--------///----Reina's POV----\\\--------

Reading through the slime books turned out to be way more interesting then i thought it'd be. I made it through the first book and found out that slimes have way more evolutions then just Demi slimes, Oozes and Biles. They can turn into item mimics, beast mimics, crystal slimes and even elemental slimes. The first two evolutions were weird. The slimes would have to eat nothing but specific beasts or specific items, for the very least, a whole day to be able to mimic them. The items or beasts would look and act the same as the original but if they were picked up or confronted they would turn back into their slime form and attack the person or beast that confronted them. 

Crystal slimes were kind of weird. If slimes appeared in an area like a cave that held lots of natural gems then they could turn into crystal slimes based off of which ones they ate. Mature crystal slimes could even be used as crystal farms. After some time they would shed their outer layer, which would be equivalent to a bag full of gems, and start regrowing denser and purer versions of their old layers. Elemental slimes were a different experience reading about... Like Demi slimes, they were a majorly domestic evolution. They could still happen in the wild but it would be incredibly rare to actually happen.

Elemental slimes happened when someone fed a slime one exclusive element. Those slimes would be able to use those elements and could even evolve into further stages. If a fire slime was fed and lived for long enough, then they might have a chance to turn into a fire golem. Despite the book calling them "Golems", the golems themselves would hardly be a threat. They would need time to become actual golems in strength. 

All the reading on slimes was kind of an eye opener. I couldn't help but look at the sleeping Jelly differently. Jelly was just laying on my lap, which this book also told me that it was normal for ego slimes to go to sleep from time to time. I could wake her up or let her sleep but she eventually would wake up. Despite all the information the book gave on those slime evolutions, there was practically none on the Demi slime. I leaned over to my left for the next book i was going to pick, which was a bit different. "A record of man made evolutions". It wasn't limited to just Demi slimes, there were all kinds of man made evolutions in here, which was interesting in itself.

When i opened the book, i was greeted with a table of contents, which was a lifesaver given the fact i decided to jump right to a five hundredish page encyclopedia instead of just reading another two hundred page book. The portion on Demi slimes apparently started three hundred pages in...

(Reina) " Thank gods for a table of contents. "

I went over to the section Demi slimes were supposed to start and i got a nice surprise. On the left page there were diagrams of male and female Demi slimes that had pointers that labeled their core, outer layer, eyes, ears and the other stuff. The right side was where the history and conditions on the Demi slimes. Just like what Alice told us, the top line credited the discovery of this evolution to a unnamed hermit. It went into how even after the countless decades since their discover, Demi slimes are few and still mostly unknown.

The known conditions for a Demi slime were, a pre established ego, genuine affection, companionship for a minimum of five years and a name... Which didn't seem that hard in my opinion.

~ But there has to be a reason why there weren't that many Demi slimes, it can't just be that people wouldn't care about them... Right? ~

I kept reading and found out another good thing. Apparently slimes with an ego could learn how to do chores, like a kid. I was definetly interested in raising Jelly, but for now i was going to focus on reading some more. Apparently, Demi slimes could reproduce Sexually or asexually, but to do the 2nd option they would run the risk of dying since they would be splitting off a majority of their core, which unless it was destroyed or damaged the way asexually reproducing would do, then it would keep them alive "forever".

Another thing i found out was that Demi slimes could only reproduce once every decade since that's how long it would take their cores to heal. Demi slimes could also make their outer layer similar to skin and hair and fit in like actual people. When i read that, i couldn't help but try to imagine what Jelly would look like as a kid... It was weird. But then another weird thing that went through my mind was how Jelly might look at me.

~ A mom? A sister? A Bestfriend? What's she going to see me as if she ever does evolve?.. Maybe it'd be nice to have her call me mom... Mom... Gods that's going to be so awkward... ~

I read some more but the information on Demi slimes ended on the next page. All i really learned was from the 1st page. It was disappointing but i would just have to deal with it. I set the book down beside the small pile of books i brought with me and brought up another. But before i opened the book, Mina came down the stairs from my right and spotted me in a moment. She started coming towards me and even picked up an unused detatched chair with her. She seemed to be carrying two books with her, which both seemed to be on the thicker end. When she got close enough, she put the chair down on the opposite side of where i put my books and sat down.

(Mina) " So, how's the reading going? "

(Reina) " I mean, i'm learning... But it's not exactly a lot. "

(Mina) " Hmmm? Well they are a hard to get species. " 

(Reina) " I know... It's just the reason behind it... Apparently all they really need is care and genuine affection... Why's it hard to just do that? "

Mina crossed her legs and looked like she started thinking about what i said. It didn't take her long to come up with an answer either.

(Mina) " Look at it like this. The majority of people don't see slimes as pets. Slimes are just a natural occurance. It's kind of like rain. You get used to it and don't think much of it when it happens. Some people like it some people don't but most people just don't mind it. Despite how convenient slimes are, people just can't bring themselves to see them as anything other then a natural thing.

And even if there are people who see them as pets, they not only takes years to evolve, theres no guarenteed chance that they will. People might lose interest in them before then. And even If people have slimes, it's probably to have them clean the pipes or something. You've also got to think about the people that can't keep them around, like adventureres, chefs, array makers. Those types of jobs that require you to be busy all the time."

(Reina) " Huh... I guess you have a point... It's still sad though... And even if we're going to be active all the time, i want to take the time to raise Jelly. "

(Mina) " You're right about that... Demi slimes seemed really interesting but unless we go to the tower where the few Demi slimes are at. We might go there on our journies but i don't really know if we will. And if you're sure about it then we'll just have to make sure you can take care of her."

(Reina) " Aww... Ok. Well, how's your searching going? "

When i brought it up, Mina raised and shook the books she was holding.

(Mina) " So far so good. These two have different meditation and combat techniques that i haven't seen before. They'll end up helping me with more then just my air. "

(Reina) " Hmm... Should i look for something to help me while we're here? "

(Mina) " I don't see why not. Despite hoow much progress you've made, it'll never hurt to learn about more methods of fighting and growing. "

(Reina) " Then that's what i'll do. I should probably put all of these back if i'm going to go up a floor... Haah... Why'd i have to pick out this many. "

(Mina) " Don't ask me. "

I shook my head and sighed. I picked up Jelly, who was still sleeping, and put her back on my head. After that, i picked up all the books i picked out and brought them back to where i picked them out in the first place. While i was doing that, i noticed a book that seemed like it was calling out to me. I didn't notice it the first time i was here but no matter what it was, i was interested in finding it out for myself.

I reached out to the book and the moment i touched it i felt the book respond. It was kind of like having someone smile at you out of nowhere. It was confusing but at the same time a little nice. I picked up the book and looked at the title and author. "My life with the first Demi slime", if that didn't peak my interest then the author "Woldan "The hermit" Culdi", did. Mina must've seen something was off and decided to come over.

(Mina) " Hey, everything ok? "

(Reina) " Uhh... I don't know? This book just... Called out to me? "

(Mina) " Huh...Didn't know books did that too. "

(Reina) " What? "

(Mina) " You know the stories about a weapon picking its owner? "

(Reina) " Yea... But it's a book. Why would they be similar? "

(Mina) " From what i know... It's all about the intent or will of the creator. If a blacksmith wants their sword to be used by someone who deserves it and they not only carry that intent the whole time they're making it but also make it to fit that intent then you get a sword that picks its owner. That applies to other things too. If i had to guess, then the guy who wrote that book only wanted people who cared about slimes to read it. "

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

(Reina) " Huh... That's... I don't know what to say to that. "

(Mina) " Just ask to take the book out for a bit. Or you could just buy it. "

(Reina) " Really? But shouldn't we save up our money? "

(Mina) " That's what the party account is for. You can use your money for whatever you want. Just try not to go broke too quick. "

(Reina) " Thanks Mina... Hmm... Let's go find something to help me first. " 

(Mina) " Then let's head up. You can ask to borrow whatever you find and then we'll grab Endis and go. "

I nodded at that and followed behind Mira as we went up to the next floor. When we got there, Mina walked over to the table with the directory book.

(Mina) " Do you want to look for a book on a specific ele- magic, or do you just want to look for a book in general? "

(Reina) " Umm... I'll look for one in general. I should be focusing on my earth and fire but i'd rather get something that'll help all my magic instead of just a specific one. "

(Mina) " Hmm... Then let's see... Something general... General... Umm... Bingo. Come on. "

Mina got up and started walking over to the far ride side of the room and i followed behind her. We walked past bookshelves, people and tables and made it over to a bookshelf near the stairs for the third floor.

(Mina) " This should be the one with books about meditation and magic techniques. Check around for any that catch your eye or any that you get interested in. "

(Reina) " Ok. "

Mina backed away and let me look over the bookshelf. I tried to look for something that wasn't that big but looked like it had just enough to be helpful. I spent maybe about five minutes before i actually found a book that peaked my interest. "Stabilization, Synchronization and improvement " It was atleast three hundred pages and as big as one of the history books i had back at home. 

(Mina) " You sure about that one? "

(Reina) " Yeah. This'll be a good one. "

(Mina) " Hmm? You got a reason behind that? "

(Reina) " Well, Ms.Losine brought up synchronization before... But other then that, not really. It just fits the size of something i'd look for. "

(Mina) " ... Do you think the author had an emblem? "

(Reina) " Unless they just coincidently used synchronization in the title, then maybe. "

(Mina) " Hmm... Then let's go find Endis and check out with all of these. "

(Reina) " Is he actually going to be upstairs? Or is he still... "

(Mina) " He is... Was... I checked the third floor a bit ago and i saw him digging through some books. I'm not sure if he's still up there but he better be. "

(Reina) " Haah... We won't know if we don't check... Let's just hope he's up there... "

Since the bookshelf wasn't far from the staircase we could just head on up to the 3rd floor without much trouble. When we got up there, Mina went over to the directory again and started looking for the beastiary section of the floor. Luckily it was supposedly just a few steps away. When we went over to the beastiary section, we spotted Endis immediatley. He was at a table of guys ranging from a dogkin, an elf and two humans. Mina sighed and staarted walking over to the tablee and i followed behind her.   

(Human two) " Hey don't look now but we got some cuties coming. "

One of the guys who was sitting facing us, saw us coming and whispered to the table about us. But Endis being Endis, he turned to look at us. He locked eyes wwith Mina before letting out a long sigh.

(Human one) " Come on man, he just said don't look. And what's that reaction for? You know them? "

(Endis) " Yup. Say hi to my cousin Mina and our bestfriend Reina. They're my party members. "

(Elf) " Well aren't you lucky. "

(Mina) " Until the times he isn't. We're going to be heading out, you read up on beastiaries or did you waste time? "

(Endis) " I read, i read. And that sucks. I was enjoying the talks. See ya later guys. "

(Dogkin) " If you're ever free again just look us up. "

(Elf) " I agree with the dog. "

(Dogkin) " Oh shut it grass eater. "

(Elf) " Hmmm? Barking dogs seldom bite. "

(Dogkin) " Gods i hate you. "

(Elf) " And yet we're friends nonetheless. "

(Dogkin) " Haah. "

(Human one) " Anyway just feel free to look us up whenever you want. "

(Endis) " I will. "

Endis got up and came on over to us. Despite not having a book in his hands or at his seat at the table, Mina didn't look at all skeptical. We started heading towards the stairs but i couldn't help myself.

(Reina) " Are you sure you read? Are you going to remember it? " 

(Endis) " Without a doubt. Perfect memory comes in handy. "

(Mina) " Unless you intentionally forget something. Which you do a lot. "

(Endis) " Shh. Let me have my moment. "

(Mina) " Whatever. "

We kept on going and eventually made it back to the entrance. The elf lady saw us and gave Endis a "look" which made me and Mina cringe.

(Librarian) " You're back i see. So what will you  doing? "

(Mina) " Oh gods let's get this over with quickly. I'll be taking these two out. She'll be borrowing one and buying the other. " "

(Librarian) " I see. Put the books you all will be borrowing. on the left and the book you'll be buying on the right. "

We did what she said and she picked up the books one by one. When she got  to my book she raised a brow but didn't really say much. Then she slid the books over to Mina and looked to her.

(Librarian) " Considering the nature of these books, you'll have five months to return these. And for buying this book, it'll be ten copper. "

(Reina) " Huh? Only ten? "

(Librarian) " Yes. Considering It's a book that picks it's reader and it picked you, then there's no reason to have it have some outlandish price. I'll request another copy later. "

(Reina) " Huh? It's a copy? "

(Librarian) " Of course. And before you ask how it's possible, An ink mage doesn't have to have the intention of reading the book to copy it. They can open and look it over without having the intention of retaining whatever information they read. It's a sort of loophole that all living weapons or objects have. Yet the curious thing is that despite being a copy, the book itself retains the intent of the original. There've been studies about why it may be but none of them have a conclusive answer about this. "

(Mina) " That's actually interesting... I'll have to look that up some time. "

(Librarian) " Feel free to come back and search here if you do. "

(Mina) " ... Maybe i will. "

(Librarian) " That's nice to hear. "

After that, she looked at Endis and gave him the look again.

(Librarian) " I do hope you'll be bad again. "

(Endis) " You know it. "

Mina and i just sighed at that. I took out the copper from my card and put it on the counter.

(Librarian) " Thank you for your purchase. "

After that, we left and started to make our way back to the guild. While we were walking, i decided to crack open the book that chose me. I had to just see what i could learn from it and i couldn't just keep myself from looking at it. Since Endis was carrying all of our books, it wasn't that hard to get it. When i opened the book i was greeted by a nice little introduction.

- To whoever is reading this, hello and thank you for caring about something others don't. I don't know who or what you may be but my thanks goes to you all the same. -

It was a short but sweet thing to see. While we were walking, Jelly woke up and started jiggling weirdly on my head. If this was before i would have thought she needed food but then i found out that slimes don't NEED to eat, they still like it but it's not necessary. And even if they were hungry, i could give her some scraps of whatever we eat. I could even feed her some magic, just as long as it wasn't one specific form of magic every time... But i wanted to give her actual food sometimes too... I closed and held my book in a hand while i reached up for Jelly with the other.

(Reina) " Come here Jelly. "

She slunk over to my hand and jiggled there. I brought her down was about to pet her but since i was still holding my book i had to wait.

(Reina) " Endis, can you hold this again. "

(Endis) " Sure. "

I handed my book back to Endis and started petting Jelly. She enjoyed it which was nice to see.

(Reina) " Want something to eat, Jelly? "

She "looked" up and did a little nod with her core.

(Reina) " Want some magic? "

She seemed to think on it for a bit and eventually nodded again. I had to think about what i should feed her and i decided to go for darkness, since i could control it the best and keep it from hurting her as she ate. I made a small coating of darkness on my index and kept it there. Jelly reached out to it and started eating the darkness. At first she did it slowly and took her time but eventually she gobbled it up until she was full. After she was done, she went right back to sleep. When she did, i brough her back up onto my head and reached back over to Endis for my book.

(Mina) " Hey... How'd the talk wit hthat librarian go anyway? "

(Endis) " Hmmm? You interested cous? "

(Mina) " Just curious. "

(Reina) " I'm kind of curious about that too... "

(Endis) " Well listen up. I have been given the go ahead to take her out. "

(Mina) " The hells? How'd you manage that? "

(Endis) " I'm just naturally charismatic, didn't you know cous? The ladies love me. "

(Mina) " You've had one girlfriend you rentire life. What ladies are you talking about? "

(Endis) " ... "

(Mina) " That's what i thought. "

I couldn't help but laugh at the face of instant defeat that Endis sprouted. Mina laughed with me while Endis just walked in silence.

(Reina) " Well did anything else happen between you and the librarian? "

(Endis) " Her name's Corinti, not "the librarian", and other then the go ahead, not much. She's not even that old either. "

(Mina) " Really now? How old is she then? "

(Endis) " She said she's going to hit three hundred next month. "

The moment he said that, me and Mina almost both tripped on air.

(Mina) " Huuh! "

(Reina) " Seriously?! "

(Endis) " Whaaat?! "

(Mina) " Holy hells... She's almost as old as Losine! She's older then Martiq! "

(Endis) " I'm not seeing the problem here. She's an elf. Normal standards don't really apply to them. "

(Mina) " I... I mean... Ugh. Don't say something logical after that! "

(Endis) " Ahem, whatever. "

After that whole talk, our walk back to the guild was essentially uneventful but i did manage to make way with the book. Apparently the hermit lost his wife and son to bandits. He spiraled into a depression and lost essentially any will to live. He left civilization and went off to live in a burrow where he just left everything he had known behind and dedicated himself to dying after he finished off a wishlist of things his wife and son wanted to do. He got close but there were parts he couldn't finish, which caused him to lose hope in finishing the list.

One day when he was wallowing in his self pity, a slime was born in his burrow. At first he was reluctant to do anything with the slime, but eventually the slime had slinked it's way over to a bunch of gems that he collected for the wishlist. There were enough emeralds for the slime to develop an ego, which was the reason he got involved with the slime in the first place. The slime slinked over to him and started to interact with him, which at first he tried to ignore but as the time went on he opened up.

He would spend his days just talking to the slime, even if it didn't respond the way a person would. He talked about how despite not saying anything, the slime spoke in its actions. I wanted to read more but we made it back to the guild. When we walked in there were people just rushing around and it wasn't any better at the counter.

(Endis) " What the hells? We're gone for almost a few hours and this happens? "

(Mina) " We should find out what's happening. "

Me and Endis nodded at that and followed after Mina as she went over to the counter. But when we got there, Alice was beyond busy, and so were the other clerks. We were about to try to ask a random person scrambling around but then Mr.Ganton came around the second floor corner. We all saw him and he saw us. He motioned for us to come up and we followed. When we made it up to his office, Endis put the books down and we all sat on the couch opposite to his. 

(Ganton) " I'm sure you're wondering what the commotion downstairs is all about. To keep it brief, we found them. "

(Endis) " Wait. Isn't that a little too fast? It hasn't even been a full day and you guys already found them? "

(Ganton) " That's what i'm worried about... It seems almost too easy. "

(Mina) " Do you think it's a trap? "

(Ganton) " Maybe... And that is something i want to talk to you all about. "

(Mina) " Really? Why? "

Mr.Ganton looked at all of us and gave a serious look as he did.

(Ganton) " I know you're all strong, i've tested you mmyself so i obviously know, however i want you all to stay out of this. "