"It's such a pity we didn't get to see Miss Shizu one last time."
Elyun's eyes were still red from crying.
"Especially me… I caused so much trouble along the way. It was all thanks to Miss Shizu that we made it through, but now she…"
Kaval's expression turned somber, unable to hide the sadness in his heart.
"Alright, we need to cheer up!"
Kaval quickly composed himself—after all, he was the leader of the team.
"We've been away from the kingdom for a long time. It's time we return and report in."
"But… without Miss Shizu, how can we go back?"
"She wouldn't want to see us like this," he added firmly.
Hearing their leader's words, the group took a moment to compose themselves.
"Heading back already?"
Rimuru approached in his human form, a gentle smile on his face.
"Yes, we're returning to report on our mission," Kaval replied. It didn't feel right to keep freeloading here, even if the food was delicious.
"Take these with you—farewell gifts. Same as before," Rimuru said, handing over a few potion bottles.
Kaval accepted them with surprise and gratitude. These potions had saved their lives during their last battle. Rimuru was generous once again: twenty recovery potions and ten magic potions.
Then Rimuru added with a slight grin, "Actually, Granstar and I would love to visit your kingdom someday. So when you report back…"
Kaval immediately understood. "Don't worry. When I report to the minister, I'll put in a good word and make sure everything's in place for your visit."
Rimuru smiled, slightly amused. It was rare to see the usually scatterbrained Kaval take something so seriously.
"Lord Granstar, you'll be coming too, right? Let me know when you do!"
Elyun stepped forward, her eyes bright as she looked up at Granstar.
From the side, Rimuru watched with a teasing expression—especially at Granstar.
Uh oh…
Granstar noticed something odd in Elyun's gaze.
Could it be…?
His heart sank. Rimuru's look made it even worse—piercing and mischievous.
"Uh, yeah, I'll go… we'll see when the time comes," Granstar replied vaguely.
Their mission wasn't over yet—it was time for goodbyes.
As Elyun was dragged away by her teammates, she kept glancing back at Granstar, eyes filled with reluctance.
Rimuru nudged Granstar with a sigh of mock disappointment.
"Hey, Granstar, what a shame. She's such a sweet girl. Why not try keeping her around?"
Granstar looked at Rimuru speechlessly, then raised his hand and thumped Rimuru lightly on the head.
"Rimuru, what nonsense are you spouting? Humans only live a few short decades! Looks like you've been slacking off lately."
"Hmph! Granstar, don't think you can bully me anymore! I've gotten stronger—take this!"
"Oh? Really? Looks like you have been getting carried away."
—A moment later—
"Ah~! Granstar, don't hit my head! And don't pinch my cheeks! Where did you even learn that? I'm sorry, I was wrong!"
Nearby, Ranga and the goblins tactfully looked away, pretending not to see anything.
Outside the Goblin Village
At some point, a tall snow-covered mountain had appeared, gleaming white with ice crystals. Frost wolves leapt and played joyfully around it.
High in the sky, Rimuru and Granstar hovered, staring down with a hint of irritation.
"Granstar, what are you going to do about that summoned Ice Giant? Can't you just send it back?"
Rimuru frowned as he asked.
Granstar sighed and shook his head.
"It's not that simple. After the last battle, I thought the summoning circle's disappearance would take the Ice Giant with it. But it didn't. It's been following me ever since."
When Granstar was in the village, the Ice Giant would quietly rest just outside. But whenever he tried to leave to hunt monsters, it followed—no matter how many times he tried to drive it away.
"I think it's got A+ rank strength," Rimuru muttered. "If there's really no other way, why not just subdue it and use it as a mount? It doesn't seem to be very intelligent anyway."
Granstar shook his head without even thinking. One day, he'd be riding an Ice Dragon to the ends of the world—getting stuck with a big lump of ice as a mount now felt like a joke.
"We can't just leave it like this!" Rimuru said, noticing the look of disgust on Granstar's face and chuckling. "Why not give it a name? That way, it might actually understand us."
Granstar's eyes lit up. That's right—he hadn't named any of his subordinates yet. The Ice Giant in front of him possessed A+ level strength. If named, its power would surely soar.
Reaching Demon Lord level might not be out of reach!
"I think your idea's a good one," Granstar said.
"Hah, you're actually serious?" Rimuru blinked. "Weren't you just grossed out a second ago?"
Without another word, Granstar shot forward like a comet, stopping in front of the Ice Giant. Sensing its master's presence, the massive creature slowly rose from where it lay. Frost-covered wolves clinging to its body scattered, curious and alert.
Granstar raised a hand and gently pressed it to the Ice Giant's forehead. His voice rang out, low and commanding.
"From this day forward, I bestow upon you the name—Ice Guardian. And with it, the title of Guardian King!"
At his words, the Ice Guardian's body trembled, momentarily suppressed by an unseen force. Then, it sank to one knee, bowing its head in solemn reverence.
"Th-thank... you... my... master," the Ice Guardian said slowly, its voice rough but filled with conviction. "Ice Guardian... will serve... for life!"
Though clumsy, every word was laced with unwavering loyalty.
A moment later, an immense surge of magic burst from the Ice Guardian. The magic swelled like a tidal wave, shaking the heavens themselves. Above, the clouds twisted and churned, forming a giant vortex crackling with blue lightning.
This overwhelming display announced to every monster in the forest: a being with Demon Lord-level power had been born.
Even the Great Ogres and Lizardmen in the distant corners of the Jura Forest felt its arrival.
The sky... was about to change.
Beneath the weight of this newly awakened magic, the very air grew thick and heavy—time itself seemed to pause.
And in the center of it all, the Ice Guardian stood unmoved, like an immovable mountain, radiating a power that made hearts tremble.
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