During their conversation, Shizu shared her past with Takeru and Rimuru: being summoned, being possessed by Ifrit, accidentally killing a friend, serving as a Demon Lord's confidant, and then meeting the Hero who saved her...
Hearing her account, Takeru and Rimuru listened quietly. Takeru recognized some of the memories she described. The Hero who saved her was apparently her student Chloe, who had traveled back in time with her spirit.
However, this world's events had already been influenced by Takeru. He was uncertain how things would develop, but it no longer held much relevance for him.
Over these two days, besides building closer relationships with the group, Takeru spent most of his time hunting with Tsumugi. He also contemplated his future plans.
Having seized control of one of this world's most prominent kingdoms, Takeru conservatively estimated his evaluation would reach S-Rank or higher. EX-Rank, however, still depended somewhat on luck.
Thinking this, Takeru recalled Clayman, the weakest Demon Lord. Since he had covertly caused Takeru trouble, Takeru did not intend to let him off.
However, time was still plentiful, and there was no need to rush confronting him.
Additionally, Takeru had produced the White Whale's hide and entrusted it to Kaijin and the others, requesting them to craft equipment from it.
Upon seeing the special White Whale's hide, Kaijin was ecstatic. His expert eye immediately recognized this pelt as top-tier material.
Its defense and resistances were exceptional, and it even seemed to amplify one's magical energy. Excited, Kaijin began forging with the White Whale's hide.
Given the hide's considerable size, Kaijin estimated he could produce four robes. Hearing this, Takeru provided the required dimensions and left Kaijin to his work.
Today, two of the robes were completed. Takeru picked one up and observed its attributes.
[White Whale Robe: Forged from the hide of the White Whale, one of the Three Great Witchbeasts, by a master blacksmith. Spirit +40, Defense +40, All Elemental Resistance +20, Mana Capacity +500. Attached skill: Recovers 1 Mana every 3 seconds.]
Looking at the robe in his hands, Takeru felt quite satisfied. While rather ordinary for himself, for ordinary Reincarnators, this would be absolutely top-tier equipment. He then stored it and expressed his gratitude to Kaijin.
"Thank you for your approval. I am honored to have met your expectations." Hearing Takeru's words, Kaijin spoke respectfully.
For him, being able to forge with such premium materials would greatly enhance his own craftsmanship.
"Master Kaijin, you flatter me. I entrust the remaining work to you." Seeing his reverent demeanor, Takeru said with a smile.
"Understood. The remaining two robes should be completely finished the day after tomorrow." Hearing Takeru's words, Kaijin spoke earnestly.
After collecting the equipment, Takeru went to find Tsumugi. Kaval and his group, having stayed for two days, now needed to return to the Kingdom of Blumund to report their mission findings to their superiors.
Shizu had decided to accompany them, mainly concerned for the three reckless adventurers. Additionally, their route was somewhat convenient, as Shizu planned to see them safely back before traveling to the Kingdom of Englassia to assist the summoned children.
"We are truly grateful for your hospitality. It's time for us to depart." At their farewell, Kaval spoke sincerely to Rimuru.
"Returning directly to your country?" Rimuru inquired curiously.
"Yes. We must report our investigation findings to the head of the Free Guild. We will not submit an unfavorable report about this place." Hearing Rimuru's words, Kaval spoke earnestly.
"We'll also report Rimuru's existence," Elyun added.
"If you ever encounter difficulties, you can seek us out. Though we may not be able to provide substantial assistance, we will do our utmost," Gido said seriously.
"Yes, I will." Upon hearing this, Rimuru nodded directly.
"And Takeru-san and Tsumugi-san, thank you for your hospitality as well." Subsequently, Kaval, Elyun, and the others turned to Takeru and Tsumugi and spoke sincerely.
"You're welcome. Spending these days with you all has been quite pleasant." Hearing their thanks, Takeru said with a light laugh.
"Takeru, thank you. If there is ever anything I can assist you with, please do not hesitate to command me." Afterwards, Shizu approached Takeru and spoke seriously.
"I understand. Should the opportunity arise, I will not stand on ceremony." Hearing her words, Takeru nodded with a smile.
"Oh, there's been something bothering me for a while." Suddenly, Rimuru frowned and looked at Kaval and the others.
"What is it?" Hearing Rimuru's words, Kaval and the others were puzzled.
"Your equipment is terribly shabby," Rimuru stated without hesitation.
"That's harsh!" Hearing Rimuru's words, the three exclaimed loudly.
Subsequently, Rimuru led the three to Kaijin's workshop and selected a set of suitable equipment for each. Shizu declined, stating her current gear was sufficient.
With Ifrit sealed, although her strength could not compare to her prime, the difference was not significant. This was enough.
After receiving Rimuru's gift of equipment, the three appeared completely transformed and could clearly perceive the preciousness of their new gear.
Seeing their delighted expressions, Rimuru smiled and indicated they need not be overly concerned.
After the lively farewells, the group departed. Takeru watched the scene without much melancholy. Not from indifference, but because he had experienced such partings too many times, developing a certain immunity. Most importantly, they were merely casual acquaintances.
If these were people he truly cared about, Takeru would still feel sorrow and would strive to create opportunities for reunion.
…
Meanwhile, in a distant, desolate, scorched land within the Jura Forest, an Orc collapsed upon the barren ground, succumbing to hunger and heat.
As the Orc fell, a masked Majin wearing a pointed bird-beak mask approached him.
"I shall bestow upon you a name and food." Crouching down, the Majin spoke calmly.
"You are...?" Hearing the voice before him, the Orc struggled to lift his head and gaze at the Majin.
"Gelmud. You may regard me as a father. Will you perish like this?" Looking at the weakened Orc, Gelmud revealed his name.
"Give me a name, and food." Though aware the Majin bore ill intentions, the Orc also desired to change his tribe's circumstances.
"Your name shall be Geld. In the future, you shall conquer the Jura Forest and become the Orc Demon Lord." Seeing the Orc acquiesce, Gelmud directly bestowed a name upon him and assigned him his mission. He then produced a special piece of monster meat and handed it over.
Geld accepted it and devoured it ravenously.
In the blink of an eye, another two days passed. Takeru spent this time accompanying Tsumugi on hunts and awaiting the completion of the robes.
Additionally, he periodically returned to the Kingdom of Falmuth to assess the situation.
Finding everything normal, he would slip back into the Jura Forest.
One afternoon, Takeru and Tsumugi were riding Houndoom, following their routine hunting path through the forest. Suddenly, Takeru sensed Rigur, Gobta, and the others engaged in a confrontation with members of the Ogre tribe.
"Houndoom, turn right!" Noticing this, Takeru directed Houndoom to change course.
"Hmm, Takeru, what's happening?" Hearing Takeru suddenly redirect Houndoom, Tsumugi asked curiously.
"Rigur and the others are in a conflict with the Ogre tribe up ahead," Takeru directly stated.
"Eh, the Ogre tribe?" Upon hearing this, Tsumugi became curious.
As Takeru and Tsumugi rushed forward on Houndoom, Rigur and his group were fiercely battling the Ogre tribe. However, the goblin hunting squad was no match for the elite Ogre tribesmen.
The situation was overwhelmingly one-sided. Yet the Ogre tribe seemed not intent on killing… they merely knocked down or subdued the goblins without delivering fatal blows.
By the time Takeru and Tsumugi arrived, they witnessed Gobta being sent flying by a slash from an aged Ogre. His weapon was shattered, and a gash appeared across his chest, though it's not severe. Clearly, the opponent had held back.
"Ah, I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die!" The force of the Ogre's attack sent Gobta tumbling backwards.
He finally came to a stop at Houndoom's feet.