"Alfie! Can you help me sniff out the slimes? We need to find timid grass too!"

"Gau gau"

"Thanks, Alfie"

Alfie skipped ahead of me and started rummaging around the bushes. From time to time, he would find pieces of timid grass, and I would harvest them and leave behind the stems. Leaving the stems will let the timid grass reproduce quicker the next time we come to harvest.

After that, I used small clips to fix the timid grass upright inside the containers.

Uuu...if I had more magical power I would be able to create barriers for each piece of grass and store them right away.

It's not hard to find timid grass, but it's high in demand because of how easily it's ruined. Once the leaves of timid grass are touched, it curls up and becomes unusable. Maybe one day I can find a use for the ruined timid grass leaves!

"Alfie, wait."

We are still in the grade D area according to the safety grades on the map. Today, we must enter the grade C area to collect slime secretion.

I've only ever skirted along the boundaries of area C for compounding ingredients. Area C is where the magical monsters live. It's a place where adventurers or magicians of level D and higher would venture for combat experience and materials.

"Alfie, this way!"

Alfie hopped onto my right shoulder and we continued deeper into the forest. The trees and foliage in area C are thicker and lusher. Small dots of sunlight are dyed green on the ground. I might find rare mushrooms along the way.

"Fufhuhu, why didn't I come here more often before. We will have a big harvest today, Alfie."

Area C is usually crowded with adventurers. It's strange how quiet it is today. Perhaps they have all gathered at the dungeon in area A...to view the slime mating event up close...?

"Oh right, Alfie, I have to read the book I borrowed today. Don't go too far."

"Gauu"

I opened the storage bag hanging from my belt and pulled out 'The Courtship of Slimes'.

... ...

"'Just as slimes are picky eaters, they also have a strong preference when it comes to choosing a mate. Slimes will ignore all opponents before they respond to their chosen mate.

Researchers have yet to discover the factor that decides the mate of a slime. Some researchers believe that this preference is innate. However, as a more popular opinion, slimes are thought to choose partners based on similarity of diet and habitat.

Upon finding their mate, slimes will perform a ritual of courtship behaviours,"

... ...

"Eyaa! Something cold and sticky touched me! Alfieeee!"

I shook my leg and glanced down.

"Ehhh! Alfie, we found a slime!"

I detached the syringe from my belt in a hurry and aimed it at the slime.

"I've caught you!"