An encounter with a slime.
"Get off me!" I shouted at the slime as I tried to push it away, but instead, my efforts trapped my hands on its slimy and sticky body.
"Damn it!" I pulled my hand in vain as they just wouldn't come out of the creature.
I could feel it slowly but surely envelop my body as its small mass, which amounted to that of a soccer ball expanded to my size second by second.
It felt as if my body was being covered in gelatin but not quite exactly that, it would be hard to describe to someone who's never experienced it. I couldn't escape its grasp and felt like this could be the end for me.
As it covered my body, I noticed that it wasn't coating my clothes as it avoided them and went for my body directly, which I found weird cause from my knowledge slimes can dissolve clothes, but apparently either they can't in this world or my clothes are simply special. I obviously lean more towards the second hypothesis since my clothes were made by the system itself, I only designed their look.
Wishing I had noticed this before my hands got captured, I continued trying to free myself to no avail. Soon, it reached my neck, as well as it started entering my pants.
My fear increased as I started having flashbacks to all the hentai and doujinshis I had consumed, knowing full well how this could end and definitely not wanting it to end that way.
"I hate tentacles! Get off me!" I did my best with all my strength to escape its constraints and something unexpected happened.
Somehow it listened to me and returned to its original size much quicker than it was expanding and jumped off me.
[You have tamed a blue slime. It is now your first companion]
[You have acquired the skill tame. You can now tame monsters and magical beasts.]
[Would you like to form a soul link with your companion? Y/N
Note: It will be irreversible once done.]
"Yes, I'm free!" I shouted of both happiness and relief, lifting my arms to the sky, at being free from its grip not even paying attention to the system's messages.
[Your link with your new companion will be established, once you name it. Please Name your blue slime.]
"Pardon?" I said confused at what it was saying, only then reading the messages and realizing I made a mistake.
[Are you sure, you would like to name your blue slime "Pardon?"? Y/N
Note: It will be irreversible once done.]
"Wait! I didn't mean to accept that soul link thing! Can't you just let this one slide, it was a mistake." I tried to convince the system with very low hopes.
[No. Now, please confirm or reject the name.]
As I had expected it didn't lead to anything and I couldn't go back anymore. All I can do is at least give it a decent name.
"No, I want to name it Oppo Gluttonous Talia! Since you're mine, you're part of the family little one." I chose its name after giving it some thought and decide to make it the first member of my newly formed family! Then instantly agreed when the system asked for confirmation.
I ended up smiling as warmth filled me and I felt that even though it's not what I expected with Oppo here, I won't be alone. Soon, the warm feeling I thought was caused by my emotions increased and I felt a part of me being pulled out, but it wasn't painful quite the opposite actually, not long after that part of me connected itself with Oppo.
My mind trembled as I felt something completely new as if we are one and two different beings at the same time.
[Your connection to individual 'Oppo Gluttonous Talia' has been formed. You are now the same, but also yourselves. As long as one exists so will the other. You are bonded for eternity] The system announced making me surprised and awed at this development.
"Doesn't that mean I won't die as long as Oppo is still alive and vase verse? That's amazing!" I was overjoyed at the insurance that my life will be safer from death with Oppo by my side.
Also, I began thinking of it as a coop game where both players can't die at the same time or it's game over.
[Duo to the naming process and newly formed soul connection, the individual 'Oppo Gluttonous Talia' has reached the requirements to undergo an evolution. Would you allow 'Oppo' to evolve? Y/N]
Not losing a second I immediately agree and let Oppo have his evolution. It will be great if Oppo becomes strong and carries me to victory! I believe in you Oppo!
[Evolution process has been initiated, individual 'Oppo Gluttonous Talia' will now ascend from a phase 0 life form to a Phase 1 life from. Estimated time: 2 minutes and 30 seconds.]
Oppo's body began glowing with a bright light as its mass was slowly expanding as its size was increased. It was a quite beautiful scene to look at, but the happiness didn't last long.
Soon all the slimes in the area started coming towards us, all of them seemed to be more specifically aiming at Oppo! I immediately suspected that they want to eat Oppo so they themselves can evolve!
"Greedy bastards! You're not laying your disgusting tentacles on Oppo!!" I immediately run forward and stand in front of Oppo block the path the best I can while in a battle stance that I copied from some random anime shaking.
I'm afraid to die! I don't want to fight! I don't want to take this risk! But more importantly, I'm afraid to lose this body and my life in this new world after losing my last one... But right now none of that matters! I've taken Oppo as part of my family, no not just that! As part me!! I won't let anyone take Oppo's evolution!
I steadied my resolve and the slimes had gotten close, I could count about 12 of them and I was ready to stop them with all I have.
The closest slime jumped at me just as Oppo did before but this time I was ready and kicked it out of the way! It flew off a bit further and I was surprised by how flexible my body was, as I just did a rotation high kick as if it was natural for me! My new body is the best!!
I didn't lose time praising my new body and once again took the defensive stand, but this time more slimes were closer and two of them jumped at me, I moved both my arms forward and punched them back!
The slimes like the first one flew back! But something I wasn't ready for happened, while I didn't have time to reposition myself three other slimes jump at me and I was once again knocked onto the ground!
As that happened the rest of them including the ones I threw away at first started to go towards Oppo while the ones on top of me were trying to consume me like Oppo did before.
I immediately hide my hand under the sleeve of my top and try to throw away the slimes but they are more than I can handle and when think I can throw one out, the others interrupt me! Then I remembered how I got Oppo and begin shouting.
"Tame! Tame! Tame! Tame! Tame! Tame! Tame!TAME!" I shout over and over again.
[Your ability, phase, and level are too low, your tame fails to take any effect]
[Your ability, phase, and level are too low, your tame fails to take any effect]
[Your ability, phase, and level are too low, your tame fails to take any effect]
....
That message came up as many times as I tried to invoke tame, and I couldn't help but to feel disheartened... But I didn't give up!
Deciding to not mind the slimes slowly covering my body, I take my sleeved and still freehand and start dragging myself towards Oppo to stop the other slimes as much as possible. Luckily for me, slimes move slowly and are only fast when they jump at you.
While I'm dragging myself with all my strength, my nails full of dirt and my face just as dirty while one of the slimes reached my neck, tears fall from my face as new notifications popped up.
[Evolution process complete! Individual 'Oppo Gluttonous Talia' has undergone evolution and become a phase-1: dual cultivation slime, also known as dual charm slime, becoming a unique variant of an extinct race. Such feat has granted 'Oppo' blessings from the 'Gods'.]
[As the soul partner of the individual 'Oppo Gluttonous Talia', the individual 'Ezra Alex Talia' has received the shared blessing of the Goddess of Growth, Progress, and Evolution-Progreza and the Goddess of Knowledge, Wisdom, and War-Whimzika]
*sigh*
I sigh in relief before remembering what kind of situation I'm in.
"Let go of me you disgusting tentacle beasts!" I fought to free myself from the slimes but at this point, they wouldn't budge and I could already feel one of the slimes entering my pants.
[You have tamed a blue slime. It is now your second companion.]
[Your skill tame has levelled up. You can now tame monsters and magical beasts 1 level above yours.]
[Due to your low level, phase, and tier you can no longer create soul links. Until you increase those you'll be unable to create new soul links.]
The notifications popped up one after the other and surprised me, but I started to see a common link between the two tamings... My pants! I didn't really want to think of it or use it, anyway, my taming skill should be stronger now, so I'll try again.
"Tame! Tame! Tame!" I shout three times wide of expectations.
[You have tamed a blue slime. It is now your third companion.]
[You have tamed a blue slime. It is now your fourth companion.]
[You have already tamed this blue slime, the skill does not affect it.]
"Get off me! NOW!" I order with a scream, I'm very nervous after this roller coaster of emotions.
The slimes obey and jump off me, three of them line up in front of me like soldiers waiting for orders from their commander.
My relief is great and only then do I turn around to see how Oppo is doing and at that moment a new notification shows up.
[Individual 'Oppo' has killed a level-1 'blue slime', as the soul partner, you receive half of the experience earned. You have gained 1 exp.]
"Hahaha! This is my Oppo!" I immediately started celebrating, then more notifications showed up.
[Individual 'Oppo' has killed a level-1 'blue slime', as the soul partner, you receive half of the experience earned. You have gained 1 exp.]
[Individual 'Oppo' has killed a level-1 'blue slime', as the soul partner, you receive half of the experience earned. You have gained 1 exp.]
....
I looked at Oppo and by then all the other slimes were already killed and eaten, of the 12 slimes from before only the three I tamed are alive.
{mommy Ezra, are you okay?!} I hear a very sweet and cute girly voice in my head as Oppo comes to me and jumps onto my arms.
"I'm ok..." I was still a little shocked to hear Oppo talk to me and couldn't react very well.
[Status]
[
Hp: 2/5
Mp:8/50]
I take a look at my health and mp then start questioning why I'm not dying of pain, but then.
"Arrhhh!" The adrenaline rush finally dies out and I feel my body ache all over. I thought that because I'm an energy being maybe I wouldn't feel pain but it seems I was wrong, this body is better than the old one, but it's still functioning like a human body.
I fall to the ground with Oppo on my arm and clench my teeth as the pain sinks in. Containing my tears to not worry Oppo, I suffer silently.
{I was so worried when you were attacked but I couldn't move, I'm sorry Mommy Ezra} Oppo didn't realize and believed my words.
"Awww! You called my mommy! You're too adorable, I'll die!" I finally realize Oppo is calling me mommy and can't take the adorableness, so I start crying.
{Mommy Ezra, are you really ok? Why are you crying?} Oppo gets worried seeing me cry and immediately start jiggling up and down, it's so precious!
I do my best to move my head and look at Oppo with my dirty face covered in dirt, then say with a smile. "I'm just so happy you're ok that I'm crying."
At this moment I rest my head on the ground and even my hair has some dirt on it, the other three slimes are still standing there in wait, and I realize something.
Couldn't I just have run away with Oppo instead of fighting?!
At the moment with the pressure, I didn't think of it but now the idea struck me, but not only do I not know if that would have affected Oppo's evolution but I also think this was good for me. I'm no longer afraid to fight for what is mine and to fight for what I want. I'll eventually get stronger and I'll roam the world as I see fit and create a big Talia family. Yeah, that sounds nice, and I can't forget to get some beauties along the way!Hahahahahahahahahahaghaha!
{Really?! I'm so happy mommy Ezra likes me! Yay!} Oppo said oozing with innocence and happiness. I couldn't help but to have my heart burnt to the crisp, it's too precious!
"Of course I like you, no! Mommy Ezra Loves you Oppo!" My grip on Oppo tightens as I hug Oppo with all my love.
Oppo gets all happy and starts making a little dance, and I melt away in the wholesomeness.
I then start thinking of what to do next, now that I had Oppo plus three blue slimes, it wouldn't be impossible to grind for levels, but I don't know what monsters are strong and which are weak, so choosing a target won't be that easy. There is also the problem of my current state, but I hope I'll heal in time.
Now, that I think about I should be able to see the status of my subordinates right? Or at least see Oppo's status. Then I try it out and focus on Oppo thinking of seeing the status screen.
[Status]
[
Name: Oppo Gluttonous Talia
Species: Dual cultivation slime(Dual charm slime)
Age:1 years old
Sex:Genderless/None
Gender:Demigirl
Phase: 1st
Tier:0
Ascension:0
Titles: Ezra's soul servant, Mommy Ezra's precious, Blessed monster, intelligent slime, Tamed monster{Ezra}, Last standing, Evolution genius, Unique skill owner
Affinity: Charm
Loyalty:100%(Absolute loyalty)
Affection:89(Love)
Relationship:Mommy-Servant
Level:1
Exp: 18/25
Hp: 50/50
Mp:200/200
Attributes:
Strength:8
Vitality:10
Agility:6
Intelligence:20
Charm:62
Luck:88
Ultimate particularity: Irresistible Might{shared:Ezra}
Unique skill: Monster call
Skills:
Charm-lv-0, Jump charge-lv-2, analysis-lv-(max), accelerated growth, double exp, Impact strike-lv-(max), absorb/dissolve, store, shapeshift
-Resistances:
Magic tolerance, physical attack tolerance
Magic:
None
Extras:
blessing of the Goddess of Growth, Progress, and Evolution-Progreza | blessing of Goddess of Knowledge, Wisdom, and War-Whimzika]
Wow! Oppo has it much better than me, well, I'm still level 0, so I'm sure I'll get better... I have to or I won't be able to keep my Mommy dignity... I never expected to think this.
Now, what the hell is that relationship bullsh*t! Why does it say Mommy-servant?! That's... I don't even know what to say, I'll just not think about this.
Out of curiosity, I look at the other slimes to see what their status looks like.
[Status]
[
Name:None/any
Species: blue slime
Age:0 years old
Sex:Genderless/None
Gender:Demiboy
Phase: 0
Tier:0
Ascension:0
Titles:Tamed monster{Ezra}
Affinity: None
Loyalty:70%(loyal)
Affection:50(Friandly/obedient)
Relationship:Master-Pet
Level:1
Exp: 32/50
Hp: 5/5
Mp:2/2
Attributes:
Strength:0
Vitality:1
Agility:0
Intelligence:2
Charm:9
Luck:19
Ultimate particularity: None/Unqualified
Unique skill: None
Skills:
Jump charge-lv-0, absorb/dissolve, store, shapeshift
-Resistances:
Magic tolerance, physical attack tolerance
Magic:
None
Extras:
None]
They are really useless... All the blue slimes were about the same with some differences in luck and charm, but the rest was the same.
I should also look at my own status to see what changed.
[Status]
[Name: Ezra Alex Talia
Species: Low-Energy being
Age:19 years old
Sex:Both(hermaphrodite)
Gender: Bigender(50%male, 50% Demi-girl)
Titles: Chosen by the system, Oppo's soul master, Mommy Ezra, Evolution genius{Shared:Oppo}, Monster tamer, Blessed individual{Shared:Oppo}, Unique class owner{x2}, Unique skill owner
Class: Skill board user
Sub-class: Stat conquerer, Loot collector, Dual cultivator
Affinity: All/any
Level:0
Exp: 18/25
Hp: 2/5
Mp:8/50
Attributes:
Strength:0
Vitality:0
Agility:0
Intelligence:0
Charm:0
Luck:0
Attribute points:0
Ultimate particularity: Irresistible Might
Unique skill: Skill board
Skills:
-Active/passive: Synthesis/Dismantle, mana manipulation-lv-0 , analysis-lv-(max) {Shared:Oppo}, accelerated growth {Shared:Oppo}, double exp {Shared:Oppo}, Impact strike-lv-(max) {Shared:Oppo}
-Resistances:
Magic tolerance, physical attack tolerance
Magic:
None
Extras:
blessing of the Goddess of Growth, Progress, and Evolution-Progreza {Shared:Oppo} | blessing of Goddess of Knowledge, Wisdom, and War-Whimzika {Shared:Oppo}]
After looking over everything, I was feeling a little bit annoyed that I didn't know much about the skills and thus couldn't properly prepare a plan. Then while I was looking at one of my skills something happened.
[mana manipulation: A skill that improves one's ability to flow mane through their body at will and with ease. At level 0 it only very slightly has any effects.
Passive common skill
Note: The effects will increase as the level of the skill increases.]
I was surprised as the information about the skills that was unavailable before, is now easily accessible. Not long after I notice that It's because of my new skill analysis that is already maxed out in level.
But now is not the time to focus on all the skills, I decided to first look at Oppo's unique skill as it interested me a lot.
[Monster call: You can call all of the monsters in an area equivalent to the mana spent and attract them all to your location. But the first 10m radius don't cost anything and can be used freely.
100mp per 1m radius.
Active Unique skill
Note: It is possible to specify the power range/rank/level of the monsters attracted/called.]
Isn't this a perfect skill for grinding?! Oppo is my cheat in this world it seems. My thoughts quickly jump to how to using this ability to grind levels with Oppo and the slimes' help.
"Oppo, can you help Mommy kill some monsters?" I asked since didn't want to force Oppo if she didn't want to do it.
I slightly changed the way I address Oppo without noticing as I was trying to think of what I would do if Oppo was on the more pacifistic side of things, I never cared too much and some people even said I was psychotic because I never cried when someone died, and the reason is that if I try to, I can't stop my mind from telling me 'It was inevitable, everyone will day someday' so I ended up not being able to shed a tear even when I tried. I don't think I would be ok killing a person, but I couldn't care less for a monster.
{Of course! Anything for Mommy Ezra!} Oppo just instantly agreed and didn't seem to be especially pacifistic which is good, since I'll probably kill a lot of monsters for levels.
"Good, now listen to Mommy carefully." I said as I began explaining to Oppo what her ability could do and how to use it, as an active skill it should be enough to think of it.
I still couldn't get up as my body was aching all over, so I called the slimes and gave them instructions as they are supposed to serve as bait while Oppo will attack the enemy while they're distracted by them.
Just like that Oppo did what I ordered and used <Monster call>. For a while, there was no change and no movements from monsters anywhere to be seen, but it was only a matter of time as later on, we could hear rustling noises in the woods. Things were already prepared by then and the slimes were moving around normally to make things seem more natural, and it was also done rather far from my body to avoid putting myself in a dangerous position as much as possible.
What came were about 18 slimes and 4 green short ugly humanoid creatures that I could only recognize as the infamous goblins, another low-level mod that is very popular especially in novels. They came and stopped to look around as is confused by their surroundings which I believe is the effect of Oppo's unique skill, then Oppo moved to the next step of the plan and used her charm on them all. Two of the goblins together with all the slimes halted their movements and started trembling slightly while the other two goblins were looking around even more confused as their companions were acting weird.
(Attack!) I gave the mental command to Oppo as she can understand me even without me having to talk, it seems to be some kind of telepathic communication which would explain why I can hear Oppo despite her having no mouth or vocal cords and not even telepathic powers, so I can only attribute it to our soul connection since the other slimes can't do it.
Once my command was given Oppo attacked one of the confused goblins, followed by the other three that attacked the other confused goblin together, and just like me before they were unable to free themselves of the slimes after getting knocked down. The two confused goblins struggled as they shouted at their companions and I assume they were asking for help.
"Giiieeeekkkk!"
"Giiieeeekkkkkkk!"
Different levels of panic overtook them as they begged for help, but what happened next was the worst for them, while they were begging for help their companions turned to them, and a bit of relief could be seen in their eyes and then.
*swing* *Crack!*
Blood flew from their bodies as their companions began clubbing them with their wooden clubs right on their faces mercilessly! While watching this scene I couldn't help giggle a bit as I see my plan succeed without feeling bad for the goblins in the slightest.
The goblins stopped clubbing their ex-companions before they die with tears flowing from their eyes, then Oppo and the other three did the job and consumed the two goblins finally killing them. It was my order to not let the goblins kill them, not because I care but because I wouldn't get any exp from their deaths if I let the other goblins kill them.
['Blue slime' has killed a level-3 'goblin', as its tamer, you receive some of the experience earned. You have gained 1 exp.]
[Individual 'Oppo' has killed a level-3 'goblin', as the soul partner, you receive half of the experience earned. You have gained 1 exp.]
As the two notifications resounded in my head, I could only think 'Bullshit!' how come I only got 1 exp in both cases?! This makes no sense! Give me my exp!
I was unsatisfied with the very low exp income, but could only sigh and order Oppo and the slimes to kill the 18 slimes and decided to leave the two goblins alive to try and tame them to increase my forces to increase the exp income for the time.
[Individual 'Oppo' has killed a level-1 'blue slime', as the soul partner, you receive half of the experience earned. You have gained 1 exp.]
['Blue slime' has killed a level-1 'blue slime', as its tamer, you receive some of the experience earned. You have gained 1 exp.]
[You have accumulated enough experience and have been recognized by the world as a part of its system. You have become level 1]
[You have unlocked the skills that define you as an energy lifeform. You have acquired the skills 'Shapeshift', 'Energy manipulation', 'Energy from'.]
['Blue slime' has killed a level-1 'blue slime', as its tamer, you receive some of the experience earned. You have gained 1 exp.]
['Blue slime' has killed a level-1 'blue slime', as its tamer, you receive some of the experience earned. You have gained 1 exp.]
.....
In the end, I got 14 exp from the slimes because the goblins acted on their own and killed four of the slimes.
I could feel the pain in my body slowly disappearing as I leveled up, but my body was still sore and I decided to keep laying down for a while longer as I looked at the changes in my status.
[Status]
[Name: Ezra Alex Talia
Species: Low-Energy being
Age:19 years old
Sex:Both(hermaphrodite)
Gender: Bigender(50%male, 50% Demi-girl)
Phase: 0
Tier:0
Ascension:0
Titles: Chosen by the system, Oppo's soul master, Mommy Ezra, Evolution genius{Shared:Oppo}, Monster tamer, Blessed individual{Shared:Oppo}, Unique class owner{x2}, Unique skill owner, Otherworlder, reincarnated person
Class: Skill board user
Sub-class: Stat conquerer, Loot collector, Dual cultivator
Affinity: All/any
Level:1
Exp: 24/25
Hp: 152/155
Mp:158/200
Attributes:
Strength:15
Vitality:15
Agility:15
Intelligence:15
Charm:69
Luck:97
Attribute points:6
Ultimate particularity: Irresistible Might
Unique skill: Skill board
Skills:
-Active/passive: Synthesis/Dismantle, analysis-lv-(max) {Shared:Oppo}, accelerated growth {Shared:Oppo}, double exp {Shared:Oppo}, Impact strike-lv-(max) {Shared:Oppo}, Shapeshift, Energy manipulation-lv-0, Energy from(0%), Tame-lv-1
-Resistances:
Magic tolerance, physical attack tolerance
Magic:
None
Extras:
blessing of the Goddess of Growth, Progress, and Evolution-Progreza {Shared:Oppo} | blessing of Goddess of Knowledge, Wisdom, and War-Whimzika {Shared:Oppo}]
"Hahaha! That's what I'm talking about! This is the status I expected from a dignified Futa such as myself! With this, I don't have to depend on Oppo to grind and I can even start exploring the zone if I want to.... But I'll play it safe and grind a few more levels before I start exploring, better safe than sorry." I got excited seeing that I'm already stepping towards being able to defend myself in this new world, but I still know too little to know what kind of dangers exist here.
Once I was done looking at what changed I decided that I should see what each skill does before moving on.
With a smile on my face, I looked at the sky excited to see what the future could hold for me.