Chapter 39: The Hostile Market Entry
"I'm not fighting them, Rimuru. I'm giving them the bill," I pulse, my internal persona watching the Falmuth delegation retreat through the stone arches of the assembly hall. "Falmuth Envoy, tell your King this: The City of Tempest does not accept hostile takeovers. Your proposal is rejected."
The air in the room remains heavy even after the doors slam shut. Shogo's laughter still echoes, a jagged, unpleasant sound that irritates my internal sensors. In my world, a man like that is a mid-level thug who thinks he's a majority shareholder. In this world, he's a biological weapon with an ego that's dangerously over-leveraged.
"Shinji, we need to prepare," Rimuru says, his voice losing its usual lightheartedness. He removes the mask, his expression uncharacteristically grim. "If they have an army coming, we can't just wait here for them to start the collection."
"I've already initiated the contingency protocols, Rimuru," I pulse, my dark, polished surface shimmering with a cold, metallic light. "Souei, I need eyes on the main force. I want a full breakdown of their logistics, troop count, and most importantly, the movement of those Otherworlders."
Notice. [Analytical Appraisal] is detecting a massive magicule shift in the upper atmosphere. A secondary barrier is being constructed outside the city limits. Identification: Anti-Monster Barrier. It is designed to weaken the magicule output of all non-human entities within its radius.
An Anti-Monster Barrier. How charming. It's like a regulatory hurdle designed specifically to tank our productivity. Azathoth, what's our current efficiency rating if that field activates?
Analysis. Under the influence of a high-tier Anti-Monster Barrier, monster-class magicule output is reduced by 60-80%. Physical stamina depletion increases by 200%. Note: [Obsidian Aegis] will mitigate the internal interference, but User's active output will be severely throttled.
"They're not just marching on us," I broadcast to the Kijin who have gathered in the hall. "They're setting up a localized economic collapse. They're going to trap us in a field that turns our very biology into a liability. It's a classic squeeze."
"We won't let them!" Benimaru snarls, his hand gripping the hilt of his blade so hard the leather creaks. "Let them come. We will show them the strength of Tempest."
"Benimaru, passion is a poor substitute for a strategic hedge," I pulse, my voice a resonant, icy frequency. "If that barrier goes up, you'll be fighting with one hand tied behind your back. We need to analyze the 'specialists' they've brought. Those Otherworlders aren't just guards; they're the 'poison pills' designed to finish us off while we're weakened."
I float toward the wide glass window of the executive wing, looking out over the thriving city. The Orcs are still paving the secondary trade routes; the Goblins are setting up the evening market. They have no idea that their valuation is about to be challenged by 20,000 Falmuth soldiers.
Warning. The barrier is nearing 90% completion. Multiple high-level signatures are approaching the city gates. The Otherworlders have returned, and they are not carrying diplomatic immunity this time.
"Rigurd! Clear the streets!" Rimuru yells, already shifting into his battle-ready mindset.
"Rimuru," I transmit, my internal persona sharpening into a lethal edge. "I'm staying at the center of the domain. I want to audit their abilities in real-time. If I can copy the logic behind their unique skills, we can turn this 'market correction' into an acquisition of our own. But don't expect me to play fair. In a hostile takeover, the first rule is to protect the principal."
Magicule Reserve: 97.2%. Location: Executive Wing Overlook. Status: Anti-Monster Barrier activating. First contact imminent. Soul Capacity: 20%.
The sky above Tempest begins to shimmer with a sickly, translucent purple light. I can feel the weight of it—a pressing, unnatural force that tries to suppress the very magicules that give me form. But inside my obsidian shell, the [Obsidian Aegis] holds firm. I am the only asset in this city that isn't currently losing value.
"Let the audit begin," I pulse.
Chapter End.