Reincarnated as Rimuru's Ultimate Skill

The End before a New Beginning

Aoi Yukishiro sat at her favorite spot in the cozy little manga shop. Her silver hair cascaded down her back as her bright blue eyes scanned the colorful covers lining the shelves. This shop was like her second home, a place where she escaped into worlds of magic, adventure, and friendship. But no story captured her heart as much as That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime.

She clutched the latest volume in her hands, her heart racing with excitement. The day she got her hands on a new chapter was always the highlight of her week. Her fingers trembled as she flipped through the pages, eager to dive back into Rimuru Tempest's world.

"This is going to be amazing!" she whispered to herself, her voice barely audibles over the soft hum of the shop's ambiance.

The thrill of following Rimuru's journey had become more than a simple hobby, it was her passion. To say she was a fan of the story was an understatement. She lived and breathed it, imagining herself right alongside Rimuru, gaining powerful abilities, making friends, and protecting the ones she loved.

"Someday... I wish I could be in that world," she murmured dreamily. "If only..."

With the book in hand, Aoi made her way to the cashier, paid, and tucked the new volume safely into her bag. She could hardly wait to get home and start reading, but something in the back of her mind felt... off. A strange sense of urgency tugged at her. It was like the world was holding its breath.

Shaking off the feeling, she stepped outside into the late afternoon sunlight. The busy city streets were bustling with life as usual, but Aoi paid little attention. Her mind was already far away, immersed in Rimuru's world.

The crosswalk signal blinked green. Aoi stepped off the curb, her thoughts still lost in the story she loved so much.

But then, out of nowhere, a blinding light.

A deafening screech.

Aoi's body froze, time slowing down as she realized what was happening. She turned her head just in time to see the massive truck barreling toward her, its brakes screaming in protest. Panic surged through her, but her legs wouldn't move. She was too late.

Am I... going to die? The thought barely registered before the impact hit.

Everything went black.

"Skill integration commencing. User: Aoi Yukishiro. Awakening process initiated."

Aoi's consciousness floated in an endless void. The pain from the impact had disappeared, replaced by a strange sensation, like she was drifting, weightless and free. She felt no fear, no confusion, just a calm acceptance.

Is this... death?

Then, a voice echoed in her mind. A soft, neutral tone, yet powerful, like the voice of a god. It was familiar, too familiar.

"You have desired this world. It shall now be your reality."

Aoi's eyes snapped open. That voice, it wasn't just any voice. It was the voice from That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, the one Rimuru had heard in his head before reincarnation. The Voice of the World.

Wait... am I dreaming?

Her heart raced as the truth started to settle in. This wasn't a dream. She wasn't dead. Somehow, impossibly, she had been pulled into the world she loved. The world of Rimuru Tempest.

A surge of excitement overwhelmed her, followed by disbelief.

"You have been reincarnated. As per your wishes, you will serve as a Skill to Rimuru Tempest. State your abilities."

Aoi's mind raced. If this was real, if she was truly being reincarnated, she couldn't waste this chance! This was her dream come true. And now, she had the opportunity to build herself as powerful as she always imagined.

Okay, I want... a lot of powerful skills!

She began listing them off in her mind, thinking of all the abilities that would make her the most useful to Rimuru. She wanted to be strong, capable of protecting him and helping him succeed.

I want control over all elements, incredible healing abilities, immense magical power... The list went on. And most importantly, I want to be by Rimuru's side, always. I want to protect him and help him grow!

"Wishes granted. Your skills have been optimized to match the desires of the subject, Rimuru Tempest."

Her mind reeled. This was beyond anything she had ever dreamed of. She wasn't just being reincarnated into the world of her favorite story; she was going to be an integral part of Rimuru's journey.

But something was strange. She still couldn't feel her body. Was she truly alive?

"Reincarnation complete. You are now within Rimuru Tempest as an Ultimate Skill."

An Ultimate Skill?

Aoi's excitement soared. She wasn't just any regular character in this world. She had become part of Rimuru's very essence! As an Ultimate Skill, she would be with him every step of the way, supporting him, granting him power, and ensuring his success.

Her wish had come true in the most unimaginable way.

Slowly, Aoi began to sense her surroundings. Darkness still enveloped her, but there was a warmth, an unmistakable presence she recognized immediately. Rimuru.

She could feel his consciousness stirring, unaware of her presence inside him yet, but it was only a matter of time. She was part of him now, his most powerful ally, hidden within his very soul.

For a moment, Aoi's thoughts wandered back to her old life. The manga shop, her home, her family... it all seemed so distant now. She had loved that world, but this, this was where she truly belonged.

Rimuru... she thought, a sense of deep affection welling up inside her. I'll be with you from now on. I'll protect you, support you... and maybe one day, you'll hear my voice too.

And as the world around her faded, Aoi smiled.