"Please don't mind, as humans are indeed rare in the Great Jura Forest," Rimuru said with a smile. "Since you are a traveler, would you like to be our guest in the Monster Country? I will personally entertain you."
Bai Ye asked, "May I?"
"Of course. I am actually happy to receive guests. I also hope to spread the word about the Monster Country through travelers, so that everyone knows we are warm and hospitable, not as terrifying as they imagine, and will eventually accept us and coexist peacefully." Rimuru smiled and extended his hand, saying, "Please!"
Bai Ye nodded, "Thank you!"
Bai Ye walked forward generously, walking alongside Rimuru.
Bai Ye did not suspect any ulterior motives from the other party, because it seemed unnecessary.
This was the lord of monsters with physical attributes above two hundred and stamina exceeding three hundred. Although his speed could not be seen, it should not be less than two hundred!
Therefore, if the other party truly wanted to kill him, there would be no escape, as their speed would be at least twice as fast, an insurmountable gap.
So, with absolute power to crush, there was no need for any schemes.
Did an elephant need to scheme against an ant?
No, because it could be crushed at any time.
As Rimuru walked, he chatted with Bai Ye, "I apologize again for the recklessness of my subordinates, but it is understandable. The Great Jura Forest has not been peaceful lately. Beyond my area, some terrifying news has been spreading from further regions. It is even said that some monster races have been completely wiped out. Therefore, everyone is a little panicked and very vigilant, which leads to hostility towards all unfamiliar faces."
"I see!"
Bai Ye's thoughts raced.
Given Rimuru's strength, this area should be quite extraordinary. At the same time, if this area's forbidden zones were measured by Rimuru's strength, Bai Ye could assert that they were not ones that the chosen ones could currently handle.
Furthermore, Bai Ye noticed the words "Evolving" in the information scan.
These three words indicated that the other party would become stronger, or rather, was in the process of becoming stronger.
Normally, Bai Ye would not linger in an area of this level. If it could not be handled at present, there was no point in staying. Not only would there be no benefit, but he might also lose his life.
However, Shion's strength was comparable to Bai Ye's, and slightly inferior.
This meant that Rimuru should be a top-tier combatant. If Shion's strength was considered mid-tier in the Great Jura Forest, then Bai Ye was not entirely without a chance to explore.
Of course, these were considerations of strength, merely references for Bai Ye's strength tier in the Great Jura Forest area. The important part was...
There would be benefits only if there were missions!
Therefore, without missions, staying in the Great Jura Forest was meaningless.
Secondly, the value of a mission was to be completed.
A mission might not be completable, but there was always a possibility of completion. Therefore, this was also a method of judgment. If a mission existed, it meant that Bai Ye's current strength was capable of completing it. If Bai Ye's strength was not capable of completion, then no mission would be triggered.
After thinking for a moment, Bai Ye said, "I wonder if there's anything I can help with?"
Rimuru's eyes lit up, "You are willing to help us?"
Bai Ye replied, "Of course!"
Rimuru said, "But you are human, and we are monsters. You should fear us and despise us."
Bai Ye shook his head, "I don't think so. We are all living beings."
Rimuru stopped and looked at Bai Ye, saying, "If that's the case, we warmly welcome you to join the Monster Country, even for a brief stay, traveler."
"You have obtained a hidden quest."
"Pig-headed Emperor's Invasion, agree to await orders under the Monster King Rimuru, quest reward: Monster Country Residence Permit x1"
There really was a quest!
Bai Ye's eyes lit up, and then he was a little bewildered.
What kind of quest was "awaiting orders"?
And why would he need a residence permit for the Monster Country? Was he planning to settle down here?
However, "awaiting orders" meant...
"So, this quest has a continuation? The current quest is just to join the Monster Country?"
Bai Ye felt he had grasped the key point and became a little happier.
Based on Bai Ye's experience from his previous life, quests with continuations were multi-stage quests.
What were multi-stage quests?
They were when one event split into several quests, each with different rewards, or could be understood as so-called linked quests, where each link had a reward. If all could be completed...
Hidden quests plus linked quests would definitely be valuable!
Bai Ye thought as he followed Rimuru forward. Soon, the trees ahead became sparse, and a large area of buildings came into view.
Rimuru smiled and spread his arms, "Traveler Bai Ye, welcome to my kingdom!"
After Rimuru finished speaking, he led Bai Ye forward, walking across the solid stone brick floor, and then entered the city.
"Lord Rimuru!"
"Good morning, Lord Rimuru!"
"Lord Rimuru!"
...
Rimuru was clearly well-loved. Upon entering the city, people around them greeted him enthusiastically.
No, it was not quite appropriate to describe those people as "people." The accurate term would be monsters. Almost all the inhabitants of this city were monsters.
At the same time, based on the current situation, Bai Ye felt that the Monster Country should be a neutral zone in this area. Rimuru and his subordinates would maintain order here. If chosen ones entered, they would not be allowed to fight or kill arbitrarily, otherwise, they would face apprehension and punishment from Rimuru and his subordinates.
As they proceeded, they soon arrived at a beautiful mansion. Rimuru smiled and said, "Bai Ye, this is where I live. There are many empty rooms, feel free to choose any one."
As soon as Rimuru finished speaking, a blue wolf with a single horn suddenly rushed out of the house and pounced on Rimuru, sticking out its tongue and constantly licking Rimuru's cheeks.
"Good, good, stop it!" Rimuru petted the wolf's mane and then said to Bai Ye, "This is my mount, Arashi, Bai Ye. You can let your summoned beasts play with him."
Bai Ye smiled, "That would be wonderful!"
Bai Ye patted the heads of Goodra and Gengar, telling them to play in the courtyard by themselves, and not to lick him anymore. Bai Ye then followed Rimuru through the corridor and into the house.
As the door opened, a fragrant aroma wafted out, and the table was already laden with food.
Rimuru said, "It seems they have prepared food and drinks for us. Bai Ye, come, let's have something to eat together."
...