The Emergence of Shinsha: A Hidden Legacy

Chapter 2: Timeless Sanctuary

Rimuru paced around his chambers, his mind swirling with a thousand thoughts. The lingering tension from the Walpurgis meeting still gnawed at him, especially Guy Crimson's unnerving instincts. As much as he had deflected, Rimuru knew that the other Demon Lords, particularly Guy, were on to him. Hiding Shinsha was getting harder with each passing day.

As he stood by the window, watching the tranquil scenery of Tempest, a familiar voice echoed in his mind.

[Master, you seem troubled.]

It was Ciel, the ever-watchful presence that lived within him, the ultimate partner who guided him through countless challenges. Her calm and soothing tone washed over him, pulling him from his anxious thoughts.

"Yeah, I am," Rimuru admitted. "I'm worried about Shinsha. The Demon Lords are getting suspicious, especially Guy. It's only a matter of time before they dig deeper and figure out the truth."

[You're overthinking the situation, Master. There is no need to be concerned about the other Demon Lords.]

Rimuru frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"

[You are more powerful than any of them. Even if they were to combine their forces, they would not be able to match your strength.]

Rimuru blinked in surprise. He had always known he was strong, but the weight of that realization hadn't truly hit him until now. He had fought and defeated powerful enemies, including the likes of Veldora and Milim, but he rarely thought of himself as someone invincible. Ciel's words reminded him of just how far he had come.

"You're saying I don't have to worry about them at all?" Rimuru asked, half-expecting Ciel to point out some potential danger he had missed.

[That is correct,] Ciel replied. [Even if all the Demon Lords were to unite against Master, their combined might would still fall short. Your power has surpassed them by a significant margin. There is nothing they can do to harm you.]

Rimuru let that sink in for a moment, feeling the weight of his own power settle within him. It was true. He had grown far beyond what he once was, evolving into something greater than even the strongest beings in this world. The idea that he had been nervous about the other Demon Lords now seemed almost absurd.

Still, it wasn't just his safety he was concerned about. It was Shinsha's. He wasn't just protecting himself anymore, he was a father now, and his daughter's future mattered more than anything.

"Even so, I need to make sure Shinsha is safe," Rimuru said quietly. "I need time to understand her, to figure out what kind of power she holds. That soul she has... there's something ancient and powerful within her, and I don't fully understand it yet."

[If that is your desire, then there is a solution,] Ciel responded, her voice carrying an edge of practicality. [You can manipulate your own space, altering the flow of time itself. If you wish to nurture Shinsha and learn more about her without external interference, we can create a sanctuary where time flows differently. A hundred years in that space would pass in the blink of an eye in the real world.]

Rimuru's eyes widened slightly. "A hundred years... in just a second? You can do that?"

[Of course. It is a simple alteration of time laws within a controlled environment. You are more than capable of doing this, Master.]

The idea took root in Rimuru's mind, and the more he thought about it, the more perfect it seemed. He could use this space to raise Shinsha without the pressure of the outside world. He could take his time, understand her power, and protect her without worrying about any looming threats. When they emerged, it would be as if no time had passed at all.

"Alright, let's do it," Rimuru said, his voice filled with newfound determination.

With Ciel guiding him, Rimuru stepped into his personal dimension, a vast, empty void where he had complete control over the environment. The space responded to his will, bending and shaping itself according to his desires. With a mere thought, Rimuru altered the flow of time, weaving a rule that would allow one hundred years to pass inside the space, while only a second passed in the real world.

As the change took effect, the void began to transform. A peaceful landscape emerged, filled with lush forests, clear skies, and a tranquil lake. It was a perfect haven, a place of safety and serenity where Rimuru could focus on what mattered most, Shinsha.

With the environment set, Rimuru summoned Shinsha, who appeared beside him, her pink form glowing softly as she bounced with innocent curiosity. She had no concept of the worries that plagued her father, no idea of the dangers lurking outside their sanctuary. She was simply happy to be with him, and Rimuru couldn't help but smile at the sight.

"Alright, Shinsha," Rimuru said softly, crouching down to her level. "We've got all the time in the world here. Let's see what you're capable of."

Shinsha wiggled in response, her aura pulsing gently. Rimuru could feel the depth of her power, the ancient soul that resided within her. He didn't know what kind of being she had been before, but now, she was his daughter, and he was going to make sure she grew up with the love and care she deserved.

For the next hundred years, or what felt like a hundred years to them, Rimuru dedicated himself to nurturing Shinsha. He trained her, having Ciel and himself teaching her to control her abilities and understand the vast power she possessed. As time passed, Shinsha's intelligence grew rapidly. She was not just a simple slime; she was a being of immense potential, and her powers began to manifest in ways that even Rimuru hadn't anticipated.

Shinsha learned to shape-shift, much like Rimuru had in his early days. She could manipulate magicules with ease, creating complex spells and enchantments that rivaled some of the most powerful beings in existence. But more than that, she had an innate understanding of time itself, a gift that seemed to be tied to the ancient soul within her. Rimuru was in awe of her progress, watching as his daughter blossomed into something truly extraordinary.

As the hundred years inside the sanctuary came to a close, Rimuru stood by the lake, watching Shinsha practice her abilities. She had grown so much, both in power and understanding, and yet she still carried that same innocent and pure aura that made her who she was.

"You've come a long way," Rimuru said, pride swelling in his chest. "I'm so proud of you, Shinsha."

Shinsha, now able to communicate more clearly, responded with a gentle pulse of magic, her way of saying she was happy.

With their time together coming to an end, Rimuru knew it was time to return to the real world. But now, he wasn't afraid. He was more than ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. He was stronger than ever, and Shinsha had become a powerful force in her own right.

Together, they would face the future, no matter what it held.