- Shari -

"So what was this about another slime named 'Nia'?" (Vela)

Just why did Liqu have to bring this up? Also, isn't there any other topic than this we can speak of while we are walking through these corridors, where everywhere the signs of fighting are to be seen?

"Ehm, nice girl. Well, maybe not really. She has a tendency to steal stuff. Though, I suppose the fact that she does so for her little brother counts as mitigating circumstances." (Shari)

"Okay, very interesting, but I guess we both know this wasn't really the crux of the matter I intended to hear about." (Vela)

"Fine! Okay! She's a slime now! Do I really have to elaborate on the step in between from 'not being a slime'?" (Shari)

"So you really went through with this? When Liqu made this suggestion back then, I kind of hoped it was a fluke. But you really went through with this?!" (Myra)

"Hey, she was dying! I asked as best as I could with her in that state, if she would really consent to this. There weren't really any alternatives, aside from dying, of course, and the girl wasn't having that. So there was just no other choice." (Shari)

"I understand the circumstances, but I need to admit, I find this idea slightly distressing." (Jacob)

"You don't say?! Now they're multiplying! That's terrific!" (Balion)

I don't really like the flow of this conversation, but I guess this reaction is comparatively mild to what else I could expect.

Looking at the people here: Balion made quite clear how little a fan he is of slimes, but it's nowhere near Chris-level. Of course, there's distaste, but nothing deeper to act upon. Vela sounds surprisingly complacent with this revelation. The pitch in her voice, indicating irritation, almost sounding fake. Zeon is probably more shocked that something like this is possible than totally against it.

This leaves the adventurer group. Since I met Myra again, she appears to be constantly pissed, but now I can't exactly figure out if she's against what happened, or Nia herself. Jacob, meanwhile, seems to contemplate the implications of multiplying slimes and how this could become a problem for him and his group. Lorel, on the other hand, is completely detached from this talk. I'd say the mere idea was already overwhelming for him, and so he can't really contribute.

"In any case, the girl isn't really bad, so I would appreciate it if you could watch out for her. I don't think she deserves that someone slays her for her core." (Shari)

"What exactly do you mean by this?" (Jacob)

"You know, in regards to how things develop here, I believe Liqu and I will soon have to leave again. But regarding Nia... Well, I don't think we could provide a child-friendly environment for her and her brother. Nonetheless, I suppose she'll need to do something in the future. You know, to sustain herself." (Shari)

Meat isn't exactly cheap.

"To be sure I have this straight, you created a slime, now want to get rid of her, and decide to push her onto the next best people you could find?!" (Myra)

Pretty please?

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

"I only want you to think about it. She might be young, but I guess I already proved that having a slime with you can be useful. Also, I guess I could work something out with Gareth to make it so there won't be an issue with her at the gates." (Shari)

"Shari, you are focusing really a lot on her." (Liqu)

Damnit, I forgot that she's jealous of her. Is anyone aware that this might be the greatest threat there is for this town? Fortunately, I don't need to elaborate further on this very uncomfortable topic, as we are finally about to reach our destination.

After passing some more bodies on the ground, indicating that the fighting was quite fierce here, there's a side door with a passage that leads deeper into the ground.

Soon, the narrow path spreads again and we end up in some kind of dungeon, where our soldiers are apparently hard at work to deal with some kind of situation. They're looking quite at a loss. Peras is quick on the uptake and moves to the highest-ranking soldier.

"What is going on here? Report!" (Peras)

"Their guards were giving us a hard fight, but we were able to steadily push them back. However, before we could take hold of them, they made use of some kind of device that apparently controls the collars of the people here! They ordered them to stall us, or they would make use of it. Then they left through a tunnel under the threat that they would kill these people here if we'd follow, while taking some with them as living shields. Since then, we couldn't pursue the enemy any further, or we would have to fight our way through the prisoners." (officer)

Damnit. A hostage scenario.

Not surprising that there's a passage out of the city. This is clearly a vantage point. Also, in a rather ruthless way, it's probably smart to use the prisoners. Those should be quite inclined to prevent anyone from approaching if they'd be killed otherwise.

Now that I'm closer, I can take stock of the situation. There are truly a number of prisoners blocking a small doorway, but there are many more still in their cells. The unfocused groaning of the imprisoned indicates that the punishment function was used before at not a small extent.

"Damnit! We can't let them escape!" (Peras)

At this, I put my hand on Peras' shoulder.

"I hope you don't truly intend to order what I presume." (Shari)

"We don't have much of a choice! Or what would you suggest?" (Peras)

"What about taking those things off so the people can't be used as hostages anymore." (Shari)

"Look, the lock function is controlled by the device. If the enemy has it, we can't just remove the collars. Even worse, to my knowledge, they have a self-triggering function if the lock is messed with." (Peras)

"Is there really no other way to get them off?" (Shari)

"Of course, we have equipment, but the collars are made of metal and extremely sturdy. Before we are through with all these people the targets will be long gone!" (Peras)

Sounds still like the better alternative. I mean, those nobles should all have lost their position. Aside from information, there's not too much value in them, I think. But maybe I miss some kind of political scheming.

"That's not a problem!" (Liqu)

Huh?

Before I can think any closer about this, Liqu walks up to the would-be slaves who block up the passage.

Oh, goddamnit! Liqu isn't in disguise!!!

Ever since we entered, she hasn't bothered dressing up again. Not to forget that her initial outfit is still in the small camp. However, this slime goes there completely unbothered by the fact that absolutely everyone can see what she is.

"You can't pass! They're gonna kill us if you do! We can't allow you to! We..." (prisoner)

And this is where they spot Liqu, waving.

"Hello!" (Liqu)

"Wh-wha-what!?" (prisoner)

She moves up to one kneeling on the ground. Past treatment must have taken its toll on him. At the green slime's approach, there's first confusion that gradually turns into terror. However, Liqu just moves in and grabs the collar with her hand.

"Good day! Please hold still!" (Liqu)

"Zsch"

She doesn't waste any time and starts dissolving the collar's lock. Of course, the man struggles, but is too weak to really escape her.

"Hey, I said no moving! This makes it unnecessarily difficult." (Liqu)

The man has no idea how tenacious slimes can be and how well they maintain their hold, which Liqu right now proves. So it only takes moments to reach the desired end.

"Zsch"

"Clck"

It's open!

"See? That's better, right?" (Liqu)

She doesn't really wait for the answer and just moves to the next one who can't move away quickly enough. In hindsight, we probably could've just used her to make way for us.

"Ahem, does your friend know what she's doing there?" (Peras)

There's but one answer to this.

"I'm absolutely sure she doesn't!" (Shari)

Not only are we now certainly exposed, but I fear a bit of her handling of the prisoner. On the other hand, she got it open. So she must know enough to make it happen without triggering the shock.

"On the other side, she's at least doing something, and it's better than everything we discussed until now." (Shari)

So I walk forward, right towards Liqu.

"Hey, Liqu! Make some space. I'm going to help you out." (Shari)

After all, we need to help quite a number of people before we can continue our pursuit.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.