[Detection target is not within attack range.
Special skill activation failed.]
"Ah?!" Miruku’s mind raced, a chilling realization sinking in.
She had to make contact with the Slime King's core for her skill to land the killing blow. Without that, the legendary *Backstab* was useless, and she'd have to wait a month to use it again. A month—assuming she lived long enough to see it.
But none of that mattered now.
What did matter was the cold, slimy liquid rapidly filling her lungs. Her mind screamed, *I'm going to drown!*
"Gurgle—gurk!"
The slime invaded her mouth and nose before she even had the chance to take a breath. Her frantic struggles slowed as she realized it was futile. She couldn’t escape. Her limbs felt like lead, the thick slime clinging to her every movement.
This... was the end.
Her thoughts drifted in the stillness, time itself stretching out like a cruel, slow death. Memories of isolation flooded her mind—sitting alone in a deserted classroom, eating silently in the corner. Faces blurred, people she tried to talk to but who always left her behind. Those who waved, only to be greeting someone else standing behind her.
Why were these the memories that surfaced in her final moments?
No... none of it mattered anymore. It was over. Her life had been short, but if she could die here, at least she could say she tried to be a hero.
Suddenly—
[F-level Tale: Jungle Slime
Mission Objective: Kill the Slime King (1/1)
Mission Completed!
The reward has been distributed to the inventory. Please check and receive it.]
[Killed Slime King x1, experience +13,000.
Level increased!
Lv5 → Lv7!]
"Rao——!" The Slime King’s body convulsed, and a sensation of weightlessness swept over her as the oppressive liquid dissipated. Miruku's body went limp, completely drained of energy, and she fell freely.
But instead of hitting the cold, hard ground, she landed against something warm and solid.
Her weary mind conjured an image of a dashing prince catching her in midair, his white cloak billowing in the wind, cradling her like a princess from a storybook. How romantic.
Anyi, looking down at the mess of hair, slime, and drool smeared across Miruku’s face, let out a sigh of relief. "You’re fine," he muttered, his usual coldness softening slightly. "Consider us even."
He wasn’t worried about Miruku drowning; she’d recover just fine. With the [Gluttony] ability active, her body would naturally eliminate any excess slime, converting it to stamina and mana. It would actually help her recover, rather than kill her.
In the distance, Layton watched in disbelief. He had seen the Slime King’s massive body dissolve into a pool of liquid, leaving nothing but a gaping hole in the earth. And from that hole, Anyi had leapt out, unharmed, with Miruku in his arms. Exhausted and overwhelmed, Layton’s legs gave out. He knelt on the ground, his shield supporting him, a weary smile tugging at his lips. It was over.
The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
[Tale Ends.]
Ariana, lying nearby, saw the system prompt flash before her eyes. Tears welled up, and before she could stop herself, she was sobbing like a child, her energy completely spent. The relief was too much to bear, and as her body relaxed, she drifted into an exhausted sleep.
"Hmm..." Anyi stood over the two unconscious girls, glancing from Miruku to Ariana, both now motionless in their post-battle slumber.
“Well... guess I have to carry them back.”
His eyes shifted toward Layton, who was still kneeling, barely conscious. "Great. Three of them."
But Anyi knew one thing for sure. If they didn’t get back soon, they wouldn’t wake up as the same three people. They’d wake up as ravenous, complaining ghosts, and he wasn’t about to deal with that.
With a resigned sigh, he packed Ariana into a bag slung over his back, then stuffed Miruku into another on his front. As for Layton, he simply grabbed his leg and began dragging him along the forest floor. Layton’s 29 Durability points ensured he wouldn’t feel much, even if Anyi decided to tie him to a motorbike and drag him around for hours.
As they trudged back, Anyi glanced at the rewards from the mission. Completing it before reaching level 10 had earned them two fixed level-ups and a shiny new set of gear.
[Slime Helmet Lv1
Slime Armor Lv1
Slime Gloves Lv1
Slime Legguards Lv1
Slime Boots Lv1]
Finally...
[Item: [Black Slime Sword Lv99]
Item Description:
As expected of Shadow-sama!
A sword forged from black slime, capable of freely changing its shape.]
Anyi held the sword hilt in his hands, anticipation thrumming through him. The description aside, he knew the true potential of this weapon, and his expectations were sky-high.
In his previous life, the Slime Sword had been little more than a novelty—an awkward, borderline useless piece of gear. It was a water-type weapon, and water wasn’t exactly known for cutting or slashing. Worse yet, it could change form at will, making it unpredictable and largely ineffective in early stages. The sword couldn't even deliver a proper attack; it could only wrap around things or serve as a defense.
In contrast, the Slime Full Body Suit had been quite useful, capable of absorbing damage and keeping him alive in tight spots during the early stage. It wasn’t glamorous, but it did the job. The suit could even nullify attacks, sometimes dissolving weapons before they could harm the wearer.
Anyi remembered how in his previous life, the Slime Sword had been white rarity—common and lackluster. He had kept it in his inventory, gathering dust, and by the time he reached the later stages and obtained more powerful gear, it was all but forgotten. But now... this time was different.
He stared at the sword hilt in his hands. Black Slime Sword Lv99 — a color he had never encountered before. And its level had been maxed out from the start. With his advanced Technique and the blessings of max-level gear, the possibilities were endless. His mind raced, imagining the raw potential this sword now possessed.
'What kind of power can I unlock now?'
However, his eyes drifted over to the rest of the loot.
[Slime Helmet Lv1
Slime Armor Lv1
Slime Gloves Lv1
Slime Legguards Lv1
Slime Boots Lv1]
All level one. It was no surprise. The Slime Body Suit was different. Unlike weapon, its level didn’t scale with stats or Technique. It was tied directly to the level of the monster it came from. The Slime King wasn’t exactly a high-level creature, so naturally, the gear he dropped was low rarity.
But even though it was white rarity gear, it had always been a favorite among newbies for its cost-effectiveness. The suit could deflect direct attacks and had a [Dodge] passive, giving the wearer a chance to neutralize incoming physical damage. Plus, with each slime it absorbed, the suit’s level would rise. The leveling process was synchronized across the entire suit—kill a certain number of slimes, and every piece of the armor would level up.
In his previous life, the highest level he had managed to get the suit to was 20. It had been sturdy, but never enough to carry him through the mid or late stages. Still, it was a lifesaver in the early stages, especially against swarms of weaker enemies like goblins or low-class monsters. With enough effort, the suit could make a solid defense.
But...
Anyi’s eyes narrowed as he gazed out toward the forest. After the Slime King's death, the remaining slimes had started to scatter, swarming in chaos. It was as if the balance of the jungle had been upended.
...
Outside, deep within the jungle, a girl was carefully slaying slimes. Her sword flicked out with precision, cutting down the creatures one by one, her movements fluid and practiced. But there was something else in the air today. A change she couldn't quite describe.
Yesterday, an unfamiliar voice had echoed in her mind.
[Hero System Activated.
The first generation Hero has fallen. Congratulations, you have been chosen as the second-generation Hero.
Elza Gorete, welcome. You are now the Exterminate Hero.]