Gold Slime (3)
8.
Adventurers who entered the Mystic Gate always left scars on it.
However, they didn't necessarily leave scars every single time.
Some were more meticulous.
For example, some deliberately left multiple marks, making it harder for others to approach. After all, a Mystic Gate covered in scars naturally felt more dangerous.
But regardless, a heavily scarred Mystic Gate was indeed a dangerous place.
If a gate had around twelve scars, it was an especially perilous one.
Of course, to El Pham, that was nothing. He had conquered Mystic Gates with over a hundred scars before and had even survived an encounter with Horntail, making him the last surviving adventurer of that battle.
"This place is dangerous."
But that didn't mean El Pham could afford to be careless.
Naturally, he had considered numerous possibilities before stepping into the Mystic Gate.
"Entry is limited to five people. No overwhelmingly powerful monsters appear. It's a conquerable category. However, if certain conditions are met, stronger enemies might emerge."
And one particular possibility came to mind.
"It could be a Gold Slime."
Gold Slime.
A golden-colored slime that only appeared as a boss monster in red-grade Mystic Gates—a rare and elusive creature.
There were two reasons why El Pham considered the possibility of a Gold Slime.
First, it was powerful.
"In a red-grade Mystic Gate, it's a nightmare."
The second reason—it was extremely dangerous.
"Its acid is overwhelming."
Slimes were naturally composed of highly acidic fluid.
The moment their bodies were wounded, powerful acid would seep out, making them incredibly difficult to hunt.
For warriors, tanks, and melee damage dealers who had to fight up close, slimes were nothing short of a nightmare.
On the other hand, they were vulnerable to long-range attacks.
That meant they weren't impossible to defeat—just troublesome.
But in the world of adventurers, nothing was ever truly easy.
"Gold Slimes shoot acid."
The biggest problem with Gold Slimes was that they used a skill called Acid Arrow.
Its power was greater than one might expect.
Most importantly, it had considerable range.
For novice adventurers, it was a nightmare to deal with.
Of course, El Pham wasn't considering a Gold Slime just because it was strong.
"If things get tough, I can always escape."
The primary goal of many adventurers who entered the Mystic Gate was to recover the items left behind by fallen adventurers.
For them, there was no reason to engage in a battle against a Gold Slime.
And yet, El Pham had to consider it.
"Because Gold Slimes consume items as well."
If a Gold Slime was present, it meant there was little chance of recovering the equipment of the dead adventurers.
Few people knew this fact.
Among novice adventurers, those aware of the Gold Slime's existence were exceedingly rare.
Which meant that many adventurers who had come here had likely been searching in vain—looking for items that had already been devoured by the Gold Slime.
And El Pham knew one more thing.
"The more items it consumes, the stronger it becomes."
Another reason why Gold Slimes were so dangerous.
Of course, this was just a possibility. El Pham wasn't entirely certain a Gold Slime would appear.
"It's here."
But the moment he stepped through the Mystic Gate, he saw it.
Traces of acidic fluid left in various places. Faint, nearly imperceptible remnants of acid.
Sniff.
The barely noticeable, distinct scent of slime acid tickled his nose.
At that moment, El Pham was convinced.
"It's a Gold Slime."
The boss monster of this place.
"I'm in luck."
And upon realizing that, he didn't hesitate.
"I can take care of this easily."
9.
"Damn it!"
The moment the Gold Slime appeared, the first to curse was none other than Chev.
And for good reason—slimes were like poison to warriors.
A single mistake could cost them their lives. Even if they survived, fighting a slime up close meant inevitable exposure to its acidic blood, which would corrode their equipment.
Expensive gear getting ruined in a mere slime battle—an absolute nightmare.
But against a Gold Slime, that worry was meaningless.
"Of all things!"
The moment a Gold Slime appeared, survival became the only concern.
"We have to watch out for Acid Arrows."
The only silver lining for Chev was that he knew about Gold Slimes.
That, in itself, was quite impressive.
Many monsters that appeared beyond the Mystic Gate didn't exist in the Maple World.
Which meant new monsters were constantly being discovered.
And information about them held immense value.
To obtain such knowledge, one had to pay a price.
Most high-ranking adventurers didn't hesitate to pay for valuable monster data.
But Chev was merely a first-circle adventurer—still working his way through red-grade Mystic Gates.
For someone like him to know about the Gold Slime? That was commendable.
Thanks to that knowledge—
"Watch out for Acid Arrow!"
Swoosh!
Just as Chev issued his warning, the Gold Slime launched an Acid Arrow toward one of his comrades perched on a tree. Thanks to his warning, they narrowly dodged it.
"Urgh!"
They twisted awkwardly upon landing, spraining their ankle, but that was nothing compared to losing their life.
"Boss, do you know what that thing is?"
More importantly, his comrades found courage in his words.
Knowing how to fight back gave them a much-needed sense of security.
"After it fires Acid Arrow, it needs time to cool down."
With that knowledge, Chev willingly shared the strategy, and his teammates' eyes changed.
If there was a strategy, then victory was possible!
That confidence—
That was why—
Swoosh!
They didn't expect another Acid Arrow so soon.
"Arghhhh!"
One of them screamed and collapsed as the acid struck them.
And even as their comrade fell, they hesitated—unable to react in time.
"How? There should be a cooldown!"
Chev wasn't wrong.
Normally, a Gold Slime required a cooldown after using Acid Arrow.
But this wasn't a normal situation.
This Mystic Gate had twelve scars.
Twelve entire parties had perished here.
There was a reason for that.
And that realization came too late.
Swoosh!
"Arghhh!"
Another scream.
Then another.
Leaving only Chev.
And all he could do was—
"...Ah."
Resign himself.
Swoosh!
The final Acid Arrow rang in his ears.
10.
Only after hearing the screams did El Pham finally move.
"It's done."
In some ways, it was vengeance.
A righteous punishment for Chev's party, who had preyed on novice adventurers.
But El Pham felt no particular satisfaction.
This wasn't about revenge.
It was simply the safest, most efficient way to eliminate a group trying to kill him—like kicking a pebble out of the way.
"No loot."
El Pham had hoped to recover some items.
But judging by how powerful the Gold Slime had become, it had likely consumed everything.
Only one thing remained.
"At least its magic stone will be high-tier."
And so, he prepared for battle.
Six shots.
That's all it would take.
"Fire Arrow."
And with that, the first arrow flew.