NOVEL WEB Ch4 - Leveling...from?
Chapter 4: Leveling…from?
(*Based on feedback about the readability of the earlier parts, I’ve been revising them bit by bit. The story progression hasn’t changed.)
“Now then, would you kindly introduce yourselves?”
“Yaaay! Puff puff!”
“Where did you even learn words like that? Anyway, please tell me your names.”
“We don’t have any!”
“What!? Really?”
“Monsters don’t have names, you know? That’s why you can freely name us, Rena!”
Hearing this from the slimes, the novice tamer, Rena, thoughtfully rubbed her chin.
“Hmm… I want to think carefully and give you lovely names. After all, you’re precious companions. But first, let’s check your stats.”
“Kyaaa! So indecent!”
“Pervert!”
“Huh!? Come on, stop teasing me!”
“Kya ha ha ha!”
In a corner of the plains near the small town of Danatzera, Rena and her newly-tamed slimes were having a lively conversation. She had just tamed the slimes a short while ago, and having leveled up herself and acquired skills related to her familiars, she was eager to start leveling up with them.
But first things first: she needed to check each other’s stats. How much had her weak stats changed?
Guild Card: Rank G
Name: Toudou Rena
Occupation: Monster Tamer LV.2
Equipment: Sailor Uniform, Leather Shoes, Bag
Aptitude: Black Magic, Green Magic
Health: 16 (+1)
Intelligence: 51 (+1)
Agility: 12
Magic Power: 52 (+2)
Luck: Unmeasurable
Skills: [Familiar Contract], [Inspire], [Messenger], [Obedience], [Familiar Recovery]
Familiars: Slime A, Slime B
Gift: (?)
“Not bad,” she mused.
By the way, in this otherworld called Lanasu, an average adult’s stats are around 30 for health and agility, with intelligence and magic power around 20. Based on that, Rena’s physical abilities were rather poor, but her intelligence was impressive.
Well, adventurers usually have additional stat boosts from their occupations and levels, so there are many magic users with intelligence over 50. Rena, as an adventurer, wasn’t particularly outstanding in any area. Intelligence, in particular, is a stat based on one’s inherent smarts, and leveling it up improves the precision and power of magic.
Sigh… She understood that, and her shoulders slumped.
Although she was still weak and inexperienced, gaining familiars and leveling up after just two days was a promising start. She decided to stay positive, telling herself that she wasn’t alone anymore, which was a comforting thought. Smiling, she gazed happily at the adorable slimes.
“Next, I’ll check your stats, okay?”
“Pervert!”
“So indecent!”
“Ugh…!”
Despite their teasing, Rena began reviewing her familiars’ stats.
In Japan, slimes are often the weak starter monsters that appear in games, but how strong were they here? If their stats were bad, leveling them up would be quite difficult. She hoped, perhaps naively, that they were stronger than she was. With that thought, she touched the “Familiar” section on her guild card.
Name: Slime A (Tentative)
Species: Petit Slime (Red) LV.3
Aptitude: Red Magic
Health: 17
Intelligence: 15
Agility: 20
Magic Power: 8
Luck: 7
Skill: [Dissolve]
Gift: [Complete Status Ailment Resistance] ☆4
Name: Slime B (Tentative)
Species: Petit Slime (Blue) LV.3
Aptitude: Blue Magic
Health: 16
Intelligence: 15
Agility: 21
Magic Power: 8
Luck: 7
Skill: [Dissolve]
Gift: [Complete Status Ailment Resistance] ☆4
It seemed their species was called Petit Slime.
“Wow! You’re faster and have more health than me!”
“Heh heh!”
“Haha, that’s amazing! And you have status ailment resistance. I wonder what the stars mean.”
“We don’t knooow!”
“Let’s ask at the guild later. If I combine this with my [Inspire] skill, we might be able to fight quite well.”
Rena started to consider battle strategies. She stroked the slimes’ jelly-like bodies with the pads of her fingers, and they playfully pushed back with their squishy forms. Their texture was delightfully bouncy.
Here’s a breakdown of Rena’s new skills:
[Inspire]: Raises the morale of familiars. Increases their health and agility and boosts critical hit chances, but also raises the risk of missed attacks.
[Messenger]: Allows the tamer to send commands to familiars, no matter the distance.
[Obedience]: Calms down excited familiars and makes them obedient. Using commanding words increases effectiveness.
[Familiar Recovery]: A healing spell exclusive to familiars. It works on familiars of any element.
Though specialized for familiars, all of these skills seemed quite useful.
“What does ‘works on familiars of any element’ in [Familiar Recovery] mean?”
As Rena pondered this, the slimes helpfully explained.
“Some monsters can’t be healed by green magic healing due to compatibility!”
“Like ghosts!”
“Ah, so it works even on ghost-type monsters!”
They spoke in a childlike manner, but it was an easy-to-understand explanation. Despite being monsters who had only experienced this grassland, they seemed to know more than Lena, who was still a beginner in this other world. Getting this kind of information was really helpful.
When she said, “Thank you,” they happily twirled around in a dance.
(…Earlier, I looked away, but…)
Lena decided to take a closer look at the slimes’ statuses. She noticed they had a terrifying skill called [Dissolve]. Nervously, she tapped on the skill, and it read, “Dissolves objects absorbed into the body. Omnivorous by nature.”
“Wow… I’m really glad I didn’t end up fighting you guys…”
Her voice came out strained. If she had fought the slimes, there was a good chance she wouldn’t have survived.
『It’s because playing with Lena was so funー!』
『And you gave us chocolate and were so niceー!』
『That’s why we love youーー!』
The slimes bounced up and down as they spoke to her.
“Ugh… I love you tooーー!”
Lena’s emotional gauge was off the charts. The bond they had formed so quickly might have been due to the familiar contract, which connected their souls.
Master and familiars hugged each other tightly, rubbing their heads together. Lena’s hair became increasingly shiny from the slime’s mucus, and the joyous cries of her familiars echoed across the plains.
“Alright! Let’s start training, shall we?”
『Okayーー!』
And so, their combat training finally began.
“First, let’s check how much the [Inspire] skill raises stats. It seems the more magic I put into it, the stronger the effect. I’ll start with 10 points. Ready?”
『Bring it onーー!』
“…Skill: [Inspire]!”
The slimes’ bodies inflated vertically, stretching into oval shapes, their jelly-like surfaces taut and filled with fighting spirit.
“How do you feel?”
『We’re fired upーー!』
“You’re pretty pumped up, huh?”
Lena checked the familiar section of her guild card. It now showed “Excited State” and “Attack +5 / Speed +5,” which was blinking, indicating a time limit.
She jotted down in her notebook: “Skill: [Inspire] effect = +1/2 boost to attack and speed per magic point” and “Excited State.” For someone without any cheat powers, careful planning like this was essential.
She timed the effect. Using her strangely never-draining smartphone, she saw that the “Excited State” lasted 15 minutes if they remained still. Whether that was long or short, she didn’t know, but she made sure to record it.
“Alright, if your stats increase this much, it looks like we might be able to fight. Have you ever defeated any monsters around here before?”
『Yeah! We’ve eaten a Poison Death Snake!』
『But we’ve only taken down a few since we were born three days agoー』
“Poison Death Snake…!? That’s amazing. Does that mean poison doesn’t affect you?”
『Nope!』
Apparently, it didn’t. They’d defeated snake monsters with deadly venom and crushing attacks before, using their unique slime bodies and resistance to status effects. The slimes clung tightly to the snake’s body and slowly dissolved it while eating.
“Wow… that’s kinda gross… I mean, okay, let’s find a snake monster and defeat it.”
Lena smiled, though her eyes were dead inside. There was no point in dwelling on the hypothetical nightmare of having to fight the slimes. She had trustworthy and adorable companions now, and that was all that mattered.
『Yayーー!』
The slimes were fully motivated, eagerly calling out for food, and Lena found them to be quite reliable.
They decided to use the [Inspire] skill again once they found the snake monster. She didn’t want to use it too early and risk the effect wearing off mid-fight.
The three of them cautiously moved through the plains, trying their best to stay hidden.
“…Oh!”
The grass rustled unnaturally. A Poison Death Snake (probably) slithered into view, its thick body twisting menacingly.
▽ A Poison Death Snake (tentative) has appeared! ×1
Its terrifying appearance immediately sent chills down Lena’s spine. It looked just like the snake she had seen the day before. She exchanged a glance with the slimes, who nodded reassuringly.
Their first battle would be against this snake.
Lena exhaled slowly, her gaze fixed on their prey. She was even more nervous than her slime familiars, who stood in front of her.
“Let’s do our best!”
『Let’s goーー!』
“Heh.”
Perhaps, she thought, they were the ones encouraging her instead.
“I’m casting [Inspire]… now!”
『(Boingーー!)』
The slimes were now battle-ready. Lena used 20 magic points to cast the [Inspire] skill on them. She was determined to win. She didn’t want to hold back on magic and risk them getting hurt.
She also kept in mind her recovery skill in case of emergencies. She wasn’t interested in making the snake a familiar, so her plan was to take it down with a surprise attack. Was that sneaky? Well, the weak had to use their wits to survive.
She didn’t know exactly how capable her slimes were, but she decided to trust them when they said they could do it. In a firm voice, she gave her orders.
“Get as close to the snake as you can without being noticed. Once you’re close enough, smother its body and block its airway. Eat it bit by bit while suffocating it, just like you always do.”
“It’s intense.”
“Aiaisa!”
“Leave it to us!”
“Please…!”
But this was just their usual way of doing things. It seemed to be the method they were most accustomed to and the one that would surely work, and Lena had no luxury to be choosy about the means.
The instruction to move while lying flat on the ground was Lena’s original idea. With this, they should be harder to spot before their attack… The slimes had a transparent body, so if they spread out thinly, their vivid red and blue colors wouldn’t stand out.
“The duration of the skill is limited. Can you go?”
It was very typical of Lena to frame it as a request.
This was the signal to start the battle.
The slimes bounced once, as if they were too eager to even waste time answering, then spread out thinly across the ground. They moved, sliding towards the snake!
The green of the grass showed through, achieving a beautiful camouflage just as planned.
“(Be careful…! Good luck!)”
While keeping an eye on the situation in the meadow, Lena glared at the snake monster, not allowing her gaze to wander. With a feeling like prayer, she watched her familiars fight…
…—!!!
“Skill [Messenger]! …Danger! Two other snakes from the left are targeting you, dodge!!”
“‘What?!”
With a swift motion, the slimes pulled back their jelly-like bodies, dodging the attacking strikes from the other snakes.
Lena stood up, determined to help even just a little. “Over here!” She shouted, trying to draw their attention to herself. …Three snakes glared at her menacingly. They took the bait!
Seizing that opening, the slimes stretched their bodies thin again and leaped onto the snake. Together, they enveloped all three at once. The snakes thrashed wildly. “Skill [Dissolve]!”
However, the skin was rapidly being grotesquely dissolved.
…In conclusion, the battle ended abruptly with the slimes securing a victory all on their own. Sitting on the ground in a daze, Lena was shocked. It was her first battle, and with the unexpected interruption, she had been tense. Letting out a long sigh, she relaxed.
The snake, wrapped up in slimes, ultimately couldn’t resist. Even if it tried to bite with its poisonous fangs, it wouldn’t work; they would just pass through the slimes and stab itself. It couldn’t even tighten its body, as the jelly form was too thin… It was devoured unilaterally.
The effect of the [Inspiration] skill likely increased the familiars’ attack power (dissolving power?). “We’re spreading wider than usual!” Lena could hear them exclaiming.
The familiars’ “excited state” seemed to last until the snake took its last breath.
The scene of them devouring the red meat and bones was incredibly gruesome.
Lena, watching up close, felt like she might throw up but thought, “What kind of master is it if I act like this while my familiars are working hard?!” and managed to hold it together.
Although her face was pale, she gave the slimes (now bloodied) a thumbs up, saying, “Nice job!” They happily bounced back in response. Oh no. There was snake blood splattering…
Covering her mouth with her hand, she silently waited as their meal finally came to an end. The snake meat was nowhere to be found; only the cleanly licked remains of its soft bones remained scattered. Where had the meat gone? The slimes had puffed up to about one and a half times their size, looking satisfied and full.
Lena offered words of encouragement.
“Great job!”
“This is for you, Lena!” “A little for you!”
“Ah, thank you…!?”
▽ You have obtained snake bones! x3
Not needed.
Her spirit only allowed her to say thanks, and she stuffed the bones into her bag… The slimy residue was sticking… Ah…!
…She shouldn’t worry about it. She needed to divert her attention.
“You were super strong…”
““Ehe!”
The slimes puffed out their chests. …Then, yet again, a high-pitched bell sound echoed in Lena’s mind.
<
<
<
“!”
…A class change notification?
This time, it seemed like only the slimes were leveling up. Since Lena had hardly contributed anything other than support, it was only natural.
I wonder what the Petit Slimes will evolve into?
It made Lena happy to see her familiars getting stronger. She chuckled, hoping they would evolve into something cute as she excitedly took out her guild card.
<
<
It sounded impressive. The sparkling resonance of “Jewel” made her expectations for a beautiful slime evolution soar. She didn’t even know what a Jewel Slime was, but she decided to follow the instructions and tapped the item.
【Mini Jewel Slime】
…A rare slime with a body that shines like a gemstone. Still inexperienced, it is small in size.
It has the characteristic of producing gem-colored body colors once a day.
It will acquire the special skill [Super Hardening] upon evolution.
A detailed description floated on the card. “Wow. Rare species, huh…” As Lena murmured in astonishment, the Petit Slimes began to squirm.
“…It’s hot!”
“What? The inside is sizzling and prickling!”
“…W-What!? I-I’m sorry! Did I tap too carelessly?!”
““Uuu!”
They seemed uncomfortable and hot. Lena hurriedly waved a makeshift fan to cool her familiars down.
In a concerned manner, the devoted master took care of them.
The slimes that had been stretching awkwardly up and down suddenly puffed up round like balloons. Their bodies glimmered in the center. As they steadily deflated…
Class change complete—!
To sum up its appearance in one word:
“…Gorgeous!!”
That’s right.
First of all, the shine is on another level, and the whole body looks like it’s sparkling.
The size has changed from that of a tangerine to that of a grapefruit.
At the center of its body is a hard-looking core, and the surface is dazzlingly gem-like. It has transformed into a stunningly beautiful slime.
The master couldn’t help but stare in awe.
The slimes themselves seemed bewildered by their body changes, bouncing and jumping around to test their movements.
Every time they did, their bodies sparkled. As expected of a jewel.
They jumped multiple times, but eventually, they found a satisfying point and struck a cool pose to finish. Their mischievous nature seems unchanged.
“Wow…! You’re so beautiful!”
“You can praise us more, you know?”
“Show me your stats.”
“Aww!”
The usual teasing lightens the atmosphere.
The information about the slimes after the class change has changed as follows.
“Name: Slime A (temporary)
Species: Mini Jewel Slime (Red) LV. 5
Affinity: Red Magic
HP: 27 (+10)
Intelligence: 20 (+5)
Speed: 30 (+10)
Magic: 18 (+10)
Luck: 14 (+7)
Skills: [Dissolution], [Super Hardening]
Gift: [All Status Ailment Resistance] ☆4”
“Name: Slime B (temporary)
Species: Mini Jewel Slime (Blue) LV. 5
Affinity: Blue Magic
HP: 26 (+10)
Intelligence: 20 (+5)
Speed: 31 (+10)
Magic: 18 (+10)
Luck: 14 (+7)
Skills: [Dissolution], [Super Hardening]
Gift: [All Status Ailment Resistance] ☆4”
“Wow, that’s amazing.”
What is this? It’s incredible.
The increase in stats is way too overpowered…!
Could it be that there’s a class change bonus?
Suddenly, their stats have become as sturdy as an adult human.
“Are we amazing? Are we strong?”
“Uh, yes… um, you’re really, really amazing…!”
Rena, flustered, struggles with her Japanese.
She keeps repeating how amazing they are.
Let’s not forget. They are familiars, and during battles, their stats further increase due to their master’s skills.
Right? Isn’t that unfair?
As Rena stands frozen, the slimes call out in a sweet voice.
“Can we have a name?”
“! …Now?”
“Yeah!”
Perhaps their intelligence has increased, leading to a stronger sense of self.
Earlier, they hadn’t asked for a name, but now they look at Rena with shining eyes (in her imagination) as they request one.
Having names is definitely better.
In fact, Rena had thought about it a little.
“Are you boys or girls?”
“Both! We can be either!”
“!? I see. Then, how about this:
The red slime can be ‘Kureha’ and the blue slime can be ‘Izumi’?”
“Kureha!”
“Izumi!”
“Do you like them?”
“Yeah!!”
The slimes bounced happily on Rena’s lap.
▽ Rena has obtained the familiars: Kureha and Izumi!
It’s starting to get dark.
With magic and energy running low, it’s time to return to the town of Danatsela.