For days—or perhaps weeks—Luminus remained in the cave with Drakion. He practiced his abilities, devouring minerals, moss, and even magical crystals that shimmered faintly in the walls. Every time, the Ethereal Guide explained new skills he acquired.
Absorption wasn't just eating; it was evolution.
"Man, I never thought being a slime could actually be… fun," Luminus muttered, rolling back and forth near a glowing pond.
"Fun, he says…" Drakion rumbled, shaking his massive head. "You have the mind of a fool, yet that foolishness may be your greatest strength. Few creatures laugh when faced with weakness."
"Guess that's just me," Luminus replied. He compressed his body, then shot upward like a spring, splatting back onto the stone floor. "Weirdly enough, I think I'm starting to like this body."
Still, the world outside gnawed at him. "So, uh, Drakion… what's beyond this cave?"
The dragon's eyes narrowed. "Villages. Kingdoms. Monsters that cower in shadows and men who lust for power. It is a world both cruel and wondrous."
"That sounds… like a lot," Luminus admitted. "But if I'm stuck here forever, I'll never know any of it."
He hesitated, then asked, "Think I should… go out there?"
Drakion chuckled, his laugh echoing like thunder. "Do as you wish, partner. The world will tremble when you set foot upon it. Just remember—our pact binds us. My name shields you. If danger comes, speak it proudly."
Luminus wobbled proudly. "Got it. No one messes with a slime who's friends with a Tempest Dragon!"
Leaving the cave wasn't as hard as he feared. With his new skills, he absorbed obstacles, dissolved small creatures, and even created a simple slime-sized map using his analysis skill.
When he finally oozed into sunlight, he froze.
"Whoa…"
The forest stretched endlessly before him. Towering trees swayed in the breeze, their leaves glittering like emeralds. Strange birds called out, their wings trailing sparkles of magic dust. The air itself thrummed with energy, vibrant and alive.
For the first time since his reincarnation, Luminus felt truly free.
"I made it… I'm really in another world."
His moment of awe was cut short by rustling nearby. He stiffened—if a slime could stiffen—as several figures emerged from the brush.
They were small, green-skinned humanoids with ragged clothes and wooden spears. Their eyes were wide, filled with fear.
"Please!" the largest of them shouted, dropping to his knees before the slime. "Great one, spare us!"
"…Huh?" Luminus tilted. "Wait, what? You're… talking goblins?"
The goblins pressed their foreheads to the ground, trembling. "Mighty slime, we beg you! Our village is in danger! Fierce fanged wolves raid us nightly! Many of our kin are lost!"
Luminus blinked. "Uh… are you sure you've got the right guy? I'm… not exactly 'mighty.' I'm just—well, a slime."
The goblins gasped, glancing at one another. The leader stammered, "But… but your aura! You carry the presence of something far greater! Surely, you are blessed by a higher being!"
Luminus froze. Oh crap—they're sensing Drakion's energy through me!
The Ethereal Guide's calm voice confirmed it.
"Analysis: Pact with Drakion Zephyros grants passive aura intimidation. Local monsters interpret user as a superior being."
"…So that's why they're bowing," Luminus muttered.
The goblin leader crawled closer. "Please, honored one! Lend us your strength! Without aid, our village will be destroyed!"
Luminus hesitated. He wasn't a hero, not really. In his past life, he was just an overworked salaryman. He had no obligation to save anyone.
And yet…
He remembered his human life, the endless overtime, the isolation. No one had relied on him, not really. And now, here were these desperate goblins, looking at him as if he were their last hope.
"…Alright," Luminus said at last. "Take me to your village. I'll see what I can do."
The goblins lifted their heads, eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, great one! Thank you!"
The village was a sorry sight. Huts of mud and straw leaned precariously, smoke rising from small fires. The goblins were frail, their ribs showing, their numbers few.
Children clung to their mothers, eyes wide with hunger and fear. The moment they saw Luminus, they dropped to their knees in reverence.
"Great one! Please save us!" they cried.
Luminus wobbled awkwardly. "Uh… yeah. No pressure…"
The leader approached. "The wolves strike at night. Their fangs are like blades, their leader as large as three men. We cannot withstand them."
Luminus thought hard. He had no sword, no hands, no way to fight traditionally. But he did have his skills.
The Ethereal Guide spoke.
"Recommendation: Use Predator skill to devour wolf corpses. User will acquire their abilities."
"…So basically, I just need to take down one wolf, and I'll get stronger?" Luminus asked.
"Correct."
He nodded—or bobbed. "Alright. Then let's set a trap. When the wolves come, I'll handle them."
The goblins exchanged nervous glances but bowed deeply. "As you command, great one."
Night fell quickly. The goblins gathered, trembling with spears in hand. Luminus positioned himself near the outskirts of the village, hidden in the tall grass. His gelatinous body quivered with anticipation.
Then came the howls.
Dozens of glowing eyes pierced the darkness. Wolves with fur like shadow, their teeth glinting with malice, padded into the clearing. At their head was a massive beast, twice the size of the others, its mane crackling faintly with magic.
The goblins shrank back in terror.
The leader wolf growled, stepping forward. "Weaklings. Tonight, you all—"
Squelch.
The speech ended abruptly as the giant wolf suddenly found its paw stuck in something sticky. Luminus oozed upward, wrapping around its leg.
"Surprise, doggy!" he shouted.
The wolf snarled, thrashing, but the slime held firm.
"Predator skill activated"
The wolf howled, but its cries were muffled as Luminus engulfed it whole. The other wolves froze, their leader dissolving before their eyes. When the glow faded, all that remained was silence.
"Ability Acquired: Shadow Fang"
"Ability Acquired: Sonic Howl"
Luminus pulsed with new strength, his body glowing faintly. He turned toward the rest of the pack.
The wolves whimpered. Then, in unison, they bowed.
"…Huh?" Luminus blinked.
The Ethereal Guide explained.
"Wolf pack hierarchy: leader defeated. User registered as new alpha."
"…Wait. So they're my pack now?"
"Correct."
Luminus looked at the trembling goblins, then back at the wolves bowing to him. His slime body wobbled in disbelief.
"…Well, this is awkward."
And so, on his first night outside the cave, Luminus not only saved the goblin village but also gained an entire wolf pack as followers.
He had no idea yet—this was the first step in building something far greater than he could ever imagine.