Rimuru's Restart: That Time I Travelled Back in Time

Chapter 2: Battle of the Goblin village

Immediately upon exiting the cave, I found myself standing at the entrance, knowing that the trio of adventurers wouldn't explore it for another three months, and it would be a full year before Shizu-san arrived. 

I had plenty of time to prepare, even though it felt a little early for my encounter with the Goblin Village. Nevertheless, I decided to replicate as much of it as I could.

The first thing that struck me was how Veldora's presence had completely vanished—amazing. Even from the entrance, I couldn't feel his aura at all. 

Ciel-sensei's technological prowess was in a league of its own, but I couldn't dwell on it too long; everyone already knew how impressive Ciel was.

 I had to move forward and focus on Rigur's team—or rather, the nameless goblin he was at this point.

It was essential to show them my slime form rather than my human form. 

After all, I wanted to be classified as a slime from the beginning. 

I asked Ciel to leak the same amount and quality of aura I emitted back in the day, which should prompt the goblins to seek my protection, and just like that, the foundation for the Jura Tempest Federation would be laid. 

Sometimes I amazed even myself.

After wandering the forest for two weeks, I finally sensed the Goblin Village. 

Acting as if I had accidentally stumbled upon them, I noticed a group of grim-faced goblins approaching. 

Despite their fierce appearance, they were visibly shaking as they drew nearer. Their weapons, rusted and cracked along the blades, seemed as worn and battered as the goblins themselves.

"Are they sure about this?" I wondered to myself.

What seemed like a trivial encounter to me was clearly a matter of life and death for them.

Rigur, the goblin who stepped forward to face me, was trembling with fear but struggled to keep his composure.

"Grah! Strong one... Do you have business here?" Rigur asked, trying to sound brave while surrounded by his comrades, who shakily brandished their weapons.

"Good to meet you, I guess? My name is Rimuru. I'm a slime," I introduced myself, nonchalantly.

They quickly tossed away their weapons, deciding that I was far too powerful to challenge.

"Strong one! Please, come to our village!" one goblin stammered, mustering his courage despite the evident fear in his voice.

"I see. Then take me to your village," I replied, much to their surprise. 

They hadn't expected me to accept so readily.

Their faces were painted with a clear expression of, "What...?" clearly.

The village was a bit run-down—actually, it was practically falling apart—but they guided me to their most stable building. 

Rigur, along with the rest of the goblins, escorted me, though I could still sense their wariness toward me.

If I turned out to be an enemy, it would mean their demise, but if they succeeded in persuading me, the benefits would be unimaginable.

Given that the village was on the brink of annihilation by the Direwolves, it made sense for them to take such a risk.

The village was pitiful, and I couldn't help but feel sorry for the goblins. 

Even the most dirtiest of slums on Earth couldn't even hold a candle on this one.