Chapter 69: Moonlight Edge
As the first rays of sunlight spilled over the horizon, Rimuru stirred in his slime form, the soft warmth of the sun rousing him gently. Stretching his body—a strange but oddly satisfying habit for a slime—he was greeted by Great Sage's familiar, calming voice.
"Good morning, Rimuru-sama."
Rimuru bobbed slightly, mimicking a nod. "Good morning, Great Sage. I actually feel… refreshed. That sleep simulation you came up with was amazing."
"I am pleased it was effective. Additionally, I have completed the task you assigned last night," Great Sage continued, her tone as steady as ever. "I was able to synthesize a new skill using your existing abilities. It will assist you in your continuous growth, as you requested."
Rimuru's core lit up with excitement. "Seriously? That's awesome! So, what's the skill called?"
"The skill is called Limitless Evolution."
The name alone sent a thrill through Rimuru. "Limitless Evolution… That sounds incredible! What does it do?"
"I will provide a detailed breakdown," Great Sage said before continuing. "The Limitless Evolution skill is a unique ability that ensures constant, exponential growth for the user. It incorporates the following features:
Experience Amplification: Any experience gained through battle, observation, or knowledge is exponentially magnified. This allows for faster learning and skill refinement.
Adaptive Assimilation: By analyzing battles, abilities, and environments, your body and mind will instinctively adapt and evolve to counter future challenges. This includes improvements to both your physical and magical capabilities.
Connection Feedback Loop: The bonds you share with those you have named are strengthened. As your subordinates grow stronger, their strength feeds back into you, enhancing your overall abilities. Similarly, your growth positively impacts them.
Eternal Potential: There is no theoretical limit to your evolution. You will continue to improve infinitely, breaking through barriers of strength, speed, and magical prowess with no diminishing returns."
Rimuru was stunned. "This… This is exactly what I was hoping for! Great Sage, you're the best! You've really outdone yourself."
"It is my purpose to serve you, Rimuru-sama," Great Sage replied humbly. "Would you like to begin the integration process for Limitless Evolution?"
"Absolutely! Let's do it right now," Rimuru said eagerly, his body bouncing slightly in excitement.
"Understood. Commencing skill integration process… Complete. Limitless Evolution is now active."
As soon as Great Sage finished, Rimuru felt an overwhelming sensation ripple through his being. It was subtle at first—a faint hum of power coursing through his body. But as the moments passed, he could feel it more clearly: an expanding well of potential deep within him. His senses sharpened, and his mind felt more attuned to the world around him.
"Whoa…" Rimuru said, his voice filled with awe. "I feel… different. Stronger. Like I'm on the verge of unlocking something incredible."
"This is only the beginning," Great Sage said. "The process will continue over time. You may not notice immediate leaps in power, but the cumulative effects will ensure exponential growth. Additionally, the sleep you simulated last night played a minor role in enhancing your strength by optimizing your mental and spiritual balance."
"Wait, so even the sleep helped?" Rimuru chuckled. "Guess I should thank you twice then, huh? And the link with everyone I've named… That's helping too, right?"
"Correct. As they grow stronger, the feedback loop of power from your naming process amplifies your growth. Their strength is now intertwined with yours, and yours with theirs."
Rimuru beamed—or at least, he would have if he had a mouth. "This is amazing, Great Sage. With this skill, we're going to make this village the strongest in the region… no, in the entire world!"
"Your vision is attainable, Rimuru-sama," Great Sage assured. "I will continue to monitor your progress and optimize the skill's potential as new data becomes available."
Feeling a renewed sense of purpose and a growing power within, Rimuru prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead. With Limitless Evolution at his disposal, the path to greatness seemed clearer than ever.
As Rimuru stepped out of his house in his human form, he was greeted by the warmth of the morning sun and the bustling sounds of the village. The once-small goblin settlement had now blossomed into a thriving community of Kijins, Hobgoblins, and Tempest Wolves.
With a sense of pride swelling in his chest, Rimuru made his rounds, visiting various parts of the village and checking on everyone's progress.
He passed by the training grounds, where Benimaru and Hakuro were sparring, their fluid movements mesmerizing the gathering of soldiers watching them.
Shion and Madox were training a group of Goblins.
Shuna, on the other hand, was crafting beautiful clothes, her delicate hands weaving intricate designs that spoke of elegance and care. Everywhere Rimuru looked, his people were thriving, their smiles and laughter filling the air with an infectious energy.
As Rimuru wandered through the village, he suddenly remembered something important. "Ah! The sword! I asked Kaijin to make me a sword! I should check on its progress." With that, he headed toward Kaijin's workshop.
When Rimuru arrived, the forge was alive with activity. The sound of hammers striking metal echoed through the air as sparks flew from the furnace. Kaijin, standing near the workbench, looked up and immediately brightened when he saw Rimuru.
"Good morning, Rimuru-sama," Kaijin greeted, bowing slightly. Beside him, Kurobe did the same. "Good morning, Rimuru-sama!"
Rimuru smiled and waved his hand casually. "Good morning, guys. Looks like you've been hard at work as usual."
Kaijin chuckled, wiping his brow. "Well, we can't afford to slack off, especially when we're crafting something for you, boss. So, I'm guessing you're here to check on your sword?"
"You bet I am," Rimuru replied eagerly. "I've been looking forward to this!"
At that, Kurobe grinned and nodded. "Wait right here, Rimuru-sama. I'll fetch it from the back." He quickly disappeared into the storeroom, leaving Rimuru and Kaijin alone.
Kaijin leaned against the workbench, crossing his arms. "I think you're going to like this one. We used the finest Magisteel you provided, and we infused it with a special forging technique that Kurobe and I developed together. It's a masterpiece, if I do say so myself."
Rimuru's curiosity only grew. "You're really hyping this up, Kaijin. Don't make me more excited than I already am!"
Kaijin laughed. "Trust me, Rimuru-sama. You'll see."
Just then, Kurobe returned, carefully carrying a long object wrapped in black cloth. He approached Rimuru and handed it to him with great reverence. "Here it is, Rimuru-sama."
Rimuru took the bundle and carefully unwrapped it. As the cloth fell away, his eyes widened. The sword was breathtaking.
The blade was jet black, its surface polished to a mirror-like shine that seemed to ripple with a faint, otherworldly glow. The guard was intricately designed, resembling the crescent moon, with delicate engravings that shimmered faintly when caught in the light.
The hilt was wrapped in a deep midnight-blue fabric, its texture firm yet comfortable, perfect for a strong grip. The overall shape of the sword was that of a katana, its sleek and elegant curves exuding a sense of deadly grace.
Kaijin spoke with pride as Rimuru admired the weapon. "This sword isn't just for show, Rimuru-sama. The blade is forged entirely from Magisteel, making it nearly indestructible.
It's light enough for swift movements but carries enough weight to deliver devastating strikes. And here's the best part—this sword resonates with your aura. Watch."
Rimuru held the sword firmly, and as his aura flowed into it, the blade began to glow with shifting colors—blues, purples, and silvers danced across its surface like moonlight reflecting on water.
Kaijin continued, grinning. "That's the sword's special property. It reacts to its wielder's aura, amplifying their strength and channeling their power into every strike. But only someone it has accepted as its master can draw out its full potential."
Rimuru was stunned. "This… This is amazing! You guys really outdid yourselves. I don't even know how to thank you."
Kurobe scratched the back of his head, smiling sheepishly. "Hearing you say that is more than enough, Rimuru-sama."
Rimuru held the sword out in front of him, admiring its beauty and craftsmanship. After a moment of thought, he said, "I think I'll name this sword… Moonlight Edge."
The moment he uttered the name, the sword pulsed with light, almost as if it were alive and expressing its approval. The shifting colors on the blade grew brighter for a brief moment before settling into a gentle, dark blue glow.
Kaijin's eyes widened. "Well, would you look at that… The sword's accepted the name. It's recognized you as its master, Rimuru-sama. That's no ordinary reaction. This sword is truly unique."
Rimuru grinned, feeling a strange bond with the weapon in his hands. "Moonlight Edge, huh? I think we're going to get along just fine." He gave the sword a few practice swings, marveling at how natural it felt in his grip. It was as if the blade was an extension of his own body.
Kaijin and Kurobe exchanged proud smiles. Kaijin spoke, "We're glad you're happy with it, Rimuru-sama. If you need another sword—or anything else—we'll be more than happy to craft it for you."
Rimuru nodded. "Actually, now that you mention it… I'd love to have a second sword. Something a bit different from this one but just as special. Can you do it?"
Kurobe grinned confidently. "Leave it to us, Rimuru-sama. We'll get started on it right away."