- Shari -

After having gone through the basics with Nia, it now seems to be the right time for the other essential tricks.

It might actually be a nice perk for Nia that she can learn things in a most concentrated manner.

"Now that you acquired a basic idea of controlling your very condition, how about you try creating a shell around your core?" (Shari)

"A shell?" (Nia)

"Yes. I don't know if you got that while you were inwardly melting, but I sent you an image before. Yet if you didn’t then you can also just observe mine. Do you see how the slime directly around my core looks slightly different?” (Shari)

“Um, a little?” (Nia)

“It appears this way because the slime is a bit more concentrated and less liquid. This makes for a rather durable hull that can absorb almost any form of impact. And believe me, you don't want anything to damage your core. That thing is extremely important, after all. As you are now, it’s as if you have your brain outside your skull, swinging it around everywhere.” (Shari)

My example must have gotten through to her well as she starts absentmindedly gazing down at her stone that now contains her very existence.

“In addition to not having your only vital point exposed, another great advantage would be that if you're confident enough in the protection the core shell poses, this will subconsciously help you to take it easier if something enters your body and gets close to that vulnerable area. With this mental assurance, you can presumably avoid starting your panic dissolving. So yes, you better make that shell." (Shari)

"Uh, right, okay." (Nia)

Well, at least she tries to.

From what I see, she manages to get at least a minimal coating around it.

That won't protect her against attacks but should serve as protection against solid stuff that loosely swims around inside her.

Which will be handy once she starts treating her body like a walking backpack, just like I do.

"To be honest, that isn't great yet. Though, it's not like you have much else to do with your time but to practice for now. Just so we're clear, you know that you can't go among people at the moment, right?" (Shari)

"Then what's the plan? Am I supposed to play the cellar monster down here forever?" (Nia)

"Is that some kind of personal issue that you just can't take things with patience? I'm only saying to postpone doing so until you're ready. There's no reason to get all riled up because you're grounded for some days." (Shari)

"Grounded?! What are you, my mum?!" (Nia)

Oh my god, I definitely didn't want to think about this association!

Honestly, while the original seed cocktail came from Liqu, it passed long enough through me till the whole system that was ingrained into it was working on my slime as its foundation.

So basically, the thing that transformed her came from me, all of the slime that triggered the change, and in addition, I was the one to help her acquire her current human form, with a bit of help from Liqu.

What I'm trying to get at is that I'm undoubtedly responsible for bringing the slime that she is into existence.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

And, well, the one responsible for doing something like this is usually called... mother.

Urgh, that's just too much!

Best to play over it.

"Well, young lady! Until you can behave yourself in public, I won't let you out! Ahem." (Shari)

Damn, that was embarrassing!

Hopefully, that was sarcastic enough to avoid any form of scrutiny.

"Yeah... Fine, I get it. Even though I’ve never actually been grounded before. I'll try to get everything right first. Just don't do that ever again, please." (Nia)

Oof, again with that reminder of her troubled life.

Luckily, Nia is a smart child, so she understands the value in what I'm telling her.

"Good, then if you'll excuse me, I think that's enough for today. I'll tell Okin that he can come back in, okay? As long as you avoid contact, it's going to be fine." (Shari)

"Right..." (Nia)

"Is something the matter?" (Shari)

"Why are you being so nice to me? It's crazy how much you're doing for me and Okin. What do you hope to get out of this?" (Nia)

Makes sense that she's suspicious.

"If it soothes you, this is, for the most part, to quell my guilty conscience. I was the one who wrecked your arm and then treated you the wrong way. You can see this as me trying to make it up to you. Though, more out of a selfish reason. I can at least mitigate my own mistakes and don't have to chastise myself for them later on." (Shari)

"Hah, selfish you say. Your selfishness is giving me more than anyone has ever thrown my way." (Nia)

Kinda strange how positive she is about having become a slime.

Basically the opposite of me.

"If you can see it like this, great. I prefer this to you cursing me for your cruel fate." (Shari)

"It's not like I even know what to think about this yet. I mean, I’m too scared to even think about stuff like how my body is now kinda wrong or what my future is going to look like. This is just too ridiculous. You know. I just don't know... I can't imagine..." (Nia)

She obviously has something more on her mind.

"Yes? What is it?" (Shari)

She hesitates before answering, anxiety and worry clear on her face.

"...Do…do you think I'm going to be fine?" (Nia)

Sigh.

Heavy topic.

Yet I suppose at this point she really needs some reaffirmation instead of more pessimistic comments from my jaded self.

"Sure. If you practice enough you'll eventually grow into it. Everything might be weird at first, but coming from what I can see you're going to adjust. Once you can do so, you can maintain a somewhat working disguise, and I'm sure you'll somehow be able to push through." (Shari)

I can't tell her more than this.

It depends on how she's proceeding from here on out.

But at least it seems to have helped her a little.

"Thanks." (Nia)

With this I'm done and move away to the stairway, leaving the little cellar slime behind.

Of course, I get myself dressed up again before heading out to join Liqu in the shop rooms.

Yet once I reach the end of the stairway, there's naturally Okin waiting at the door.

"There is some leftover food, so don't forget to feed yourself. Also, if you're going to be careful, you can go and visit Nia now. You might even ask her if she wants some meat for herself. Just don't touch her!" (Shari)

Before he can answer, I've already passed him.

At this point, I gave all the safety warnings I could.

If he still wants to go for the potentially last hug in his life that's on him.

After all, I can't be expected to constantly survey those kiddos.

I have a business to maintain!

Speaking of it, I hope it still stands.

"Here is your order. Please give me the money in return." (Liqu)

Huh!?

Is Liqu seriously running the shop on her own right now?

"Liqu?" (Shari)

"Shari!" (Liqu)

The instant I raise my voice she starts in my direction.

With how tightly she grabs on to me, I’m extremely glad that she's wearing clothes, or we would certainly have merged by now.

Though, a bit of contact that tells me of considerable panic isn't avoidable.

"It was so terrifying! Once I was up, there just came humans and demanded stuff! I was completely on my own, so I just tried to mimic what I did yesterday, but I was the whole time so scared I would mess up! I had to guess so much stuff and check my internal memory if the kinds of liquid I'd take had the same consistency as I remembered when handing them out before! It was all so difficult! Waahh!" (Liqu)

I'm honestly at a loss, and in the end resort to patting her head.

She seems to have earned herself this.

At least, I hope she did, and I won't have to deal with numerous angry customers that got the wrong potions.

But for now, I'll just assume that she did well.

Anyway, it's getting late, so I should get ready to close the shop before the day decides to throw anything unforeseeable in my direction through the, such things very much inviting, open door.

"Good day, my dear. I hope you have some time to spare." (Bokkan)

I know, I know.

I spoke too soon.

"Hello, Bokkan, how can I help you?" (Shari)