The blacksmith gave me a curious look as I asked for a quiver and just one arrow.

He scratched his beard, raising an eyebrow. "Just one arrow? Not exactly your usual request there, lad."

I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Yeah, just one for now. I want to make sure of something before I go for a full set."

The blacksmith nodded, still looking a bit puzzled but clearly not one to argue with paying customers. “Alright, suit yourself. We’ve got plenty if you change your mind.” He turned and rummaged around behind the counter, pulling out a simple leather quiver. It was nothing fancy, just a basic brown with a few minor scuffs on the leather. He handed it over to me and followed it with an arrow—a straightforward piece with a basic wooden shaft and a crude, sharp stone head.

“Here you go.” he said, passing the items to me.

https://i.imgur.com/jWqZhzs.png [https://i.imgur.com/jWqZhzs.png]

I inspected them briefly. This quiver was bare-bones, but I couldn’t complain. Right now, it was all about testing. If my slimes could absorb the arrow in their off-hand slot and use it effectively, then I'd invest in a better quiver with a full set of arrows. But I had to make sure I wasn’t wasting credits on something that wouldn’t work. Slimes were unpredictable at best, and with this new level-up, I couldn’t afford to assume to hard.

“Appreciate it.”

The blacksmith grunted in acknowledgment, already moving on to the next item I’d asked for—a shield. “You’re a bit of a mystery, aren’t you? Not many adventurers come by looking for different items.”

I chuckled, “What can I say? I’m unique.” He laughed as he grabbed a shield from the back wall. It was a bulky iron piece with rust patches along the edges and more than a few dents. This thing was heavy. Holding it with one hand would be a struggle, but weight and shape didn’t matter to me—only the defensive boost it’d give my slimes.

“This is what I’ve got, cheapest one in the shop. Not too popular, as you can probably guess,” he said with a grin.

https://i.imgur.com/gBbtSnA.png [https://i.imgur.com/gBbtSnA.png]

Perfect. Just what I needed, a shield with decent defenses but low value. “This will work.” I replied, feeling the weight in my hands. Heavy, yes, but hopefully worth it. The idea of my slimes taking the shield’s durability into battle, serving as both decoy and tank, was a good strategic option.

He shook his head, chuckling. “It’s yours then. One arrow, a heavy shield, and a quiver—anything else, or does that cover it?”

I leaned on the counter, deciding it was best not to waste time. “One more thing,” I said, lowering my voice. “I would need two helmets.”

The shopkeeper nodded, reaching below the counter. After a moment, he placed two identical silver helmets on the counter, both with a simple, sturdy design—nothing extravagant, but solid enough to serve their purpose.

“Here you go. two helmets,” he said, tapping one. “These are well-balanced, decent armor stats, but nothing fancy—just enough to keep your head safe without breaking the bank.”

I studied the helmets, noting their simplicity.

https://i.imgur.com/3SzAeMV.png [https://i.imgur.com/3SzAeMV.png]

“These will do.” I replied.

He packed up the helmets alongside the shield, quiver, and arrow, carefully wrapping them before sliding the bundle toward me.

“Good choice.” he remarked, a hint of approval in his voice. “Not often I see someone gearing up in such a... specific way.”

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I shrugged with a smirk, picking up the bundle. "Thank you."

Stepping out of the blacksmith’s shop, I glanced up and down the busy market street.

I spotted a stall with dried meats hanging from hooks. Simple, affordable, and something I wouldn’t have to worry about spoiling. Perfect for a few day's ration while delving the dungeon without wasting credits on anything too fancy.

The merchant looked up as I approached, flashing a quick, practiced smile. "Afternoon! Fancy a bite of some of the best-dried meat this side of the city?"

"Just a few strips, thanks." I replied, keeping it straightforward. I couldn't afford much after purchasing the item's from the blacksmith, just enough for a couple of days.

He sliced off a few pieces and wrapped them in rough cloth, handing it over with a grin. “Here you go, lad. That’ll keep you going through the dungeon, I’d bet!”

I exchanged a couple of credits, nodding my thanks. As I pocketed the wrapped meat, I glanced back toward the road leading home.

Each step took me farther from the noise and into quieter streets, where the houses started thinning out and the cobblestone turned to worn dirt.

By the time I reached my place, the sun was lower in the sky.

I set my new gear down, eyeing each piece carefully—the shield, quiver, arrow, and the two helmets.

Now came the real test: seeing if these odd pieces of equipment would mesh with my slimes the way I hoped.

I took out the crossbow my slime had scavenged earlier—a wooden piece with rusty metal components.

It was unimpressive to look at, even lighter than expected for a ranged weapon, and its physical damage was, honestly, pretty pitiful.

But that was the whole point of this experiment. If I could get my slimes to integrate the equipment I provided, it wouldn’t matter how weak the gear started; their synergy would make it lethal.

https://i.imgur.com/3IKkI6k.png [https://i.imgur.com/3IKkI6k.png]

All my other slimes were already out in the forest, strategically placed, waiting for nightfall to cover their movements. But i had left one behind to protect my berries just in case. This one, was going to be used for something far more… experimental.

“Alright, buddy.” I muttered, as the fresh, translucent blob wriggled in front of me. “Show me what that new ability can do.”

The slime quivered, and without hesitation, rolled over to the crossbow lying at my feet. In a single, fluid motion, it enveloped the weapon, absorbing it into its gelatinous form. The moment it started, I could see the crossbow slowly dissolving, piece by piece. Not from acid like the viscous fiend, but through some strange, magical osmosis.

It was like watching a snake swallow its prey—oddly mesmerizing. The wooden shaft, the rusted trigger, even the splintered metal—all of it melted seamlessly into the slime’s body, turning the creature into a greedy devourer.

When it was done, a notification flashed in my mind, and I felt my mana drain—five points, just to absorb that one lousy crossbow. My eyebrow twitched. Five mana might not sound like a lot, but for a single piece of subpar gear? I could only repeat this twice more with my remaining reserves, so I needed to make it count.

“Alright, time for the big one.”

I handed over the greatsword next. The slime surged forward, greedily consuming the blade, pulling it in like a wolf devouring its prey. Watching it absorb a weapon so much larger than itself was a strange, thrilling sight.

My mana dropped again, leaving me with only a few points. Last item—a simple quiver with just one arrow. When the slime pulled it into itself, the arrow seemed to float for a moment within its body before disintegrating and fusing with the others.

My heart raced as I opened its character sheet to see the result.

And there it was, bold and clear—its physical damage stat had jumped, showcasing the combined force of the crossbow and the greatsword, along with the extra damage boost from the arrow. This wasn’t just a minor upgrade; If i was correct with my understanding, than a single shot of my slime ranged attack would equivalent to a greatsword being shot from the crossbow.

For a moment, I just stared, a wild grin spreading across my face.

The anticipation was building as the last traces of daylight faded, leaving only shadows stretching across the town. I was careful not to make a sound as I slipped out the door, my slime tucked away in my bag.

I’d instructed my other slimes to remain in the forest, lying low until I arrived. Tonight, I’d finally see what this fusion of weapons and strategy could do. Lila hadn’t asked a single question—she watched the entire process with her usual quiet interest, a look in her eyes that suggested she already knew this was leading somewhere important.

The cool night air brushed against my face as I moved along the empty streets toward the forest. But as I neared the tree line, I heard it—a faint crunch of footsteps on the ground behind me.

My gut told me to ignore it, just a stray rat passing by or on their way home.

But as I kept walking, the footsteps lingered, keeping pace with mine in perfect rhythm. My heart quickened, and every instinct told me to stay calm, to act like I hadn’t noticed. Just a shadow in the slums, I told myself, someone else heading back late.

But as I crossed into the forest, the footsteps grew more cautious, lighter, as if whoever it was didn’t want to be noticed.

My mind raced with questions: a common thief? Some nosy townsfolk curious about what I was up to? Or something worse?

Whoever they were, they hadn’t yet realized I was aware of them.