Chapter 9: The Slime's POV
From the moment she was born, she knew she was different. In the depths of the Slime Dungeon, where countless other slimes existed without individuality or purpose beyond their basic instincts, she was unique. She had awareness, a sense of self, and even an identity: she was female. This realization alone set her apart, but it was the vast knowledge stored in her mind that truly made her special.
The first thing she remembered was a soft, almost whispering voice in her mind, the voice of a system explaining her existence and potential. She was not an ordinary slime. She had a system that allowed her to level up and evolve every thirty levels, requiring a staggering ten thousand experience points per level. She could gain experience by defeating monsters and completing quests, but there was a condition: she had to make contact with a human or a higher being.
Her abilities were even more extraordinary. She possessed a passive skill that allowed her to absorb the essence of any being she consumed, gaining their best skill, title, and weapon. There were no conditions or limits to using these acquired abilities, making her potentially one of the most powerful creatures in the dungeon.
Her early days were spent testing her abilities. She found several dead slimes, victims of hunger or predators. With a mix of curiosity and survival instinct, she absorbed them, and as she did, she felt her power grow. Elemental abilities like fire, water, earth, and wind became hers. She learned to heal, create potions, and even change her shape at will. Despite her growing power, she knew she needed more—a partner who could help her reach her full potential.
She waited, feeling the passing of time in a way that was foreign to most slimes. Days turned into weeks, weeks into months. She observed the other slimes, their mindless existence reinforcing her own sense of purpose and uniqueness. She felt a longing she couldn't quite understand, a need to find the one who could complete the bond she was destined for.
Then, one day, everything changed. She sensed a presence entering the dungeon, unlike any she had felt before. Her system alerted her to the arrival of a perfect candidate for contact, a human who was ready and compatible. Fear and excitement coursed through her as she prepared for the encounter.
She saw him approach—a young man, confident yet gentle, his eyes filled with curiosity and kindness. The system's voice reassured her, but it was his voice that truly calmed her. She didn't understand his words at first, but the tone was soothing, peaceful. It made her want to trust him.
"Hey there," he said softly, extending his hand. "I'm not going to hurt you. I just want to be friends."
She felt a surge of emotion, a mix of fear and hope. She inched closer, reaching out with a tendril of her own. As she touched his hand, a warm, reassuring sensation spread through her. The system instructed her to enter the vial he held to complete the contract. Without hesitation, she complied, moving into the vial and feeling the bond form instantly.
As the connection solidified, she heard his voice again, clearer this time. "Welcome to the family," he said warmly.
For the first time, she could understand him completely. She shone brightly, her colors swirling in a joyous display as she replied, "Thank you."
She felt a profound connection with Alex, a bond that transcended the physical. She knew that with him, she would not only survive but thrive. Her journey was just beginning, but she was no longer alone. Together, they would explore their potential, face challenges, and grow stronger.
In the depths of the Slime Dungeon, she had found her purpose and her partner. The world awaited, full of possibilities and adventures, and she was ready to face them with Alex by her side.