Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken novel Chapter 4

To say the least, I was surprised.

Real sorry for calling you a softy.

No question at all"he's dangerous.

I'll blame my rude attitude on the lack of sight... not like that will achieve anything.

(Oi. Do you remember our promise? ... and besides, for all that complaining, you've learned it pretty easily.)

(Of course~! I was just kidding. I can see my surrounding, and I can also hear sounds. Thank you!)

(Ay. Could have taken more time learning it, though...)

Well, I should be fine.

Got scared a bit, but can't ignore the fact that this dragon has been so nice to me.

Moreover, he really is just lonely.

Just from the glance, he's looks like he's lost a lot. Kind of like the "crying red ogre".

(TL Note: look up The Ogre Who Cried on google for more information)

(So... what shall you do now?)

(Umm... I think I'll go around looking for fellow world travelers, though no harm if I don't find any. )

Finding some would be good, but only if on good terms.

And besides, since I finally can see might as well see the world.

The world seems so much bigger now.

No need to munch on grass to kill time anymore.

But... this dragon.

Doesn't seem like he can even move a muscle.

And you're saying he stayed like that for 300 years?

(By the way, Veldora-san mentioned that you have been... sealed?)

(Mu? Ah, yes. I made the mistake of underestimating a small nuisance... had I went all out, I would not have been defeated!)

Somehow, the way he announced "defeated" sounded prideful rather than anything.

Honestly, doesn't really seems like sword nor spear, and certainly not magic, can even wound this guy, but...

(Was he really so strong?)

What beast could possible be stronger than him?

The outside world is scarier than I thought! ... probably.

(It is so. Strong indeed. Clothed in divine protection, the humanity's "hero".)

Hero.

I'm rather familiar with the term from gaming.

Recently, the "stumbled into the position of a hero" plot line has been popular, but I don't remember them being so overpowered.

In this world, seems like they are truly strong.

(Speaking of, the hero referred to oneself as the "Summoned". Could the hero have been from your world?)

(Eh? No no! No one is that strong in my world!)

(Nay, the world travelers in this world typically hold some special power. That is what serves as the power to etch their souls into this world.

The "Summoned" most certainly holds some special power. Most likely, holding the one of a kind"unique skill.

Different from those who stumble by chance, summoned souls are especially strong.

The success rate is less than 0.03%, but in this hero's case it succeeded.)

(When you say summoning, do you mean calling something out with magic?)

(As you say. It is a three day ritual involving thirty people. The success rate is low, but success is typically met with a powerful weapon.)

(Huh? Weapon?)

(Ay. The summoner engraves a curse into the soul of the summoned to prevent rebellion.)

(What's with that?! Are summoned people not recognized as humans?!)

(Humans? ... world travels sometimes complain about that. That type of thing is but an illusion in this world. Survival of the fittest, that is the only truth in this world.)

I see...

It's pretty hard to accept this worlds summoning with my world's stories in mind.

(In that case, would the "World Travelers" also be treated much like slaves?)

(That would depend on the person. They have not received the "Monster Warding Charm"" those that do either live quiet lives or become adventurers, or something like that.

Truly, among the many foes I have repelled, quiet a few came from another world! Fuhahaha!!!)

(In other words, forced labor is only limited to the "Summoned" case, huh?)

(I do not know whether it is appropriate to call it "labor"... but, so be it.

I know much about humans, but certainly not everything.)

(That's only to be expected... sorry.)

Rather, for a dragon he seems extremely informed.

Anyways, just talking makes him seem so happy, and he answers any question.

So for now, the dragon and I, will continue or conversation.

About how he fought the hero.

About how strong the hero was.

White skin.

Deep crimson, small lips.

Jet black, long hair.

Not too tall, petite and thin physique.

And though the eyes were hidden by a mask, that the hero was beautiful was clear.

A woman.

.

So... was it her looks that got him? When I asked that, "Don't be spouting nonsense!""came the angry reply.

.

She carried a peculiarly curved blade " called a "katana" " and fought without a shield.

Unique Skill [Certain Severance]

Unique Skill [Endless Prison]

With these skills, and every form of magic, she overwhelmed me! ” so he happily exclaimed.

I understood the tale but, this dragon, he just loves humans, huh.

He calls them small fry and trash, but it seems he has never killed any of them.

At least those that have not earned his wrath.

That one time,

300 Years ago, after a certain incident, he turned one city to dust.

And due to that incident, the hero was dispatched, and Veldora was sealed.

By the hero's skill [Endless Prison].

I doubt I can understand the dragon's feelings.

More than it just being someone else's emotion, in the end, imagination can hardly lead to true sympathy.

But, at least I can say that he isn't a bad dragon.

And hey, I like him.

So of course I'm no longer afraid of him.

And so,

(Okay! So, with me... no, can we be friends?)

Ouch... that's still pretty embarrassing.

I must be bright red right now...

(Wha, what did you say? For the feared Storm Dragon Veldora to become f-f-friends with someone of s-s-slime's social standing?!)

(Ah... well, if you hate it that much...)

(Stupid! You! Nobody said anything about hating!)

(Eh, then? Umm... what will you do?)

(... let's see... well, if you insist... I can consider...)

Somehow, it seems he is timidly stealing glances my way.

Had this been done by a cute girl, I'd be very happy... but when it's done by an evil looking dragon...

Well, it is interesting.

(I insist! Decide! If you hate, the deals off. No second chances!!!)

(Cho...! Then I have no choice! I'll become your friend! Show me your gratitude!)

Phew.

This dragon isn't very obedient.

I also aren't, so we're a good fit.

(Then, I'll be in your care!)

(Ay! ... oh, and let me grant you a name. You also give me one!)

(Huh? Why? So suddenly?)

(To etch into our souls that we are equals. As humans call it, Family Name type of thing.

The one I grant you will bestow upon you "Diving Protection". You still lack a name, so you shall become a named monster now!)

Mu mu.

So, I have to come up with a Family Name (one for common use), huh?

I'm not really good at this stuff...

(Since you are called the Storm Dragon, how about simply "Tempest"?)

That's no good, right?

Since it sound good, I simply took Storm and changed it into Tempest...

(It's decided! What a wonderful name!)

He liked it!?

(From now on, I am Veldora Tempest. And you...

Shall be called "Rimuru," Rimuru Tempest shall be thine name!!!)

And that name was etched into my soul

From what I can see and feel, I don't feel any different.

But somewhere deep in my soul, I felt something change.

That would be something to mention to Veldora, wouldn't it?

And so, I have become friends (or would it be more appropriate to call this soul-mates?) with him.

(Oh, and before I go, I wanted to ask. Is there nothing you can do about that seal?)

(Not with my power. If it were a unique skill like that of a hero, then it could perhaps be possible...)