Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken novel Chapter 39

So... a guy shows up looking like a clown and shouting some stuff about ruined plans or something.

I got it of course. This is all his fault. No question about it.

I mean, we didn't even ask him, but he goes and confesses his crimes... is he an idiot?

Acting like some big shot while looking like that. Maybe he's not dressing up like a clown.

Maybe he is a clown, so I concluded.

From what I gathered, he also led the Orc Lord here.

The Clown"Gelmudo-san seems to be very angry.

Moreover, he seems to be trembling and greatly flustered, so he's very incoherent.

Is he just calcium-deficient? I guess devils need vitamins.

Then the clown said,

ŒWhat a useless blockhead!

It's all because you haven't evolved into a demon lord even after eating the lizards and the ogre trash!

Making this great Gelmudo-sama come out all the way out here!!!

What a horrible manner of speech.

Waking to these words, Gabil called out.

ŒAh, Gelmudo-sama! You've come to our rescue!

Eh? This lizard... was he passed out the entire time?

You... he called you orc food, you know.

ŒAh? Oh, what do you know, it's Gabil. You should've been killed already!

Whatever. Since I came out here I might as well finish the job.

Rejoice! You are dying for my sake!!

Saying thus, Gelmudo pointed his hand at Gabil.

And saying, "Die!", he fired a magic bullet at him.

ŒProtect Gabil-sama!

ŒGabil-sama is in danger!

Screaming their lungs out"Gabil's followers.

A single magic bullet downed five lizardmen.

Well, maybe because hitting five targets weakened it, or maybe they were just really tough, but none of them died.

Gravely wounded, but still alive.

ŒGuys... what is the meaning of this, Gelmudo sama?!!!

A panicked Gabil asks.

Figure it out already, you were used! However, this isn't the right time to say it.

Betrayed by his most trusted person, Gabil's face was pale despair.

ŒGa... Gabil-sama, it's dangerous here... please run away...!

Even when on verge of death his subordinates worry about him. What great subordinates he has.

Soldiers that a commander yearns for... something like that?

ŒLowly lizards! If you want to die that much, I'll gladly kill you all!

And have the Orc Lord devour your bodies!!!

While saying that, I felt him gathering a larger magic bullet in his hand.

That wasn't magic, right? I didn't hear an incantation. Feels more like he gathers magic in one spot.

Hmph.

I walked ahead, right in front of the lizardmen.

Right in front of the scared and trembling Gabil.

My expression hidden by the mask.

I wonder how I look to Gabil? A passing thought.

Why did I walk over here?

Gabil caught my interest. So I'll save him. That was the only reason.

That's all the reason I need. I've chosen to live as I please.

I live free!

That's the kind of "me" that I want to show Gabil.

However, he looks completely lost. Maybe all the new information overloaded his brain?

But don't worry. It's not like I want him to say anything.

I'm just pissed at the clown.

Gelmudo, however, completely ignored me and fired the magic bullet.

ŒFuhahahaha! I'll show you the power of a high class devil!

Die! Shisha no Koushinenbu!!! (Death March Dance)

A large magic bullet, split in mid air, and as if drawing a circle flew at us.

Unfortunately, it won't be passing me.

In my child form, I lift my small hand as if to grab it.

And with just that, the magic bullet is absorbed into it.

I was immediately able to analyze it. It was a simple magic manipulation skill.

With low energy cost, it's easy to change the output. Well, as long as the caster is within range.

If he went all out to fire this round, then he's no threat to me.

Let's make sure,

ŒHey, did you really intend to kill me with this boring skill? To test your words, could you please show me how to die? 

Saying that, I fired off a magic bullet.

If I wanted to, I could also split it like he had, but I see no need. Putting in more magic energy, I make it the size of a fist.

That got me thinking. The one he had fired was the size of a head, so was probably denser and more potent.

If I use the same magic theory with the fire bullet, I should be able to increase its strength even further.

How fun!

Let's not forget that the clown looks pretty tough, so he makes a great target.

And if I bore of this, I can just eat him.

I further accelerated the bullet and it made contact with the clown. And the moment it did, I released the magic energy.

Gelmudo was sent flying.

He had meant to evade, but couldn't due to the sudden acceleration.

Rolling over, he desperately started to regenerate his wounds.

Heeeh. He's got a regeneration skill. Isn't that wonderful! I bet he tastes great.

Let's enjoy (eating) my first devil.

As if understanding my intentions, Benimaru and Ranga are standing pleased, but on guard.

And Shion, despondent due to not being able to go all out... nope, that's not how she looked.

Rather, her eyes were sparking in delight watching my fight.

No idea how she'll be venting all the pent up later though, but it should be fine.

I leisurely walk right up to Gelmudo " who was still rolling on the ground.

ŒJust get up already. Weren't you going to show me the power of a high class devil?

I kicked the collapsed Gelmudo.

Seems like it was more powerful than I thought, since he was blown away again.

What a brittle guy.

ŒY-yo-you! How dare you! To a high...

Kicking the ground, I immediately appear right in front of Gelmudo.

Aiming at his solar plexus, I throw some punches. Punches that are reinforced with armor.

I don't feel pain of the impact of course, but as my punch drives further and further into his flesh, Gelmudo's face distorted in anguish.

Without care, I continue punching the guy.

And once again, I fire off a magic bullet.

Though I can regulate its strength, I was able to figure out that the bullet does five times more damage than one punch.

Unless I start infusing my punches with energy, of course. If I do, my punches also become quite lethal, and energy consumption grows.

However, as the bullet uses less energy, it is a more efficient weapon.

Seems like I can fight barehanded like a certain warrior race. Not that I will.

But anyways, this guy is clearly above an A rank, but still way weaker than Benimaru.

I wonder why?

‰ªSolution. It is based on ranking system as defined by humans that focuses on the amount of energy in circulation.

However, even if those with the same amount of energy battle, the one who is able to utilize it more efficiently shall have the advantage.

Moreover, since skill level is not included in the ranking, great difference of strength tend to occur among those of the same rank‰«

So that's how it was.

Level is not something I can just figure out by looking. Since this isn't a game, if I don't fight them, I wouldn't know.

And that's why Hakurou, who's skill level was surely high, had obtained that powerful body.

Even if you possess a lot of energy, it's meaningless if you can't use it.

So right now, I know I cannot possibly lose against either Gelmudo or the Orc Lord.

ŒHey, can't you put on a good show? Or is that clown appearance just for laughs?

What kind of skills does he have?

I don't feel any threat from him. Rather, it's like I'm asking a shopkeeper to show me his wares.

ŒWh-wha-whaaat... you! Y-y-y-youuuu!!! Such words, to a high ranking devil, such... you...

I hit him.