While Zhang Ying was pondering how they could combat the demon slime, Jellybean charged forward with no fear.
Although beasts might not possess much intelligence, they all have survival instincts. But it felt like Jellybean skipped that line during evolution.
As much as Zhang Ying had faith in Jellybean, the size difference between the two was almost laughable. As Jellybean got close to it, the demon slime's swirling eyes locked onto it.
The next moment, a tendril of black slime shot forward, slamming into Jellybean with the force of a sledgehammer. Jellybean got flung backward, but it quickly recovered.
Jellybean retaliated with [Acid Spit]. Steam arose as the acid hit the demon slime's body. For a moment, it looked like Jellybean had hurt the demon slime... but it didn't even flinch.
But Zhang Ying noticed something. Instead of absorbing the attack, the demon slime cut off the part hit by the acid and continued fighting. It was a minor detail, but it gave Zhang Ying a big clue.
It doesn't want the acid to get inside. But why? Could it be protecting something inside... don't tell me.
Slimes didn't need partners to get pregnant. They reproduced asexually. In simple words, they cloned themselves. The demon slime was probably creating another version of itself and didn't want the acid to kill its offspring.
However, the slime had other ways to deal with Jellybean. It lunged at Jellybean, trying to devour it. Jellybean struggled, its small size wriggling desperately inside the demon slime.
But the dungeon boss was relentless and squeezed tighter, as if determined to crush Jellybean before it could shoot any more of his acid.
But Jellybean wasn't giving up. With a sudden burst of energy, it expanded to its limits. This forced the demon slime to loosen its grip. Jellybean shot out of the demon slime's body as soon as it got an opening, landing a few feet away with a wet splat.
But there was no respite for the little slime. Demon Slime charged forward, dozens of tendrils appearing out of its body, striking Jellybean repeatedly. Each hit sent Jellybean skidding across the chamber, struggling to recover, let alone fight back.
"Jellybean won't win it without help," Zhang Ying mumbled. "Gao Rong—"
"Leave it to me," Gao Rong nodded.
"Thanks. I'll owe you one."
With that, Zhang Ying turned back, a smirk plastered on his face.
Perfect. Let him think I'm desperate.
Zhang Ying knew Gao Rong very well. So much so that he could practically hear his thoughts. Gao Rong would attack, but not the demon slime.
Gao Rong smiled as a plan formed in his head. He would kill Zhang Ying and distract the demon slime using his corpse. Then he would run away. If anyone asked, he would claim Zhang Ying did it all by himself. It wasn't like anyone was going to know the truth.
With that thought, Gao Rong jumped at Zhang Ying, his blade raised over his head.
Die!
But just before Gao Rong's blade could touch Zhang Ying, a swirling black portal opened between them. Before Gao Rong could process it, two goblins jumped out of the portal, heading right at him.
Only then did Gao Rong realize Zhang Ying had lied to him since the beginning. He hadn't released the goblins!
Gozan struck first, aiming for Gao Rong's neck as usual. But Gao Rong blocked the attack with his sword.
"Damn pests!" he growled, kicking Gozan away.
But Gao Rong didn't see Gobrina coming. She used Gozan as a stepping stool and jumped higher. Gao Rong barely had any time to react before Gobrina's dagger plunged into his neck.
Gao Rong's eyes widened in shock as blood spurted from the wound. He dropped his sword, clutching his throat as he staggered backward. He stared at Zhang Ying with all the hate in the world.
That bastard had planned it all!
Gao Rong gritted his teeth and wanted to yell. But he choked on his words whenever he opened his mouth. As he fell to his knees, Zhang Ying smiled mockingly.
"Don't give me that look," he said. "You made the first move. I merely defended myself. Besides, if you're going to stab someone in the back, don't make it so obvious. The future you would have never made such a mistake."
Gao Rong's eyes widened, wondering what he was talking about. Just then, Zhang Ying kicked him back, his smile widening.
"That's right, you killed me in the future," he said. "You and that bitch, Liang Mei. But that's all in the past, or should I say the future? It doesn't matter, so die with all the hate you can muster."
Gao Rong opened his mouth to speak, but his voice was gone. He collapsed to the ground, gasping for air that would never come.
Meanwhile, Zhang Ying kicked his sword towards Gobrina. Gao Rong was a waste, but his sword would come in handy.
[Backstabbing Human slain!]
[You gained 50 EXP.]
[Jellybean gained 25 EXP.]
[Gobrina gained 25 EXP.]
[Gozan gained 25 EXP.]
[Gozan has leveled up! Current Level: 3.]
"Good Job," Zhang Ying complimented Gozan.
Gozan puffed his chest before saluting Zhang Ying. Zhang Ying laughed and was about to say something when another notification appeared.
[Demon Slime slain!]
[You gained 250 EXP.]
[Jellybean gained 125 EXP.]
[Gobrina gained 125 EXP.]
[Gozan gained 125 EXP.]
[Gorina has leveled up! Current Level: 4.]
[Jellybean has leveled up! Current Level: 3.]
Zhang Ying's eyes widened as he turned to see Jellybean standing on top of a puddle of dark goo. It formed a tentacle to pat its belly. Then it let out a loud burp as if mocking the defeated boss.
"...what kind of monster have I raised?"
But his awe was short-lived as realization dawned on him. Zhang Ying hastily grabbed the arcana hovering over Gao Rong's corpse. He'd deal with the arcana later.
"Take the corpse inside!" Zhang Ying yelled, opening the pet space.
Gobrina and Gozan dragged Gao Rong's corpse inside, while Zhang Ying instructed Jellybean to get in. Just then, Jellybean's body glowed faintly and its body expanded.
"Great, another evolution," Zhang Ying said, shaking his head. "I don't have time for this."
He rushed behind Jellybean as cracks formed along the walls and ceiling of the dungeon. Zhang Ying aimed and kicked Jellybean inside the pet space. Then he turned and sprinted for the exit, dodging falling debris and cracks in the floor.
"I messed up big time!"