A Peaceful Morning in the Jura Forest
The sun had barely risen when he stretched lazily on the grass, feeling completely satisfied after finishing his breakfast—freshly cooked Flame Bear meat.
Lying down, he let his mind wander aimlessly.
"I wonder how strong the monsters deeper in the forest are..."
"If I evolve [Wise One] and [Gluttony], will I finally be strong enough to walk the True Dragon Path?"
"Maybe I should visit Tempest... I heard their food is legendary."
As he absentmindedly stared at the sky, a desperate scream shattered the peaceful atmosphere.
"HELP US!!"
Instantly, his body reacted before his mind could process it—he dashed toward the voice.
The Bandit Attack – A Battle Begins
When he arrived at the scene, a group of knights in silver armor were battling against a horde of bandits.
In the center of the battle, a beautiful demi-human woman with crimson-red horns stood cornered, her guards desperately trying to protect her.
A female elven knight fought fiercely at her side, her sword dancing through the air, but some bandits slipped past her defenses and rushed at the red-horned woman.
Before she could react, she was forced to the ground.
"HELP ME!!" she screamed in terror.
The bandit above her grinned wickedly—but before he could do anything—
A foot smashed into his face.
The impact sent him flying several meters, his body crashing into a tree with a sickening thud.
Standing where he once was, the MC cracked his knuckles and glared at the remaining bandits.
"Tsk... Don't you idiots know it's wrong to attack a woman?" he said coldly.
The bandits turned to him, eyes filled with confusion and anger.
"Oi, what the hell is this?! Another random adventurer trying to play hero?!"
"Hah! Just another fool who doesn't know his place!"
"Kill him and take everything he has!"
The bandits charged at him, swords raised.
But he didn't even flinch.
With terrifying speed, he slaughtered every bandit that came his way, dodging their attacks with ease. His movements were sharp, fluid, and merciless—he was far beyond their level.
Each time he killed an enemy, he activated [Gluttony], absorbing their strength instantly.
Meanwhile, the knights fought off the remaining bandits, and within moments, the battle was over.
After the Battle – A Shocking Truth
The red-horned demi-human woman approached him, her golden eyes filled with gratitude.
"You saved us. Thank you." She gave a small bow, her tone filled with genuine appreciation.
The elven knight also stepped forward, placing her hand on her chest in salute.
"Thank you for saving my master."
Feeling a bit shy, the MC rubbed the back of his head and tried to downplay it.
"Ah, I just did what anyone would do."
They continued talking, and through their conversation, he learned something shocking—
The red-horned woman was one of the Twelve Generals of Tempest, the daughter of Benimaru, the Flare Lord.
Benimaru's daughter?!
He was stunned.
The Twelve Generals were some of the strongest beings in Tempest, and Benimaru himself was one of the most powerful warriors under Rimuru Tempest.
Seeing his shock, the woman smiled and extended an invitation.
"We're headed to Tempest. You've helped us greatly, and as thanks, I'd like to invite you to the city. You will be rewarded properly."
The MC hesitated for a moment, but he already knew his answer.
Tempest—the nation ruled by Rimuru, the strongest being in the world.
If he wanted to evolve [Wise One] and [Gluttony], if he wanted to become strong enough to reach the True Dragon Path, then there was no better place to go.
With a small smirk, he nodded.
"Alright then. Let's go to Tempest."
The Arrival at Tempest
The carriage rolled through the gates of Tempest, the city glowing under the golden hues of the evening sun. The roads were bustling with life, filled with all kinds of people—humans, demi-humans, beastmen, elves, and even monsters—all coexisting in harmony.
Inside the carriage, the MC sat alongside the red-horned woman and the female elven knight, engaged in a long, random conversation about completely useless topics.
"Do slimes have birthdays?"
"Why do elves always look young?"
"Do dragons even need to eat?"
"Why does Tempest have such amazing roads? Even the carriage ride is smooth!"
The lighthearted conversation made the ride enjoyable, and by the time the sun had almost set, they finally revealed their names to him.
The red-horned woman smiled confidently and said,
"My name is Rangaisha, daughter of Benimaru, one of Tempest's Twelve Generals."
The female elven knight followed, placing a hand on her chest.
"I am Sylphiel, her personal knight and protector."
After hearing their names, the MC felt the weight of their status—he had unknowingly saved the daughter of one of the most powerful warriors in Tempest.
The Noblewoman's Mansion – Treated Like an Honored Guest
Upon arriving, instead of being sent to an inn, he was taken to Lady Rangaisha's mansion.
"This is the estate given to my father by lord Rimuru" Rangaisha explained.
The servants treated him with great care, offering him a bath, fresh clothes, and a luxurious meal. Though he felt a bit overwhelmed, he accepted their hospitality.
After resting for a while, a butler approached him and informed him that he was summoned to an audience with Benimaru.
The Walk to the Flare Lord's Chambers
As he walked through the grand hallways of the mansion, he suddenly felt a crushing aura weighing down on him.
A deep, powerful pressure filled the corridor, an overwhelming presence that sent shivers down his spine.
[Wise One] immediately responded.
"Warning: A powerful entity is nearby. Magicule levels detected are comparable to a True Demon Lord."
His heartbeat quickened.
A True Demon Lord?!
He hadn't even entered the room yet, but the sheer pressure from the aura was paralyzing.
Approaching the large double doors, a butler stood beside him, completely unaffected by the terrifying presence inside.
The butler looked at him with calm eyes and spoke.
"The Lord is expecting you. You may enter."
Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward.
The doors creaked open—
And inside, standing tall like a war god, surrounded by a blazing, oppressive aura, was—
Benimaru, The Flare Lord.