Outside At Last! The Terrified Goblins!

After two more weeks, she's finally found the entrance.

She encountered a party of adventurers who didn't notice her, for she hid behind a rock.

Apparently, they're here to investigate Veldora's disappearance. Good luck with that, they won't find anything. She killed and consumed everything useful in this cave, including magicules that made her the world's deadliest slime!

But still...how convenient of these adventurers to leave level doors open. Or dungeon doors. Sure she's a slime monster now, but she doubted she can fit through small cracks no matter how she flattened herself and crawl out.

They have no idea thus, that they let her, a near S-Class Monster out! Teehee!

It's nice to see the sun again.

The cave seems to be in the middle of some forest.

The entrance lay at the base of what you could call a small mountain or a big hill.

Sticking out from among tall trees, the hill can be seen from afar.

Regardless of description, it's the only place from which you can see the sun. The forest is dim in comparison.

Has that magic circle feel to it.

'A wise man keeps away from danger', as they say.

And so, I quickly left that place behind.

Since the moment I left the cave, some time had passed.

The sun has begun to dip towards the horizon.

Seems like I left the cave exactly at noon.

You'd be surprised how much I want to align my biological clock with the sun.

The moment I thought that, it naturally changed.

Was it really so simple?

Right now, it's 4 o'clock late afternoon.

It's time for dinner, but sadly I don't need food.

I could eat, but since I don't taste anything, it's pretty wasteful. All I need is magicules to survive and I got plenty.

With thoughts of food, I remembered.

The monsters I ate in the cave.

Though I got my hands on new powers, I have yet to put them to use.

Black Serpent: Heat Detection, Noxious Breath

Centipede monster: Paralysis Breath

Big Spider: Sticky Thread, Steel Thread

Vampire Bat: Vampirism, Ultrasound Waves and have vocal cords

Carapace Lizard: Body Armor

The black serpent's Noxious Breath, for example, I can't use at all.

Honestly, when the Carapace Lizard appeared, I had used it.

And as a result...

As if it weren't armored at all!

The lizard had dissolved before my eyes.

An extremely gruesome sight. Even remembering makes me want to puke.

And that's why I avoid it.

If, let's say, adventurers had chanced upon this snake, they'd probably be annihilated before they could even cast a spell.

Hmm? If I were hit by it?

I hadn't given it any thought, nor do I want to.

Let's just say, thank goodness I shot first!

To be hit by such a dangerous breath...would be bad.

But wait, that isn't something that I want to remember.

Since seeing scrambled organs and bloody remains of lizards is rather unpleasant–at least for me, I decided to completely forget about Noxious Breath. As for what would happen when used as a slime?

The radius decreases by at least one half.

If transformed the breath spreads out for about 7~10 meters, without mimicking that is reduced to only one meter.

Anyways, would you want to see your opponent melt before you? Therefore, this skill I've sealed away.

On the other hand, Heat Detection is simply wonderful.

Living things radiate heat.

If combined with Magic Perception, no attack can go unnoticed. However, since humans and upper class monsters may possess some special skills or magic, this is no reason to let my guard down.

Next, about the centipede.

Not going to mimic this one–because of appearance.

The paralysis breath functions the same as the serpent's one. The range is no different, as well.

And as I expected, the range decreases to a one meter when used as a slime. But, it just might be a good skill to use during ambush.

Or so I'd like to say, but if I had to fight an enemy that close, I'd be better off transforming or running. Anything else would result in inevitable defeat.

The lizard.

It was absorbed after being completely melted by my noxious breath. As such, restoring the body had proved impossible.

Anyways, having physical attack resistance kind of makes transforming pointless.

So I tried to use Body Armor while a slime.

My face hardened.

As you'd find in some MMOs, I had become a metal poring.

My previously light blue body had changed color to a bluish silver metallic one.

However, as I didn't try receiving damage, I don't know how good it actually is.

I did gain a pretty color option as a result, though.

Maybe I'll use it to surprise some enemy.

That's the extent of these three species' powers.

The problem is the remaining two.

They hold very interesting powers.

You wonder what's amusing about them?

First, the spider.

Right, you all know about the hero who possesses spider powers, right? Spiderman?

Fshuuu! He shoots out thread from his wrists, leaping from building to building.

That famous guy.

Sticky Thread is intended to trap your enemies and prevent them from moving.

However, if I were to use it, could I reproduce his movements?

Quickly, I put it to the test. Aiming at a large tree...

Fshuuu! And I screamed like Tarzan...and slammed into a tree. How embarrassing...

Umm, let me explain Steel Thread.

Sticky Thread? What's that? Don't know anything about a skill that hangs you up on a tree.

And so, about Steel Thread.

It is intended to be used to defend against enemy attacks.

But what I tried was to make one thin thread and whip it at a tree. TWINGGG! *tree creaks as it slowly slides downwards, before the top half fell*

It easily cut through.

With practice, it might become a dependable weapon.

I'll practice with it later.

And last up–the bat.

I expected the most from these skills.

Vampirism skill? By sucking the target's blood I can temporarily gain its abilities.

Not a skill to worry about.

I mean, Predator is simply better. Would it be too presumptuous to consider Vampirism its degraded version?

And I don't really want to suck blood.

So after learning all I could about it, I neglected Vampirism.

Rather, the skill that caught my interest was Ultrasound Waves.

More than bewildering the enemy or causing him to faint, the skill can also pinpoint one's location.

In my original world, bats got around using the same ability.

But don't miss the main point. These are essentially vocal cords!

By itself, the skill's nothing special.

So my next step became creating the organ necessary for using these sound waves.

Luckily, I didn't have to create it from mere imagination and could instead reproduce it based on the bat I had absorbed.

With this, I might finally be able to speak for real.

Tired and exhausted, I continued working through the night without an ounce of sleep!

Not that I need any.

Three days and three nights of constant research, and behold the results!

'Teyyyk meee tuu yooor leeeederr!'

Success!

As for how it sounds–have you ever spoken right in front of a fan, that distorted voice? Yeah, that's how it is.

The rest can be fixed with minor adjustments to sound cute...and do tongue twisters.

While calming my excitement, I carefully started adjustments.

However, I can't seem to use Ultrasound Waves.

I could have sworn I could shoot out sound waves...

I was going to call it Sonic Blaster or Sonic Buster...

Can't I use those?

/Solution. From skill Ultrasound Waves, skill Supreme Vibrations can be derived. However, it cannot be currently acquired./

Derive, huh? Probably need to have the skill evolve first.

So I lack enough information to successfully derive the next skill.

Shame. It would have been nice to have a skill that when fired would resonate with the target and destroy it.

To be frank, if I don't get it myself, how can I expect to be able to use it?

Seems like I'm a pretty greedy slime.

Having many abilities is, without question, a good thing. But, I see no need to hurry.

I should just be satisfied with having restored my voice.

And so, while trying out various things, I continued down this path.

Without any direction in mind.

But my goal, I felt, was a good one.

Somewhere beyond the forest, there is a city with some nice people with whom I could talk.

In any case, these days have been pretty peaceful.

In the caves, I was frequently beset by monsters, but since coming out here, I have yet to fight one.

Just this one time: while I was practicing speaking, I was attacked by wolves.

'Ahh?'

I seem to have threatened them with my voice alone. They all meeped in fear of her

'Kyaiiiiiiiiin!'

And they ran away with a miserable whimper.

Larger than the largest breed of dogs, with a body length of more than two meters, and a whole pack of them...

What to say? Scared of some lowly Poring...how pathetic. What are they?

/Answer: those wolves are called Direwolf. A Class C Monster. On its own its a C. However, when led by a capable alpha, their threat is increased. The entire pack would act as a single mind, and their ranks raised to a B./

As for me, I had no desire to fight.

Although I could acquire a sense of smell as a result. That thought piqued my interest, so I kept an eye out; but no wolves were in sight. Actually, there was no monster within a hundred meters of me.

Hmm? Somehow, it's like they are fearing me?

Why?

Yep, definitely, I can sense their fear.

Having confirmed that, I felt a group of monsters approaching.

Before my eyes, a group of 30 human-like monsters stumbled before me.

Small bodies.

Crude equipment. Soon-to-be-decrepit actually, and no bigger than most schoolkids in Tokyo. Many of their swords had rusted, and their armor is thin. Some have stitched together some rotting cloth. Probably didn't tan properly enough to make leather.

Covered in a thin layer of dirt, their expression lacked intelligence.

But, not completely barbaric. There were also a few who wore swords, spears, stone axes, and bows.

My grey matter quickly saw through to their true identity!

The famous monsters that will attack adventurers! Yes, Goblins!

How stereotypical.

And the ones they attack are weak monsters...so myself?

Yeah, right, she's an A-Class monster!

But hey, to come with 30 people against a single slime, that's too excessive. They don't stand a chance even with that.

Compare: the lizard covered in thousands of hard scales; the spider with feet like sharpened blades.

The me who have endured those battles, cannot imagine suffering at the hands of these goblins.

And in worst case scenario, I'll just mimic the serpent and take out a few.

As I was thinking these things, one of them stepped forward – probably the leader – opened his mouth.

'O strong one, do you, have any business, up ahead?'

Huh, goblins can talk.

I wonder if they can use any of Magic Perception...

...and did they just call me 'strong one'?

First surround me armed with weapons, and then politely ask a question...what a bunch.

I was amused.

In any case, it doesn't look like they will attack right away.

Will my words reach them? I guess I just have to try.

And so, I tried conversing with goblins.

The goblins are, from what I can see, pretty desperate. They are on guard, weapon in hand; and are politely calling out to me.

Unfortunately, many seem to have run away already.

But as expected of the leader,

He looks me straight in the eye.

Alright.

I feel some intelligence from this one. Might be able to talk properly.

'Nice to meet you! My name is Rimuru!'

The goblins began murmuring among themselves.

Were they surprised that a slime spoke?

Among them, a few wearing plain clothing threw away their weapons.

I don't really get it.

'O strong one! We very understand your great power! We beg, you, please lower your voice!'

Mu? Were the thoughts I attached too strong?

So I guess telepathy is a no go. They'd just be more afraid.

'My bad. I still can't regulate it very well.'

I guess I'll apologize.

'We unworthy. No need apologize to us!'

Seems like my words are reaching them.

This is some good practice.

Oh and by the way, I'm speaking Japanese, yet somehow, they are understanding.

'So, what do you need from me? I don't have any particular reason to be going this way, either.'

Since they have politely asked questions, I guess I'll politely answer.

And maybe it was too much, but to make sure they continued fearing me, I said that rather forcefully.

'So it like that. On this path, stand our village. We felt strong monster, so came as precaution.'

'A strong monster's presence? One that I have not detected...?'

'You joke! Even clothed in that form, we will not be fooled!'

It seems like they've completely got the wrong idea. /Warning! The one who's mistaken is Rimuru./ Great Sage helpfully supplied.

They are completely convinced that a powerful monster took the shape of a slime.

As would be expected from goblins, who are famous for being low ranking monsters.

After talking to the goblins for a while, it seems like I'll be imposing on their village.

That is, it seems like I'm staying over.

Though they look shabby, it seems they have a big heart.

And though I don't need to sleep, taking a break might be a good idea.

With that thought, I decided to accept the offer and go to their village.

We discussed many things.

That, the god they worshiped had recently disappeared.

That, along with his disappearance, various monsters begun moving.

That, the number of powerful adventurers had increased.

And so on.

And, during the conversation, I finally became able to clearly hear their words.

That I can probably attribute to having gotten used to listening with Magic Perception.

It's probably a good thing I practiced with goblins before talking to people.

Such was the conversation in the company of goblins.

The village is...where? Is what I wanted to say, considering how dirty it was.

After all, I hadn't expected goblin dig up their dens.

Even so, they guided me to the best looking building.

The roof was made of rotting straw, and so was full of holes; the walls were just piled plywood...

By my world's standards, even slum housing is preferable! That's how bad it was.

'We apologize for making you wait, honored guest.'

A goblin said while entering the structure.

The goblin leader who had been showing me around until now then moved to attend to this one.

'Ah, don't mind it. I hadn't been waiting that long.'

I tried to respond with the best business-like smile I could foster.

Of course, the best slime-smile possible.

They say that a single smile can turn negotiation in one's favor. Got to say, even I am susceptible to that skill.

Not that I know what we are negotiating about..

'We humbly apologize for the inability to provide better accommodations. I currently have the pleasure of serving as this village's chief.'

Having said that, the goblins placed before me a tea-like drink.

Which I have to admit, was rather surprising.

I sip the tea. To the onlookers, it probably looked like I toppled the cup over.

It had no taste. Which was obvious, considering I had no taste buds.

Whether that was good thing or not–I don't know. After checking the ingredients, I confirmed that it was not poisonous.

Moreover, I could feel their sincere attempt at hospitality from this cup.

'So, for what reason have you gone out of your way to invite me here?'

I went straight to the point.

"Let's become friends with a fellow monster!" ...it probably wasn't that kind of benevolent reason.

Although the chief tensed and began to tremble, he seemed to have steeled himself and proceeded to ask.

And this is what he said,

'If I may, you are aware of the recent increase in activity among the monsters, correct?'

That I heard on the way here.

'We have lived till now peacefully due to the protection from our god; however, He seems to have hidden himself about a month ago...due to his disappearance, the nearby monsters have begun invading these lands.' said the elder. 'We, ourselves, did not welcome their incursion, and responded with force; but, our forces...'

Hmmmm.

Would the god be...Veldora? Fits time wise.

In any case, it seems the goblins want my help.

'I understand your request. However, being a slime, I doubt I can live up to your expectations.'

'Hahaha, how modest! A slime could never radiate such strong demonic aura! We are not so presumptuous as to try guess at why you have taken that appearance, but we are aware–you are a Named Monster, are you not?'

Demonic aura, he said?

What's that? I don't remember emitting that…

So, I tried to observe myself with Magic Perception.

There was some kind of ominous aura drifting about me.

Ugh...I should have noticed it when mimicking monsters or trying out Body Armor...

How embarrassing.

This feels just like walking down main street and some pervert flip your skirt to see your panties.

The cave's high magical energy concentration probably confused my senses.

But, this is no good! Totally out of the question!

Now, I finally understand the monsters' fear of me.

What monster would want to make an enemy of this dangerous looking guy?

"No idiots getting fooled by appearance here!" kind of thing.

Welp.

'Fufufu. As expected of the chief, you understand?'

'It was obvious, your grace! Your wondrous persona cannot be hidden!'

'I see, I was found out. You seems to be a promising bunch. Most people deny reality and see me as I am.'

I'm getting carried away, aren't I.

Let's play along with their misconceptions and manipulate them a bit.

At the same time, let's try to erase that ominous aura.

As if absorbing the aura, I tried to direct the outer magical energy inside.

'Ooh! You have been testing us! And let us thank you. There were many who feared your great aura.'

Looks like the aura successfully dissipated.

From what I can see, I now look just like a normal Poring.

But.

Had I been wandering around as a normal Poring.

I probably would have been annoyed with all the fights by now.

So isn't this aura a good thing?

'It is so! Having beheld my aura and yet spoke before I, wonderfully done!'

'Ay! Your kindness is wasted on us. If You will, we shall not inquire regarding Your true visage. Lest You anger, we wish for you to hear our request. Could we hope for such a favor?'

Well, probably.

'Don't avoid the subject. Let me hear it!'

While maintaining my haughty attitude, I pressed the chief for details.

The story goes as thus.

Coming from the eastern lands, new monsters threaten the balance of this region.

Further, it seems that there are a few goblin villages around here.

This village being but one of them, but they have had many battles with the newcomers and lost many good warriors.

But the real problem was the named warrior.

He served as the guardian of this village; and, when he was lost, the village found itself in a perilous situation.

Other goblin communities have abandoned it.

'While the newcomers ravage that village, we'll come up with a plan!' So the other villages thought. And no matter how much the Goblin Chief and Leader begged them, they were coldly rebuked.

When she asked Great Sage about the Naming, being a Named Monster gets you immense respect as you become a powerful and evolved monster, nobody will dare mess with you. But your gains depend on who named you, that is. But for a village to lose their Named, that's equivalent to being a Social Outcast as 'That Named is so pathetic to still lose even if he got a name and power!' sort of thing.

Such is the bitter story the goblins conveyed. They are alone and left to their peril.

'I see...how many live in this village? Among those, how many can fight?'

'Yes, there are a hundred denizens. If we include females, sixty are able to fight.'

Sounds rather unreliable.

However, to even comprehend basic mathematics, the goblins are rather intelligent. The remaining forty must be kids.

'What about the opponent? How many and of what race?'

'Ah, yes. From the wolf species, the Fang Wolf family. At the moment, even ten of us could hardly match one of them.' the elder shook. 'And there are a hundred of them...'

Ha...? Who set this to game to Impossible difficulty for these guys? Those odds are pretty dire!

I stared the chief in the eyes.

No, he is not lying. His eyes are earnest.

There are few dubious points, but I can probably believe his words for the most part.

'About those goblin warriors. They knew they couldn't win and still threw their lives away pointlessly?'

'No, this intel is the product of the lives they gave away.'

His next words made me regret my question.

Named Goblin was the Chief's son, and Goblin Leader's older brother.

Having heard the situation, I stopped to think.

Without a word, the Chief awaits my decision.

Did I just see a tear in his eyes? Probably just imagined it.

Tears don't suit monsters.

Arrogance does. That's the proper appearance of the feared monsters.

'Chief, there is but one thing I wish to confirm. If I save this village, what be my reward? What will thee do for me?'

Not that I wouldn't do this without a reward.

But, we're talking about a hundred enemies as strong as ten goblins each.

This will be no walk in the park.

If I mimic the black serpent I can probably manage, but...

It's not a deal I can just easily accept.

'We offer our loyalty! Please protect us. If You do, we shall forever serve You!'

Honestly, I can do without their loyalty.

But, having endured 90 days of solitude, I truly enjoyed talking with the goblins.

Had I been human, I might have been repulsed by their filthiness.

But, I am now a monster. I fear no disease.

Moreover, the chief's eyes. I'm their only hope, they say.

Just like in the past world, I'm weak to dependent types.

While grumbling to myself, listening to complains from my kouhai, and fulfilling the requests of customers and senpai...

'Very well! I shall accept that request!'

I accepted with an exaggerated bow.

And so, I became the master of goblins, and their guardian.