Tensura Reaction/Short

The Slime King's Lethargy(2)

Word spread quickly through the corridors of Tempest Castle. Rimuru, the ever-diligent Demon Lord, had seemingly abandoned his duties. For the past thousand years, he had been the heart of the nation's success, guiding his people through every challenge with wisdom and kindness. But now, something had changed. His sudden withdrawal left a vacuum of confusion and concern.

In the grand council chamber, the leaders of Tempest gathered. Benimaru, Shuna, Shion, and several other high-ranking members of Rimuru's inner circle sat in uneasy silence. Normally, Rimuru would have been at the head of the table, but his absence weighed heavily on the group.

Shuna, her face calm but her eyes filled with worry, spoke first. "It's been days, and Lord Rimuru hasn't resumed his duties. He's never been like this before."

Shion, who was unusually quiet, clenched her fists. "Something's definitely wrong. Rimuru-sama isn't the type to abandon his responsibilities. He's always put the kingdom first."

Benimaru leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temple. "I spoke to him. He said he's taking a break... but it didn't sound like the Rimuru we know. He said he's bored of ruling."

"Bored?" Shuna's voice tightened with disbelief. "How could he be bored of something he's dedicated his life to?"

Gazing at his sister, Benimaru sighed. "I think it's more than just boredom. He's tired, Shuna. Centuries of peace, paperwork, and endless routine, he's feeling the weight of immortality in a way we never expected."

The room fell silent as the others absorbed Benimaru's words. Rimuru had always been the embodiment of energy and enthusiasm, but now he was fading into apathy.

"Then what should we do?" Shion finally asked, her voice edged with desperation. "We can't let him stay like this. Tempest needs him."

"So does he," a quiet voice added from the corner.

It was Diablo, standing in the shadows as he often did. His eyes gleamed with their usual devotion to Rimuru, but his expression was one of rare concern.

"Rimuru-sama is the very foundation of Tempest," Diablo said softly. "Without him, this nation would lose its guiding light. But..." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "Perhaps we've taken too much from him."

"What do you mean?" Benimaru asked.

"We've allowed him to shoulder the burden of everything for a thousand years," Diablo continued. "Rimuru-sama may have more power than any of us can comprehend, but even he has limits. It seems those limits have finally been reached. Perhaps we've relied on him too much, to the point where he's forgotten how to live for himself."

Shuna lowered her head, guilt creeping into her thoughts. Rimuru had always been there for them, guiding, supporting, and ensuring Tempest's prosperity. None of them had ever considered how taxing that role could be, especially over such an impossibly long period.

"What if he never wants to rule again?" Shion said, her voice barely a whisper, as if the mere thought was unbearable.

Benimaru shook his head. "We can't let it come to that. We need to help him... remember why he started this in the first place."

"But how do we do that?" Shuna asked, her voice filled with uncertainty. "Rimuru-sama has always been driven by his ideals. If those have lost their meaning to him..."

"I think," Diablo interrupted smoothly, "Rimuru-sama needs something more than ideals right now. He needs to feel alive again. He needs a challenge."

Meanwhile, in Rimuru's Garden

Rimuru lay sprawled beneath the same tree as before, watching the clouds drift lazily across the sky. For the first time in a thousand years, his mind was free of the constant swirl of responsibilities. No meetings, no treaties, no requests from his subordinates. It was... liberating, in a way.

But even as he relaxed, something felt off.

The sense of peace he expected didn't fully settle in. He had thought that by avoiding all the usual distractions, he'd find some kind of contentment. Instead, there was a dull emptiness. It gnawed at him, quiet but persistent.

"Is this really what I want?" he murmured to himself.

As if in answer, a voice chimed in his head. Ciel, the ever-present and ever-logical companion, spoke up.

<<Decrease in activity and mental stimulation detected. Potential symptoms of prolonged stagnation due to immortality may be manifesting.>>

"Stagnation, huh? Maybe you're right," Rimuru said to himself. "But honestly, I'm tired of running this kingdom. It's like... nothing matters anymore. I've done everything. Seen everything. What's left?"

Ciel responded swiftly. << There are still countless unexplored dimensions and potential threats beyond current awareness.>>

"Yeah, but do I even care?" Rimuru sighed. "I've kept this place safe for a thousand years. Tempest is peaceful, and that's all I ever wanted. There's no challenge left. No danger. No... excitement."

For once, Ciel was silent, as if acknowledging the truth of his words.

As Rimuru continued staring at the sky, lost in thought, he didn't notice the figure approaching him until they were nearly upon him.

"Rimuru?"

Rimuru turned his head slightly and saw Milim standing there, her usual carefree grin absent, replaced by an expression of curiosity, and perhaps a bit of concern.

"What are you doing here?" Rimuru asked lazily.

"I could ask you the same," Milim said, sitting down beside him. "Everyone's worried about you, you know."

"I'm just... resting."

"Resting?" Milim raised an eyebrow. "This doesn't seem like you."

Rimuru sighed. "I've been doing the same thing for a thousand years, Milim. Running Tempest, keeping everything in line, maintaining peace. And you know what? I'm tired. There's nothing left for me to do."

Milim tilted her head, thinking for a moment before speaking again. "Nothing left? Are you sure about that?"

"Yeah, pretty sure. I mean, what else is there?"

Milim grinned suddenly, a spark of mischief in her eyes. "Well... there is something. Something you haven't done in a long time."

Rimuru glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "And what's that?"

Milim stood up, her hands on her hips, looking down at him with a gleam of excitement in her eyes. "Fight."

"Fight?" Rimuru repeated, confused.

"Yeah! You've been sitting around for so long; you've forgotten what it's like to get your blood pumping! We haven't sparred in forever, and I bet that's exactly what you need."

Rimuru blinked, surprised. The idea of fighting, of engaging in combat, hadn't crossed his mind in ages. Could it really be that simple?

Milim's grin widened as she saw the flicker of interest in his eyes. "Come on! Let's have some fun! A real battle, just like the old days!"

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Rimuru felt a spark of excitement. Maybe... maybe she was right.

"Alright," Rimuru said, slowly rising to his feet. "Let's see if I still remember how to fight."