The Unyielding Devotion: Why Diablo is Obsessed with Rimuru Tempest
Diablo’s unwavering loyalty and near-obsessive devotion to Rimuru Tempest is a central and fascinating aspect of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. It’s a complex relationship built on several key factors, far surpassing a simple master-servant dynamic. Fundamentally, Diablo’s fascination with Rimuru stems from his desire to witness the “truth of the world”, believing that Rimuru, through his unique journey, power, and wisdom, holds the key to unlocking it. This isn’t just a matter of strength; it’s a deep-seated curiosity about the very nature of existence, and he sees Rimuru as the perfect vessel to explore this. Diablo, having existed for over 20,000 years, has witnessed the rise and fall of countless beings. He recognizes that Rimuru is different—a being who defies expectations, breaks through barriers, and constantly evolves. This unique growth trajectory makes Rimuru an anomaly, capturing Diablo’s full attention. The idea that a seemingly weak slime can attain such immense power and unravel mysteries lost to time fuels Diablo’s fascination and loyalty. He sees in Rimuru a convergence of immense power and untapped potential, which makes him intensely interested in his future development.
Diablo’s Initial Interest and the Pursuit of “Truth”
Diablo’s interest in Rimuru predates the formal summoning. Even before his summoning, Diablo was intrigued by the ripples caused by Rimuru’s actions and rapidly developing power. Unlike other demons who might be drawn to Rimuru’s raw strength, Diablo was more captivated by Rimuru’s underlying potential and the unique way he overcame challenges. For Diablo, Rimuru’s journey, from a weak slime to a powerful Demon Lord, is a compelling narrative that offers a different perspective on the world. When Rimuru finally summoned him using Meggido, Diablo saw it as the perfect opportunity to witness this truth firsthand. This initial curiosity morphed into a fierce loyalty as he observed Rimuru’s continued ascent.
The Impact of Rimuru’s Actions
Rimuru’s actions, especially his willingness to create a harmonious and prosperous nation, resonated deeply with Diablo. Despite his demonic nature, Diablo, it seems, is not inherently chaotic. He appreciates Rimuru’s pragmatic and compassionate leadership, and his approach to resolving conflict. He views this as another facet of the “truth” he seeks—that a powerful being can exist without resorting to tyranny. Rimuru’s unwavering spirit and his unique perspective on problem-solving are other aspects that continue to fascinate Diablo. Furthermore, Rimuru’s ability to evolve rapidly and consistently, combined with his mysterious skills and intelligence (thanks to Raphael), make him an endless source of wonder and potential for Diablo.
Beyond Strength: A Devotion Rooted in Uniqueness
While Diablo acknowledges Rimuru’s raw power as impressive, it’s not the sole reason for his devotion. Diablo himself acknowledges that he is superior to Rimuru in terms of technique, due to his vast experience. However, he acknowledges that Rimuru is superior in raw power. He is captivated by Rimuru’s unique qualities—his kindness, his innovative thinking, and his unwavering determination. Diablo, having existed for millennia, has seen countless powerful beings, but none have captured his attention quite like Rimuru. He views Rimuru not just as a master but as a pivotal figure in the grand narrative of the world, worthy of absolute loyalty and service. His rivalry with Shion, while seemingly comedic, underscores his fierce desire to be Rimuru’s number one retainer, constantly vying for his attention and recognition.
The Fanatical Loyalty and the “Food Chain”
Diablo’s loyalty borders on the fanatical. He obeys Rimuru’s orders without question and is deeply protective of him. This stems from his belief that Rimuru will eventually reveal the ultimate truth he craves. Diablo also recognizes and respects the “Food Chain” aspect of Rimuru’s power, which makes Rimuru even stronger as his subordinates grow stronger. This reinforces his dedication to supporting Rimuru’s growth, thereby benefiting himself as well, if only indirectly. Ultimately, Diablo’s devotion to Rimuru is not just about power or subservience; it’s a deeply ingrained belief that Rimuru is a unique and pivotal figure who holds the key to unlocking the fundamental truths of existence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Diablo more powerful than Rimuru?
No, While Diablo has superior technique due to his 20,000+ years of experience, he is inferior to Rimuru in raw power and Skills. Moreover, Rimuru gets stronger through the “Food Chain” system, benefiting from the growth of his subordinates, including Diablo.
2. Why is Diablo considered Rimuru’s strongest subordinate?
Diablo is one of the seven Primordial Demons, known as Noir, and is extremely powerful. He is considered Rimuru’s strongest subordinate due to his immense innate strength, combat prowess, strategic thinking, and his evolution into an Awakened Demon Lord after receiving a gift of souls from Rimuru.
3. Is Diablo a Primordial Demon?
Yes, Diablo is one of the seven Primordial Demons, also known as Noir or Primordial Black. He’s a being of immense age and power, summoned by Rimuru during his ascension to Demon Lord status.
4. Does Rimuru know Diablo is a Primordial?
Initially, Rimuru did not know Diablo was a Primordial. He just casually agreed to summon and name him, along with other Primordial Demons, after Lamborghini supercars.
5. Would Diablo ever betray Rimuru?
No, Diablo is fanatically loyal to Rimuru and worships him like a god. He would follow Rimuru’s orders to the absolute letter and would never betray him.
6. What is Diablo’s role in the Jura Tempest Federation?
Diablo serves as a key Executive of the Jura Tempest Federation, functioning as a secretary and butler to Rimuru Tempest.
7. Why does Diablo start a rivalry with Shion?
Diablo’s rivalry with Shion is mainly due to his desire to be Rimuru’s number one subordinate. Both of them compete for Rimuru’s attention and recognition, leading to humorous and often over-the-top displays of loyalty.
8. What is the “truth of the world” that Diablo seeks?
The “truth of the world” is not explicitly defined but seems to refer to a deep understanding of the nature of reality, power, and existence. Diablo believes that Rimuru’s unique journey and power will unlock these truths for him.
9. How did Diablo evolve to a Demon Peer?
Diablo evolved from an Arch Demon to a Demon Peer after Rimuru’s Harvest Festival, further increasing his power and status as Rimuru’s subordinate.
10. Is Diablo a good guy or a bad guy?
Diablo is neither inherently good nor bad. He is incredibly loyal to Rimuru, and his actions are guided by his desire to serve him and his pursuit of the “truth”. His methods can be ruthless, but he’s not malicious for the sake of it.
11. Who are the other Primordial Demons?
The seven Primordial Demons are: Rouge (Guy Crimson), Bleu, Vert, Noir (Diablo), Jaune, Blanc, and Violet.
12. What gift did Rimuru give Diablo?
After the war against the Eastern Empire, Rimuru gave Diablo 100,000 souls and the title “Devil Lord”. This caused Diablo to evolve into an Awakened Demon Lord.
13. Why is Yuuki Kagurazaka an enemy of Rimuru?
Yuuki sees Rimuru as a threat to his own plans. He regrets not killing Rimuru when they first met, and he actively plots against Rimuru and the Tempest Federation.
14. Does Rimuru ever turn evil?
While Rimuru can be ruthless when those he cares about are threatened, he does not turn evil. He remains a mostly good-natured leader who is committed to protecting his people and upholding his values.
15. Who is stronger, Guy Crimson or Diablo?
Guy Crimson is generally considered stronger than Diablo, though in the latest material Diablo in his ultimate form is stated to be at the same power level as Guy without nodnes. Guy is also established to be stronger than Milim while Diablo is stated to be unable to defeat Milim.