What Chapter Does Rimuru Become A Demon Lord

The transformation of Rimuru Tempest into a Demon Lord is a pivotal event in the narrative of "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime" (Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken). Pinpointing the precise chapter where this monumental event occurs requires careful consideration, as the story is presented across multiple formats – light novels, manga, and anime – each with its own pacing and structure.

Rimuru's Ascension: A Multi-Format Breakdown

To understand when Rimuru achieves Demon Lord status, it's necessary to examine the key moments in each version of the story.

Light Novel

In the light novel series, Rimuru's ascension takes place in Volume 5. The event is a direct consequence of the Kingdom of Falmuth's invasion and the subsequent massacre of Tempest's citizens. Fueled by grief and a burning desire for vengeance, Rimuru initiates the Harvest Festival, a ritual that requires a significant number of human souls to complete his transformation.

Specifically, the chapters detailing the lead-up to and the execution of the Harvest Festival in Volume 5 are crucial. While there isn't a single chapter solely dedicated to the exact moment of his transformation, the culmination of these chapters clearly marks the point where Rimuru becomes a True Demon Lord.

Manga

The manga adaptation, adhering closely to the light novel's storyline, depicts Rimuru's transformation over several chapters. The equivalent of Volume 5 in the manga falls roughly between chapters 75 and 83. It's within these chapters that readers witness the devastation wrought by Falmuth, Rimuru's emotional turmoil, and the preparations for the Harvest Festival. The actual transformation, marked by a surge of power and a visible change in Rimuru's appearance, occurs near the end of this sequence.

Chapter 83, in particular, showcases the aftermath of the ritual and the tangible effects of Rimuru's newfound power. Therefore, chapters 75-83 are the closest manga approximation to the light novel’s Volume 5.

Anime

The anime adaptation covers Rimuru's Demon Lord awakening in the second season, specifically within episodes 10 and 11. Episode 10 sets the stage with the tragic events unfolding and Rimuru resolving to become a Demon Lord. Episode 11, titled "Hope," depicts the ritual itself and the immediate consequences of Rimuru's transformation. Viewers visually witness the surge of energy, the changes in Rimuru's physical form (including the acquisition of wings), and the overwhelming power he now wields.

The anime condenses the events of Volume 5, making the transformation a more visually dramatic and rapidly unfolding spectacle compared to the light novel and manga.

Key Events Leading to the Transformation

Several key events contribute to Rimuru's decision to become a Demon Lord. Understanding these events provides context for the gravity of his choice.

The Falmuth Invasion: The unprovoked attack by the Kingdom of Falmuth on Tempest results in the deaths of numerous citizens, including Shion, one of Rimuru's closest companions and most loyal followers. This act of aggression fuels Rimuru's desire for vengeance and solidifies his resolve to protect his people at any cost.
The Loss of Shion and Others: The death of Shion, in particular, has a profound impact on Rimuru. He feels responsible for failing to protect her and the other citizens of Tempest. This sense of guilt and responsibility drives him to seek the power necessary to resurrect them.
Hinata Sakaguchi's Role: Hinata's attack on Rimuru, while not directly causing the massacre, contributes to the overall conflict. Her animosity towards monsters and her powerful abilities highlight the vulnerability of Tempest and the need for Rimuru to become stronger.
Rimuru's Existing Power and Potential: Even before the transformation, Rimuru possesses immense power. His unique skills, such as Predator and Great Sage (later evolved to Raphael), allow him to absorb and analyze various abilities. However, he recognizes that his current power is insufficient to protect Tempest from future threats.

The Significance of Becoming a Demon Lord

Rimuru's ascension to Demon Lord status is not merely a power upgrade; it's a fundamental shift in his identity and his role in the world. Becoming a Demon Lord grants him several significant advantages:

Increased Power and Abilities: As a True Demon Lord, Rimuru's magical power and overall combat abilities are dramatically amplified. He gains access to new skills and becomes capable of feats that were previously impossible.
The Ability to Resurrect the Dead: One of the primary motivations for Rimuru's transformation is the desire to resurrect Shion and the other fallen citizens of Tempest. Becoming a Demon Lord grants him the power to perform this seemingly impossible task.
Enhanced Protection for Tempest: Rimuru's increased power acts as a deterrent to potential enemies. His presence as a Demon Lord significantly strengthens Tempest's position and makes it a more formidable force.
A Shift in Political Landscape: Rimuru's ascension shakes the established political order of the world. He becomes a major player on the world stage, influencing events and challenging existing power structures.

"I will become stronger. Strong enough to protect everyone. Even if it means becoming a monster." - Rimuru Tempest

This quote encapsulates the driving force behind Rimuru's transformation. He is willing to embrace the mantle of Demon Lord, despite its potential drawbacks, in order to safeguard his friends and allies.

Conclusion

In summary, Rimuru Tempest's transformation into a Demon Lord occurs in Volume 5 of the light novel, approximately chapters 75-83 of the manga, and episodes 10 and 11 of the second season of the anime. This pivotal moment signifies a dramatic increase in his power, the ability to resurrect the dead, and a significant shift in the political landscape of the world. His ascension is driven by the need to protect his people and avenge the fallen, making it a central and transformative event in the "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime" narrative. Understanding precisely when this occurs is crucial for appreciating the trajectory of Rimuru's character development and the evolving dynamics of the world he inhabits.