As Granstar's first subordinate possessing Demon Lord-level strength, the Ice Guardian's inherited magic power was undeniably terrifying.
He was named the Ice Guardian and granted the title King of Guardians because of his vital role as a "defensive wall"—the first solid line of defense for the nation they were preparing to build.
In terms of pure offensive power, the Ice Guardian wasn't particularly remarkable among Demon Lord-class beings. His main method of attack relied more on his overwhelming physical strength than on magical prowess.
However, what Granstar valued most wasn't his attack power—it was his unrivaled defense and guardian abilities. When judged solely by defensive capability and endurance, the Ice Guardian was undoubtedly among the top-tier Demon Lords.
(Wasn't there a saying? Miracles can happen if you put all your skill points into defense. (˵ ¯͒ ♦ ¯͒ ˵))
Granstar looked at the newly transformed Ice Guardian with a satisfied smile and gave a slight nod.
"Wow, Granstar, you really have a Demon Lord-level subordinate now? I'm so jealous!"
Rimuru exclaimed from the side.
"What's there to be jealous about?" Granstar replied with a smile. "With Ranga's potential, he'll evolve into a High-Rank Frost Chasing Star Wolf sooner or later! He's got dual attributes—Ice and Wind! Isn't that something to be happy about?"
Granstar shook his head helplessly. He really didn't know what to say to Rimuru. Rimuru already had such an incredible subordinate right next to him, yet instead of nurturing that potential, he was busy envying Granstar's Ice Guardian.
"Hehe, you're right," Rimuru chuckled, scratching his head awkwardly. "I guess I need to focus more on Ranga. I'll try to help him evolve into a High-Rank form as soon as I can."
The Frost Chasing Star Wolf was a brand-new dual-attribute species in the world of the Slime Diaries, and its potential was off the charts.
Once Ranga advanced successfully, he would undoubtedly become a powerful Demon Lord-class force.
Thinking about it, both Granstar and Rimuru couldn't help but feel excited about the future.
If that evolution truly happened, Ranga might even rise to become the Wolf King among the High-Rank species.
At that point, perhaps he could even rival the Awakened Demon Lords—after all, he would be the Frost Chasing Star Wolf King.
Granstar found himself feeling a little envious of Rimuru. Who wouldn't want a dual-attribute monster like that?
Regardless, Granstar had his own goals now. And when the time came—well, Rimuru, don't blame me!
"Granstar, where are you planning to keep the Ice Guardian? He's basically a walking fortress!"
Rimuru asked curiously.
"I was thinking of having him guard the village," Granstar replied. "Let him stay on the outskirts for now. It looks like the Frost Wolves have taken a liking to him."
Rimuru followed Granstar's gaze and saw that the pack of Frost Wolves had indeed gathered around the Ice Guardian. One had even jumped up playfully, as if climbing a snow-covered mountain.
"Well then, that's all we can do for now. We'll figure out a more permanent role for him once we start building the capital."
"Yeah," Granstar agreed with a nod.
...
A New Chapter Begins
Rimuru's Information Panel
Race: Slime (Humanoid)
Blessing: Crest of the Storm
Title: Ruler of Monsters
Magic: Ice Spear, Water Blade
Unique Skills: Absorb, Self-Regeneration, Dissolve
Special Skills: Great Sage, Degenerate, Predator
EX Skills: Heat Manipulation, Magic Power Perception, Water Manipulation
Acquired Skills: Poison Mist Breath, Heat Source Detection, Paralysis Breath, Steel Thread, Sticky Thread, Ultrasonic Wave, Body Armor, Black Intimidation, Shadow Movement, Black Lightning Flash, Telepathy, Super Olfaction
Resistances: Pain Nullification, Electrical Resistance, Thermal Fluctuation Resistance, Physical Attack Resistance, Paralysis Resistance
Granstar's Information Panel
Name: Granstar Tempest
Race: Ice Elf
Blessing: Crest of the Storm
Title: Strongest Ruler of Monsters
Magic: Ice Thorns, Ice Burst, Ice Giant, Frost Breath, Frozen Domain
Unique Skills: Flight, Free Size
Special Skills: Dominator, Plunderer, Degenerate
EX Skills: Ice Flower, Absolute Zero Burst Prison Array
Acquired Skills: Ice Armor, Full Body Armament, Ice Wall
Resistances & Traits: Ice Master (Rare Trait), Heat Attack Nullification, Pain Nullification, Electrical Resistance, Thermal Fluctuation Resistance, Physical Attack Resistance, Paralysis Resistance
(Too many to list—I'm going numb just writing them. After acquiring [Degenerate], the skill list stopped organizing itself properly.)
Note: The Special Skill [Degenerate] allows for the derivation of various branch skills.
"Granstar, trust me! Let's build a hot spring first. I haven't had a good soak in ages!"
Rimuru called out with enthusiasm, eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"No way. That can wait. I suggest building a tavern first—something that'll draw in adventurers from neighboring nations."
Granstar replied firmly, clearly not swayed by the idea of bath-time indulgence.
"What do we need adventurers for? Come on, let's just build a hot spring!"
Rimuru frowned, not quite getting Granstar's priorities.
"I'm not concerned with adventurers for their own sake. But by drawing them in, we'll open roads and connections with other nations. It's essential groundwork for future trade and nation-building."
Granstar explained, his eyes gleaming with strategic insight.
"Huh? I don't get it! Ugh, whatever—I still want my hot spring!"
Rimuru pouted, arms crossed in classic stubborn mode.
Granstar sighed, casting a helpless glance at Rimuru. The rest of the group exchanged awkward looks, unsure how to defuse the brewing tension.
Just then, Rigurd stepped forward respectfully and bowed to both leaders.
"My Lords, perhaps we can build both? With our current manpower, it's entirely feasible."
Granstar and Rimuru turned toward him at the same time, their eyes sharp. Rigurd gulped under the pressure, a nervous sweat forming on his brow.
"Are you sure? What about the other projects? Do we even have the capacity right now?"
Rimuru asked, still skeptical.
"Lord Rimuru, the construction team has already made significant progress. Thanks to the technical blueprint Lord Granstar provided last time, our construction speed has increased severalfold. We expect current projects to be completed within a few days."
"Oh? So it's thanks to Granstar, huh!"
Rimuru said, eyes lighting up.
Granstar hadn't expected the third dwarf to understand and implement the blueprint so efficiently. As expected, dwarves were second only to elves when it came to technical prowess.
Thanks to the new construction techniques, the goblin village was developing at an incredible pace—transforming rapidly into a budding city.
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