Piece of Cake

Alex reappeared in the exact spot he had left before, but the town before him was no longer the same vibrant place. Signs of destruction marred the once-thriving settlement, buildings bore scars of battle, and debris littered the streets.

Yet, amidst the damage, the humanoid monsters remained optimistic. Orcs, piggy-like humanoids worked diligently to restore the town, carefully placing bricks and beams, while hobgoblins assisted with construction.

Expanding his senses, Alex located Rimuru inside a cave alongside the newly freed Storm Dragon, Veldora. Without drawing attention, Alex and Lily walked through the town, unnoticed by its inhabitants.

As night fell, Alex strolled through the town, taking in the lively atmosphere. Despite the lingering signs of past destruction, the air buzzed with celebration. Lanterns flickered, casting warm light over the rebuilt streets, and the sounds of laughter and music filled the night.

At the town's center, where the heart of the festivities pulsed strongest, he approached Rimuru.

Though the area was teeming with powerful individuals, and loyal subordinates standing guard, none reacted to his presence. It was as if he didn't exist. Moving unnoticed, Alex stepped forward and spoke.

"You've grown taller."

Rimuru, seated comfortably among his gathered subordinates, blinked in surprise, turning toward the familiar voice. His subordinates reacted instantly, Souei and Benimaru drew their weapons, while Shuna and Shion shielded Rimuru. Diablo's golden eyes glowed ominously, yet despite his sharp instincts, all he could sense from Alex was the presence of an ordinary human. But they did not sense him approaching.

"Unusual human," Diablo muttered, remaining on high alert.

The atmosphere tensed as the gathered warriors prepared to act. Yet, Veldora, engrossed in his manga while munching on food, barely spared Alex a glance before returning to his reading, sensing nothing from him.

"Wait! Wait! He's not an enemy!" Rimuru quickly shouted.

Alex chuckled. "You've got some loyal subordinates, Rimuru. Even knowing you're stronger than them, they still stand ready to defend you."

Rimuru sighed and turned to his companions. "Guys, lower your weapons. Sorry about that, Alex. A lot has happened recently, and they're a bit on edge."

"I see. No problem, right, Lily?" Alex glanced at his companion.

"Not at all. Piece of cake," Lily replied casually, though it was unclear whether she meant the situation or Rimuru's subordinates.

Rimuru exhaled in relief. "Anyway, you disappeared before I could properly invite you last time. Have a seat and join us."

Alex nodded and sat down. "I'll take you up on that. You really love your culture, huh? Eating Japanese food in another world is pretty good."

"I know, right? Their cooking is good too." Lily mumbled as she tackled a portion much bigger than herself.

Rimuru grinned. "Well, I miss my hometown and the food. This is my way of keeping a piece of my old world alive while also sharing it with everyone here."

As the feast continued, Rimuru and Alex exchanged lighthearted conversation while the others around them listened attentively, finally realizing that Alex, like their lord, hailed from another world.

After some time, Rimuru leaned forward, curiosity shining in his eyes. "So, what's your story, Alex? Why are you here?"

Alex took a sip of his drink before answering. "I arrived here unknowingly. I don't really have a goal."

Rimuru tilted his head. "I see. Well, if you want, you're welcome to stay for a while. We're a bit busy since a human kingdom attacked us recently, and there's still a lot of rebuilding to do. We also have to prepare for the possibility of another attack."

Alex nodded thoughtfully. "You mean the damage to the town? I could help with that if you'd like."

Rimuru waved a hand dismissively. "Nah, my subordinates are handling it. It's not too serious."

Alex smirked. "I insist. Consider it payment for this meal."

With a snap of his fingers, a golden glow enveloped the town. The damaged buildings and infrastructure began to restore themselves as if time had reversed, seamlessly returning to their pristine state.

The gathered onlookers gasped in shock. Some drunken revelers sobered instantly, rubbing their eyes in disbelief.

"Restorative magic? No, time magic?" Rimuru muttered, watching the phenomenon unfold.

[Notice: Unknown form of magic. A derivative or advanced form of time magic.]

[Undetectable magicule value. Unable to deduce further.]

Alex clapped his hands together, breaking the stunned silence. "See? Fixed it right up."

The crowd finally snapped back to reality, murmuring in awe. Rimuru sat back, staring at Alex with newfound curiosity. "Was that an ultimate skill?"

"You could say that."

The topic deepened and Rimuru shared his experiences living here and Alex also made up some nonsense to go along with his story.

As Alex was guided by Rimuru personally to the place to stay in the guest house within the town hall, Alex couldn't help but ask, "By the way, Rimuru, if you could go back to your old world, would you?" Alex asked.

"Go back, huh…" Rimuru glanced at his subordinates and his people through the window, seeing their happy smiles, he already knew the answer even before he had become a demon lord. Answering with certainty, he said, "This is my world now. They are my family."

"Really? Not even a visit? There are new manga releases, you know." Alex teased.

"Gahhh... I wish I could." Rimuru groaned in frustration.

Alex laughed. "What if I could actually let you? Would you go?"

"Absolutely! Don't tell me... you could?" Rimuru asked, his eyes shining with excitement.

"I'll give you five ticket passes. How about it?" Alex generously offered.

"Really? What's the catch?" Rimuru, fully trusting Alex, still asked what the price would be.

"Simple. You just allow me to freeload here when I visit in the future. I might bring my wife and child someday."

Rimuru froze for a moment and looked at Alex in disbelief, it's traveling to another world you know, not going to another country.

"Nani? That's it? Leave it to me!" Overjoyed, Rimuru shook hands with Alex, sealing the deal.