Even if it was that long you'd only be getting to the real start of the series after that. This second batch of episodes will end at a place that feels like the true start of 86. It's unfortunate but it's laying the groundwork for the world as a whole instead of advancing the overall plot.It felt like it needed 26 episode for me.
The real question is does it continue past this next season. The stuff past that point is way better than what they're about to show.

He should have kept Veldora in that fukking cave. I think while Rimuru is the more powerful of the 'brothers', Veldora will start talking his shyt, thumping his chest, pointing fingers to Rimuru's ire.
not at this point at least
Lets slow tf down a bit 
First Take: Rimuru had a clutch game when it mattered, a legacy war with over 20,000 bodies. Veldora was in street clothes playing Shogi. Lets give credit, where credit is due! 
