Ludwig and his party left Kurobe's lair with more variety in his Storage Dimension, promise for the future, and another member recognized by the Voice of The World.
The Kijin decided that in exchange for giving him some Magistell and Tenshura's world native ingots, he would get some metals from his storage. Namely: Mithril, Azurite-steel, Blackforge Heartsteel, and Malachite steel.
Mithril was Mithril. Azurite-Steel was highly Mana and Magicules conductive even better than Mithril. Blackforge Heartsteel was a secret alloy made by the Blackforge Clan, releasing bursts of heat when struck. Last but not least, Malachite Steel. A steel found in the Toxic Mana Swamp zone in the Demon Realm. Highly poisonous. Even to the demonkin themselves.
"After so many revelations and world-shaking knowledge dumped into us…" Rimuru sighed. "Let's take it easy and go straight to where Latina should be around this time."
Claire nodded her head at the suggestion. But to Kushina and Cless, the mention of Latina was enough for them to forget everything Rimuru just said.
"YES! Let's go, I miss Latina!" Cless bounced, the little fox on top of her head changed into shade of pink.
Meanwhile, Kushina was excited for another reason. "The Latina I heard so much. I want to meet her!"
Rimuru walked, they crossed through Tempest budding city once again. Before long, the building around them became sparser and sparser. Then, they finally arrived in a building built on a spacious opening.
From the very first glance, it was easy to tell the building was built in a different style than the others. The roof was curving by the end, while the top joined with each other. Underneath it, rows of big windows could be seen, showing the kids inside sitting while looking at the board on the forefront of the room.
"Welcome to Tempest Academy." Rimuru announced proudly.
As the door slid to the side, they walked into corridors furnished with mainly woods. With each class they crossed, shouts of 'Rimuru-Sama' echoed. After getting a wave from the slime, the kids' eyes went to them, curiosity apparent.
When they finally stopped in a door of one classroom, it slid open to a crack. A pair of huge green eyes peeked out. Then the door slammed fully aside and a tiny goblina spilled into the hallway.
"Rimuru-samaaaa!"
Kokobu.
Ludwig froze for half a heartbeat. He knew that face. He'd seen her animated on a screen back in his past life. One of those impossibly adorable side characters who made the fandom collectively melt. But seeing her in person, real, breathing, bouncing like a sunshine-powered rubber ball, it was almost unfair.
She was even smaller than he imagined. Round cheeks. Big eyes. Twin tails swaying like eager antennae. She radiated 'must protect' energy so strongly Ludwig swore half his magicules tried to soften around her.
Kokobu blinked at the visitors. Her eyes landed on Cless first, then widened like she had just spotted a legendary treasure. "Who're they, Rimuru-sama?"
"Friends." Rimuru smiled. "Visitors from another world."
Kokobu gasped so dramatically she staggered backward. "Another woooorld?! Senseiii's gonna freak out!"
"Inside voice." Rimuru gently chided.
"I am inside!" she chirped, unfazed.
Ludwig had to look away to hide the grin threatening his face.
This little goblina… he could watch her for hours.
They followed Rimuru down the wooden hallway. Every classroom they passed burst into squeals of 'Rimuru-sama!' and even louder curiosity when they noticed the strangers behind him. When they reached the end of the corridor, a gentle voice called out from inside the room.
"Rimuru…?"
Latina stepped out.
When Ludwig's eyes landed on her, he almost didn't recognize her. Gone were her tattered and dirt appearance, she was now shining. Dress clean, face beaming.
However, his train of thoughts was interrupted the instant she recognized Cless. Her eyes went wide and she sprinted forward like a breeze at full speed.
"Cless!"
Cless barely had time to squeak before Latina hugged her, the force unexpectedly strong for such a composed little girl. Hedwig wobbled precariously atop Cless's head, letting out a silent squeak of her own.
"I missed you!" Latina breathed out.
Cless nodded shyly into her shoulder. "I missed you too…"
Then Latina noticed the fox.
Her breath caught. "What is that…"
Cless gently lifted Hedwig from her head, cradling her like a fragile teacup. "She hatched today. Her name is Hedwig."
Hedwig peered up at Latina and rippled from lavender to pale gold. The entire class inhaled in awe.
Latina looked at the little fox, mouth wide open. Then, she waved her hand to it. "H-hello Hedwig. My name is Latina, nice to meet you."
The colour of the fox shifted again, then she yipped as if returning Latina's greeting.
"Can I pet her?" Latina asked, voice tinted with equal amounts of eagerness and uncertainty.
Cless' mouth split wide and a melodic laughter came out from her. "Of course you can!"
Getting the answer, Latina moved her hand to the head of the little fox and petted it gently.
And then Kokobu approached.
Tip-toeing like she was approaching a holy relic.
"H-hi little fox… can I… can I pet you too…?"
Hedwig stared at her.
Cless held her breath.
Then Hedwig shuffled forward on tiny silent paws, leaned into Kokobu's hand, and accepted the pet.
Kokobu made a sound so high-pitched Ludwig was convinced glass was cracked somewhere.
"EEEEE! She's so soft!!"
Hedwig exploded into neon yellow joy.
The entire class dissolved into happy chaos. Children started forming an impromptu line.
Latina pressed close to Cless, mesmerized. Kushina cheered the kids on like a coach at a sports festival. Claire was smiling, an actual, soft smile Ludwig rarely saw from her. Rimuru stood with hands on hips like a proud principal.
And Ludwig…
He leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, watching the scene unfold, warmth settling in his chest like an ember.
These kids… they were too pure.
Too bright.
Too easy to love.
Ludwig couldn't help it. He just smiled.
For all the chaos Tempest held, for all the dangers, future events, and politics simmering behind Rimuru's bright grin…
Moments like this?
Made every world worth visiting.
And watching Kokobu hug Hedwig with stars in her eyes, he quietly admitted to himself:
Yeah… seeing her in person beats watching anime any day.
* * *
The sun dipped low over Tempest, staining the sky in layers of molten gold and quiet purple. Evening settled warm and gentle across the city, laughter drifting from the academy grounds, the distant clang of a late-night smithing session, the hum of magicules thickening in the cooling air.
Latina, Cless, Kushina, and Kokobu were somewhere near the plaza, giggling and chasing Hedwig around the fountain. The fox left trails of pastel light with every hop; Kushina's whoops echoed across the courtyard; Cless's soft laughter drifted like wind chimes; Kokobu was screaming 'SHE'S SO FAST!' every thirty seconds.
Ludwig could hear all of it faintly even through the walls.
But here, inside the Tempest Council chamber, the air felt very different.
Still.
Expectant.
The room was basked in the soft glow of the magical light above. A large table dominated the center, carved from some strong and luxurious looking wood native to Jura Forest. On the far side, Shuna quietly poured tea into ceramic cups, her expression serene but her hands precise—too precise. She was preparing for something serious.
Benimaru leaned against the wall, arms crossed, crimson hair catching the lantern light like a flicker of flame. His eyes flicked toward Ludwig and Claire with a mixture of appraisal and caution.
Shion stood behind a chair, posture rigid, smile too sharp, radiating the kind of 'I'm trying to be polite but I will absolutely yeet someone if necessary' energy.
Souei was in the shadows. Of course he was. Silent as always, but Ludwig could feel his attention like a cold thread brushing the back of his neck.
Hakuro gave a slight bow of greeting when Ludwig and Claire took their seats, old warrior's eyes gleaming with quiet wisdom and curiosity.
Rigurd straightened his suit three times in ten seconds, cheeks puffed nervously, the stress nearly visible as steam.
And Rimuru, now in his Slime form, sat at the head of the table, fingers interlaced on the polished wood. His expression was open, calm, friendly… but behind those blue eyes was a razor of calculation. He wasn't hosting dinner this time.
He was hosting an evaluation.
Ludwig took a seat without hesitation, adjusting the hem of his coat, letting Hospitality Lord silence the remaining tension around him. Claire sat beside him, posture perfect, hands folded neatly on the table.
The chairs creaked softly as Benimaru moved closer. Paper rustled as Shuna finished laying out documents Rimuru requested.
Wind whispered as Souei materialized more visibly from the corner, cloak trailing like shadow-mist.
Shion… cracked her knuckles.
And Ludwig, in the quiet before anything began, exhaled once.
The council of Tempest had assembled.
He and Claire sat across from them.
Ready.
Waiting.
"So…" Rimuru's voice pierced through the silence, breaking it altogether. "You want to send demonkin to Tempest?"
His eyes landed on Ludwig, unflinching. His usual playfulness was nowhere to be seen. Seemed like he really could be serious when the situation called for it.
Ludwig nodded, eyes as serious as Rimuru. "Yes. That only if you allow them to come."
He shifted in his seat, leaning on the and drummed the surface with his finger to steady himself.
"In my journey, I stumbled on one demonkin settlement. But unlike the demonkins who fought us, they seek a talk. A talk that ended up with them asking to be relocated to Ortus. But the hero of my party refused. I believe not because he didn't want to, more because the people around him coaxed him to not do it.
"But I still helped them. Transported the whole village to Ortus. But, people of Ortus had a bad perception about the demonkin. So, they currently live in places with no real trade option except for with people that owe me a favour."
Ludwig stopped, letting his words settle in.
"When I came to know about Tempest and how diverse the denizens of the city are, first I thought maybe I could become a bridge that helped them have a trade with Tempest. But, after knowing Rimuru and coming here, I have another idea. If they are here, I believe they will thrive. They will help this city to grow even more."
Rimuru didn't blink. Not once. Not at Ludwig's tone, not at his intention, not at the quiet weight behind the words. He only sat still, slime body slightly leaning forward.
Benimaru's arms uncrossed. Hakuro straightened subtly. Even Shuna's hands paused over the teacups for half a heartbeat.
Ludwig knew he had their full attention now.
"Around three thousand people is it?" Rimuru asked.
Ludwig nodded. "Yes. Most are young. Even younger than my employees, the rest are adults with no criminal background. If anything, most of them are closer to artisans, alchemists, and gatherers rather than warriors."
Rimuru hummed. "I see. We can take them of course. But, Lud. What will you gain by sending them here?"
Claire shot Ludwig a side-eye with just the slightest tilt of her head. Careful.
Ludwig didn't break eye contact with the slime.
"You know me. You know some of my story. But something I never told you is… I still have nightmares about people I failed to save. By sending them here, I want to be at peace. At least when it came to them."
Claire's head turned sharply toward him, surprised, sharp, but softening an instant later.
No one else reacted. But Rimuru… Rimuru's eyes flickered. Just for a heartbeat.
Ludwig continued.
"I didn't bring this idea to you lightly, Rimuru. Tempest is your home, not mine. You owe me nothing. But if there's a place in this world that can welcome them, truly welcome them, it's here."
He rested his hands on the table.
"And if you allow it… I'll take responsibility for their arrival. Their integration. Their behavior. All of it."
Benimaru's posture loosened a fraction.
Souei's presence shifted from threatening to merely… attentive.
Shion raised a brow, impressed despite herself.
Shuna smiled faintly, almost tenderly.
Rigurd's eyes warmed with something close to pride.
And Rimuru…
He let out a slow breath.
A thoughtful one.
Soft.
Measured.
Then he finally spoke.
"Alright, I guess I can do that. But listen, you owe me a favour, alright?"
Ludwig's posture softened, Claire also deflated. But still as attentive as before.
"Sure." He answered. "Just like before, no world destroying business, okay?"
"Of course not." Rimuru chuckled, his tone became softer. "I'll only call you when Tempest is in danger."
Ludwig chuckled in his mind. Hat's off to him.
To be honest, this discussion was not entirely necessary. He could push Rimuru back in the Storage Dimension to accept it. Because he's just that kind of Slime.
But with this conversation taking place, It served two purposes. It would make Rimuru better in the eye of his subject, while it would stamped it as a formal exchange, not just between friends.
To be honest, Ludwig preferred this way. Now, he would have a solid reason to help Tempest when dangers called. Not just when Rimuru asked him to.
And at that precise moment—
A distant shriek rang outside the window.
"LUDWIG!!! HEDWIG STOLE MY SNACKS!!!"
Followed by Kokobu's battle cry: "GET HER GUYSSSS!!!"
The chaos faded into muffled laughter in the council room.
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