Training Rimuru

Mo Li's lips curved into a faint smile when he saw what Rimuru had done.

It seemed that not only was he trying his best to keep the plot developing normally, but the world itself was also trying to preserve the story's integrity. This must have been the world's power to pull events back onto their proper track. To be honest, Mo Li had suspected for some time that this world definitely possessed a World Will, and that it was constantly watching over Rimuru, the child of destiny. After all, Rimuru was the reincarnation of the Star King Dragon, wasn't she? In other words, she was the reincarnation of this world's Creator God—its father, in a sense. It was understandable. That was why, even when the plot changed, things never strayed too far from the original course. Just like the tribulations in the primordial novels Mo Li had read in his previous life: the greater trend could not be reversed, while smaller details could be altered. In other words, even if Mo Li did nothing now, Rimuru would still establish Tempest, the Demon Country Federation, become a Demon King, and eventually become the Creator God step by step, just as she had in the original work.

In other words, the things Mo Li had worried about from the start simply did not exist. There was no drastic change, no hidden depths—he had merely been worrying over nothing. Still, Mo Li had things he needed to do: prevent the tragedies. After all, the price Rimuru had paid to grow into a King pained him.

As an exemplary young man raised under the red flag in his previous life, nurtured by the five thousand years of history of that sole ancient civilization, Mo Li was confident that, with all these advantages, he could help Rimuru live a better life.

For example, now that Mo Li was a monster, he needed to think like a monster instead of constantly considering humanity's interests like a human. Even though he had been human in his previous life, that remained true.

It was precisely because Mo Li understood human nature that he thought this way. This was what he wanted to teach Rimuru now. But he knew it was almost impossible for the current Rimuru to accept such thinking. In the original work, a large part of the reason the Cute King matured was because of that crisis—the crisis that had nearly destroyed the Demon Country Federation. Even Shion had died in that tragedy.

In the end, it was because the Cute King was too kind. Early in the story, the Cute King had established three rules for his subjects: do not harm humans, do not fight among yourselves, and do not look down on others. Though these three rules seemed simple, they represented the three great virtues of "kindness," "unity," and "equality." That was right—Rimuru's ideal was to create a socialist world where everyone was equal. Unfortunately, these very rules planted hidden dangers for Rimuru, especially the first one, which had nearly brought ruin upon the Demon Country Federation. Rimuru's ideals were good, but he had underestimated human nature. Not everyone was, like him, a peace-loving idealist. All they cared about was their own interests.

After finishing everything, Rimuru looked at Mo Li.

Noticing her gaze, Mo Li looked into Rimuru's expectant eyes and nodded approvingly.

Only then did Rimuru let out a long breath.

"This was the best solution she had come up with after careful thought. If it still failed to win approval, she would probably have to surrender and ask Mo Li for help. After all, all these Goblins could offer her was their loyalty. Rimuru really had no use for anything else."

Just as Rimuru was preparing to learn more about the situation from the old Goblin, a commotion suddenly rose outside.

"Awoo!"

A wolf's howl rang out.

"The Direwolves are here! Everyone, run!"

"We're doomed!"

"Can anyone save us?"

"Run! If we don't escape now, we'll all die here!"

All the Goblins were caught completely off guard by the sudden arrival of the Direwolves.

"I didn't expect them to come so quickly."

Rimuru said in surprise.

"It seems these Direwolves have been watching the Goblins all along. Otherwise, they wouldn't have attacked the moment we returned from outside."

Mo Li said calmly.

Seeing the Direwolf Tribe attacking his people, the old Goblin could no longer hold back. He hurriedly dropped to his knees and pleaded with Rimuru.

"My lord, please save my people."

"Alright, no problem."

Rimuru agreed and was just about to act when Mo Li stopped her.

"No rush. Observe for a while first."

Mo Li said meaningfully.

"Everyone, stop running! If we keep running, we'll all die here! We should pick up our weapons and fight them. Only then will we have a chance to survive!"

At that moment, a Goblin stepped forward and shouted at the fleeing Goblins.

All the Goblins stopped when they heard him.

"That's right, let's fight them!"

"That's right! We're not afraid!"

At that moment, the fighting spirit in all the Goblins was stirred.

"Good. Every Goblin who can fight, pick up a weapon and resist the Direwolves. The old Goblins and young Goblins, find somewhere safe to take shelter."

The leading Goblin said.

Seeing this, Mo Li smiled faintly.

"Looks like they're not beyond saving. At least they know to take up weapons and resist."

"Rimuru, you can act now."

Mo Li reminded Rimuru.

Rimuru was a little confused and had no idea what Mo Li was doing.

Seeing Rimuru's puzzled expression—

"Alright, it's settled. I'll explain it to you properly later. And if you don't act now, those Goblins—"

Hearing Mo Li's words, Rimuru hesitated no longer.

Then she erupted with an astonishing pressure. In an instant, every monster was forced to its knees beneath that overwhelming aura.

Even the Goblins were not spared by the pressure and were crushed to their knees.

Seeing Rimuru like a Demon King capable of destroying the world, even the old Goblin standing beside her hurriedly fell to his knees.

At that moment, only Mo Li and Rimuru remained standing in the entire village.

Seeing Rimuru like this, Mo Li could not help feeling pleased, as if his child had suddenly grown up.

Having received the protection of the Storm Dragon Veldora, Rimuru's current reserve of magicules was as vast as an ocean, at least at the Demon King level.

To be honest, Mo Li quite approved of Rimuru's actions. After all, the Demon Country Federation was still desperately short of manpower in its early days. Those who could be incorporated should be incorporated whenever possible. The Direwolf Tribe was no small fighting force.

The Direwolf Tribe, pinned to the ground, was completely bewildered.

What is going on? I thought we were fighting these Goblins. Where did this pressure come from? It forced us all to our knees without warning?

After finishing everything, Rimuru bounced before Mo Li and said proudly.

"Ari, I did it! Aren't I amazing?"

Rimuru asked with an expectant expression.

Yet beneath Rimuru's hopeful gaze, Mo Li shook his head.

"This isn't over yet. The main event hasn't even arrived."