Chapter 3: Cardinal World Exploration
-Vega's Laboratory-
Standing among the ruins of what had once been Vega's sophisticated laboratory, I take my first proper look around the Cardinal World. The underground facility stretches deeper than I initially realized—multiple levels of research equipment, magical apparatus, and what appears to be summoning circles designed for interdimensional travel.
[Archive]'s [Data Absorption] automatically catalogs everything: crystalline formations that store and amplify magical energy, complex magical formulae carved into walls, and research notes scattered across workbenches. Most interesting are the charts tracking something called "magicule density fluctuations" over a four-year period.
"Four years." I murmur, studying the data more closely. According to these measurements, ambient magicule levels in this region have been steadily increasing, with particular spikes centered around something marked as "Veldora Containment Site - Great Jura Forest."
Notice: the individual known as Vega was monitoring True Dragon magical leakage. Data suggests proximity to sealed Storm Dragon Veldora. Timeline indicates current date approximately four years before significant dimensional event. [Demon Sage] provides immediate analysis in its clinical, mechanical tone—a voice remarkably similar to what I remember of Rimuru's Great Sage, but with subtle undertones that suggest calculation and strategic thinking rather than pure computation.
Four years before Rimuru arrives. The realization sends a thrill through my enhanced consciousness. I'm not just wandering into some random point in Tensura's timeline—I'm here at the perfect moment to establish myself before the major canon events reshape everything.
I move deeper into the laboratory, my new Greater Daemon form gliding effortlessly through the corridors. At nearly six meters tall with a more humanoid appearance than my previous Lesser Daemon state, I've gained both physical presence and enhanced capabilities. My four wings—an evolution from the two I had as a Lesser Daemon—fold comfortably against my back, while my appearance has shifted toward the blue daemon lineage that [Archive] identified during my evolution.
The blue coloration isn't just aesthetic—it reflects something fundamental about my nature. According to the knowledge I absorbed from the daemon realm, blue daemons represent order, reliability, and negotiation. We're the "thinkers" of daemon society, valued for our analytical minds and tendency toward cooperation rather than domination.
It explains why my evolution took this particular direction. My analytical skills, strategic thinking, and preference for building alliances over brute force conquest all align with blue daemon characteristics.
A massive explosion of information hits me as [Archive] finishes processing all of Vega's research data:
{Research Summary - Vega's Four-Year Intelligence Gathering:
- Eastern Empire: 2.1 million active military, preparing westward expansion
- Western Nations: Coalition led by Falmuth Kingdom, 40M population, controls eastern trade routes
- Great Jura Forest: Neutral zone, 200+ km², multiple monster tribes, no unified leadership
- True Dragon Veldora: Sealed 300 years ago, magical leakage increasing, seal possibly weakening
- Notable Powers: Leon Cromwell (Demon Lord, El Dorado), Dwargon (Armed Nation), Lubelius (Holy Empire), Guy Crimson (Demon Lord, Mediator), Milim Nava (Demon Lord).
- Criminal Organizations: Moderate Harlequin Alliance active, conducting raids and territory manipulation}
This is incredibly valuable intelligence. Vega had been positioning himself as some kind of information broker, gathering data on all the major powers. With [Scavenger] having absorbed his accumulated knowledge, I now understand the political landscape better than most natives.
But more than that, I can see the opportunities.
The Great Jura Forest is essentially a power vacuum—dozens of monster tribes with no coordination, sitting on territory that both the Eastern Empire and Western Nations would love to control. The only thing keeping them safe is Veldora's presence, and according to this data, that protection might not last forever.
"Time to see this world for myself." I decide, making my way toward what appears to be the laboratory's exit.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-Great Jura Forest Outskirts-
Emerging from the underground laboratory into natural daylight, I get my first real look at the Cardinal World's landscape. The forest stretches endlessly in all directions—ancient trees with canopies so thick they block most sunlight, creating a perpetual twilight beneath. The air hums with magical energy so dense I can taste it.
[Magic Sense] reveals layers of information I never could have perceived in my previous lives. Magicule flows like invisible rivers through the forest, following patterns that speak of ancient magical phenomena. Stronger concentrations pulse from various directions—monster territories marked by distinctive energy signatures.
But dominating everything is a massive presence deeper in the forest. Even at this distance, I can feel Veldora's overwhelming power—not hostile, exactly, but so vast it makes my Greater Daemon abilities feel like a candle compared to the sun.
Analysis complete: True Dragon presence confirmed. Magical signature suggests physical containment but active consciousness. Estimated power level exceeds measurement capabilities.
"No kidding." I mutter, forcing myself to look away from that distant presence. Getting Veldora's attention before I'm ready would be monumentally stupid.
I have weeks to explore and establish myself. Time to start building a foundation in this world.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-Three Days Later -
The past few days have been revelatory. The Great Jura Forest isn't just a wilderness—it's a complex ecosystem of interconnected nameless monster societies, each with their own territories, politics, and conflicts.
I've observed goblin tribes engaged in territorial wars over hunting grounds, lizardmen controlling strategic lake positions, and direwolf packs that coordinate like military units. Most interesting are the occasional ogres—individual warriors of impressive strength who seem to wander between territories without settling in any particular location.
My blue daemon appearance has proven advantageous for reconnaissance. Unlike more aggressive daemon types, blue daemons are perceived as potential negotiators rather than immediate threats. Several monster groups have allowed me to approach their territories without attacking, though none have been particularly welcoming either.
What strikes me most is how these communities operate without the cognitive enhancements that naming provides. They possess functional language and cultural systems—goblins maintain complex tribal hierarchies, ogres follow sophisticated codes of honor, and direwolves coordinate through telepathic communication networks. But there's a certain... rawness to their thinking. Strategic planning relies heavily on instinct and experience rather than complex analysis. Emotional responses tend toward the immediate and direct. They're intelligent, but in a way that feels more primal than the enhanced consciousness that naming would eventually unlock.
[Archive] has been cataloging everything: territorial boundaries, resource distributions, seasonal migration patterns, and individual power levels. The information paints a picture of a region with significant potential, but one limited by the absence of a unifying authority capable of naming and thus enhancing these monster communities.
That's when I encounter my first real test at dawn while I'm observing a direwolf pack's hunting patterns. Twenty-three wolves, each the size of a large horse, emerge from the forest in perfect coordination. Their leader—a massive alpha with ice-blue fur and fangs that glitter with frost magic—approaches with measured steps, his pack flanking him in a disciplined formation.
"Greater Daemon." the alpha speaks, his voice carrying the deep resonance of natural authority. "You have watched our territory for two days. State your purpose."
I'm impressed by the directness. These direwolves operate through their natural [Thought Communication] ability, creating a collective intelligence that makes them far more coordinated than individual monsters. Their speech, while functional, carries the straightforward quality of creatures who rely on instinct and pack loyalty rather than complex negotiation.
"I seek to understand this forest and its inhabitants." I reply honestly. "I'm new to this world and wish to learn before making any commitments."
The alpha's ears flatten slightly. "Understanding through observation is wisdom. But prolonged watching suggests predator behavior. We cannot permit threats to study our weaknesses."
[Magic Sense] reveals the pack's formation—not random positioning but a sophisticated tactical arrangement based on countless hunts together. They've clearly fought Greater Daemons before and know what they're dealing with.
Notice: analysis confirms that 23 C-rank individuals in coordinated formation equals B+ rank collective threat. Alpha shows signs of unique skill development. Pack coordination exceeds normal parameters due to telepathic communication network. Recommend serious engagement. [Demon Sage] advises.
Time to test my new abilities properly.
"I respect your strength." I say, allowing water constructs to form around me. "But I won't be driven off by threats alone."
The battle unfolds with the controlled violence I've come to expect from this world. The direwolves attack in waves—first the scouts testing my defenses, then flanking groups trying to exploit perceived weaknesses, finally the alpha and its elite guards attempting to overwhelm me with coordinated assault.
Their coordination is remarkable, achieved through [Thought Communication] that lets them share tactical information instantaneously. When one wolf discovers a weakness in my defenses, the entire pack adapts within seconds. It's like fighting a single, multi-bodied opponent with perfect internal communication.
But I'm no longer the inexperienced daemon who struggled against three lesser opponents. My evolution has enhanced every aspect of my capabilities, and my skills work together in ways that create multiplicative advantages.
"[Water Dragon's Domain]!" I create a spherical zone of controlled water around the battlefield. Not the overwhelming technique I used against Vega, but a more subtle application that gives me environmental control.
Within my domain, every water droplet becomes a sensor, every moisture-laden breath reveals enemy positions. When the direwolves try to use their natural stealth abilities, [Magic Sense] combined with water-based detection makes them visible. When they attempt hit-and-run tactics, water constructs intercept and redirect their movements.
The alpha proves the most challenging opponent—its ice magic clashes interestingly with my water techniques, creating steam clouds that provide natural cover while freezing effects threaten to lock down my constructs. Its abilities appear to be an unawakened unique skill, something like [Frost Pack Leader], allowing it to coordinate the entire group's movements with supernatural precision while adding elemental effects to their attacks.
"[Ice Magic: Frozen Momentum]!" The alpha's technique encases three of my water constructs in ice so absolute they can't flow or reshape. Impressive—most opponents can't affect my spiritual constructs at all.
"[Creation Magic: Aquatic Evolution]!" I adapt my constructs, adding heat elements to counter the freezing effects while using [Spatial Magic] to create micro-portals that redirect the pack's charges into each other.
The turning point comes when I test [Scavenger]'s capabilities. When one direwolf gets too close, I create a water tendril that makes physical contact and activate the skill. The sensation is disturbing—literally consuming a portion of the wolf's essence while my consciousness processes its coordination instincts and pack-hunting knowledge.
Warning: Skill usage triggers consumption impulses. Recommend limited activation to maintain rational control. [Demon Sage] notes with obvious concern.
"Impossible." the alpha snarls as my water constructs begin moving with pack-hunting instincts, coordinating attacks and supporting each other with the same telepathic precision his wolves use. "You steal our nature itself!"
The fight ends when I use [Archive]'s [Skill Blueprinting] to analyze the alpha's [Frost Pack Leader] ability, then recreate a simplified version through [Creation Magic]. Suddenly I'm coordinating my water constructs with the same supernatural precision the alpha uses for his pack.
Faced with their own tactics being used against them at a higher level, the direwolves yield.
"You are... unusual." the alpha admits as his pack reforms around him. "Most Greater Daemons rely on raw power. You adapt and learn during battle itself."
"I prefer understanding to domination." I reply, allowing my domain to dissipate. "Your pack's coordination is impressive. I've learned much from this encounter."
The alpha considers this, his natural intelligence working through the implications. "You did not attempt to devour us when victory was assured. Also unusual. What do you truly seek in this forest, blue daemon?"
An opportunity presents itself. These direwolves aren't just powerful—they're connected to the forest's information networks through their territorial range and pack communications. A relationship here could provide ongoing intelligence.
"I seek to understand how this world truly works." I say. "The politics, the powers, the unspoken rules that govern survival. In exchange for such knowledge, I could offer protection and assistance."
The alpha's eyes show interest. "Protection from what?"
"The Orc clans have been more active lately." I say, sharing intelligence I gleaned from Vega's data. "Large groups moving through the southern regions. Someone is organizing them."
The reaction is immediate—several pack members exchange rapid telepathic communications, their body language showing signs of recognition and concern.
"You know of this?" the alpha asks sharply.
"I know many things." I reply carefully. "And I believe the threats to this forest are greater than most inhabitants realize."
The alpha's tactical mind, operating on instinct and experience rather than complex analysis, reaches a pragmatic conclusion. "Information shared for protection offered. This is an acceptable exchange. My pack will carry word of alliance."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-Five Days Later-
Storm Fang proved as good as his word. Through his pack's information network and territorial patrols, I learned about monster migration patterns, territorial disputes, and several concerning developments in the forest's deeper regions.
Most alarming was evidence of systematic hunting pressure against smaller monster communities. Someone was deliberately targeting specific groups—not for territory or resources, but to destabilize the entire forest ecosystem.
This leads to my second major combat encounter.
I'm investigating reports of "organized raiders" when I stumble across the perpetrators: a group of high orcs working with disturbing efficiency to systematically eliminate a goblin village.
Fifteen high orcs in coordinated formation, led by what appears to be an orc general wearing enchanted plate armor. Each orc shows B-rank strength individually, but their coordination and equipment suggest external support.
Most telling are the weapons—uniformly crafted swords and spears that show clear signs of mass production. Someone is equipping these raiders with purpose-made gear.
The goblin village they're attacking contains maybe forty individuals, mostly non-combatants. The goblins fight with desperate courage, their village chief shouting tactical commands despite his advanced age and stuttering speech. They're using simple but effective defensive formations, trying to protect their young and elderly, but they're clearly outmatched.
I could walk away. This isn't my fight, and getting involved would certainly complicate my efforts to remain unnoticed while I establish myself.
But watching systematic slaughter of defenseless people crosses a line that my previous human life won't let me ignore.
"[Spatial Magic: Dimensional Step]!" I teleport directly into the orc formation's center, my sudden appearance causing immediate chaos. "[Water Dragon's Roar]!" The pressurized blast sends three orcs flying while creating a defensive barrier between the raiders and the remaining goblins.
"Greater Daemon!" the orc general roars, raising a massive two-handed sword that radiates holy energy. "Unexpected, but not unwelcome. Our sponsors pay well for daemon parts!"
Sponsors. That confirms this isn't random raiding but an organized campaign.
"Great daemon-sama!" the goblin village chief calls out, his voice shaking but determined. "You save us? We have nothing to offer in return!"
"Your survival is payment enough." I reply, engaging the orcs with water constructs while [Archive] begins analyzing their equipment and tactics.
The battle proves more challenging than my encounter with the direwolves, primarily because the orcs fight with professional military tactics rather than natural pack instincts. Their formation discipline, coordinated magic support, and quality equipment make them dangerous opponents despite their limited strategic thinking.
"[Barrier Magic: Protective Sanctuary]!" I create overlapping barriers around the surviving goblins while maintaining offensive pressure on the orcs.
The orc general proves particularly troublesome—his enchanted armor resists my water magic while his holy-enhanced weapon can actually damage my spiritual constructs. Worse, he's using some kind of [Command] skill to coordinate his forces with supernatural precision, though his tactical thinking remains straightforward and predictable.
"[Scavenger: Tactical Integration]!" I activate my unique skill on a fallen orc, instantly consuming its essence and absorbing its combat knowledge and equipment specifications. The consumption feels more intense this time—not just power absorption but literally devouring memories, techniques, and fragments of personality.
Warning: Intensive consumption detected. Eating instincts increasing. Recommend caution. [Demon Sage] advises with noticeable urgency.
The information flood includes training methods, command structures, and most importantly—supply chain details. These orcs are equipped by the Moderate Harlequin Alliance. The weapons bear subtle maker's marks that match patterns in Vega's intelligence files. This isn't just random raiding—it's a systematic destabilization campaign designed to weaken the forest's monster populations.
Understanding the true scope of what I'm facing, I escalate my response while fighting the growing urge to simply consume all the enemies. [Scavenger] whispers that their power could be mine, that devouring them would make me stronger...
"[Archive: Combat Analysis Mode]!" Multiple holographic displays appear around me, showing optimal attack vectors, structural weaknesses in orc formations, and predicted movement patterns. "[Strategic Calculation]!" My enhanced analytical abilities process the battlefield at accelerated speed.
The combination turns the tide decisively while helping me maintain rational control over [Scavenger]'s influence. Every orc movement becomes predictable, every formation shift gets countered before it completes, and every tactical advantage they possess gets systematically dismantled through superior information processing.
When the dust settles, fourteen orcs lie defeated and their general kneels in surrender, his enchanted armor cracked and his holy sword broken.
"Who are your sponsors?" I demand, with water constructs poised to resume the attack.
The general's eyes show genuine fear. "The masked ones. They pay in gold and provide equipment. Orders come through dead drops—we never meet them directly."
"What is their goal?"
"Destabilization. Make the forest weak and chaotic. Prepare for... something larger."
Before I can press for more details, the general activates some kind of suicide skill, disintegrating himself rather than reveal more information. Professional paranoia that speaks to serious organization behind these raids.
The surviving goblins approach cautiously, their elderly leader bowing deeply despite his injuries.
"Great daemon-sama," he says, his speech slow but clear with gratitude. "you save our village. We owe life-debt that cannot be repaid."
"No debt necessary." I reply, though [Archive] notes the potential value of goblin gratitude. "But I would appreciate the information. Have there been other attacks like this?"
The goblin elder nods gravely, his weathered face showing both fear and determination. "Many attacks. Different villages. Always organized raiders, always leave no survivors. You first to fight them and win."
This confirms the systematic nature of the campaign. Multiple villages have been attacked by different groups of organized raiders, always with military precision and quality equipment, always attempting to eliminate witnesses.
"If more attacks come, send word through the direwolf packs." I tell the elder. " Direwolves range widely through this territory. I may be able to help."
The elder's eyes widen with understanding. "You make an alliance with our direwolve pack? That... that is hope we have not felt in many seasons."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-Two Weeks Later-
My encounters with the direwolves and rescue of the goblin village have had unexpected consequences. Word spreads quickly through the forest's informal communication networks—direwolf packs carrying messages between territories, goblin runners trading information, even the occasional ogre warrior stopping to share news.
Suddenly I'm receiving requests for assistance from multiple nameless monster communities. Most are variations on the same theme: organized raiders attacking smaller settlements, always with military precision and quality equipment, always leaving no survivors when possible.
The pattern suggests a coordinated campaign to systematically weaken the forest's defensive capabilities. But more concerning are the reports of human activity near the forest's borders. Falmuth Kingdom soldiers conducting "training exercises" suspiciously close to monster territories. Western Holy Church "survey teams" mapping forest resources. Eastern Empire "research expeditions" testing magical phenomena.
All three major human powers are positioning for something, and the destabilization campaign seems designed to ensure there's minimal resistance when they move.
Through careful intelligence gathering—aided by [Archive]'s information synthesis and increasingly extensive contacts among nameless forest monsters—I piece together a troubling picture. The Great Jura Forest isn't just a neutral zone. It's a strategic prize that multiple powers want to claim, and they're preparing the groundwork for conquest.
The question is: what do I do with this knowledge?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-One week later-
My answer comes when I encounter the group that will eventually become Rimuru's first subordinates.
I'm investigating reports of "honorable warriors" in the forest's deeper regions when I stumble across their village. Unlike other monster settlements I've observed, this one shows clear signs of advanced organization: planned layout, sophisticated defenses, and individuals who carry themselves with the discipline of trained soldiers.
The ogres themselves are impressive—averaging over two meters in height, with physiques that speak of constant training and martial discipline. Their equipment is clearly handcrafted rather than mass-produced, and every individual I observe shows at least B-rank power levels.
Most interesting is their leader: a red-haired ogre who radiates natural authority and possesses what [Magic Sense] identifies as genuine tactical brilliance. Despite lacking the cognitive enhancements that naming would provide, he demonstrates the kind of strategic thinking that comes from extensive experience and natural talent. This must be the ogre who will eventually become Benimaru under Rimuru's leadership.
I approach their perimeter openly, making no attempt at stealth. These warriors would detect any deception attempt anyway, and I've learned that honesty works better with honorable opponents.
"Greater Daemon," the red-haired leader calls out as guards surround me with practiced efficiency. "state your business in our territory."
His voice carries the weight of command, but there's a directness to it that speaks of creatures who value straightforward communication over complex negotiation. The other ogres position themselves with military precision, but their formation relies on training and instinct rather than the enhanced tactical awareness that naming would later provide.
"I seek knowledge and understanding." I reply, the same response I've used successfully with other groups. "I'm new to this world and wish to learn its ways."
The ogre leader studies me with intelligent eyes, his evaluation process thorough but operating through experience and instinct rather than complex analysis. "A blue daemon. Unusual to see one of your lineage wandering alone. Most serve established powers as administrators or advisors."
His knowledge impresses me. Most monsters I've encountered have little understanding of daemon classifications, but these ogres clearly have broader experience with supernatural politics.
"I prefer independence." I say. "Though I've been offering assistance to communities threatened by the organized raids."
The change in atmosphere is immediate. Several ogres exchange meaningful glances through subtle body language, and the leader's expression grows serious.
"You know of these attacks?"
"I've fought the raiders twice," I confirm. "high orcs with professional equipment and military training. Someone is systematically targeting smaller monster communities."
"We have defended against three of such attacks." the leader admits, his tactical mind recognizing the value of sharing information. "Each one was better organized than the last. They probe our defenses, test our responses, then withdraw when they realize we're not easy prey."
"They're gathering intelligence for a larger assault." I conclude, sharing my analysis. "The attacks aren't meant to succeed immediately—they're preparation for something bigger."
The ogre leader's tactical mind, operating on instinct and experience, clearly reaches the same conclusion. "A coordinated assault on all strong communities simultaneously. Remove organized resistance before claiming territory."
"Exactly. And the timing suggests coordination with human powers. Multiple kingdoms are positioning forces near forest borders."
For the first time, the ogre leader shows genuine concern. His people are strong, but not strong enough to fight professional armies and organized monster raids simultaneously. Their tactical thinking, while sophisticated, operates through natural ability rather than the enhanced strategic capabilities that naming would provide.
"You offer this information freely?" he asks.
"I offer it because strong communities serve my interests better than conquered territories." I reply honestly. "I'm not strong enough to claim this forest myself, but I can recognize when mutual cooperation benefits everyone involved."
The ogre leader considers this for a long moment, his natural intelligence weighing the offer against potential risks. "I am called the Red Ogre by others. If your information proves accurate and your assistance genuine, we would welcome an alliance."
The introduction follows the direct naming conventions of nameless monsters—descriptive titles rather than true names. In this case, his red hair and leadership position among the ogres.
"I go by many descriptions, but you may call me the Blue Daemon." I reply, offering a slight bow that acknowledges his authority without showing submission. "And I believe our alliance would be mutually beneficial."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-Ogre Village-
The next few hours prove among the most politically significant of my time in the Cardinal World. The Red Ogre introduces me to the other ogre leaders: the Pink Ogre (spiritual advisor with remarkable tactical insight), the Elder Ogre (master swordsman and trainer), the Purple Ogre (berserker specialist with incredible raw power), the Black Ogre (intelligence and reconnaissance expert), and the Smith Ogre (weapons crafting master).
Each one possesses impressive individual capabilities, but more importantly, they function as a genuine team. These aren't just strong individuals—they're a coordinated military unit with complementary specializations, operating through natural bonds and years of training together.
Their communication patterns are direct and efficient, focused on practical concerns rather than complex emotional subtleties. When they speak of strategy, their language is precise and tactical. When discussing their village's needs, they're straightforward about resources and capabilities. It's the communication style of people who rely on competence and mutual respect rather than the enhanced social dynamics that naming would later unlock.
During our strategy discussion, I share everything I've learned about the raiding campaign, human military positioning, and the broader political landscape. [Archive]'s holographic displays help visualize the information, creating detailed maps and timeline analyses that clearly demonstrate the scope of the threat.
"Your intelligence capabilities are remarkable." the Pink Ogre observes as she studies the projected data. "This level of information synthesis would require years of conventional scouting."
"My skills are well-suited for analysis and coordination." I acknowledge. "Though I lack your combat specializations."
"Complementary capabilities." the Red Ogre notes approvingly. "We provide strength, you provide intelligence and strategic planning. The alliance has natural balance."
It's during this discussion that we're interrupted by urgent news.
The Black Ogre returns from reconnaissance with troubling reports: massive orc army gathering in the southern forest, estimated at over 10,000 individuals with siege equipment and organized command structure. More concerning, the army includes non-orc elements—human advisors, magical siege engines, and coordination that suggests external support.
"The destabilization campaign was preparation for this." I realize immediately. "Weaken smaller communities, gather intelligence on stronger ones, then deploy overwhelming force before anyone can organize coordinated resistance."
"A 10,000-strong army could overrun every monster community in the forest," the Red Ogre says grimly. "We cannot defeat such numbers through direct confrontation."
"No," I agree. "but we might be able to prevent them from reaching full strength."
The plan that emerges from our discussion relies on my unique capabilities: use [Archive]'s intelligence analysis to identify the orc army's supply lines and command structure, then coordinate surgical strikes by the ogres to disrupt their organization before they can begin their main campaign.
It's risky, requiring precise timing and coordination. But it's also exactly the kind of strategic challenge that combines my analytical abilities with their tactical expertise.
"When do we begin?" the Red Ogre asks.
"Immediately," I reply. "every day we delay gives them more time to consolidate their strength."
As I prepare to leave the ogre village to begin reconnaissance, I realize this alliance represents a fundamental shift in my Cardinal World experience. I'm no longer just an observer gathering intelligence and testing my abilities.
I'm becoming a player in the forest's political landscape, with allies who depend on my strategic contributions and enemies who will actively work to eliminate me.
The thought should be terrifying. Instead, I find it exhilarating.
For the first time since awakening as a daemon, I'm building something that matters—relationships, influence, and the foundation for real change in this world.
Even if I don't know exactly where it will lead.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-One more week later-
The intelligence mission takes me deeper into the Great Jura Forest than I've previously ventured, following supply routes and communication lines that lead toward the gathering orc army. What I discover exceeds even my worst projections.
The orc force isn't just large—it's professionally organized with a sophistication that speaks to serious external support. Multiple command tents arranged in perfect military formation. Siege engines that show clear signs of human engineering. Supply trains that follow optimal logistical patterns rather than typical monster raiding approaches.
Most concerning is the presence of human advisors—not just observers or coordinators, but active participants in strategic planning sessions. Through careful use of [Spatial Magic] for concealment and [Magic Sense] for surveillance, I'm able to observe several planning meetings.
The target isn't just random forest communities. This army is preparing for systematic conquest of the entire Great Jura Forest, with detailed plans for establishing human settlements and resource extraction operations. Once successful here, they intend to use the forest as a staging ground for attacks on Dwargon and other non-human territories.
The scope goes far beyond anything I anticipated. This isn't opportunistic raiding—it's the opening move in a campaign to establish human dominance over all monster territories in the region.
I'm documenting command structure details when disaster strikes.
A patrol of orc scouts detects my presence, forcing me into sudden combat against eight B-rank opponents who immediately call for reinforcements. Within minutes, I'm facing a running battle against increasingly numerous enemies while trying to escape with crucial intelligence intact.
"[Water Dragon's Tempest]!" I create a massive water construct to cover my retreat, but the orcs have clearly been trained to fight Greater Daemons. Their responses are coordinated and effective, using terrain and numbers to limit my mobility options.
The pursuit continues for over an hour, with orc reinforcements constantly arriving from multiple directions. My Greater Daemon capabilities let me stay ahead of individual groups, but the coordinated nature of their response makes escape increasingly difficult.
Recommendation: Consider using [Scavenger] for rapid power enhancement. Warning: Multiple consumption events may trigger loss of rational control. [Demon Sage] suggests.
The temptation is strong—consuming a few orcs would give me their strength and knowledge, making escape easier. But I've already felt [Scavenger]'s influence on my thinking, the way it whispers that devouring enemies is the simple solution to all problems.
That's when I encountered something completely unexpected.
Deep in a forest clearing, I stumble across a massive cave entrance that radiates magical energy so intense it makes my spiritual form vibrate with resonance. The pressure from within isn't hostile, exactly, but it's so overwhelming that approaching feels like trying to walk into a hurricane.
Veldora. This is where the Storm Dragon is sealed.
The pursuing orcs reach the clearing moments after me, but as soon as they sense the massive presence within the cave, they stop in obvious terror. Even with their professional training and external support, none of them are willing to approach a True Dragon's domain.
"Greater Daemon!" one of the orc leaders calls out. "Retreat from that place! Even your kind should not court such destruction!"
But I'm not retreating. I'm staring at the cave entrance with growing fascination, because [Magic Sense] is revealing details that shouldn't be possible to perceive.
The seal containing Veldora isn't just physical—it's a complex magical construct that operates on multiple dimensional levels simultaneously. And according to my analysis, it's showing signs of incremental weakening.
More importantly, there's something else in there with the True Dragon. A presence that doesn't match Veldora's overwhelming force but exists in careful proximity to it. Something patient and analytical that reminds me distinctly of...
Notice: Detecting a slime-type creature within sealed space. Magical signature suggests unique skill possession and intelligence patterns consistent with reincarnated entities. [Demon Sage] reports with remarkable precision.
"Impossible." I whisper, but [Archive]'s analysis is unambiguous.
There's a slime in that cave. A slime with unprecedented magical signatures and intelligence patterns that match exactly what I would expect from someone with [Great Sage] abilities.
Rimuru is already here.
The realization hits like a physical blow. My careful timeline calculations were wrong. Satoru Mikami's reincarnation didn't happen when I thought it did—it happened already, and he's been in that cave with Veldora for an unknown period.
Which means canon events could begin at any moment.
The orc army gathering in the forest isn't just a random threat—it's the exact force that Rimuru will eventually confront in his first major conflict as future Demon Lord. The systematic raids, the timing, the professional organization—it all matches perfectly with the events that will lead to Rimuru's awakening as a True Demon Lord.
I'm not four years ahead of canon. I'm witnessing the setup for canon events in real time.
Standing at the entrance to Veldora's cave while orc forces maintain fearful distance, I'm faced with a fundamental choice. Do I approach and reveal myself to Rimuru before he emerges? Do I try to interfere with the events that will lead to his first major evolution? Or do I retreat and allow canon to proceed while positioning myself as advantageously as possible?
The decision will define not just my role in this world, but the entire trajectory of my existence here.
After a long moment of consideration, I step back from the cave entrance.
Not yet. Rimuru has his own path to follow, and I'm not ready to complicate it. But knowing he's here changes everything about my strategic calculations.
I have allies to protect, intelligence to act on, and a role to define for myself in the events that are about to reshape this world.
The real adventure is just beginning.