That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Multi-Harem

Two weeks passed as Rimuru traveled with Velzard.

Along the way, she taught him much about the world, including its magic and skills.

Rimuru continued consuming monsters for their abilities as they journeyed, and eventually, they reached a massive iron gate that appeared to lead out of the cave.

The gate stood ajar, likely left open by a group of three adventurers they had spotted earlier.

With the exit finally in sight, Rimuru and Velzard stepped outside into the world beyond…

"So this is the outside world..."

Before them stretched a vast forest, unlike anything Rimuru had ever seen in his previous life. The sight made him realize anew that he was truly in another world.

"So, what's the plan from here?"

In games and light novels, the next step would typically involve heading to a town to register as an adventurer.

But as a slime, Rimuru knew that stepping into a town would likely get him attacked by adventurers seeking easy prey.

"For now, let's explore," Velzard suggested.

"This forest is home to many different species. Meeting them might give us some ideas for what to do next."

Velzard's words made sense, while the monsters in the cave had been driven purely by instinct to attack, there might be intelligent monsters like Velzard who could communicate. They were likely to be more understanding than humans.

"Good idea. Let's get moving."

With that, Rimuru decided to interact with the forest's monsters. However, just as he was about to proceed, he noticed several pairs of eyes inspecting them.

Turning toward the source, he saw a group of wolves, each the size of a large dog, glaring at him.

In response, Rimuru glared back.

"Huh?"

"Kyaaaaaa!"

Despite Rimuru's adorable slime form, the wolves let out pathetic yelps and fled.

"Was I... that scary?" Rimuru wondered aloud, baffled. Nearby, Velzard chuckled quietly, clearly amused by the situation.

The two continued onward, undisturbed by other monsters, until they were approached by a group of goblins.

About 30 in number, the goblins had green skin and humanoid builds. Their leader, a silver-haired goblin wearing a red bandana, cautiously stepped forward to speak.

"Mighty ones... do you have business beyond this point?"

The goblins were equipped with poorly maintained weapons and armor, and their trembling bodies betrayed their fear.

"First things first, let me introduce myself," Rimuru said.

"I'm Rimuru. I might look human now, but I'm actually a slime. And this here is Yukina."

Rimuru reverted to his slime form, causing a stir among the goblins, who began whispering among themselves. They were likely shocked by the transformation.

Rimuru chose to use a false name for Velzard, knowing her real name carried significant weight and could complicate first impressions.

"So, what do you need from us? We're not headed anywhere specific."

"I see," the goblin leader replied. "Our village lies beyond this point. We came to investigate after sensing a powerful monster's aura nearby."

"A powerful monster?" Rimuru tilted his body, puzzled. "I didn't detect anything with Magic Perception."

"Guga, surely you jest!! Such a dense aura cannot belong to an ordinary slime!"

It dawned on Rimuru, the so-called powerful monster they were referring to was him.

'An aura?' Rimuru wasn't even aware he was emitting one.

Switching the perspective of his Magic Perception, he observed himself and was stunned to see a sinister aura enveloping his body.

'This is bad! Definitely bad! Velzard knew about this and didn't tell me, didn't she?!'

Turning to Velzard, Rimuru saw her stifling laughter, her shoulders shaking as she averted her gaze. Frustrated but determined, Rimuru worked to suppress the aura.

"Ah, thank you!" the goblin leader exclaimed. "Many have been frightened by that aura."

"Haha, yeah... I keep it up to avoid unnecessary trouble with other monsters," Rimuru said, trying to play it off.

After further discussion, the goblins invited him and Velzard to their village.

The goblin village was, to put it mildly, in shambles.

The buildings were little more than rundown shacks, many on the verge of collapse.

While Rimuru made no comment, the state of the village was evident. The goblins led them to the sturdiest structure in the village.

"Welcome, honored guests," an elderly goblin greeted them. "I am the chief of this village."

The chief, a frail figure who looked as if he might collapse at any moment, spoke with great respect.

Interestingly, Rimuru noticed that the goblins' speech was becoming clearer. It seemed his Magic Perception was helping him adapt to their manner of communication.

"So, what's the reason you brought us to your village?" Rimuru asked.

"Do you know of the recent increase in monster activity?" the village elder inquired cautiously.

"No, that's news to me."

"Our god concealed himself about a month ago!! Since then, the monsters nearby have started to cause trouble for us..."

'God?' Rimuru thought.

'Could they be referring to Veldora?' Velzard had explained to him earlier that Veldora's presence kept other nations and external monsters at bay. With Veldora now gone, it made sense that outside monsters would start invading the forest.

After listening to the elder, Rimuru learned that the monsters attacking the village were from a group called the Fang Wolf Tribe, wolf-like creatures vying for dominance in the region.

They led a pack of beast-type monsters and had already inflicted significant casualties on the goblins.

The village had suffered greatly, losing its only named warrior, a protector, and the elder's son, as well as the goblin leader's older brother. The goblins' attempts to resist had been futile, leaving the village on the brink of collapse.

"The Fang Wolf Tribe and their followers number around 150. Meanwhile, we have barely 90 warriors, including the females," the elder explained.

"I see. And this information came from...?"

"Our warriors... they obtained it at the cost of their lives," the elder admitted solemnly.

Rimuru sighed, the goblins had clearly reached their breaking point. With their best warrior gone and their enemies' numbers overwhelming, Rimuru's sudden arrival must have seemed like divine intervention.

Helping them was an easy decision for Rimuru alone, but with Velzard accompanying him, he wanted to ensure her opinion was considered.

'Velzard, I want to help these goblins!! What do you think?'

'Do as you like. I'll follow your lead.'

'Thanks, Velzard.'

With Velzard's approval, Rimuru decided to take charge of defending what was left.

"Elder, I have one question. If I help your village, what will you offer in return? What can you give me?"

While Rimuru intended to help regardless of their answer, he asked to set the tone of a negotiation. A formal agreement with compensation would also make the goblins more confident in his support.

"We offer you our loyalty!" the elder exclaimed. "Grant us your protection, and we shall pledge ourselves to you, Lord Rimuru!"

"We swear it!" the goblin leader echoed, both of them kneeling before Rimuru.

Their eyes shone with unwavering trust, and it filled Rimuru with a sense of responsibility. Far from feeling burdened, he felt a rising determination.

"Very well," Rimuru declared.

"In place of the Storm Dragon Veldora, I, Rimuru Tempest, will accept your plea and protect this village!"

His words carried through the air, directed at the entire goblin population.

"Thank you! We are your loyal servants, Rimuru-sama!"

The elder and goblin leader knelt once more, joined by every goblin in the village.

"Leave it to me," Rimuru replied confidently.

Thus, Rimuru became the master and guardian of the goblin village, marking the beginning of their alliance.