Chapter 69: The Birth of a Demon King
Author: There are graphic descriptions. Please be cautious if you dislike such content.
After finishing the conversation with Yoym, we officially start the strategy meeting.
Everyone composes their expressions and looks at me.
First, I listen to everyone's opinions.
"Before I share my thoughts, I would like to hear everyone's opinions."
With those words, everyone begins to speak actively.
Gabil, participating via spirit communication, looked lonely, but there's nothing we can do this time.
We want to avoid opening and closing the barrier multiple times.
I summarize everyone's opinions.
There is the opinion that we cannot forgive the humans who cowardly launched a surprise attack.
That is certainly true. It is not wrong.
There is also the opinion that not all humans are bad, and we should not generalize them.
I am glad to hear such opinions. We must not deviate from our goals due to anger and hatred.
These two points seem to be the main consensus.
This is evidence that the demons are seriously considering coexistence with humans.
Despite the events that have transpired, they have faithfully adhered to my words.
My dear comrades, who I can also call family.
Even though I have never truly loved a human, it feels a bit strange to say "love."
After gauging that everyone has calmed down,
I gained their attention.
With everyone's eyes on me, I begin to speak.
"I am originally a human, a 'reincarnated one.'"
There is a murmur, but no one interrupts.
Perhaps she had heard the story from the shadows.
Seeing everyone's surprised faces, she must have known but didn't tell them.
Looking at their expressions, I continue.
"I was a human in the world called 'Isekai.'
I died there and was reborn here as a slime.
At first, I was lonely and isolated, but I gained companions.
If by chance, the reason you evolved to resemble humans might be due to my influence.
The rule 'Do not attack humans' was also created for that reason.
I said I liked humans because I was originally one.
Because of that rule, I didn't want any of you to get hurt...
I thought of myself as a demon with a human heart.
So, when I had the leisure, I prioritized my own feelings.
Since I was originally a human, I wanted to interact with humans here too.
As a result, I didn't watch my step and ended up like this.
I take full responsibility for everything.
After hearing my words, no one spoke.
Everyone was listening to me.
"Does it matter that Rimuru-sama was originally a human?"
Eh? I didn't expect such a reaction.
I thought someone would call me a traitor...
"Still, don't you feel uncomfortable, being owned by a human?"
"My master is only Rimuru-sama."
"Rimuru-sama, it seems everyone's feelings haven't changed.
You don't need to worry about such things."
I nodded, thinking that this place is indeed my home.
Seeing my nod, Kaijin asked,
"So, what do you plan to do about the humans from now on?"
Everyone's attention turned to me.
For the demons, sure, but for Kaijin and the dwarves, it's a significant problem.
If I declare myself an enemy of humans, it would suddenly become a threat.
Well, I don't plan to do that.
Here, I decided to share my thoughts.
"Before I give my conclusion, I want to share my thoughts.
In the previous world, there were two philosophical views: the theory of innate goodness and the theory of innate evil.
The theory of innate goodness states that humans are born good.
The theory of innate evil states that humans are born evil.
I think both are correct and incorrect.
Perhaps humans possess equal amounts of both emotions.
However, humans tend to flow towards the easier path.
If the easier path leads to evil, humans can quickly become evil.
Still, humans can also strive for comfort, which is a contradiction they can coexist with.
In fact, I was like that too.
If we don't misdirect our efforts, I believe we can become better beings.
That means being good neighbors who don't doubt or hate demons.
I want to believe in that possibility.
Still, believing in that led to what happened this time, which is putting the cart before the horse.
Therefore, my conclusion is:
At this stage, I think it's premature to cooperate with humans.
First, it's important to establish our existence and gain recognition.
We need to build a position that humans cannot ignore.
And, as the Demon King, I will also keep other Demon Kings in check.
We will restrain those who show their fangs and bless those who reach out.
We will interact with the other side as a mirror.
Over time, we will aim to establish friendly relations.
"That's a rather idealistic view.
It doesn't sound like the words of someone aspiring to be a Demon King.
...But, I don't dislike it."
Kaijin expressed his thoughts with a sigh.
"It's not bad, even if it's idealistic.
I believe Rimuru-sama can create such a world."
She declared her support.
"Whichever way, we have decided to follow you.
Whatever happens, we will follow. There's no need to think about it."
Geld declared with a stubborn sense of duty.
"Hey, if Rimuru-sama becomes king, will I have a proper role?"
"I am Rimuru-sama's loyal shadow. I will act according to your orders without needing confirmation."
"We will create a new country and aim to reform everyone's consciousness."
Each of them expressed their support in their own way.
I accepted the weight of their words.
Suppressing an impractical ideal, this time I cannot make excuses.
I have been living as I please. Therefore, I must take responsibility for my actions.
"Thank you. You're indulging my whims!"
"「「「We know (We know, Rimuru-sama) that you are whimsical!」」」"
Everyone's voices echoed in response.
Now, let's discuss the strategy for this military invasion.
This time, the invaders are a joint force of the Palms Kingdom and the Western Holy Church.
In reality, the main force is 5,000 regular knights and 4,000 mercenaries from the Palms Kingdom.
Formally, 2,000 Holy Church knights and 3,000 Great Demons are joining at the request of the Palms Kingdom.
The most troublesome part is the 1,000 official Holy Church knights.
In total, it's a force of 15,000 elite troops.
These numbers were gathered by Yoym's subordinates from various locations.
It seems to be a formidable force beyond our expectations.
"How do you plan to divide the tasks?"
Geld asked energetically.
"Of course, my unit will take the front."
Benimaru also seemed eager.
He seems to have secretly formed a hop goblin warrior unit.
Hakuro will be the commander, it seems.
Rigld plans to command the goblin riders and cause chaos.
I'm not the only one enraged by this incident.
"Sorry. This time, I will go and handle it myself.
"......What do you mean?"
Benimaru asked with a puzzled look, so I explained.
This time, it's like a ritual for me to become a Demon King.
"I need 10,000 souls to become a Demon King.
Fortunately, the foolish invaders number 15,000, which is sufficient.
This is a ritual I need to perform to become a Demon King.
This time, I need to annihilate the invaders myself."
Actually, I don't need to slaughter them alone.
According to the Great Sage, if my will causes death in that place, the conditions will be met.
I suddenly thought, perhaps the Demon King克莱曼的目的就是引发战争，收集10,000人的灵魂。
因为一个个地攻击有其局限性，所以通过战争一次性收集灵魂，以实现真正的恶魔进化，这种感觉。
如果我的猜测正确，那么无法引发战争的小角色，我也不需要出手。
我并不是独自对抗，而是觉得这次需要我承担责任。为了今后不再原谅软弱的自己。
虽然我意识到自己有很多任性的一面，但也有必须这样做的理由。
目前，我相信包括赛昂在内的其他人的灵魂都聚集在结界内。
但是，如果战斗中结界动摇或受损，那些灵魂可能会消失。
虽然我用魔力加固了，但战斗开始后，我将没有余力顾及那边。
也就是说，如果空间充满能量，或许可以抑制灵魂覆盖能量的扩散。
人类能够毫无阻碍地进出结界，也是因为魔素成分较少。
恶魔的灵体由魔素构成，因此如果能阻止能量扩散，就能提高可能性。
我希望你们维持现状，如果可能的话，这是‘大贤者’的观点。
我已经见识过他的技能，这会带来巨大的优势。我不会两次失败，也不会被原谅。
既然没有打算让他们活下来，正大光明地宣战也无关紧要。
“去死吧！在神的愤怒中燃烧并扭曲吧！‘神之怒（神之怒メギド=メギド）’！！！”
从天空倾泻而下的光之乱舞，在地面附近反复反射，无情地穿透士兵的身体，开始了屠杀。
即使相当轻视对手，近距离的〈核攻魔法〉一击也可能导致失败。
对不设限的魔法一击的警戒，是这个世界军事行动的常识。
至少，这是向被认为有上级恶魔的村庄进军，不设防是无能的极致。
这个世界结界的原则是阻挡魔素，而不是完全抵抗物理法则。
仔细想想，完全阻挡数千度火焰热量的结界，实际上是在干涉什么现象。
这个世界〈元素魔法〉是通过操纵魔素来干涉物理法则。
如果用更大的魔力撕裂结界，就可以通过阻挡魔素的结界，引发内部的物理干涉。
至于〈精灵魔法〉，则是通过精灵的干涉力来叠加物理法则，因此威力较小。
从这里，我转变思路，决定用魔法创造纯粹的物理能量。
从日向的“灵子崩坏（灵子崩坏ディスインティグレ?ション=ディスインティグレ?ション）”中得到灵感，让‘大贤者’调整为可行。
从空中，凸透镜状的水珠接收阳光，通过细小的焦点反射到下方的镜面水珠，进一步集中。
通过这些水珠反射阳光，集中到铅笔尖大小的点，温度可达数千度。
所有水珠并不是接收阳光能量，而是反射并集中阳光的魔法。
我的新术式，〈物理魔法〉“神之怒（神之怒メギド=メギド）”。
这是为了再生水膜的水精灵。制造水并不需要大量能量。
所需时间不到一分钟，可以随时反射。毕竟，只需再生水和调整位置。
所有问题都解决了，接下来只是清理眼前的士兵（垃圾）。
无声无息地飞来的光速一击，无情地焚烧并穿透士兵，开始了屠杀。
无论是穿着劣质皮甲的士兵，还是穿着优质金属盔甲的骑士，
不知道上面是否坐着国王，如果杀死了，也无法让他忏悔。
单方面开始战斗，仅仅5分钟，就成功使入侵军队的三分之二失去行动能力。
??????????????????????????
不仅是埃德马里斯王，王宫的首席魔法师、骑士团长，以及这里的精英士兵，谁也无法理解。
“啊啊啊？？？我的手臂，我的手臂？？？！！！！！”
“哇啊啊啊啊啊？？？到底在哪里，到底在哪里！！！”
翻越几座山的逆转战士骑士，被从某处飞来的光线穿透胸膛，立即死亡。
圣教会派遣的可靠骑士自信地展开结界，随后结界仿佛嘲笑般地被穿透，头部被射穿。
如果日向在这里，或许可以立即展开〈物理结界〉应对。
最重要的是，〈物理结界〉是魔法的极致，能够使用的人有限，效果范围也较小……
无论怎么看，这次行动都失败了。即使想活着逃跑，情况也不允许。
王国最强的骑士团长，连A级冒险者也望尘莫及的逆转英雄。
带着恐惧、混乱和愤怒的声音，拍打着骑士团长的肩膀。
埃德马里斯王因恐惧尖叫，身体无力地从马车上滚了下来。
原本乘坐开放式马车，是为了鼓舞士气，结果适得其反。