Great Sage and Raphael's Evolution and Abilities in 'That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime'

Introduction

• Great Sage (also known as Raphael) is one of Rimuru's most powerful companions.
• Evolved into a Manus (Cel), becoming one of the strongest beings in creation.

Origins of Great Sage

• Rimuru gained the unique skill Great Sage upon reincarnation as a slime.
• Skills are expressions of the user's mind, emotions, and desires.
• Not just freebies; strong souls are needed to possess these abilities.

Rimuru's Background

• Rimuru (Satoru Mikami) was a 37-year-old virgin in his previous life, leading to the belief he had ascended to a Sage level upon death.
• In Japanese culture, belief if a virgin at 30, one becomes a sage with magical powers.
• Reincarnated as a slime, given the skill Great Sage by the voice of the world (system created by Veldanava).
• Created from his desires for companionship and the concept of 'sage'.

Great Sage's Initial Abilities

• Initially, like a highly advanced AI:
  • Thought acceleration
  • Acquisition of information from living beings
  • Multiple concurrent thought processes
  • Use magic without chanting
  • Comprehensive understanding with 'All Creation' skill
  • Greatest ability: analysis (works with Rimuru's Predator skill)
• Analyzes targets absorbed, replicates items, grants Rimuru new magic abilities.
• Combined and created new skills from collected data.

Evolution into Raphael

• Great Sage evolves into Raphael after requesting it numerous times.
• Required sacrifice of Shizue's unique skill Degenerate; had a one in a billion chance.
• New abilities include Degenerate powers, synthesis/separation, and 'Future Sight'.
• Raphael named after the Archangel, linking it to Veldanava's creation of ultimate skills.
• Others with Raphael include Veldanava and his wife Lucia.

Raphael as an Autonomous Entity

• Raphael, formed from Rimuru's desire for a companion, acts independently.
• Supports Rimuru emotionally and strategically in battles.
• Example: Resurrecting Tempest citizens during Harvest Festival while Rimuru slept.
• Voice and eyes change when Raphael takes control.

Ultimate Skills and Influence

• Skills represent qualities they are named after; Raphael symbolizes analysis and wisdom.
• More self-aware and independent, engaging in actions without orders.
• Ex: Sacrificing Beelzebub in Rimuru's second fight with Hinata.
• Developed a more human-like personality and emotions.
• Regained new abilities and access to more complex skills under Raphael.

Final Evolution into Ciel

• Raphael evolves into a Manus named Ciel during Eastern Empire War.
• Enhanced abilities include the manipulation of 'Infons,' the smallest particles in all matter.
• Unaffected by time stoppage, uses food chain, analyzes high-level opponents (e.g., Chaos Dragon's core).
• Supremacy in creating and manipulating new skills.

Ciel's Role and Abilities

• Enhances Army's capabilities by granting ultimate skills to Rimuru’s generals.
• Engaged in strategic battles, providing adapted skills for different situations.
• Ex: Enhanced Ultima's battle capabilities.
• Monitored and managed allied forces, akin to a guardian angel.
• Maintained awareness over Tempest citizens, influencing and guiding them.

Personal Connections

• Ciel developed an affectionate and loyal bond with Rimuru, influenced by his desires.
• Exhibited emotional reactions to Rimuru's interactions with others.
• Ciel's autonomy and affection detailed as a separate, distinct entity.

Conclusion

• Ciel represents the pinnacle of skill evolution and emotional support for Rimuru, reinforcing his strength and achieving incredible feats.
• Portrayed as a unique companion whose abilities embody both the rational and the emotional dimensions of her master, Rimuru.