Chapter 2 - Village Chaos Unfolds

Dust still clung to Rei's borrowed robes (snagged from a conveniently abandoned adventurer cart) as the village gates loomed ahead. The slime—now dubbed "Squish" by Rei in a desperate bid for normalcy—bounced along, occasionally emitting sparkles that the system helpfully labeled as "Royal Aura Manifestation." Rei ignored it, stomach growling louder than the distant church bells.[System Notice: Host approaches Settlement Zone. Local Threat Level: Elevated. Recommendation: Deploy Natural Tyrant Aura for safe passage.]"No!" Rei hissed under breath, waving hands frantically. A cluster of villagers at the gate—farmers, a baker, one very confused guard—turned as one. The guard's eyes widened at the glowing figure with the bowing slime pet."L-Lord Calamity! He's here to claim the harvest tax early!" the baker yelped, dropping a loaf that Squish immediately devoured.Rei froze. "Tax? No, I just want some bread and directions to—"[System Hint: Host demands tribute. Optimizing for Sovereign Dignity. Charisma boost applied: +50 (Temporary Overlord Mode).]Rei's voice boomed again, deep and resonant: "The tribute is mine. All loaves. All directions. Yield."Villagers scattered like startled chickens, one shouting, "He's taxing our souls next! Ring the emergency bell!" Bells clanged wildly. Within minutes, the village elder—a wiry woman with a staff—rushed out, flanked by pitchfork-wielding locals.Elder bowed low. "Great One Who Tames Kings! We offer our finest—please, spare our humble hearths!"Rei facepalmed. Squish, sensing tension, puffed up and projected a holographic crown above Rei's head via some unexplained slime magic.[System Notice: Fealty secured. Village Loyalty: 100%. New Title: "Harvest Sovereign." Quest Progress: Explain Yourself (0/Impossible). Bonus: Free lodging unlocked.]First Ally AppearsFrom the crowd emerged a young priestess-in-training, wide-eyed and clutching a holy tome. Her name? Lira, devotee of the Grain Goddess, mistaking Rei for a divine avatar testing mortal faith. "M-My lord, your words are prophecy! The harvest is yours to bless!"Rei tried smiling reassuringly. It came out as a smirk. The system chimed:[System Alert: Divine Judgment activated. All who gaze upon Host receive "Blessed Terror" debuff.]Lira swooned dramatically. "Such power... I pledge my service!"Rei groaned inwardly. The village threw an impromptu feast. Rumors flew to the capital via carrier pigeon: "Slime King Overlord demands tribute—gods walk among us?"Next beats: Capital summons arrive, Lira misreads every casual remark as holy edict, or Squish evolves into a "calamity mount"? Pick or tweak!