Chapter 47: The Humanoid Asset Acquisition
"The market has just opened," I pulse, my voice resonating with the heavy, pressurized authority of a True Dragon's lineage. "And I'm the majority shareholder of this forest's future."
The central plaza of Tempest is currently a soup of high-density magicules and lingering spiritual residue. Rimuru stands at the center, a True Demon Lord radiating a golden calm that makes the very air feel expensive. To his left, the Primordial Black, Diablo, maintains a bow so perfect it borders on the supernatural.
Notice. [Universal Perception] is reporting a 1,200% increase in localized magicule pressure. The Kijin are approaching. Note: Their 'Gift' traits have been successfully cataloged and compressed into the [Obsidian Aegis] and [AZATHOTH] cores.
I see them, Azathoth. They look like they've finally upgraded from regional managers to global directors. But enough with the logistics of others. I'm currently a void-black sphere floating thirty centimeters off the dirt. It's bad for the brand.
"Rimuru," I pulse, my mirror-black surface reflecting the dawn like a dark sun. "The Falmuth liquidation is over, and the resurrection project is a 100% success. But I have an outstanding requisition. That spirit-engineered vessel you were crafting—the one intended for high-tier spiritual stabilization. I'm claiming it as my performance bonus."
Rimuru blinks, his golden eyes shifting toward me. He looks tired, but there's a spark of his old self as he chuckles. "Straight to business, huh, Shinji? I guess a name from Veldora didn't change your personality one bit."
"A name is a branding change, Rimuru. The core business model remains the same," I respond. "I have the [Universal Shapeshift] logic now, but simulating a skeletal structure from scratch is a waste of processing power. I need a dedicated hardware shell."
"Fair enough," Rimuru says, waving a hand. A shimmering, translucent mannequin-like form appears from his [Stomach]—a body crafted from high-grade magic-steel and spiritual fibers, originally meant as a prototype for his own experiments. "It's high-maintenance, but I think you're the only one who can afford the magicule bill to keep it running."
[Absorption]
I don't hesitate. I glide over the vessel, my obsidian membrane expanding to coat the humanoid form. It's like slipping into a tailored suit made of liquid gravity.
[Universal Synthesis] Integrating Spirit Vessel with [Universal Shapeshift] logic... Establishing neurological pathways... Syncing [Market Transparency] sensory feed... Success.
The transformation isn't an explosion; it's a silent, rapid crystallization. The black slime matter of my body flows over the mannequin, hardening into a sleek, athletic silhouette. I don't choose a face with "personality"—I choose a face of cold, boardroom perfection. Silver-white hair, eyes the color of a stormy sea, and a complexion as pale as fine porcelain. I manifest a suit of obsidian-colored silk using [Luxury Manifestation], completing the image of a high-tier conglomerate heir.
I flex my fingers. The tactile feedback is 100% accurate. For the first time since my death on Earth, I am standing at eye-level with the world.
"Quality of life has just increased by 400%," I say, my voice now coming from a physical throat—smooth, calm, and intimidatingly clear.
"Kufufu," Diablo purrs, his eyes tracing my new form. "An obsidian slime in a human shell, carrying the name of a Dragon. Master, your associates are truly... exquisite."
"Keep your compliments to yourself, demon," I say, adjusting my cuffs. "Benimaru, Shion, Rigurd. Join us in the council chamber. We have a world-market to corner, and our current diplomatic standing is in deep 'junk bond' territory. We need to plan for the summit."
We walk toward the executive wing, my [Dragon Spirit Haki] trailing behind me like a heavy, silken cape. The Kijin follow, their new, evolved forms radiating a disciplined power. As we enter the chamber, I take my seat at Rimuru's right hand.
Notice. Magicule Reserves: Infinite (Jura-Storm Network). Location: Council Chamber, Tempest. Status: Humanoid form achieved. Executive Meeting: Initiated. Soul Capacity: 38%.
Azathoth, pull up the map of the Western Nations. I want to see who's likely to try a hostile takeover of our borders now that the barrier is gone. It's time to show the world that Tempest is under new—and much more expensive—management.
Chapter End.