Banished from the herd, I was actually a member of a very rare species. ~With the unique skills that only I can use, I can grow and evolve quickly. I will become an unrivaled monster~ - Episode 18: Deer and Deer

Episode 18: Deer and Deer

The world where I was reborn as a slime is filled with an energy called |Mana|, something that didn’t exist on Earth. Well, maybe I just couldn’t perceive |Mana| when I was human. Anyway, it’s an energy that doesn’t exist according to Earth’s common sense.

The concentration of |Mana| varies depending on the location, and the places with a higher concentration tend to have stronger magical beasts. Therefore, the rule in the slime group was to never approach such places.

“(But with my current self, that’s not a problem.)”

Through <Evolution>, I became significantly stronger. Since yesterday, I’ve been gradually heading towards areas with denser |Mana|. But today, I think I’ll boldly venture even further.

“([Slash])”

After progressing a bit, I extended my whip and swung the blade at its tip. I caught the falling fruit with another whip, absorbed it into my body, and dissolved it.

“(Whoa, this is delicious!)”

The fruit, which looked like a white pear, was by far the most delicious thing I’ve eaten since being reborn as a slime. First of all, it was sweet. The fruits found around the slime village were mostly 99% sour or astringent. But this one tasted sweet like modern fruits, with a perfect balance of sourness. This is probably due to the dense |Mana|.

When exposed to strong |Mana|, the nutritional value increases, and the taste improves as well. And the herbivorous magical beasts that grow by eating such plants also become rich in |Mana| and taste better. I know this because I was once pressured by Sla-ta and the others to venture into the high |Mana| area.

At that time, I was lucky enough to hunt one, but I was immediately attacked by a Greater Beast and decided never to enter that area again. The reason why strong magical beasts gather in high |Mana| zones might be because there are so many tasty prey.

“(Huh? This is a spring, huh?)”

I found a water source where the forest opened up—a wide spring like a pond.

“(Come to think of it, I’ve never felt thirsty since becoming a slime.)”

It had become so normal that I hadn’t noticed until now, but neither I nor the other slimes have ever sought water. Either slimes don’t need water, or the moisture in plants and blood is sufficient.

“(Either way, it doesn’t matter. But this is a great ambush spot.)”

Even if I don’t need it, other magical beasts do. Surely, there will be quite a few creatures coming to drink water. And when they naively show up and start drinking, I can launch a surprise attack. If the initial strike is heavy, the subsequent battle will be in my favor. It’s a perfect plan.

“(Alright, this tree looks sturdy enough.)”

I climbed a thicker tree near the spring. My weight increased due to <Evolution>, but this tree should be able to handle it. Using [Climbing], I spread my body as much as possible to distribute the weight. With increased power, climbing was easier than before.

As I waited for my prey to arrive for a few minutes, two magical beasts appeared. They resembled deer; one had ominously red and black antlers, while the other had no antlers but had complex patterns on its body. Judging by their affectionate behavior, they seemed to be a pair.

They calmly lined up and began drinking from the spring. This is my chance. I used [Stealth] and slowly descended from the tree. I carefully approached the deer, creating a blade at the tip of my whip when suddenly—

Splash!

A huge column of water shot up. In the brief moment I was distracted, the stag’s head was crushed.

“(!?)”

The beast that did this immediately sized up its next prey. With blood-dripping fangs bared and agile, efficient movements, it bit the neck of the fleeing doe. The doe’s death cry was faint. The doe, now lying on the ground, convulsed once and then vomited a large amount of blood before dying.

“(So strong…)”

It instantly killed the deer, which seemed to be at the Greater Beast level. That beast is probably also a Greater Beast, yet it completely dominated the fight by leveraging its specialty.

“Shururuu…”

The beast glared at me, threateningly. It had a long, vertical body. Four long fangs, two on top and two on the bottom, that looked capable of piercing through iron. Its slick, black skin reflected light. The beast, letting out a steam-like growl, resembled a Hamo the most. The difference from Earth species was the third eye on its forehead.

(Note:

A Hamo (ハモ) refers to Pike Conger Eel)

“Slaaa!”

After a moment of staring each other down, I couldn’t take it any longer and bolted. As if waiting for that, the Hamo unleashed a small whirlpool.

“(Perfect timing, [Evasion]!)”

I charged straight at the oncoming whirlpool. And just before it hit, I changed my course diagonally forward. Utilizing the speed boost from [Evasion], I closed the distance in an instant.

“Shuraa!”

But the whirlpool, which I should have dodged, changed its direction and was now chasing after me. So, it can be controlled even after being released!

Well, this works in my favor. I’ll take advantage of being pursued and use [Escape] to accelerate even more.

“Shu, Shuruluuats!”

The Hamo seemed startled by my double acceleration, but it quickly bared its fangs and lunged at me. It stretched its upper body out from the water, quickly bringing me within its range.

“([Block]!)”

At that moment, I activated one of the [Weapon Skill] to defend against the attack. My body became even harder, allowing me to deflect the creature’s fangs without taking any damage.

“[Slash], [Compact Slash], followed by [Slash]!”

After blocking its fangs, I immediately escaped into the air and unleashed a series of [Weapon Skills]. I slashed at the creature’s face, slashed again, and was about to deliver a third slash when I missed. The creature had withdrawn.

With a splash, it dove back into the spring. As I waited for it to resurface, a whirlpool hit me from behind.

“(Gurgle gurgle… wait, I’m totally fine.)”

Even so, I took no damage. I wasn’t even out of breath. It felt like being laundry in a spinning washer, but the whirlpool dissipated after about ten seconds.

However, the Hamo showed no signs of action underwater. It was just watching me, observing.

I waited, like a fisherman, patiently. This was a time to endure. If I rushed now, I’d give it an opening. 

After what felt like twenty minutes passed, I realized something was off.

“(…Huh? Hey, come out already!)”

I called out several times, but the creature didn’t emerge from the spring. Could it be… is it waiting for me to leave?