That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime

I want you to help Michelle. Said Jegyll.

She claimed to have been able to escape at just the right time.

It was clear to her that she was not strong enough to take on General Kristoph. And trying something so futile would not help Michelle's cause in the least-she had decided this and come to this place that Michelle had told her about.

According to her, General Kristoph, the founder of Machinery Arts, had visited South City and talked to Michelle.

But they were unable to come to an agreement, and it had turned to war.

"General Kristoph's strength is overwhelming. And his soldiers are all first-rate fighters. And… General Michelle was worried about injuring any civilians. She did not fight with her full power. And so defeat could hardly be avoided…"

Still, civilians had died. And even now the chaos continued.

And Jegyll had taken advantage of the chaos and escaped from the city…

"Still, surely you know that even we cannot go against the Machinery Four?"

Karman said. Jegyll nodded as if it were the most obvious thing.

The Machinery Four could not be taken by surprise.

They were monsters that surpassed imagination. The strongest weapons of war in this world.

"I know. I do not expect that much of you. However, I want you to gather the power of the resistance and draw away the eyes of the soldiers. And then I can take our best men and save General Michelle…"

South City was in complete chaos. She claimed that the soldiers were unsure where to stand in this battle between the Machinery Four.

And so this was where the resistance soldiers were to come in.

Jegyll had heard that Michelle had requested that they combine forces. And she wanted to use them in her plan to rescue Michelle. She had risked death in order to escape the city and bring them this proposal.

"I see. The numbers of the resistance are unknown and therefore would seem like a great threat to the Empire, which is now in chaos. If things go well, you might even be able to lure General Kristoph out? But what about the others of the Machinery Four?"

"General Michelle was only taken about an hour ago. I do not even know what they were talking about before that, but I think the other cities are not yet aware of what has happened. After all, he would have to make General Michelle's crimes clear in order to make the others act."

Jegyll answered Reiz's question.

It was unlikely that the other Machinery Four would get involved.

Even if General Kristoph had the highest military authority, he would need definite proof in order to condemn Michelle, who was the daughter of the Emperor.

Jegyll insisted that he had to contain the incident within South City until he could provide such evidence.

"I see. I understand now. As for us, we would like to continue working together with General Michelle. And so we will do what we can. However…"

"We have not yet heard back from the other resistance leaders. And so we can make no promises as of now."

Sharma and Rindo said to Jegyll apologetically.

They did want to help rescue Michelle, but they could not contribute enough men. This diversion that Jegyll spoke of would require great numbers.

"Jegyll. We can move whenever we're needed. We're only alive today because of General Michelle, anyway. So you can use us however you want!"

Karman said with a laugh. His men also chuckled fearlessly and nodded.

Zaza was conflicted about this.

"As for me, I also wish I could go and help her. However, if I leave, no one will be here to protect the others…"

Zaza said.

He did want to go. But he didn't want to leave the noncombatants unprotected.

While this was a secret hideout, he was still worried.

"But Mister Zaza. What if now is the right time to attack? We may not be as strong as the Machinery Four, but we have Jegyll with us. If we succeed in rescuing General Michelle, we may even be able to defeat General Kristoph! Besides, don't you think the other resistance members will agree to join if things go well?"

Reiz said as if to encourage him.

Zaza had heard of Reiz. He wasn't the most serious person, but he was known for being very sharp.

There were records of Reiz's team fighting the resistance soldiers, and not a single death on either side had resulted from them.

And so Zaza was moved by his opinion.

"Yes. It really is a matter of getting the others to agree to it. If they all cooperated, we could gather a fighting force as we have never seen before. If the rescue succeeds…"

"…We may be able to attack them from both sides along with the resistance forces that create the diversion…"

Sharma said hesitantly. Zaza had thought about it as well, and he sighed and nodded.

It really depended on the rest of the resistance…

But it seemed like there was a real opportunity in front of them to destroy a corner of the Empire.

It was too good to ignore. It wasn't just Zaza. Sharma and the others thought so too.

—Just then, Veldora's patience had reached its limits.

He opened his mouth and spoke.

"Wait-wait. Aren't you all forgetting someone? Someone very great and reliable at such times. Someone who is like a secret weapon…!!"

And just like that, the oppressive atmosphere was blown away.

"Surely you don't actually mean to help us!?"

"But…wasn't your agreement with Michelle just to escort us here…?"

Zaza and Sharma asked in surprise. Veldora burst into laughter.

Ramiris and Beretta saw this and began to whisper to each other.

"Lord Ramiris. The time limit is tonight. I believe the presentation is today… I doubt there is a difference in the flow of time here. At the earliest, Rimuru might find out about our actions today. So if you wish to hide your tracks, you must return right now…"

"Damn it, master. Wasn't he going to leave everything to Rimuru?"

"I thought so too. But it's also quite possible that there won't be enough time even if you returned now…"

"Yes, I agree with that. Besides, it would leave a bad aftertaste if we left this world like this. And what if we did come back later and everything had ended? Could you imagine such a terrible scenario? In that case, we might as well stay and see how things play out."

Ramiris and Beretta had the same opinion and were in support of Veldora.

It was also clear that Beretta just didn't want to deal with the hassle of covering their tracks. He was sure that they would force that role on him anyway.

And it was possible that he would not be quick enough and they would blame him. Beretta's demon instincts were telling him that any such fabrications they might attempt would have dangerous results.

And so Beretta had no objections.

They would all get in trouble! That's what he thought, and he could not hide it.

"Ka-hahahaha! Creating diversions is my specialty. Would you mind if I just destroyed the enemy altogether?"

Veldora asked with an air of triumph.

Next to him,

"He just wants to go wild, doesn't he?"

Ramiris muttered.

"But Lord Ramiris. As much as I hate to admit it, I think having Lord Veldora do that would be the most effective."

Beretta answered.

Neither of them objected.

Veldora would help—that was what they settled on.

However, there was still a problem.

"Having Lord Veldora's help would be most welcome, but it will still be difficult to send all our men for this diversion. We must protect our base here and we do not have many men…"

Sending out all their soldiers and leaving those that should be protected? It was out of the question.

And so Zaza suggested that they instead sent the minimum amount of men that they could.

Things would be easier if the other branches sent reinforcements, but he wanted to create a diversion without relying on them.

Zaza was prepared to die trying.

If they drew attention like that so close to the Empire, they would likely be surrounded and annihilated.

Perhaps Veldora, who was unusually strong, would survive. But there was no such hope for Zaza and the others.

But if it would lead to Michelle's rescue…

That's what he thought as he made the decision.

However…

"Oh, Zaza. Do not worry. Beretta and Ramiris will remain here, so those who can fight should go out and cause a scene. We will prepare the weapons and equipment for this by tomorrow."

Veldora said without any hesitation.

However, there was one person who was not satisfied with this.

It was Ramiris.

"Wa-wait! Master!? I want to go with you!!"

She jumped onto Veldora's shoulder as she declared this.

There was no way she could stand to be left behind.

"Tsk. But if you come, I will have to watch over you."

"And what's wrong with that!"

They were about to start arguing, but here, Beretta offered to help.

"Lord Veldora, why don't I go too then?"

But Veldora's reaction was clear.

"Wait, Beretta. You must stay here and protect these people. That way, Zaza will be able to go into battle without regret."

And so Beretta had no choice but to agree.

After hearing Veldora's words, Beretta decided to stay.

As for Ramiris…

"I'm going no matter what, alright?"

She had decided she would not back down. And so it was Veldora who gave up.

"You're incorrigible. Well, I suppose I'll have to protect you. But then I won't be able to go all out…"

"So what! There will be no need to!!"

Ramiris was right.

It was clear that Veldora just wanted to go all out. If anything, it was good that Ramiris would be there to keep him in check. That's what Beretta thought.

And as for her protection, there was no way that Veldora would have a problem with that.

And so Beretta decided to leave Ramiris to his care.

Ultimately, it was decided that Veldora and Ramiris would participate in the diversion plan while Beretta would stay with the noncombatants.

"Good! Then I will lead the diversion troops! Mister Veldora, you can support us!"

"Leave it to me."

Zaza said and Veldora nodded.

And like that, the plan was devised on the basis that Veldora would be aiding them.

◇◇◇

And now, the present.

It was the next morning when the plan would be put into effect.

Karman and his four subordinates were riding Reiz's supply transport ship and heading for the Empire.

They had held a strategy meeting and carefully planned everyone's official role.

"Yes, yes. Karman and his men would know the most about the inner city. They should infiltrate it and rescue Michelle. I will follow Zaza's command and wreak havoc!!"

Grandma will go to the river to wash the clothes, while grandpa will cut trees in the mountains.

That's what Veldora might as well have said, given the weight behind it.

Of course, in Veldora's mind, he was likely cutting down the Empire's soldiers, not trees.

Such were the images in Karman's head. Just then, Jegyll spoke up.

"By the way, Karma. There is something I've been curious about…"

"Huh? What is it?"

Jegyll looked around as if to appraise them, then she carefully opened her mouth.

"Have you also fought that man, Veldora? According to Michelle, he was as strong if not stronger than her…"

Jegyll was wondering how he could still be alive after such a fight.

Now that he thought of it, he had not made a report of that.

"No, no. The person we fought against was Beretta. All five of us attacked him and we were crushed into the ground."

"It was hard to believe. But the Neutrolauncher didn't work on him."

"Neither did the plasma weapons. Beretta was a monster."

"But still…"

"Aye. Mister Veldora is on a different level. After all, he could defeat Super Beasts by punching them."

Not only Karman, but his men all agreed.

There was something more than mere respect in their voice. It was clear that they were all drawn to Veldora and Beretta.

However, as the person listening to them, Jegyll was not satisfied.

"It's impossible. The Neutrolauncher didn't work on him? How can you stop neutrons that permeate matter and blast through the atomic nucleus at the speed of light!? And you say he defeated Super Beasts with his fists? Do you take me for a fool?"

Karman could only chuckle at this.

"You don't know how much we want to agree with you. But it was us who actually fought and were forced to see these unbelievable things you know?"

Jegyll looked at him and muttered. 'So it's true then.'

"Still, what technology was used to modify those three?"

"It's a mystery. However, considering they were able to modify us overnight, I would imagine it had to be the work of some incredible scientist from the city."

Jegyll listened to Karman's men talk. And after thinking about it for a moment, she asked her next question.

"Michelle told me about the fighting style of one called Veldora. But this Beretta sounds quite reliable as well. Was it also this Beretta, who fixed you all?"

"Yes, it was him."

"Hmm. Interesting…"

Jegyll listened to that much and then bit her lip with a smile.

There was something evil about the way the corner of her mouth rose.

"I thought it would be troublesome having one person stay here, but it's turned out to be for the best. This information will prove useful. We'll catch him later when we have time."

She had transformed so naturally that for a moment, Karman could not understand what she was saying.

"What? Jegyll. What are you…?"

Karman asked hesitantly.

It was a fatal mistake. That being said, it was already too late the moment that they had put their trust in her.

"You're awfully slow, Karman. I am so thankful for your stupidity. I doubt the cautious Zaza would have fallen into this trap so easily. At least…"

At this point, Karman finally understood.

"Damn it!! All of you. Scatter! And run to the hangar!!"

Karman shouted.

However, it was too late.

"…he would not have made such an amateur mistake. You couldn't know who the traitor was, and yet you trusted me because I was close to Michelle. That's the height of stupidity. You should have left at least one person in the hangar."

Karman and his men were not wearing their Powered Suits.

They were currently in the hangar.

And just then, there was a thunderous explosion.

The sound of hope dying.

"Jegyll. You. How… What about Veldora and the others…!?"

"Yes. They should have reached the place I had designated by now. These weak resistance soldiers could be crushed whenever we wanted. But an enemy that Michelle was wary of has to be dealt with. And so I have ensured their deaths."

"Ensured?"

"Yes. The Six Tyrant. Have you heard of it?"

"Exactly. It's an old weapon, but its power is proven. It would be a waste not to use it."

Jegyll said with a smile. Karman felt a horrifying chill run up his spine.

(She's crazy. A person with an incredibly dangerous way of thinking…)

He thought. And then he wondered.

Would Michelle really have been unable to see the madness within her?

And so Karman could not stop himself shouting.

"…You! Were you betraying General Michelle from the beginning!?"

He asked as he stared at her. Fear and curiosity in his eyes.

However, Jegyll shook her head in denial.

"No, that is wrong. I was reborn. By the hands of the great, true Emperor Fudora. He turned me into the most powerful warrior-the Bionoid."

She said grandly. And then with a speed too fast for him to follow, she slammed him to the ground.

"Gggaaagh…"

His cheek had been punched and his stomach kicked. Karman rolled on the ground.

However, pain that exceeded a fixed level was shut off, and so Karman did not feel as much pain as he expected.

The real problem was what Jegyll had just said.

(That means General Michelle was not tricked or betrayed. But the situation is no better for it, and there doesn't seem to be anything I can do.)

While he thought this, Karman also felt that he was stronger than he had expected.

But without puzzling over this, he quickly found the answer.

(It's without a doubt due to the modification surgery.)

Now that he was sure, a sense of gratitude towards Veldora welled up inside of him.

(I'd be dead now if I hadn't been modified. Still, this body really is amazing. I can see the amount of damage as numbers… So that's 10% to the head, 3% to the stomach. I should probably pretend to be dead here…)

And so Karman pretended to be in immense pain as he writhed on the ground.

"Oh? You're still alive then? The Empire's maintenance work is more impressive than I thought."

Karman ignored her taunts and connected to his mean through 'Telepathy Line.'

'All of you. I'm fine. But things are going badly. But I'm going to get out of this alive.'

That was enough to calm them after the shock they felt over him being attacked.

'Ah, you are safe!'

'But, what should we do? Apparently, the Powered Suits were destroyed?'

'The remote controls are not being recognized…'

They quickly and accurately assessed the situation.

And through the use of Telepathy Line, they quickly decided on the direction to take without Jegyll realizing it.

'Are you listening? We are cyborgs, but people think we're weak without the Powered Suits. Well, they wouldn't be entirely wrong, but Mister Veldora's modification skills are incredible. I haven't even received much damage from Jegyll's attack just now. And the repairing ability is also great. It seems that my stomach injury will be completely healed in just three minutes.'

'I see! In that case, maybe the Powered Suits…'

'Yes. They might still be usable. So don't lose hope, alright? If we can only escape from this supply transport ship…'

He had said as much. And then that hope was cruelly crushed.

"Miss Jegyll. We have finished. The Powered Suits have been completely destroyed, as you ordered."

Reiz said as he entered the bridge with a foolish smile.

"Good. And the results of the analysis?"

"I did try and get some data, but much of it was impossible to analyze with the equipment on board this ship. While it was a waste, I prioritized its destruction. After all, they would have combat abilities to match the Empire's Cyborg Soldiers if they put those on. So it was obvious they had to be destroyed. But, then again, they would still have no chance against us Bionoids. Perhaps I was being paranoid?"

No matter how advanced the weapon was, it could be easily destroyed before it was used.

Reiz said with a laugh.

This meant that Karman's last hope was gone.

"…Damn you all!"

Karman shouted.

"Oh? He's still alive. Miss Jegyll, did you go easy on him?"

"I thought he was just some mad dog, but he turned out to be tougher than I thought."

"I see. But then…"

Reiz smiled mischievously. His right hand then transformed into a blade.

He meant to deal the final blow with that.

But just then…

There was a loud bang followed by a small explosion.

Part of the ship's control computers had been shot with a blaster.

'Warning. The ship's control systems have encountered a fatal error. This ship will crash in 50 seconds. I repeat. This ship's control systems have encountered a fatal error. This ship will crash in 50 seconds…'

The automatic alarm played. The scene immediately became frantic.

Karman smirked.

"Hehe. Well, there you go. We may not be able to win like this, but now that the ship is out of your control, we can take you down with us. This ship is going to kiss the ground faster than the speed of sound. So, are you tough enough to survive that?"

He pulled out a cigar as he said this with a look of confidence.

He put the cigar in his mouth and inhaled before slowly exhaling the smoke.

His men were also smiling and laughing. Not one of them had a fear of death.

They were ready to do what they had to has military men.

"How troublesome. This cannot be fixed. Who would have thought they had blasters hidden on them. I underestimated you as some meathead, Mister Karman."

"How vexing. This is why I hate dogs. I have no idea why Michelle ever thought you ruffians would be useful to her? And why have I…"

Reiz said with a shrug, and Jegyll shook her head and continued.

However, Reiz then said something that crushed all of Karman's confidence.

"Too bad, Mister Karman. But we are able to escape this ship, even though it is moving at such a speed."

"What!?"

"Isn't it obvious? Unlike you ancient cyborgs, Bionoids are special."

"Exactly. I wanted to kill you with my hands, but it appears there is no time. I don't want to die here with you, so we'll be leaving now."

"Consider this ship a present, Mister Karman. Enjoy your luxury coffin."

Jegyll and Reiz said before evacuating.

"Damn you! Come back here…"

Karman's shout echoed sadly.

However…

This was all according to Karman's plan.

"Phew. That was amazing, captain."

"Good work on that acting!"

"We somehow made it through."

"Now we just have to survive this crash…"

His men said.

Karman looked at them and shouted.

"You damn idiots! There's no time to waste. Gather around!"

He ordered, and they came together in a circle.

Karman looked at them and nodded.

"Sorry about that. But that's what you get when you're with me."

They stayed silent.

However, they all had mischievous grins on their faces. No one looked like they regretted being there.

Karman chuckled before continuing.

"According to Mister Veldora, my battle body has the same structure as General Michelle. In other words, I can use the Ether Ring Barrier that only the Machinery Four can use. It might sound unbelievable, but I can see it in my brain menu."

"Are you serious…?"

"I thought it was a joke too. But you'll have to trust me on this. Well, trust Veldora anyway…as hard as that may be."

If he was lying, then they would all die.

If he wasn't, they might just survive this.

In that case, Karman would laugh and believe—that was the path they would take.

'…2 seconds until the crash.'

"Alright, here it goes! Ether Ring Barrier!!"

Karman howled. The thermonuclear fusion reactor converted all of his energy into special wavelengths—and a ring of black particles surrounded Karman and his men.

Veldora, Ramiris, and Beretta had modified the faulty feature until it was as close to the original as possible.

Ether Ring Barrier—theoretically, it was a powerful shield that protected you from almost any attack.

-And now, the 70-meter medium-sized transport ship was moving at a dozen times faster than the speed of sound—and it was about to crash into the ground—

And Karman and his men entrusted their lives to this shield.

◆◆◆

At the same time.

There was an earth-shattering sound.

It was an explosion so large that it was as if the sun had fallen to the earth.

—Six Tyrant—

A weapon of the devil that the Empire had created.

That being said, the principle was quite simple.

An Ether Ring Barrier would be created for a brief moment. At the same time, at the peak of the hexagram in the center of the Ether Ring Barrier, six gigaton-grade atomic bombs would go off.

The shock waves and heat that would result from this would not be able to be contained within the Ether Ring Barrier. This will cause unimaginable destructive power to be created inside of it.

That was the Six Tyrant.

With such power before them, even the Machinery Four would not go unscathed.

While surprise attacks wouldn't work on them and they could protect themselves with Ether Ring Barrier, they would likely still be burned to death before the rage of the explosion died down.

It was such a horrifying superweapon that now turned its fangs on Veldora and the others…