A new-model Homunculus.
This improved version was based on Shizue's body, a step above the standard Homunculi created so the royal family of Sarion could move about freely without outside danger.
Using the power of [the body of a sage], it had been given fine biological functions ordinary Homunculi lacked, such as the five senses and magical camouflage, and it had been built from top-grade adamantite bio-magisteel on par with orichalcum. It was a vessel that did not fall behind even compared to Ria's body, and for Rimuru, who had not yet reached the [Demon Lord] species, it was honestly more than she deserved.
Not just parts of it, but every last part had been made from adamantite bio-magisteel, which meant the body itself could be compared to [Legend-grade] armor.
'On top of that, once Rimuru grows stronger and the density of her magic deepens, it should be able to keep evolving just like Ria's body. At this level, it should more than make up for the gap left by Ifrit and Shizue.'
At present, in the Jura Great Forest, the only ones with bodies comparable to [Legend-grade] armor were Adelio's group and Veldora. And since that body would later become the key to the transfer of [Mutual Aid Association] needed to obtain an [Ultimate Skill], there was no need to explain just how valuable this Homunculus was.
"Well? Do you like it?"
"......"
Rimuru did not answer Adelio's question.
From the moment he had taken the Homunculus out of subspace, [Great Sage] had been explaining its functions to her in real time, so she already knew exactly what it could do.
'...I-if I use this body... I'll really be able to taste things again?'
"Affirmative."
'And my other senses will come back too?'
"That is correct."
The five senses of a living being.
Ever since reincarnating, Rimuru's appetite had grown especially strong, so out of all the abilities, taste was the one she reacted to most intensely.
Because despite her stronger hunger, a slime was originally a monster with no sense of taste, so for the past few months she had never truly been able to enjoy the flavor of food.
"...Can I really have this Homunculus?!"
Rimuru looked at Adelio with eyes full of anticipation.
The awkwardness she had shown toward him just moments ago had vanished without a trace. Completely captivated by the thought of taste, she looked exactly like her usual self.
Watching her with a smile, Adelio nodded.
"Of course. I made it for you from the start."
"...F-for me?"
When Rimuru asked back in surprise, Adelio continued calmly.
"Yeah. Think of it as a gift from one reincarnator to another. And a gift to say I'm looking forward to working with you from here on out."
Then, adding that she should accept it without feeling too burdened, he set the Homunculus down in front of her.
......
"Report. Your emotions are rising sharply."
'I-I know! I'm just happy, that's all!'
"Question. I was merely making a report."
'I knooow... that too!'
Staring at the Homunculus placed before her, Rimuru had fallen briefly into thought. Then [Great Sage]'s voice stirred her up again, and she took a deep breath to steady herself.
"......Hoo."
Just like before, she skillfully suppressed her emotions with a single breath, drawing on the experience of her previous life. Then, with a bold smile, she shouted briefly—
"...Devour it, [Predator]!"
—the name of her second [Unique Skill], [Predator], born from her own desire.
Whoooom!
**
"......"
It worked.
Just as Adelio had expected, once Rimuru used [Predator] to absorb the Homunculus, colorless spiritrons and blue magic swirled around her and formed a single cocoon.
That cocoon, now a perfect sphere, gradually began to change into a human shape.
Fwaaa...
Transparent sky-blue hair that shone with light, and golden eyes brighter than orichalcum.
Pale skin as fair as fresh snow, and a face that closely resembled Shizue, the source of the Homunculus.
And—
"......"
"........."
"............Uh..."
—a distinctly feminine body that could not possibly be called sexless.
A body that even a three-year-old child would recognize at a glance as female had just been completed.
......
"...Ri...muru...?"
With an expression like his brain had frozen for an instant, Adelio called Rimuru's name.
"Hm?"
At that, Rimuru slowly lifted her head from where it had been tilted toward the floor and turned it toward Adelio.
"...What's wrong?"
Looking at Adelio, Rimuru appeared far more mature than he had ever expected.
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