Tensei Shitara Slime Data Ken
Part XVI [Ahh .. why am I so busy …. ]

Kaijin, a dwarf man, grumbled to himself.

He angrily thought inside, 'Oh my goodness, the Empire in the east, might move? What kind of stupidity is that !? ' .

Indeed, for the past 300 years this has remained a peaceful era.

Kaijin can't understand. Why did the Empire, which was rich enough like that, go through the difficulties of invading other lands?

Although for these dwarves, who made a living by creating weapons, the start of the war should have been an excellent opportunity to earn a huge profit …

'But still! Why should my workload increase so suddenly !!! ', that's all that flows in the dwarf's head.

Besides, there was one thing he was very worried about …

Even when he cursed and fantasized about beating up a certain government minister, the dwarf was in deep consideration regarding other matters.

[What should I do.].

He sighed tiredly while continuing to think.

There was hardly any time left for him to finish his work order. Losing the deadline would be a huge blow to his reputation.

Saying 'I can't do it!', it's not an option at all.

Right now, his future depended on whether he would receive contact from the friends he had sent the news to.

He was famous for his skills as a blacksmith, but there were still some things he could not do.

What bothered him greatly, was the lack of materials to make weapons!

And then the people he had been waiting for finally appeared before him.

[Sorry .. we should have succeeded yesterday, but there are problems beyond our control ..!]

Saying that, the three men entered Kaijin's shop.

The three of them, were all brothers, as well as the dwarf race. Everything is in the mining business.

Garm's eldest son. He was a skilled gunman.

Second son Dold. He is known for his first-hand skills.

Third son Mild. Although he was a dwarf of a few words, he was an expert in what he did. Having knowledge in construction, and experience in art, he was a genius.

Of all the rights, these three outstanding talents should have been the owners of their own shops, but unfortunately, they were all a bit awkward in terms of public life.

Blessed only in their individual specialties, they have no expectations when it comes to planning things or trading a business, which is why they are often taken advantage of by those around them.

And so, their shop was taken over by the person they had trusted, and moreover, they even fell into a trap laid by the apprentice fellow who was envious of their talent, and finally kicked an officer of the king and really now under the supervision of the state …

Having nowhere else to go, they choose to rely on Kaijin, who is their childhood friend as well as the older brother of the group.

Even though she was sadly thinking to herself, 'You should have depended on me sooner!', she realized it was too late to say that.

He had decided to put three brothers into his shop and hire them to work for him. However, there was no work to entrust to them.

While Kaijin stores primarily sell weapons, other items are purchased from other suppliers.

Since he personally made his weapon, there would be no problem in receiving help with regards to it, however … he was worried that unnecessary trouble would occur if his shop suddenly stopped trading with other suppliers and started producing self-produced armor and crafts.

There is a need to continue business operations as usual until the three settle down. This was why he assigned the three brothers to supervise the laborers in the gathering of ore and raw materials.

Upon hearing their circumstances, he learned that they had met the devil. Kaijin was very confused by this. However, their safety was a happy thing.

Thinking how lucky the three of them were to avoid injury, he voiced his relief.

[Well, it's good that you're safe! You must have managed to escape. It's great that none of you are hurt!]

Indeed, as long as they were safe, it was always possible to re-collect the required ores.

But while he was thinking to himself, 'The safety of my friends is much more important!', the three brothers were exchanging awkwardly with each other.

They said,

[No ... It doesn't seem like we made it in time. ]

[Mh. To be honest, even now I still cannot accept what happened yesterday ..]

[……. ]

* Third brother is silent

From then on, he listened as they explained what had happened in detail.

They claim, 'The mysterious mucus gave us a medicine that brought us back to life!' .

Normally, he would laugh in response, 'I don't believe that!', but he knew that the brothers never lied. Or rather, they were simply not skilled enough in lying. Which means that what they say is true …

However, given just yesterday that a demonic attack has resulted in casualties, hiring new miners is most likely impossible.

Due to yesterday's events, the people he hired resigned one after another. Since they themselves had also suffered many injuries, he could not really complain.

Under ordinary circumstances, this would precisely be the time to go to the Freedom Association with a request, but that was not an option.

He had already issued a request for the ore collection, but there was no reply yet. It was the same situation for every other workshop, so the stock of goods in the market deteriorated.

In terms of commissioning guards, not only would their fees be relatively high, they would only work within the demand limits. If you ask for an escort, they will do just that and nothing more …

And when it came to the price of adventurers who were able to defeat a rank B demon. Instead of making a profit, he went bankrupt.

He thought to himself, 'Tsk! Why must a powerful demon come out in the outer zone of the mines! ' .

Kaijin breathed a heavy sigh.

He pondered what he should do.

The time limit is approaching. He even considered personally collecting all the ores with his own hands

But no good idea popped into his head, and time was getting shorter …

The four dwarves were deep in thought as they looked at each other.

And that's when the strange group showed up.

* Return to slime perspective

[Hey! Big brother, are you there?]

While calling someone inside, Captain-san, now known as Kaidou-san, entered the store.

In the middle of our conversation, we became much more open and friendly towards each other, and now based on first names. I was told that the shopkeeper, whom he wanted to introduce me to, was his real older brother.

From the outside, it looked like a kind of small shop run by a stubborn old uncle.

[Sorry to interrupt ~!]

* Rimuru say hello

[How are you!]

* Gobuta-kun greets you

Saying our regards, we followed Kaidou-san inside the store.

As we entered, we saw that many eyes were focused on us.

[Gee!]

The three dwarf brothers exclaimed at the same time

The three dwarves I saw yesterday were all shocked and looked over here. They look healthy now. Although for some reason they make the face depressed …

And of course, as expected, there was a grim-looking uncle whose face had not lost the slightest bit of the frightening old men of the city. He is the owner of this shop.

To be honest, she doesn't look like Kaidou-san at all.

[What is this? They're friends?]

[Kaijin-san! This is this slime !!! Who saved us yesterday!!]

[Yes that's right! So Captain-san is the younger brother of our shop owner!]

[……. ]

* Third brother is silent

[Ohh …! So that's the slime you're talking about! I heard you were the one who saved these people. Thank you very much!]

[Not everything! I don't feel like I've done much, or maybe I did? Hahahahaha ~~ !!!]

For a person like me, who easily gets carried away and goes too far, words of praise are taboo.

[So, why did you come here today?]

After slightly regaining his composure, Uncle-san asked a question.

We have all moved further inside the store to talk. And then, Kaidou-san began to briefly explain my situation. I also interrupt the conversation, when needed, to help move it smoothly.

But I must say, this third dwarf brother is named Mild-san, he never said a single thing! I mean, how can he still communicate? It's mysterious.

[I understand what you want now. But I'm sorry. I don't think I can help …. The problem is, we have received requests from certain countries …. ]

He told us that it was a secret, and explained what was happening around the world while withholding important information.

It seems that many countries are distressed by the fear of war going on because of 'Stupid people somewhere!', and that is why craft orders for weapons and armor are issued everywhere. Considering this information, it makes sense that medicines and other items ran out of stock yesterday.

[So, about the request I received. Although I managed to make 200 steel spears overnight .. but on the other hand, regarding the main sequence of 20 swords, not even a single one has been made yet. I have no material, you know ..]

Despite lowering his head, Uncle-san still grumbled.

[If it can't be done, isn't it okay to cancel the order?]

It was a reasonable question, asked by Kaidou-san.

[You fool! In fact I told them right from the start that it didn't make any sense! … but then the shorty government Minister Bester stopped by and said …

… is the kind of nonsense he told me !!! Not to mention, this was said in front of the king! Will you forgive him? sh*tty!!!]

He was very angry as long as he spoke.

As we continued to talk, I learned that in the past, the third dwarf brother Mild-san had rejected a request from Minister Bester to build a house he wanted. Carrying a grudge from the incident, the Minister has repeatedly harassed Mild-san to the point where he started thinking of escaping the country. And I was told that the person who brought it at that time was Kaijin-san.

No matter how you look at it, it is definitely an unjustified grudge against Mild-san.

Then I thought, 'Is it impossible for the Minister to buy all the materials to hinder Kaijin-san's work?' .

[If you can't make a sword due to lack of materials, does that mean the spear needs a different material?]

And as for my question, Kajin-san replied,

[Yes. Swords require a special material called "magic ore". The spear just needs to be made of steel. ]

He replied very tired

Without materials, even a master blacksmith was only an ordinary person. It must have been really annoying for him.

But when you think about it, isn't it possible that the Minister is waiting for Kaijin-san to come to him for help?

[To complete that .. it takes a whole day to complete one sword. Even by using an assembly line system for efficient production, it would still take 2 weeks to produce 20 of them…. ]

I was about to ask about the deadline, but then decided not to. The despair on his face told me everything I needed to know.

But she told me anyway.

[Timing this weekend …. On the first day of next week, I have to leave everything to the King. This job is something assigned to each craftsman, commissioned by the State .. If you are unable to complete it, it is possible to have your qualifications as a craftsman revoked.]

In other words, only 5 days left to complete the order. Or rather, since any progress cannot be achieved today, then only 4 days to the deadline?

I feel like the conversation is getting serious. I have nothing to do with this, so why am I here?

Wait a minute, I don't seem to understand what happened ~?

Actually, if it's "magic ore", don't I have one? Well, this is none of my business …

I don't know if they misunderstood something or not, but everyone looked at me. Being stared at by men doesn't make me happy!

Their eyes seemed to be telling me, 'Hey you! Can't you do something about this? ' .

These people ... what do they think slime can do?

Guess I don't have a choice.

For now, I should generously give my help to them .. And while I am at that time, I will have them help me with the revival of our goblin village!

[Sufuku. Ha ha ha . Ha ~~~ hahaha !!! Hey now, isn't this talk too insignificant? Uncle! This thing, can you use it?]

With a loud noise, I placed before their eyes, the extracted ore completely on the workbench. And then I went to lie on the couch with legs outstretched! (That's how I imagined it!)

[.. He, hey! Heeey !!! This, isn't this “magic seed” !? Moreover, with extremely high purity!!]

Heh. Actually, it's not "magic seed".

It is premade "magic steel" ~ !!! .

[Hey now, uncle, are your eyes just for show?]

If he is not even able to identify this, I doubt he will be of any use to me.

I will sell the materials to him at an appropriate price, but will not involve myself further!

[What…? … You don't mean .. no, that's ridiculous! Are you saying that this whole ingot is "magic steel"!?]

As expected, Uncle-san saw it! But still, just like how he was astonished, I was also shocked!

[Wi-, will you hand this over to me? Of course, I will pay the asking price!]

Fufufu. I caught it!

[Well now, how should I do this ~]

[Argh. What do you want? I will do whatever is within my means!]

[I'm waiting for those words! You've heard of our circumstances, huh? Among the acquaintances of uncle-san, I want you to find someone capable of teaching crafting techniques. ]

[What did you say? You okay with that?]

[Hmphc. Our first priority is to secure the necessities of life, clothing and housing! And also from now on, I would like to ask an intermediary to supply clothes, and someone capable of making weapons. ]

[If that's what you need, there won't be any problems at all!]

With this agreement, I handed the "magic steel stick" to Uncle-san, Kaijin, and in return I got the promise.

We plan to check the smaller details once he completes his work order.

From the response he showed, it was most likely okay to ask for a little more, but wanting too much was not good.

After all ... greed has always been the cause of my failures!

I learned from my past mistakes.

On the same day, after everyone had dinner, Kaidou-san left us and returned to her post.

Although he was the captain of the guards, it was not a good example he set by skipping his job from noon. But yeah, it was for the sake of guiding me around. There's nothing I can say about that!

And then, the three dwarf brothers excessively expressed their gratitude to me.

It seems, since they thought it was their fault that Uncle-san (Kaijin) was under state surveillance, they felt very grateful that I was helping.

When I asked, 'If you like, why don't you join us?', their Eyes widened in surprise, and then they started a discussion among themselves. Well, I'm sure they'll come to some sort of conclusion.

But it's time to ask the most important question.

[Uncle-san, there are 4 days left. Including today, which makes it 4. 5 days . Will you have enough time to finish your job?]

[…. To be honest, I don't think it can be done. Even so, I have no choice but to do so!]

So he planned to go ahead with only a fighting spirit ….

However, I know this. What cannot be done, cannot be done!

To be successful at something, all the components that enable it must be assembled.

Nothing can be done about it .. Since I started this, I will finish it to the end!

[I understand . I have a plan! For now, wait until tomorrow. I want you to calm down and make me one sword of the highest quality!]

[What are you saying? Aren't you an amateur in this? What can you do to help?]

[It's a secret . Trust me! If you can't, then do as you like. However, I'm sure you won't be able to keep up with the demand!]

[.. It's okay to trust you, right? If you can't make this work, I'm not going to pay you for "magic steel". Well, anyway, it won't make a difference to me, because I won't be able to pay anyway!

But, if you manage to keep your promise .. I swear to keep my promise as well! I'll prepare for you the best worker there is!!]

We made our promise!

And the promise made is something to keep!

Status

Name: Rimuru Tempest

Species: Mucus

Heavenly Protection: The Peak of the Storm

Title: “Someone Who Controls Devil”

Magic:

Nonexistent

Skill:

Unique Expertise 『Sage Awesome』

Unique Expertise 『Predator』

Inherent Skill Mucus 『Dissolubility, Absorption, Self Regeneration』

Extra Skills 『Air』 Manipulation

Extra Skills 『Magic Perception』

Skills acquired:

Black Snake 『Hot Perception, Poison』 Fog Breath

Centipede 『Capace Paralysis』

Spider Thread Sticky Thread, Steel Thread 』

Bat 『Ultrasonic Wave』

Lizard 『Body Protector』

Black Wolf 『Super Kissing, Mind Transmission, Intimidation, Shadow Movement, Black Lightning』

Resistance:

Heat Fluctuation Resistance EX

Physical Attack Resistance

Pain Immunity

Electrical resistance

Paralysis Resistance