Is Milim Nava Stronger Than Rimuru? A Deep Dive into Power Scaling in That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
The question of whether Milim Nava is stronger than Rimuru Tempest is a hotly debated topic amongst fans of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. The answer, while seemingly straightforward on the surface, requires a closer look at the characters’ power progression throughout the series. The short answer is: Initially, Milim was unequivocally stronger, but by the end of the series, Rimuru surpasses her, evolving into a being of immense power capable of rivaling and even exceeding the strongest beings in the world. Let’s break it down.
Early Encounters: Milim’s Dominance
The Initial Gap in Strength
When Milim is first introduced, Great Sage (later evolving into Raphael and then Ciel) explicitly tells Rimuru that she is ten times stronger than him. This isn’t just a casual statement; it highlights the vast gulf in power between the two at that point. Milim, known as the “Destroyer,” is a Dragonoid, a being of immense raw power and a Demon Lord, one of the strongest classifications of entities in the world. Her strength stems from her lineage as the daughter of Veldanava, the original True Dragon, granting her immense natural abilities and seemingly limitless energy. Rimuru, in his early form, was significantly weaker, despite his potential.
Demonstrating Superiority
During their initial encounter, Milim pushes Rimuru to his absolute limit without even seeming to try. This demonstration solidifies her position as a being of overwhelming power. She engages in combat with a playful, almost casual demeanor, further underlining her superiority at that stage. Her overwhelming raw power and immense magical capacity made her seem untouchable to Rimuru.
Rimuru’s Ascent: From Slime to God
The Sky Dragon and Demon Lord Ascension
However, the status quo doesn’t remain static. Rimuru’s journey is one of relentless growth. After consuming the Sky Dragon (which some sources equate to the power of Charybdis), Rimuru experiences a significant power boost. He then ascends to become a True Demon Lord, a pivotal moment that catapults his power exponentially. Raphael informs Rimuru that his magicule count has increased tenfold, drastically closing the gap with Milim.
Gaining Immense Powers and Skills
Rimuru’s evolution isn’t just about raw stats. His unique abilities, such as Predator, Great Sage/Raphael/Ciel, and later Void God Azathoth, allow him to absorb, analyze, and adapt to new powers at an unprecedented rate. These skills, combined with his strategic thinking and increasingly vast array of abilities, ultimately become the key to surpassing Milim.
The True Dragon Form and Surpassing Milim
The turning point comes during the Great War Arc in the Light Novel, where Rimuru unlocks his True Dragon form. This transformation signifies an immense leap in power, allowing him to not only rival but also eventually surpass Milim. In this form, Rimuru exhibits power on a different scale, proving that his growth had eclipsed that of even the ancient Dragonoid.
Milim’s Strengths and Weaknesses
The Power of Brute Force
Milim’s strength is primarily based on raw power, honed through thousands of years of combat experience. She’s incredibly strong, resilient, and possesses massive amounts of energy. Her Ultimate Skill has also been in her arsenal for millennia, giving her immense combat expertise.
Vulnerability to Manipulation
However, Milim’s direct approach and lack of tactical complexity make her predictable. Rimuru, with Ciel’s guidance, is capable of analyzing her moves, anticipating her actions, and devising strategies to counter her brute force. He’s also able to use his unique skills to potentially control or manipulate her, exploiting her straightforward nature. She is, at times, somewhat gullible and easily led by her emotions.
Conclusion: Rimuru’s Victory Through Growth
In conclusion, while Milim Nava was undoubtedly stronger than Rimuru Tempest at the start of the story, Rimuru’s continuous growth, strategic thinking, unique skills, and ultimate transformation into a True Dragon allow him to surpass her. The narrative arc of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime showcases a journey of unparalleled evolution, making Rimuru, not Milim, the strongest character by the series’ end. This transformation from a seemingly weak slime to a god-like entity capable of manipulating space-time highlights the potential hidden beneath a humble exterior.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Milim Nava the strongest character in That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime?
No, Milim is incredibly strong, but by the end of the light novel, Rimuru surpasses her and becomes the strongest character.
2. Was Milim ever considered stronger than Rimuru?
Yes, absolutely. At the beginning, Milim was significantly stronger, as acknowledged by Great Sage and demonstrated in their early battles.
3. What is the source of Milim’s strength?
Milim’s strength is derived from her lineage as the daughter of the original True Dragon, Veldanava, combined with her experience as a Demon Lord for thousands of years and her innate talent.
4. How did Rimuru surpass Milim in power?
Rimuru’s growth is exponential. He absorbs powerful beings, gains new skills, evolves into a True Demon Lord, and eventually unlocks his True Dragon form, which allows him to exceed Milim’s power.
5. What role does Ciel play in Rimuru’s strength?
Ciel (formerly Great Sage and Raphael) is crucial. She analyzes, optimizes, and enhances Rimuru’s skills and abilities, providing the tactical edge needed to overcome stronger opponents.
6. Is Milim’s brute strength her only advantage?
Milim possesses immense brute force and a massive amount of magical energy, but she lacks the tactical cunning and strategic depth that Rimuru possesses.
7. Does Rimuru have any weaknesses?
Yes. Rimuru’s biggest weakness is his anxiety and lack of confidence, despite his immense power. He tends to doubt himself and can be easily flustered.
8. Can Milim defeat other powerful beings in the series?
Yes, absolutely. Milim can easily defeat most characters in the series. She can even rival beings like Veldora, Velgrynd, and Velzard, however not at the level of power that Rimuru achieves at the end.
9. Why is Milim called the “Destroyer”?
Milim is called the “Destroyer” due to her immense power and her reputation for causing chaos and destruction, usually out of boredom.
10. Is Rimuru’s power level capped at some point?
No. Rimuru’s power continues to grow, especially through his ability to absorb and learn from others’ skills, reaching a point where he becomes a god-like being.
11. Does Milim love Rimuru?
There is a strong friendship between Milim and Rimuru, with the fan wiki noting that their close relationship could imply romantic feelings from Milim toward Rimuru.
12. Is Rimuru a God at the end of the series?
Yes, by the end of the web novel and light novel, Rimuru attains god-like status, ruling over space-time, manipulating dimensions and even rewinding time at will.
13. Could Goku from Dragon Ball beat Rimuru?
While this is a popular hypothetical matchup, Rimuru’s abilities, particularly his ability to nullify physical damage and his vast array of skills, would make it nearly impossible for Goku to defeat him by the end of the series.
14. Is Hinata Sakaguchi stronger than Rimuru?
Hinata is strong, but Rimuru is significantly more powerful, especially after becoming a True Demon Lord and especially with his end of series powers. Even without these he still would beat her despite the barrier she erects, simply through the numerous skills he could use to escape and beat her.
15. Is Rimuru the strongest anime character of all time?
No. While Rimuru is incredibly powerful within his own universe, there are anime characters with powers that would likely eclipse him. Rimuru is not considered to be the strongest of all anime characters.