Tensura Reaction/Short

A Slime's Second Life(2)

As Rimuru drifted through the peaceful world of Toashite, a profound sense of calm enveloped him. The weight of centuries of ruling Tempest, of navigating politics, wars, and crises, had finally been lifted. The world around him was serene, rolling hills, sparkling streams, and a quiet, gentle breeze that stirred the grass.

In his familiar slime form, Rimuru was free from the towering expectations that had come with his title as King of Tempest. Here, in this new world, there were no councils or Demon Lords to appease. No one to rely on him. For the first time in a thousand years, Rimuru could simply... be.

The soft gurgling of a nearby stream caught his attention, and Rimuru bobbed his way toward it, enjoying the quiet simplicity of it all. Ciel's voice echoed in his mind, as calm and reliable as ever.

"Master, your powers have been transferred fully. Though the magical essence in this world is far weaker than in Tempest, you retain full control of your abilities. Do you wish to test them?"

Rimuru smiled internally. "No need for now, Ciel. I think I'll enjoy the peace and quiet a bit longer."

"As you wish," Ciel responded before her presence faded into standby mode, leaving Rimuru to relish the serenity.

For the first few days in Toashite, Rimuru explored at his leisure. The landscape was gentle, unassuming, and far from the chaotic events of his previous life. He occasionally encountered low-level monsters, but none posed any real threat. It was a simple life, just what he wanted. For a while, Rimuru was perfectly content to wander aimlessly.

However, one afternoon, while bouncing lazily near the edge of a forest, Rimuru sensed a presence. It was faint at first, but growing closer. Someone was coming. His curiosity piqued, Rimuru stopped and waited.

A young girl emerged from the trees. She had silver hair that shimmered under the sunlight and striking blue eyes, filled with wonder as she walked toward the clearing. Her outfit was simple but elegant, a white and blue dress that complemented her natural grace. She looked no older than twelve or thirteen, but there was something about her presence that felt... special.

Rimuru recognized that presence immediately, the aura of someone from a powerful lineage. There was no malice, no hostility, but rather an innocent curiosity as she approached him.

"It's just like Mom said..." the girl whispered to herself, her voice soft but filled with excitement. "A blue slime, not from this world..."

Rimuru's curiosity grew. How does she know about me?

The girl stepped closer, her eyes wide as she gazed at Rimuru's form. After a brief hesitation, she knelt beside him, her face inches from his gelatinous body.

"I wonder if you're really the one..." she murmured, reaching out a hand tentatively. "I hope you don't mind if I... touch you."

Rimuru, amused, didn't move as she poked his bouncy form. The girl smiled brightly, her hand sinking into his soft surface before she pulled it back in amazement.

"You're so soft! Just like the stories say..."

Finally, Rimuru decided to speak, using telepathy. "You seem to know a lot about me."

The girl yelped in surprise, stumbling back. Her eyes darted around, searching for the voice.

"Wh-who said that?!"

Rimuru chuckled internally. "It's me, the slime. I can communicate telepathically. No need to worry."

Her eyes widened in awe, then narrowed in concentration. "You... You're Rimuru, aren't you? The Rimuru from the legends!"

Rimuru blinked, if slimes could blink. "Legend? How do you know who I am?"

The girl stood up straight, her expression both proud and shy. "My name is Shalsha. I'm the daughter of Azusa Aizawa, the Witch of the Highlands. My mom told me stories about you. She said that if I ever found a blue slime, I should approach with respect because it might be the Great Rimuru."

Rimuru was taken aback. Azusa Aizawa...? That name sounds familiar. I've heard stories about a powerful witch before, but I didn't think our worlds were connected.

Shalsha smiled sheepishly, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her dress. "I didn't believe her at first, but I had to come and see for myself when I sensed your aura nearby. I mean... how often do you find a talking blue slime in Toashite?"

Rimuru laughed softly. "You've got me there. I didn't expect anyone to find me this soon, either."

Shalsha's curiosity was palpable. She sat down on the grass next to Rimuru, her blue eyes never leaving him. "So... why are you here? Mom said you were this super powerful King of Tempest, but why would you come to a place like Toashite?"

Rimuru paused, considering how to answer. He hadn't really planned to explain his reasons to anyone, but Shalsha's sincerity made him feel at ease.

"I've been ruling for a long time," Rimuru began, his voice soft and thoughtful. "A thousand years, to be exact. I loved it at first, building a nation, making sure my people were safe and happy. But after a while... it got tiring. I wanted to experience life without all the responsibilities for once."

Shalsha listened intently, her expression serious for her young age. "I see. It must be hard being in charge for that long... even for someone as strong as you."

Rimuru nodded, or at least mentally gave the impression of nodding. "Exactly. So, I decided it was time for a break, a long vacation, in a world where no one knew me. Somewhere I could relax."

Shalsha tilted her head, her curiosity shining through. "But what will you do now? I mean, you're the Great Rimuru, right? You're still super strong, even in this world."

Rimuru laughed again, his voice light and carefree. "I don't plan on doing anything. I came here to relax, remember? No fighting, no ruling, just peace."

Shalsha's eyes sparkled with admiration. "That sounds amazing... but also kinda lonely. Are you sure you won't get bored?"

Rimuru considered her words. "I don't think so. I've spent a lot of time surrounded by people, always having to be the one in charge. A little quiet is exactly what I need right now."

Shalsha nodded slowly, but then her expression brightened. "Well, if you ever get lonely, you can always visit me and my mom! We live not too far from here, in the Highlands. Mom loves meeting new people, and she'd be so excited to meet you in person."

Rimuru's heart softened at the offer. Shalsha reminded him of someone from his old life, innocent, kind, and genuinely curious about the world. It was a far cry from the often-complicated relationships he'd had to navigate in Tempest.

"Thanks, Shalsha," Rimuru said warmly. "I might take you up on that offer someday. But for now, I think I'll just enjoy the peace and quiet."

Shalsha grinned, clearly happy to have made a new friend. "I'll come check on you sometimes, then! Just to make sure you're not too bored."

Rimuru chuckled. "Deal."

After their encounter, Shalsha visited Rimuru often, bringing small gifts like flowers or food from her family's garden. They talked about her life in the Highlands, her mother's magical abilities, and her dreams of becoming as powerful as her mom someday. Rimuru enjoyed these simple conversations, there was no pressure, no expectations, just honest, easy friendship.

Shalsha, for her part, was fascinated by Rimuru's stories about the world he had come from. She asked endless questions about Tempest, the Demon Lords, and the battles he had fought. Though Rimuru kept his answers vague, he didn't want to scare her, he couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia as he recounted his past.

Despite his desire for peace and quiet, Rimuru found himself looking forward to Shalsha's visits. Her presence reminded him that even in a world where he sought isolation, there were still connections to be made, simple, unassuming bonds that didn't come with the weight of responsibility.

And in that simplicity, Rimuru found a new kind of peace.