Cultivation

In five minutes Rimuru, Grace, and Rigurd had met up with the squad that had spotted the human group. Dismounting Ranga RImuru walked over to the squad leader, " So you the one who spotted the Humans " The drow nodded, " Yes my lord, my name is Gobtan. My scout spotted the four humans heading towards the gate. If we move now we can intercept them halfway through " Rimuru shook his head, " I'll approach them alone while you guys watch from the trees " Jumping into the air Rimuru flew into the air and used [Sense Heat Source] to find the group of four humans. Landing in front of them caused all four of them to draw their weapons. Rimuru held of his hands showing he didn't have any weapons, " Calm down, I don't mean you any harm. "

The four of them looked at each other before slowing sheathing their weapons, Gido glared at him, " Why should we trust you of all people " Rimuru crossed his arms, "You're from the guild right, and you're here to investigate my Hobgoblins " The three of them looked shocked that he was able to correctly guess the reason they were there, Shizu, of course, didn't show any emotions because of her mask. Kabal sized him up, " How did know that who are you " Rimuru bowed at the waist, " I am Rimuru Tempest at your service, Now how about you come with me so we can show you that we are of no threat to the Kingdom of Blumund. Elen, Gido, and Kabal glanced about each other before nodding in agreement.

Rimuru guided the adventures to his village gate as his forces trailed him from the tree line, eventually they arrived at the village. One by one they entered the gate when Shizu was about to go in Rimuru held out his arm, " Your Shizue Izawa from Earth correct " her body tensed when she heard the name. Lifting her mask Shizue stared at him with her piercing eyes, " How you know my name are you also from Earth " Rimuru nodded, " I also know your back story, Leon Cromwell and Ifrit. I also think I have a way to get rid of Ifrit and keep you alive " Shizue shook her head, " Thank you for trying but it's not possible others have tried " Rimuru frowned, " Please let me help you I feel obliged as a fellow Otherworlder " Shizu seemed to think about it for a while before letting out a shaky breath, " Sure why not, if you truly can free me from this curse I will forever be in your debt "

Rimuru nodded and started to use his skill, turning on magic sight Rimuru scanned Shizue's body, and just as he expected there was a large amount of fire attuned magicules that didn't seem to be part of Shizue's actual magic. Studying them more Rimuru realized that the individual magicules were attacking Shizue's body draining it of its own resources. Activating the devourer aspect of his evolution a mouth of darkness enveloped Shizue's body, instead of absorbing her body his skill targeted the magicules that made up Ifrit's body. Rimuru felt his body temperature rise quickly as the fire energy burned through his body as he doubled over in pain. Grabbing a nearby tree Rimuru panted as his breath came out as steam clouds, withdrawing several health potions Rimuru used all of them lessening the pain a little.

Shizue rushed over to him and put her arm under his as Ifirts magic tried to destroy his body from the inside. Breathing in deeply Rimuru sat on the ground and closed his eyes, turning his attention inwards. He felt more than saw Ifrits influence attacking his body, converting half of his magicules into earth magicules Rimuru directed them to attack Ifrits own magic. It was a war of attrition as Rimuru constantly had to convert more and more of his energy to attack Ifrit, soon he was on the ropes and most of his magic was depleted. Rimuru cursed at not having more magicules and was about to give up when he thought about where he saw the most abundant source of magicules. Steading his thoughts Rimuru imagined pulling in the magicules from the air and after a minute he felt like all his pores had opened and a rush of new energy entered his body.

With his new source of magical energy, Rimuru quickly converted them into earth magicules and Ifrit's spirt was subdued. Activating his skill one last time, the fire magicules were absorbed into his body, opening his eyes Rimuru saw that he was surrounded by a ring of people. Getting to his feet Rimuru realized his clothes were destroyed so he shaped his scales to cover his genitalia. As he did that sage made him aware of several new skills he had gained.

[ Skill gained Body Cultivation, by tempering your body in harsh conditions it can grow exceptionally stronger. Skill gained Magic Cultivation, absorbing the surrounding magicules into your body can increase your inherent magical power. Skill gained Fire Resistance, your body can now withstand higher temperatures. Skill gained Fire Affinity I, using this skill can convert your inherent magicules into those attuned with fire. ]

Rimuru held out his hands stopping the tsunami of questions coming at him, " Please be calm everyone I am perfectly fine. In fact, I have grown stronger because of this and I believe I have a way to greatly enhance are strength " The shouting turned to murmurs as Rimuru looked at Shizue who was looking at him admiration, " Are you okay do you sense Ifrits influence anymore " Shizue started to shake and Rimuru thought she would collapse when she buried her face into his chest and started to sob great tears. Rimuru sighed and patted her long back hair, " It's okay it's all going to be okay " Shizue continued to cry into his chest and he stood there calming the extremely vulnerable woman.