Chapter 68: Finally Some Sleep
As Rimuru and Hakuro finally returned to the village, a wave of excitement swept through the goblins and ogres. The village had grown even larger, with more huts and workstations, and now it bustled with energy. Rimuru smiled as he surveyed the bustling community.
"Everyone's been working hard," Rimuru said aloud, impressed by their dedication.
Rigurd greeted him at the entrance with a deep bow. "Rimuru-sama! Welcome back. The village has prospered under your guidance. We've made great progress, and everyone has been waiting for your return."
Rimuru chuckled. "Great work, Rigurd. You've done well managing things while I was gone."
That evening, Rimuru called all the unnamed goblins and ogres together. "Alright, everyone, it's time to officially give you all names," Rimuru announced. "Get ready—this might take a while."
The goblins and ogres cheered, lining up eagerly. Rimuru began naming them one by one, carefully considering each name. As the process continued, more of them began evolving into Hobgoblins or Kijins, their appearances transforming with radiant flashes of light. The air buzzed with energy as the village now brimmed with these powerful new beings.
When it was finally over, Rimuru leaned back and sighed. "Man, that was exhausting! But totally worth it. Now we've got an even stronger team."
Benimaru approached with a smile. "Rimuru-sama, it seems the village has become a true force to be reckoned with. You've outdone yourself."
Rimuru scratched the back of his slime body. "Heh, it's not just me. It's thanks to all of you."
The Night's Request to Great Sage
As the celebration died down and the village quieted, Rimuru found himself sitting alone in his small house, watching the moonlight filter through the window. He spoke aloud, though he was technically addressing Great Sage.
"Hey, Great Sage. I know I don't need sleep, but… I kind of miss it, you know? That sense of relaxation, dreaming, recharging the mind… It's been so long."
"Understood," Great Sage responded in her calm, monotone voice. "I will analyze potential methods to simulate sleep for your current form."
"Thanks, Great Sage. You're the best," Rimuru said with a chuckle.
As he waited for her analysis, Rimuru lay on a small bed he'd had made for himself. Even though he didn't physically need it, he found comfort in the idea of sleeping.
"While you're at it," Rimuru added, staring at the ceiling. "I've been thinking. Is there any way to combine some of my skills—like All Creation or any of the others I've got—to create something that'll help me grow stronger? I mean, constantly stronger. Something like infinite growth or non-stop improvement. You know, something that'll keep pushing me past my limits."
Great Sage was silent for a moment as she began her analysis. "Analyzing… It is possible to synthesize a skill based on your request. This will require time, but I will develop a growth-based ability tailored to your strengths."
Rimuru's core lit up with excitement. "Seriously? That's awesome! Thanks, Great Sage. You always deliver."
"It is my function to assist you, Rimuru-sama. Rest assured, I will optimize this skill to ensure maximum efficiency in your evolution and strength development."
Rimuru yawned, though it was more out of habit than necessity. "Alright, Great Sage, I'll leave it to you. Wake me up if anything big happens. Otherwise, I'll see if I can actually fall asleep."
"Acknowledged. Initiating relaxation simulation for the mind and soul. Sweet dreams, Rimuru-sama."
A soothing sensation washed over Rimuru as Great Sage implemented a relaxation protocol. His mind felt as though it was being gently cradled, and a sense of peace settled over him. For the first time in what felt like ages, Rimuru drifted off into a simulated sleep.
Great Sage's Analysis
While Rimuru "slept," Great Sage continued her work, calculating potential combinations of Rimuru's skills and abilities to create the requested growth-oriented power.
"Analyzing: All Creation, Predator, Great Sage, and Infinite Regeneration. Synthesizing skill framework… Complete. Simulating growth algorithm…"
Great Sage's voice echoed in the depths of Rimuru's consciousness. "Preliminary results indicate a new skill is achievable. Proposed skill name: 'Limitless Evolution.' This skill will enable continuous self-improvement through experience, battles, and knowledge acquisition, with no theoretical cap on potential. Activation upon user approval."
As Rimuru dreamed peacefully for the first time, his future potential grew ever brighter.