Consciousness returned slowly. The first thing he noticed wasn't sight—there was only impenetrable darkness. Instead, a familiar yet different voice echoed in his mind.
**Notice: Individual has successfully reincarnated. Current location: Sealed Cave. All requested abilities have been integrated.**
"Raphael?" he asked tentatively.
**Confirmed. I am Raphael, Lord of Wisdom. Master, you are currently in the body of a slime within the cave where the Storm Dragon Veldora is sealed.**
The memories flooded back—his wishes, the omnipotent being, everything. He tried to move and felt the strange sensation of his gelatinous form rippling.
"Can I name myself?" he asked, though he already suspected the answer.
**Affirmative. Master may choose any name.**
"Then I am Rimuru Tempest," he declared, feeling the name settle into his very being with surprising weight.
**Acknowledged. Name has been registered. Master Rimuru Tempest.**
Curious about his new abilities, Rimuru began experimenting. He could feel the magicules flowing through him—an endless ocean of power that dwarfed even his expectations. When he tried using Predator, the sensation was intoxicating.
Following the familiar path from his memories of the anime, Rimuru moved deeper into the cave until he felt an overwhelming presence ahead.
"Well, well! What do we have here?" boomed a jovial voice. "A little slime, wandering into my domain! How delightfully unexpected!"
Before him materialized the massive, majestic form of Veldora Tempest, the Storm Dragon, contained within his prison of Unlimited Imprisonment.
"Greetings, Veldora," Rimuru said, his voice carrying surprising confidence. "I'm Rimuru. I'm actually from another world—I was reincarnated here."
Veldora's eyes widened with genuine interest. "Another world, you say? How fascinating! It's been three hundred years since I've had proper conversation. Tell me everything!"
The two spent hours talking, with Rimuru sharing carefully selected details about his previous world and his knowledge of manga and anime. Veldora was absolutely delighted, especially when Rimuru mentioned stories about dragons.
"You know, Veldora," Rimuru said eventually, "I think we could be great friends. What if I told you I might be able to help you escape that prison?"
"You? A slime?" Veldora laughed, but not mockingly. "I like your spirit, little friend! But this Unlimited Imprisonment is beyond most beings."
"Trust me on this," Rimuru grinned internally. "First, let me establish a soul corridor between us. It'll allow us to communicate even when separated."
Using his knowledge and newfound abilities, Rimuru created the magical connection. The sensation was profound—he could feel Veldora's immense presence intertwining with his own soul.
"Incredible!" Veldora exclaimed. "I can feel it—this connection! How did you—?"
"I have some unique abilities," Rimuru said mysteriously. "Now, I'm going to absorb you into my body. I know it sounds crazy, but while you're inside me, I can work on analyzing and breaking the Unlimited Imprisonment. It might take time, but I promise I'll free you."
Veldora considered this, then laughed heartily. "You know what? I like you, Rimuru! You've got courage, and after three centuries of boredom, I'm willing to try anything. Besides, I can sense tremendous potential in you. Very well—I'll trust you with this!"
"Thank you, Veldora. I promise you won't regret this."
With careful precision, Rimuru activated Predator, beginning the process of absorbing the Storm Dragon. The sensation was overwhelming—Veldora's immense power and knowledge flowing into him, while the dragon's consciousness remained safely preserved within his body.
**Notice: Unique Skill [Storm Dragon Veldora] has been acquired. Analysis of Unlimited Imprisonment will begin.**
"This is quite comfortable!" Veldora's voice echoed in his mind. "I can feel your sincerity, friend Rimuru. Take your time—I'll be patient."