New Members

The days passed in a flurry of activity as Rimuru continued to manage his village and oversee the evolution of his ever-growing army.

The group he had sent out to recruit more intelligent monsters had returned with a diverse array of beings—each of them carrying unique abilities that would strengthen his forces. The addition of Haflings, Kobolds, Lycanthropes, Elves, and more would surely change the balance of power in his favor.

As Rimuru walked through the village to meet the new arrivals, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. His army was growing rapidly, and the potential was limitless.

These new monsters were stronger and more intelligent, and with the bond of naming them, their strength would increase exponentially. Their powers, already remarkable, would evolve further, and so would Rimuru's own strength, thanks to his "Limitless Evolution" skill.

The Haflings:

The Haflings, small but agile creatures, had always been known for their stealth and dexterity. They were fast and adept at surviving in the wilds, but they were often overlooked due to their size.

However, after Rimuru named them, their powers began to manifest. Haflings, in general, were naturally inclined to focus on the stealthy arts, using their speed to outmaneuver enemies, but as Rimuru's naming process took effect, they evolved into Shadow Haflings.

These new Shadow Haflings were not only faster but could also meld into their surroundings, becoming invisible in low-light environments. Their agility was unparalleled, allowing them to deliver lightning-fast strikes that caught even the most seasoned warriors off guard.

Their evolution didn't just improve their physicality—it also enhanced their strategic thinking, making them excellent scouts, assassins, and spies. They could move silently, almost like whispers in the wind, making them invaluable for intelligence-gathering missions, which us why Rimuru put them under Souei.

The Kobolds:

The Kobolds were the next to be named, and their transformation was something to behold. Known for their endurance and strength, they had always been a reliable force, especially in combat. Once named, their latent potential was unlocked, and they evolved into Steel-Scaled Kobolds.

Their scales, which were previously only strong enough to defend against minor attacks, turned into tough, almost impenetrable armor. Their muscles grew stronger, making them formidable front-line fighters.

They became more resilient to both physical and magical attacks, with their claws becoming sharper and more effective for close combat. They also developed an innate affinity for earth magic, which allowed them to manipulate the terrain during battle, creating traps and altering the battlefield to their advantage. As a result, they became one of Rimuru's most reliable ground forces.

The Lycanthropes:

The Lycanthropes, humanoid wolf-like creatures, were already known for their ferocity and tracking abilities. Rimuru had named them, and as expected, they evolved into Dire Lycanthropes, becoming even more terrifying and powerful.

Their senses heightened dramatically—they could hear a whisper from miles away and track scents for days. But it wasn't just their senses that improved. Their physical capabilities skyrocketed. Their muscles bulged, and their claws and fangs grew razor-sharp, capable of tearing through steel with ease.

The Dire Lycanthropes also gained the ability to transform into massive werewolf-like beasts during the full moon, increasing their size, strength, and speed. Their heightened instincts made them incredible warriors, able to fight relentlessly without tiring. They were also skilled at using their enhanced senses to track down enemies and anticipate their movements in battle.

The Elves:

The Elves were the last of the group to evolve, and their transformation was perhaps the most noticeable. Originally known for their grace and intelligence, Elves were renowned for their affinity for magic and archery. After being named, they evolved into High Elves, beings of incredible magical prowess and skill.

Their magical abilities grew tenfold, allowing them to manipulate the elements with ease. They could control fire, water, wind, and earth, and they could now weave intricate spells without the need for incantations.

Their archery skills reached legendary levels—they could shoot arrows with such precision that even a slight breeze couldn't knock them off course. Their bodies also became more ethereal, almost glowing with an aura of power, making them highly resistant to magic and allowing them to harness their magical energy more efficiently.

The High Elves became indispensable in both battle and strategic planning, capable of casting powerful spells while supporting the front lines with their archery.

Zegion and Apito's Evolution:

Meanwhile, Rimuru had taken in two injured insects—a beetle and a bee—during one of his strolls through the forest. The two creatures, though initially cautious and distrustful, had eventually agreed to serve Rimuru after some convincing.

After naming them, they began their evolution process, engulfed in a cocoon-like enveloping aura that Rimuru could only describe as raccoon-shaped. He decided to bring them back to the village to rest while their transformations took place.

The evolution of Zegion, the beetle, was remarkable. After several days of rest and recuperation, he emerged as a big Beetle with a humanoid form, a creature of massive size with an exoskeleton tougher than steel.

Zegion's power was not just physical; his evolutionary path granted him enhanced durability, increased strength, and an affinity for illusion magic, and his exoskeleton could deflect even the heaviest blows. Zegion also gained the ability to secrete a highly potent acid from his body, which he could use as a ranged attack to dissolve obstacles or enemies.

Apito, the bee, underwent a similar transformation. Initially smaller and more delicate, Apito emerged as a Giga Bee, his wings expanding to an enormous size, enabling him to fly at astonishing speeds. His stinger became sharp enough to pierce through even the toughest materials.

He gained an affinity for wind magic, allowing him to control gusts of air to either increase his speed or disorient enemies. Additionally, Apito developed the ability to produce a potent venom that could paralyze or poison his enemies. His buzzing sound became a weapon in itself, creating shockwaves that could disrupt the enemies' concentration in battle.

The Link and Limitless Evolution:

As Rimuru named each of these creatures and watched them evolve, he could feel his own power increasing.

The connection he shared with each of them—through his naming process—allowed him to grow stronger as they did. With his "Limitless Evolution" skill, Rimuru absorbed the experiences, strength, and abilities of each monster he named, accelerating his own growth.

He could feel it within his body—his power rising steadily with each evolution. The monsters were becoming stronger, and with each improvement, Rimuru's skill grew sharper and more refined. His connection with them was not just a matter of leadership; it was a symbiotic relationship, where their growth fueled his own.

Rimuru stood at the edge of his village, watching as his army grew, now bolstered by the evolution of the Haflings, Kobolds, Lycanthropes, Elves, and his new insect companions.

He was no longer just the leader of a small village of monsters—he was the leader of a growing and powerful force, one that could stand against anything the world threw at them.

With a deep breath, Rimuru smiled. "This is just the beginning."