*Shlop Shlop!
That was the only sound that escapes from the bouncing of the monster that was in front of Hiro. Thinking what he should do with it, he first laid it on the ground. For now, he thought of the probability of it being killed if he ever brings it to the city with him. Obviously, the possibility was high, with just a glance of the guards in the city gates could probably get it immediately killed. He doesn't want that to happen to the thing that saved his life.
Thinking maybe he should reason with the guards or the city itself, there would be a chance that he would be able to keep it as a pet. But logically, no matter how hard he would try it, the chance that they will all accept is zero. A monster as a pet... It was not possible - especially for someone who doesn't have a high position in the city.
Right now, the only choice he has was to leave it in the place where it belongs: the dark cave the stood in front of them. That may be the better and obvious choice, but as he carefully thinks about it, even if he leaves it be, it will still get hunted and die from the hands of other adventurers.
[ Hmm... There must be some other way... ] murmuring as he brings his fingers on his chin, he thinks of other means to keep it with him. And, it was then that he was reminded... This slime, it has unlimited possibilities and varieties of transformation. He could use its ability to keep it disguised as something else.
Hiro: he's able to command the slime in front of him to transform into anything he wants, as long as it has seen or absorbed it. That's right, right now, he could make it transform into two different levels: level 1 and level 2. Level 1 is to copy it's appearance, while level 2 is to copy the material's composition. As long as it meets the easy requirements, he could make it do its thing without any other restrictions.
[ Draconic slime! I want you to transform into -! ] then he said what he wants it to become...
Expecting it would immediately obey and follow, it turned the other way around; it did not react to him at all.
[ Eh... ]
What happened? To the quiet clearing which he escapes to, he stands surprised and unmoving, the same as the slime which has become his 'pet'. Thinking it was only a chance that it wasn't able to understand him, he again tries to command it. Being positive as he always is, he tried and tried, but no matter what he does, it didn't listen.
( It was like this earlier... But... just what is its problem? ) breathing a sigh, he asks.
Like how it was when they were there in the dungeon, discussing what would be its name, it just didn't listen to him.
[ Wait, don't tell me... Slime-chan...? ] realizing, how it was, he calls for its original name - the name he gave it the very first time they have met. And yes, just how he expected it to be, it jumps enthusiastically again as a response to its name being called. If it had a face, Hiro was sure that he would see it smiling from ear to ear, it was that happy.
[ Wait! You didn't like the name I gave you!? ] he shouts in shock to the revelation. And again, as if it fully understands him, the liquid in its body moved from up and down to agree.
[ Eh... But it was cool... ] He complains at the reaction the slime gave.
He was disappointed that both of them didn't have the same taste in names, but he was at least relieved that it was still working. Thinking about it, the name 'Slime-chan' must've been imprinted on it when they first met... That could only be the possible explanation for the circumstance that had happened.
Now, the fear that it might not be working anymore was over. However, there is still one thing that concerns Hiro - or rather... surprises him...
( Umm... Is it just me or did it get smarter...? ) as far as he observed earlier, it doesn't react to his thoughts or anything other than when he gives it something to absorb. Yet now, it nods or bounces when he talks to it. It's nothing like any monsters he was told to exist in this world.
This slime... It really maybe is especial...
The realization just gave Hiro more reason to take it with him.
[ Yosh! I've decided! Slime-chan, I will definitely take you with me! ] pumping a fist into the air, he declared. His pet didn't really fully understand what he said, but it bounces either way for its name was called.
[ Then, I want you to absorb this... ] saying so, Hiro unbuckled his belt and took out his 'sword'.
***
Breathing heavily with dried sweat on his forehead, Hiro has finally arrived at his final destination: the city. The city of Citrine.
Nothing has changed, and like it always was, it was brimming with people entering and leaving its tall gates. Since it's already noon, a large number of carriages transporting goods and people can be seen, together with some that are walking on their own two feet. And looking far ahead, he could see different types of people that are equipped with odd weapons and armors. They are the people which Hiro is most acquainted with - because just like himself, they were the famous adventurers.