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 34: The Earth Dragon Slayer Spear

Episode 36: The Earth Dragon Slayer Spear

“(Alright, analysis complete.)”

I lift up the spear that Jaskal had been using and gaze at it. Unlike the usual spiked form I transform into, this spear has a blade on its tip, making it suitable for thrusting and slashing. The solid weight of the spear tells me just how strong its previous wielder must have been to wield it with ease. The amber-colored spearhead, reflecting the sunlight, looks sharper than any I’ve seen before. And the spear’s ability is…

“(An anti-earth type, huh?)”

When attacking earth or anything associated with it, the damage inflicted increases. This spear is made from the claw of a certain Grand Beast, and it seems to carry a fraction of that beast’s original power.

“(But really, how often do you attack the earth itself? …No, it seems there’s more to it.)”

As I scrutinize the information I’ve read using the [Replicant Form], I grasp the full details of the ability. It turns out that as long as the target is associated with earth, whether it be a magical beast or something else, the spear’s effect still applies.

“(The definition of ‘associated with earth’ is pretty broad, huh.)”

I retrieve an iron club from my [Weapon Storage] and toss it into the air. As it falls, I slash at it with the spear. The club snaps cleanly in half at the middle.

“(Whoa, this is dangerous…)”

I’m astonished by the power. Even with my |Power|, I couldn’t normally pull off something like this. It’s the result of the earth attribute boost. Since iron is mined from the ground, it counts as being associated with earth.

“(The range of targets is wide, and the effect is strong—this is an insane weapon. Wait, does that mean they brought this to hunt me down?)”

Next, I gently touch the tip of the spear to the end of my whip. The impact reverberates, far stronger than I had anticipated.

“(Is it because gems are found underground? This weapon is truly terrifying.)”

If they’d used this in an attack, it might have actually hurt me. The guy who looked like Jaskal seemed thoughtless, but he must have prepared extensively, as expected of a top-tier adventurer. But a weapon that’s terrifying in the hands of an enemy becomes a reliable partner when wielded by oneself.

“(I’ll need to investigate the exact range of the spear’s special effect using a replica.)”

With a satisfied grin, I store the spear away and finish dissolving the last fragment of the Trent.

―――Non-Notification Information Recording Zone―――――――――――――

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>> Fuwa Katsu {Jewel Armory Slime} has acquired the [Skill: Decomposition Liquid]. [Dissolution Liquid] has been integrated.

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“(Phew, finally done.)”

I had been eating continuously since yesterday, but now it’s over. Even with plenty of |Mana|, wood is still just wood. It wasn’t very tasty, so I’m feeling relieved. I stored part of the branch in my [Weapon Storage]. Since it counts as a club, I can keep it there. I’ll eat it if I can’t find any food on another day.

“(Alright, it’s the perfect time to move!)”

I leap down the slope in one bound using [Jump], heading into the forest in the southern direction the girl had indicated. After driving off Jaskal and his group, the other adventurers probably know my location too, so relocating is urgent.

“[Replicant Form: Imitation]”

Bored, I begin transforming my body as I walk. I decide to imitate an arrow, selecting the highest quality one I have. A dull-colored arrow floats in the center of a cube that looks like a piece of the summer sky.

“[Weapon Storage]”

With a slight sting, the arrow disappears. I can store weapons using [Weapon Storage], and since items imitated by [Replicant Form] are considered weapons, I can store them as well. As a result, I can even store replica weapons if I want.

“(Good, good, I still have plenty of |Life| left. I should make about ten more of these while I can.)”

I continue the imitation process while monitoring my |Life|. When I detach a weapon, I lose that volume of |Life|. But since I have reserves, it’s not an issue. The moment my body tears, the excess |Life| regenerates it immediately. To avoid wasting the recovery from [Self-Regeneration], I need to do this regularly.

“(It’s a good thing [Weapon Storage] isn’t limited by item count.)”

The capacity of this skill is determined by total volume, not by item count. It’s not like in old games where you could only carry 99 of the same item.

“Whiiiiiirrrrrrooow!”

“(Oh, a bird-type magical beast.)”

As I walk, a bird-like magical beast flies overhead. Judging by its size, it’s probably a Greater Beast.

“(Looks like tonight’s dinner is decided.)”

As I thought about these things, I imitated a bow and took out the newly crafted arrow. Then, with practiced ease—though I’m actually using a whip—I nocked the arrow.

“(If you thought all I’ve been doing is eating and sleeping, you’re sorely mistaken.)”

While I was eating the Treant, I also did some training to work off the meal. The result was these skills.

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Skills:

[Compact Thrust] [Shoot] [Sniping]

[Decomposition Liquid](NEW)

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I acquired a compact version of [Thrust], a bow’s [Weapon Skill], and a [Skill] that assists with long-range attacks. There’s some [Skill] I don’t recognize mixed in there, but… oh well. Time to make the kill.

“[Shoot]!”

The drawn arrow shot forward with incredible speed. The bow’s ability negated air resistance, allowing the arrow to fly straight and pierce the bird as if it was drawn to it.

“(Whoa, seriously?)”

Even though I did it myself, I didn’t expect to hit it with a single shot. Although I had assistance from [Sniping], today I’m feeling lucky.

“(Oh, there it is.)”

When I reached the bird’s landing spot, I found the large bird lying there, bleeding from its body. However, the arrow that should have been embedded in it had disappeared. Instead, a viscous light-blue liquid was dripping down. Imitated weapons dissolve if they experience too much impact. While they can handle a normal stab, they couldn’t withstand the fall from such a height.

“(Looks like the earth special attack didn’t work. Well, it is a bird, after all.)”

I prodded it with the imitated spear to confirm. 

“(Well, in any case, I’ve got dinner.)”

After devouring the bird, I continued heading further south.