Chapter One: Awakened

The morning light streamed through my curtains, casting a warm glow over my room. For a moment, I lay there, drowsy, before reality began to set in. The "Awakening" wasn't some weird dream; it was my new reality.

I sat up, rubbing my eyes, and glanced at my outstretched hand. As if on cue, a shimmering orb of slime formed, hovering just above my palm. I couldn't help but marvel at the peculiar sight. This was my power, my "Slime Synthesis." It may have seemed bizarre, but it was mine.

Suddenly, a holographic screen materialized before me, startling me to full alertness. It displayed various bars and parameters, like something out of a video game. My status.

Name: Kuro

Race: Megamu

Level: 1

HP: 100/100

MP: 50/50

Talent: [Slime Synthesis]

Skills: None

Wait. Megamu? That couldn't be right. I'm human, or at least I thought I was. I reached for my phone on the nightstand, fingers fumbling in my haste. Quickly, I tapped away, scouring the web for information on the "Megamu Race."

As the search results populated my screen, I read with a mix of disbelief and intrigue. The Megamu, a formidable race known for their mastery over mana and their affinity for magic related talents. It was like something out of a fantasy novel, and yet here it was, my new reality.

I shook my head, trying to wrap my mind around it all. The world had transformed overnight, and now, here I was, part of a race I'd never heard of before. It was a lot to take in, but there was no time to dwell on it. I needed to adapt, to figure out how to navigate this new existence.

With determination, I closed the browser and focused on the hovering slime before me. It pulsed gently, as if urging me to push its limits. All of a sudden it crashed from its hovering position over my face.

A deep sigh escaped my mouth at that moment. You see, slime is exactly that, slime. And unfortunately the slime that I make is incredibly inconvenient when applied to my clothes. It refuses to get off whatever it touches, being covered in it like I am right now is possibly the most unideal situation in the world! 

Hours later, in my apartment.

I took a deep breath and focused on my outstretched hand, summoning the familiar orb of slime. It hovered, waiting for my command.

I'd read online that repetition and experimentation were key to evolving a talent. So, for weeks on end, I followed a routine. Pouring every ounce of mana I had into my ability, I watched the slime grow. It was exhausting, pushing my limits, but I was determined to make it work.

After each session, when my mana was depleted, I'd gather materials from around my apartment. Bits of metal, strands of fabric, even a few drops of water. I mixed them all with the slime, hoping for a reaction, for some sign of progress.

Days passed, and I saw no change. Doubt began to creep in, but I pushed it aside. I had to believe this was possible.

After all, who would invest in someone who wouldn't even invest in themselves. 

Overtime my apartment became a makeshift laboratory, scattered with materials waiting to be melded with my creation. The constant presence of slime, both fascinating and exasperating, became an inseparable part of my routine.

One evening, as I wiped a bead of sweat from my brow, I glanced at the swirling mixture of slime before me. There had to be something I was missing, some combination that would trigger the breakthrough I longed for.

The thought of giving up crossed my mind. But this was my power, my connection to a world that had reshaped itself. I couldn't afford to squander it.

And then, it happened. As if guided by an unseen force, I reached for a shard of metal, a strange sense of purpose coursing through me. It pricked my finger, drawing blood. Without hesitation, I let the drop fall onto the slime.

In an instant, the slime reacted. It pulsed, writhing and stretching, consuming the blood like it was a lifeline. I watched, breathless, as it transformed before my eyes.

It expanded, stretching not only in size but also in intricate detail. Instead of a perfect sphere, it adopted a lazy and drowsy form, resembling a blob of slime capable of maintaining its structure. The creature wobbled with a jelly-like consistency, creating an almost tangible presence. A profound sense of wonder and disbelief washed over me. Here it was—the pivotal breakthrough I had tirelessly pursued.

I checked my status by willing it to appear in my mind, eager to see the new status of my creation.

Slime Synthesis: Slime Level 1

Size: [1 Unit]

HP: 10/10

MP: 5/5

Talents: [Duplicate], [Gourmet]

It had evolved. The lifeless Slime now possessed both sentience and two talents!

[Gourmet]

Description:

Gain Health Points and Mana Points from anything that is consumed. 

Requires a minimum of 5 seconds to dissolve & digest.

Cost: N/A

[Duplicate]

Push out a exact replica of you from your Slime Body. The new Slime will be an independent Unit.

Cost: 5 MP

A surge of excitement coursed through me. I can feel it now. This is the big discovery iv been waiting for!

During the following few days after my breakthrough iv continued my experiments, each one yielding new insights. Iv managed to get my slime to created two more slimes, each with the same two talents as the original. Unfortunately, they've hopped around my apartment like an overeager pup for the past few hours. They can even cling to walls and ceilings so cleaning up has become one of the most tedious chores in my life!

If this experience is relatable to anything in my life I suppose its sort of like having a pet, in a strange, Slimey sort of way. 

Though I must admit, I do feel a growing connection to these creatures. Their a testament to my determination, my willingness to push beyond perceived limits.

Infact, looking at the trio of slimes before me, I know this is just the beginning. The world has changed, and so have I. And now, with my newfound companions, I think I'm actually ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Though first, I need to make a few stops around town.