Mo Li's True Name

Looking at the tall and mighty Direwolf before him, Mo Li's feelings were complicated. Ran-ga was even taller and more majestic than his father.

To be honest, Mo Li had killed his father, yet Ran-ga harbored no hatred towards Mo Li at all.

If Mo Li hadn't read the original novel, he wouldn't have dared to keep Ran-ga. In the original novel, Rimuru had also killed Ran-ga's father and subdued him by force.

According to Ran-ga, since Rimuru's strength was greater than his father, the Direwolf King, he couldn't blame anyone for being killed by Rimuru. Furthermore, Rimuru was powerful and had bestowed a name upon him. Since naming was etched into the soul, those who were named became part of the namer's soul lineage, which was why Ran-ga was utterly obedient to Rimuru.

Therefore, even though Mo Li had killed Ran-ga's father, he hadn't completely eliminated the threat. Otherwise, given Mo Li's cautious nature, he would have wiped out any loyal subject of the Twelve Guardian Saints or the Moe King.

While Mo Li was lost in thought, Rimuru had already decided on a name for this new Direwolf King.

Rimuru bounced happily to Ran-ga's front.

"From now on, your name will be Ran-ga."

"Understood, Lord Rimuru."

Ran-ga said gratefully to Rimuru.

Just as Rimuru finished naming and was about to name the next one, he discovered that an unusually large amount of Magic Essence had been drawn out this time, far more than when he named all the Goblins.

He then realized that all the Direwolves had already been named. Rimuru was dumbfounded.

"What's going on? I only named one, so why are they all named?"

At this moment, Mo Li found Rimuru's confused expression rather amusing.

Just then, Ran-ga quickly explained the reason to Rimuru, telling him that naming the Direwolf Tribe once was enough to name them all.

Rimuru listened, understanding only half of it. At that moment, an intense wave of dizziness and weakness washed over Rimuru.

[Note: Warning! The host's internal Magic Essence has fallen below a certain level. Entering hibernation mode. Additionally, full recovery is expected in three days.]

"It seems naming consumed too much Magic Essence."

Darkness gradually filled Rimuru's eyes.

Rimuru fell off the beast-skin mat. Even his usual faint blue glow began to dim.

Seeing this, Mo Li quickly caught him.

"Lord Rimuru."

The surrounding Direwolves and Goblins cried out in alarm, crowding around.

"Sir, what happened to Lord Rimuru?"

Rigurd said with a worried expression.

"Yes, what happened to Lord Rimuru?"

All the surrounding monsters asked urgently.

Looking at the worried expressions of the monsters around him, Mo Li felt a warmth in his heart.

"It's nothing. This guy named too many monsters at once and used up all the Magic Essence in his body. He'll recover in a few days."

Mo Li said calmly to Rimuru.

"Alright, you all can stop crowding around. Disperse. I'll take care of Lord Rimuru."

Mo Li said calmly to the surrounding monsters.

"Yes, sir."

All the monsters replied with awe in their voices.

"Alright, I'll take Lord Rimuru back to rest."

Mo Li said, standing up and preparing to take Rimuru towards their living quarters.

"Sir, please wait a moment."

Just then, a voice called out from behind Mo Li.

"Is there anything else?"

Mo Li turned his head and asked coldly, realizing it was Ran-ga. Although Mo Li had decided to come down from the heavens and observe properly, he didn't have Rimuru's good temper. It was better to maintain a certain level of authority with subordinates.

Hearing Mo Li's cold yet authoritative tone, Ran-ga flinched slightly. It seemed this sir was truly different from Lord Rimuru.

"I just wanted to ask for your name, sir."

Ran-ga said anxiously.

"My name?"

Mo Li pondered. It was true that he hadn't told them his name yet. Rimuru usually just called him "A Li." It was normal for them not to know. Besides, Mo Li didn't really want all the monsters to know his name.

"From now on, you will call me Morax."

As all the monsters bowed their heads, Mo Li's majestic words echoed.

Then, Mo Li walked towards the living quarters without looking back.

Watching Mo Li's departing figure, the monsters dared to rise, gasping in unison.

"Lord Morax is truly majestic."

Ran-ga couldn't help but exclaim.

"Indeed, Lord Morax and Lord Rimuru are quite different in personality."

Rigurd echoed the sentiment with a nod.

"But compared to Lord Rimuru, Lord Morax is more like a leader,"

Rigurd commented.

"Exactly, exactly."

Ran-ga agreed.

"Alright, let's not linger here any longer. We should act quickly according to Lord Rimuru's instructions."

Rigurd said to the other monsters.

"You're right, let's get moving."

Ran-ga chimed in at the same time.

"Everyone, get to work! We can't disappoint Lord Rimuru and Lord Morax!"

Rigurd shouted at the goblins.

"Don't you dare lose to the goblins!"

"Yes, Leader Ran-ga!"

All the direwolves shouted.

Just then, a stern voice cut through the air.

"All of you, quiet down."

Seeing it was Mo Li, all the monsters immediately fell silent, too scared to speak.

"If you have business, do it. If not, stay quiet. Rimuru needs rest, and I prefer peace and quiet."

Mo Li's words were filled with authority yet remained composed.

"Understood, Lord Morax."

All the monsters shouted.

"Alright, there's nothing else. I'm going to rest. You all go and handle the tasks Rimuru assigned you."

Mo Li's voice sounded slightly weary.

"Yes, Lord Morax."

Rigurd and Ran-ga stepped forward and bowed.

Mo Li returned to the room, held Rimuru in his arms, and sat down on a cushion made of animal hides.

They were a bit noisy in the original story too, I didn't expect it to be true in reality. But it's fine, at least I'm not alone anymore. And the crises to come will keep me busy.

Mo Li then looked down at Rimuru in his arms.

It seems his gender has changed, but nothing else. Just like in the original story. But that's fine, in fact, it's perfect.

Mo Li's feelings towards Rimuru were complicated now, he wasn't sure if it was friendship or something else. Mo Li certainly had a good impression of Rimuru, but it was far from love. Yet, he unconsciously found himself being accommodating and doting towards Rimuru, even Mo Li didn't quite understand why he acted that way.

As Mo Li pondered, he drifted off to sleep. Sunlight streamed in from outside. If anyone were to enter, they would witness a magnificent scene of a noble young dragon holding a cute slime.