Chapter 13: Asset Diversification
"Boss," I pulse, not moving an inch. "We've been approached for a merger. Or a threat. It's hard to tell through the swamp-stink. I suggest we hear him out, then decide if their assets are worth the 'acquisition' cost."
Rimuru shakes off the last of his sleep-fog. He looks at the retreating dust cloud left by the Lizardman, then at the six Kijin standing behind us like a wall of elite security.
"An army of 200,000 Orcs?" Rimuru murmurs. "That's... a lot of mouths to feed. Or a lot of trouble."
"It's a hostile takeover of the entire ecosystem, Rimuru," I reply.
Suddenly, a strange sensation ripples through my gelatinous core. It isn't the loose viscosity of the heat, nor the pressure of the mud. It's a click—like a vaulted door finally finding the right combination.
Notice. Condition Met: High-density Information Rewriting (Naming Event) observed. Structural data analyzed.
Authority Unlock: [Law Manipulation – Copy] is now functional. Authority Level: Restricted.
Wait. What?
Azathoth, give me a briefing. I don't like new tools appearing in the middle of a project without a manual.
Report. Due to exposure to the evolution of the Ogre subordinates, the following sub-skill is now available:
* [Law Manipulation – Copy]: Allows for the replication of skills and biological traits observed within the Transaction Domain or through physical contact. Success rate depends on target complexity and User magicule capacity.
* Status of [Universal Synthesis]: LOCKED. Evolution required.
I see. So, the naming ritual served as a case study for the system. Efficient. Though I'd prefer if the 'Copy' feature came with a trial period before I accidentally replicate something useless, like a Goblin's appetite.
"Shinji? You okay?" Rimuru asks, noticing my iridescent surface shimmering with a slightly different frequency. "You're glowing. Like, a 'just-got-a-promotion' kind of glow."
"I am merely adjusting to the local market volatility," I pulse, my external persona remaining a cold, dark orb of indifference. "It seems my system has finalized some... data processing. I have gained a new method for asset acquisition."
"A new skill? Awesome! What does it do?"
"It allows me to duplicate external advantages. For a price, naturally. But that's secondary to the 200,000 pigs currently marching toward our front door."
I turn my focus toward the village. The Kijin are watching us, their loyalty still fresh, their power levels now stabilized.
"Benimaru," I pulse. "You mentioned the masked Majin. If these Orcs are part of that same 'venture', then this isn't just a local skirmish. It's a resource war."
Benimaru's eyes burn like coals. "The Orcs alone couldn't have wiped us out. They had help. If they are coming here, we will meet them with fire."
"Fire is expensive. We'll meet them with a strategy that has a better margin," I retort.
I float toward the center of the village, my internal monologue already running numbers.
200,000 Orcs. A Lizardman 'Hero' who likely has a negative IQ. A bunch of Goblins who are only good for manual labor. And one very tired Slime who just wants a high-thread-count bedsheet.
"Kaijin!" I command. "Forget the luxury suite for now. Build me a war room. Myrd, I want a topographical map of the marshlands on my desk by sunset."
"You got it, Lord Shinji!" Kaijin shouts, finally seeing the executive fire in my non-existent eyes.
Current Magicule Reserves: 98.2%. Location: Goblin Village (Planning Stage). Status: [Copy] Unlocked. Anticipating Orc Disaster.
Chapter End.