The darkness of the void was a strange place for logical thoughts. The moment my life on Earth flickered out, I didn't see a tunnel of light. I saw a menu of possibilities. A mechanical voice, which I immediately recognized as the "Voice of the World," began to list statistics and reincarnation options.
I knew exactly where I was. I had read the light novels, watched the anime, and knew every arc of that plot. I was in the universe of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. And I knew one thing: in that world, if you aren't the predator, you are the prey.
«Soul Desire detected. Select starting form and abilities.»
I didn't want to be a common monster or a generic Demon Lord. I wanted someone who commanded respect just by existing—someone whose design was synonymous with absolute power and nobility. As a fan, the choice was obvious.
"I want the form of Sirzechs Gremory. And I want the Power of Destruction."
«Confirmed. Form: Sirzechs Gremory (Adapted to Magicule system)... Success.» «Acquiring Unique Skill: Visionary... Success.» «Acquiring Unique Skill: Power of Destruction... Success.» «Magicule Stock: Infinite (Optimized by Visionary)... Established.»
I felt my body being reconstructed. The weight of the long crimson hair, the density of the crimson aura. I wasn't the Sirzechs from the original work; I was a human from Earth using the ultimate "skin" and abilities I designed myself to dominate the laws of this world.
When I opened my eyes, sunlight filtered through the canopies of giant trees. The scent of rich vegetation and the pressure of magicules in the air confirmed it: I was in the Great Forest of Jura.
"Finally..." My voice sounded deep, carrying a natural authority.
I needed a starting point. I knew the plot and knew that Rimuru was beginning his journey somewhere around here. But I needed my anchor—someone who could manage logistics while I handled creation.
I imagined the only person capable of bringing order to someone with my power. I used [Visionary] to manifest the image of perfection, loyalty, and rigor.
Silver snowflakes began to fall under the hot sun. Space distorted, and before me, Grayfia appeared. She opened her silver eyes and looked at me with that cold, rigorous analysis. She knelt, ice cracking beneath her maid's dress.
"Lord Sirzechs. Why are we in the middle of this disorderly forest?" Her voice was like silk over ice. "This environment lacks any structure befitting your presence."
I smiled, walking toward a nearby tree.
"Grayfia, this world is a blank canvas. But before we paint, we need a foundation. We are here because this forest is the heart of everything that is about to happen."
«Individual: Grayfia Lucifuge has acquired Ultimate Skill: [Gabriel, Lord of Absolute Order].»
"I understand," she replied, her eyes glowing with a blue light of analysis. "You have the power to imagine the foundation, but this place is chaos. If we are to stay here, we need immediate order."
I closed my eyes and used [Visionary]. I imagined the concept of "Hollows." Beings born from the void, ready to be molded. Around me, the shadows of the trees rose. White bone masks emerged and ethereal bodies materialized. There were about thirty low-level beings, trembling before my crimson presence.
"Listen," I said, crossing my arms. "I have given you life. You are not just monsters; you are the beginning of a will. Choose what you wish to be."
One of the Hollows, clumsy, tried to organize stones for me to sit on. Grayfia sighed and walked over to it.
"No, no. If you are going to make a seat for Lord Sirzechs, use geometry." She touched the ground, and ice sculpted a throne of crystal. "You are too permissive, Sirzechs-sama. If we leave it to them, we will have a village of mud."
"The grace is in seeing what they choose to become, Grayfia," I laughed, sitting down. "But for now... organize them."
Grayfia activated [Gabriel], mapping the potential of every being there.
"Very well. You masked beings, line up. I will evaluate your capacities for manual, intellectual, and combat labor. Lord Sirzechs desires a nation; I shall deliver a perfect machine."
I watched as she transformed those monsters into an organized workforce. I knew what was coming next: Orcs, Kijins, and the Slime. But looking at my subjects beginning to build the first foundations of white stone, I knew my story would be different.
"Rimuru..." I whispered, sensing a constant vigilance coming from the shadows of the forest. "I hope you're ready for a neighborhood that's a bit more... sophisticated."
In the shadows, hundreds of meters away, Souei broke into a cold sweat. He needed to warn Tempest: a Crimson King and his Ice Queen had claimed the forest.