A Normal Day In Tempest.

Hmm, what a tough squad we've got here…

"Dude, chill out,"—was my honest reaction.

I mean—the hell…?

Look at those scary-looking names.

I swear—I saw something about creating life. Like, c'mon.

I'm just a demon.

That's a huge jump, don't you think?

I hope you're well enough to handle them.

「Are… you underestimating me?」

Wow, take it easy there, miss. I mean no harm.

I'm just being realistic. I mean, how's my soul still stable?

And really now, I'm seeing shit like Life Creation and Existence Gluttony—what type of reaction were you even expecting?

「.... I figured you'd be more appreciative…」

Yeah, tough luck with that, huh?

「.....」

Well, I'll admit, I'm kinda excited about it all, but, geez, you always go ahead doing whatever.

「And I won't cease until I'm satisfied.」

Go to heaven…

Alright, let's put that behind. Gotta do the needful.

It seems my existence has been altered so many times.

I mean, my intrinsic skills have undergone several changes due to Reina-san's influence.

All she cared for was the result. Nothing else mattered.

That was exactly how she worked.

Although I've never had any problem with it, it was still pretty annoying knowing that I couldn't do jackshit about it.

Well, there were always the benefits, so I guess there's no need for complaints.

So, let's have a rundown on my abilities.

I was now a divine demon with special characteristics.

My existence was solid, and I had the power to override the world's laws by willing it alone.

I can create carbonizing electricity waves by simply imbuing my fist with a small amount of my fighting spirit.

By simply releasing my dense haki, I could easily cause space plasmas, and with an all-out blow from me, really, intermolecular force-severing waves were easily generated.

My casual attacks generated atmospheric quakes and space vibrations, disrupting the motion of any matter under the influence of space and gravity.

I could now travel at sublight speed (my fastest record), and I now had the innate ability to completely control the laws of the world by will alone.

That was something unachievable before. I'm sure Reina has something to do with this.

It was a terrifying feat. I was an ultimate existence in the truest sense of the word.

Surpassing almost ninety percent of the cardinal world's population in terms of power.

That was hard to take in. Whew, is it just me, or does this sound way too edited?

Well, no complaints from me.

Let's see… Wow, that only goes for my existence.

If we were to include my ultimate skills… Yikes, I may never experience a thrilling battle ever again, huh?

That's ninety-five.

Man, how lucky…

Kalisha: 「Make up your mind already. I'm getting pissed off, you know?」

Huh? Where'd the brat come from?

Well, yeah, I need to be straight. No more lefts and rights at the same time.

Alright, let's do this.

I'll simply go straight to the ultimates.

Ignoring Raziel, there's Odin and Enma.

But a random, stupid question popped up in my mind.

Hey, what about Raziel. Is she still okay?

I mean, I haven't really heard from her since the evolution.

「Eh? You didn't understand a thing?」

Wah—?

「*Sigh* Let me explain it properly. The moment you named me, my will upon the skill's essence was separated. I was born as a separate entity from Raziel, meaning the will of Raziel was lost, but a new will was born.」

Oh? Well, um, so Raziel had an enlightenment?

「...」

C'mon, how else should I put it?!

「Necessary information and will from Raziel have left the skill core and were actually directly transferred to the master's soul…」

I see… That's cool. So, are you attached to my soul?

「Our information has become one and is therefore inseparable. The will resides in the master's soul (will), so it would be the same reasoning as removing a part of your soul. Would that make any sense?」

Wow, I guess that would be extremely foolish. What of Kalisha? I've never asked of how she dwells within me, have I?

「You two are separable. Unlike me, she doesn't dwell within your very soul.」

And why do you take pride in that? What's with the refreshing tone of voice?

「It is just how it is. There's no need to worry.」

No—no, there's a need to worry. It has always been like that with you.

You're supposed to keep me safe and happy all the time, not nervous and skeptical at all times.

「You worry too much is all.」

I really can't argue with you now, huh?

「A foolish quest.」

You little…

*Sigh*

This lady… I'll go crazy because of her one day.

Alright. That was explained. So, that's how it is.

What of the abilities. How come you're an ultimate existence when your will is simply that of a computational power?

「I aquired not only the abilities of my former self but also new ones that solidify my existence.」

Oh, really? That's cool. So, mind telling me what made you so "ultimate?"

「All my intrinsic abilities were derived from an ultimate skill, that alone is enough. Combined with the new skills received, it is only natural that I am referred to as such.」

Ooh, how amazing. I'm sure you're as scary—no, far more scarier than I am.

In that case, show me a true demon, partner!

「With pleasure.」

Name: Reina

Race: Manas — (Divine Wisdom Core) — Information Nuclues

Blessings: Grace of Partnership

Title: Silver King's Assistant.

Magic: Aspectual Magic, Physics Magic, True Soul Magic, Holy Magic, Dark Magic, Illusion Magic, Spirit Magic, Summoning Magic, True Dragon Magic, Chaos Magic, Primitive Magic.

Skills:

Intrinsic Skills: Thought Acceleration, Analytical Appraisal, Chant Annulment, All of Creation, Parallel Computation, Skill Replication, Skill Assimilation, Existence Alteration, Future Attack Prediction, Law Domination, Information World.

Ultimate Skill: Lord of Heavenly Wisdom: Raziel 』, 『Lord of Lost Souls: Enma』, 『Lord of Ultimate Authority: Odin』.

Unique Skill: 『Space-Time Administrator』.

Resistances: Pain Nullification, Physical Attack Nullification, Natural Effect Nullification, Abnormal Condition Nullification, Spiritual Attack Nullification, Holy-Demonic Attack Nullification.

Oh my God…

I said it. You're scarier.

Not only do you use all my abilities, but you also have abilities of your own.

And again, with the scary-looking names…

I might as well go with the flow.

But still, I'm feeling nervous. I thought it was all about acquiring power, but there's also the responsibility that comes with holding that power.

I feel a lot of weight on my shoulders now.

If anything were to happen to the world—and looking at my power level—the guilt would be too much, aren't I right?

This… This is really annoying. Is that how he felt all along?

If that's so, he should've told me instead of planning things out like this. That old fart…

「That's exactly why you have someone like me by your side. You're not alone in this.」

Hmm, right. Thanks.

「You're always welcome.」

Okay, now, for real, let's go over my abilities.

There was this thing about my『Enma』 skill.

1. Existence Gluttony: A super-evolved version of 『Life Predation』. Consumes all types of matter, including space-time. Once devoured, the target is taken into the 『Soul World』for analysis, or isolated and converted into usable energy for the user. The target of effect includes but is not limited to organic and inorganic objects and other abstract concepts. It also extends to skills and magic. This skill can now be activated, ignoring space-time to consume its target.

—And that was it.

What? You expected me to welcome these types of things with open arms and charming smiles?

Well, you're wrong. I'm scared as hell!

What the hell?

It should be noted that my previous Life Predation ability could only affect various energies.

Since magicules were like the basic unit of life, I had to go through an annoying process of converting physical matter into its former energy state.

When that was done, then it would be possible to transfer the devoured matter to my Soul World.

But this, it skipped all that bullshit and simply ate whatever.

Unlike before, I could ignore space-time, making it nigh-impossible to evade.

Well, the next one.

2. Soul Sublimation: Transforms skill essence into soul energy, imprinting the laws of the skill and its functionality upon the user's or target's soul, allowing them to wield the power of the skill without having to face the burden of carrying the skill.

This was pretty useful. No more worrying about the burden skills came with.

Although it still depends on the quality and quantity of infons in the heart core of the individual.

3. Soul Appraisal: Allows the user to run analysis on a targets soul, allowing them to access information like the skills they possess and the functions of that skill. When used on targets weaker than the user, it can also be used to read the memories of the appraised targets.

There is no need to explain this one. Self-explanatory.

4. Soul World: A World-type skill and an infinite-sized dimension introducing a world of pure chaos and unbridled destruction, made specifically for dealing with souls. All harvested souls are stored in this subskill and can be converted to magical energy for the user and viceversa.

That's actually how it was.

But with the ultimate transformation, new features were unlocked.

Souls in this dimension are not affected by time. Things stored in this dimension are affected by the user's resonating soul wavelength (will), but it can be deactivated at will.

When activated, the target's magical abilities are immensely affected due to the resonating soul wavelength.

It also has a passive ability, which reduces a target's will to live.

Their belief, willpower, confidence, and will to fight are heavily affected.

This effect works more effectively when the user constantly overwhelms the target.

The only beings unaffected by this passive ability are those of strength on par with or greater than the user.

Digital life forms are most affected by this skill. Infons are easily observable and influenceable in this world due to the fact that other types of matters do not obstruct the manipulation of infons.

Also, the user can easily manipulate infons in this world due to their constantly resonating soul wavelength (will), making them a natural enemy of all digital life-forms when this skill is activated.

This world can now be manifested in the material plane, possessing the effect of 『Isolation』, 『Existence Gluttony』,『Soul Domination』, and 『Soul Appraisal』.

A very fearsome World-type ability.

Hell, it might even be the strongest there is.

5. Soul Domination: Allows the user to have total control over souls. Things like 『Rebirth』, 『Resurrection』, and 『Revival』 become extremely easy with this skill.

Skip.

6. Dark Holocaust: A very destructive flame-type ability that bypasses physical forms and all resistance and nullification-type abilities. A special type of flame that exhausts the soul energy of a target. This flame grows to become stronger the more soul energy it consumes, and never does it get extinguished until the target's soul is completely drained of energy.

There might be ways to extinguish it, but I don't really care.

I'm just pitying the fool that manages to tick me off senseless.

7. Soul Integration: This skill grants the user the ability to break limitations placed on a target's essence (soul), allowing them to evolve past their current level into their next evolution stage. This skill effect only influences the soul, essence, or spiritual body of the target.

Pretty much the skill Reina-san used on me during the ultimate skill spamming session.

8. Soul Blade Summoning: A mythical grade weapon that ignores the material body and directly affects the soul of a target upon contact. The greater the amount of magicules infused into the blade, the higher the damage the soul takes. Using spiritrons as its energy source makes the amount of damage greater than when used with magicules.

Another self-explanatory ability in sight.

9. Soul Ruler's Ambition: A skill that allows the user to take absolute control of their subordinates. Only those who share a soul connection to the user can be controlled.

It's not really an ability I saw myself using anytime soon, but it's not like it wasn't welcomed.

That was it for my 『Enma』 skill. Honestly, I don't want to handle these skills.

Once again, I leave it all to Reina-san's capable hands, but with careful consideration.

As for『Odin』, let's get to it.

I'll only be talking about the new additional subskill, 『Ultimate Barrier』.

Ultimate Barrier: This skill was created by using the mechanics of Ultimate Imprisonment. It envelopes the user in the protective layer of the Ultimate Imprisonment skill, thereby effectively blocking any and all attacks, with the only noticeable difference being the several dimensional walls, each now sturdily supported by Multidimensional Barriers.

This skill offers absolute defense in the literal sense, being the first barrier-type skill on par with the Castle Guard.

That was it.

I think I can rest easy with all these skills.

Firstly, my offensive prowess was something unachievable.

Only without this greedy manas of mine.

Them we look at my defense. It was perfect.

I don't know how powerful Castle Guard is, but with my defense, I don't think I need to worry.

 ◇◇◇ 

After getting a few practices in, I headed back to Tempest.

This time, I was ready to confront Milim.

I've gotten familiar with my skills, so I think that's enough.

I didn't really keep time in mind, but a few days likely passed.

I mean, I did spend a good amount of time practicing not only my skills, but there was also the messing around with magic.

But really, what did you expect?

「You were simply running away from your responsibilities. I expected nothing more.」

Sheesh, don't paint me out to be so horrible.

I didn't plan it out for Rimuru to be the one handling everything by evading Milim altogether!

「....」

You dare suspect me?!

「I am greatly disappointed…」

Tch! Whatever.

It's never been my style to work hard, so don't point those accusatory fingers at me!

I work smarter, and this is part of the drill! That's how it's done.

「You… never mind.」

As I was on my way back to Tempest, a small explosion occurred.

In the capital no less, that's gotta be trouble.

Was it Milim's doing? I'd be mad if that was the case.

I decided to watch and see it all occur from far.

Well, some beast man dared to raise a hand against Rigurd, and I guess he paid the price.

But seriously, what's a beastman doing here? I mean, they're always welcome, but what's with this one?

I watched as Rimuru handled everything.

Well, he's been the one working all the details out. I simply shoo the annoying intruders with a bit of muscle flexing.

And now, it seems my presence would be required.

I waited for it all to settle down with Rimuru taking things to the meeting hall before making an appearance.

Man, why is everyone so annoying nowadays?

 ◇◇◇ 

They were all already settled in the meeting hall, so I decided to make my arrival there and then.

No more running away from work… Pfft—as if.

Did you honestly believe that?

You should've known me better than that by now. I feel deeply insulted…

Hmm, enough of that, back to the issue at hand.

The door, it didn't creak as I opened it, but the sound of moving wind was enough to neutralize the tension in the room.

But that should've been the least of my worries.

Milim: 「Sariel!!」

Ah shit, this brat…

I was tackled to the ground with a stunning amount of force.

It was apparently what she liked to call a "hug."

This force, even with my evolution, I still can't defeat it. "Is this the power of plot"?

Shion: 「Sir Fubuki?」

Benimaru: 「What has gotten into you, lady Milim?」

Damn it. Okay, think rationally.

What's the first thing to do in this case?

Ahh, right!

I sent a message to Milim using our reestablished soul corridor.

It was cut off the time I was banished out of this space-time, but with my presence already revealed, there's no need for it to remain broken, so with a single order, it was reforged.

Obviously, the message had to do with my identity.

There was the slip up a moment ago, but I don't think anyone concentrated on that.

She did ask a few questions, which were all answered.

It all took a second. Increasing my thought processing speed did come in handy at times like this.

Rimuru: 「About time you showed up. You keep leaving all the headaches to me.」

Well, what can I say? I'm an artistic demon, after all.

I cleaned myself up and regained balance.

Fubuki: 「Everyone—just forget that this ever happened.」

I know it's a stupid request, but don't we have other matters at hand?

Rimuru: 「Right. Back to it all.」

I decided to take my seat beside Rimuru.

Fubuki: 「So, mind briefing me on the issue?」

I decided to play dumb as I didn't need to go through the trouble of telling all about my whereabouts.

All was explained according to how it happened.

Fubuki: 「That was pretty nice of you, don't you think so too?」

I looked over to the magic-born. He had this haughty look going for him.

"Hmph! And I have to reply to you lowly would-be magic-born?"

Benimaru and Shion immediately glared at him. I motioned them to stay cool, and they reluctantly stayed there, watching things unfold.

Fubuki: 「Yeah, right. Bark all you like, but I'd like to think I'm way stronger than you. I don't even know who your so-called Lord is. Is he just another wannabe demon lord?」

"You dare?!"

Fubuki: 「I do, dunce. I'm pretty sure a demon lord with a good head over their shoulder would send an envoy or whatever for these types of things. At least, the ones with good brains.

And you were supposed to be the envoy? Honestly, Guy just does whatever, picking up random stray dogs and calling them demon lords?」

I was always one open to roasts, and this was my spotlight.

Milim: 「Pfft-」

The angry looks the ogres had a while ago had transformed into that of amusement.

Shion: 「If your so-called Lord couldn't come in person to meet our masters, doesn't that let up on his level of cowardice?」

Of course, she also had a say in this.

"That's it!!"

Rimuru: 「.....」

Fubuki: 「What's the deal?」

Rimuru: 「You had one job, Fubuki… And you showed me the light.」

What? It's not like I killed him or anything.

Rimuru: 「*Sigh* Look, man, the thing is that you can't just barge in and demand ownership over the land.

I don't know this Carrion guy, but depending on how you act around me, maybe he's gonna have to answer to us before long, okay?

Think you're ready to make enemies with the entire Forest of Jura?」

"Ha! Well, look at you! The most self-important slime in the world, eh? And this entire town carries out the orders of such base creatures?

What a bunch of wimps you must have here. And just because Lady Milim likes you a little, don't let that get to your head, boy."

Fubuki: 「Save that shit for later. Do you even have a good guess on the state of the storm dragon?」

That was enough to shut him up. Nothing else was needed.

It wasn't impossible for the storm dragon to reappear randomly, and with this fact brought up, he finally zipped his mouth shut.

"Geh. Relying on the storm dragon, are we? You're all mouths and no muscles."

Fubuki: 「I could do this all day, but really? Arguing with a loyal dog? That just ain't gonna cut it, is it?」

"You—"

Fubuki: 「That's enough.」

For the first time, I unleashed the result of my evolution.

Although I heavily restricted the effects, it was still pretty strong, strong enough to give a demon lord a run for their money.

"Hmm—!"

Several strained gasps followed this power display, although the effect was only limited to the envoys.

An enhanced version of Demon Lord's Haki. One that could also affect the soul of any being under its effect.

It may end up leaving a certain type of inferiority complex on the target depending on the intensity.

This wasn't powerful enough to do so, but that didn't mean I couldn't afford to do so.

I finally spoke up.

Fubuki: 「I'm not going to drag this out any longer. Now, it is simple: Answer our questions or die. The power's in your hand.」

That was pretty much the other way around, but since no one figured it cool to scold me on it, I wasn't about to bother myself.

In the end, the fool relented—not like he had another way around!

It all summed up to this: The demon lord Carrion had ordered him to try to scout either the orc lord or the mystery

magic-born that fought him, whichever had survived.

The magic-born referred to us, apparently, which suggested that the demon lord backup Gelmud had

hinted at wasn't Milim after all.

I didn't think multiple demon lords were involved with this, but thinking about it, I doubted Milim would bother with such a convoluted plan anyway.

It was more natural to assume someone else was behind it.

Getting back to the subject, whoever won the fight between the orc lord and his foe was likely going to be an incredibly strong foe, so Carrion sent the Black

Leopard Fang Phobio, a sub–demon lord in his own right, to check it out.

Carrion had a good eye for that kind of thing, apparently, but Phobio was just too much of a moron for the job.

If the demon lord wanted us on his side, he should've sent a more intelligent magic-born, one who could bargain with me and put an enticing offer on the table.

So much for negotiations—he just lost his opportunity.

Milim: 「Carrionnnnn… Breaking our promise not to get in each other's way…」Milim

was stewing next to me.

Phobio, meanwhile, averted his eyes as if afraid of her

Jerk…

I'd better get as much info as I can from Milim about this Carrion's personality and other traits so I can be ready to deal with whatever he's got.

But how to bring up the topic…?

Fubuki: 「Hey, Milim. I'm gonna have to talk with you about some things. Nothing, really—just life and the stuff.」

Milim: 「Hmm, sure!」

Now that we had gotten everything out of Phobio, I asked him to take his leave.

Milim's presence meant that Phobio had no power here, so he glared at the two of us, barked out "You will regret this!" and took his crew out of the city.

I told him to relay a message to Carrion, telling him to contact me at a later date if he wanted to negotiate with us, but I doubted he'd ever receive it.

When I left that job to Phobio, I knew he'd only provide whatever info made him look good.

It'd be better for him to tell the truth, given how his mission was a failure and all, but that was Phobio's business.

Now, it's time for Q&As.

Fubuki: 「So Milim, mind telling me why you went back to that shitty clothing style I did away with half a millenia ago?」

Milim: 「W-Wah?! But you said you were gonna discuss the honey! You promised!!」

Fubuki: 「No—I never promised a thing, and I sure as hell never made mention of any hone—Did you even listen to a thing I said?」

Milim: 「Eh... I uhh…」

Fubuki: 「I see… No honey supply for a week. That's solid.」

Milim: 「Haah?! That's just too cruel!! You can't be serious!」

Fubuki: 「Would you rather spend the promised millennium in hell—no food whatsoever?

Remember, your best friends will be lesser demons, and if you were ever given food by God's good will, it must've been raw vegetables. I mean, imagine the fun you'd have!」

Milim: 「Uwaaaaah!! No fair—no fair! Why'd you have to come back?! I thought I missed you!」

Heh, that's how we do things around the jungle, kid.

Rimuru: 「Sheesh, even I go a little easy on her. You sure know a lot about her.」

He was now looking at me with suspicion.

Okay, I seriously need to explain some things to him.

I think I've kept enough about me in the dark.

 ◇◇◇ 

With all that has occurred, everything turned out to be alright.

I ended up explaining things to both Milim and Rimuru.

For Milim, I just told her the reason I was absent all those years.

Rimuru was the tougher cookie to deal with.

I did explain my origin, but not everything was revealed. I made him know how I lived my life here by working with a "powerful buddy of mine," but I made sure to keep quiet about most things.

I did wind up telling him that I owned the forest and had a few subordinates waiting for me.

I also mentioned a little about my relations with people like Milim, Ramiris, and a few demons back in hell.

I did not include the important figures like Veldanava, Guy, the angels, and all.

I don't think he needed to know about them for now.

Some time has passed since the incident of that leopard or whatever, and with me around, Milim was actually behaving pretty well.

She hadn't destroyed a single thing since then, and the folks deemed it a good idea to push her over to my side.

How dare they use my own specialty on me?!

I'll have to teach them a good lesson next time.

I sensed from afar, new visitors, and I guess it's about time to go meet them.

I wonder what they needed. I hope this time around, it wasn't a bunch of goons rarin' to go.

—————————————————————————————————

Word Count: 「4375」.