Out of the Cave and a New Form

After consuming Veldora and storing the Storm Dragon within his Stomach, Rimuru pressed forward in the vast cave system, determined to find the exit.

The terrain shifted from jagged walls and uneven pathways to smoother stone floors, a sign that civilization had once reached this part of the cave. After what felt like hours of exploration, Rimuru stumbled upon an ancient, towering door.

"This must be the exit," Rimuru mused, inspecting the rusted hinges and weathered surface. The door seemed fragile, almost ready to crumble under its own weight.

"But it's so old... maybe I should just blast it open." As he contemplated using Black Flame or Black Lightning to break through, another thought crossed his mind. "But if I do that, I might attract attention from the outside.

Just as he was debating his options, the door groaned and creaked, the sound echoing ominously through the cavern. Startled, Rimuru darted behind a nearby rock, his Magic Perception heightening his awareness. He watched as the massive door opened, revealing three figures stepping cautiously into the cave.

There were two males and one female, all clad in adventurer gear. The first was a brawny man holding a longsword, his face lined with tension. The second was a lanky mage. The woman, clutching her staff and seemed the most composed of the group, though even she looked uneasy.

"This place gives me the creeps," the swordsman muttered, his voice trembling.

"Stay focused. We just need to find the information we are looking for and get out.

"I heard this cave has monsters that can even devour people whole!" the mage exclaimed, shivering.

Listening to their conversation, Rimuru smirked.

He watched them for a moment longer, until they were out of sight, an idea forming in his mind. Their humanoid bodies intrigued him. He recalled his old life and how much he missed the human form, especially for interacting with others.

"Say, Great Sage," Rimuru whispered internally, "can you access my memories and recreate my old body? Or at least something similar?"

Great Sage responded:

A faint light enveloped Rimuru's slime form, and he felt his body changing. The process was oddly smooth, as though his very essence was being molded like clay. Within moments, he stood on two legs, inspecting his new form.

His reflection in a puddle nearby revealed white hair that shimmered like silk, striking blue eyes, and delicate features that exuded a natural charm. He appeared to be a youthful, angelic boy of about 14 years old, radiating both innocence and beauty.

"Hah! Not bad!" Rimuru grinned, twirling a strand of his white hair. "I look pretty cool—maybe even cooler than my old self!" He flexed his arms and stretched his limbs, reveling in the sensation of having a humanoid body again. "But wait... I'm completely naked."

"Great Sage," Rimuru called out, trying not to panic, "can you make me some clothes? Something practical but stylish would be great. Maybe use that Steel Thread skill I got earlier from the spider monster."

Great Sage responded:

Within moments, a sleek outfit materialized around Rimuru. It was a dark, form-fitting ensemble made of durable yet flexible fabric, complete with a high-collared shirt, pants, and sturdy boots. The threads shimmered faintly, indicating their reinforced properties.

"This... is awesome!" Rimuru exclaimed, inspecting his new clothes. "Thanks, Great Sage! You're the best."

Great Sage responded:

Satisfied with his new form and attire, Rimuru stepped out of the cave and was immediately greeted by a refreshing gust of wind. The dense greenery of the forest stretched endlessly before him, vibrant and full of life. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dancing shadows on the forest floor. The air smelled of earth, flowers, and the faint scent of magical energy.

Rimuru took a deep breath, stretching his arms. "Finally! I'm outside! So, this is the Jura Forest, huh? It's massive... and beautiful." His blue eyes scanned the surroundings, appreciating the harmony of the wilderness.

However, his heightened senses quickly detected the presence of numerous creatures lurking in the shadows. The faint rustle of leaves and distant growls hinted at the sheer number of monsters hidden within the forest.

Rimuru grinned. "This place is crawling with monsters... but that's perfect. If I want to grow stronger and learn more about this world, this is the ideal place to start."

As he started walking deeper into the forest, admiring its beauty and scanning for potential threats, a thought crossed his mind. "Say, Great Sage, are there any intelligent monsters nearby? You know, ones I could maybe talk to or... form alliances with?"

Great Sage responded:

"Goblins, huh?" Rimuru muttered, tilting his head. "Well, that could be interesting. They might have some information about this forest or the world in general. Plus, I might be able to help them in exchange for their loyalty."

He chuckled, already imagining himself as the leader of a group of loyal subordinates. "Alright, east it is! Let's see what these goblins are all about. Maybe I'll even make some friends out here."