Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken novel Chapter 66

After sending Grucius back to Tempest, I tried to return myself but the skill wouldn't activate.

What's going on?

Grucius did just disappear in front of me a second ago, though...

These questions,

‰ªAnnouncement. You are inside a wide-range barrier. Transfer skills are sealed.‰«

were answered by theŽGreat Sage.

What?

I'm getting a bad feeling about this.

A feeling of impending doom that I have never felt before.

When Milim invaded, I did not feel any killing intent from her; so I was not that worried. But this time, all my senses are sounding the alarm.

Have I fallen into a trap?

I tried calling for Ranga from within my shadow, but he did not respond.

Seems like this barrier has completely isolated me from the outside world.

So it seems that I can neither call for aid nor escape.

The feeling of dread led to me to set up some things as insurance. At least I can still use my skills...

‰ªAnnouncement. You are inside a wide-range barrier. All magic energy manipulation abilities have been sealed.‰«

What?!

That basically includes every type of magic that I use; even flame and lightning abilities have been sealed.

Moreover,ŽSteel Threadand thread manipulation abilities have also been sealed.

So instead of thinking that I wandered into somebody's hunting ground, I am the one who is being hunted?

They permitted Grucius departure in order not to fight both of us at once. Had I decided to leave first, though, they might not have waited.

In that case, they can probably sense the flow of my magic.

What could they be planning?

I take stance in response to a relentless killing intent, and wait for the enemy to appear. I am of course trying to dispel the barrier, but to do that I need theŽGreat Sageto analyze it first.

However, these long range barriers require more time to be analyzed.

In other words, I'm in a pinch.

This was the first time I felt my heart beat faster out of anxiety.

It was anxiety that I have never felt since coming into the world.

That could have been the result of me changing into the slime, but chances are, it's mostly due to the predictive abilities of theŽGreat Sage.

Before I undertake anything, it can estimate the chances of me succeeding.

Which is why I have been able to face strong opponents fearlessly. Though they were strong, I could predict the outcome.

On the other hand, even facing certain defeat I did not feel anxious.

If I can't win, I should just run away. If I can't run away, let's at least punch them once.

But none of that mattered in this case. Here, without knowing my opponent's strength, I cannot predict the outcome.

However, I do feel their killing intent.

I don't know whether I can win, and I cannot run away. Nor do I know how many enemies I am facing.

A few humans would be needed to set up a barrier this large.

However, ŽHeat Perceptionis detecting only a single body approaching;ŽMagic Perceptionis not responding.

So if I turned into a slime, I would be essentially blind.

In other words, I have lost that amazing perceptive ability and cannot view the entire battlefield at once.

The moment I was caught in this barrier, my chances of winning have fallen significantly.

However, to go out of one's way to seal an opponent's abilities...

So it's possible to fight like this. Moreover, the enemy doesn't even realize that they have been separated from the outside world.

Clearly the work of someone who professionally hunts monsters.

Chances are, the barrier is at least 4 kilometers wide. It's boundary is completely outside of my sight.

Their meticulousness is terrifying.

(Just who would do this, and why are they hunting me?)

When I thought that,

ŒPleased to meet you, should I say? Though I won't know you for long

A single person walking towards me threw such words at me.

I thought so for a while now, but I feel like I've seen her somewhere.

A nostalgic feeling when looking at her.

She has beautiful, glossy black hair at about shoulder height, with the left side swept back and the right almost covering her eye.

She wears small round glasses, which could be described as her defining characteristic.

I wonder if she wears them out of fashion, since her eyes don't seem particularly bad.

She wears dark clothing that's easy to move around. However, by the quality of it, the clothing is clearly made for ceremonial occasions. Rather than a skirt, she wears pants.

Her body is bound by a robe, the kind the clergy wear, dyed black.

Though I am a fan of black myself, hers is an unnatural fascination with the color.

Her eyes, cold and cruel, display profound wisdom.

Other than the cold glare, she can only be described as beautiful

ŒPleased to meet you, but do you have some business with me?

My name is Rimuru; could there be some misunderstanding here?

It's probably pointless, but no harm in trying.

She clearly has targeted me. There's no way she made a mistake.

But even so, I'd rather not get killed because of a misunderstanding.

ŒOf course not, there is no mistake here.

Master of the Monster's City. You know, it's a bother.

So I decided to crush it.

Which is why your return would be a great inconvenience.

You understand, don't you?

Without any hesitation and as if bored, she explained herself.

"Ah, I see!" Isn't something I can just say here.

But how does she know that I rule over Tempest?

ŒWhy do you call me a monster, and some monsters' city lord?

I'm just a normal adventurer, can't you see?

ŒHuh? Are you playing dumb?

Well, it's no use. I have my sources.

I won't tell you who, of course, but this much I'm certain about.

There are many "eyes" in the Royal Capital. You should be more prudent with your secrets.

An informant, she says?

I have no idea who it could be. I would have noticed if I were being followed and I was careful with my contacts.

I don't get it. Well, I do understand that she's out to kill me, though.

This is really bad.

She is armed with a rapier hanging on her hip.

She isn't wearing armor and appears rather carefree.

I can't feel the presence of anyone else around, seems like the people who created the barrier will not be joining the fight.

They planned a certain-kill trap but only sent one person?

Or does that mean that she's simply that powerful?

But this is not the time to be pondering these things. Tempest might be getting attacked this very moment.

After raising an army, it would take them about a week to reach the city.

How many days did it take Grucius to travel from Farmas Kingdom to Ingrasia Kingdom?

If he was running without rest, I'd say about three days.

The plan was for me to return immediately, but, as things stand, I can only lament my ignorance.

All I know is that I don't have the time to fool around.

ŒSeems that even if I claimed that you've got the wrong person you won't trust me, will you?

ŒNope. After all, I've heard that the master of the monsters is named "Rimuru"

ŒAh, is that so...

She got me. To think that she has even heard of my name.

ŒCan we start now?

ŒI'd prefer not to, but can I at least hear your name?

I said to her, who was drawing her rapier.

The beauty tilted her neck, and said

ŒI haven't told you, huh. Didn't really care, so I forgot.

In that case, one more time.

I am the "Emperor's Personal Knights Battalion" Knights Captain.

Sakaguchi Hinata is the name.

Our acquaintanceship shall be short, and not a pleasant one.

She drew the rapier.

Seven jewels adorned the hilt of her silver blade.

Crimson magic enveloped it. A Magic sword, it seems.

But to think that she is Sakaguchi Hinata...

I heard that she was the ultimate pragmatist who doesn't like to follow through.

That seems to be a misconception. She learned about me, and everything regarding my city.

But, more importantly.

I still have to "thank" her for having messed with the kids.

Thank goodness she's intending to fight. I can mercilessly crush her.

But just for the sake of time, if I can negotiate out of this, I will.

So while drawing my sword,

ŒHinata, you say? Wait a second, I've been meaning to talk to you!

ŒI don't know what a monster could possibly mean to tell me, but I'm not planning to listen.

ŒWait, I said. You're Japanese, and so am I. Shizu-san has asked me to look...

ŒI know. That you killed Shizu-sensei. So this is revenge.

Besides, a monster being a Japanese? What a ridiculous thing you say, don't try to make me laugh

Doesn't seem like she'll believe me.

Right! I thought of a way and,

ŒI've been telling you: I'm Japanese! I died over there and reincarnated as a slime in this world!

I said, in Japanese.

Surprise colored her face.

ŒHow skillful... where have you learned those words?

But, that's not how this works. The chance of that occurring is astronomically low.

Moreover, the chance that such a person is talking to me right now on top of that makes it impossible.

In other words, there's no need to even consider your words.

She completely disregards anything I'll say.

I had thought she may believe if a monster suddenly starts speaking Japanese, but...

ŒSo you are planning to fight no matter what, huh?

Well, then let me pay you back for messing with the kids!

And besides, do you think that you'll be enough to defeat me?

I declared.

Even if she is a "World Traveler", I possess the power rivaling demon lords.

No matter how far my abilities have been restricted, I can hardly imagine losing to her.

Is what I thought, but...

ŒHmm? What kids are you talking about?

Besides, I'm surprised. Are you honestly thinking that you can win against me in this barrier?

She smiled in amusement and whispered the response.

In the next moment, seven rainbow colored lights shot out from her sword.

A series of high speed thrusts. The afterimage matches the color of the jewels?

I tried to avoid it, but my body felt heavy.

Seriously! Even physical abilities are restricted.

In spite of my attempts, I was hit thrice.

A burning pain ran through my body. Pain? I felt something I should be resistant to.

ŒHmm? Not all of them hit I see.

I am impressed by your evasive abilities. I wonder how far you can go?

Without giving me a second to rest, she resumed her onslaught.

I tried blocking the hits with my sword. But as if her thrusts were passing through the sword, I was hit again.

Feeling imminent danger, I jumped away from her.

Thus, I was hit four times. Somehow, I feel that taking any more hits is dangerous.

ŒOh, have you noticed this skill's powers?

There have been plenty of fools who have perished without offering even a hint of resistance...

Seems like you're a bit brighter than the rest

With a small nod, she complimented me.

Not that it makes me happy.

This skill probably transmits pain not to the nerves, but directly to the soul. So there's no way to guard against it.

The fact that there is not a single wound on my body is proof.

I had theŽGreat Sagerun some predictions based on my observations. It seems that I will die if I get hit thrice more.

Not the death of the flesh but of the soul itself.

What an absurd skill. But I can't be certain whether this is a skill or an ability of the magic sword.

Honestly, seems like I was underestimating my opponent too much.

Sakaguchi Hinata. She definitely has a unique skill.

On top of not knowing what it is, the fact that my abilities are sealed put me at a great disadvantage in this fight.

In fact, I probably should have attempted escaping since the moment I found out I was trapped inside the barrier.

Though whether I could escape or not...

I'm constantly a step behind.

From what I tried out, neitherŽBlack Flame,ŽBlack Lightning, norŽBarrier can be used.

Moreover, sinceŽCloning,ŽDevil Transformation, andŽFire Changeare also magic energy manipulation abilities, I can't even transform.

All my certain-win skills having been sealed without even having a chance to put them to use.

Not that I am completely defenseless, though.

ŒFumu. What are you planning, I wonder.

It's useless, you know?

A rank monsters trapped in the Holy Barrier cannot live for long.

C rank monsters are immediately purified.

Don't you understand? The barrier purifies magical energy itself.

Therefore, high level monsters like you lose most of your power and cannot fight as you normally would.

It is the strongest barrier the church has against you monsters.

Normally, it is used for Disaster Class A rank monsters and above...

Oh and you said that I wouldn't be enough to kill you, but there was hardly a need for me to come out.

It's overkill.

But, I guess I did want to try talking to you once.

Since you killed Shizu-sensei.

Perhaps not revenge, but she would have wanted me to kill you, no?

ŒI did technically kill Shizu-san, but that was...

ŒThat was? Doesn't matter. She was the only person who was nice to me in the whole world. And now she is gone...

Not a feeling I myself understand. She murmured and looked at me.

Her eyes simply declare me as her prey.

After showing such an overwhelming difference, she stands motionless.

Her confidence probably comes from the power she has just displayed.

And, if I trust what she is saying, my chances of victory inside the barrier are next to none.

If I don't dispel it, I will certainly lose.

But, she believes me to be Shizu-san's nemesis? That I don't get.

Since a while ago, something about her conversation seems off.

But there's no time for that.

If anything, I mostly worry about...

ŒThis barrier can only be created by the Holy Knights. So don't worry.

The ones sent to your city cannot use it.

But, creating a weak barrier is part of our curriculum, so they will create a weak one.

Before long, you'll lose a place to return to, you see?

Not that you'll be able to return

As I thought; if they use such a barrier to attack Tempest, my friends will be in danger.

They are an opponent we must immediately crush. But how unexpectedly annoying they are!

My only option is to use attacks that don't use magical energy.

That is"the sword and unique skills.

Her sword hand is superior to mine. My physical strength is slowly falling"that much is true"but she hasn't shown her true skill yet either.

I don't want to believe it, but I feel the same pressure from her that I do from Hakurou.

Which is why I have to depend on unique skills to defeat her.

That wasn't something I wanted to reveal. I am hesitant to use it, but I have no choice.

First, I raised my abilities usingˆFighting Spirit Technique‰. Moreover, I activatedŽHerculean Strength.