Veldora stood tall at the edge of the cave, his golden hair shimmering under the sunlight pouring through the rocky archway. Perched on his broad shoulder was Rimuru, the newly named slime, wobbling slightly as he tried to get used to the new sensation of the wind brushing across his gel-like body.
"Hold on tight, Rimuru Tempest," Veldora said with a proud grin. "The world awaits."
And with that, he began walking forward, his strides confident and steady. As they exited the dark cave, the light outside slowly intensified, and Rimuru felt warmth like never before—sunlight, unfiltered and vast, washing over him.
Then, as they passed the natural curve of stone and brush that veiled the cave's mouth, the view opened before them.
"Wooooooaaaah…" Rimuru's eyes sparkled. Even in his slime form, his core trembled with awe.
A grand city sprawled across the valley below. Elegant buildings, both towering and humble, made of fine stone and enchanted wood, rose from the earth like crafted sculptures. Roads paved in gleaming silverstone curved gracefully between districts—each one alive with energy.
Children laughed, chasing each other through flower-lined walkways. Merchants called out, displaying their vibrant goods from open stalls. Guards in polished armor stood vigilant yet calm, watching over the harmony. The air itself felt fresh—lightly tinged with mana—and the sky was a canvas of endless blue.
"Welcome to Nyvaris," Veldora said proudly. "The city of harmony and strength. Built by the will of a god, protected by those who believe in unity."
Rimuru was speechless. "It's… it's beautiful…"
"Gahahaha! I know, right?" Veldora laughed. "This is where everything begins, Rimuru."
As they made their way down a marble pathway leading from the cliffside, Rimuru took in everything. Elves, beastkin, humans, and monsters all walked side by side in peace. Every corner they passed felt alive with joy and purpose.
In the city square, a group of kids spotted Veldora.
"Veldora-sama!" they shouted, rushing over.
The tall man gave them a two-finger salute and grinned. "Stay strong, little warriors!"
The kids giggled and scampered off again, waving at the slime on his shoulder.
"Are you famous here?" Rimuru asked.
"Naturally! I am the Storm Dragon after all. But not just feared—I'm admired!" he said with exaggerated poses. "But don't worry, they'll love you too."
As they entered a busier district lined with grand structures and decorated poles, they encountered a tall, red-haired man in a black military uniform. He turned and gave a slight bow.
"Veldora-sama," he said calmly. **"It's rare to see you walk through the market."
"Benimaru!" Veldora boomed. "Perfect timing. Meet my new family member—Rimuru Tempest!"
Rimuru wobbled slightly. "H-Hi…"
Benimaru raised an eyebrow, curious. "A slime?
Named by you? That's a surprise. He must be special."
"He is," Veldora grinned. "Smart, curious, and he survived the cave for over a month. Show some respect!"
Benimaru smirked. "Then I'll look forward to seeing what he becomes."
They moved on, and the next person they encountered was a sharply dressed man with black hair and crimson eyes—his aura dark, elegant, and refined.
"Oh? What have we here?" he said smoothly. **"A new face… and one riding on the great Veldora's shoulder. Must be important."
"Diablo," Veldora said. **"Don't scare the kid.
Rimuru, this is Diablo—he's dramatic, but a good guy."
Diablo gave a gentlemanly bow. "An honor, young master Rimuru."
"Uhh… thanks?" Rimuru replied, feeling a little nervous.
"Don't worry," Veldora said. "You'll get used to him. Or not. Either way—Gaha!"
As they continued through the city, they were soon joined by others:
Gobta, who tripped while trying to act cool.
Hakuro, the stern but wise swordsman who bowed gracefully to Rimuru.
Shion, who picked up Rimuru in both hands and squeezed him lovingly—much to his distress.
Shuna, who handed Veldora and Rimuru some sweet dumplings with a kind smile.
Rigur, who welcomed Rimuru formally as the new member of their "extended family."
And Souei, who watched from the shadows with a quiet nod, acknowledging Rimuru's presence.
Each interaction was different, but they all shared one common thing: acceptance.
Rimuru was no longer just a nameless slime. He had a place now, a family name, and people who welcomed him.
As they arrived near the city's central tower, where banners fluttered in the wind and fountains danced with mana-lit waters, Rimuru turned to Veldora.
"Thank you…" he said quietly.
Veldora stopped. "Hm?"
**"For… bringing me here. For naming me. For all this. I thought I'd be wandering that cave forever."
Veldora reached up and lightly poked him. "You're my friend now. That means no more wandering alone."
Rimuru smiled internally.
And as the city of Nyvaris bustled around them, the legend of Rimuru Tempest—the reincarnated slime—had truly begun.
The sun had begun its descent, casting golden rays over Nyvaris as shadows stretched long across the cobbled streets. Lanterns began to flicker to life, illuminating the city in a gentle glow of blue and amber mana-light.
Veldora and Rimuru strolled into a quiet district near the central plaza. This part of the city was peaceful, lined with cozy homes and gardens that hummed with life. Birds chirped in harmony with the rustling of enchanted wind chimes that hung from doorways.
"This area's reserved for close friends and family," Veldora said proudly. "And since you're both, you'll be living here."
Rimuru tilted slightly. "I… get a house?"
"Of course!" Veldora puffed his chest. "You think the Storm Dragon would let his first family member live in a hole? Pfft! Please."
Veldora led him to a charming two-story home made of white stone and enchanted timber. It had vines of blue flowers crawling up the side and soft-glowing orbs floating like lazy fireflies near the entrance.
The door creaked open with a light touch. Inside, the home was simple but welcoming—polished wood floors, soft rugs, a warm hearth, and furniture designed to adapt for both humanoid and monster forms.
"Home sweet home."
Rimuru bounced slightly, soaking it all in. "This is amazing… Way better than wandering dark tunnels!"
Veldora chuckled, then gave Rimuru a little nudge. "Why don't you rest here tonight? Tomorrow, we'll explore more. But for now, some folks want to welcome you properly."
Before Rimuru could respond, the front door burst open.
"Rimuru-samaaaa!" Shion's voice boomed as she rushed in with a steaming tray of food. **"I made this especially for you!"
"W-Wait!" Rimuru panicked. "Food? But I'm a slime!"
"Nonsense! You'll love it!" She placed the tray in front of him. On it was a glowing blue stew and golden rice balls shaped like smiley faces.
Behind her came Shuna, carrying blankets and a soft, enchanted pillow. "I hope the room is comfortable. I added a spell so it stays the perfect temperature for your body."
"Ah, thank you…" Rimuru said, flustered.
Then came Gobta, already halfway through the dumplings he brought. **"Hey Rimuru! I brought snacks… uh, mostly for me, but you can have one!"
"Gobta, you dolt," Hakuro sighed as he entered, bowing to Rimuru. "Please excuse his manners. If you ever wish to learn the sword, I would be honored to teach you."
Benimaru leaned against the doorway, arms crossed. "Don't get overwhelmed. They mean well. If you need help adjusting, I'm right next door."
Then Souei appeared quietly from the ceiling beam, dropping down like a shadow. **"You're under our protection now, Rimuru. Rest easy."
"Y-Yeah," Rimuru replied, both flattered and slightly terrified. **"Thanks, everyone… I guess I really am part of the family now."
The group spent the evening together.
Shion kept trying to feed Rimuru—despite his insistence that slimes don't eat the way humans do. Gobta challenged him to a game of "mana-tag" and promptly got knocked into a wall by one of Shuna's protective spells. Shuna giggled quietly as she cleaned the mess.
Hakuro gave Rimuru a small enchanted dagger. "It may seem useless now," he said. **"But one day, it will choose to grow with you."
Benimaru sat down with Veldora and shared stories of the early days of Nyvaris—how they built the city from scratch under the blessing of a higher being and the struggles they overcame together.
"You'll fit in here," Benimaru said, sipping tea. "You've got a curious heart. Just don't let Shion cook for you unsupervised."
"I heard that!" Shion shouted.
As the night grew deeper, one by one the guests trickled out, offering parting words and good wishes.
Before leaving, Diablo approached Rimuru and gave a courteous bow. **"A name holds power, but the bonds you form will shape your destiny even more. I look forward to serving you—if the day comes when you need it."
Rimuru was too stunned to respond, but he nodded awkwardly.
Once everyone left, the house grew quiet.
Veldora remained for a moment, watching Rimuru settle on a soft cushion in the corner.
"So?" he asked. **"What do you think of your first day?"
Rimuru looked out the window where the moonlight spilled over Nyvaris. He was still a slime. He still didn't fully understand this world. But for the first time since his reincarnation—he didn't feel lost.
"I think…" Rimuru said softly, **"this might be the beginning of something amazing."
Veldora smiled and stood up, heading for the door.
**"Rest well, Rimuru Tempest. Tomorrow, we begin shaping your future."
And with that, he vanished into the night breeze.
Rimuru closed his senses slowly, the warmth of the room lulling him into sleep.
For the first time since waking in the dark… he dreamed.