In Granstar's magic perception, Miss Shizu's life force had already completely dissipated. Her once dark and lustrous hair had turned gray and dull.
"Announcement! Raider activation successful. Acquired rare skill: [Changer]..."
Suddenly, the Dominator's voice echoed in Granstar's mind.
This time, Granstar was genuinely surprised. Even this could be plundered? he wondered.
Perhaps it was because he had personally defeated Ifrit, indirectly causing Miss Shizu's passing, that the Raider judged the skill acquisition as a success.
Still, Granstar didn't dwell on it. His attention remained fixed on Rimuru.
At that moment, Rimuru stood frozen, staring blankly at the lifeless Miss Shizu. A hollow emptiness filled his heart.
Granstar watched him with concern. He understood that Shizu's death was a pivotal moment in Rimuru's journey—another reincarnation, another farewell.
Not knowing how to comfort the young slime who had just lost someone dear, Granstar silently stayed by his side.
"Rimuru," he said softly, "Miss Shizu was a truly admirable adventurer. The decades she lived after her summoning were filled with meaning."
He gently patted Rimuru's unresponsive body.
"Mm…" Rimuru responded in a low voice.
"But at the very least... I must fulfill Miss Shizu's final wish."
A newfound determination shone in Rimuru's eyes.
"[Predator]—activated."
As his words fell, a ball of blue liquid formed and swiftly enveloped Miss Shizu's body.
This way, Rimuru would carry her with him—let her rest forever within.
"Announcement: Predation successful. Host has acquired new skill: Humanoid Form..."
As the system prompt echoed, Rimuru's body was suddenly bathed in a brilliant blue light. In mere seconds, a new humanoid form took shape before Granstar's eyes.
The figure was the very image of Miss Shizu—her face, her build—except with hair and eyes of deep blue, mirroring Granstar's own hues.
Now, Rimuru finally had a humanoid body like Granstar, and with it, the ability to taste and enjoy food.
But since Rimuru was unclothed, Granstar quickly prepared a robe and draped it over him.
As he did, he noticed a single tear slipping down Rimuru's cheek and let out a soft sigh.
"Granstar," Rimuru said quietly, "have you noticed? Since your last evolution… the part of your emotions that once belonged to a human seems to be fading."
Granstar looked into Rimuru's eyes for a long moment.
"Rimuru, we're no longer human. We can't think like them anymore."
"But—"
Granstar cut him off before he could finish.
"There's no but. What's wrong with being monsters? I just want to do what I believe in. Don't you have ideals too?"
Rimuru blinked, then smiled faintly. His gaze regained its light.
"You're right, Granstar. We each have our own ideals… and mine is to build a nation—a home for monsters."
He raised his voice with newfound conviction.
"Granstar, you're going to help me build this country, so don't even think about slacking off!"
"Haven't I always been helping?" Granstar replied with a smirk.
They looked at each other—and smiled.
Outside the door...
"Miss Shizu, we've all come to see you."
"Yes, we're here to say goodbye. Thank you for everything."
"Hey—hold on! The two adults are still inside!"
Rigurd, standing guard, struggled to stop the three eager visitors.
"Huh? Where's Miss Shizu?"
Granstar blinked at the trio who had burst in. Still so impulsive. Haven't they learned anything?
"Eh~" ×3
The three froze when they noticed someone beside them—someone who looked just like Miss Shizu, yet… not quite. Their eyes widened in disbelief.
What's going on...?
Rimuru couldn't help but chuckle a little at their expressions. These were the very people who had journeyed alongside him and Shizu.
"Miss Shizu has passed on," he said gently. "She…"
After Rimuru's explanation, the trio's eyes welled up. The two men openly sobbed.
"Miss Shizu… We didn't expect things to end like this."
"When I think of how much she cared for us along the way, I just…"
"I never imagined… this would be her final wish…"
Granstar looked at the three of them, a headache already forming. Ever since their last encounter, he hadn't had a moment of peace—and worse, he had to carry one of them to escape.
Just as he was about to head out for some peace and quiet, a figure stepped in front of him. Tears clung to the corners of her eyes, not yet wiped away.
"You… you're really that little elf?" Granstar asked, surprised as he looked at the girl.
Elyun's face flushed red, the color creeping all the way to the tips of her ears. She glanced shyly at the strikingly handsome elf standing before her.
Granstar had originally planned to brush things off with a casual explanation and leave. But Rimuru's words from earlier lingered in his mind:
"Granstar, ever since you evolved, the human emotions you once had are starting to fade…"
He shook his head, then turned to the girl—who still seemed too embarrassed to meet his eyes—and said with a teasing smile:
"I told you before, I'm really powerful now. You're not thinking of pinching my face again, are you?"
Elyun covered her mouth and giggled at that, the tension melting away.
On a distant peak...
Granstar and Rimuru stood side by side, gazing at the small pile of stones before them.
"Let's bury Shizu here," Rimuru said softly. "From this place, she'll be able to watch over the village and see how it changes."
"I'll definitely make her dream come true."
But Rimuru didn't look at the grave. Instead, his eyes focused on the village they had built together in the distance.
"Granstar, tell me about that Platinum Demon Lord—Leon Cromwell. The one who brought Shizu to this world."
His tone was calm, but the weight of his words lingered.
"That Divine Elemental Hybrid Demon Lord?" Granstar said. "One of the strongest out there. Rimuru… are you really sure? He's no joke."
Granstar didn't know many details, but one thing was certain—any human who could ascend to the rank of Demon Lord was beyond formidable.
"Hmph. I don't care how strong he is—I'll still punch him in the face twice."
Rimuru clenched his fists, defiance burning in his eyes.
One of the strongest Demon Lords...
A chill passed through Granstar. The depths of his icy-blue eyes shimmered with a cold light.
He wanted to see it for himself.
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