"So, what will you do now?" Subsequently, Rimuru directly looked at the red-haired Ogre.
"What do you mean?"
"Your future course of action. Whether to rebuild or relocate, the fate of your comrades rests on your decision alone," Rimuru said seriously.
"Who knows? I only wish to gather strength and challenge them again," The red-haired Ogre stated directly.
"Is there anyone you can rely on?" Rimuru inquired further.
Upon hearing this, the red-haired Ogre's expression stiffened. He simply drank his wine in silence, offering no reply.
'He clearly has no plan at all.' Seeing his reaction, Rimuru instantly understood.
"I have a proposal. Would you become my subordinates?" Rimuru then extended an invitation.
Given the Orc Lord's terrifying nature, Rimuru felt it best to gather as much strength as possible. Moreover, these six had decimated the goblin and Tempest Wolf hunting parties… their combat power seemed considerable.
"Subordinates?"
"Yes. However, the compensation I can offer is only the guarantee of food, clothing, and shelter. Having a base of operations would also be more convenient," Rimuru stated earnestly.
"Thousands of armed Orcs, whether backed by a Demon Lord or the Orc Lord himself, and situated within the Jura Forest, this city may also be among their targets. Under these circumstances, the more combat power we have, the better for us. Conversely, when you face difficulties, we will fight alongside you. I do not abandon my companions."
Looking at the red-haired Ogre, Rimuru spoke sincerely.
"I see. Allow me to consider it." Hearing Rimuru's words, the red-haired Ogre noticed the purple-haired Ogre dancing merrily among the goblins, his sister's genuine smile, and the peaceful, thriving goblin village. He fell deep into thought.
However, one issue remained: He had never fought Rimuru and thus had no measure of his strength. Whether temporary cooperation or permanent subordination, the red-haired Ogre was unwilling to serve under a weakling.
"Very well. Take your time. I'll be over there." Hearing his response, Rimuru thoughtfully gave him space to think.
Subsequently, Takeru and the others slowly departed the area. Watching Tsumugi cheerfully celebrating with the goblins, Takeru found it amusing. Tsumugi was evidently thrilled by this inter-racial party, especially such a lighthearted and joyful one.
Beside Takeru, Kaijin raised his glass and clinked it against Takeru's. Takeru smiled lightly and immersed himself in the festivities.
As the red-haired Ogre walked into the forest, the blue-haired Ogre, hidden in the shadows, spoke. He agreed with Rimuru's proposal, but his loyalty was to the red-haired Ogre. Whatever decision he made, he would support.
Sensing his comrade's trust, the red-haired Ogre felt frustrated by his own weakness yet contemplated Rimuru's offer even more deeply.
The following morning, the red-haired Ogre sought out Rimuru early.
"Have you decided?" Rimuru, seated on his bed, looked directly at the red-haired Ogre and asked.
"The Ogre tribe is a warrior race. We do not oppose serving under another. When heading to battle, if our master is strong, we serve more willingly. Therefore, I wish to witness your strength." Looking at Rimuru, the red-haired Ogre spoke seriously.
"As expected. I understand. However, we cannot go all-out here. Let's go into the forest," Rimuru said, showing no intention of retreat.
Having survived this world for so long and experienced so much, he understood that sometimes, overwhelming combat power spoke louder than words.
"Also, may I ask what your relationship is with that Takeru-sama?" The red-haired Ogre then inquired.
"Takeru and I? We're good friends," Rimuru directly replied.
"Good friends, I see. Understood." Hearing this, the red-haired Ogre pondered briefly, then nodded.
Subsequently, the two proceeded into the forest and engaged in combat.
Although Rimuru had not devoured Ifrit and Shizu this time, nor acquired their flame abilities or the unique skill, Degenerate, Rimuru's own strength was considerable. Moreover, his Heat Change Nullification completely countered the red-haired Ogre's flames.
The red-haired Ogre's blade was also unable to inflict substantial damage upon Rimuru. After a brief exchange, Rimuru demonstrated the terror of his Black Lightning, making the red-haired Ogre acknowledge their power disparity. He thus chose to pledge loyalty.
However, the red-haired Ogre stipulated that their contract would conclude upon the subjugation of the Orc Lord. Rimuru had no objection to this condition.
Seeing Rimuru's demeanor, the red-haired Ogre took a deep breath, then knelt on one knee. "Regarding the matter you raised last night, I have decided. Please permit us to become your subordinates."
"Yes."
'I should have been more considerate of his feelings. He likely wishes to take revenge immediately. This is his acceptance of his own inadequacy, a decision made as the leader of his clan.' Looking at the red-haired Ogre, Rimuru inwardly reflected.
"Raise your head. I accept you. Let's return. Also, gather everyone in my room." Looking at him, Rimuru spoke seriously.
…
Shortly after, the six Ogres assembled in Rimuru's room. Rigurd was also present, well aware of Rimuru's purpose for summoning them.
Looking at the Ogres standing neatly before him, Rimuru revealed a smile. "I bestow names upon you, as proof of your status as my subordinates."
"Name all of us?" Hearing Rimuru's words, the red-haired Ogre found it hard to believe.
"It is inconvenient to have no names, is it not?" Rimuru stated earnestly.
"Please wait! Bestowing names carries immense risk. Only high-ranking..." The pink-haired Ogre began anxiously.
"Don't worry, don't worry. It's fine," Rimuru interrupted.
Rimuru assumed the so-called danger was merely exhausting too much mana and falling asleep. Bestowing names upon only six individuals seemed trivial.
"Or do you not wish for me to name you?"
"I have no objection. I will gratefully accept," The red-haired Ogre said seriously.
"Nii-sama!" The pink-haired Ogre looked at her brother in surprise.
"Since our young master says so..." The white-haired Ogre remarked with emotion.
"Then it's settled. We'll start with you. You shall be Benimaru, Shuna, Shion..." The moment Rimuru finished naming all six Ogres, his mana heavily depleted, his entire body limp, and he once again lost consciousness.
Witnessing this from outside, Takeru shook his head in amusement, 'Truly, one never learns.'
Takeru had no intention of intervening this time, as Rimuru would not die from this.
Just as Takeru was observing the commotion, he received an urgent message from his clone. An immensely powerful entity was rapidly approaching the capital of the Kingdom of Falmuth, Marris.
The instant he received this message, Takeru's gaze sharpened. His main body vanished from its spot.
…
Meanwhile, within the Kingdom of Falmuth, the military forces led by Diablo and Esdeath were on high alert, guarding against the colossal mass of energy rapidly approaching Marris.
At this moment, Emilia, Ram, Rem, Beatrice, Akame, Kurome, Karin, and others were all assembled.
Numerous defensive barriers had already been erected in the sky, yet despite this, everyone sensed the immense difficulty of stopping the incoming entity.
Beatrice was actively gathering mana, prepared at any moment to teleport the approaching being away. Should it harbor even a trace of hostility, the capital city of Marris could be engulfed and destroyed in an instant.
As everyone stood on guard, Takeru materialized out of thin air before them.
"Takeru!"
"Takeru-sama!"
Upon seeing Takeru's arrival, the girls, as if finding their pillar of support, collectively breathed sighs of relief. Diablo and the two demons behind him respectfully bowed.
"No need for formalities." Waving dismissively at Diablo and the others, Takeru soared into the air and once again established a protective barrier over the city below.
Diablo, Ram, Rem, and others capable of flight immediately ascended to Takeru's side.
Esdeath, Akame, and the others, unable to fly, could only watch Takeru and the group from below. This further strengthened Esdeath's determination to learn magic… not for any other reason, but to avoid being helpless against aerial opponents.
Although she could use ice pillars to elevate herself to Takeru's side, against enemies capable of flight, continuously generating ice pillars was utterly inefficient, merely wasting her stamina.