Chapter 8: Tempestuous Attention Pt 1
Mary Sue.
What a conundrum that girl is. I don't really know what to do with her, if I'm honest. She has the potential to be very useful, whether to me or to Tempest as a whole I haven't yet decided.
This world is nice. My mind is clearer than it's been in years, my body is stronger and healthier, and my life is, dare I say, peaceful.
Being X has disappeared off the face of existence, it seems. I am no longer in the midst of a world-spanning war. If I could only resolve this Mary Sue situation somehow… maybe I can finally fully enjoy that quiet, peaceful life of my dreams.
Dreams…
I don't… really know how to describe it, but my shoulders seem… heavier, lately. I'll freely admit that I'm tired. Years of war will take their toll on even the hardiest of souls.
Even though I claim to be disconnected from the whole affair, there are only so many atrocities, dead bodies, and burned husks of cities that one can see before feeling like a burnt-out husk themselves.
I'm not usually one to dwell on such things. Perhaps dying for a second time has truly rattled me. You could say that I've never been more aware of my own mortality.
It is… troubling, to say the least.
-=-
It took no time at all for life in the city of monsters to return to normal.
No, it's more accurate to say it hadn't been disrupted at all. Life in Tempest had been peaceful in the two months following the defeat of the Orc Disaster. Even after the arrival of Tanya von Degurechaff and Mary Sue, this was the case.
Truthfully, the addition of two new residents, though they were human, caused no immediate, salient change or disruption. Instead, they – or at least, Tanya – seamlessly integrated into the lifeblood of Tempest, at Rimuru Tempest's behest.
And Tanya wouldn't have had it any other way. Peace and productivity were the two main goals in life she had strove for, even against the will of a devilish, infantile-acting deity. Here in her third world, both goals were well and truly achievable.
Following Tanya and Mary's conversation outside Rimuru's home, Tanya and Rimuru met once again and discussed the situation going forward.
-=-
"So, you don't charge people to live here…?"
"Everyone does their part, so everyone gets a stay and a say. For example, the Orcs work mainly in construction, many of the Hobgoblins and Goblinas run stores, farm, or do handywork, and the Dragonnewts help cultivate magical herbs. It's more beneficial if we all work together and do our part, don't you think?"
That's a very optimistic view. Tanya held back a sigh. She had a feeling she'd be doing that a lot. But, with how deferent even Rimuru's stronger subordinates seem to be, I imagine it works well. Is strength equals power the rule among monsters? I'd bet on that being the case. Though they do seem to genuinely like each other as well. A mutually beneficial relationship, all things considered.
"Well, I understand that much. After all, it's not like the Army charged me to use their barracks. I contributed enough that they owed me instead."
"That's right!" Rimuru snapped his fingers, a sort of 'Ahah!' look on his face, "You have military experience, and you seem really well organized. You can be one of my Strategy Advisors!"
"Strategy Advisor?" Tanya blinked.
Oi oi, that sounds a bit too much like-
"We could definitely use your knowledge in the defense of Tempest. Benimaru is really capable as the Commander-in-Chief of our military forces, but I'm sure you'd be a great help to him. And, since you're more familiar with economic systems and production than I am, you'll be super valuable in the council room." Rimuru tilted his head as if listening to a voice, "Oh, I guess you mentioned experience with laws and resource management as well. Hm, I suppose you'd be more of a General Advisor than a Strategy Advisor then."
Why does he randomly space out like that? Also, hello? It seriously sounds like you finally found someone capable, so you're shoving the things you're bad at onto them! I can sort of respect that, as delegating work is one of the best parts of having subordinates. But why is it always me?
"It sounds like a lot, but everything I've heard says you're a capable person. In Tempest at least, you're probably the best person for this sort of job. Of course, you'll be provided with housing, food, pay, and such as does everyone who works around here. Is that all right?"
Crap! He's too earnest! I have to accept! This is where favor exchange relationships come back to bite you. Rimuru's being extremely generous with giving me a place to stay and a job, so to not accept would definitely be asking for too much without proper reciprocation. Dammit, I'm trapped by the rules of politeness and social exchange theory.
"Of course." Tanya held out her hand. "Though, we should discuss the specifics a bit more in a more formal setting."
"Great!" Rimuru reached out as well, shaking her hand. "Glad to have you on board!"
"Glad to be of service."
Well, at least it's not the frontlines. Maybe it'll even be fun.
Her eyes widened minutely as another thought occurred to her. "Rimuru? What are we going to do with Mary Sue? I'd rather let her live, but…"
"Oh, don't worry." Rimuru pulled back with a confident grin that had Tanya's stomach sinking, "I thought about it while you were talking with her outside."
-=-
From there, life proceeded as normal. At least, as normal as you could get in a city of monsters ran by a slime.
Tanya began her work in earnest, providing methods and ideas regarding warfare with Benimaru, assisting Geld in laying the framework for better transportation through grid-based systems, and occasionally stopping to talk with Hobgoblin and Goblina merchants to discuss business practices. She even sat in on some of Hakurou's training, quickly becoming fast acquaintances with the old Kijin over his similarly draconic teaching methods.
It was… nice. Peaceful.
For the perhaps first time since she'd been pushed onto train tracks in her first life, she'd regained a semblance of a peaceful, productive, non-dire-straits-influenced lifestyle. If Tanya had any say in the matter, she would have preferred it to stay like this forever.
But of course, nothing quite goes the way we want, does it?
-=-=-=-
One Month Later
Tanya's Home
Tempest, Jura Tempest Alliance
"Get up."
"Fuck you." Came the reply, muffled by the closed wooden door.
Tanya sighed, before moving to lean against the wall next to the door. With her loose white long sleeve V-neck, black shorts, and teal slip-ons – Shuna told her they matched her eyes. Tanya really didn't care. All that mattered was that they were comfortable – she appeared the epitome of casual. It was nice to have clothes that weren't some variation of a military uniform.
Made working out a much more enjoyable affair now that she didn't have to jog in boots and pants all the time, honestly. Especially now, when spring was slowly turning into summer.
Of course, all of this casualness and satisfaction only further helped disguise the annoyance she felt bubbling up at this very moment.
-=-
Art by (@tanjaded)
-=-
"I left early this morning, come back two hours later, and you're still moping in your room like fucking child, the same way you have been for the past month. We've discussed this already. Several times. Get up."
"I don't take orders from you." Mary called back. Though she couldn't see her, Tanya got the distinct impression she'd been flipped off. "Fuck off."
"You kind of do, since this is my house and all..." Tanya muttered under her breath.
Well, at least she isn't screaming anymore. Though, is that better or worse than intentionally holing yourself up in your room? Tanya rolled her eyes. Then again, it's only been a month. Going by our last world, this is remarkable progress. Rimuru's influence no doubt.
Rimuru's threat, to be specific.
Oddly enough, telling someone they'd "eat them" – and then demonstrating an ability that would make that statement appear much more like an understatement by consuming a small patch of forestland – made for a remarkably intimidating threat.
Tanya would almost be jealous, if she hadn't also found herself mildly intimidated. A Skill that let you absorb practically any attack? Given just how much of her arsenal relied on magic, projectiles, and magical projectiles, it was a good to know she'd allied herself with the slime right off the bat.
On an unrelated note, she'd spent a good chunk of time lately training her close combat and mana blade skills (not Skills) with Hakurou. Just to diversify her skillset, is all.
"I wonder if your God would appreciate your new habit of cursing at me every time we speak." Tanya shrugged. "No, knowing him, he probably would. Though he preferred 'Heretic' and 'Nonbeliever' over 'Fucking Bitch' and 'Devil'."
Tanya waited for a moment.
No response.
"Yeah, alright. Stay in there. I don't really care either way. Cry, mope, grieve. Stay pitiful, and don't get over it at all. It's your problem more than mine- hm?"
Tanya paused, raising an eyebrow.
"Uh, Tanya? There's apparently an aerial group approaching Tempest from the north. Could you meet us at the northern gate?
"Rimuru?" Tanya got off the wall, glancing out the living room's lone window. "I'll be right there. Out."
"Great! Uh, Rimuru out, I guess."
An aerial group? Why is it always air attacks? Well, I know why. Air superiority is king on the battlefield. But here? What the hell are they flying? Dragonnewts? Pegasi?
Tanya knocked once on Mary's door.
"Oi. There's an issue near the northern gate of Tempest, so I'll be out. Don't cause any trouble."
It's not like it really mattered. Mary had been tagged with a passive mana trace – a little spell she'd modified in her first week here – for a while now. If she ever needed to find the girl, all Tanya had to do was use Magic Sense and spot the trace.
A very useful little trick.
Tanya left then, not bothering to wait for a response.
No response came.
-=-
Mary sat quietly, listening to the sound of Tanya's retreating footsteps from the relative comfort of her… bed? No, it was more like a mat… right, her futon. She vaguely remembered that Devil calling it that.
When it seemed like Tanya was well and truly gone, Mary flopped backwards onto her futon with a frustrated groan.
A month… a whole month here, and I haven't woken up. Mary pinched her arm, the same way she had been every day for the past 30 days. Nothing happened, other than a sharp sting of pain. This… really isn't a dream, then? I'm stuck here, in some fantasy nation run by a blue blob of jelly. Stuck here with that damn Devil.
One month. 30 days. It was damning.
But possibly even more damning was the silence.
Ever since that day, when her father – was killed, killed himself – died, she'd heard them. The whispers from God himself. Quiet and indistinguishable at first, but clearer and more vocal as time went on. It's how she knew her father was dead on that exact day, despite being an ocean apart. It's how she found her purpose in life. Her God-given duty.
"You've been granted the power of miracles. Now, destroy that Devil of the Empire, the White Silver, Tanya von Degurechaff!"
But now, there was nothing. Not even a hint of a whisper. God's voice, a constant for years at this point, had remained silent ever since arriving in this world.
Even during her last moments, God hadn't spared her even a single word.
-=-
It was bright. So very, very bright. Mary didn't need to open her eyes to feel the light surrounding her on all sides.
Is this…?
It was quiet. Too quiet.
God? Where… your voice is… gone? Hello?
God did not respond, as he would have before.
No one responded. Not that she recognized.
Mary breathed in and out, testing this new feeling of 'death'.
…Father… I think I did it. The last thing I remember… is that damn Devil. A hot flash of mana, a bright burst of light, and then… nothing. She was almost too strong. If only I had been stronger, I could have survived as well… ah, that doesn't matter now, I guess.
Mary sighed, her eyes closed in acceptance. A smile flitted across her face, her mind and body feeling lighter than they had in what felt like forever.
Father, I'll see you soon. Have faith in your daughter and keep your arms open for me, okay? I should finally see you again soon. Let's hope I neutralized that Devil and her evil power for good, yeah? Hah…
-=-
God had stopped speaking to her.
It made sense, in a twisted sort of way. She'd served her purpose, hadn't she? And died in the process, but that was often the fate of God's warriors, was it not? If she were to be another Joan, then at least she could be happy that her burning stake had pierced a Devil's heart in the process.
There had been another voice though. It wasn't God's – or at least, not the God she knew – and it spoke what was at the time complete and utter nonsense.
"Skills"? "Preservation of Soul, Body, and Memories"? What did that even mean? Well, she sort of understood now, but back then was another story entirely.
Perceived nonsense aside, the voice of something that wasn't her God had been there in that moment, when she was left alone, floating in the light of death. Even that voice too, had faded. Now, everything was silent. More so than it ever had been.
Honestly, it was… peaceful. She had almost forgotten what it was like to live with only her own thoughts for company.
It was disturbing, but beyond that, the worst part of it all had to be the clarity. Her mind was clear and light in a way she couldn't ever remember it being. Which was mildly concerning in and of itself.
Looking back, her life up till her first death could be divided into two distinct sections: before her father's death and after it.
Before, she was a literal child. Between not knowing what was happening and not knowing why things were happening, much of her time before was colored by misconceptions and misunderstandings.
Of course, children aren't stupid. Mary knew her father was a soldier. Knew what a gun was, and why he'd need it. She knew these things, but there's a fine line between knowledge and wisdom. Knowing and understanding are two separate things entirely.
Knowing your father was going to kill and possibly be killed was one thing. Understanding why he would, and why he died was another.
She thought she understood. A Devil of that evil Empire, the same evil Empire that had destroyed her Fatherland, had killed her father. God told her as much, and God had told her to avenge him. To destroy the blasphemous Heretic that so stained God's name.
This is where the second section of her previous life began. A desperate, faith-fueled struggle of ideals and power against an entity of evil. A blur of conflict and hatred, fated clashing between the forces of God and the Devil.
This was her understanding for years. God's whispers only affirmed that understanding. He'd told her she was Chosen. Worthy. Told her that the path before her, the one ending in the broken and bloody corpse of that Devil in the form of a girl called Tanya, was the righteous path.
He had to be right. He was God. He had told her the truth of the world, had given her power to achieve her goals…
Were they even her own goals?
No, of course they were.
Right?
Oddly enough, the 'before' section of her life was easier to recall than the 'after'. Why was that? Even now, just trying to remember the finer details of her life as an aerial mage and God's chosen was headache-inducing. Calling it a "blur of conflict and hatred" was well and truly an understatement.
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