Chapter 3 [The Cave, 3. Back to the Cave]
I prepared myself and headed back to the cave. Feeling some kind of premonition, this time, I brought a bit more food and water, with an increased variety. The goal was to explore further beyond the point where I found the slime last time.
The interior of the cave seems unchanged from the last visit. I hurried a bit to reach the previous endpoint and then resumed the exploration slowly. By the way, the slime is still with me. It shivered momentarily when entering the cave, but afterward, it seemed fine, reassuring me.
Come to think of it, considering the presence of the slime, this cave is not on Earth. I should be concerned about unknown bacteria, quarantine, and such, but strangely, I'm not bothered at all. My rationality warns of danger, but deep down, there's some kind of conviction.
Moving a bit further from the previous slime point, I now see a lizard and a creature resembling a slightly enlarged pill bug or woodlouse—similar to a pond skater. The lizard is about twenty centimeters from head to tail, and the skater-like creature is around ten centimeters. As I approach slowly, they neither run away nor look frightened.
Given the slime incident last time, I pour a bit of water into a recess in the ground. Both creatures approach and drink from it. I tear off a piece of sausage and place it on the ground. Initially, they sniff the scent, but soon both start eating enthusiastically. Since there seems to be no edible substance in this cave, they must have been hungry. They can't wait for the food placed on the ground and eventually start eating directly from my hand. Well, Mr. Slime, I'll make sure to give you some, too, so calm down.
I gave water, sausage, and even a banana to the three creatures, including the slime, and they happily eat. While watching them, I turn my gaze toward where the light is shining. Leaving the feasting group behind, I head towards the direction of the light.
The light is coming through a small crack in the rock wall. It's about thirty centimeters in length vertically but only about five centimeters wide. The slime must have entered the cave from here, but it seems impossible for me to exit.
Looking at the ground, I see something resembling half-dried mushroom mycelium. When I pour water from my water bottle, it begins to swell as if absorbing the water. As I watch, the mycelium flows toward the water like a stream. It's not mycelium but rather an amoeba-like creature or perhaps a slime mold. I decided to test it by placing the remaining sausage and banana nearby. Gradually, the flowing mycelium approaches and eventually covers the surface. It seems to absorb slowly over time.
Leaving the resurrected slime-like creature there, I return to the slime trio. They seem to have finished eating, all facing me as if waiting. I want to bring them back to my room, but considering the possibility of something happening to me, I decide it's better to leave them in this cave. In return, I'll bring food and water every few days.
"Sorry to leave you here, but wait for me. I'll bring more food in two or three days. I promise."
They probably didn't understand my words, but the three slimes looked at me with a hint of reluctance, then each slipped into the gaps in the walls. It felt a bit lonely yet amusing, and with such feelings, I left the cave.
Next time, I'll have to bring food for the three slimes and some kind of fertilizer for the slime-like creature.
...I wonder what slime molds eat, exactly.