Chapter 164 (1/2)

Volume 2

Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken (WN) Chapter 162.1

162話　褒美と進化 その１

Chapter 162 Reward and Evolution Part 1

70万の帝国軍将兵を蘇生させた翌日。

It’s now the second day after I revived the 700,000 soldiers of the Empire’s forces.

魔物の国テンペスト本国の大広間では手狭であったので、闘技場に入れ

だけの配下を集め進化の術式を試す事にした。

Since there wasn’t sufficient space in the grand hall of Tempest, I gathered my subordinates in the battle arena to test out the evolution ritual.

これは帝国軍を撃退した褒美も兼ねている。

This will also serve as the rewards for repelling the empire’s armies.

一種の祝勝会である。

It’s also a victory celebration of sorts.

実の所、戦争は継続中なので気を緩める訳にもいかないのだが、今回は特別だ。

Actually, since the war hasn’t ceased yet we shouldn’t let down our guards, but it’ll be an exception this time.

士気向上という意味もある。

This is also for the sake of improving soldier Morales.

迷宮組の十傑も顔見せし、闘技場の席は兵士に埋め尽くされていた。

The Ten Lords of the Labyrinth also made their formal appearances, and the battle arena’s jam-packed with soldiers.

まあ、機密保持の為に、人間の義勇兵である冒険者達は呼んでいない。

Oh, for confidentiality, the human volunteers, the adventurers weren’t invited.

迷宮周辺都市――ラビリガドと呼称する事になった――も、未だに迷宮内部に取り込んだままだ。

The city around the Dungeon――the fact it’s now named Labyrinth-Gard――hasn’t been conveyed into the inside of the dungeon yet.

戦争中は不意打ちも考えられるので、念の為である。

This is in consideration of the fact we may face surprise attacks during a war, it’s for the sake of caution.

ラビリガドには魔法結界を張る結界石を配置していなかった。戦争が終了すれば、大規模攻撃魔法に対する防御術式を組み込む予定である。

The barrier stones haven’t been implemented into the surroundings of Labyrinth-Gard. Once the war is over I plan to perform a defensive ritual targeting wide-scale attack spells.

現状、防御が間に合っていないので、これは仕方が無い事なのだ。

Due to present situations, there isn’t enough time to implement any defenses, but it can’t be helped.

もっとも、迷宮内探索が出来ないだけで、食料なんかは取引可能になっている。

Although the dungeon can’t be explored at the moment, food ingredients can still be traded.

冒険者以外は通常営業なのだ。

Other than the adventurers, business is going as usual.

義勇兵の皆さんは、一応ラビリガドに戻って貰い、自宅待機となっている。

The volunteer soldiers have returned to Labyrinth-Gard, currently on standby in their own homes.

マサユキやアルノーと言った一部の者だけを、代表として参加を許可している位であったのだ。

Only a section of individuals such as Masayuki and Arnaud were allowed to participate as representatives.

ともかく、表彰と褒美を与える。

Anyways, rewards and commendations were given.

ついでに、魔王への進化を試すのだ。

Incidentally, I also experimented on the Demon Lord Ascension.

TN Note: for those who don’t remember, 魔王への進化 was dubbed Demon Lord Ascension all the way back at chapter 71.

俺の進化時は２〜３日、収穫祭(ハーベストフェスティバル)の影響で活動低下したのだが、今ならば帝国軍もいない。

My evolution took 2~3 days, my level of activity has dropped due to the effects of Harvest Festival, however at the moment the empire’s armies aren’t here.

TN Note: 収穫祭, Harvest Festival is the term used by the author to describe the evolution of a monster into a demon lord, probably because they harvested a load of souls for this.

飛行船部隊は後３日程でルミナスの領土に入りそうだが、進行速度を調整しているようで後２日は海の上だろう。

It would seem the airship corps would take 3 days to fly around the back of The Holy Empire Ruberion’s territory, but after adjusting their advancement speed, they would hit open seas in 2 days.

音速近くで飛行した場合は１日短縮可能となるだろうけど、どうも魔力消耗が大きく最大戦闘速度は短時間しか持たないとの事だった。

When flying near supersonic speeds, they could reduce travel time by 1 day. However, magic consumption was immense, and they could only maintain their top speed for a short amount of time.

この世界で、音速の移動手段があるだけでも脅威なので、十分過ぎるとは思う。

In this world, the ability to move at supersonic speeds is quite a threat, so I think a short amount of time is enough.

何しろ通常速度でも、時速400km程度は出るらしく、船や列車などは比較にならない速度を有しているのだから。

In any case, since the average speed for an airship is about 400km/h, when compared to a ship or a train this is pretty fast.

そういう訳で、今が丁度良いタイミングとも言えるのである。

That’s why, you can say this is good timing.

今回は圧勝だったけど、敵に強い者が居る可能性もある。

It was an overwhelming victory this time, but the possibilities of a strong adversary lurking in the midst of the enemies still exist.

ユウキが出てきても、幹部で相手出来そうなのは、ディアブロやベニマルくらいのもの。

If Yuuki appeared, among all of my executives the only ones who could deal with him would probably be either Diablo or Benimaru.

下手に手出しすれば、魂の情報書き換えによる支配効果を受けて、部下を奪われてしまう可能性もあるのだ。

If they messed up badly, there would be the risk of being dominated effect due to the information overwriting over the soul, resulting in the possibility of having a subordinate

魂の情報書き換えに関しては、智慧之王ラファエルが保護プロテクトを施したらしい。

Regarding the information overwrite on the soul, Wisdom King Raphael seem to provide protection against it.

しかし、一時的な効果しか出ないと思われる。

However, I think it’s probably only a temporary effect.

ユウキの能力を直に見ていれば、完璧に防御可能だと思うのだが、予想

しかない現在は過信し過ぎるのは危険なのだ。

I think it’s possible to set up a perfect defense against it if I directly saw Yuuki’s ability, but at the moment this is only a conjecture so overconfidence is very dangerous.

魔王覚醒による全体的な能力の底上げは、いざという時に備えての保険のつもりなのである。

The improvement of overall abilities through the Demon Lord ascension will serve as insurance for those “oh shit moments”.

TN Note: well, raw says emergencies, but ah who cares, love gato-san’s interpretation better.

万が一、覚醒した上で尚、ユウキに敗北し魂を書き換えられるとしても、時間稼ぎは可能となるであろう。

Perchance, even if my subordinates were still defeated after they ascended and their souls were rewritten, it’s still possible for them to stall for time.

遭遇と同時に俺に連絡、挟撃し仕留めるという作戦であった。

The plan is to contact me in the event of a chance encounter, commence a pincer attack with me and finish him off.

智慧之王ラファエルの予測では、書き換えに対抗するだけならば問題ないとの事だったが、念には念を入れておきたいのだった。

According to Wisdom King Raphael’s prediction there would be no problems in resisting the rewrite; even so I still want to be extremely cautious though.

(TN: This….whole…paragraph…kill…me…please…..)

最初に指名するのは、当然ベニマルである。

Naturally, Benimaru was the first to be nominated.

大将軍として、全軍の指揮を見事にこなしてくれた。

As supreme commander of the army, he commanded the troops wonderfully.

悪魔が暴れて台無しになった場面もあったのだが、結果的には問題ない。

There was a situation where a demon went wild and wrecked everything, but that’s not a problem.

素晴らしい働きであったと言えるだろう。

You could probably even call it a job well done.

「よし、ではベニマル。今日から君も覚醒魔王級になれるかも知れないぞ？」

“Alright then, Benimaru. Do you know as of today you might even become a demon lord?

「何を言っているんですか、リムル様？」

“What are you saying, Rimuru-sama?”

シュナが今回の戦闘の労いの言葉を、全兵に向けて演説してくれている。

Shuna is currently giving a speech to all the soldiers with words of appreciation for this battle.

(TN: And for some reason, literally just cuts off from their conversation into the actions of the other Executives…Whyyyy are you so confusing?!?!?!?!?!?)

俺の言葉だと前置きし、原稿を読み上げてくれているのだ。

With my words as the introduction, she read a script out loud

その原稿を考えたのは当然俺ではなく、シュナ達なのだが、細かい事はどうでも良い。

Naturally it wasn’t me who came up with the manuscript. It was Shuna, but let’s not mind the small details.

(TN: Rimuru turning into a politician with his speeches being written for him? Wait wut, did I translate this correctly?)

TN Note: Loads of politicians do that. You translated it correctly.

最近は、織物や裁縫系の技術を完全に教えてしまい、本人は趣味で自分の時間に嗜む程度になっている。

Recently, techniques relating to fabrics and sewing have been completely passed down; Shuna herself has been allocating her time for her hobbies.

なので、俺の秘書としての時間が長いのだ。

Even so, she spends a lot of her time as my secretary.

シオンは一応、親衛隊長兼筆頭秘書を名乗っているのだが、自分の部下の稽古に忙しい。

At the moment Shion was listed as my chief bodyguard as well as my chief secretary but is currently busy training her subordinates.

ここ最近はシュナがメインとなって、俺の秘書としての仕事をこなしてくれていた。

Thus recently it was mainly Shuna who was handling the work of being my secretary.

そういう訳で、シュナが演説している間に俺とベニマルの会話は続く。

That’s why, while Shuna was giving a speech the conversation between Benimaru and I continued.

「いや、魂を獲得したろ？　あれで魔王級への覚醒進化が可能らしいのだよ」

“Well, we acquired some souls didn’t we? It seems it’s possible to ascend to a demon lord using them.”

「聞いてないぞ？」

“Why haven’t I heard about this?”

「え？　だって今言ったし？」

“Oh? Didn’t I just explained abut it?”

見詰め合う俺とベニマル。

I and Benimaru locked eyes.

言ってなかったのは不味かっただろうか？

I wonder was it distasteful for me to not tell him beforehand?

いや、確か新しい力を授ける、とかは言った気がする。

No, I’m pretty positive I’ve already told him I would be

granting him new powers.

「一応、力を授けるとは言っておいただろ？」

“For the moment, I did say I’ll bestow power toyou ?”

「いやいやいや、普通、武器とかそういう感じのモノだと思うだろ！？」

No no no, wouldn’t one usually think it would be some kind of weapon!?

「むむむ、そう言われればそうかも知れないが……

でもまあ、大して変らないだろ？」

“Mu mu mu, If you say so it might be but…

But you know, there wouldn’t be much change right?”

「変わるだろ！」

“there will be!”

再び見詰め合うが、今度はベニマルが諦めたように溜息をついた事で視線は解けた。

We once again locked eyes with each other, the stare was broken this time by Benimaru’s sigh as he gave up.

どうやら覚悟を決めたらしい。

He seems to have decided to prepare himself.

諦めただけかも知れないが、大した違いは無いだろう。

You may have resigned yourself to this, but I’m sure there won’t be any significant differences.

「俺だけじゃないんだろ？　どう考えているんです？」

“It’s not just me right? What are you thinking?”

良い質問である。

Good question.

俺の場合は、魔素や魔力が10倍程になった上、魂の系譜の魔物全てに祝福ギフトが授けられた。

In my case, my magic essence and my magic increased 10 folds, and everyone soul-linked to me was bestowed a blessing.

今回はどうなるのか不明だが、大きく力が増す事は間違いない。

It’s unknown how it will turn out this time, but it’s certain that he will drastically increase in power.

だが、覚醒前の俺以上に強いヤツが居る訳だが、同様の進化をしたら俺以上に強くなるのだろうか？

But, this guy was stronger than I was before I ascended, if he underwent the same evolution wouldn’t he be stronger than I am now?

そういう不安もあるのは事実であった。

To be honest I feel a sense of anxiety.

基本、俺の配下が裏切るとは思えないが、力に振り回されて暴走する可能性とかは否定出来ない。

Basically, I don’t think my follower will betray me, but the possibility of them unable to control their powers and go berserk couldn’t be denied.

隣にヴェルドラも居るけど、俺並の力が暴走すると結構――というか、無茶苦茶――大変な事になる。

Although Veldora is nearby, someone of my level going berserk ――or rather an unreasonable level――would be a serious matter.

なので先ずは一人づつ、確実に経過確認をしながら進化の儀式を行うのだ。

Hence I’ll start off with performing the evolution ritual on only one individual to make an absolute confirmation.

そういう事情を説明し、ベニマルも納得したようだ。

I explained the circumstances to Benimaru and he seemed to have understood.

そして、絶対に暴走しないと豪語した。頼もしい事である。

And, he boasted he would definitely not go berserk. What a reliable thing to say.

シュナの演説も終わったので、早速授与する事にしよう。

As Shuna’s speech ended, I quickly tried to reward him.

「此度の戦、良く働いてくれた！　今日から”赫怒王(フレアロード)”を名乗るがいい！」

“You have done well in this battle! You will be known as

“Wrathful King(Flare Lord)” from today on!

(TN: Changed from Angry to Rageful)

TN Note: changed from Rageful to wrathful, I felt the latter had more impact

「はは！　有り難き幸せ！！」

“Haha! I am thankful for this blessing!!”

儀式を遂行する。

The ceremony was performed.

普段はフレンドリーでも、流石に兵達の前では大将軍なのだ。

He was usually friendly, but as expected before his soldiers he was their supreme commander.

ベニマルはそういう公私の区別は完璧であった。

Benimaru has perfectly differentiated between public and private.

赫怒とは、激しい怒りの意味。

Wrathful, it meant extreme anger.

普段は短気さを節制し、静かに怒りを制御出来るようになったベニマルだが、その本質は激しい炎。

Benimaru was usually impatient, but now he could calmly control his anger, his nature is like that of a raging fire.

俺に仕える（魔）王の一人として、これ以上相応しい呼称もあるまい。

As one of the (demon) lords who serve me, there is no better name than this.

(TN: Uhhh………..10 dollars on someone finding a better name than him?)

TN Note: 魔王 actually means demon king, I don’t even know why we call them demon lords in English instead, but in the raw it fits pretty well.

二つ名というか、位になるのか？

So, would this be a second name, or a rank?

(TN: Beats me, you already have a storyline that’s more complicated than Legend of Zelda)

《告。規定量[魂:10万個]を使用して、個体名：ベニマルの進化を行いますか？ YES/NO 》

>

YES、だ。

YES.

それを授与すると同時に、俺は魂の回廊から、10万個分の魂をベニマルに送った。

When I had commemorated him, I have also simultaneously sent 100,000 souls from the corridor of souls to Benimaru.

授与されると同時に、ベニマルの進化が――開始しなかった。

Once the souls were awarded, Benimaru’s evolution ―――― had not begun.

変化なし。

There was no change.

あれえ、失敗か？

hmm, did it fail?

「どうやら、もう一つ条件があるようだ……

これは、俺の方の問題だ。

俺にも世界の声が聞こえた。

どうも、妖鬼族から鬼神族に進化するようなんだが、子供が作れなくなるらしい。

寿命が無くなるので、子供を作る必要もなくなるみたいだな。

俺の未練、種族の長おさとしての仕事を終えないと、進化出来ないみたいだ……」

“There seems to be another condition….

This problem, seemed to be on my end.

I heard the voice of the world.

It seems, procreation becomes impossible after evolving from an Ogre to a Demon Lord.

Because the concept of life span would disappear, the ability to make a child does not seem necessary.

“Regretfully, until i complete my job as the leader of my species, I cannot complete the evolution….”

「……つまり、子供作らないと進化しないのか？」

“….In other words, you wouldn’t evolve unless you bear kin?”

(TN: …Okay..)

TN Note: Big thx to lion san for the pun idea XD, in all honesty thought, he alongside his kin are the last ogres, so it’s justified.

「う、む……。そういう事だな」

“U,mu…that’s how it is.”

再度見詰め合う俺とベニマル。

Benimaru and I locked eyes again.

今日は良く見詰め合う日だが、今回は俺の視線が圧倒的に強い。

There were a lot of stare downs today, but my gaze was

overwhelmingly stronger.

(TN: Why did I translate this?…..)

ベニマルは気まずそうに視線を泳がせている。

Feeling uncomfortable, Benimaru’s eyes started to sway.

(TN: Lemme, go grab a chair and some rope..Okay I’ll be quiet now…)

覚悟を決めろよ、ベニマル。

“You better be resoluted, Benimaru.”

(TN: WHY,HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?!?!?!?!? Okay for real this time, I’ll be quiet.)

小さくそう呟いて、

I whispered silently,

「モミジ、前へ出て来い！　お前とベニマルの結魂を認める！！」

“Momiji, come forth! I hereby recognize the binding of souls between you and Benimaru!”

大音声で宣言した。

I declared with a loud voice.

ベニマルは顔を真っ赤にさせて俯き、しかしその口元には笑みが刻まれている。

Benimaru looked down with his bright red face, however, a smile is engraved onto his mouth.

余程嬉しかったのか。

You look pretty happy.

硬派を気取っている割には、純情な男である。

Although he seemed like a hardliner, he was a pure man at heart.

嫌いじゃないよ、そういうの。だが、君は奥手だから、放っておいたらいつまでたっても独身だろう。

I didn’t dislike this, but if I left him alone, he’ll end up single till the end.

……ま、まあ、俺も人の事は言えないんだがね。

….We-well, I am in no position to judge others about such things though.

(TN: What, because you’re forever a virgin?)

TN Note: does he even have a virginity to begin with?

シュナは横で驚きに目を丸め、しかし嬉しそうに兄を祝福するつもりのようだ。

Shuna looking surprised had widened her, but it seems she intends to bless her older brother.

闘技場を埋め尽くす、祝福と嫉妬の声援に包まれて、ベニマルとモミジは祝言を挙げた。

The arena echoed with blessings and outcries of jealosuy, Benimaru and Momiji received congratulatory words.

まあ、今は発表だけだけど、この祝勝会という名目の進化の儀式が終了したら、ベニマルの結婚式も挙げねばなるまい。

Well, it is only an announcement now, but after the ascension ceremony that was our victory celebration in name ended, I’m going to have to host Benimaru’s marriage.

幸せそうなベニマルとモミジは後に下がらせて、シュナに手配だけ命じ。

Benimaru and Momiji seemed happy, After I told them to come off the stage I ordered Shuna to prepare.

モミジは嬉しそうに俺に一礼し、ベニマルにくっついて後に下がる。

Momiji bowed down joyfully to me and left clinging to Benimaru.

暫く歓声は鳴り止まなかったが、俺が手を上げる事でようやく静かになった。

The cheers did not stop sounding for a while, once I raised my hand the cheers finally silenced.

後がつかえていなければそのまま祝っていたいのだが、今は儀式を優先しておきたい。

When there isn’t time later on, I’d like to bless them just as it is, but for now this ceremony takes priority.

思わぬハプニングだったが、時間には余裕があるので、引き続き進行する事にした。

It was an unexpected incident, but I had time to spare, so we continued our progress.

続いて、ゴブタだ。

Consequently, it was Gobuta.

壇上に上がったゴブタに、

Gobuta went up onto the platform.

「お前には、褒美はない！」

“For you, no reward!”

そう言い放った。

So it was declared.

「ええ！？　酷いっすよ！　じゃあ、何でここまで呼んだんすか？」

“EH!? That’s terrible-tsu!  Then why did you call me up here?”

「良い質問だ。お前には褒美は無いが、褒美の代わりに一つ、権利をやろう」

“That’s a good question. There is no reward for you, but instead I’m going to bestow you a right”

「権利っすか？」

“A right-tsu?”

俺の言葉に混乱するゴブタだったが、続く言葉の意味が理解出来ないのか、混乱した表情である。

Gobuta was confused, unable to fully understand the meaning of my words; he had a confused expression on his face.

権利という言葉の意味に自信が無いのか？

Does he have no confidence in the words ‘right’?

戸惑ったような表情のゴブタをニヤリと眺め、

I look at Gobuta’s confused expression with a broad grin.

「お前は俺に対し、”今のままの口調で気軽に接する権利”、をくれてやる！」

“You are given the right to “converse in a casual tone” with me!

TN Note: Basically Rimuru is telling Gobuta he can talk casually with the king of Tempest as he would with his pals, which he already does to be honest.

そう宣言した。

So I declared.

この言葉に、先ほどのベニマルに対する以上の嫉妬に狂ったような大声援がゴブタに注がれた。

With these words, an even louder outcry of jealously even greater than the previous one towards Benimaru was aimed towards Gobuta.

TN Note: Rimuru still best waifu, they get more jealous of someone talking to her casually than someone marrying momiji…