"Benimaru!"
The red-haired Ogre stood immediately, posture disciplined and respectful.
"Your subordinate is present!"
Rimuru pointed at him with firm resolve.
"This time, you'll lead all Garrison units with me. For this operation, you are the Commander of the Garrison."
Benimaru froze.
"L-Lord Rimuru… your subordinate has only just arrived. I am unworthy of such an important role. Please… withdraw your command!"
His voice trembled.
The Garrison was Takumi's elite force. Even the weakest among them were C-rank or above. Demon Slayer Corps Pillars, elite Goblins, Wolf Riders—every one of them veterans molded by training and technology developed in Dimensional City.
He felt too insignificant.
But Rimuru shook her head.
"You are the strongest among them—not counting Takumi and a few others who aren't participating. You have a personal stake in this battle, and…"
She smiled.
"Takumi told me you're suited to lead an army. That's why I chose you."
Takumi gave Benimaru a thumbs-up.
"Just accept it. No one here will object, right?"
Rengoku Kyoujurou slammed a fist to his chest.
"Of course! Our First Squad will fully obey Commander Benimaru!"
Uzui clicked his tongue.
"Flashy leadership is important. You've got this, Benimaru."
Gobuta raised his hand.
"Big Brother Benimaru, we Wolf Riders obey your orders!"
Benimaru stared at all of them.
Their unwavering stares.
Their trust.
His vision blurred.
He bowed.
"Thank you… I, Benimaru, will definitely lead everyone to victory!"
"Of course we will win!"
Hakurou's eyes softened.
"The young master has finally returned to his true self."
Deployment of Dimensional City's Army
Rimuru continued.
"Then it's settled. This time, the entire Garrison will mobilize—plus 1000 temporarily armed personnel. The total force is 1350."
"Benimaru is the Commander. Rengoku Kyoujurou will act as adjutant."
She placed a map of the Great Jura Forest onto the table.
"The main force will intercept the Orc army at the Lizardmen's territory. Do not allow them to cross the Wetlands."
"As for me—" Rimuru tapped the edge of the map. "—I will go directly to defeat the Orc Lord."
"Do you understand your missions?"
"Understood!!!"
The loud, unified reply shook the conference room.
"Good. We depart tomorrow afternoon. Go prepare!"
Everyone saluted.
"Yes!!!"
One by one, they filed out.
Leaving only Rimuru, Takumi, and Sakuya.
The Leaders' Tea
Sakuya gracefully set two cups of fresh black tea in front of them.
"Lord Takumi, Lord Rimuru. Please enjoy."
"You've worked hard as always, Sakuya."
"It is my duty."
Rimuru sipped her tea.
"Takumi… can I really defeat the Orc Lord?"
Takumi patted her head gently.
"You can. You weren't chosen as ruler for nothing."
Rimuru puffed out her cheeks.
"Well… if you believe in me, then I won't let you down! I'll bring back good news!"
Takumi stood.
"I'll be waiting."
Then he remembered something.
"Oh right—keep the mask Shizu gave you. You'll need it."
"I've kept it safe the entire time!" Rimuru pulled the mask from her stomach proudly.
Takumi nodded.
"Good."
Then he dramatically clutched his stomach.
"Sakuya! Your poor master is starving to death…"
Sakuya smiled faintly.
"Yes, Lord Takumi. I will prepare lunch immediately."
"Ahhh! So sneaky! I want Sakuya's cooking too!" Rimuru protested.
"Of course, Lord Rimuru. I will prepare your share as well."
"Sakuya! You're an angel!"
Morning of Departure
The next day, early morning.
A grand force of 1350 elite troops stood at the town entrance.
Their armor gleamed—freshly crafted by Kajin.
Their weapons, refined with Dimensional City's latest forging technology, shone with lethal precision.
Wolf Riders.
Demon Slayers.
Great Goblins.
Ogres.
A force that could crush a small nation.
Benimaru approached Rimuru, kneeling.
"Lord Rimuru! Lord Takumi! The troops stand ready!"
Rimuru nodded.
"Takumi! We're heading out!"
Takumi smiled.
"Go. And be careful."
Sakuya bowed.
"Lord Rimuru, I wish you victory. I will prepare your favorite pudding for your return."
Rimuru's eyes sparkled.
"PUDDING?! I'll be back soon!!"
She turned.
"Benimaru—move out!"
"Yes, Lord Rimuru!"
The army marched.
The first war of Dimensional City had begun.
Lizardmen Territory – Chaos in the Swamp
"Clang!"
"Boom!!"
The swamp was a battlefield of mud and blood.
Orcs, armored and crazed, charged relentlessly.
"Trample!! Trample!!"
Lizardmen fought back.
"Drive them back! Kill the Orcs!"
Gabil, standing proudly on a rock, twirled his trident.
"Hmph. Mere Orcs are no match for us!"
He raised his weapon.
"Lizardmen! Withdraw for now!"
They obeyed.
But just as Gabil turned—
He froze.
Below, the Orcs were devouring corpses.
Not just Lizardmen.
Their own dead as well.
Gabil's eyes widened.
"T-They're cannibalizing each other…?!"
Lizardmen screamed as they retreated.
One unfortunate Lizardman slipped.
He turned—
A dozen pairs of crimson, starving eyes stared down at him.
"This… this… no… NO!!!"
The forest echoed with his scream.
End of Chapter 29