The MC was still processing Benimaru's words when the Flare Lord turned to a nearby oni attendant and gave a simple order.
"Prepare a meeting with Lord Rimuru. We're heading to the palace."
The attendant bowed and immediately rushed out of the room.
Meanwhile, the MC's heart was racing.
I'm about to meet Rimuru Tempest?!
The strongest being in the world. The one who rules over the Jura Tempest Federation and commands an army of legendary warriors. A literal True God.
Just yesterday, he was sleeping in the forest after hunting Flame Bears, and now he was getting an audience with the most powerful entity in existence.
"This is crazy…" he muttered under his breath.
Rangaisha grinned. "You should feel honored. My father rarely takes such an interest in outsiders."
Benimaru, who had been adjusting his armor, shot a glance at his daughter. "Rangaisha, you're coming with us too."
"Eh?! Why?!"
"You were the one who got saved. You should formally introduce him to Rimuru as well."
She groaned but didn't argue further.
With everything settled, Benimaru signaled the MC to follow him.
Walking Through Tempest – A City Unlike Any Other
The group walked through the grand city of Tempest, heading toward the palace at its center.
The MC, having never seen anything like it before, was awestruck.
The streets were paved perfectly, and every building had a unique mix of medieval and modern architecture. Magic-powered lamps lit up the roads, and shops, taverns, and forges bustled with activity.
What amazed him the most was the diversity—humans, demi-humans, beastmen, elves, dwarves, and even orcs and goblins were all living together in harmony.
"This place is unreal…" he whispered, watching an orc merchant happily bargain with a dwarf over a shipment of goods.
Sylphiel, walking beside him, smiled. "Lord Rimuru built this nation to be a paradise where all races can coexist peacefully."
Benimaru smirked. "And he did it by punching a few gods along the way."
The MC gulped. …Yeah, I really shouldn't mess with this guy.
The Palace of Rimuru Tempest
The palace was gigantic.
A massive, floating castle of intricate design, powered by advanced magic and divine energy. The entrance alone had a golden gate large enough to fit a full-sized dragon through.
As they approached, several knights and powerful beings stood guard.
One of them, a beautiful blue-haired woman in a military uniform, stepped forward.
"Lord Benimaru, Lord Rimuru has been expecting you."
The MC froze.
"Wait… That's… Diablo's second-in-command, Testarossa…!"
Benimaru nodded. "Thanks, Testarossa. We have a guest who Lord Rimuru should meet."
Testarossa's crimson eyes flickered toward the MC, scanning him with an intense gaze.
For a brief moment, the MC felt like his soul was being read.
Then, she smiled. "Understood. Follow me."
Taking a deep breath, the MC stepped forward.
And with that—
He was about to meet the most powerful being in existence.
As the massive doors of the throne room swung open, the MC felt an immense pressure wash over him.
Not the kind that suffocates, but the kind that reminds you that you're in the presence of something beyond comprehension.
At the far end of the grand crystal-lined hall, atop a magnificent throne, sat—
Rimuru Tempest.
But instead of some majestic, godly presence that the MC had envisioned…
The guy was just casually slouching on his throne, sipping a drink.
His blue hair was slightly messy, his golden eyes half-lidded with boredom, and he looked more like someone chilling on a couch rather than the God of Monsters.
He set down his drink and leaned forward, resting his cheek on his palm.
"Yo. So you're the kid that saved littel rangaisha, huh?"
The MC stiffened.
Wait, this is the most powerful being in existence?!
Benimaru stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Lord Rimuru, allow me to introduce—"
But before he could finish, Rimuru waved his hand dismissively.
"Yeah, yeah, I already know. I mean, it's not like I can't just read his entire history if I want to."
The MC gulped. He can do that?!
Rimuru's golden eyes flickered, and for a moment, the MC felt like his entire existence was being analyzed.
Then, Rimuru smirked.
"Hmm… Former demon from Purgatory, huh? Lived 7531 years in that hellhole, became purgatorys king, got a broken skill, which is similar to mine, reincarnated here, then got nerfed hard. That about right?"
The MC froze.
HE KNOWS EVERYTHING ALREADY?! (Comically)
Rimuru leaned back, crossing his legs. "Man, you got it rough. Purgatory's climate sucks. No food, no water, constant pain—kinda like a permanent survival mode. No wonder you were happy to see a blue sky."
The MC nodded rapidly. "Y-Yes, my lord! You have no idea how much I hated that place!"
Rimuru chuckled. "Oh, I do. Trust me. I've been through worse."
Benimaru cleared his throat. "Lord Rimuru, I wish to formally request that this man be rewarded for his assistance."
Rimuru raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what exactly do you want, kid?"
The MC thought for a moment. He had never expected to be rewarded by a god, and he didn't want to ask for something ridiculous.
But then—
"Suggestion: Request assistance in evolving Unique Skills."
His eyes widened. Right! If Rimuru is a god, he might know a way for me to evolve my skills!
Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward and knelt.
"Lord Rimuru, I wish to grow stronger. I ask for guidance in evolving my Unique Skills, Wise One and Gluttony."
For a moment, there was silence.
Then, Rimuru smirked.
"Heh. I like this kid."
He rested his chin on his hand and grinned. "Alright then. I'll help you out. But first—"
His golden eyes gleamed mischievously.
"Let's see if you're worth the effort. You up for a little… test?"