Darwin*

Veronica carries me into a large cave with Gobi, Bonerattle, and Cruella following behind us. Uncle Gary is standing in the middle of the cave together with a flame spirit. Around them, a dozen monsters are forming a half-circle gazing at me with an avid curiosity in their eyes.

"I take it that not a lot of interesting stuff happens around here."

"You can feel their stares, can't you? They can't help themselves, as you've guessed life here quickly gets monotonous. New members bring a burst of liveliness every time."

I am set down between uncle Gary and the flame spirit with Veronica standing behind me in a protective manner.

"Hey there, new guy. I'm Flicker. Don't be nervous, we'll give you a good name and then we'll welcome you into our little community. We can't offer much but what we can offer, we offer gladly."

The voice has appeared directly in my mind. Telepathy? It should be a skill like that. Can he read my mind?

"In case you are wondering if I can read your mind, like most do when I first speak to them, I can't. My skill only allows me to send my thought into your mind. If you want me to know what you think you'll have to talk to me like everyone else."

That is good to know. It would be scary if he could read my mind...

The monsters around us grow silent as the ceremony is about to begin. Veronica starts by recounting how she found and rescued me. The monsters seem very interested and occasionally they seem to laugh when Veronica talks about how I reacted to certain things. I guess this really is one of their only forms of entertainment.

"Ok, you've all heard how this new member came to join us. Now he must be given a name. For we may have lost our human bodies but not our pride as individuals! Tell us then, slime who has yet to be named, what is your goal for the future?"

I think it over for a while but quickly see a problem. Can they even understand what I'll say? As if she could feel my worries, Veronica places one hand on me and pats me.

"I'll translate for you."

"I don't like being seen as a monster by those humans but I am too weak to do anything about that right now. I'm not strong enough to control my destiny as I am now. So I want to grow stronger and evolve to the point where humans won't have a choice but to accept me. I want a future without threats to my well-being around every corner!"

Uncle Gary claps enthusiastically and so do some of the other monsters who have the facilities for that.

"A big goal that you have set for yourself. To evolve to the pinnacle of power and make the humans accept you. A grand goal deserves a grand name! Any suggestions?"

I can't tell what's going on for sure but from the many noises and gestures made by the surrounding monsters, I believe they are sharing loads of suggestions. Uncle Gary appears flustered at first but quickly quiets down the gathering.

"I see you all have great ideas, alas only one can be chosen... I can't say anything I've heard so far sounded like a perfect fit though."

While uncle Gary is caught up in his attempts to make a decision a clear voice rings out through the cave.

"How about Darwin?"

I think that was Cruella, the caterpillar that's friends with Veronica. I can't explain why but that name... it resonates with me in a weirdly comfortable way.

"Darwin. Darwin. That seems to fit him. I hereby announce the name of the new member of our community to be Darwin, the slime who will evolve to the pinnacle!"

Uncle Gary announces my new name and I finally have something to call myself. I am Darwin!

"Congrats on getting your new name Darwin. May it stay with you longer than your last one."

"Thanks, Veronica."

The naming ceremony continues for a while longer as I get congratulated by the other members of the community. I don't understand most of them but I can feel their good intentions.

After the ceremony is formally over we return to the room where I first meet Gobi and Bonerattle.

"You must still be confused about a great many things, right, Darwin? You will learn much by just observing but since you want to become strong I'll tell you something related to that.

"Before I died, I was part of a research team focusing on rare evolutions of monsters. My main emphasis within the team was to induce such rare evolutions in our test subjects. The skills I learned for that purpose have remained with me even after I became a monster. If you want to grow stronger I can help you take the shortest and most effective path."

That is a lot to take in. So Cruella was a researcher too. And to be looking into the rare evolutions of monsters means she must have been a reputable researcher.

"I'd gladly take some of your suggestion, Cruella."

I see no reason to decline her offer since multiple rare evolutions usually bring forth tremendously strong monsters. If I can chain four or five evolutions that maximize my current potential I should be unchallenged unless I meet those monsters at the top of the high-level dungeons.

"It's good that you are so open when it comes to accepting help. Let's see here..."

I feel somewhat violated as whatever skill she uses to make her judgment moves over my body.

"I see. You are an ordinary slime but the skills you've retained from your previous life are enviable. Alchemy, synthesis, appraisal, and diagnosis. If you level those skills up until they evolve you might get access to really strong evolutions. However, I suggest going the route of an elemental slime for now. If you get a few elemental resistances you should unlock that evolution quite easily."