Demon Lords' Secret Summit

In a lavish, intimidating chamber, four demon lords—Clayman, Carillon, Frey, and Milim—gather to discuss the fate of the Forest of Jura. Clayman, the manipulative Marionette Master, seeks to control the others and hatch a new plan after the failure of his pawn, Gelmud. The demon lords debate the creation of a new demon lord as their puppet, but their alliance is uneasy, with each harboring their own ambitions and suspicions. Milim, the childlike but terrifyingly powerful "Destroyer," is bored and eager for excitement, while Frey and Carillon weigh their own interests. The summit ends with a decision to send their forces into the forest, setting the stage for a collision of powers and schemes.

The Puppetmaster's New Game

Clayman, ever the schemer, pivots from his failed orc lord plan to a new strategy: exploiting the chaos in Jura to his advantage. He manipulates the other demon lords into annulling the nonaggression pact over the forest, opening the way for direct intervention. Clayman's true aim is to create a demon lord under his control, but he is also keenly aware of Frey's anxieties and Milim's unpredictability. He sets his sights on exploiting any weaknesses among his peers, while sending his agent Mjurran to gather intelligence on the mysterious new power rising in the forest.

Birth of a Monster Nation

Rimuru, the reincarnated slime, oversees the rapid development of a monster town in the Forest of Jura. With the help of evolved goblins, ogres, lizardmen, and dwarves, he introduces advanced infrastructure—flush toilets, running water, baths, and magitools—creating a civilization that rivals human cities. Rimuru's leadership is pragmatic and compassionate, balancing monster customs with new laws and social systems. He welcomes new races, including kobolds and merfolk, and even reforms the marriage and population policies. The town's prosperity and order attract attention from neighboring nations and adventurers alike.

Dwarven King's Test

Alarmed by reports of a powerful monster nation, King Gazel of the dwarves leads his elite Pegasus Knights to confront Rimuru. Instead of war, Gazel proposes a duel to judge Rimuru's character. The battle is fierce, with Rimuru barely managing to block Gazel's masterful sword technique. Impressed by Rimuru's strength and integrity, Gazel proposes an alliance, recognizing the monster nation as the Jura-Tempest Federation. This diplomatic breakthrough secures Rimuru's legitimacy and opens the door to trade, technology exchange, and mutual defense.

Alliance and Ambition

With the alliance sealed, Rimuru's town is officially named the Jura-Tempest Federation, and the city at its heart is called Rimuru. The federation's rapid growth and advanced technology draw the interest of merchants, adventurers, and even spies from other nations. Rimuru navigates the complexities of diplomacy, trade, and internal governance, while also integrating former enemies like Gabil and his dragonewts. The town becomes a hub of innovation and multicultural cooperation, but its rise also attracts the attention of more sinister forces.

Demon Lord Descends

The peace is shattered when Milim, the demon lord, descends upon Rimuru's town. Her overwhelming power and childlike curiosity throw the town into chaos. After a brief but terrifying confrontation, Rimuru cleverly pacifies Milim with honey, turning a potential catastrophe into an unlikely friendship. Milim, bored with her own kind, decides to stay in town, much to Rimuru's dismay. Her presence brings both protection and peril, as her affiliation with Rimuru shifts the balance of power among the demon lords and draws even more attention to Tempest.

Milim's Unstoppable Curiosity

Milim's stay in Tempest is both a blessing and a trial. She throws herself into every aspect of town life—farming, forging, eating, and even training—leaving chaos in her wake. Her impulsive nature leads to violent "greetings" and misunderstandings, but Rimuru manages to keep her in check with patience and clever negotiation. The town adapts to her presence, and Milim's genuine affection for Rimuru and his people begins to show. However, her alliance with Tempest unsettles the other demon lords, who see it as a threat to the established order.

Town of Monsters Grows

As Tempest's reputation spreads, it becomes a magnet for new residents, traders, and even would-be conquerors. Rimuru's policies of inclusion and innovation foster a unique society where monsters of all kinds coexist peacefully. The town's defenses are tested by both internal and external threats, but Rimuru's leadership and the strength of his allies ensure its continued growth. The arrival of human envoys and the integration of Yohm's band as "champions" further legitimize Tempest in the eyes of the world.

The Black Leopard's Folly

Phobio, Carillon's proud subordinate, is humiliated by Milim and seeks revenge. Manipulated by the enigmatic Moderate Jesters, he agrees to become the vessel for Charybdis, a calamity-class monster. Driven by rage and the promise of power, Phobio loses himself to Charybdis's will, setting the stage for a new catastrophe aimed at Tempest and Milim. The Jesters' true motives remain hidden, but their interference escalates the conflict and threatens to engulf the entire region.

Schemes in the Shadows

Behind the scenes, the Moderate Jesters—Laplace, Teare, and Footman—manipulate events to sow chaos and test the strength of the rising powers. Clayman, ever the puppetmaster, uses their services to destabilize his rivals and gather information on Rimuru. Mjurran, Clayman's reluctant agent, observes Tempest and becomes entangled in the web of schemes. The true nature of the Jesters and their connection to human society hint at deeper conspiracies yet to be revealed.

Charybdis Awakens

Charybdis, resurrected through Phobio's body, emerges as a monstrous force of destruction, accompanied by a horde of flying megalodons. Its unique Magic Interference ability nullifies most magic and flight, making it nearly invincible. Tempest's defenders, including the high orcs, dragonewts, goblin riders, and even the Pegasus Knights, struggle to contain the threat. The battle is fierce and desperate, with Rimuru and his allies pushed to their limits.

Catastrophe in the Skies

The fight against Charybdis becomes a grueling war of attrition. Rimuru's tactical genius and the teamwork of his diverse forces manage to whittle down the megalodons, but Charybdis's regeneration and overwhelming power seem insurmountable. Just as hope fades, Rimuru discovers that Phobio's rage is the core of Charybdis's resurrection—and that its true target is Milim. With this revelation, Rimuru calls upon Milim to intervene.

The Demon Lord's Mercy

Unleashed at last, Milim demonstrates the true power of a demon lord. With a single, awe-inspiring attack, she obliterates Charybdis, carefully extracting Phobio alive at Rimuru's request. Her display of strength leaves allies and enemies alike in awe, and her restraint in sparing Phobio averts further conflict with Carillon. The crisis ends with new respect for Tempest's alliances and the terrifying potential of its friends.

Aftermath and Alliances

In the wake of Charybdis's defeat, Carillon himself arrives to apologize and forge a nonaggression pact with Rimuru. The incident cements Tempest's status as a major power and a diplomatic player among nations and demon lords. The town recovers, and Rimuru's reputation as a wise and merciful leader grows. The episode also exposes the hidden manipulations of the Jesters and Clayman, setting the stage for future conflicts.

The Jesters' Hidden Hand

The Moderate Jesters, acting as agents of chaos, continue to meddle in the affairs of demon lords and nations. Their true allegiance remains mysterious, but their actions have far-reaching consequences. Clayman, pleased with the outcome, plots his next move, using the chaos to further his own ambitions. Mjurran, caught between loyalty and a desire for freedom, becomes a potential wild card in the ongoing power struggle.

Training for Tomorrow

With peace restored, Rimuru and his allies focus on training and self-improvement. Milim, now a close friend, helps push Rimuru, Benimaru, Soei, and Shion to new heights of strength. The town continues to innovate and grow, integrating lessons learned from recent crises. Rimuru reflects on the responsibilities of leadership and the need to be ready for whatever challenges the future may bring.

Milim's Farewell Promise

Milim, her curiosity sated for now, announces her departure to attend a demon lord summit. She promises Rimuru her protection and friendship, vowing to keep other demon lords from interfering with Tempest. Her absence leaves a void, but also a sense of security. As Rimuru and his people look to the future, the bonds forged through struggle and cooperation promise a new era for monsters and humans alike.

Characters

Rimuru Tempest

Rimuru, once an ordinary human, is reincarnated as a slime in a fantasy world. Gifted with unique skills and a keen intellect, he quickly rises to become the leader of a diverse monster nation. Rimuru's leadership style is pragmatic, compassionate, and innovative—he introduces advanced technology, social reforms, and a culture of cooperation among monsters. Psychologically, Rimuru balances his human memories and ethics with the realities of his new world, often acting as a mediator and peacemaker. His relationships with his subordinates are marked by trust and mutual respect, and he is both a mentor and a friend to many. Over the course of the story, Rimuru grows from a cautious survivor to a confident, strategic leader, always seeking peaceful solutions but unafraid to act decisively when threatened.

Milim Nava

Milim is one of the oldest and most powerful demon lords, known as the "Destroyer." Outwardly, she appears as a cheerful, impulsive teenager, but her strength is unmatched and her whims can reshape nations. Milim is driven by boredom and a desire for excitement, which leads her to befriend Rimuru and take an interest in Tempest. Despite her destructive potential, she is capable of genuine affection and loyalty, especially toward Rimuru, whom she considers her first true friend. Psychologically, Milim is both innocent and cunning, easily underestimated by those who judge her by her appearance. Her presence is both a blessing and a danger, as her favor protects Tempest but also draws the ire of other demon lords.

Clayman

Clayman is a demon lord who excels at manipulation and subterfuge. He views others as tools to be used and discarded, orchestrating complex schemes to increase his power and influence. Clayman's psychological profile is marked by paranoia, ambition, and a lack of empathy. He is constantly seeking to control or undermine his peers, using agents like Mjurran and the Moderate Jesters to do his bidding. Clayman's relationship with other demon lords is transactional and adversarial, and he is always looking for weaknesses to exploit. His development is defined by his growing frustration as his plans are repeatedly foiled by unforeseen variables—especially Rimuru and Milim.

Carillon

Carillon is the demon lord of the Beast Kingdom of Eurazania, known for his strength and straightforwardness. He values power and loyalty, and his leadership is marked by a sense of responsibility toward his subordinates. Carillon is less cunning than Clayman but more honorable, willing to admit mistakes and forge alliances when necessary. His relationship with Rimuru evolves from suspicion to respect, especially after the Charybdis incident. Psychologically, Carillon is driven by a desire to protect his people and maintain his status among the demon lords, but he is not above humility when the situation demands it.

Frey

Frey is the demon lord of the harpies, ruling the skies with grace and power. She is more reserved and tactical than her peers, often acting as a mediator or voice of reason among the demon lords. Frey's primary concern is the safety of her people, especially in the face of threats like Charybdis. She is wary of direct confrontation and prefers to form alliances or manipulate events from behind the scenes. Psychologically, Frey is pragmatic, cautious, and somewhat burdened by the responsibilities of leadership. Her relationship with Milim is complex, marked by both admiration and exasperation.

Benimaru

Benimaru is one of Rimuru's most trusted lieutenants, an ogre mage who evolves into a powerful warrior and tactician. He is fiercely loyal, courageous, and driven by a sense of honor. Benimaru's psychological growth is marked by his transition from a vengeful survivor to a responsible leader, guiding Tempest's military forces with discipline and creativity. His relationship with Rimuru is that of a devoted subordinate and friend, and he often serves as a voice of reason and strength in times of crisis.

Shion

Shion is Rimuru's self-appointed secretary and bodyguard, known for her strength, loyalty, and lack of restraint. She is fiercely protective of Rimuru, often acting on impulse and resorting to violence when provoked. Despite her rough edges, Shion is deeply caring and gradually learns to temper her instincts with wisdom. Her psychological arc involves learning the value of restraint and the importance of teamwork. Her relationship with Rimuru is marked by devotion and a desire to prove herself.

Soei

Soei is Rimuru's chief of intelligence, a master of stealth, espionage, and assassination. He is calm, analytical, and almost emotionless, carrying out his duties with precision and efficiency. Soei's psychological profile is defined by his sense of duty and his willingness to do whatever is necessary to protect Tempest. He is respected and sometimes feared by his peers, but his loyalty to Rimuru is absolute. Over time, he becomes more comfortable with leadership and mentoring others, such as Soka and her team.

Gabil

Gabil is a former rival who becomes a valuable ally after being humbled and named by Rimuru. He is charismatic, energetic, and sometimes reckless, but his experiences teach him humility and responsibility. Gabil's psychological journey is one of redemption and growth, as he learns to channel his ambition into service for Tempest. His relationship with Rimuru is initially fraught but evolves into one of respect and gratitude.

Mjurran

Mjurran is a powerful witch-turned-magic-born, bound to Clayman by a cursed seal. She is intelligent, resourceful, and deeply conflicted, longing for freedom but forced to serve her master's schemes. Mjurran's psychological struggle centers on her desire for autonomy and her fear of Clayman's retribution. Her role as an observer and potential traitor makes her a wild card in the ongoing power struggle among the demon lords.

Plot Devices

Multi-Perspective Narrative

The story frequently shifts perspectives between Rimuru, the demon lords, and various agents, allowing readers to see the same events from multiple angles. This device deepens the intrigue, exposes hidden agendas, and builds tension as characters act on incomplete or conflicting information. It also humanizes both allies and antagonists, showing their doubts, ambitions, and vulnerabilities.

Political Intrigue and Diplomacy

The rise of Tempest is as much a political story as a fantasy adventure. Rimuru's efforts to secure alliances, negotiate treaties, and manage internal affairs are central to the plot. The machinations of the demon lords, the ambitions of human nations, and the manipulations of the Moderate Jesters create a web of intrigue that tests Rimuru's leadership and adaptability.

Power Scaling and Evolution

The concept of evolution—both personal and societal—is a recurring motif. Monsters gain new forms and abilities through naming and experience, while Tempest itself evolves from a village to a nation. This device allows for dynamic character growth and raises the stakes as new threats emerge, requiring constant adaptation and innovation.

Foreshadowing and Chekhov's Guns

Seemingly minor details—such as the creation of honey, the arrival of new races, or the mention of Charybdis—later become pivotal to the plot. The story plants seeds that blossom into major developments, rewarding attentive readers and creating a sense of inevitability as events unfold.

Subversion of Expectations

Rimuru often resolves crises not through brute force, but through wit, negotiation, or unexpected solutions (e.g., pacifying Milim with honey). This subversion of typical fantasy tropes adds humor and freshness, while also highlighting Rimuru's unique approach to leadership.

Analysis

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Vol. 3, is a masterful blend of fantasy adventure, political intrigue, and character-driven storytelling. At its core, the book explores the challenges of building a new society in a world defined by power, prejudice, and constant threat. Rimuru's journey from humble slime to nation-builder is both a literal and metaphorical evolution, reflecting themes of cooperation, innovation, and the breaking of old cycles. The arrival of Milim and the machinations of the demon lords underscore the precariousness of peace and the ever-present danger of unchecked ambition. Yet, the story's heart lies in its optimism: monsters and humans can coexist, old enemies can become friends, and even the most overwhelming crises can be overcome with creativity and trust. The book's lessons are clear—true strength lies not in domination, but in understanding, and the future belongs to those willing to build bridges rather than walls.

Last updated: June 8, 2025