As the group approached the slimes' territory, a squelching sound filled the air, and the ground seemed to quiver with the movement of the translucent creatures. The slimes were scattered across a damp patch of earth, their gelatinous bodies shimmering slightly under the sun. Each slime pulsated gently, and within their semi-transparent forms, Amukelo could have a little darker dots inside of them. Barla then explained to him that these were crystals, that kept these slimes alive.
Bral began to outline the plan, his voice calm and instructive. "These slimes are mostly harmless on their own, but in groups, they can be a nuisance. Their bodies are almost entirely immune to physical blows unless you strike the internal crystal directly. The challenge is that they can shift this crystal within their body to avoid hits."
Amukelo, watching the slimes undulate across the ground, felt a mix of curiosity and caution. "And these crystals," he inquired, "how quickly can they move them?"
Bral explained further, "For these weaker slimes, it's a slow shift, visible and somewhat predictable. But don't underestimate them; larger slimes can whip their core from one side to the other in the blink of an eye."
Pao added, "That's why spells that cover wide areas are best—they can't dodge those."
Amukelo considered this, then looked back at the slimes, measuring up his approach. "And how do they attack?" he asked, a slight edge of concern in his voice.
"They'll try to engulf you," Bral said, watching the slimes with a wary eye. "Once they cover you, they secrete an enzyme that begins to break down material. It's slow for these types, but let's not find out firsthand, shall we?"
Nodding, Amukelo felt the weight of the challenge but was eager to learn from new experiences. "Can I try taking one on? I'd like to see how they react and try to target the crystal."
Bral looked around at the group. After a moment of consideration, they all seemed to agree. "Alright," Bral consented. "Pao, you keep close to Amukelo. Use your magic to intervene if he gets into trouble. The rest of us will manage the group."
Pao stepped closer to Amukelo, her staff in hand, ready to cast protective spells if needed. "Just be careful. Don't overdo it, at first every melee combatant has a problem with them," she instructed, her voice firm yet tinged with concern.
Amukelo grinned, appreciating her support. "With you watching over me, I have nothing to worry about," he said, his comment drawing a shy smile from Pao, her cheeks tinting pink.
As they prepared to engage, Amukelo focused on the nearest slime. It was about the size of a large dog, its body a wobbly mass that seemed almost comical until one remembered its dangerous nature. He noted the dark crystal meandering slowly within its core, moving with the slime's undulations.
"Ready?" Pao asked, her tone serious as she raised her staff, prepared to cast at a moment's notice.
"Let's do this," Amukelo responded, tightening his grip on his sword. He took a breath, steadying himself for the encounter, his eyes fixed on the slime, calculating his strike to target the elusive crystal within.
As the trio executed their plan, Bral and Idin engaged loudly with the other slimes, their shouts drawing the bulk of the group's attention, allowing Amukelo to focus on his single adversary. He with a swift movement caught the furthest slime's attention. He flung a rock, which struck the slime with a soft thud, dissolving quickly within its gelatinous body. This diversion caused the slime to pause, its internal crystal briefly visible as it processed the disturbance.
The slime then redirected itself towards Amukelo, who was readying for its approach. As the slime neared, Amukelo steadied himself, watching the slow undulations of the crystal within its translucent body.
The slime surged forward in an attempt to engulf Amukelo, who dodged to the side. A splash of its acidic body landed on his skin, sizzling slightly like boiling water upon contact. It stung, but it was manageable. Amukelo swiftly countered with a slash of his sword, cutting through the slime with ease. However, as his blade neared the crystal, it shifted position within the slime's body. Amukelo's sword started to meet resistance, as the slime increased pressure on his blade trying to engulf him yet again. He quickly withdrew his sword as the slime started another attack.
This time, the slime was faster, catching Amukelo's leg as he tried to move away. The pressure was immediate and intense, like being gripped by a thick and heavy mud. Pao tensed, her staff raised to intervene, but Amukelo shouted, "I've got this!" Reluctantly, Pao held back her spell, trusting Amukelo to handle the situation.
The slime's grip tightened, the burning sensation on his leg growing as the acidic substance began to work its way through his armor. With a grunt of effort, Amukelo swung his sword down at the slime's hold on his leg. The blade cut through the slimy appendage, not severing it completely but loosening the grip enough for him to wrench his leg free.
Gasping for air from the exertion, Amukelo stood ready, facing the slime once again. His leg throbbed from the brief exposure to the slime's acid, but he was free. He reset his stance, preparing for the next move in this slippery battle, his resolve as firm as ever.
As Amukelo squared off with the remaining slime, Pao watched intently from the sidelines, biting her lip in apprehension yet bursting with advice she felt might turn the tide in his favor. "If you interrupt it with another object, it might be less swift," she called out, her voice a mix of encouragement and caution.
Amukelo, grateful for the tip yet fully absorbed in the duel, nodded to acknowledge her without breaking his gaze from the pulsating crystal within the slime. With swift precision, he scooped up a rock and hurled it at the slime, quickly following with a stick he grabbed from the ground. The slime, still preoccupied with dissolving the rock, sluggishly moved its crystal in an attempt to avoid the incoming strike.
Amukelo's strike with the stick was a feint; it forced the crystal to shift predictably to one side. "Ha! Caught you," he exclaimed as he spotted the brief window of opportunity. He delivered a swift, albeit less forceful, slash with his sword, aiming directly at the newly exposed crystal. The blade made a satisfying slice through the gelatinous body, hitting the crystal dead center and cleaving it in two. The slime's structure collapsed instantly into a harmless puddle of goo.
Victorious, Amukelo couldn't help but let out a triumphant yell, his face lighting up with the thrill of overcoming the challenge. He jogged back to where Pao stood, a wide grin plastered across his face. "Thanks, Pao, if not for you, I wouldn't have figured it out. You are the best," he said, his tone genuine and appreciative.
Pao, blushing at the compliment and the direct acknowledgment of her help, responded modestly, "You are amazing. Most people take a long time to get used to fighting slimes, especially melee fighters like you." She then gestured towards where the rest of the group was still engaged, "We should join the rest."
Together, they hurried over to assist their companions. By the time they arrived, most of the slimes had already been dispatched, with only a few stragglers left. The group made quick work of the remaining adversaries, their coordinated efforts proving effective.
Once the last of the slimes was defeated, Bral wiped his brow and exclaimed with a mixture of surprise and admiration, "Wooh, I can't believe you killed a slime on your first try!"
Amukelo chuckled, his humility shining through as he redirected the praise, "It's all thanks to Pao; she gave me a game-changing tip." His acknowledgment made Pao's cheeks color even more, and Idin laughed heartily, clapping Amukelo on the back. "Well done," he praised, Bao simply smiled admiring his achievement. The camaraderie among them evident as they all shared in the success of their collective endeavor.