23 Before the quest (2)
-Rimuru Tempest's POV-
Windy...
Within the forest, the night air was cool, and the blue light from my new smartphone illuminated my face. However, in the midst of that chilly ambiance, I couldn't help but wonder about the perplexing situation unfolding before me.
[Ex-Veteran (Admin): What if I told you that Shion might die in the future?]
What the hell is this...?
His current dialogue might be nothing more than a bluff, yet the further he speaks—
[Ex-Veteran: I have all the info you need.]
—the more focused his points become.
Originally, this smartphone wasn't meant to be in this world. Despite investigating it with Great Sage, her response was:
«Answer: The accumulation of the "time" element's power within it is beyond measure. It continues incessantly, leading to an infinite understanding of time. Furthermore, traces of Magic Resistance effects are also discernible—»
That's too complex! Make it simple!
«Answer: Similar components can be found inside the object and <Anti-magic mask>.»
The Great Sage functions as an analytical, semi-automatic passive skill. When I was first reincarnated, I didn't fully grasp it, but she explained that after her adaptation, she gained the ability to communicate using the voice of the world.
She has transformed into a sort of aide, assisting me with various tasks and matters.
And...
[Ex-Veteran: the price would be one Great Sage, by the way~]
The individual in charge of the group expressed the following viewpoint.
However, he clarified that we're "sharing skills" rather than trading them. This implies that sharing Great Sage wouldn't necessarily result in me losing it entirely.
Other worlds, you say? Given my circumstances, it's not too difficult to imagine... But what if there's still that possibility of the other side not telling the truth... What's my next move going to be?
«Answer: Cannot comprehend.»
Even Daikenja-sensei can't provide me with an answer to that, so congratulations.
*Ding*
[Ex-Veteran (Admin): How about this instead... I'll provide you with all the info in advance, and then you can determine if it's a worthy exchange for Great Sage.]
[Copy Ninja: Wow, did I not receive that level of service?]
[Ex-Veteran (Admin): This demonstrates the extent of my appreciation for Great Sage. You're paranoid, Kakashi, and I find myself compelled to employ skills to showcase the reliability of my information. After all, I granted everyone Universal Affinity, didn't I?]
[Copy Ninja: That sounds reasonable. If you had only sent me the information and nothing more, I might have considered you a fraud.]
Now then... What would my next action be?
«Solution: The proposal from the individual known as Ex-Veteran is favorable.»
...Well, I suppose there's no harm in this, though... The copy ninja goes by Kakashi? What a familiar name... or maybe they're all just assigning each other nicknames?
*Ding*
[Good Slime: Alright, show me the whole thing.]
[Ex-Veteran (Admin): Great. Kindly wait for a moment; I'll be anticipating Great Sage's Skill core afterward.]
And after a quiet half-hour...
*Ding*
[Attachment: ThoughtAccel4theWin.pdf]
At last, I can initiate the download.
The file's size was quite large; I mean, dedicating an entire gigabyte to a PDF is rather bewildering. It's even more dubious than the "Homework" folder I used to have on my hard disk during my high school days in my past life. Although that folder has since transformed into "Work Projects_69" after I graduated, I'm pretty sure you understand what I mean.
Though... The content undoubtedly held an intriguing tale.
Champions, True Demon Lords, True Heroes, Saints... Those are new to me, but they're not what I have in mind currently. The only thing on my mind was Everyone's deaths... and their revival....
... As well as my awakening as a True Demon Lord.
-POV end-
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And? Why did I specifically provide Rimuru with an almost-complete version of his world's story?
Well, Rimuru's core nature is deeply pacifistic. His decisions, without Great Sage's influence, were nearly foreseeable. All that remains is for me to gain access to Great Sage. Rimuru's personality was just as straightforward when he was manipulated into signing a treaty with Blumund's king. Of course, it wasn't a major concern since Rimuru had little to lose in that arrangement.
Now the question arises... Is this sufficient to push Rimuru into acting hastily and sharing Great Sage with me? Or, as I foresaw, will Great Sage guide him towards alternative strategies, leading to the offering of different skills from his skill set?
I understand Rimuru's character well; he would undoubtedly reciprocate any act of kindness. It's the straightforward thinking of a Japanese individual, akin to offering a small gift to neighbors after moving into a new neighborhood. In this scenario, *Ding*
[Attachment: (Skill core) 『Universal Affinity』]
[Ex-Veteran (Admin): Remember this, ☝️ make sure to download it. It's essential for everyone in this group.]
In Tensura, everything undergoes evolution. From animals to monsters, even rocks and stones, and most importantly, skills. Unique skills stand out not because they are the natural progression of common/extra skills.
They are unique because they belong exclusively to their owner. No two identical unique skills can coexist simultaneously. Often, when dealing with an Ultimate skill, the skill rebels against the thief who snatches it from its rightful owner.
The skill will struggle to seize control of the thief's body, and it depends on the thief's resilience whether they can withstand such a spiritual assault or not.
Picture this: A Great Sage, possessing thought acceleration, parallel operation capabilities, and the gift of comprehending all things from a single observation (A/N: Sub-skill: All of creation), now assuming the role of a rebellious skill core that could tear your soul apart.
This is why Universal Affinity is very crucial in our journey of the fool. Universal Affinity will serve as the cornerstone allowing us, members scattered across the multiverse, to utilize each other's skills seamlessly, without encountering any limitations.
And... *Ding*
[Private chat: Good Slime - Ex-Veteran]
[Attachment: (Skill Core) 『Great Sage』]
[Good Slime: I've thoroughly reviewed the entire content, including the insightful suggestions you've included at the end of the pages. First and foremost, I want to apologize for my initial doubts. I now grasp the true value of this information. I'm eager to collaborate in the future. Please take care of me.]
[Ex-Veteran (Admin): The pleasure is mine. My main intention was to safeguard everyone in the group from potential future threats. I hope you also realize that trusting the other members is now crucial, as we're all in this journey together. I look forward to working with you.]
*Ding*
[Would you like to download 『Great Sage』?]
Fufufu... Fu-ha ha ha ha...
Thus, the three-staged laughter escaped from my mouth.
"FUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! YES!"
[Unique skill, 『Great Sage』 has been acquired.]
This is the final touch, the icing on my cake. More members, more skills—none of it matters anymore. Power remains power, ultimately. And if it comes without a price, then why not seize it with open arms?!
(A/N: Friendly Reminder, this is our protagonist.)
Though...
*Click* Abruptly, the switch to my room's light was flipped. Aqua and Ruby burst into my room without warning.
"A-Ame-chan?! What happened...!?"
"So, this seems to be the eighth-grader syndrome (Chuunibyo) I've been hearing about. I had my suspicions, but I never anticipated she would embrace it like this..."
They positioned themselves by the doorway of my room. I'm aware they've been calling my name from the hallway because dinner is ready, but I'm not particularly concerned. The expression on my face revealed an exuberant smile that paid no attention to anything else.
"AME-CHAN! COME BACK TO US~~~~~~" (Ruby)
"Wait, Ruby... in this kind of situation, the chuuni-ness has rooted deep inside her. We need to talk in a way she can understand...!" (Aqua)
Bruh.
I exchanged glances with Aqua; he might have uttered those words in a tone that radiates full confidence, but this is what my Magic sense picked up: "If I did this, then Ruby will..." Ruby will..??
"Y-you're right! *Cough* *Cough*" Huh?
"Amethyst! I can sense your zealousness to fulfill your role as the vessel of the goddess of death, Izanami!" Ruby proclaimed with an air of pride, her hand theatrically shielding her face, while the other hand gestured toward me.
"But for now, our objective is to lead a tranquil human life until the next evil lord emerges! So, rein in your ambitions!"
I noticed that Aqua was on the verge of bursting into laughter beside her, though she managed to contain herself enough to avoid detection.
"Onee-chan"
"Eh?"
Finally, her gesture came to a halt after I call her.
"You're being cringe... What are you even doing?" And with that, she froze in her dramatic pose, while I walked past them, "We should hurry down, didn't you guys say the dinner is ready?"
"PFFT-- AHAHAHAHA"
"AQUAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
*Thud* I closed the door at last, leaving behind a chuckling Aqua and a visibly irritated Ruby. Oh well, I refer to them as Big Brother and Big Sister simply because I don't particularly concern myself with who's older. But honestly, being the youngest has provided me with a plethora of phrases to employ through thought guidance.
[Thought Guidance has been turned off]
"Heh" A wide grin adorned my countenance.
Additionally...
«Report: Skill set sequence has been organized completely. The skill will react to 『Universal Affinity』 accordingly. Resistances have been set, and the core heart is stable. Replicating skills from the previous owner is possible.»
I'll be sure to treat you very well in the future, Rimuru.
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(A/N: I want to clarify that receiving a quest within the group doesn't guarantee that each time the members embark on a quest, a new member will join them.)
*Ding*
[The minimum number of participants (4/4) has been met.]
[Group Quest is available.]
*Alarm*
[Quests come in two varieties. A World Quest demands that members fulfill 3-4 sequences within the designated realm, while a Time Keeper Quest necessitates intervening in the world's destinies to establish a favorable timeline for the designated realm.]
*Ding*
[Time Keeper Quest: Transmigrator Frenzy - A Vision Hunt]
• An unidentified variable was identified within the realm of Teyvat. Transmigration has emerged as one of the most vexing concerns across multiple worlds. It not only alters the fates of every individual in that world but can also lead to instances of destruction.
[Sequences:]
• Utilize any available means to bring about favorable alterations to the timeline. (0/1)
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To be continued.
