MC POV

[[Name of dungeon changed. 'Holdire quarry' has become 'Anomalies nursery'.]]

Hehehe a few hours ago I finally figured out how Shiny got so strong. He became the dungeon master of this place by pure chance. It appears that this dungeon never had an owner so Shiny was assigned the role simply because he was nearest to the mana vein at the time. Sadly he wasn't intelligent enough to understand his situation and just kept pumping the energy that the dungeon uses to grow monsters into himself by instinct.

But now I'm the big boss. And while this isn't a true dungeon, which limits my options greatly, I can still enjoy a few perks while I wait for my regeneration to finish (currently 67% of total mass). One of those perks is doing what Shiny did, simply taking the growth energy for myself but, it's the ability to detect and monitor intruders that really interests me, especially since I have guests to entertain.

There are four of them. They are strong enough to confidently stroll into a dungeon but don't have the discipline or temperament of soldiers. This leads me to think they're adventurers but based on the memories that I've absorbed nobody has bothered coming here for twenty years. So why bother now?

Well it's not like I can ask them so for now what's most important is deciding what i'm going to do with them. My slime instincts tell me I'm stronger than them but I have no skills to absorb powers from non slimes and I would gain almost no xp from killing them. At the same time they are valuable sources of information that I ,annoyingly, can't communicate with.

No...wait... I can talk to them. Maybe not directly but as the dungeon master. That's it! As the dungeon master I can offer quests to intruders, which system translates, allowing me to communicate with them. Now all I need to do is make sure they accept the quest.

"How will you do that? offer a huge reward? I don't think rocks are this worlds standard currency." (Adam)

Oh that's simple I just kill them if they refuse. At least one of them should get the message.

"...huh...a bit ruthless isn't it?" (Adam)

Yeah it is, but I'm not yet strong enough to be kind. I won't loose this precious chance at a new life, an unhindered, perfect life just because I wanted to play hero. No chance in hell! I will act in a way that ensures my survival and growth, and only when i'm strong enough will I play around a bit more.

Now they're about to enter the tenth floor. let's go say hi.

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Bordani's POV

"How far now?" (Bordani)

"120 metres" (Sete)

The corridor ahead is 80 metres long so it will be in sight soon. But preparations are in place, they consist of four layers. The first layer is situated ten feet in front of me this is the trap line. Elaine had flame traps, which should be some benefit (though are a little redundant with Taron here), as well as poison traps. Poison of this level can't harm slimes but should slow them down while they detox it from their system.

The second line of defence is me. Im not as adapt at defence as a knight or paladin, especially given that I weird a two handed great axe and no shield, but I should be able to Block a slimes simplistic attacks for a while at least.

The third is Sete he is standing directly behind me. Should it not be a slime or have some sort of companion he will not be visible from their line of sight. But his main role is to intercept any attacks or opponents that slip past me.

Finally there is Elaine and Taron. They are standing 5 metres behind Sete and have put a few feet between each other in order to get a clear line of sight past either side of me. Taron has placed runes at his feet which allow him to not only regenerate mana more quickly but also cast faster. While this allows for high damage output his range is limited to about 40 metres. This is characteristic of both fire and wind mages as their attacks disperse at they fly through the air. Although it's probably different for grand mages. To cover this shortcoming is Elaine's role. As an archer she has good long range capability, however her magic arrows are limited to a mere 70 metres, her job will be to inflict debuff effects onto the opponent so it's weaker by the time it enters Taron's range.

"It's here"(Sete)

Finally it arrived. While a bit difficult to see in this dark cave the object crawling around the corner is defiantly a slime but it's different from any I've ever seen before. The metallic surface of the slime has green tints, it indicating that it's a nature attributed variant of the already dangerous metal slime. Furthermore It's quite small, coming up to my waist at most. I was surprised by this at first but remembered that Pacey, a B+ rank friend of mine, had been injured by a high level slime and told me that strong slimes condensed their mass for easier movement and surprise attacks.

After turning the corner the slime started to slowly crawl towards us almost reaching Elaine's range. She started to draw back her bow and a blue aura wrapped around her arrow, indicating that she was using ice attributed enchantments.

This would have been the smart move. Rapidly cooling then heating up a metal slime (Taron's flame magic) would cause tremendous damage to metal attributed monsters, however, the slime stopped just as it was about to enter her range. It didn't make any other actions.

Elaine seemed troubled by this and was glancing at me for directions. After about 30 seconds the slime still hadn't moved and so I nodded to Elaine. She slowly took a step forward with her bow still drawn and was about to release the arrow when...

Thoooom!!!

An absurdly thick earthen aura was released by the slime causing her to retreat back in surprise before she could release the shot. I too was surprised unconsciously tightening the grip on my weapon.

"Elaine it's casting magic, quick!!"

I couldn't controls my voice properly, resulting in me barking at Elaine for details on the magic that was being cast but she didn't respond in the way I expected.

"Uh.. Uhm... There isn't any. I don't feel the slime releasing any mana at all."

"None?"

What was it doing then? Was it releasing its aura as a warning? Is this some form of distraction? I glance at Sete but he shakes his head to me indicating that he can't sense any other activity in the area.

"Well we can't just sit here. Elaine if it isn't attacking step forward and shoot it, use a stun arrow to disturb it from whatever it's-"

SLAM!!!!!!

"Guaaahh!"

The deafening sound of something smashing behind us and the startled cry of Taron caused me to shoot a look in his direction. I was left stunned as I looked at a perfectly smooth almost marble like stone wall where our escape route once was. Taron was fine but It seems like the wall rose from just behind where his feet were and in doing so shattered the runes he was stood on.

"Bord!"(Sete)

I shot my gaze back to the slime at Sete's shout. A thin tentacle had launched towards me when I took my eyes of the slime and had reached me in less than a second. The tentacle was perfectly straight and direct, appearing to resemble a long spear strike more than a slimes attack . Had I not let my eyes wander like a novice I could have reacted, but it was already to late now. Sete had moved from behind me and swung his twin daggers at the incoming strike.

A could feel anger welling up inside me at my own foolishness, but suppressed it knowing a clear head would be needed for this opponent. Only my resolve to stay calm didn't last very long.

Sete's daggers had met the spear like tentacle only to encounter no resistance. The strike that seems like it carried tremendous weight transformed into a liquid metal substance on contact with the daggers before enveloping Sete's hands and wrists and solidifying again.

I moved. Raised my axe aiming to bring it down on the now motionless metal pole connecting Sete to this monster. It was a panicked move but I had to act quickly, my blunder had caused this after all. My aura exploded as I started to lower my axe, the nature variant 'blood' attribute aura surrounded my axe head.

"Focus Bord!"(Sete)

His cry brought me back from my panic, I once again realised I had looked away from the slime to focused on Sete's situation. As another spear like tentacle was sent out by the slime directly towards my head. Forcing me to drastically change my swings trajectory to meet the strike head on.

The strike once again liquidised but my bloody aura stifles all living things it comes in contact with which seemed to slow the liquids advance just long enough for me to let go of my weapon.

"Shit"

Disarmed against a bizarrely intelligent long range slime. Before I could pity myself further the tentacle holding my axe rapidly retracted itself towards the main body, bringing a horrid premonition to my mind. The tentacle binding Sete too began retracting. I clasped Sete's collar only to be rapidly dragged along with him. Instead of immediately retracting to the main body, the tentacle stopped 10 metres away from our original position and swiped us both along the floor, triggering every trap as it did so. Damn this thing is messing with us!

By the time it was done our support had finally joined the fray. Elaine's arrow was fired at Sete's bindings along with Taron's fire ball causing a violent explosion. While this would damage his hands a few healing potions were cheaper than his life.

I was still holding Sete's collar and I stood up fighting the numbing effects of the poison as I did so. I looked down towards the Sete wondering if the pain had knocked him out but his eyes were open and the lack of pain in them brought more concern than his screams would have.

The steam and smoke cleared to reveal the green tinted metal bindings to be without a scratch. Despair grasped hold of us all. Nobody could take their eyes away from the scene. That is until the tentacle contracted again so fast I didn't have time to let go, we were lifted completely off the ground.

Collapsing in front of the slime I raised my head too a much slower strike coming towards my face, this time in the form of a metallic fist. I guarded my head with my arms only to feel the liquid metal binding them as they did Sete. I gawped at my own inexperience. Even after seeing this technique twice I still fell for it a third time? And this one was purposely slow as if to mock me.

I felt completely helpless and glanced with hope at my remaining party members. Taron was standing behind Elaine funnelling his magic into her drawn bow. Their ice and fire auras circled the arrow yet never touched each other.

"Don't worry boys, this is our most powerful technique there's no way this thing will survive it"

Elaine looked a lot more firm and dependable than her normal lax self. The swirling auras painted her in a divine light. If I'm not mistaken this should be a resonance art magic. They are supposed to amplify magic power several fold their combined might.

Maybe, just maybe, this will work. Don't worry Mono I'll be coming back to see you again!

""Icefire blast!!!""

They shouted together. And at the same time the arrow was released into flight

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MC POV

When I eventually reached them (stupid slow slime body) they had finished their preparations. I had watched them set up in order to get an idea of their roles and teamwork but if felt pretty formulaic and kinda generic. I dunno, I guess I just expected it to be a bit more elaborate. It's my first fight against humans after all.

Regardless I approached them until I was a bit over 70 metres away and stopped because the elf seemed like she would release her arrow. I mean obviously, right? Why was she so clearly broadcasting her attack. Because I'm a slime? Well it doesn't matter.

Time to test 'one with the earth'. I have to release my aura and sense the earth first...good that's fine, now to move it to my will...tunnel closed. Huh pretty easy

Hey is that guy not even looking at me during a fight? Well let's find out. Stab.

Oh the rogue looking guy wants to block. I think not. Hah noobs. Come on I'm a slime guys why are you all using bladed weapons? I'm obviously just going to become liquid when it suits me. Next is the big guy

Oh he isn't so bad at least he was smart enough to let go of his weapon. But that was on odd feeling of sluggishness when I came in contact with the axe head is it a special weapon? Let's bring it away from you for now... In fact while we're at it lets bring the rogue over here too.

Oh my god how stupid is this guy? I'm metal I can just anchor myself to the ground why would you be able to pull him back? Just for that you can clear up the toys you left on my floor. Oh some were fire and others liquid? No poison, not bad but a little weak. Speaking of weak, is that supposed to be magic? a basket ball sized fire ball and a chilly arrow. What could that do? Morons. Well let's drag them back.

"Get over here!!" (Adam)

You're doing games now?

"Just switching it up. Why don't like it?" (Adam)

Nah it's actually quite refreshing, a little Nostalgic even. Hey look how stupid this guy is, bet you twenty he blocks.

"No way he's seen it twice now he's got to..damn ...what a dumbass" (Adam)

Right? I can't believe my first encounter is this disappointing.

Oh what's this combining magic? Looks a bit stronger. Should I dodge?

"Do a barrel roll!!!" (Adam)

Shut up. Hmmm....my mana sense shows the mana circling the arrow but doesn't seem to be enhancing the arrow itself. How come?

"It's the kind of spell where the mana follows the arrow and is injected into the target on impact....AH FUCK!!!..........if system asks you figured that out yourself got it." (Adam)

Sure. And thanks that's pretty helpful. But wait surely it's not just that... No they aren't that stupid are they? A normal arrow that internally detonates the opponent is strong but-

""osbehry bfoet!!!"" (Attractive elf woman and other)

-wall

If it's just a normal arrow I'll just erect a wall in front of you. I mean the wall blew up but the debris won't hurt me. Oh right, they shouted something in their language just now was it the attack name? No that would be silly this is real life after all...hope they're not dead...I guess that should have been my first concern...oh the two I dragged here were knocked out by the shockwave I guess we can always chat when they wake up.

"Finish him!!" (Adam)

No. I actually need them for something. But I finally found a use for this skill.

[[drones: a variant of the basic slime skill mitosis. Detach mass from the main body (max 5%) detached mass acts as a drone that can be remotely controlled by you. Note: separated mass will not regenerate until reattached to body. Note: concentration required correlates with volume of mass removed.]]

I had to make such drastic edits to the original skill there are a lot of restrictions now but at least it has its uses.

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Bordani's POV

"Ugh ugh..." (Bordani)

I wake up with my head ringing, my ears are still fuzzy from that explosion...ah! That's right the arrow! Did we win!?

I sat up from the hard ground I was laying on and looked around me. Next to me I saw Sete dressing bandages over Elaine's torso. She appeared unconscious but from Setes expression it wasn't dire. Taron was on my other side but unlike Elaine was completely uninjured Yet he too was unconscious.

"Sete what happened" (Bordani)

He's nodding again which calmed my nerves a little, as he only becomes talkative when we're in danger but he nodded towards me which was a bit odd. Seeing the confusion on my face he elaborated.

I look behind me to where he was pointing. I see the slime we were fighting earlier lazily seated over a crack in the ground. I feel the blood running from my face as I look towards Sete.

"W-what is this? What's going on? Why are we still alive?"

.....haaaah I have no energy left to bicker. Even though I was terrified being near that thing Sete's light attitude and the slimes lazy actions relaxed the tension in the air to some extent.

Suddenly I felt something around my neck vibrate. I try to reach for it by my hand was grasped by Sete who showed me his neck. Around it was a green metallic collar. I glanced down and noticed the same on the other two. I felt it vibrate again then looked at the slime who was now moving towards us. I automatically moved into a defensive stance but feeling the collar slightly tighten I realise the hopelessness of my situation and relax a bit. Should I be happy just to be alive? Aren't I practically a slave now? What does it want?

[[quest request from -anomaly- see details]]

Huh? A quest? I guess I can always look.

[[Quest: a slimes errand

The slime and dungeon master -anomaly- needs a good cover to hunt prey outside the dungeon.

Details: -anomaly- wishes to leave the dungeon too hunt a mimic slime but fears exposure and lacks information. That's where you come in. You must accompany -anomaly- and provide an excuse for his existence if questioned. You must also lead him to a mimic slime or provide him with the core of a mimic slime.

Rewards: removal of collars

Conditions: Failure will result in you being eaten alive. -anomalies- capture will (somehow) result in you being eaten alive. Being annoying will result in you being eaten alive. Refusal of quest will result in you being eaten alive.]]

Huh....well Fuck