"Please don't mind, as there aren't many humans in the Great Jura Forest," Rimuru said with a smile. "Since you're a traveler, would you like to visit our Monster Nation as a guest? I'll host you personally."
Bai Ye asked, "May I?"
"Of course, I'd be very happy to host guests. I also hope to spread the word about the Monster Nation through travelers, letting everyone know that our Monster Nation is actually warm and hospitable, not as terrifying as they imagine, and ultimately to be accepted and to coexist peacefully," Rimuru said with a smile, extending his hand. "Please!"
Bai Ye nodded. "You're too kind!"
Bai Ye walked forward generously, walking alongside Rimuru.
Bai Ye didn't suspect the other party of any schemes, as it seemed unnecessary.
This was the lord of monsters with physical stats above two hundred and stamina exceeding three hundred. Although his speed couldn't be seen, it should also be no less than two hundred!
Therefore, if the other party truly wanted to eliminate him, there would be no escape. At least, with a speed difference of more than double, it was impossible to overcome.
Thus, with absolute power to crush, there was no need for schemes.
Did an elephant need to use schemes to deal with an ant?
No, because it could be crushed at any time.
As they walked, Rimuru chatted with Bai Ye. "I apologize again for the recklessness of my subordinates, but it's understandable. The Great Jura Forest hasn't been peaceful lately. Beyond the area where I reside, more distant regions have been receiving terrifying news. It's even said that some monster species have been wiped out. Therefore, everyone is a bit fearful 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 restricted zones were measured by Rimuru's strength, Bai Ye could assert that they were not zones that the currently chosen ones could handle.
Furthermore, Bai Ye noticed the words "Evolving" in the information scan.
These three words meant that the other party would become even stronger, or rather, was in the process of becoming stronger.
Under normal circumstances, Bai Ye would not linger in a region of this caliber. If it wasn't something that could be handled now, there was no point in staying. Not only would he gain no benefits, but he might also lose his life.
However, Shion's strength was comparable to Bai Ye's, only slightly inferior.
This indicated that Rimuru should be a top-tier combatant. If Shion's strength was considered mid-tier in the Great Jura Forest, then Bai Ye wasn't completely without a chance to venture.
Of course, these were all considerations of strength, merely a reference for evaluating Bai Ye's position in the strength hierarchy of the Great Jura Forest region. The important point was...
Only with a quest would there be rewards!
Therefore, without a quest, staying in the Great Jura Forest was meaningless.
Secondly, the value of a quest's existence was to be completed.
A quest might not be completable, but there was always a possibility of completion. Therefore, this was also a method of judgment. If a quest existed, it meant that Bai Ye's current strength was capable of completing it. If Bai Ye's strength was not capable of completion, he could not trigger the quest.
After thinking for a moment, Bai Ye said, "I wonder if there's anything I can help with?"
Rimuru's eyes lit up. "You're willing to help us?"
Bai Ye replied, "Of course!"
Rimuru said, "But you are human, and we are monsters. You should fear us and dislike us."
Bai Ye shook his head. "I don't think so. We are all living beings."
Rimuru stopped and looked at Bai Ye. "If that's the case, we warmly welcome you to join the Monster Nation, even if it's just for a short stay, traveler."
"You have received a hidden quest."
"The Orc Lord is coming. Agree to standby under the command of the Demon King Rimuru. Quest Reward: Monster Nation Residence Permit x1"
There really was a quest!
Bai Ye's eyes lit up, and then he was a bit bewildered.
What kind of quest was "standby"?
Moreover, what did he need a residence permit for the Monster Nation? Was he going to settle down and start a family here?
However, "standby" meant...
"So, this quest has a follow-up? The current quest is just to join the Monster Nation?"
Bai Ye felt he had grasped the key point and became a bit more joyful.
Based on Bai Ye's experience from his previous life, such quests with follow-ups were multi-stage quests.
What were multi-stage quests?
They were tasks that split into several quests, each with a different reward, also understandable as so-called chain quests. Each link had a reward, and if all could be completed...
A hidden quest combined with a chain quest would definitely be worthwhile!
Bai Ye continued to advance with Rimuru as he thought, and soon, the trees ahead gradually thinned out, revealing a large expanse of buildings in Bai Ye's sight.
Rimuru smiled and spread his arms. "Traveler Bai Ye, welcome to my kingdom!"
After Rimuru finished speaking, he led Bai Ye further forward, across solid stone-brick flooring, and then into 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 seemed inaccurate to describe those people as "people." The more accurate term should be monsters. Almost all the residents of this city were monsters.
At the same time, from the current situation, Bai Ye felt that the Monster Nation should be a neutral zone in this area. Rimuru and his subordinates would maintain order here. If a chosen one entered here, they should not be able to fight or kill at will, or they would face capture and punishment from Rimuru and his subordinates.
Continuing on their way, they soon arrived in front of a beautiful mansion. Rimuru smiled and said, "Bai Ye, this is where I live. There are many empty rooms, feel free to choose one."
As soon as Rimuru finished speaking, a blue wolf with a single horn suddenly rushed out from the house, pounced directly onto Rimuru, and began licking Rimuru's face with its tongue.
"Good boy, good boy, don't be noisy!" Rimuru stroked 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 Goodra and Gengar's heads, telling them to play in the yard 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 food was already laid out on the table.
Rimuru said, "It seems they've prepared food and drinks for us. Bai Ye, let's have some together."
...