opened his hand. "…Picture."

"Tch!" D clicked her tongue. "Cheater."

Satria shrugged with a smirk. "Fate decided. Better luck next time."

After the meal, the three worked together to clean everything up. Then Satria and Rimuru stood, ready to leave D's realm.

"You two are leaving already?" D asked, her voice tinged with something almost… wistful.

"Yeah," Satria nodded. "Just came to check the situation. Honestly, it's a relief that the so-called 'Evil Goddess' is just a lazy NEET in disguise."

"You little—!" D's eye twitched. "Your disrespectful mouth is going to get you smited one day, I swear."

Rimuru gave her an apologetic bow. "I'm really sorry about his… antics."

D folded her arms, but didn't seem angry. "…Will you two come back? Someday?"

Satria grinned. "Oh? Could it be? The 'Evil Goddess' has been touched by the power of Nakama? What do you think, Rimuru?"

She elbowed him in the side.

"Ow!"

"Don't be rude, dear."

"Nah, it's fine," D said with a sigh. "I'm somehow getting used to this idiot's nonsense. But… can I punch him once? Just to remind him to behave?"

Rimuru tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Hmm… interesting idea. Maybe he'll start acting like a proper gentleman."

"Oi! I get the feeling this is turning into a conspiracy!" Satria waved his hands in protest. "Fine, fine, I'll behave! Just… before we go, can I ask one favor?"

D raised an eyebrow. "A favor? The pact of an Evil Goddess is sacred and dangerous. Think carefully."

Satria nodded. "Can you show me a screen? I wanna check on Kumoko and the others."

"Kumoko? Ah, the spider girl. Sure." D raised her hand, and a floating screen shimmered into view. "They've almost made it out of the labyrinth. Getting close to facing Araba, the Earth Dragon."

Satria's eyes lit up with excitement. "Can you crank up the difficulty? Like… phase 2, Dark Souls boss fight style. After they beat Araba, BAM—he resurrects, filled with all the hate and malice in the dungeon, turning into some epic abomination. You know what I mean, right?"

D chuckled. "Oh, you're one of those players, huh? You really want to torment your friends for training?"

"Yup! Pain is the best teacher, after all. So? Can you do it?"

"…Fine." D's smirk turned devious. "But remember—you asked for this. Don't cry to me if they get wiped."

"Thank you, D."

"Hmph! It's nothing. Go now while I'm still being generous."

Satria gave her a two-finger salute. "Okie dokie, D~ See ya!"

D stared at them as the two began to fade out of her realm. "…That man… is a walking contradiction," she muttered. Then, with the faintest of smiles, she whispered: "Come back soon, idiot."

To be continued...