Tensura Reaction/Short

A Slime's Second Life(4)

The sun hung lazily in the late afternoon sky, casting a golden hue over the Highlands. Rimuru, still comfortably resting in the cozy home of Azusa, Falfa and Shalsha, felt a deep sense of relaxation. His new life in Toashite was already full of surprises, and the warmth of this newfound friendship soothed his long-exhausted spirit.

After spending the day sipping tea, sharing stories, and laughing, the evening had begun to settle in. Shalsha was bustling around the house, tidying up and preparing dinner with her mother, while Rimuru floated lazily near the windowsill, enjoying the view.

"This is the kind of peaceful life I've been looking for," Rimuru thought to himself. "No one to manage, no endless tasks... just peace."

But just as he thought that, a sudden rush of energy coursed through his body. It was brief, like a jolt, but strong enough to make him feel... different.

"Master," Ciel's calm voice suddenly echoed in his mind, "It appears that your body is reacting to the low magicule concentration of this world. You may experience slight fluctuations in your form."

Rimuru blinked mentally. Form fluctuations? He hadn't been worried about his abilities in Toashite, as Ciel had assured him that his powers were still fully intact. But he hadn't expected this.

Before Rimuru could respond, the sensation returned, stronger this time. A bright flash of light enveloped him, and in an instant, his slime form began to change.

Shalsha, noticing the bright light coming from the corner of the room, turned around just in time to see Rimuru's form shifting. She gasped, dropping the spoon she was holding as the light grew brighter and brighter.

"Mom! Look!" she called out in alarm. Azusa quickly hurried over, her eyes widening as she took in the scene.

The light slowly dimmed, and where the small blue slime had once floated, now stood a child, a young boy, no older than six, with bright blue hair and striking golden eyes. His skin was smooth and unblemished, and he wore a simple white robe that seemed to shimmer slightly with an ethereal glow.

Rimuru, now in his child form, blinked in confusion. His body felt... different. Not in a bad way, but in a way that was unfamiliar after spending so much time as a slime. He stretched his arms and legs, examining his small hands.

"Uh... what just happened?" Rimuru asked, his voice noticeably higher and softer than before.

Shalsha's eyes sparkled with amazement as she stepped closer, her initial shock turning to awe. "Rimuru... you... you're a child now! You look like a human!"

Azusa crossed her arms, her gaze thoughtful. "Interesting... So this is your true human form?"

Rimuru scratched his head, still trying to get used to the sensation of having a physical body again. "I guess so. This happens sometimes when I'm in a world with lower magicule density. I just didn't expect it to happen so suddenly."

Shalsha's face lit up with excitement. "You're so cute!" she exclaimed, bouncing up and down. "You look like a little brother! Can I-can I carry you like before?"

Rimuru blinked in surprise, then smiled at her enthusiasm. "I guess... sure, why not?"

With that, Shalsha eagerly scooped Rimuru into her arms. Now that he was in his child form, he was surprisingly light, and she cradled him just like she had when he was a slime. Rimuru, though still adjusting to this form, found the situation amusing and couldn't help but laugh.

"Hey, be careful! I'm still the same Rimuru, you know!" he teased, though there was a playful glint in his eyes.

Shalsha giggled, holding him tightly. "You're so light! I could carry you around all day!"

Azusa smiled warmly at the scene, her eyes softening. "It seems you've found a new form to match your new life. You look quite peaceful, Rimuru."

Rimuru chuckled softly, leaning into Shalsha's embrace. "I suppose so. This form is a bit different from what I'm used to, but I kind of like it."

As the evening went on, Rimuru stayed in his child form, much to Shalsha's delight. She fussed over him, making sure he was comfortable, even offering to brush his hair, an offer Rimuru politely declined, much to her and Falfa's disappointment.

Azusa, ever the observant witch, sat across from them, studying Rimuru's new form with interest. "This world's magicule concentration must have triggered the transformation," she mused. "It's fascinating how your body adapts to different environments."

Rimuru nodded. "Yeah, it's one of the perks of being a slime, or, well, whatever I am now. My body is pretty adaptable."

Shalsha beamed as she continued to hold Rimuru in her arms, gently swaying back and forth. "I think this form suits you! You seem so relaxed."

Rimuru smiled at her. "I have to admit, it does feel nice. I can definitely get used to this."

As the night wore on, the atmosphere in the cottage remained light and peaceful. They shared a simple meal, with Shalsha excitedly telling Rimuru all about her childhood and her mother's magic. Rimuru, in turn, shared more about his life in Tempest, though he kept the heavier details to himself.

For the first time in what felt like forever, Rimuru allowed himself to truly relax. There was no pressure, no expectations, just the simple joy of being in the company of new friends who expected nothing from him but his presence.

After dinner, as the night deepened and the stars began to twinkle outside the window, Shalsha yawned, clearly exhausted from the day's excitement. Azusa noticed and smiled softly at her daughter.

"It's time for bed, Shalsha," Azusa said gently. "You've had a long day."

Shalsha looked reluctant to let go of Rimuru, but eventually, she nodded. "Okay, Mom. But can Rimuru sleep with me tonight? He's so small and cute now!"

Rimuru's eyes widened slightly at the request, but he quickly relaxed. "I don't mind."

Azusa chuckled at her daughter's eagerness. "I don't see why not. Just make sure to give him some space, alright?"

Shalsha nodded vigorously, already carrying Rimuru toward her room. "I will, I promise!"

As Shalsha settled into bed, Rimuru sat beside her, still in his child form. It was a surreal experience for him, being treated like a child, held and coddled, even though he had lived for over a thousand years.

But strangely, it didn't bother him. In fact, there was something comforting about it. He had spent so long being responsible for others, always at the center of everything. Now, for once, he was the one being cared for.

As Shalsha drifted off to sleep while cuddling Rimuru as if he was a plush toy, Rimuru stared at the ceiling, his mind calm and peaceful.

This new life in Toashite, it was different from anything he had ever experienced. And while he had left behind his duties as the King of Tempest, he realized that he had gained something just as valuable: a chance to rediscover himself in a world that expected nothing from him.

And with that thought, Rimuru closed his eyes, letting the soft rhythm of Shalsha's breathing lull him into a quiet, restful sleep.