Once I confirmed the barrier had been dispensed, I trudged outside.
At the same moment— "My Lord, are you unharmed?!"
I'm fine, I told him through telepathy, relaying what had happened inside while checking on my body's condition.
I was back to normal. All my abilities had fully returned.
Seriously, what a pain. That thing just wouldn't listen and picked a fight out of nowhere. Sure, I bought it myself, but still.
I really thought I could win, and instead got absolutely demolished...
No, that's not right. There's a saying: sometimes retreat is victory.
The ancients had a saying. "A wise man does not approach danger."
In the end, focusing entirely on escape once I was trapped inside the barrier was absolutely the right call.
From the very start, I'd committed to running, so the moment I got away clean—that was my win! That might be a bit of a stretch.
But let's call it a draw and move on.
This time was genuinely dangerous. The failsafe I'd set up at the beginning saved me, but it was razor-thin.
The moment I found myself in an overwhelmingly disadvantageous situation, I sensed the danger, created a clone, and fled.
If I'd used Magicules to make the clone, it would've been easy to detect and the movement would've been sluggish, so instead I'd separated the slime portion of my main body.
Evacuating only the minimum volume needed for activity meant it barely affected my combat capability, but escaping was no easy feat.
If Hinata had anticipated the possibility of a clone and acted accordingly, it would've been over...
But she didn't know all of my abilities, and apparently she wasn't that cautious. Well, normally no one would be that cautious. Thanks to that, I survived.
I slowly distanced myself from the battlefield, painstakingly making my way back to where the barrier was erected, spending a considerable amount of time in the process.
If Hinata detected me, it was game over, so I poured all my effort into suppressing my presence. That hard work paid off—I managed to escape safely.
But seriously, Hinata is way too strong!
If she's that powerful, she shouldn't even need a barrier... Someone who's both alert and that strong? Give me a break.
In reality, I couldn't even scratch her. And she came out without even wearing armor...
Are otherworlders and summoners all that strong?
Against hostile opponents like that, I was starting to think I definitely wanted to steal their skills.
As for what I gained, the data I collected on the skills and magic Hinata had used on her weapon— The rapier —was invaluable. Even in the Berserker state of
Thinking ahead, I'd ordered intelligence gathering to prepare countermeasures. From the start, I never thought I could win against her head-on.
And still, "Melt Slash" was a threat cold enough to freeze your spine. If you faced that head-on, it would be impossible to defend against.
Even a multi-layered barrier defense would be completely pierced through. No joke.
I was lucky to have been able to see it. The moment the layered magic array was deployed, my only options seemed to be either running or interfering.
I wished I could have absorbed and analyzed that too, but there was no chance.
The world isn't that kind.
The instant I saw it, my data link was severed. Even just receiving the feedback left me dizzy.
Dodge after seeing it was impossible. Most likely, the layered barrier also had a marking function, so unless you could dispel the barrier, you'd die.
Could Milim withstand it? I'd have to ask her next time.
Well, at the end of the day, I'd managed to gather that much data. I think it's fair to say I won.
Well, a draw is fine.
I'm not just being a sore loser!
This was no time for jokes.
I was worried about the town of Tempest.
I left the spot and attempted to teleport to Tempest. However, my destination was apparently being obscured, and there was no response.
This was bad. It might be the weakening barrier Hinata had mentioned.
I'd better hurry back.
"Let's go!"
I called out to Ranga.
And then, in a panic, I teleported to the
Gabil and the others had gathered in front of the barrier at the Sealed Cave's entrance.
The moment they saw me— "Lord Rimuru! Terrible news!"
Gabil rushed over.
It seemed my bad premonition had been right. I regretted being delayed by Hinata.
There was no time to stand here and listen. Deciding as much, I linked my thoughts with Gabil and the others.
Using Shadow Movement toward Tempest, I conversed with them simultaneously.
This time, I forcibly accelerated the thought process, exchanging information instantaneously. It placed a burden on Gabil, but I judged this was no time to worry about that.
Thanks to that, I was able to grasp the situation in an instant.
Apparently, about an hour ago, communication had suddenly come through.
Spirit communication had worked fine, and the situation inside the town had become clear.
It seemed several attackers had arrived in town.
Telepathy had stopped working too.
In their panic, they'd remembered spirit communication.
A spare had been completed, allowing communication between the cave and the town—that had been a stroke of luck.
Through the call, they'd heard that the adventurers inside the town were in disarray.
Then they'd only managed to convey that the attackers seemed flustered before contact had been cut off about fifteen minutes ago.
That was the gist of the information relayed to me.
Gabil and the others said
However, they'd been debating whether to send out scouts, since the situation in town was extremely worrying.
The concern was that if they sent scouts and the enemy followed them back, it would defeat the purpose. Opinions were divided on the matter.
(Alright, I understand the situation. Keep guarding the cave. Capture any intruders without killing them.)
(Understood! Also, Lord Vester is asking if he may contact the Dwarven Kingdom?)
(Ah, tell him to hold off for now. Once I know the full situation, he can relay it, but not yet.)
(Understood! Please, stay safe!)
I severed the thought link with Gabil and the others.
Fifteen minutes...
If not for Hinata's interference, I could have made it in time.
Suppressing my anxiety, I used Shadow Movement to approach the town. Once inside, I probably wouldn't be able to get out, they'd likely think.
I flew close enough that the town was within a short distance, then emerged from the shadows.
I got out without a problem. Using flight magic, I charged toward the town at maximum speed.
At the town's perimeter, I encountered resistance from what appeared to be a barrier. However, I thrust my left hand forward and absorbed the section of the barrier in front of me, punching through.
The moment I successfully entered the town, I felt the barrier repair itself behind me.
Inside the town, Magicules remained, though at a diminished concentration.
It was a significantly weaker barrier compared to the Holy Purification Barrier from before.
That eased my mind slightly.
I raced through the town and hurried toward the central plaza.
A crowd had gathered in the center, and a heavy, oppressive atmosphere hung over them.
Something had definitely happened. Unease welled up in my heart.
Noticing my arrival, those nearby parted and knelt. Then several figures stepped forward, blocking my path.
It was Rigurd and
"Lord Rimuru, thank goodness you've returned. There is a matter I'd like to discuss with you, if we could step over there..."
It seemed they didn't want me to move forward.
Something must be ahead. A terrible premonition gnawed at me.
"Rigurd. Kaijin. Step aside. What happened?"
"N-No. There's just a small issue. If you'd just come this way first—"
"Don't dodge the question. Move."
At my words, the people in front of me slowly parted.
The scene that appeared before me.
Countless fallen monsters of the town.
Men and women alike—and children too, it seemed.
I approached and looked at the ones laid out before me— They were dead.
What the hell...
My legs nearly gave way.
What was going on? What had happened? No—get it together, I was losing control.
Around a hundred were laid out.
W-They were all... dead? No way!
My thoughts wouldn't function properly. Without any reason, my breathing grew ragged.
The illusion of a heart that shouldn't exist pounding violently seized me.
"What happened? What did I do?"
My voice sounded distant.
Cold. Far away. Like someone else's voice.
I felt as though the emotions inside me had frozen solid.
I staggered forward as— "We were attacked earlier by individuals claiming to be followers of the Western Holy Church.
Communication with the outside was suddenly cut off, and we were thrown into confusion by an overwhelming wave of weakness that swept through everyone...
We were then attacked by approximately a dozen people disguised as adventurers."
So that was it.
The Western Holy Church—the ones Hinata had mentioned. They'd arrived sooner than expected.
An elder Hobgoblin continued speaking: "We followed Lord Rimuru's instructions, treating humans with care and never raising a hand against them, but—"
"Y-You fool! That makes it sound like Lord Rimuru is to blame!"
Rigurd erupted in fury, cutting him off.
"P-Pardon me. That was never my intention—"
Apologies drifted from afar, but they didn't reach my heart.
So my orders, my words—that was the cause?
I was a monster, after all.
...Because I used to be human.
I just wanted to get along with people.
...But reality isn't that sweet.
Then what should I have done?! What was the right answer?!
...That's for you to figure out.
Irresponsible voices inside my head battered me relentlessly.
But I couldn't be swept away by them. The cause lay with me, and I had to bear the responsibility.
Violent regret and unstoppable rage seemed to well up from the deepest parts of my heart.
......
.......
...
The key figures gathered, and we reviewed the situation once more.
Even in my dazed state, my mind was still processing and organizing the facts with chilling clarity.
First, there had been roughly ten attackers.
Within about ten minutes of the assault beginning, they had slaughtered nearly a hundred.
Judging by the situation, the one who had erected the barrier was outside the town, so the total number of attackers remained unknown.
Their message: "The Western Holy Church has confirmed this town as a monster nest.
At the request of the Farmus Kingdom, a full-scale assault will commence in one week.
The commander is the honored Hero, King Edmaris!
Should you surrender, we will guarantee the lives and existence of all of you under the name of God.
Do not resist needlessly. Surrender at once.
Otherwise, death shall be dealt to you equally!
Wise adventurers of the land! I trust you understand where justice truly lies.
Make the right choice. That is all!"
They'd said that much and departed.
And as they left, they'd indiscriminately slaughtered women and children alike...
But having witnessed how these people treated messengers, there was no way they would have done anything like that without my orders.
It all came back to my words.
"So what about the adventurers who were using this place?"
"In the next room..."
I had them brought over.
Several merchants were there as well, bringing the total to nearly fifty.
"About this whole situation, we're truly..."
"As Blumund Kingdom, I can't speak for the official response, but speaking as adventurers—we like this place. We're not happy with how the Farmus Kingdom is handling things. If they're coming to attack, we'll help you fight!"
"Still, the Church has declared us enemies, hasn't they? This is getting complicated..."
Voices like these called out to me one after another.
I could feel their concern for me.
I expressed my gratitude for their words, but— "I appreciate your feelings, but this time we'll handle it ourselves.
In fact, what I need is for you to deliver news of this situation to your homeland as quickly as possible."
"There's already a messenger running, isn't there?"
"That could be a problem..."
"What do you mean?"
I explained my reasoning.
The people who had set traps around the town would be thinking the same thing.
They'd want to paint us as the villains. Kill the messengers themselves, then blame it on us.
When I told them that— "...Hmm, that makes sense. But would they really go that far?"
"They call themselves a holy church of justice, don't they?"
"Don't tell me..."
Reactions like that.
But— "Wait a minute! I just remembered!
Those people might be the infamous 'Blood Shadow Berserkers.' You saw how they killed even children without hesitation, right?"
"What? Those rumors were real?"
"Indeed. That kind of efficiency makes sense now..."
"No way. They actually exist?"
"Even so, launching an attack right after delivering a declaration of war?"
"But if it really is the Blood Shadow Berserkers, they'd be capable of it."
"And on top of that, if the target is monsters... ah, sorry."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
Apparently there were rumors of a covert unit like that—zealots who wouldn't balk at slaughter.
If the enemy really was that unit, they'd be formidable opponents.
And because we were monsters, would the kingdom handle this not as a national matter but as a simple monster subjugation?
If that were the case, it was even more important for everyone to leave.
If they stayed, they'd all be killed, and it would be framed as our doing.
When I said as much, everyone reluctantly agreed.
They quickly made preparations to leave the town.
I instructed Rigurd to provide every available cart and horse-drawn carriage.
The guests from Blumund Kingdom offered their farewells and departed one by one.
They promised to relay the message and send reinforcements as quickly as possible.
But would they really?
If they were up against the Church, even an entire kingdom might not be enough.
I wouldn't hold out hope. Well, there was no need to anyway.
This was this country's problem, and I had already decided to kill the perpetrators.
With my own hands.
Because if I didn't, there'd be no outlet for the rage threatening to burst from the depths of my heart...
After confirming the guests from Blumund Kingdom had safely left, I asked Rigurd about what had been bothering me the most.
"By the way, where's
I haven't seen her around."
At my words, not just Rigurd—even Benimaru, Souei, Hakuro,
What... what was that reaction?
No, no, no. Don't tell me...
"She didn't go off for revenge by herself, did she?"
"N-No... well, the thing is..."
Hm? Something was off.
None of them would meet my eyes.
"Then where did she go?"
No one answered.
I glanced over and saw Shuna turning her face away, fighting back tears.
A terrible premonition.
Horrible images flashed through my mind. No, that couldn't be—I told myself— "Fine. I won't be angry. Just tell me where she went..."
I kept asking, assuming Shion was somewhere out there, alive.
"...Alright. Follow me."
At Benimaru's words, I nodded and followed.
The center of the plaza.
There, among the fallen, she was.
A white cloth draped over her, as if to keep her from standing out.
To keep me from noticing. To be as inconspicuous as possible.
Haha—as if I wouldn't have noticed... Not funny.
Open your eyes...
I can't believe this.
Please, open your eyes...
I don't want to accept this.
Why? How could this happen...
Shion had shielded a child...
Her Magicule levels had plummeted...
Her stamina had already been depleted...
And Shion, who was weak against barriers...
The enemy's blade had been the Demon Slayer...
They were telling me this, but I didn't want to hear it.
Every word carved into my heart.
Shion, please open your eyes...
I wanted to cry, but I couldn't.
My heart felt like it was going to tear apart, yet this body didn't feel the need to shed tears.
Right... I really am a monster, after all.
Somehow, thinking that brought an odd sense of acceptance.
"I'm sorry. Leave me alone for a while..."
At my words, I felt everyone pull away.
Shuna hugged me through her tears for a moment... then rejoined the others.
Yeah.
I wanted to be alone right now.
I didn't even understand myself.
I felt like I was going mad, yet my mind was terribly, horribly calm.
Violent grief. Regret. Rage.
These emotions clashed inside me, fighting fiercely for an outlet.
Why did this happen...
《Report. Cannot compute. Cannot comprehend. Cannot answer.》 What was the right thing to do?
《Report. Cannot compute. Cannot comprehend. Cannot answer.》 Was my mistake in being attached to a human town?
《Report. Cannot compute. Cannot comprehend. Cannot answer.》 Hey... was I wrong?
《Report. Cannot compute. Cannot comprehend. Cannot answer.》 That's right. Even with the power of the great "Great Sage," there were questions with no answers.
What a joke...
If this hadn't been our town... I would have gone berserk with rage and rampaged to my heart's content...
Screw this...
Taking what's precious from me like that...
Come to think of it, this was the first time I'd witnessed the death of someone close to me.
Someone who has never had anything taken away cannot understand the grief of someone who has.
Now, for the first time, with a pain more searing than any physical wound, I truly understood.
So much for pain immunity. It was completely useless.
The intense emotions surging from within me.
I couldn't resist them, and a crack appeared in the Anti-Magic Mask.
The pattern it formed looked as though the mask itself was weeping tears...
At some point, night had fallen.
I looked up at the moon.
What should I do?
No answer came. My mind was clear, yet nothing surfaced.
I stared up at the moon, asking myself question after question, on and on.
No answer could possibly come.
And yet... like a fool, I couldn't stop.
The small glint of moonlight reflected back, shining on me—and I didn't even notice...
At long last, the misfortune I had hinted at some time ago has come to bear.
I apologize to those who find this hard to read.