That time I got reincarnated as a slime does not belong to me.

Turn the Clock:

Dying at only 37 and resurrecting in another world. That's how it was supposed to be. Fighting and winning, beating the grand evil and living in peace...

Just like in a Fairy Tale.

However, there's a price for everything. Casualties were common in war but he had hoped, oh he had hoped...

So many were gone, left him forever. With no souls or bodies left even he could not save them from death.

And it hurt.

He wanted to scream yet no voice resounded. This feeling... it scared him, terrified him. It was worse than the loneliness at the End of Time and Space. Even Ciel could not comfort him. He returned only to find his friends dead.

Somewhere, close behind yet so far away he could swear he heard Diablo. Guy was saying something, too, but their words never reached him.

Ah, had things been different... could he have prevented this? Could they still be alive?

'Ciel, can I use [Time Warp] again?'

-It is possible.-

He stood silent for a moment longer. Was it worth it? Could he do this to all that came out alive? Was it fair to them?

He couldn't guarantee that they'd live the next time. Unless...

„Ciel..." He inhaled sharply, unnaturally calm „We'll use [Time Warp]."

As soon as I thought so, the ground seemed to disappear beneath my feet.

„Rimuru-sama!"

It was oddly serene, he noticed upon waking up. No breeze was brushing against his face and no sound reached his ears. He struggled to open his eyes. It's not that he didn't want to but he was afraid that he'd see-

That what he would see would not be the past. It took him a minute of internal struggle until they were finally open.

It was dark, nearly pitch black but the occasional rays of light illuminated the cave he was in. He had done it, he was back at the beginning. He wouldn't run into his past self or anything, right...?

-That is not possible. Master's existence replaced that of his past self.-

Ah, it was Ciel. Good to know she was still here as well and not back to being the Great Sage.

'Great to know. Thanks!' He hummed 'If the Warp was perfect we would be back to before we met Veldora, correct?'

-Of course. There is no way Master would miss the timing, especially with me keeping an eye out for possible errors. Not that there were any.-

He laughed brightly and started walking. He suddenly stopped and shrugged, turning back into a slime and bouncing forward while hoping he was venturing in the correct direction. Even if he wasn't, he would find the way. Besides, free medicine and ores for the taking!

His reserves were large but you never knew when you might need more. And it's not like it mattered, he just did what his past self did even if not as much.

Finding Veldora was his top priority right now. Speaking of the dragon... he now recognized the area he was in and started bouncing towards his desired location.

The last time he saw Veldora... Well, to be fair, to him it was barely half an hour ago. And Veldora didn't meet him yet...

This was going to be awkward.

But this was Veldora, what was going to happen? Him knowing about anything? Hah, no way.

He could already see the glittering light of the [Infinite Prison], it was truly beautiful. If only it wasn't a cage. But to be fair, the dragon kind of deserved it, burning down a town.

„If it isn't the great Veldora!" He bowed overdramatically in front of the cage as much as he could. Bowing slimes... probably didn't look that much different from their normal selves.

This, as expected, caught the True Dragon's attention „Fufufu, Fuhaha, Fuhahahaha!" Ah, it was the three stage laughter again „A talking slime! I never saw one before, are you an unique monster?"

„Hm, I wouldn't say that-"

„Named then?" There were still hints of amusement in his voice as he rudely interrupted him.

„Well, I do have a Name... I'm Rimuru Tempest." He huffed proudly.

„If that isn't a fine name! But that can't be the only reason for your intelligence. Slimes normally aren't intelligent... or give me a feeling of one of my own kind..."

Ugh, right. The whole 'Unofficial 5th dragon' thing. He completely forgot. Even his suppressed energy was bound to be noticed by the dragon. It's not that Veldora was a complete idiot, he just acted like one.

„I'm a reincarnated person. I was stabbed in the street and ended up waking as a slime. I've been around for a bit though." No need to let the other get into an explaining spree.

„What a rare way to get reborn. I haven't heard about anyone being reborn as a monster yet."

„Who knows? I might be the first!" Rimuru smiled „Come to think of it, isn't it lonely in here? If memory serves correct, you were here for about 300 years. Alone at that."

„You're smarter than you look!" Gee, thanks for that.

„How about we become friends?" He hoped the dragon agreed.

„Friends? You and me?! Hahahahaha! I have no sunken low enough to be friends with a slime!"

This guy! „Alright, I'll just leave then. No point in staying here."

„Wait! I'll be your friend if you're that desperate!"

„I'll be in you care then!"

„Same with me!" He paused „How about you give me a name? A last name like humans have them to show that we're equals. You already have one and a quite fine one at that! How about it?"

Ha, that was far easier than expected „Then from now on your name is Veldora Tempest!"

He bellowed and crossed his arms proudly „Wonderful! I am Veldora Tempest!"

Rimuru laughed "Then, how about getting out of there?"

"Ha, I can't. My skills were sealed with me, removing it isn't possible for me right now."

"Eh? That's fine. I can just release you. Buuut, you have to promise me something!"

"Oho, and what would that be?"

"I want you to get your energy leakage under control. Monsters and Humans will get scared and I don't want to have to release you out of another prison. And if you could maintain a human form it would be even easier."

There was a deafening silence followed by nervous laughter. Right, he did hear Veldora had trouble with that.

He gave a thumbs-up "I'll help you, too!"

'Ciel...'

-Don't worry Master, I will assist you.-

'Thanks!'

After Veldora nodded, albeit reluctant, he grinned "Then how about we start?"

"I'm ready when you are!"

-Release Veldora from [Infinite Prison]?-

'Yes!'

With a flash, the prison shattered, leaving behind a dumbfounded Veldora "That easily?!"

"Hehe, I'm amazing, right?" His expression darkened "Now, let's practice."

25 days passed in a hurry and Rimuru wondered just how many monsters and maybe even humans they put into a state of panic with Veldora's constant on and off energy. If only the dragon would start taking this seriously!

After about 10 days, he gave him some manga, remembering him bragging how it helped him formerly. It was working… somewhat.

Then finally on the 26th day the dragon managed to hold both his energy in and maintain his human form.

'Took him long enough!'

-With all due respect, taking Velzard's statements into account, this much was to be expected.-

'I know but...' He sighed. Ciel was right as always.

Making sure there would be no slip ups when going out, they waited for another three days before going towards the exit. During that time they exchanged stories about siblings and former live(s). It was shortly before they were outside that Rimuru halted in his tracks. He hadn't messed anything up majorly, right?

Even if, he would fix it somehow.

When they got outside, light flooded his eyes. The air was warm and the sky had a vivid orange hue to it. It was late, he realized. Behind him, Veldora shot out of the cave and into the forest.

That idiot!

He rushed after the dragon. It's not that he didn't understand him but this was beyond reckless! There were weak monsters loitering around, was he trying to kill them via shock?! Realizing he wasn't fast enough, he transformed into his human form. Veldora may be fast, but he was faster.

He cornered the dragon "Don't you know how to sit still?!" He sighed heavily "You can be such a nightmare."

"I'm not a nightmare, I'm great!" He gave a hearty laugh but then he stopped abruptly "Uhm… who? Rimuru?"

"Yeah…" He scratched his cheek "Anyone else here who can instantly recognize you in that form?"

"True, true!"

"Heh…" He shook his head "You can explore all you want later, let's go find a place to stay for now."

"Alright. Not like I have anything better to do." He put his hands behind his back and followed Rimuru "You seem like you know where we are going, care to share?"

"I saw some huts around here before, I'm trying to find that place."

After a while, the huts were starting to show through the tree, as poorly built as he remembered. A group of goblins saw them approach and went on the defensive.

"Ha, small fries, I will blow them away!" He cracked his knuckles and started to advance.

Rimuru grabbed him by the collar in a panic "Stop! Stop! They might not even be enemies!"

"But small fries!"

"Wrong kind of small fries!"

"...What?"

"What?"

Rimuru cleared his throat "Anyway, how about we see if we can talk to them and find out what's going on? If they're still hostile afterwards, in a physical way, feel free to zap them however you want."

The slime was sweating imaginary buckets now. If the goblins attacked… Then again, he knew they weren't exactly stupid.

An old goblin started to warily approach them, a younger one close behind. Rigurd and Rigur, well not yet but if things went well soon.

The elder weakly bowed to us "We apologize for the precaution but may we know who you are? These are troubling times and things are already bad enough…"

"Nice to meet you!" Rimuru smiled happily, hoping to ease the tension "I'm Rimuru Tempest, the slime! And this is my friend!"

The old man nodded weakly and gazed hesitant at Veldora "Excuse me but could you be… Master Veldora? Your magicules are exactly the same..."

Veldora crossed his arms and huffed "Indeed I am! I am the 'Storm Dragon Veldora', lowly goblin!"

"Be nice..." The demon lord muttered before addressing the goblins "You spoke of troubling times. What happened? Surely no outside monster would dare attack the territory of the great Veldora."

He ignored Veldora's prideful attitude at his 'praise' and listened to the chief's story. It was mostly still the same as before. Veldora's energy was constantly disappearing and appearing, setting the forests residents in a panic that it would disappear altogether until finally it did. Monsters from outside this forest tried their luck during the unsure period and closed in until the energy stopped appearing. That's when they entered the forest in a rush.

Now, these monsters were threatening the inhabitants. The enemy were the Fang wolves, which was good. This way, he wouldn't have to search for them to find Ranga.

"Alright, I get your situation. How many people do you have, how many can fight?"

"About 100, including the females, around 60 can fight. The Wolves however, they have 100 in their ranks. Even ten of us can't fight against one of them!"

"Kukuku…" He looked at Veldora "How about helping them, in exchange for something of course."

That last part he directed at the elder as Veldora nodded.

Rimuru smiled "So, what can you offer?"

"We..." He bowed deeply "If you can help us, we offer our loyalty! Please protect us! If you do, we will forever serve you!"

The other goblins followed suit as the elder fell on his knees and bowed.

Night fell after an exhausting day. The night before, he and the goblins made plans while Veldora was happily dozing off. Truly the dragon was far too carefree but if he wouldn't be, it just wouldn't be Veldora.

He rechecked the fence one last time before ducking under it and standing in front of the gates. If they attacked after his warning, he wouldn't let there be mercy but the ones that learned their lesson would be left alive. That's what he compromised on with the Goblins.

A howl pierced the air and he straightened. They were here.

"Stop! These Goblins are under my protection now! If you attack, I will act accordingly and kill you without mercy. If you refrain, I shall spare you!"

He doubted that it was enough but a warning was a warning and true to his and Ciel's expectations they still attacked. Much to his surprise, the wolves attacking were fewer than last time. Given that he wasn't in slime form, they probably thought him a bigger threat? Or maybe it was Veldora standing nearby. Although they shouldn't be able to sense who he is, he still gives off a certain image that screams 'Danger!'

Must be the grin.

With only a howl as a warning, the leader charged forward, repeating a mistake from once before. Getting tangled up in [Sticky Thread], he was done for. Using Soul Consumption] of Void God Azathoth, he 'ate' the wolf pack leader once again, however, he didn't gain anything he didn't already have.

"Did you see that?! The same will happen to you if you don't stop! With this you have the choice, you can either run away, serve under me or die!"

It was a agonizing few seconds of silence when the wolves started to move but Rimuru knew the outcome and welcomed it with open arms.

He just finished explaining his plan of making the two races work together to the Goblins when Veldora walked towards him.

"As expected from a friend of mine! You intimidated them without even doing much!" He laughed "But I still say we should have just blown them away."

"It's better if they get along." Rimuru retorted "It will help them in the long run as well. I know it's quality over quantity but having more can never hurt. Besides, them working together may just bring surprises along! Wouldn't that be exciting?!"

"Something exciting is always good!"

Good. He has to make sure Veldora has fun to prevent a tantrum. The dragon wasn't as calm as he was the last time he was released so Rimuru had to wait until that happened. Then he would have one problem less.

Turning his attention back to the wolves and goblins who had gathered completely, he instructed them to work together. Then he told them he'd give them names.

It was a mess.

One individual looked at him like he had lost his marbles, the rest were beaming with excitement. The end result? He named everyone. Without falling unconscious at that!

After their evolution he was once again reminded why they went to the Dwarf Kingdom. They really needed to work on that. Question was if the Dwarves would come with him. He couldn't just let the same happen again.

But first, rules.

The second and third would remain the same but the first he had to change. The first time, this rule resulted in the death of Shion and others. So it was changed to:

Do not attack humans unless you have no other choice or reason to believe them extremely dangerous and hostile.

As they asked why, he could honestly answer "Humans live in groups, if you attack them, they'll strike back and if they attack seriously, it could become a problem. Besides, being on good terms might bring us benefits. However, not all humans will acknowledge us. There are two sides to everything, you, me and everyone else is the same. If they attack first or threaten you, don't just let that happen. I might want good relations but I won't forgive you if you die just because you didn't defend yourselves. Got that?"

"Yes!" The gathered chorused.

He nodded satisfied "Anything else?"

One goblin raised his hand "To not look down on other races, what does that mean?"

"An excellent question!" He crossed his arms "You evolved, right? I don't want you to get cocky over that. It's not absolute power. They is always someone stronger besides you. And what if someone you belittled or put down evolves and gets revenge? Wouldn't that be silly?"

A few nodded while the rest seemed to take it seriously but without showing it. Good, it's better if nobody here gets cocky. With no more questions, they moved on to the division of labour. The lookouts, food searchers, material gatherers and those responsible for structure and equipment maintenance.

The problem was, of course, the last one. That brought him back to his earlier question. There was no insurance the Dwarves would come with him, he didn't want to give them problem. He had to find a way to give them the potions to heal the brothers but he honestly didn't want to get assaulted at the gate again. He didn't want to end up in court once more either.

Especially since the same outcome wasn't guaranteed. And who should he take along into the city. Gobuta? No, that was a no go. But he would show the goblin the shadow movement technic in exchange later. He was the first the learn it by being trapped (Through Rimuru) after all.

Rigur and his wolf would come along and so would Ranga. The other goblin riders from before, too. But those wouldn't accompany him. Would he even need someone? He could just go alone. He had a feeling Veldora wanted to but... Yeah, no. That was bound to end in disaster. Therefore he gave the dragon the important job of protecting this village.

A glorified lookout so to speak. But it made Veldora feel somewhat great and important so that was more than welcome. It also meant he could let his energy leak a bit.

...

Wow, now he felt lonely for some reason.

He missed his friends. He shook his head, he would see them all again soon. The Ogres, the lizardmen, the orcs and everyone else. Maybe even Milim. If he got lucky, maybe he can find a way to summon Diablo without sacrificing thousands of humans. Yeah, that would be great.

-It is possible to do so, Master.- Oh, it was Ciel -The energy consumption would be higher though and Diablo would need to replenish his magic reserves again if he creates a body for himself with his own.-

'What?'

-Last time, he created his body with a massive quantity of magical power he has saved up and thus transformed into a Demon Duke. Said magical power was immediately replenished through the link with you.-

'But wouldn't he need something to materialize first? That's what the corpses were used for last time.'

-Yes, but for Master such a task is simple.-

'You have a lot of confidence in me...'

-I have every reason for it.-

'Yes, yes' He smiled 'I'm counting on you when the time comes.'

-Forgive the question, Rimuru-sama, but wouldn't it be easier to call him now? With the right measures, a certain individual can also be summoned.-

'No, it's alright. I will summon him later.'

He ended up taking the same group as before but decided to go in alone. With him looking like a human, he shouldn't get annoyed by thugs. It went well, too. The guards did basic checks and searches and then he was free to go in!

Now he had to keep his ears open for problems that occurrence in the mine. He didn't know where it was so going there was not an option. He just had to hang around near the guard stations a bit and that would be it. But before that…

He went around the stalls on the street, knowing it was still to early for the news to reach. He bought himself some food and a bit more for the others waiting outside. He also found a few seeds for various edible plants.

After a bit more shopping he went to the guard stations, pretending to be lost every time some questioned him. It was kinda funny, he kept telling them that no matter what he did, he kept running in various amounts of circles around the station. It was starting to get late when a guard ran frantic into one if the stations and Rimuru nearly missed it.

Turning into his Giant Bat Mimic in a somewhat dark alley he followed them. He transformed back into a human just barely out of sight of the miners and went upwards. The state of the miners was terrible. Six were more than just heavily injured, among them the brothers.

Kaido noticed him "You can't enter here. This area is for the miners only and we are currently having problems… Aren't you the Miss without any sense of direction?

...He wanted to sigh "I noticed that you seemed to be in a hurry and I heard something about injured miners and no available potions… I have some potions so I thought I could help! Free of charge! You and your men kept trying to help me find my way the entire time after all! I just need to know how many you need."

He said all this with a smile. The 'No sense of direction' act ended up being a great help!

One soldier was shaken but also dubious "Captain, we shouldn't… We don't even know who she is…"

Kaido shook his head "We don't have any other choice." He turned to Rimuru "We have six injured as you can see. Do you have that many?"

"Of course!" He handed over eight potions "In case you find any more injured, take these two extras."

"Thank you!" He bowed slightly and brought the potions over to the injured.

Everyone was staring in amazement at the potions effects. Of course the potions were amazing, he made them! Springing up as if they were never injured the miners thanked him endlessly and it made even him uncomfortable after a while.

"Those potions are amazing, Miss! Where did you get them?" One of the miners asked.

Not thinking about what he was saying he replied "I made them."

"What?"

"Hehe, that's a trade secret. I have to apologize but I can't just give that to anyone."

The Captain nodded before the soldier could even open his mouth "That is understandable. I must ask though, Miss Bat, what kind of monster are you exactly?"

Bat...? Oh no, he'd seen him follow them "Haha, you won't believe me but... I'm just a lovable slime! See?" He transformed before everyone's eyes "Completely harmless."

"That's the wrong colour for a slime." The Captain noted with a deadpan.

"Fufu, that's because I'm not a normal slime. I have evolved! I'm named, too!"

"Who in their right mind would name a-" The soldier from before was immediately whacked on the head.

"May I know your name then? Who named you?" Kaido wondered curiously.

"Rimuru Tempest." He looked at the sky for a moment before looking at the Dwarf again "I would tell you who named me but the chance that you would believe me is very low. I live in a little village we're currently constructing in the Great Forest of Jura, if you ever have time to visit feel free to come. I'll introduce him to you if he's not in a bad mood."

"I doubt I'll have the time but if I do, I'll take you up on that offer."

"That's great to hear."

The man hummed "Say, do you need anything in our Kingdom? You said it was free of charge but I feel kinda bad just taking such great medicine for free…"

"Well, if it's not too much, there is something I came here for. If you can introduce me to someone that can help it would be a great help."

After his reassurance, Rimuru told him what they needed. In the middle, the brothers piped up, too. All four were going to introduce him to their friend/brother tomorrow, he just had to come to the gate first thing in the morning. Good, good. Seems like this would be a piece of cake. Mmmh… Cake. He wondered if they sold those here...

Well, that wasn't important. The important part was meeting Kaijin. The Dwarf was thankful for him saving his friends but wasn't able to help. Rimuru knew this of course but asked why anyway. When the situation was revealed, he gave Kaijin a Magic Steel Ingot but also informed him that if he could produce one sword of the finest quality he could, Rimuru would be able to do the rest for him.

Thus an agreement was made, if he succeeded, he would get his wish but if he failed he wouldn't be paid for the ingot. That was fair but it wasn't like he was going to fail. Never underestimate the slime!

It only took him around three minutes in the secluded room to copy the sword. Going out he saw the worried faces and bounced aside, showing the finished swords. Kaijin inspected them to be sure and was amazed by the results.

They once again planned to take him to the Night Butterfly but Rimuru refused. He really didn't want to meet the Minister. Fate was a funny thing though or in this case, unfunny. He didn't really dislike the man but he was a real ass during their first encounter.

They had just delivered the swords with Rimuru in his human appearance and planned on looking around for someone that could meet Rimuru's expectations when the man himself arrived and sneered at Kaijin, asking how he could be so lax in a time like this only for the Dwarf to tell him off, that he had just delivered the swords. This threw Bester out of the loop and he retreated somewhat sadly. Hurt pride probably.

He thought that was maybe the end and that he could focus on how to make Kaijin and the brothers come with him when the Captain and his guard came. Rimuru inwardly cursed and praised fate at the same time.

He didn't want to end up in court, damn it!

As such, Kaijin and the others asked if they could come with him and he agreed happily. But even he wasn't prepared for what awaited them behind the closed doors of the courthouse.

It wasn't even a trial!

He had assumed Bester pulled a sneaky one and accused them of some nonsensical thing but nope! The Minister was standing to the side neutrally. All of this fuss, all of it! Was because of the King! Simply because he wanted to see the slime with the incredible medicine. It fit the King but seriously! He was getting angry here!

It's not like he could give them a method to produce them! He never memorized it! Well, Ciel might know… But he wasn't gonna ask!

It still felt a lot like the trial though… He was hesitant to say anything, so tense was the atmosphere! Why did these things always happen to him...

"So you're 'Rimuru Tempest'? It's nice to meet you." The King's voice was calm and didn't betray anything.

"Likewise." Gah, it was hard not to stutter. This side of him unsettled the slime deeply. He was too used to them being on friendly terms "May I know why I was brought here. With a 3rd Party that has nothing to do with this at that?"

Ah, it felt like the whole room was glaring at him.

The King waved his hand and two vailed items were brought in and uncovered. Under one was one of the extra potions he gave Kaido, under the other was one of the sword copies.

So that's why the Dwarves were brought along.

"I heard you produced both of these. The potion of 99% purity and the sword looks just like one of Kaijin's swords. But not only that, the magic steel inside it greatly improved it so much that it has already started to adapt to the user."

"I assume you want the method to produce these?"

"That would be correct."

"I have to disappoint. While the manufacturing method for the potion exists, only a friend of mine might know it. The sword is a copy of one of Kaijin's works. Both items were created with the help of two of my skills."

"Then be so kind and teach them to our kind. We would repay you accordingly."

"That is impossible. Both are Ultimate Skills and can't be taught."

This sent a ripple of surprise through the room and the dwarves regarded him in shock and slight fear. Ultimate skills were rare, extremely so.

I smiled and explained "One of them is, kind of, 'Manas: Ciel', the other is 'Void God Azathoth'. With these two combined, something like analysing a plant or sword and processing it into medicine or constructing a copy is simple."

"Then I find it curious that I never heard of an individual like you before."

"I am but a Slime, Your Majesty. No one really pays attention to me."

"Slimes don't speak."

"They don't transform into humans either." Rimuru commented "Neither do they actually think from what I heard. But I was 'born' a little different and was named on top of that. Is me talking really so surprising?"

"Ha, I suppose not." The King's posture relaxed a bit but not completely. It was always good to stay on guard "Why give us these potions then? Because of a bleeding heart? As thanks for being given directions? I can hardly accept these as valid reasons."

He shrugged "Well, you'll have to. There's nothing I can say except the truth."

"Then form a relationship with our country. I heard you are constructing a monster village. I will have to judge your intentions myself later on but if all goes well, we could work together to create the medicine without your help. We would both have great benefit from it. There are things we don't have access to in the forest and we have things you don't casually have access to. If this happens, we could form a trade."

Rimuru thought about it for a moment and then nodded "That would be alright but I'll have to ask the others in the village about their opinion first."

"My King" Bester suddenly spoke up "Would it really be wise to form a relationship with monsters? Who knows what they might be thinking!"

"Quiet. I stand by what I said. If my later inspecting proves this worth it it shall happen. Can I expect you to send someone with your final decision, Tempest?"

"Of course!" The slime nodded "But please, just Rimuru is fine. Being called Tempest is a bit… weird."

"Alright then." He turned to Kaijin and the brothers, the smile that had just appeared disappeared again.

He asked Kaijin if he wanted to return but the Dwarf refused. Even though it was not a trial as they first thought, he wasn't going to go back on his word. What a nice guy!

Once we reached the forest it was time to depart. The Dwarves quickly fainted on the back of the Wolves but... honestly, he knew it would happen so no surprise there. The Dwarves were shocked when we arrived after just a few days but were welcomed into the village easily. The goblins from others villagers seeking protecting were also accepted easily. Then came the time to move and Mildo and his team went to survey the site.

While he was doing this, Rimuru named the newcomers. The former Chieftains were given new positions and Rigurd was given a new rank as well. Soon after, Mildo returned and everyone packed to move to their new home. In a few days, the meeting with Shizue and her companions should happen. A part of him was scared. Could he save her. If there was a way, would she want to be saved?

Despite Ciel's reassurances he still had his doubts.