Defeating A Slime

Pao raised her staff once again, murmuring a quiet incantation. With a slight motion, the earth box trapping one of the slimes split open, releasing the creature. It oozed forward, its translucent body rippling as it began moving toward Amukelo. He gripped his weapon tightly, taking a deep breath to steady himself.

Idin stepped closer. "Amukelo, remember: stay calm and listen to what I say. Timing is everything here. Last time, your blade was too late. This time, swing your sword just as the stick makes contact with the slime."

Amukelo nodded. The slime closed the distance slowly but deliberately, its crystal shimmering faintly in its center. When it was just a few feet away, Amukelo raised the stick in his left hand, holding his sword steady in his right.

"Now!" Idin called.

Amukelo swung the stick in a wide arc, striking the slime. The creature rippled and quivered as the stick lodged inside, and the crystal shifted in response. This time, however, Amukelo followed immediately with his sword, slashing toward the slime just as the stick made contact. His blade cut through the goo, stopping just beneath the crystal. The crystal hadn't had time to move far enough, though this time Amukelo missed the strike.

"Good," Idin said, nodding approvingly. "That's progress. Now, the important part—getting your weapons out."

Amukelo nodded, his arms straining as he felt the resistance of the slime's body holding his weapons in place. Idin continued. "Push with your legs against the ground. Leave the stick—it's not worth trying to pull it out. Focus on freeing your blade with one decisive motion."

Planting his feet firmly, Amukelo bent his knees and pushed off the ground, pulling his sword upward with all his strength. The blade slid free, and he stumbled back a step, catching his balance. The stick remained lodged in the slime, but Amukelo was unharmed.

"Very well," Idin said with a faint smile. "That's how you do it. Now grab another stick and try again."

Amukelo caught his breath, looking around for another stick. As he bent to pick one up, he paused, glancing at the slime. "But won't the stick in it make it easier?"

Bral, standing nearby with his arms crossed, chuckled. "It shouldn't. Slimes aren't that dumb. They won't start dissolving something if they think the enemy is still around. It'll throw it out eventually."

As if on cue, the slime shuddered and ejected the stick with a wet plop. The stick landed a few feet away, its surface covered in a faint layer of goo.

Amukelo nodded to himself, reassuringly. "Alright," he muttered, grabbing a fresh stick from the ground. Straightening up, he steadied himself as the slime began moving toward him again. 

Idin then said. "This time, anticipate where the crystal will move. Based on the angle you hit with the stick, the crystal will shift in the opposite direction. Aim your sword to intercept it."

Amukelo tightened his grip on the stick, nodding slowly. "Got it."

When the slime was within striking distance, he swung the stick again, aiming slightly to the left of the crystal's current position. The stick hit the slime, and just as Idin had said, the crystal shifted sharply to the right—directly into the path of Amukelo's blade.

Without hesitation, Amukelo swung his sword, his timing precise. The blade cut through the goo, striking the crystal cleanly. There was a brief moment of resistance, followed by a sharp crack as the crystal split. The slime quivered violently, its body rippling outward before collapsing into a puddle of inert goo.

Amukelo took a step back, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. The clearing was quiet for a moment, save for the faint sound of his breathing and the distant rustling of leaves. 

Amukelo looked at his sword, then at the puddle of slime on the ground, a small smile spreading across his face. "I did it," he said.

Pao clapped softly, her expression warm and encouraging. "Well done, Amukelo," she said. 

Idin glanced at the remaining slimes, then back at Amukelo. "Good, that's how it's done. Now, let's finish the job."

Amukelo finished the last slime himself. This time he killed it tge first try. Then they made their way back to Llyn.

Bral broke the silence first, clapping Amukelo on the back with a hearty laugh. "Well done, rookie. You got it faster than I expected. You're really talented."

Amukelo grinned but shook his head modestly. "It's not just me," he said. "It's all thanks to Idin. If it wasn't for his guidance, I would've been completely lost."

Idin, walking on the other side of Amukelo, smiled warmly. "I'm happy to help," he said. "You listened, and that's the most important part. A lot of rookies don't."

Amukelo turned slightly, catching Pao's eye. "And thank you too, Pao. I wouldn't have been able to handle those slimes if I'd had to watch all three at the same time. You really saved me back there."

Pao raised her hands defensively, her cheeks flushing slightly as she stumbled over her words. "It—it was nothing, really. I just did what made sense."

Bral and Idin exchanged a quick glance, their shared smile filled with a playful understanding. Bral suppressed a chuckle, while Idin gave a small shake of his head, clearly amused. Bao, walking slightly ahead, turned and fixed them both with a frosty glare.

"You two are impossible," she said flatly.

Amukelo, oblivious to the silent exchange, rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Still, I mean it. I really appreciate all of you helping me out. This whole thing was so cool. I've already learned so much." His voice grew more animated as he continued. "And it's so exciting to fight monsters like that! I can't wait for the next quest!"

Bral chuckled, his broad grin returning as he gave Amukelo another pat on the shoulder. "That's the spirit! But I hate to disappoint you, rookie. Being an adventurer, especially at our rank, isn't all about fighting monsters. Sometimes it's a lot less exciting."

Amukelo blinked, looking puzzled. "Less exciting? Like what?"

Bral shrugged, his grin shifting into a slightly mischievous smirk. "Next time, we'll probably take on something lighter. Even though this quest wasn't too hard, overworking can sneak up on you when you least expect it."

Amukelo nodded, considering his words. "So… what does an adventurer do when they're not fighting monsters?"

Bral burst out laughing, shaking his head. "Oh, you'll see soon enough."

Amukelo frowned, his curiosity piqued. "Come on, man, don't leave me hanging!"

Pao stepped in to answer. "Sometimes we do more mundane tasks," she explained. "Things like helping merchants, clearing roads, or even assisting with rebuilding houses and other structures."

Bral turned to her with a mock expression of shock. "Pao, Pao, Pao," he said dramatically, wagging his finger. "I know you mean well, and I know your efforts, but let's not destroy the fun."

Amukelo tilted his head, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Destroy the fun? What efforts?"

Pao's cheeks reddened further, and she glanced away, clearly flustered. Bral's grin widened as he leaned toward Amukelo. "Wanna know?"

Before Amukelo could reply, Bao moved with lightning speed, elbowing Bral hard in the stomach. The wind left him in a sharp gasp, and he staggered slightly, clutching his side.

"Gah! What was that for?" Bral wheezed, glaring at Bao.

Bao didn't even look at him, her cold gaze locked on Amukelo instead. "Don't ask stupid questions," she said bluntly. "I don't know whether you're truly that unaware or if you're pretending, but either way, stop."

Amukelo, startled by her tone, raised his hands defensively. "Okay, okay! I'm just curious. No need to get mad."

Bao sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose in exasperation. "Just don't," she said curtly before turning and walking ahead of the group.

Bral, having recovered somewhat, straightened up with a dramatic groan. "Man, she hits hard," he muttered, throwing a look at Idin. "You're lucky she doesn't take it out on you."

Idin shrugged. "Maybe it's because I don't tease her every five minutes."

Bral smiled and said, "I know she likes it."

Pao offered Amukelo a small smile. "Don't mind Bao," she said softly. "She's just… protective in her own way."

Amukelo frowned slightly, his curiosity still lingering. "Protective? Of who?"

Pao blushed slightly and without saying anything she joined back her sister. 

Amukelo was left wondering of what was happening.

The group continued walking, the air between them lightening gradually. Bral and Idin exchanged quiet jokes. Amukelo found himself smiling again, despite the awkwardness of Bao's outburst.