Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken novel Chapter 58

The children directed a hostile gaze at me.

Filled with pure hatred.

It made me feel really out of place.

What in the world could cause them to harbor so much hostility towards a new instructor?

Five children.

Misaki Kenya: Male, 8 years old

Sekiguchi Ryouta: Male, 8 years old

Gale Gibson: Male, 9 years old

Alice Rondo: Female, 7 years old

Chloe O'Bell: Female, 8 years old

None of them are older than 10.

I look them over while confirming the notes I picked up in the staff room.

They've been picked up from all over the world. Each one was called a monster.

Each country has requested a subjugation for them, but the adventurers took custody of them instead.

That's what the documents said, but something is bothering me.

Why are their ages so similar? And, they've all been picked up in various circumstances from countries surrounding the Jura Forest?

Moreover, within three years of each other? There might be something going on.

They seem to have grown very attached to Shizu-san. Other than her, they only listen to Yuuki's words.

Well, unless you see them for yourself you wouldn't know how mischievous this bunch really is.

ŒYo, what's with the sudden aggression, brats!

I (Ore-sama) will be your instructor from now on; the name's Rimuru.

I'm not as nice as Shizu-san, so prepare yourselves!

I thought to start with a greeting, but...

ŒShut up! You won't deceive us!

ŒRight, right! Even if we listen, you'll just kill us anyways!

ŒWhat did you do with Shizu-san! Did you kill her too?!

ŒYeah, we won't trust an adult!

ŒYou'll just dispose of us, saying that we're good for nothing, right?

Hmm? What's with their response?

This is not at the level of classroom disruption. They are not just bratty"that's real killing intent right there.

I mean, how did they even think that we're trying to kill them, or that we killed Shizu san?

There's something else at work here.

That day, we couldn't continue the lesson.

I don't know their circumstances, so I can't just force my will on them.

So, that day ended with just a greeting.

ŒK-Ken-chan... are you okay?

ŒStay away! That mask wearing instructor... what the hell was that!

ŒHey! Calm down, calm down, okay!!!

I could hear them making noise beyond the door, but I paid it no mind.

I only allowed another member to introduce themselves. Ranga, I mean.

He's probably observing the class instead of me. How pleasant.

But the kids who clearly lack the will to solve the problems he handed out, seem keen on playing around.

So the fact that today's lesson became Self-Study is something I could not have prevented.

So, leaving the rest to Ranga, I decided to visit Yuuki.

Inside the Freedom Association Chief's room.

Yuuki and I are holding a discussion while sitting on the sofa.

A pleasant aroma drifts from cup of tea before us.

I continue the conversation.

ŒSo.... please tell me the kids' circumstances

I get straight to the point.

Yuuki looked me straight in the eye, and after thinking for a bit,

ŒRimuru-san, let me ask you a question...

How much do you know abut Sakaguchi Hinata?

What's that about? Did something happen between Hinata and the kids?

ŒNot much. She's a fellow Japanese.

And that she remembers things quickly"so Shizu-san said...

Hmph, he nodded in response,

ŒIn that case, how about the difference between "Summoned" and "World Travelers"?

Now that he mentions it, I don't know much about them either.

They are guaranteed to possess a unique skill. And, the summoning success rate is low.

Also, they have a curse carved into their souls.

I told him that much.

ŒYes. That matches everything that we have learned about them. You know a lot, don't you...

Anyways.

Summoning requires very definite circumstances to be prepared as to allow you to summon a person with powerful abilities.

Someone whose will is especially strong.

Now then, what about summoning conducted under incomplete conditions?

Yuuki's following explanation made me feel sick.

The success rate with thirty magicians chanting summoning magic over the period of three days is a less than 0.03%.

Moreover, a magician who has used summoning magic, cannot use it during a set interval.

The rest period ranges from 33 to 88 years. Usually, the time is used to prepare the environment to better the chances of the summoning.

Now, what would happen if you ignored these rules?

If you do, there are less requirements to conduct the summoning and you can continuously summon.

According to what Yuuki said, summoning conducted thus usually results in children being summoned.

Children with strong souls or abundant magic are forced over here. Without being granted the ability befitting them...

Without a unique skill, the abundant magical energy causes their bodies to implode.

They are fried alive by the powers they possess.

ŒEh? Wait a minute, then are those kids?

Œ.... At the moment, the record is three years..

That is the lifespan of those improperly summoned.

And, those kids have been summoned like that...

Failing to become heroes.

ŒWha... Huh? Heroes? Why would...

Were they forced into this by Sakaguchi Hinata?

Yuuki does not answer.

However, his silence only confirms my suspicions.

ŒThe church is seeking a new hope, a new power.

The wish of all humans"light. Humanity's messiah, the "Hero"!

I have secretly investigated many facilities and broke the children out...

ŒWhat... the hell...

ŒI have not found a way to prevent their deaths.

Children under the age of ten are no exception"if they do not possess a unique skill, they will surely die...

ŒAren't the summoners bothered by the loss? Aren't these "failures" dissuading them or something?

ŒThey calmly summon more and more. Since they can just continue doing so, they don't care. That's probably what they are thinking...

ŒAre you kidding me? Why have you allowed the church to continue existing?

ŒThe church... the Western Saint's Church if influential.

Surrounding the Jura Forest, other than the Heretic Country Sarion, every country is a devout follower of the church.

Do you understand? That's not a power we can defeat even with the Government's support.

There's also believers among my associates.

If we make the church our enemy, the Association would fight with itself!

Yuuki said, his expression pained and powerless.

Nor could I add anything. To think that those lively kids will...

And that's why they met me with hostility and hatred.

ŒHey. Why did you have me meet the kids? Why did you tell me all this?

Œ... Why, indeed? Maybe I wanted to see if you could come up with a way to save them.

I don't have anyone in the world I could rely upon. I've already lost Shizu-san.

If you hadn't noticed, I wouldn't have told you anything.

So why did you notice?

Damn it.

If I hadn't noticed, I could have sent them on their way merrily.

Now that I have, how can I be merry? What a bad joke...

ŒIsn't it dangerous to have the school so close to a church?

ŒFufu. On the contrary, it's the safest place. You've heard the expression: it's darkest under the lamppost?

So, what will you do? Will you quit?

I looked Yuuki straight in the eye.

And loudly declared,

ŒI will not quit, and will proceed as I wish from now on. Any complaints?

Yuuki nodded.

And,

ŒI leave them to you. If you can, please save those children...!

He said, lowering his head.

No need to tell me.

That's another task Shizu-san had left behind. I'll see it through.

And, chances are, this whole conversation was planned by Shizu-san ahead of time.

Just a stray thought.

I leave the Freedom Association building and return to the classroom.

Now, now. Can't greet them with a gloomy face.

I'll do what I can. That's all I've been doing thus far.

Shizu-san depended on me, Yuuki asked this of me, all I can do is to answer their hopes.