CHAPTER 6 NAMING THE MONSTER: GRANSTAR

"Hahaha! This is the happiest day in my three hundred years, because I, Veldora the Storm Dragon, have made two friends today!"

The thunderous roar reverberated so powerfully that the sealed space itself trembled. Even sealed within the [Infinite Prison], Veldora's overwhelming aura remained undiminished.

Arthur smiled as he watched the excited dragon. He could feel the centuries of solitude Veldora had endured — a proud being forgotten by time, now smiling like a child.

"Now that we're friends," Rimuru said, his soft, gooey form jiggling slightly, "let's figure out a way to get Veldora out of this prison!"

Arthur nodded firmly, as did the small elf floating beside him.

"We can't just leave our friend trapped forever," Arthur added.

"You guys…" Veldora was stunned. In all his years, no one had spoken to him like this. His heart, ancient and draconic, trembled slightly. But of course, as a proud True Dragon, he couldn't show such emotion.

"Hmph! You mortals need to understand — this is no ordinary seal. This is the [Infinite Prison], a unique skill wielded by the Hero who defeated me. It's not something you can just... break."

He turned his head dramatically to the side, as if to hide his embarrassment.

"How would we know if we don't try?" Rimuru said cheerfully. "Great Sage, any ideas?"

"Notice. Analyzing possible methods to break the [Infinite Prison]... Analysis complete. Two methods found."

"Whoa, really? Tell me!"

"First method: Use the unique skill [Predator] to absorb both the Storm Dragon and the [Infinite Prison] into the skill's stomach. There is a high probability that the seal will be suppressed within the internal analysis space."

"Second method: Absorb Veldora separately, preserving his spiritual essence. With sufficient understanding, it may be possible to reconstruct his body through [Analysis] and [Mimicry], followed by [Synthesis] to revive him. Probability of success is approximately 3%."

Arthur's face darkened. "That's ridiculous... Hunting Veldora and resurrecting him? That sounds more like dismantling and rebuilding a god!"

"And that first method... was kinda obvious."

"Well, let's just see what Rimuru does," he muttered.

Veldora sighed. He knew well that the chances of salvation were slim. "No need to worry about me. My magicules have already begun leaking away. In another hundred years, I'll likely fade entirely. At that point, I suppose death is inevitable..."

His voice was calm, as if he had accepted his fate long ago.

"No way," Rimuru said, voice firm. "You're getting out of here. I'll save you, I promise!"

"Heh... Let's hope so."

Just then, Rimuru's expression lit up.

"Wait, Veldora — I have a plan! I'll use [Predator] to absorb you and the prison together. Great Sage says we can analyze the seal from inside, and maybe break it eventually!"

Veldora's eyes widened. "You'd do that for me...? But if the analysis fails, my consciousness might be lost forever."

Rimuru nodded without hesitation. "I believe in Great Sage. And more than that, I believe in our bond."

"Before we do this," Veldora said suddenly, "let me bestow upon you names — both of you."

Rimuru blinked. "Names?"

"Yes. In this world, monsters who receive names from powerful beings evolve. This naming... it is also a blessing. A proof of our bond. I shall give you names tied to my own existence!"

The elf perked up, clearly excited. Rimuru smiled innocently, clearly unaware of the consequences of naming — namely, the massive drain of magicules from the namer.

"Okay! But you have to give us something cool!" Rimuru beamed.

Arthur reminded from the side,

"Ah! That's right—Tempest... Tem...pest!"

"Huh? Tempest?"

"What's wrong? You're not satisfied?"

The Slime tilted its translucent body slightly, eyeing the Storm Dragon curiously. "I thought it was a pretty meaningful name."

"ROOAR! Tempest! That's so cool! So dignified! So—handsome!"

The Storm Dragon's booming voice echoed throughout the cave, clearly thrilled.

"From this moment on, I shall be known as the Storm Dragon Veldora Tempest!"

Veldora let out another excited roar, shaking the entire cavern. His enthusiasm made it clear—he was beyond satisfied with the name.

Now, it was Veldora's turn to name the others.

"Hmm, for the Slime… how about 'Rimuru'? Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?"

The Slime perked up.

"Ooh, I like it! From now on, I'll be called Rimuru!"

Rimuru's body quivered slightly as if bouncing with joy.

Veldora then turned to Arthur, the Ice Elf.

"And as for you... hmm, let's see… any ideas?"

The Storm Dragon, despite his grand presence, genuinely seemed to struggle with coming up with a fitting name for Arthur.

But Arthur had already prepared for this moment. Without hesitation, he replied,

"In the legends of my previous world, there was a deity who ruled over ice and death—a figure of ancient power named Gran. I'd like to be called Granstar."

"Granstar, huh? Has a mysterious and powerful feel to it... I like it!"

Veldora raised his claw in declaration.

"Very well! I hereby bestow upon you the name—Granstar!"

With that, Veldora granted both Rimuru and Arthur their new names, binding them to his magic.

In that instant, a radiant burst of white light engulfed Rimuru and Granstar, bathing the cave in brilliance.

「Notice: The individual has received the name from a True Dragon. Unique Skill evolution in progress. Blessing of the Storm Dragon Veldora has been acquired.」✕2

The voices of their personal Unique Skills rang in their minds like divine echoes.

The light around Rimuru quickly faded. He returned to his usual Slime form, looking mostly unchanged—but his aura had shifted drastically. Though unaware of it himself, his magicules had surged to levels unimaginable for most beings.

"Huh? Already done on my side… but Granstar's still glowing?"

Rimuru glanced over. The light around Granstar hadn't faded. In fact, it was intensifying. His body began to shift—his aura distorting space itself.

Rimuru tilted slightly, concerned.

"Is he... evolving?"