-Ding!
[Drawing five monthly rules...]
[Mana Spring (Purple): A natural mana spring will form within your territory, increasing mana density. Subjects training in the magic path will progress 20% faster.]
[Goblin Taskmaster (Blue): A goblin in your territory will evolve into an A-rank Taskmaster, improving the efficiency of all goblin laborers by 50%. However, morale may decrease if overworked.]
[Fertile Bounty (Green): Crop yields within your territory will increase by 25%.]
[Slime Resonance (Gold): Slimes gain an instinctive ability to harmonize their mana, allowing them to amplify one another's spells and boost efficiency during group casting.]
[Cursed Mist (White): A mysterious fog will occasionally cover your territory, weakening any intruders but slightly decreasing visibility for your own subjects.]
Augustus's gaze locked on Slime Resonance (Gold), his mind racing through the potential of harmonized group spellcasting.
"This would revolutionize our defenses," he muttered. "If the slimes can amplify each other's abilities, their combat potential would soar."
The other options were tempting, but none matched the transformative potential of the Gold-tier rule. Without hesitation, he made his choice.
-Ding!
[You have applied the monthly rule: Slime Resonance (Gold).]
A faint golden light rippled through the Slime Village, its effects instantly evident.
The slimes quivered as a subtle hum filled the air, their cores glowing with synchronized pulses of mana.
Through the mental link, Augustus observed the changes in real-time.
The slimes' movements became more coordinated, their combined mana creating visible ripples in the environment.
Nearby, Limloo's core shone brighter, acknowledging the new potential unlocked for their kind.
"My Lord," Limloo communicated telepathically, his tone calm yet reverent. "This power... It will allow us to become far more formidable. With practice, the slimes will be able to act as a singular unit, amplifying their spells exponentially."
Augustus smirked. "Good. That's exactly what I need. Focus their training on harnessing this resonance. We'll need them ready for anything."
Limloo's core pulsed in acknowledgment. "As you command, my Lord. With this newfound ability, the slimes will become a force far greater than their individual selves."
As the golden light of the rule's activation faded, Augustus leaned back, satisfied. But before he could fully settle into his thoughts, a faint, radiant glow from the Slime Lake caught his attention.
…
A ripple of energy spread through the Slime Village, the air humming with mana.
The slimes near the lake began to tremble, their gelatinous forms reacting to the rule's effects. Suddenly, one slime's core shone brighter than the others, a radiant golden light emanating from it.
Augustus's eyes narrowed as he observed the phenomenon. "It seems the second Wise Slime Sage has awakened," he muttered.
Rising from his throne, he made his way to the lake to witness the transformation firsthand.
The chosen slime quivered violently as its form began to shift, expanding slightly and solidifying in structure.
Golden veins of energy pulsed through its gelatinous body, and its core radiated an almost blinding light.
The other slimes instinctively wobbled back, their primitive instincts recognizing the emergence of something far beyond them.
Limloo floated to Augustus's side, his tone calm yet tinged with reverence. "Another has awakened the SS-rank Wise Sage talent, my Lord. Their potential may rival even mine."
Augustus crossed his arms, observing the transformation of the new Wise Slime Sage with keen interest.
A faint smirk tugged at his lips. "Good. This will accelerate our progress. With two Wise Sages, the slimes will evolve at an unprecedented rate."
The glow surrounding the newly awakened slime intensified before settling into a steady golden radiance. Its gelatinous body shimmered faintly, and its core pulsed with immense mana.
The system interface's familiar chime echoed in Augustus's mind.
-Ding!
[A slime named "Erynn" has awakened the SS-rank Wise Sage Talent.]
Augustus raised an eyebrow at the name, but he let the system's choice pass without comment.
"Erynn," he addressed the newly awakened slime through the mental link, "do you understand me?"
The slime quivered slightly before a calm, measured voice resonated in Augustus's mind. "Yes, my Lord. I am honored to serve you and uphold your vision for this territory."
Satisfied, Augustus nodded. "Prove your worth. Assist Limloo in training the others. There's much to do, and little time to waste."
"Yes, my Lord," Erynn replied, its core glowing brighter with determination.
Without hesitation, the new Wise Sage joined Limloo, their combined presence commanding the respect and focus of the other slimes.
Limloo hovered closer to Augustus. "Erynn has great potential, my Lord. Together, we will push the slimes to greater heights."
Augustus allowed a faint smirk to cross his lips. "See that you do. I expect nothing less."
…
The effects of the Slime Resonance (Gold) rule began to manifest within hours, reshaping the capabilities of the slimes under Augustus's rule.
Under the dual leadership of Limloo and Erynn, the once-clumsy creatures transformed into an organized and efficient collective. Their mana synchronization advanced at an unprecedented rate, turning their previously disjointed casting attempts into seamless, coordinated efforts.
The slimes now cast spells in perfect harmony, amplifying the power of even the simplest elemental magic.
A basic water spell became a torrent capable of flooding a trench, and a simple gust of wind morphed into a gale strong enough to topple improvised barricades.
Through their resonance, their combined efforts achieved feats that individual slimes could never hope to replicate.
Limloo floated to Augustus's side after overseeing yet another training session.
His core pulsed brightly with a mixture of pride and reverence. "My Lord, the slimes have reached a remarkable level of synergy. With continued practice, their potential will surpass even our highest expectations. They will not only defend but dominate."
Augustus nodded, the faint glow of his heterochromatic eyes reflecting his satisfaction. "Good. Continue refining their abilities. Meanwhile, have the goblins focus on fortifications and resource management. Both villages must be prepared for anything, no matter how small or large the threat."
"As you command," Limloo replied, bowing slightly before returning to his duties.