Emerging from the Cave

"Wait—someone's coming."

Mo Li quickly grabbed Rimuru and hid behind a large rock.

Just then, the gate slowly creaked open, and sunlight streamed in through the gap.

"Damn, how'd it get this dusty? Choking me to death."

"What do you expect? Look at this gate—completely covered in rust, even the patterns on it are half rotted away."

"This cave hasn't seen anyone in centuries. All this dust is normal."

"Alright, enough complaining."

"Let's stay alert. This cave isn't safe."

"The client said no one's been here for hundreds of years. It can't be that bad."

"If we run into a monster, don't you dare scream."

What came into view were two men and one woman. From their gear and conversation, they were clearly adventurers from this world. The two men wore armor and carried heavy swords—likely warriors. The woman, dressed in what looked like a mage's robe, was probably a priest or a mage.

Mo Li wasn't unfamiliar with these three. After all, their connection to the Cute King ran deep. The Cute King's destined one, Izawa Shizue—Miss Shizue—had once partied with them, even if they were just dead weight.

But weak as they were, the woman among them had a serious background. She was the daughter of Duke of Alarude of the Magic Dynasty Sallion—a major noble. And her father was an obsessive doting parent. He'd once heard some baseless rumor that his daughter had been tricked by the Cute King, and he stormed right up to the Cute King's doorstep, ready to unleash a Forbidden Magic. If his daughter hadn't shown up in time, the story might have ended with an Elf Dynasty versus Demon Country Federation war.

"Enough bickering. Don't forget our mission."

"Right, right. Cast the spell—let's start exploring."

Then, under the effect of the magic, the three vanished from sight.

Seeing this, Rimuru was about to speak, but Mo Li clamped a hand over his mouth.

"Don't talk. They didn't leave. It's probably some concealment magic—they're invisible."

Mo Li whispered to Rimuru.

"Huh, Mo Li, how do you know?"

Rimuru asked, curious.

"Use your magic perception. Sense it and you'll see."

Rimuru extended her magic perception and sure enough, three energy bodies rich in magicules stood right in front of them. But why were they so small? Even the weakest monster she'd encountered in the cave had more magicules than all three combined.

"Mo Li, Mo Li, these three seem..."

Rimuru started to say something.

"Yeah, they're not strong. But that doesn't mean no one's backing them. And we just arrived in this world—no need to stir up trouble or invite problems."

Mo Li said to Rimuru.

"Right, right. Mo Li's got a point."

Rimuru nodded repeatedly after hearing that.

"Besides, from their conversation, they're here on someone's commission. Otherwise, why would anyone suddenly show up in a cave untouched for centuries? As for the commission, I'm guessing it has something to do with Veldora."

Mo Li looked thoughtful.

"But why would it involve Veldora?"

Rimuru asked, puzzled.

"Don't you think it's too much of a coincidence? Veldora just disappeared, and now someone breaks into the cave. And didn't you say your Stomach is an independent space that outsiders can't sense? That means whoever's out there must have noticed Veldora vanished—or died."

Mo Li explained to Rimuru.

"So they came here because of Veldora."

Rimuru finally caught on.

"That's the most likely scenario. Who else would bother coming to a cave no one's set foot in for centuries? There must be some power in this world keeping tabs on Veldora. From what we know, people saw him as a evil dragon—a dragon with immense power. Even sealed, someone would be watching over him. And sure enough, not long after you swallowed Veldora into your Stomach, people show up. Veldora himself said no one had entered this cave since he was sealed. So I'm betting their arrival is definitely tied to Veldora."

Mo Li said, deep in thought.

"Makes sense."

Rimuru wore an expression of sudden understanding.

"Alright, once they're far enough, let's get ready to head out too."

Mo Li suggested.

"Great, great—let's go now!"

Seeing the eager look on Rimuru's face, Mo Li seriously doubted that if he hadn't held her back earlier, she'd have already bolted out.

Watching the three humans slowly move out of magic perception range, "Mo Li, let's go."

Rimuru jumped out of Mo Li's arms and urged him on.

Seeing her like that, Mo Li could only give a helpless smile.

Rimuru hurriedly hopped toward the entrance, rushing to meet the freedom that awaited him.

"Looks like this life's Cute King has gotten a bit bolder thanks to the butterfly effect," Mo Li mused. "No, more like she's gained a touch of playfulness and lost some of her steadiness. But then again, her past life already turned her from a guy into a girl—what's there left that can't change?"

"Mo Li, what are you still doing? Hurry up, or I'm not waiting for you!"

Rimuru's voice rang out.

"Coming."

Mo Li snapped out of it and quickly followed.

Once they stepped out of the cave, Mo Li finally felt the warmth of sunlight. Not to mention Rimuru—even Mo Li had grown restless after being cooped up in that cave for over ten days.

"We're finally out. I was almost suffocated in that cave."

Rimuru complained while breathing in the fresh air.

Mo Li took in the dense trees before him, the countless unfamiliar plants, and the crisp, clean air he had never experienced before.

"So this is the Jura Great Forest. The place where the story begins, where the future Tempest will be built."

Mo Li thought to himself. This could be called the birthplace of the Cute King.

"Rimuru, don't just lounge around here. Let's find a safe spot to rest before someone from behind catches up."

Mo Li said to Rimuru.

"Fine."

Rimuru replied, then turned and jumped into Mo Li's arms.

"Carry me. I don't want to move."

Seeing Rimuru's lazy expression, Mo Li just smiled fondly and said nothing more. After all, he had no idea when the people inside might come out, or if others might show up. For safety's sake, it was best to leave this place first.

Mo Li carried Rimuru and walked into the forest.