"Phew, Evolution Complete."

I glanced at my body against the backdrop of the sunset sky. The refreshing blue colour reminiscent of a soda bottle came into view, starkly contrasting my former grey hue.

While my body had grown slightly larger, its shape hadn't changed. Well, that's to be expected since I'm a slime.

That's about it for the visual changes. Now, let's see how much stronger I've become by checking my status.

Species: Jewel Slime

Beast Rank: Lower Beast [D]

Soul Accumulation Level: 11

Stats:

Health: 25/30

Mana: 10/10

Strength: 6

Toughness: 311

Magical Resistance: 35

Speed: 6

Skills

Digestive Fluid Self-Regeneration Sense of Direction Cover Escape Climb Taunt Crush

Block Hoard (NEW) Perfect Defense (NEW)

Escape Instinct (NEW) Enchanting Shine (NEW)

"Whoa, my toughness has really shot up... It was only a bit over 250 before evolution."

Because of that, my supposedly high magical resistance stat doesn't seem as impressive anymore. Well, if the description is to be believed, it's still reasonably high.

The real problem is with my strength and speed. Why didn't they change at all after the evolution?

Sure, I prioritized defence when I chose to become a Jewel Slime, but I didn't expect them to remain the same as before. Even if power isn't that important, it wouldn't have hurt to see a little increase...

"Let's check the skills."

I focused my mind on the next section. The details of each skill floated into my head.

Skill Details

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Hoard: Increases the amount of stored nutrients.

Perfect Defense: Constantly adjusts resist based on base toughness and vice versa.

Escape Instinct: Makes it easier to learn escape-type skills and enhances their effects.

Enchanting Shine: Attracts the attention of creatures who see the skill holder, drawing their intent to attack. The killer gains significantly more soul fragment experience if the skill holder is killed.

First off, Hoard must be the skill I got from eating that wolf earlier. It's not particularly powerful, but it could be handy during long periods without food.

Perfect Defense is a pure enhancement skill. While I don't know the exact values, if it strengthens my magical resistance based on my high toughness, that explains why my magical resistance has increased significantly.

Escape Instinct is also a good skill. Strengthening my escape abilities could help offset my low speed.

But then there's Enchanting Shine. This one is a problem. No matter how many times I read it, it seems to increase the experience points my killer would get.

"Is there really such a useless skill...?"

The common understanding among slimes is that skills are meant to make us stronger. A skill that increases an enemy's experience is utterly pointless. It's like I'm just a bonus monster.

"Isn't it just making me a bonus monster with high defence...?"

I tried to ignore the depressing thought and returned to Enchanting Shine's description.

The attraction effect might be useful in certain situations, but I already have Taunt, so I probably won't use it much. Well, at least I can toggle it on and off, so I won't be indiscriminately attracting enemies.

"Alright, that's everything."

I've finished my review. While there's one problematic skill, my defence has been significantly enhanced, which is a huge improvement.

"I'm exhausted. Time to sleep."

Even slimes need sleep. I slowly drifted off into my nest among the tree roots.

"Morning!"

The next morning, I woke with the sunrise and eagerly leapt out of my nest. Landing with a thud, I started thinking about today's plans.

"What should I do...?"

Should I focus on hunting or gathering? I can hunt using yesterday's methods, and gathering isn't difficult with my toughness and skills.

Hunting offers more experience, but there's a risk of encountering beasts that can breach my toughness.

But gathering has its risks too. Even if I avoid fights, I might still encounter dangerous beasts and be unable to fend them off due to my low level.

Which risk should I take? I pondered this until a sudden, immense dread interrupted my thoughts.

"!!"

Instinctively, I activated Block. A moment later, I was sent flying.

~~~~Unknown Information Log~~~

The Enkindled Demon, Lamuerga, has activated Territory.

The Territory: Scorched Land - Chaos has clashed with Dwazov's Territory: Forest Sea.

A territorial struggle has occurred.

Territory: Scorched Land - Chaos has partially seized control.

Environmental attributes have changed.