"Reinforcements?"

Ignoring the latter half of the system's message selectively, Hikigaya Hachiman focused on the help request function mentioned by the system.

If he remembered correctly, this feature could only summon the previous host for assistance, right?

"That's right. The host can summon the previous host to help by paying all current spirit coins."

"Can he handle this?"

Looking at the three terrifyingly aura-emitting Demon Gods around him and then at Yotsuya Miko, whose body had already started trembling beside him, Hikigaya Hachiman asked with some doubt.

It wasn't that he cared about spending spirit coins — after all, they could be slowly accumulated in the future — but he genuinely worried whether he might drag his predecessor into trouble, especially since the foes they were facing were thre Demon God-level enemies.

"That depends on the previous host's personal willingness. If they feel it's unmanageable, they can refuse the help request."

"Alright then, send the help request."

Hikigaya Hachiman felt relieved after hearing the system's explanation.

It wasn't a forced teleport but depended on the other's personal decision.

This way, he could safely ask for help and pray that the previous host would be strong enough.

.

.

.

At the very moment the help request signal was sent, in a distant world, a blue sphere lying on a beach, basking in the sun, suddenly trembled.

"Hmm, the Great Sage actually sent me a message on his own?"

Because he had just been thoroughly beaten by his subordinates, Rimuru's mind was still foggy.

Groggily, he started reading the message the Great Sage sent him, and immediately his entire body turned into an exclamation mark.

"I get to go play in another world?!"

Choosing to ignore the so-called threat of three Demon God-level evil spirits, Rimuru jumped up joyfully upon learning it was a help request signal.

Especially since the system indicated that time would be frozen during the crossing, this made Rimuru even more excited as he rolled around in his seat.

That way, even if he shamelessly slacked off, Shuna and the others wouldn't possibly find out.

"I've decided, I'm going right now!"

Saying that, a black spatial vortex appeared in front of Rimuru, and without hesitation, he jumped into it.

...

"Is this an unexpected pleasure?"

The three Demon God, upon seeing the hidden talismans worn by Hikigaya Hachiman and Yotsuya Miko, quickly saw through their effect.

Although the exorcist surrounded by them was not one of the five familiar ones, Hikigaya Hachiman, the newly risen exorcist, had pleased them greatly — the three Demon God felt their joint dispatch was justified.

"So slow…"

Hikigaya Hachiman gripped his demon-slaying sword, standing in front of Yotsuya Miko alertly, carefully watching the three Demon God-level evil spirits nearby.

He grew anxious about why his predecessor had not arrived yet.

Just as he was thinking, above everyone's heads appeared a black vortex that was extremely familiar to Hikigaya Hachiman.

"What is that?"

Seeing the black vortex overhead, Yotsuya Miko instinctively hid behind Hikigaya Hachiman, while the three Demon God-level evil spirits looked up in puzzlement.

Suddenly, a blue figure fell from the vortex, landing right above Hikigaya Hachiman's head.

"Hmm, looks like your situation is pretty bad, junior."

Rimuru had just dropped from the tunnel, and looking around, saw the three Demon God-level evil spirits surrounding him and the two humans.

He used Hikigaya Hachiman's head as a springboard, bounced into midair, then transformed into a human form, landing in front of the two.

"Thanks very much for coming to help…"

Hikigaya Hachiman looked Rimuru over up and down, then sincerely expressed his gratitude.

"No problem! It's just three Demon God-level things. For me, who's already a Demon Lord(not demon Spirit but the tittle in Rimuru world), they're easy to handle!"

Rimuru appeared a little embarrassed by Hachiman's thanks.

He was now the power ceiling of his world, and handling these minor enemies was no trouble. Besides, the main reason he came to help was to slack off and have some fun...

"Let me make this clear! After helping you, don't make me leave right away! I still want to enjoy the other world a little longer."

"That's natural…"

Watching Rimuru seriously bargain with him while sporting a cute and delicate face, Hikigaya Hachiman's expression twitched.

Just three Demon God-level enemies?

"Well then, it's settled!"

Hikigaya Hachiman agreed, and Rimuru's face lit up with a happy smile.

Then he turned around and looked mischievously toward the position where the three Demon God-level evil spirits were standing.

"Huh? Where are they?"

The place where the three Demon God-level evil spirits had been standing was now empty. Rimuru looked up at the sky where three streaks, leaving clear scratches, rapidly flew off in three different directions, moving away from them...

"Ah, well…"

Rimuru was dumbfounded that the enemies didn't even fight and just ran away.

Fortunately, there was still a Demon King-level evil spirit nearby, so bringing it back should still count as completing the task…

With that in mind, Rimuru transformed back into a sphere and began jumping between buildings, disappearing from Hikigaya Hachiman's sight in no time.

"Hey, Hikigaya, what exactly… is that… thing?"

Today was definitely the most shocking day for Yotsuya Miko.

She had actually seen a talking ball, and the ball could even turn into a cute girl!

Not only that, judging by how Hikigaya Hachiman spoke to it, this shape-shifting creature must be quite powerful.

"That's the reinforcements I called. What kind of race it is, I don't know…"

Mentioning Rimuru, Hikigaya Hachiman looked confused.

What exactly was the race of the reinforcements he called?

"Bang!"

While they were talking, a shadow suddenly crashed heavily in front of them.

Hikigaya Hachiman maintained his vigilance and dispersed the smoke.

Getting closer, he realized that what had just hit the ground was the Demon King they encountered earlier.

But compared to its previously majestic appearance, the Demon King lying on the ground was in a pitiful state beyond description.

"Can I treat this guy as my meal allowance while living here?"

While Hikigaya Hachiman was wondering how the Demon King got into such a state, Rimuru, in slime form, hopped back.

Returning to Hikigaya Hachiman's side, Rimuru changed back to human form and pointed at the unfortunate evil spirit on the ground, wanting to strike a deal.

"Of course!"

Hearing Rimuru's words, Hikigaya Hachiman was stunned for a moment, then looked at the Demon King on the ground with sympathy.

A dignified Demon King had actually fallen to the point of being considered food allowance — that was pretty miserable…