"Please do not take offense, as humans are indeed uncommon in the Great Forest of Jura," Rimuru said with a smile. "Since you are a traveler, would you like to be our guest in the Monster Country? I will personally host you."
Bai Ye asked, "May I?"
"Of course. I am actually very happy to receive guests, and I also hope to spread the word about the Monster Country through travelers, so that everyone knows that our Monster Country is warm and hospitable, not as terrifying as they imagine, and ultimately accept us and live in peace." Rimuru smiled and extended his hand. "Please!"
Bai Ye nodded and said, "You are too kind!"
Bai Ye walked forward generously, walking alongside Rimuru.
Bai Ye did not suspect any foul play from the other party, because it seemed unnecessary.
This was the lord of monsters whose physical attributes were over two hundred, and whose stamina even exceeded three hundred. Although his speed was unseen, it should not be less than two hundred!
Therefore, if the other party truly wanted to kill him, there would be no escape. At least, with speed more than double, it was impossible to bridge the gap.
Thus, with absolute power to crush, there was no need for any schemes.
Does an elephant need to use schemes to deal with an ant?
No, because it can be crushed at any time.
As they walked, Rimuru chatted with Bai Ye, "I apologize again for the recklessness of my subordinates, but it is understandable. The Great Forest of Jura has not been peaceful lately. Beyond my area, there are some frightening rumors from further regions, and it is even said that some monster races have been completely annihilated. Therefore, everyone is somewhat 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 he were to measure the forbidden zones within this area based on Rimuru's strength, Bai Ye could confidently say that they were not areas that the chosen ones could currently handle.
Moreover, Bai Ye noticed the words "evolving" in the information scan.
These words indicated that the other party would become even stronger, or rather, was in the process of becoming stronger.
Normally, Bai Ye would not linger in an area of this caliber. If it wasn't something he could handle at present, 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, and even slightly inferior.
This meant that Rimuru should be a top-tier fighter. If Shion's strength was considered mid-tier in the Great Forest of Jura, then he might have a chance to explore.
Of course, these were all considerations of strength, merely a reference for Bai Ye's strength level in the Great Forest of Jura. The important thing was...
Where there are quests, there are benefits!
Therefore, without quests, staying in the Great Forest of Jura was meaningless.
Secondly, the value of a quest lay in its completion.
A quest might not be completable, but there would always be a possibility of completion. Therefore, this was also a method of judgment. If there was a quest, it meant that Bai Ye's current strength had the possibility of completion. If Bai Ye's strength did not have the possibility of completion, then the quest could not be triggered.
After thinking for a moment, Bai Ye said, "I wonder if I can help in any way?"
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 hate us."
Bai Ye shook his head and said, "I don't think so. We are all living beings."
Rimuru stopped and looked at Bai Ye. "If that is the case, we welcome you to join the Monster Country, even if it is just a brief stay, traveler."
"You have obtained a hidden quest."
"The Pig-Head Emperor is Coming. Agree to await orders under the Demon Lord Rimuru. Quest reward: Monster Country Residency Permit x1"
There really was a quest!
Bai Ye's eyes brightened, and then he was a little confused.
What kind of quest was "awaiting orders"?
Also, what did he need a Monster Country Residency Permit for? Was he going to settle down here?
However, "awaiting orders" meant...
"In other words, this quest has a follow-up? The current quest is just to join the Monster Country?"
Bai Ye felt that he had grasped the key point and became a little happier.
Based on Bai Ye's experience from his previous life, quests like this with follow-ups were multi-stage quests.
What were multi-stage quests?
That is, one matter would split into several quests, each with different rewards. It could also be understood as so-called chain quests, where each link had a reward. If all were completed...
A hidden quest plus chain quests would definitely be worthwhile!
As Bai Ye thought, he continued to advance with Rimuru. Soon, the trees ahead gradually thinned out, and a large expanse of buildings came into Bai Ye's view.
Rimuru smiled and spread his arms. "Traveler Bai Ye, welcome to my kingdom!"
After Rimuru finished speaking, he led Bai Ye further, walking across the solid stone brick floor, and then into the city.
"Lord Rimuru!"
"Good day, Lord Rimuru!"
"Lord Rimuru!"
...
Rimuru was clearly well-loved. After entering the city, people around him greeted him enthusiastically.
No, it seemed inaccurate to describe those people as "people." The more accurate term would be monsters; almost all the inhabitants of this city were monsters.
At the same time, from 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 the chosen ones entered here, they should not be able to fight and kill at will, otherwise, they would face capture and punishment from Rimuru and his subordinates.
As they proceeded, 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 pick one."
Just 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 boy, good boy, don't be naughty!" 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 and said, "That would be truly wonderful!"
Bai Ye patted the heads of his Sylveon and Gengar, telling them to play in the yard and not to lick him anymore. Bai Ye then followed Rimuru through the corridor and into the house.
When the door was opened, a fragrance wafted out. Food was already laid out on the table.
Rimuru said, "It seems they have prepared food and drinks for us. Bai Ye, come and have a taste."
...