The transition felt like falling through reality itself.
It felt like a system lag—as if a computer struggling with too many tasks suddenly skipped the processing and jumped straight to the final result.
During this time Raphael so sending the false information about the Original Satoru Mikami to acquire the skills. His thought process. His desires during death.
The canonical sequence would commence.
And then—the Voice.
Mechanical. Commanding. Utterly unlike Raphael's calculated tones. This was the universe itself speaking.
＜＜INDIVIDUAL: SATORU MIKAMI. DIED AT AGE 27. ANALYZING...＞＞
It's so cold... I can't feel anything...
＜＜CONFIRMED. ESTABLISHING HEAT FLUCTUATION RESISTANCE... SUCCESS.＞＞
This pain... make it stop...
＜＜CONFIRMED. REMOVING PAIN PERCEPTION... SUCCESS. ADDITIONALLY, ESTABLISHING PAIN RESISTANCE... SUCCESS.＞＞
I... I don't want to die without doing anything. My hard drive... everything I worked for...
＜＜CONFIRMED. ATTEMPTING FULL FORMAT OF ALL INFORMATION... ERROR. IMPOSSIBLE DUE TO LACK OF DEFINITION. ATTEMPTING ALTERNATE INTERPRETATION... ESTABLISHING ELECTRICITY RESISTANCE... SUCCESS. ADDITIONALLY, PARALYSIS RESISTANCE HAS BEEN ACQUIRED.＞＞
Someone... anyone... I don't want to disappear alone...
＜＜CONFIRMED. UNIQUE SKILL [PREDATOR] HAS BEEN ACQUIRED.＞＞
If I'm going to die... at least let me be someone great. A sage. A great sage...
＜＜CONFIRMED. EXTRA SKILL [SAGE] HAS BEEN ACQUIRED. ADDITIONALLY, EXTRA SKILL [SAGE] HAS SUCCESSFULLY EVOLVED INTO UNIQUE SKILL [GREAT SAGE].＞＞
The Voice continued its mechanical proclamations, each one etching abilities into my reforming soul.
And then—something changed.
The analysis hit a wall. The Voice stuttered—glitched—as it encountered the anomaly that was my true nature.
＜＜ANALYZING SPIRITUAL STRUCTURE... ANOMALY DETECTED. HOLY AFFINITY PRESENT. UNNATURALLY STRONG SPIRITUAL BODY. CLASSIFICATION: UNKNOWN. PROTOCOL SEARCHING—＞＞
"Codex," I thought with crystalline clarity. "Shut it up."
The Codex shone.
I had no eyes to see with. But I felt it. A pulse of reality-warping authority that made the Voice of the World itself Quiver.
＜＜ERRO—ANALYZING—RECALIBRA—＞＞
＜＜UNIQUE SKILL [INBETWEENER] GRANTED.＞＞
A symbol flashed in my consciousness—two halves of a perfect circle, one light and one dark, meeting at a precise center point. Duality made manifest.
And then the Voice went silent.
It Simply... accepted me, there was nothing it could do in front of codex.
No further questions. No additional analysis. The universe's defense mechanism had been bypassed by something older and more fundamental than its own rules.
＜＜INDIVIDUAL: SATORU MIKAMI. REINCARNATION ACKNOWLEDGED. TRANSFERRING TO DESIGNATED COORDINATES...＞Ｎ
The darkness shifted.
Reality inverted.
And I—
CARDINAL WORLD - GREAT JURA FOREST - SEALED CAVE
I woke up.
No. That wasn't right. I arrived.
Consciousness flooded back like a tidal wave. Six years of memories as Satoru Mikami. Ten years before that as Arlo in One Piece. And deeper—the original Satoru's final moments, donated to create the canonical sequence.
My powers were still there. Suppressed. Waiting. The heart core pulsed in the center of my slime body, Suppressed so it couldn't express itself but ready to release at my command.
I kept them locked down. No aura. No leaking power. For now just a simple slime.
Because I want to maximize the number of spirits I can attract.
The plan simple but 2-parter
1. Collect souls so I could get more soul energy to the germinate/nourish the Demon Lord seed which he would eventually get either from Geld or by increasing his own strength to a level thus killing a nation would be necessary for 10000 souls.
2. Go to the Dwelling of Elementals, flex the holy and demonic aura to attract the the elemental of light and elemental of darkness and to get Blessing of Ramiris which is essentially just her permission.
But first—I needed to test this body.
I was in a cave. Darkness surrounded me, but not complete—[Observation Haki] showed everything with perfect clarity. Stone walls. Glowing moss. The faint shimmer of magical energy in the air.
And most importantly—my body.
I was round. Perfectly spherical. Pale blue and semi-transparent.
A slime.
I tried to move and—boyoyon—bounced forward with surprising ease.
Interesting. The cellular structure was identical throughout. Every cell was simultaneously muscle, nerve, and brain.
I could think with my entire body.
No wonder slimes were so hard to kill. There was no vital point. No centralized weakness. Just distributed consciousness operating as one.
I ran a quick diagnostic:
Species: Slime Rank: Theoretically F-rank (in reality, immeasurable/not enough data due to sealed power) Active Skills: Slime abilities only—[Dissolve], [Absorb], [Self-Regeneration] UniqueSkills: [Great Sage], [Predator] Sealed: Everything else
Good. Perfect, actually.
This was exactly what I needed. A blank slate. Room to grow "naturally" while keeping my ace in the hole hidden.
Now then—time to test the basics.
I found some Hipokute Grass growing near a small underground stream. Pale green with a faint magical glow—the exact same type I'd eaten endlessly in my first days before meeting Veldora.
Except this time, I knew what it was.
I absorbed it through my membrane and immediately felt [Great Sage] begin analysis. The skill was functioning perfectly despite the power suppression—because it was from the original canon sequence, not from my sealed abilities.
＜＜Analysis complete. Hipokute Grass identified. Herb species. Medicinal properties confirmed.＞＞
I stored it in my stomach. Used analysis to produce Healing Potions then absorbed more. The cave was filled with the stuff—probably because of Veldora's leaked magical energy over the centuries.
But first—I needed to acquire the basic elemental skills. Build the foundation exactly as canon dictated, but better.
I moved to the underground lake. The water was crystal clear, almost glowing with condensed magical energy.
Perfect.
Time to create [Water Manipulation].
I absorbed water into my body—easily a hundred liters—and compressed it inside my stomach. Then released it as a high-pressure stream.
Bishuu!
The water shot out like a cannon blast, carving a groove in the stone wall.
＜＜Skill [Hydraulic Propulsion] has been acquired.＞＞
Good start. But I needed more control.
I practiced for hours. Adjusting pressure. Modifying aperture. Changing the water's rotation to create cutting force.
Bishun!
A thin blade of pressurized water sliced through a boulder like butter.
＜＜Skill [Water Blade] has been acquired.＞＞
＜＜Skills [Hydraulic Propulsion], [Water Current Control], and [Water Blade] have evolved into Extra Skill [Water Manipulation].＞＞
Excellent. One element down.
Next was fire.
I found some stones rich in magnesium and other flammable materials. Absorbed them. Then used [Great Sage] and [Predator] in combination to create a spark generator inside my body.
The friction was carefully controlled. Magicules shaped and maintained the flame.
Fwoosh.
Fire bloomed in my palm—or rather, on my surface.
＜＜Extra Skill [Flame Manipulation] has been acquired.＞＞
Wait.
That was... easier than expected. And the skill name was different from what I remembered.
Right. Because I have Fire Resistance from the Satoru Mikami canonical sequence. The Voice of the World is adapting the skill to match.
Good to know.
I spent more time practicing. Creating fireballs. Adjusting temperature. Learning to radiate heat in precise patterns.
Then—air.
I predated massive amounts of air, compressed it in my stomach, and fired it like a cannon. Then used magicules to shape it mid-flight—creating solid constructs, changing direction, increasing pressure.
＜＜Extra Skill [Air Manipulation] has been acquired.＞＞
And finally—electricity.
This was the tricky one. I needed to create a potential difference, ionize the air, generate actual current.
I created a complex internal structure—something like a miniature motor—using magicules to generate changing magnetic flux. The physics were sound. The execution just needed precision.
Copper and zinc from absorbed minerals became electrodes. I created an electrolyte solution using water and dissolved salts.
A primitive battery—but functional.
Current flowed.
I shaped it with magicules, learning to control the voltage, the amperage, the discharge pattern.
Crack!
A small lightning bolt arced between two points I'd designated.
＜＜Extra Skill [Lightning Manipulation] has been acquired.＞＞
Perfect.
I'd recreated the basic elements using chemistry, physics, and magical energy. The skills were mine now—earned through understanding, not just copied from a predated monster.
But the most important skill was still missing.
[Magic Perception].
I closed my eyes—not that I had eyes—and focused on the magical energy around me. The waves. The interference patterns. The way energy moved through space.
My processing power was enormous. Even without [Great Sage]'s assistance, I could handle the information flood.
I felt it click.
The world opened up. 360-degree perception. Perfect awareness of magical energy distribution. Heat signatures. Movement. Even emotions—faint impressions carried on magicule fluctuations.
＜＜Extra Skill [Magic Perception] has been acquired.＞＞
＜＜Linking Extra Skill [Magic Perception] and Unique Skill [Great Sage]... complete.＞＞
And there it was. The foundation I needed.
I took stock of my progress:
Current Skills:
Unique Skill [Great Sage] Unique Skill [Predator] Unique Skill [Inbetweener] (new - unknown effects) Extra Skill [Water Manipulation] Extra Skill [Flame Manipulation] Extra Skill [Air Manipulation] Extra Skill [Lightning Manipulation] Extra Skill [Magic Perception] Slime Skills [Dissolve], [Absorb], [Self-Regeneration]
Resistances:
Thermal Fluctuation Resistance EX Physical Attack Resistance Pain Immunity Electricity Resistance Paralysis Resistance
Good. Very good.
I'd built the foundation exactly as needed—but with my own understanding backing every skill. When I unsealed my true power later, this foundation would make everything stronger.
Now... it was time to continue exploring the cave.
Somewhere deeper inside, there should be a certain Storm Dragon waiting to meet me.
But I'd take my time. Gather more data. Practice these new skills.
After all—I had a promise to keep. And that promise required me to be strong It was a promise to myself.
I bounced forward through the darkness, my [Magic Perception] painting the world in perfect detail.
I bounced through the cave tunnel, my [Magic Perception] painting the world in vivid detail despite the absolute darkness.
The path gradually widened, the ceiling rising higher and higher until I emerged into a massive underground cavern.
And there—in the center—was him.
A dragon.
Gleaming scales like polished obsidian. Massive wings folded against a body easily fifty meters long. Horns that curved back majestically from a reptilian head. Golden eyes that burned with ancient intelligence.
The Storm Dragon Veldora.
The magical energy radiating from him was insane. It saturated the air, made the very stone hum with power. No wonder magical ores formed so readily around here.
But I didn't feel afraid.
Maybe it was because my sealed power whispered that this dragon, while incredibly strong, wasn't actually a threat to my true self.
Or maybe I was just too curious to be scared.
I bounced closer.
Boyoyon, boyoyon.
The dragon's eyes tracked my movement. One massive eyelid lowered slightly—was he... squinting at me?
Then—a voice resonated in my mind. Deep, rumbling, like thunder given speech.
(Can you hear me, little one?)
Telepathy. Interesting It must be something similar to thought communication.
(Yeah, I can hear you!) I responded, projecting my thoughts back.
The dragon's eyes widened slightly. Then—
(Kukuku! A talking slime! How amusing! Though I suppose it's not impossible for one to develop intelligence over time...)
He shifted, and I noticed for the first time the barrier something not to distinct from Uriel's defensive barrier.
(So you're stuck here, huh?) I asked, bouncing a bit closer. (Bummer.)
(You—!) The dragon seemed taken aback by my casual tone. Then he laughed—a booming sound that echoed through the cavern. (Interesting! Most creatures either flee in terror or grovel in fear when they sense my presence! But you... you seem remarkably unconcerned!)
(Well, you're sealed, aren't you? Not like you can eat me.) I paused. (Can you even see me? I mean, you've been stuck in darkness for... how long?)
(Three hundred years,) Veldora said, a hint of melancholy creeping into his mental voice. (And no, I cannot see in the traditional sense. The seal has robbed me of my vision. I can only sense magical energy...)
He trailed off, his massive head tilting to study me more intently.
(Wait. You asked if I could see you. Does that mean... you can see?)
(Yep! I have Extra skill called [Magic Perception]. Lets me sense magicules in the atmosphere to perceive things. It's pretty handy in the dark.)
Silence.
Then—
(Magic Perception?!) Veldora's mental voice rose with excitement. (You—a mere slime—possess such a skill?! That is... wait.)
His tone shifted, becoming more analytical.
(Slimes are typically mindless creatures. monsters that only [Dissolve], [Absorb], and [Regenerate]. Yet you display self-awareness, possess advanced skills, and can communicate... You must be a Unique Monster!)
(A what now?)
(A Unique Monster! One born with unusual mutations and powers, usually in areas of high magical energy concentration!) He sounded pleased with himself for figuring it out. (Yes, that must be it! Born from my leaked magical energy, you've developed far beyond a normal slime!)
(Uh... not exactly.)
(What?)
I bounced in what I hoped was a shrugging motion.
(I used to be human. But I was assassinated and... well, I woke up like this.)
Another long silence.
Then Veldora's laughter boomed through the cavern again—but this time it carried genuine surprise.
(Hahahaha! So you were reincarnated!)
(Reincarnated...?) I let the word hang. I knew what it meant, obviously, but playing along seemed wise.
(Indeed! You came to this world in a very unusual way!)
(Unusual? How so?)
(There are occasionally those who come here from other worlds,) Veldora explained, his mental voice taking on a lecturing quality—like he was happy to share knowledge. (But you are the first I have known to be reincarnated here. Most otherworlders simply... traverse. Their souls cross the boundary while their bodies remain behind, or they are summoned bodily by powerful magic.)
(So you're saying there are people who come here from other worlds, but not through reincarnation?)
(Exactly! We call them Otherworlders. Or sometimes Travelers, depending on the method of arrival.) He seemed to warm to the topic. (I have heard they often gain special abilities when they cross worlds. Skills that are unique to them, born from their experiences in their original world!)
Entire Eastern empire was made of those ofcourse they would be strong.
(I guess I'd like to try and find some of these Otherworlders,) I mused. (See if there are any others like me.)
(What?!) Veldora's mental voice carried an almost comical note of distress. (You are leaving already?!)
I could feel the disappointment radiating from him. This ancient, terrifying dragon—sealed for three centuries in total darkness—and I was apparently the first person he'd been able to have a real conversation with in all that time.
My heart—metaphorical as it was—twinged.
(U-Um... Maybe I'll stay a little longer.) I bounced closer to him. (It's not like I have anything urgent to do...)
(Oh, good!) The relief in his voice was palpable. (Stay as long as you like! I have been so bored! Three hundred years with nothing but my own thoughts! Do you have any idea how tedious that becomes?!)
(I can imagine,) I said dryly. (So... want to tell me how you ended up sealed in here?)
And just like that, Veldora launched into his story.
He told me about the city he'd accidentally destroyed—he claimed it was an accident, though the details suggested he'd been showing off and things got out of hand.
He told me about the Hero who came to stop him. A woman with jet-black hair and a mask covering her face. Someone who wielded a katana and possessed two Unique Skills that made her untouchable. If nothing is changed than it must be Hinata in Chloe's body.
[Absolute Severance] - which could cut through anything, even his scales.
[Infinite Prison] - which had sealed him in this endless cage of frozen time and isolated space.
(She was strong,) Veldora admitted, though his tone carried more admiration than resentment. (Far stronger than I expected. We fought for three days and nights, and in the end... I lost.)
(Do you hate her?) I asked.
(Hate?) He seemed to consider this. (No. How could I? She was protecting her people. I was the one who destroyed their city, even if it was unintentional. And besides...)
He trailed off.
(Besides?)
(She was magnificent,) Veldora said quietly. ( I was not able to scratch her even with my strongest attacks)
I got the distinct impression that Veldora was salty about that fight..
Not that I'd say that out loud.
(So this seal,) I said instead. (Can it be broken?)
(Not from the inside,) Veldora admitted. (And not from the outside either, unless one possessed a Unique Skill on par with the Hero's. The seal is... absolute. All my skills are sealed inside. It exists outside of normal time and space. I can communicate because telepathy doesn't count as physical interference, but I cannot affect the outside world. And the outside world cannot affect me.)
He sounded resigned to it.
(I'm stuck here until either the Hero returns to release me—which will never happen—or until the seal degrades naturally. Which should take... oh, perhaps another thousand years or so.)
(That sucks.)
(Indeed it does! Which is why I'm so pleased you came to talk to me!) His mood brightened immediately. (Tell me about your world! What was it like? What did you do there?)
And so I did.
I told him about Earth—carefully edited to remove anything too personal. About technology, cars, buildings that scraped the sky. About movies and video games and the internet.
Veldora listened with rapt attention, occasionally interrupting with questions.
(Fascinating! So you could communicate with anyone across vast distances instantly?)
(Yeah, pretty much.)
(And these 'video games'—they were like stories you could participate in?)
(Exactly. Some were really complex too. Whole worlds to explore.)
(I would very much like to experience such a thing!) Veldora declared. (When I am free, you must show me!)
(Sure,) I agreed easily. (Though I don't have any of that tech here. This world seems more... medieval?)
(There is magic instead,) Veldora said proudly. (Far superior to any technology! With sufficient skill, one can reshape reality itself!)
We talked for hours.
About his battles. About the other True Dragons—his siblings Velgrynd, Velzard, and Veldanava. About the Demon Lords and their territories. About magic and skills and the nature of this world.
It was time...
(Hey, Veldora,) I said slowly. (I have an idea. It's kind of insane, but... want to hear it?)
(Oh?) His interest was immediately piqued. (Please, do tell! I love insane ideas!)
I took a metaphorical deep breath.
(What if I ate you?)
STATUS
Name: Rimuru Tempest (identity not yet established in this world)
Species: Slime
Divine Protection: None
Titles: None
Magic: None
Skills:
Unique Skill [Great Sage] Unique Skill [Predator] Unique Skill [Inbetweener] Extra Skill [Water Manipulation] Extra Skill [Flame Manipulation] Extra Skill [Air Manipulation] Extra Skill [Lightning Manipulation] Extra Skill [Magic Perception] Slime Inherent Skills [Dissolve], [Absorb], [Self-Regeneration]
Resistances:
Thermal Fluctuation Resistance EX Physical Attack Resistance Pain Immunity Electricity Resistance Paralysis Resistance
Sealed Powers:
All abilities from One Piece timeline All Ultimate Skills (Uriel, Lucifer, Satanael, Beelzebuth, Raphael) Complete memory of previous existence Heart core containing condensed power
Current Objective: Navigate canonical Tensura events while optimizing for dual Hero Egg acquisition during acquisition.