"Slaaah!"

BANG.

I was blown away by the huge bear and landed on a rock. Thanks to the Jewel Slime's [Toughness], I wasn't injured, but the rock shattered instead.

However, my health vividly decreased.

'Being tossed around so casually like this, I'm going to end up with lumps...'

Rubbing the spot where I was struck, I climbed down from the rock.

The bear's attack had a peculiar feeling as if it bypassed my hardness.

Despite the impact being less severe than stray hits from other giant beasts, the pain and reduction in [Health] were greater from the bear's attack.

Maybe the bear has a skill that ignores a certain percentage of physical hardness.

'Sigh, my body is melting, and it's just one thing after another.'

Deciding that I would flee without hesitation if I saw the bear again, I focused on assessing my body.

About twenty per cent of my body had dissolved into a gooey mess.

When a slime's body takes a powerful hit — one that reduces [Health] — the cells in the affected area necrotize, causing the affected part to melt.

If twenty per cent of [HEALTH] is lost, about ten per cent of the body will necrotize. If the necrosis affects half of the body, the slime will die.

"(──Ah, there it is.)"

While thinking such grim thoughts, I found the corpse of a familiar magical beast. Thanks to my [Directional Sense], I knew I was in the same direction I had fought the crayfish.

Although the bear's hit was stronger, I had to walk back.

I was fortunate that other magical beasts hadn't scavenged it. Strong magical beasts are highly nutritious and can help one grow stronger if consumed. As I devoured the crayfish with my [Digestive Fluid], I focused on my status.

In truth, after defeating the crayfish, I felt a surge of power.

'Looks like I can [Evolve].'

I have no choice, I should hurry up.

[Evolution] is the fastest way to become stronger. Since there were no enemies around, I decided to do it now.

I quickly checked the possible evolutions.

~Evolution Options~

Ruby Slime – Beast Rank: Superior Beast

Large Jewel Slime – Beast Rank: Superior Beast

Jewel Weapon Slime – Beast Rank: Superior Beast

Brilliant Slime – Beast Rank: Superior Beast

Meteor Slime – Beast Rank: Superior Beast

~End of Evolution Options~

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With five options available, I had plenty to choose from. I focused on each name to view their details.

~Evolution Options~

Ruby Slime – Beast Rank: Superior Beast

- A rare species of the slime lineage.

- Its brilliantly red body repels most attacks.

- Excels in escape capabilities; average magical beasts can only catch glimpses of its red afterglow.

- Also possesses a skill to control fire.

~End of Details~

Hmm, this seems like a straightforward evolution. The ability to control fire is cool and a high point. However, I have also a concern about my demonic lightning.

Depending on the other options, this might be a good choice.

Next, let's see...

~Evolution Options~

Large Jewel Slime – Beast Rank: Superior Beast

- A rare species of slime.

- Its body is large, and its [Toughness] and [Resilience] are extremely high.

- Despite its large size, it excels in escape capabilities.

~End of Details~

The large type, huh? Just like Sla-Taa. Having high [Life] is appealing. It would allow me to stand my ground even against enemies like the bear that bypass [Toughness].

However, it doesn't seem to have any other notable abilities. It doesn't seem particularly good at direct combat either. Well, it could be a second choice.

Next up...

~Evolution Options~

Aresnal Slime – Beast Rank: Superior Beast

- A rare species of the weapon slime that masters [Weapon Skills]. -Named after the Greek god [ARES] offering exceptional offensive and moderate defensive capabilities. -Can transform its body into various weapons and utilize [Skills] in combat.

- Has higher [Power] than regular slimes, but its true strength lies in its [Toughness]. Its body, with a hardness far surpassing iron, becomes a weapon of both offence and defence.

~End of Details~

This one is interesting. The ability to transform into various weapons and fight is quite versatile. It also boasts a high [Power] and superior [Toughness], making it a formidable combatant.

This might be my top contender for evolution.

'The axe I snatched from the goblins broke in the fight with the crayfish, but if I can turn my body into a blade or any other weapon, I won't have to worry about my [Slash] skill going to waste.'

Thanks to my unique skills, I know a lot of [Weapon Skills], and I'll probably keep learning more. This species that can transform into various weapons seems like a perfect fit.

Also, with my toughness, the durability of the weapon also increases.

~Evolution Options~

Brilliant Slime – Beast Rank: Superior Beast

- A rare species of the slime lineage, known as the most beautiful of slimes.

- Lacks some flexibility but boasts unmatched [Toughness] and [Magical Resistance].

- Deceives enemies with an illusion skill.

~End of Details~

This one seems defense-oriented. It looks like its [Magical Resistance] will be just as high as its [Toughness]. The illusion skill also piques my interest.

However, for someone aiming to be the strongest, the lack of offensive capabilities is a bit of a downside. I'll consider it as my third choice.

~Evolution Options~

Jewel Meteor Slime – Beast Rank: Superior Beast

- A rare species of the slime lineage.

- Utilizes exceptional [Toughness] to hunt prey with falling attacks.

- Possesses a unique slime-falling skill and has high jumping ability. And it's escaping qualities is comparable to other slime species.

~End of Details~

And this is the last one. It seems to have appeared because I've been getting knocked around a lot.

Meteor, huh? Falling like a meteor... I always thought me getting kicked my ass was like, more like a soccer ball or a home run ball, but it's been given quite a stylish twist.

'Makes me want to choose it.'

If the jumping ability is high, it means I can launch falling attacks without having to wait in ambush on trees, right? This seems like a pretty good evolution option.

The only concern would be the vulnerability during attacks. Until now, I've used [Crush] with [Provocation] or [Enchanting Glow] to keep enemies in place, but it's unclear if that will continue to work.

Strong magical beasts have high [Magical Resistance], and the effectiveness of mental skills decreases. If they have even a bit of rational thought, they'll just dodge the falling attack and counterattack.

"(Ugh...)"

I'm torn. Each evolution path has unique appeals, and it's hard to choose just one.

But there's no point in hesitating forever. I stopped eating and made my decision.

'Alright, I choose you! Let's start the [Evolution]!'

In response to my will, my body started to heat up. The heat increased more and more, making my liquid body boil and tremble. Gradually, my body grew in volume, and then──