TTIGRAAS: Predator

Chapter 8

"I wasn't there, but it seems you were too impulsive, Young Master." The blue-haired ogre said to me.

"Tch."

He's one of my closest friends, but at this point, he's more of a 'babysitter' since Father has told him to stay with me at all times for the foreseeable future. I'd made a mistake and attacked that slime Rimuru, and now I was paying the consequences.

I'd avoided talking about the subject until now since it angered me, but I couldn't avoid the cold-hearted scolding from my friend that I was expecting.

"If Rimuru is that strong, you need to plan out your attack better than that next time." My friend continued.

"I know, I know."

"I don't recommend killing that majin, though, or the Chief will be upset with you. Defeating him in a duel isn't impossible if you train hard enough. That would be a better choice, I think."

He's telling me what I already know, but I have no reason to stop him after what I just did.

"That mean bluehair cheated! He was supposed to carry them across the river, but he went and threw them instead!" I heard a cry from not too far away, interrupting our conversation.

"Bluehair..." my friend muttered quietly.

"Probably Rimuru, if I were to guess. That damned overpowered slime!"

"Young Master..."

I ignored his complaint and decided to ask about what Rimuru apparently did.

"What happened?" I asked the purple-haired ogress.

"I challenged that majin and he...and he..." she sobbed.

"Wait, you fought Rimuru?" I asked.

"Fought? No, I decided to hold a little contest carrying logs across the river. He looks so small I thought I had no chance of losing, but...he threw them! Didn't even bother trying to carry them the way he was meant to!" She complained.

"He...threw logs so far that they landed across the river?" I testingly asked, surprised.

"Yes, isn't that ridiculous!? If he just did the job the same way I do then I would've won!"

I'm not so certain about that, but this is just how she is about things from the time we've been kids. Convincing her she's lost is a near-impossible feat.

She's another friend of mine, one I grew up alongside. She's a very physically talented ogress, but mentally, she's immature and stubborn.

After venting, she just stormed off in a huff.

"It seems like you're not the only one wanting to challenge our guest's strength." My blue-haired friend muttered emotionlessly.

_____

As I'd promised, I met the purple-haired ogre in the same spot the next day.

"Aha, outsider! You're brave enough to show up!"

Brave? I don't think bravery really plays a role here, lady.

"Sure...so, what's it that you need my help with today?"

"Follow me!"

I followed her to nearby where two large, unnaturally round boulders were resting at the bottom of a steep hill.

"These need to be taken to the top of the hill! I can push one and you the other; can you beat me to the peak, outsider!"

"I have a name, you know. It's Rimuru; call me that instead of 'outsider', please."