Chapter 67

Chapter 66: After the Parting

After parting ways with Grusis and attempting to transfer to Tempest, for some reason, the magic wouldn’t activate.

What’s going on?

I clearly saw Grusis transfer right in front of me...

Perplexed, I asked,

"Report. You are trapped within a wide-area barrier. The ability to interfere with space outside the barrier is sealed."

The Great Sage replied.

What?

I have a bad feeling.

A sense of being cornered, something I’ve never felt before.

When Mirim attacked, there was no intent to kill, so I didn’t feel the level of danger I’m feeling now, but my danger prediction is sounding the maximum alarm.

Is this some kind of trap?

When I called out to Ranga, who was hiding in the shadows, there was no response.

It seems this barrier completely isolates the inside from the outside world.

It’s impossible to call for help or even to run away.

A bad feeling welled up inside me, so I took out an insurance policy, just in case. Fortunately, it seemed that using abilities within the barrier wasn’t a problem...

"Report. You are trapped within a wide-area barrier. The ability to use powers within the barrier is sealed. All abilities related to mana manipulation are restricted."

What!?

If the ability to manipulate mana is sealed, almost all magic is sealed, and abilities like fire or electricity can’t be used.

Moreover, abilities like the Pointed Swordsman’s manipulation abilities are also sealed.

Is this a trap set for someone, or is it set for me?

By allowing Grusis to transfer, they were preventing me from facing them. If I had tried to transfer first, they would have cast the barrier without waiting for the ability to activate.

That means my mana flow was detected, which is a dangerous situation.

Well, what’s the objective?

I took a stance, feeling the chilling intent to kill, and waited for the opponent to make a move. I also needed to wait for the Great Sage’s analysis to try and dispel the barrier.

If I could input it, the analysis could be done immediately, but the wide-area barrier has a very large range, so it takes time to analyze.

This is really dangerous.

For the first time, I felt a disturbance in my mind due to anxiety.

Anxiety is a feeling I rarely experienced since coming to this world.

One reason was the change in my mindset after becoming a monster (slime), but the main reason, I think, was the result prediction by the Great Sage.

The Great Sage predicts the outcome of what I plan to do before I act.

That’s why I could face even a seemingly dangerous opponent without fear. I knew the outcome, even if they looked strong.

Conversely, even if the prediction was that I couldn’t win, it wasn’t a source of anxiety.

If I couldn’t win, I could run away. If there was a reason I couldn’t run away, I could at least give the opponent a good hit before collapsing.

However, in this situation, the opponent’s strength is unknown, and the situation is unpredictable.

But, I can feel the intent to kill coming from the opponent.

An opponent whose strength I don’t know, a situation where running away is impossible, and an unknown number of opponents.

It seems that several people are maintaining this wide-area barrier.

However, according to the Heat Detection, there is only one person nearby. The Mana Detection function is sealed.

If I turn into a slime, I won’t be able to see.

I’ve lost the all-seeing vision I had until now, making it difficult to grasp the situation around me.

The moment I was trapped in this barrier, my chances of winning plummeted.

But, deliberately sealing the opponent’s abilities...

Is this a combat method?

Moreover, setting a wide-area barrier without being noticed, maintaining a distance from the opponent to ensure it’s effective.

It seems like the work of a pro who is familiar with fighting monsters.

I think the range of this barrier is over 2 kilometers. It’s a complete ambush from outside of perception.

She was extremely cautious.

(Who is this, and what’s their purpose in targeting me?)

While thinking about this,

"Nice to meet you, Rimuru? It won’t be long before we part ways."

A figure walked up from the front, saying this.

Of course, they had been in my field of vision since just now, but I had no memory of seeing this person.

But, there was a nostalgic feeling about them.

She had beautiful, shiny black hair cut to just below her shoulders, with the left side swept back and the right side hanging down to just above her eyes.

A small, round pair of glasses perched on her nose was a distinctive feature.

It seemed to be a simple fashion choice; her eyes didn’t appear to be bad.

She wore a black outfit that looked easy to move in, reminiscent of a suit. Instead of a skirt, she wore pants.

Covering her body was a black-stained white robe, like a priest’s.

I like black, but she seemed to be unreasonably attached to it.

Her eyes, cold and ruthless, shone with a light of reason.

Her beauty made the coldness in her eyes stand out even more.

"Is this our first meeting? Do you have any business with me?

My name is Rimuru, but I don’t think I’ve mistaken you for someone else, have I?"

I asked, just to confirm.

It was clear she was targeting me. There was no way she could have mistaken me.

However, I completely wanted to avoid a situation where a misunderstanding led to mutual killing.

"That’s right, I haven’t mistaken you.

The owner of the monster village. Your village is an obstacle.

So, I’ve decided to get rid of it.

That’s why it’s not desirable for you to leave now.

Do you understand?"

She explained her position calmly, without any hesitation.

Well, that’s one way to put it, but I can’t just accept it.

Moreover, she’s found out that I’m the owner of Tempest. What’s going on?

"Why do you think I’m a monster, and even the owner of a monster village?

As you can see, I’m just an ordinary adventurer."

"Oh? Are you putting on a show?

Well, it’s irrelevant. I received a tip.

I won’t say who told me, but I heard about it.

The king has many 'eyes.' It’s best to always be on guard."

A tip?

I didn’t expect it. I was cautious about being followed and took maximum precautions to avoid contact.

I don’t know. But, I can understand that she’s determined to kill me.

It’s extremely dangerous.

Her only weapon is a rapier at her waist.

She’s not wearing any armor and looks relaxed.

There’s no sign of anyone else around, and no indication that the person who cast the barrier will come to help.

Is she alone, or does she have that much skill?

But, I don’t have time to think. The invasion of Tempest might have already started.

After learning about the mobilization, it would take about a week to reach Tempest.

How long would it take Grusis to travel from the Palmas Kingdom to the Ingracia Kingdom?

Even without resting, it would take at least three days.

I regret not asking how many days ago they mobilized, as I was planning to return immediately.

But, there’s no doubt that I don’t have much time.

"Anyway, I don’t think you’ll believe me if I say I’ve mistaken you."

"That’s right. But, I heard the name of the owner of the monster village is 'Rimuru.'"

"Oh, is that so?"

Oops. She even knows my name.

"Is it okay now?"

"It’s not okay, but at least I’d like to know your name."

I asked as she reached for her rapier.

The beautiful woman tilted her head,

"I didn’t say. I forgot because it didn’t matter.

Let me introduce myself again.

I am the 'Head Knight of the Papal Guard' and the leader of the Holy Knights.

My name is Hinata Sakaguchi.

I don’t expect our acquaintance to last long, but please take care."

She said and drew her rapier.

The hilt was adorned with seven small gems, and the blade was a pale silver.

A faint red mana covered the blade, indicating it was a magic sword.

Is this Hinata Sakaguchi...?

I heard she’s an extreme rationalist, but it seems her conclusion was hasty.

However, her information-gathering skills can’t be underestimated. She seems to have thoroughly investigated my identity and the village.

But, most importantly,

I wanted to repay her for what she did to the children.

If she’s willing to fight, it’s perfect. I’ll face her with all my sincerity.

But, if possible, I’d prefer to resolve this through negotiation.

I drew my sword and took a stance,

"Hinata, right? Wait a moment, I have something to say to you!"

"What could a monster possibly have to say? I’m not interested in listening, so it’s pointless."

"Wait. You’re Japanese, right? So am I. Shizu-san asked me to look after you..."

"I know. You killed Shizu-sensei. I have to avenge her.

Moreover, a monster being Japanese? That’s ridiculous, stop joking."

She doesn’t seem to believe me.

Right, I thought,

"Exactly, I’m Japanese! I died over there and was reborn as a slime over here!"

I said in Japanese.

Hinata looked surprised,

"Nice try... Where did you learn that language?

Still, that’s a far-fetched scenario. The probability of such an event happening is extremely low.

And the probability of that person meeting me here is so low it’s not even worth considering.

In other words, it’s a waste of time to even think about it."

She didn’t believe it at all.

If there was a monster that could speak Japanese, it would be worth considering the possibility...

"Do you really want to fight?

I’m also unhappy about what you did to the children!

Moreover, you’re not a match for me alone, right?"

I declared.

No matter how much she claims to be from another world, I have the combat power of a Demon Lord.

Even with my abilities restricted, there’s no way I’d lose to a human like Hinata.

I thought,

"Oh? Children? What are you talking about?

Anyway, I’m surprised. You’re thinking of winning in this barrier?"

She smiled faintly and whispered.

In the next moment, seven rainbows emerged from the tip of her rapier.

It was an ultra-high-speed thrust. The afterimage of the gems looked like rainbows.

I tried to dodge, but my body felt heavy.

Really! Even my physical abilities are restricted.

I couldn’t completely dodge and got hit three times.

A burning pain. Pain? I, who am immune to pain, felt it spread.

"Oh? You didn’t get hit completely.

It’s impressive that you could dodge even a little. But, how far can you push yourself?"

She didn’t give me a chance to rest and attacked again.

I held my sword in front of me and tried to deflect it. However, the attack seemed to penetrate my body as if it were piercing through the sword.

I instinctively knew it was dangerous and fled backward.

I got hit four times. It felt dangerous to get hit any more.

"Ah, you noticed the danger of this technique?

Until now, there have been fools who were so confident in this barrier that they couldn’t resist and died without putting up a fight...

You seem to have a bit of wisdom."

She tilted her head slightly and praised me.

I wasn’t happy about it.

This skill seems to directly inflict pain on the mind, not through the nerves. There’s no way to block it.

As proof, there were no physical wounds on my body.

My intuition, which includes the Great Sage’s predictions, told me that I would die after three more hits.

It’s not a physical death but a mental one.

It’s an unbelievable skill. I’m not sure if it’s a skill or a magic sword’s ability.

Honestly, it seems I underestimated her.

Hinata = Sakaguchi. She must have a unique skill.

With her abilities unknown and only mine sealed, I thought I was at a disadvantage.

In fact, the best course of action when trapped in a barrier that restricts abilities would have been to run away. Whether I could escape or not is another matter...

I was completely outmaneuvered.

I tried, but I couldn’t activate 'Black Flame,' 'Black Lightning,' or 'Barrier.'

Moreover, 'Cloning,' 'Mineralization,' and 'Inflammation' were also impossible due to the inability to manipulate mana. Transforming was out of the question.

It’s difficult not being able to use my usual fatal skills, and it’s even worse that my trump card is sealed.

But, I’m not completely out of options.

"Hmm. It seems you’re planning something.

But, it’s useless, you know?

In this 'Holy Purification Barrier,' monsters below A-rank can’t even move.

Monsters below C-rank are purified and cease to exist.

Do you understand? In this barrier, mana is purified.

Therefore, even high-ranking monsters like you can’t use their full power, as most of their abilities are taken to maintain their existence.

This is the ultimate anti-monster barrier of the Holy Church.

It’s designed to hunt A-rank and above monsters designated as disasters.

You said I’m alone and not a match for you, but it’s an overkill situation.

Still, I wanted to meet you and have a conversation.

You killed my teacher.

It’s not about revenge, but I wanted to kill you with my own hands, I guess."

"Revenge for Shizu-san? I did kill her, but..."

"That’s...? Anyway, it’s fine. In this world, she was the only person who was kind to me.

But, she’s gone now..."

I don’t understand this feeling. She muttered, looking at me.

Her eyes showed no recognition of me as even a simple prey, only cold indifference.

She exuded an overwhelming sense of ease, standing there.

Was it because of her confidence in her combat power?

And, if I believe her, my chances of winning in this barrier are extremely low.

As long as the barrier can’t be dispelled, my defeat is certain.

But, revenge for Shizu-san? I don’t understand.

The conversation feels disjointed.

But, now isn’t the time for that.

What worries me most is,

"Only Holy Knights can cast this barrier. You can rest assured.

Among those heading to your village, no one can cast this barrier.

However, the basic tactic is to weaken and capture, so they might cast a weakening barrier.

If you stay, you’ll lose your place to return.

I have no intention of letting you go."

Indeed, if they cast a similar barrier and invade, my village and comrades are in danger.

I can’t afford to leisurely face her. But, surprisingly, she’s a nuisance.

The only means left to me is an attack that doesn’t rely on mana.

That’s swordsmanship and my unique skill.

In terms of swordsmanship, she’s superior. It’s not just because my physical abilities are reduced; even by the feel of the sword, she hasn’t shown her full strength.

It’s unbelievable, but I feel a pressure similar to Hakuro’s.

In that case, I have to somehow knock her down with my unique skill.

The trump card I just thought of. I hesitated to use it, but I have no choice.

I executed the 'Ki Technique' to enhance my physical abilities and also activated 'Powerful.'

As expected, skills and magic not related to mana can be activated.

"It’s too early to be so confident, I think!"

I held my sword in front of me and struck with enhanced abilities.

My swordsmanship has improved significantly through actual combat training with Hakuro.

Hinata seemed surprised and switched from offense to defense.

Or, was she just being cautious?

Her eyes. Cold, like a chef preparing to cook a fish on a cutting board.

There was no surprise, only observation of my movements and a calm search for weaknesses. No arrogance, just a calm execution of her task.

Her words just now weren’t out of arrogance but a result of her calculated predictions.

For her, facing me alone was an overkill, which is a natural fact for her.

She wasn’t underestimating me...

She’s still observing my movements and predicting them. She calculates my enhanced speed and responds appropriately.

It’s as if she’s facing my unique skill, the Great Sage...

When she deflected my sword, strengthened by 'Powerful,' with her rapier, I understood.

The overwhelming difference in our capabilities.

She smoothly deflected my sword, which was moving at near-sonic speed, without damaging her own blade.

She perfectly read the energy from my movements.

To achieve this, she must have the skill level of a Hakuro-class warrior.

At the same time, she destabilized my balance and added two more strikes with a precise counterattack.

"Oh? Is it already over?

Still, that’s impressive. Being able to move that much in this barrier is remarkable.

To be honest, I underestimated you. But, you can’t win against me.

Moreover, you’ve put in a lot of effort, but this is as far as it goes. You’ve received six attacks so far.

The special ability of