Candy

Givale watched the unmoving Akiol, "What exactly will he become?"

"The Dragons don't evolve if I remember correctly."

"We don't. . ."

"He is one of the few slimes I have ever seen evolve so fast. This time he will become a Royal Slime."

"Royal? Does that mean he's part of nobility now?"

"No, it just means he gained the recognition of the Slime King."

"What does evolution give him?"

"In a simple sense, he will grow even stronger. Each evolution will provide someone with a percentage boost in strength. Considering the Links he has, the boost will be even greater."

"So he's going to become even stronger?"

"Yes, among the strongest of Second Stages. Though, I am concerned about the numerous Links. It may cause some issues."

'He will be fine as long as he doesn't go Linking with someone again!' -Stars

"Linking with more than one individual is a terrible idea regardless."

"He did it to save me though.", Mira mumbled under his breath.

"I've never seen such a slime before. Such an incredible individual, surrounded by just as equally incredible people."

"You've seen everything we came across right?", Givale asked.

"Not quite, I only peeked at the memories I deemed important. It would take too much time to view it all at once."

'So you haven't seen Nimin or anything like that?'

"I am not familiar with that name."

It was a trap question, suddenly the Slime King was being told the story of what occurred by three different individuals. Still he silently listened and questioned while they struggled to align their stories. Thanks to this an hour passed by quickly, a sudden light descended on Akiol. Blinding enough to distract everyone at once.

The King Slime spoke, "Good, you awoke."

Akiol morphed into his human shape and flexed his arms, "This feels incredible."

"I am glad you like it. I recommend you adjust to your newfound strength when you can."

Givale inspected Akiol and shook her head disappointingly, "I expected a drastic change! But he seems the same."

"Look closer."

Taking the Slime King's advice, she scrutinized Akiol even closer. She then laughed, "Oh he's glowing a bit!"

Akiol was alarmed, "I hope not!"

Comforting Akiol the Slime King informed, "It is an effect only those wishing to know you more will see. An effect of a superior race, it is of no surprise a Dragon can see it. Beware though, some may take you as a threat because of this."

"I've reached a point where my presence can now be identified as a threat. Truly I have leveled up."

"As expected of Akiol Sensei!", Mira cheered.

The Slime King interrupted, "Alright, as much as I wish to celebrate this occasion—my time is running out. I will be sending you back where I teleported you. Best of luck."

Akiol raised a hand, "Ah wait instead could you-"

His surroundings changed and he found himself in the middle of nowhere, "He sent me off so quickly just like the other times!"

Givale looked around, "He can teleport us so fast without any chants?"

"The Slime King for you, he's certainly not someone I want to go against."

A voice echoed across the area, "Help! Anyone?!"

Raising his head slightly Akiol ordered, "Back with Stars you go."

"Aw, I want to fight this time!"

"Perhaps when you're better trained. Besides wouldn't it be cooler if you appeared out of nowhere and defeated the enemy?"

Mira saluted, "Right away Sensei!"

Givale bit her thumb nail, "I feel like you're just saying that to convince me, but you aren't wrong. Also Mira, you don't have to follow his every order! Have some free will!"

"But Sensei saved me, why shouldn't I-?"

"Agh this gonna take forever to fix. Stars!"

'I hear you princess.'

"I'm a Dra-!"

The two vanished and Akiol ran towards the voice. His speed was greater than before, surprising him slightly.

He came across a clearing, several monsters surrounding an elevated platform. A small girl sat at the top, "Anyone?!"

"Oh someone came! I was exploring about when I was jumped by these monsters. Please save me!"

"That's not a problem."

Akiol leapt onto the platform and extended a hand, "You alright?"

"Well I'm fine, managed to escape up here. But what about the monsters? They're still here!"

"Them? I already took care of them."

All the monsters collapsed onto the ground simultaneously. The girl watched this with wide eyes, "These guys aren't some casual enemies. . . What's your name?"

"Akiol."

"That sounds familiar. . . I thank you Akiol, but I have an additional request!"

'Oh goodness, a quest right as we return? What luck!'

Akiol disagreed, for he could tell the girl was a player. Still he offered, "What do you need?"

"My bodyguard—I gave him a day off. It just so happens the day I do I get in trouble! Could I ask you to guard me back to my home?"

"You don't have a teleport scroll?"

"My place is special."

"How far is it?"

"About an hours walk from here?"

"I can do that."

"Ah thank you! Please follow me."

The girl jumped down nimbly and skipped along. Akiol kept up with her and asked, "What's your name?"

"Father said I'm not to tell that to strangers."

Akiol's brow twitched, wasn't there an age restriction on a game this realistic? Perhaps he should look into that. With a shrug he said, "Fair enough, perhaps a nickname I can refer to you by?"

"You can call me Candy then!"

"Candy. . . why were you exploring without your bodyguard?"

"There's a thrill in exploring without guaranteed safety. When dangers pose a real threat! I wanted to experience that!"

"Sounds like your bodyguard is quite capable."

"The best! Father said he made sure to give me the best for my safety."

"And a protective father."

"Father is the best!"

"Between your bodyguard and your father who is better?"

She frowned, "Uhh. . . Don't tell Father this, but I think my bodyguard is better."

Akiol silently gave a prayer for the father, to be outmatched by the very bodyguard he gave her.

A voice called out, "Stop right there!"

Akiol tapped Candy's shoulder, "Hold on for a moment, they finally showed themselves."

A group of five stepped in their way. The obvious leader pointed his weapon, "Right, we want all your goods. Hand them over or die, simple as that."

Akiol felt a little nostalgic, being robbed by players was a common occurrence long ago! To think they were still up to that!

Candy watched them with interest, "Robbers? I haven't seen any in forever!"

"Personally, I come across them occasionally.", Akiol stated his experiences.

One of the bandits held up a hand, "Wait Boss, doesn't that guy look familiar?"

The Boss examined Akiol, "You're right. . . quick check the list of individuals to never offend."

"On it Boss!"

Opening up a set of pictures the man carefully examined each one and compared it to Akiol. Pinching his chin he said, "I could've sworn this list was larger, but he doesn't seem to be on it!"

The Boss smirked, "Well then, time to-"

"Wait! I used the wrong list."

"Jerry, I swear if you almost got us killed!"

"I opened the kill on sight list on accident! That explains why there was so little!"

"Get on with it! We can stand around looking like idiots all day!"

"Help me then! There's a lot to go through!"

'These guys are so unorganized.' -Stars

Akiol leaned to his side and whispered to Candy, "We could probably leave and they won't notice."

Candy shook her head, "These guys seem interesting! I want to see what they will do."

"Ah Boss! I found it, take a look."

The group of five examined the photo and compared it to Akiol. The Boss whispered, "That's a near carbon copy of him, there's been no change whatsoever? Could it be a fake?"

"But should we risk that?"

"True, offending someone like him will spell our doom. Right then boys, apologizing formation!"

Everyone clapped their hands together and bowed slightly, "We are very sorry!"

'They seem pretty organized to me.' -Givale

The Boss commanded, "Book it boys!"

Everyone left as fast as they could. Akiol could tell that they were First Stage individuals, but he didn't give chase.

As the Boss ran he cursed, "I'm tired of being a mob in this world of protagonists! It's not fair!"

Candy tilted her head at the sight, "Weren't they going to rob us?"

Akiol shrugged, "Perhaps they had a meeting. Let's continue."

Candy skipped along, "Once, my bodyguard took down a whole bunch of enemies! It was super cool and awesome!"

"Sounds like he's quite capable."

"The best!"

Candy cheerfully told Akiol all of her favorite moments with her bodyguard. He listened to them carefully while keeping an eye on his surroundings.

He paused, "Hold on a moment Candy."

Akiol searched their surroundings. Someone was watching them, with ill intent as well. However Akiol was unable to pinpoint their exact location.

Candy asked, "Is something wrong?"

"Someone's watching us."