Currently, my [Summon Slime] skill at level 1 was as basic as it could get.
Though I had managed to make the most of it by using my slimes for scouting and looting corpses, I needed more.
I needed something that would help me push through the hurdles that would inevitably arise.
Although I had already faced some of those challenges, I was lucky to survive each time.
The Overfiend boss had to give me something that would change how I approach my character. For sure!
My heart pounding in my chest, the adrenaline making my hands tremble slightly.
"Alright, moment of truth," I muttered to myself, feeling a mixture of excitement and anxiety. I checked the details of my upgraded skill.
[Summon Slime of Shapeshifting] Acquired!
"Summon Slime of Shapeshifting?" I whispered, trying to grasp the full potential of the new skill.
As I read through the details, my eyes widened in amazement.
https://i.imgur.com/0sS2bTR.png [https://i.imgur.com/0sS2bTR.png]
[Summon Slime of Shapeshifting - Lv.2]https://i.imgur.com/KmDrbU5.png [https://i.imgur.com/KmDrbU5.png]
[Summon Slime allows the user to conjure small slime creatures. These slimes are sentient and capable of basic actions such as grabbing or carrying small objects inside their gelatin-like bodies. While they are not independently aggressive, they can now be used in combat through shapeshifting.
The summoned slime can shapeshift into two forms:
1. Shapeshift of Defense: The slime transforms into a protective barrier, mitigating any incoming damage by 10%.
2. Shapeshift of Offense: The slime transforms into a sharp spike, providing 10% physical penetration.
Additionally, as long as the slime isn't fully severed or destroyed, it can slowly heal its body using its shapeshifting properties, allowing free range of body morphosis.]
[Usage: Primarily used for exploration assistance, minor object manipulation, as a decoy, and now for offense and defense in combat situations.]
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[Summoning Mana Cost: 3 per summon]
[Shapeshifting Mana Cost: 2 per cast]
*Note: (all slimes currently summoned can shapeshift for a single cost)*
"This... this is incredible!"
I couldn't believe my eyes.
"Why shapeshifting?" I muttered, puzzled by the specific nature of the skill upgrade.
Then it struck me. Throughout its battle, the Overfiend had repeatedly demonstrated its ability to transform its gelatinous body into whips and spikes, morphing as needed to gain the upper hand.
At the time, I hadn't given it much thought, but now I realized the Overfiend could freely alter its shape to adapt and fight.
"This is the very skill I acquired from it," I realized. "Though limited to only two forms, it's the same principle."
The Overfiend's ability to shape its body into offensive and defensive forms was now mine, although on a smaller scale.
This wasn't just an upgrade; it was a game-changer.
The Overfiend's attempt to gather itself and heal after the explosion must be why this upgraded ability includes the additional effect of allowing my slimes to slowly heal.
I had never imagined getting such a powerful upgrade so early on.
With my new upgraded ability, I decided to test out the full extent of my upgraded skill.
I had leveled up several times, which meant I had more mental stat points to spend. Currently, I had 7 mental stat points remaining, allowing me to summon a slime even in my current state.
"Alright, let's see what you can do." I said, summoning a single slime.
It appeared before me, wobbling with energy.
Its appearance was exactly the same as before: a small, wobbling gelatinous blob.
There were no visible changes, no signs that it had gained any new abilities.
But I knew better than to judge by appearances.
"Let's see what happens when we put that new shapeshifting ability to the test."
I focused on the slime, my command ready. "Shapeshift into offense and hit that wall!"
The transformation was immediate. The once harmless blob suddenly elongated and sharpened into a menacing spike, a stark contrast to its previous form.
The change was striking, and it happened in the blink of an eye.
The splime slammed into the wall with a solid thunk.
I walked over and saw that it had penetrated the rock easily, embedding itself deep into the stone.
"Wow," I breathed, astonished by the power and accuracy of the attack. "That's... that's impressive."
I approached the spike closer and observed its form. It had elongated and hardened into a sharp point.
The spike had driven itself several inches into the solid rock, showcasing the new offensive capability of my slime.
"Just imagine what this could do to an enemy," I thought aloud.
"Alright, good job, little guy," I said, patting the slime, which had reverted to its gelatinous form.
"Let's try something else."
Using my last 2 remaining mana, I commanded, "Shapeshift into defense!"
The slime morphed into a small wall, standing firm and solid.
I pushed against it, feeling the resistance it offered.
"Impressive. This will definitely come in handy," I said, considering the defensive potential this form provided.
At that moment I felt a surge of confidence. I could defend myself, launch powerful attacks, and even rely on my slimes' regenerative properties to keep them in the fight longer.
Since I had used up my mana, I could no longer summon more slimes or use their shapeshifting forms.
I needed to rest and restore my strength.
Finding a small corner of the area with a large rock, I decided it would be the best place to hide and recuperate.
I tucked myself behind the rock, ensuring I was well-concealed.
I commanded my recently summoned slime to keep watch.
"Alright, buddy." I said, patting the slime gently.
"You’re on lookout duty. Wake me up if anything happens."
As I settled down, I couldn't help but feel a mix of exhaustion and excitement.
For the first time, the thought of what I could achieve with my new ability filled me with anticipation.
The idea of an army of slimes shapeshifting into spikes all at once was thrilling.
The sheer devastation they could unleash was unimaginable.
With these thoughts swirling in my mind, I closed my eyes and allowed myself to drift off into a much-needed sleep, the quiet of the dungeon lulling me into rest.