"What did you say?! Orc forces attacked Ogres? That's impossible!"
Kaijin, while drinking his beer, spoke with an expression of utter disbelief.
"That is the truth," said the red-haired ogre.
Everyone around them froze, equally shocked.
"But they came attacking... Out of nowhere, they suddenly assaulted the village..."
"They carried weapons and wore armor—there were so many of them that the entire forest was flooded."
The red-haired ogre spoke with rage and frustration.
"Those damned pigs invaded our village."
Silence fell around them.
"Orcs wearing armor?" Kaijin asked.
"Yes, full plate mail similar to what humans wear."
"Hmmm, that means..."
Rigurd beside him added:
"It seems the Orcs are not acting on their own. Someone is behind them."
"Yeah, no way the Orcs could gather that many valuable sets of armor for themselves," Kaijin replied.
"Exactly," the red-haired ogre confirmed.
"And among them stood a masked Majin."
"A masked Majin?" Kaijin frowned.
The red-haired ogre clenched his teeth. "There is no doubt. It was a high-level Majin."
"And you fought Rimuru-sama because you misunderstood him as that Majin? Am I correct?" Rigurd asked.
"Yes."
Gobta, still munching on his skewered meat, looked utterly confused.
"So... what does that mean?"
Rigur speculated: "The Orcs might be working with one of the Demon Lords."
"Mmm... maybe?"
"Demon Lord, huh?"
"But why a Demon Lord?" Rigurd retorted.
"No idea—"
"But what I know is, out of the 300 ogres in our village, only the six of us survived."
'Grandpa Kouga already warned us,' the red-haired ogre muttered internally.
"I see, so that's what's been troubling you," Rimuru suddenly entered and said.
"Are you done enjoying your meal, Rimuru-dono?"
"I needed a short break—... but, your younger sister is quite something."
"She knows a lot about medicine and cooking herbs—and she made friends with the goblins very quickly."
With a mix of pride and softness in his tone, the red-haired ogre responded, "She used to be a flower in a greenhouse. I believe she's happy now that everyone relies on her."
"So, what do you intend to do next?" Rimuru asked.
"What do you mean?" He looked confused.
"I mean, your future plans. Do you want to rebuild your village or relocate? The fate of your comrades rests under your leadership, right?"
Thomp thomp—
Suddenly, footsteps approached, making everyone alert.
"Who!?" Rimuru heightened his senses and prepared for battle.
A man and a woman walked calmly toward them.
The red-haired ogre's eyes widened in shock.
"Grandpa Kouga?? Why are you here?"
'Sounds like a Japanese name,' Rimuru thought, shaking his head.
"You know him?"
"Yes, he is a friend of my grandfather and our former chieftain," the red-haired ogre replied.
'Another strong guy? Seriously? And that woman... she's clearly a high-ranking demon!' Rimuru's inner voice trembled.
"Sorry if we're interrupting your feast. If you don't mind, could we join you?" Kouga asked cheerfully.
"Ahaha, of course. Rigurd, prepare a feast for our two guests."
"Right away, Rimuru-sama."
"Ouch... ouch..."
From the side, Argenta pinched Kouga's waist sharply.
"Behave yourself! Isn't it rude to make demands before introducing who we are? And listen, don't you ever tarnish our lord's name with your foolish behavior!"
"Ahh b—but you didn't have to pinch me..." Kouga complained quietly.
Argenta gave him a sharp glare that made Kouga shrink back.
"Forgive our discourtesy. Rimuru-dono, correct?... My name is Argenta, and this idiot beside me is Kouga. We come under our lord's orders," she said respectfully. Then continued:
"He said you may use us however you wish, but only within the scope of guarding the city you will build."
Rimuru was taken aback.
"Wait... wait... and who is your lord? Do I know him?"
Kouga answered, smiling:
"He said that meeting you eased his mind and satisfied him. He also reminded you to always be cautious."
Rimuru thought for a moment before remembering his encounter with Lucien.
"Alright, I understand. If possible, please give him my thanks."
Argenta looked slightly surprised.
"You are not suspicious why our lord sent us to assist you, Rimuru-dono?"
'Because I don't have a choice right now, damn it. It's obvious one of you could wipe us all out if you wished,' Rimuru screamed inside his mind while maintaining a polite smile.
"No, not at all. In fact I feel fortunate. Help arriving just when I need it"
Rimuru grinned, hiding the cold sweat dripping inside. 'Seriously, I better be nice. That guy Lucien is definitely not normal.'
"If that's the case, I truly appreciate your help, Argenta-dono, Kouga-dono," Rimuru said. "We are planning to build a village. We need reliable guardians and—"
Kouga suddenly interrupted with a broad smile:
"No worries Rimuru-dono! Leave it to us. We'll protect the city you will build!"
Argenta nodded firmly.
"We will report the progress to our lord. He is very eager to see your 'little city'," she said, emphasizing the word 'little' mischievously.
Rimuru let out an awkward laugh. 'Annoying... They're definitely going to monitor me forever.'
"Rimuru-sama," Rigurd bowed. "What about the Ogres? Do you have a plan for them?"
Everyone turned to Rimuru. The red-haired ogre stared at him anxiously.
Rimuru met his gaze. "I have a suggestion. Why don't you become my subordinates? How about it?"
"You have lost your village. I cannot promise revenge, but if you join us, I can promise a safe home and a chance to start again."
The red-haired ogre fell silent. Fury, confusion, and despair swirled within his eyes. He clenched his fists hard to hide his frustration.
"Oi oi, young man. It's not shameful to serve someone, as long as that person is worthy of your respect," Kouga said boldly while patting his shoulder, accidentally slamming him to the ground with his brute strength.
"Ah, sorry! Hahahaha!"
Smack!
"Shut up, idiot!" Argenta scolded while smacking Kouga's head, then looked at the red-haired ogre.
"Listen kid. This idiot is right. Throw away your foolish pride and accept the path laid before you. You already know the outcome of your pride, don't you?" She glared at the remaining ogres.
The five remaining ogres gritted their teeth in frustration.
The red-haired ogre looked up at Rimuru.
"Why... Why are you doing all this for us?" His voice was hoarse.
Rimuru smiled. "Because I'm not an evil slime. I hate seeing people suffer. Besides, I need skilled manpower to be a leader. So, what do you say?"
The red-haired ogre rose, then kneeled before Rimuru. The five others, including his younger sister, followed.
"We pledge our loyalty to you, Rimuru-sama. We will serve you until our last breath," he said with newfound resolve.
"Raise your heads," Rimuru said gently. "Welcome to our village, friends."
Far away, inside the Void Strider, Lucien watched the same scene through a holographic projection.
Umbra whistled softly. "He managed to recruit the Ogres, and now he gets two bodyguards from us for free. That slime knows how to play the game."
Lucien sipped his tea. "He does it in his own way," Lucien said calmly. "Kouga's combat skills and Argenta's knowledge will ensure the village is safe from the Orcs."
"But Lucien-sama, why not eliminate the Orcs directly? You could send me to wipe them out instantly," Caelus asked beside him.
Lucien set his cup down, his eyes glowing purple.
"No need," he said. "Let fate carve its own path. Our job is only to ensure he does not die before his destiny is fulfilled."
He smirked lightly. "And besides, this will be good training for Kouga and Argenta."
Lucien glanced at the hologram once more.
The red-haired ogre and the others stood tall with newfound respect. Rimuru glanced back at them. Now that they were his subordinates, he had to do right by them, just like he learned from Veldora.
'Alright. It's time. I hope my magic is enough,' Rimuru thought.
"I will give you all names," Rimuru said, his tone serious.
Lucien only shook his head from afar, smiling faintly before switching off the hologram. He turned to Umbra.
"How long until we reach the eastern empire? There is something I must do there"
"Approximately two hours, Lucien-niisan. Shall we depart now?" Umbra asked.
"Yes."
"Understood. Preparing for departure... Launching."
Red alarms flashed; the countdown hit zero. The fortress rumbled softly before a deafening WHOOMP! tore through the silent void, as if the universe itself just took a massive inhale.