49. Setting Out

49. Setting Out

Lazy? Lazy!?!

I should’ve known based on her personality when we met (she was lying face down in the sand like an idiot). The reason why Flou popped out almost instantly, but Olindia won’t leave my womb is because the latter is the type to sleep all day and not bother to accomplish anything unless forced to do so. In other words, a shut-in.

You might say she’s literally living in a mother’s ‘basement.’Điscover new chapters at novelhall.com

“Are you sure about leaving Gabby and Suka behind?” Flou asks me.

I’m running through Fuzzy Field toward the Misty Grove with nobody but my two Slime pets to accompany me. I’ve left my armor off for a couple of reasons. First, it gives away my nature somewhat. I’m not a weak human anymore, but I want to encourage random monster attacks by seeming defenseless. More encounters mean more marks.

Second is Photosynthesis. Gabby gave me some snacks and veggies before I left the hut, but the underrated Forest mark is doing work today. Exposing my green skin to the sun is essential for padding my daily caloric requirements.

Third, I like looking cute. It’s a luxury, sure, but one I can better afford the more powerful I become.

“It’s no big deal,” I say, answering Flou. “I can practically fight a tier-three monster on my own, and I’m sticking to the outskirts.”

I recall part of our conversation from this morning.

“If you feel the need to find this Harpy, then I won’t stand in your way,” Gabby said. “However, as your wife and life partner, it’s my responsibility to drill some sense into that thick, reckless skull of yours. Go to the Misty Grove first to upgrade Flou and Olindia. It shouldn’t take more than an hour or two even without delving deep into the woods.”

“Agreed,” Suka said. “You should have a real monster by your side at all times. Since I can’t climb the mountain with you, upgrading your companion should be top priority.”

Gabby nodded. “From what we saw last time, the threat level in the outer Grove area is minimal.”

Strangely humid air lingers perpetually in the area despite the rising sun’s heat. Only the vague shadows of trunks and canopies are visible through the fog that never dies. We’ve arrived.

I stroll through the outer edge of the Misty Grove in my underwear like a lost, vulnerable human. Last time, I had Gabby’s Goblin Ears and her bandolier of eleven herbs and spices to protect me. This time...

A blue blur darts from the mists.

“Cottontail, I got these two new abilities from experimenting with my marks this morning. Can you tell me anything about a mouse’s Predator Sense?”

“Um, I’ve never heard anyone call it that, but Megan has always been really good at staying one step ahead of the Harpies, Dire Wolves, and Goblins that come after us. It’s like she knows she’s being stalked even when they don’t make a sound!”

“Feel anything, Flou?”

“...Yes. There’s a certain resonance I can sense. The defeated core is submissive; willing to bond with anything compatible.”

“Ah, that’s the ‘Subjugated’ status.” I stand there, waiting. “Aren’t you going to take it?”

“Um, so,” Flou begins hesitantly, “I don’t really want to be a Large Slime. I think having multiple bodies as a Swarm-type would be more interesting, and I’m afraid I’ll bond with it if I touch the core.”

I blink in surprise. “I would’ve expected you to go for the increased size in the hopes of improving your Slime shaping. You know, to try and look more like your old self?”

“Yeah, that’s...” Flou releases a burbling sigh. “I actually think I’ve reconciled to being clothes. I’m more excited about becoming a full wardrobe for all your harem girls than returning to being a bunny.”

Huh. I guess that’s the ‘Contented’ status.

Something stirs within me, and a pink pseudopod extends from my nethers to snatch the unguarded core.

“Wait, shit!” I scramble to grab the core away from Olindia’s tendril, but the flexible fluid tentacle evades my every attempt. It retreats inside me with a schlorp while carrying the core in its pseudopod grasp. “Fuck. Oh, fucky fuck.”

I fall to my hands and knees in despair.

*Pets*

*Lazy Large Pink Jellyfish Slime Core*

*Contented Fuzzy Slime*

“Gabby is going to kill me.”

I think I hear a crow in the distance calling, “Aho! Aho!”

Which is weird because most birds have been hunted to extinction by cat girls.