Aghanim's Rubick Chapter 6:

Chapter 6:

“Pwah!” The sound of satisfaction sounded from the sentient blob next to me, “This is some amazing Sake, Rubick.”

The Slime had just finished draining a cup of said liquid, appreciating the beverage. Shingen had insisted on holding a feast to welcome our guests, as they were staying a few days and were foreign dignitaries, the Slime being the Lord of his Goblin Village and all.

“I’ll have to take your word for it.” I smiled, taking a sip of my water.

“Do you not drink?” Shizu asked curiously, seated on the other side of the Slime.

“I tried, but this body only consumes magic. Alcohol is entirely wasted on me.” I responded, “Besides the taste, it does nothing for me. A lot of work goes into producing liquor, giving it to someone who cannot appreciate it fully seems a waste.”

Indeed, I had tried a variety of potions and delicacies since I had arrived, only for none of them to have the slightest effect upon me. The base ingredients were rendered down to pure magic and fed into my Core, but aside from that I gained nothing from consuming food and drink.

I was just thankful I could still taste them. Life without flavour would be dreadfully dull.

The head brewer of the village who was also attending the feast, chimed in from his position further down the table, “Lord Rubick is very considerate, but merely having you sample the taste would be enough for us.”

I inclined my head at the bearded Oni, who I had named Morgan. He used to be part of the Village Guard, so he had earned the nickname ‘Captain’ from the rest of the Ogres before I arrived. Yes, his name was from a rather famous alcohol brand back home, but cut me some slack. Coming up with hundreds of names in a month was not easy.

“Thank you, Morgan.” I spoke to him, “I shall take you up on the offer soon.”

“We would be honoured.” He responded, bowing as much as his position would allow.

“Man.” The Slime interjected, the words coming out slightly slurred, being on its third cup as it was, “That must suck, not being able to get drunk. I’m glad I still can.”

“I was not particularly fond of the activity even in the past, I must admit.” I mused, the effect that strong drink had on my mind was not something I relished.

“You know, most who do not enjoy being drunk with friends are control freaks.” Shizu teased slightly, causing Hanako to bristle from my other side.

Her anger was abated when I laughed, “Fully guilty as charged. I like being in control of my own actions.”

“Hoh…” Shizu smirked at that, before Lanaya piped up from her side.

“You came from the same place as Rubick?” The purple Oni’s voice was excited and rapid, “Would you mind telling me about it?”

“Ah.” Shizu blinked, “I came here a long time ago, I’m sure things are very different. In fact, my country and his were at war when…”

She trailed off, the subject obviously uncomfortable for her. I looked to the Slime, feeling its attention on me as well, before I spoke.

“That war was a long time ago, Shizu. Japan is an amazing, peaceful country now, great friends with many others all over the world.”

She smiled at my words, a brief shiver running through her, “I’m glad to hear it.”

“If you want to know about Modern Earth, where we come from, I can tell you all about it!” The Slime offered, drawing the attention of the Onis onto itself, “Ask anything you want! I have an amazing memory, you know?”

Lanaya soon took advantage of the offer, much to the interest of the other Oni present, all of them chiming in with their own questions and remarks, the ice well and truly broken. Looking at this taking place, as good cheer and conversation filled the dining hall, I leaned back and softly sighed.

My body didn’t show reactions instinctively, so the wince that the movement would have provoked should I still be flesh and blood was absent. The pain however, was still very much present. It pervaded my entire being, flaring at each motion. In fact, even talking was difficult.

Ever since I tried to Devour Ifrit, I had felt the effects. It was like a pulled muscle, but instead of a single bundle of nerves, it was my very soul. I was still unsure as to the reason why, but the theory I was most certain in was that while I was still Devouring Veldora, a process that was still ongoing and what felt like was not even a percent done yet, attempting to Devour anything else that had a significant amount of Magic would cause this backlash.

Perhaps I only had a certain amount of storage wherever things go when I Devoured them? That seemed wrong to me though, because Veldora himself would have likely taken up all that space and more, no matter how big the actual container was. Besides, It didn’t explain why I could still Devour lesser monsters with no ill effects.

It was annoying, but I was almost thankful for it. Since arriving in this world, I had yet to feel a single ounce of pain up till this point. This reminder aptly taught me that I was not invulnerable, still plenty capable of being hurt, even by my own actions. It was a good lesson to learn this early on.

Speaking of the sensation, I felt a jolt of pain travel up my arm as something softly gripped my hand. Looking down, I followed the hand that was over my own to its owner, who looked worriedly at me.

“Rubick? Are you well?” Hanako asked, concern shining in her pink eyes as she peered at me, “Ever since you went to save Shizu you have seemed…”

She trailed off, but the implication was clear. Personally, I was surprised that she had noticed. I had thought that I was hiding any indication that anything was wrong fairly well, but apparently not well enough.

“There was a complication.” I spoke, causing her gaze to grow even more intense, “But it will be fine. Nothing permanent.”

”If I can help in any way-”

“I will be sure to let you know.” I replied, turning my hand over and giving hers a squeeze, ignoring the bolts of heat that spread throughout my arm as I did so.

I must be getting more attached than I thought, because her resulting smile was almost worth it.

---XXX---

The feast had winded down, the good cheer that had pervaded the hall still present, but much subdued as it wound down for the night. I had stayed present and interacted with all who wished to speak to me, but in my condition I was content to mostly sit back and let the revelry continue without my direct interference.

I noticed that Shizu, who had been listening intently to the many tales that the Slime had been spinning about her country, was looking slightly introspective for a while. Deciding to be nosy, I engaged her in a conversation.

“Penny for your thoughts, Shizu?” I asked, causing the eyes of my subordinates to look at my conversation in interest and snapping her out of her funk.

“Excuse me?” Her confusion was evident.

Right, a 1940's Japanese woman. Should have expected that. Maybe I was more affected by Ifrit than I thought?

“Sorry. English expression. I was asking what is on your mind.” I clarified, causing understanding to light up in her gaze.

“Ah, I see. Well…” She fidgeted with her hands a bit before carefully saying, “In the moment, I wanted the solution you offered me and I don’t regret taking it to continue trying to save my students but…”

“Leaving humanity behind is a change, right?” I spoke, causing her to nod in response, “Well I don’t blame you for having second thoughts. Allow me to reassure you, whatever happens, you will have a safe haven here, for both you and your students should it become necessary. I don’t know if such an offer is helpful in their situation, but it remains open should you need it.”

She laughed slightly, smiling in faint gratitude, “I’m not sure that would be needed, but thank you for the offer.”

“It does go without saying.” Hanako said, “As one named by Rubick, you would always be one of us.”

“I know that Monsters are subordinate to the ones that name them. Is that something that.. Am I expected to act as your servant in the outside world?” Shizu nervously asked, obviously having wished to clarify this for some time.

“Rubick saved you, gave you a very piece of his being by naming you, why would you not wish to-” Hanako was cut off by my raised hand, the pins and needles that shot through me at the action studiously ignored.

“No Shizu. I give you express permission to act how you wish. In fact, should I become a threat to those you hold dear, like your students, I expect you to do your best to stop me.” I spoke, causing her to weakly nod as the Oni around me were shocked at my words.

“I didn’t think that you would, but that does put my mind at ease.” She responded, to which I chuckled.

“Yes you did. You were worried about that very outcome. Don’t be sorry, You don’t know me at all, being wary is only Human.” I retorted.

“My Lord! Such a thing…” Lanaya looked stricken, causing me to sigh.

“I do not wish for slaves.” I spoke, my voice rising to be heard by everyone present in the hall, “I expect loyalty, but it has to be reciprocal. I protect this Village and in return you have elevated me to the position as your Lord, despite my protests. We both get something from this situation. Should you feel dissatisfied, or believe I am not acting in a proper manner, I would wish to hear it before that dissatisfaction turns into resentment. Should you for some reason wish to leave, you are welcome to with my blessing. Your Names are a gift, I do not wish for them to become your chains.”

I felt drained from the speech, but made an effort to see the reactions of all present. Shizu looked taken with my words, her esteem for me rising from them. The Oni looked affronted, as if daring to spit on their protector never even crossed their minds. Hanako and Lanaya in particular looked sour at my declaration.

Hanako’s red haired brother, Oda, spoke into the silence, “None here would dishonour you in such a way, Lord Rubick. You have given much to us, for us to complain… It would be nothing but ungrateful.”

Well he had certainly changed his tune. I remembered how suspicious he was of me in the beginning, but apparently handing out free power ups like candy to his people had a way of changing his mind. Not that I blamed him, mind you. Power was a precious thing to monsters.

“Thank you Oda. But should those feelings ever change, please keep my words in mind.” He nodded solemnly at that, leaving me satisfied.

“A Name, Huh?” A morose voice came from my side, the Slime fixated on the end of my speech, “I feel a bit jealous…”

It spoke softly, it’s mental ‘voice’ unfocused, only being picked up by me.

“Would you like one?” I asked, causing it to start, wobbling slightly in surprise.

“What? Are you offering to Name me?” It’s voice was full of shock, being picked up by the nearby beings.

Feeling Hanako’s disapproving glare in the back of my head, I offered more clearly, “Sure, once I’ve had some time to recover from Naming Shizu. Ask me again if you want a Name and I shall gladly give one to you.”

“Wow! Sure, that would be great!” It’s excitement was palpable, but I raised a hand placatingly.

“As I said, ask me later, okay?” I tried to temper its enthusiasm, not quite exceeding.

“You bet! Thank you Rubick!” It’s mental voice was still slightly off, the alcohol obviously affecting it heavily.

“Don’t thank me just yet.” I retorted under my breath, once more realising why I avoided drinking heavily.

---XXX---

“You would think that Poison Nullification would work on hangovers.” The Slime complained the next morning, looking slightly flattened, like an upside down jelly pudding.

“That is one thing I do not miss, I can confirm.” I was fairly smug in my response.

The slime had no eyes, but I could tell it was glaring at me. I was just thankful that rather than being in pain, after a night of meditation I had been feeling a lot better. I still felt slightly off, but not nearly as bad as I was before.

“...Thank you Rubick. I can’t remember if I said that, but really. Thank you.” The slime spoke, getting suddenly serious.

“Well that was a shift in tone.” I replied, “But you are welcome.”

“Sorry, I just realised that I hadn’t said it yet.” The slime’s voice felt slightly embarrassed, “But really, thank you. Are you sure you don’t want any payment?”

I waved it off, “No, don’t worry. I learned a lot from this, so we are even.”

“Still…” It trailed off, obviously unhappy with that.

“My offer from last night still stands, by the way.” I spoke, causing the slime to wobble slightly, “If you wish for a Name, just let me know. We are both from Earth, so we should help each other out.”

“Ah.” It responded, “You were serious about that? What… What would I need to do to pay you back for that?”

“Hattori gave me a report last night.” I stated and sensing its confusion I informed it, “Our spymaster. He saw the village you came from. Considering how it looked before you showed up, the amount of advancement in such a short time is nothing short of staggering.”

“Ah, well… You know, I just wanted to make it feel more like home.” It spoke, embarrassed at my praise.

“You are bringing Earth’s knowledge here, trying to elevate the world to that standard of living, aren’t you?” I said, already knowing the answer.

“Yes.” It responded firmly, “I want to make a place where I can relax in peace with my friends.”

“I will help you.” I declared, “Under my authority, you will have the help of all the Ogres in this endeavour. I will also Name you. All I ask in return, is that you move to this Village and continue your work here instead.”

“Ah.” Its voice was hesitant, “I don’t want to leave the Goblins. They have been so kind to me and-”

“Bring them with.” I offered, surprising the Slime, “Look, What you are doing benefits me as well. You don’t think I miss some of the comforts from home? However, I am too focused on my research. I don’t have the time to play City Builder. You taking on that task would be a great help for me.”

“So you just want me to do this because you are too lazy to do it yourself?” It asked incredulously.

“Yes.” I was shameless, “You get to do what you want, I get to do what I want. If anyone has an issue with you, then they will need to take it up with me. It’s a win-win for both of us.”

“I was scared of being the leader of all the goblins…’ It admitted, “They were starting to treat me like some kind of King.”

I sympathised, “Tell me about it. Let me handle the mantle of leader. You don’t have to bear that responsibility if you don’t want to.”

“...Can I have some time to think it over?” It asked, causing me to smile reassuringly.

“Of course. But I shouldn’t make this a transaction. In fact, how about I Name you now and you can return to your village to discuss it with your people, no strings attached?” I offered, causing it to chuckle into my mind.

“You are a dangerous one Rubick. Fine, but I reserve the right to Veto any name you come up with.” It sat still then, awaiting to judge my first creation.

Hmm, I didn’t want to make another Japanese name from history, that seemed kind of cringe now that I had someone to actually judge the names I came up with like that. Let’s see, what Slimes do I know the names of that I can use for inspiration?

Euribite? No, too strange. Pururu was a meme name… What was the name of that one Slime? From that Monster Girls in modern life anime? Suu, I think? I could use that as a base.

“How about Susuru?” I offered, causing the Slime to consider the name for a bit.

“Did you really just combine Pururu and Suu?” It deadpanned.

“Give me a break okay, coming up with names is hard.” I complained, getting a laugh in return.

“I know. Don’t worry, I like the name. I accept.”

I rolled my eyes, but raised my hand nonetheless, “Then accept this gift. I Name you, Susuru.”

The Slime started to glow, the Name being accepted into its being. Surprisingly, I felt it pull very hard at my essence, as if I just named several ogres in quick succession. I had to increase the draw from Veldora to sustain the Naming, the glow growing brighter as a bond formed between Susuru and I.

As the glow faded and I beheld it’s… Her new form, I was struck by a question I had forgotten to ask. Before dying and showing up here, what gender was Susuru? This was relevant, because as I took in her new nude, petite, feminine form, there was a definite answer for what gender she was now.

Of course, that would not be anything out of the ordinary. Except for her reaction to looking down at her new body.

“Wait a second, why the hell am I a girl?!”