Last cycle, beginning of Mare

Standing in the empty space near the Fronto family inn were Calvin, Myla and Arian.

After warming up, Calvin was about to give Myla and Arian instructions about their sword training.

[Alright, listen here kids. Before we start the lesson, I will first tell you what my father told me before he started to teach me.]

[What is it ? What did he said ?] Myla asked excitedly.

[Probably just some formal speech or something...] Arian was already losing interest.

"cough" "cough"

[He told me that "No matter how good you are, never use your power to hurt others,

but to protect the ones that you care about. Only then will you be truly strong"...] Calvin finished his speech.

[Oh, then when I become strong, I will protect everyone here!!!] Myla answered even more excitedly.

Arian on the other hand yawned. Calvin speech was so cliché that even books of this world has it.

Seeing that it will take more than that to motivate Arian, Calvin added.

[But here's also my advice. Never underestimate your opponent, think of them as your equal or someone even stronger than you.

Because one careless step and you will fail. Do you understand ?!]

[Yes!] Myla answered confusingly as she probably still didn't understand her fathers advice.

[Yes!] Arian was surprised at first, but he still answered strongly with a smile.

[Good, now take those two wooden swords and hold them tightly.]

Calvin said as he was giving them the wooden sword. Surprisingly, they were heavier than they looked,

both Myla and Arian were barely holding them.

[Now, from now on, you will be training here every sol. Your goal is to be able to swing 100 times with that sword.

Every morning after exercise, you will be standing here swinging that sword until your hands fall off. Is that clear ?!]

At that time, Arian and Myla didn't understand how impossible their task was.

It was a hellish training that should start much, much later, when they older.

After all, the swords that they got from Calvin was made from a very heavy wood,

making those two swords combined together as heavy as one normal iron sword.

Even Calvin thought that it was impossible, he only wanted them to strengthen their muscles. However, their results impressed him.

After seeing their progress and their determination to continue,

he slowly started teaching them how to properly hold the handle and the best ways to strike.

Before long, Arian even started going on morning jogs every sol just before his sword training.

This worried both Calvin and Miranda,

because it looked like he was forcing himself too hard and after awhile they asked him to take it easy.

But his answer surprised them, turns out that Arian loves to run, so they leaved him to do as he wished.

And then, one and half cycles later, both Myla and Arian managed to swing 100 times with that wooden sword...

Present time, end of Sert

Opening my eyes, I could see that the sun has just started climbing up the sky. Probably nobody has woken up yet.

Rising up from my bed, every muscle in my body was screaming in pain.

Coming to the stool near my bed, I wash my sleepy face with cold water that I prepared last night.

Tying my long silver hair into a ponytail, I quickly dressed up and got out of my room.

I plan to go on a morning jog that I missed last sol because of the hunt.

However, this isn't a good idea, I don't want to pointlessly overwork myself.

Normally I would run for about 10 laps around the village, but this sol I take only one or two before going to the hot spring to relax.

After all, we are going on a hunt this sol again.

Running around the village, I could see people tiredly coming out of their homes to get ready for the sol.

Cold wind was blowing this morning, reminding people that it's already autumn season or "pluvi" as people of this world call it.

After finishing my second lap, I returned home, took off my clothes and jumped straight into the hot spring.

There's nothing more relaxing than this...

.....During breakfast.....

For breakfast we have a fried black bread with boiled eggs from some two legged reptile. Simple but appetising.

One egg is big enough for an adult to be satisfied, so me and Myla are sharing one as it would be too much for us to eat it alone.

[So, are everyone ready for the hunt this sol ?

We will be going closer to the Dark Forest so maybe this sol we will hopefully get something other than slimes.]

Calvin said excitedly

[YEY!] Myla shouted, putting one hand into the air.

[yey...] I did the same with the monotonous voice.

It's not that I wasn't excited, but just thinking about the weather is making me feel sad...

[This sol is quite windy, it won't be long before the rainy sols comes around.

Looks like we could only go on those hunts just this sabb, regrettably...]

Bernard said. See, even he realized it...

[Well, they are going to start going to school next lun, it's not like they could continue going on those hunts every sol.]

Miranda added.

[That's not a problem, there is always next cycle.

Also, since we don't have much time, quickly eat that faster so we could go as soon as possible.]

Calvin said as he started chugging his food into his mouth. Looks like he already has this sol planned out.

[That's a good idea. And let's this sols hunt be fruitful !]

Bernard answered as he also started chugging his food like a maniac.

Easy there, you could get the food stuck in your throat, ya know ?

[I'm gonna finish first !] Myla followed right after...

Hey, hey, is that how a lady should eat? Haa~, I sometimes wonder if she's really a girl or not...

Miranda only smiled. Well, this isn't the first time something like this happened.

Actually, this is a normal thing here in Fronto family.

After speed eating the breakfast, we quickly put up our equipment and headed to the Abandoned valley where we were last sol.

We only stopped on few places so I could pick up a few flowers, grass and the likes that catches my eyes.

My appraisals shows that there are a lot of valuable ingredients for potions or simply cooking.

..........

[What's with this scene ?] I asked.

The large amount of slime goo we left here last sol is completely gone, only dried up slime skin remained.

Also, the grass around us has obviously grown at least half its original height. Now it's up to my knees.

I look at it with appraisal:

Name: Slime's paradise

Info: Usually grows near slime nests.

If there are enough nutrients in the earth,

it will regrow to its original size in one sol.

Grass slimes primary food source.

Effect: Highly nutritious grass.

Eh? Isn't this valuable? Maybe nobody had tried to eat it because it feeds on dead slimes,

or maybe somebody has tried it but it's taste was bad or something...

[Don't know its name but it usually grow near the slimes. That's why there aren't any slime goo remaining,

probably absorbed it all to grow like that. Don't try to eat it, it's reeeeally bitter.]

Thanks for the lesson professor Calvin, but I already found all that with appraisal. But he couldn't have know that.

After all, I hiding it from others as instructed by grandpa and father Killian.

So it's bitter huh ? I don't think I ever eaten anything bitter since I got reincarnated...

Maybe people don't like bitter taste around here? No matter, that grass could be a good ingredient.

Taking out one big sack from my magic bag,

I started collecting slime's paradise while Calvin and Bernard were looking around for prey. Myla was looking at me confusingly...

[Why are you picking up that grass, didn't father said that it taste bitter ?] She asked.

[I may found some use for it later, so I'm collecting a little bit of it now.] I answered.

[Hmmmm...]

She continue to watch me as I was filling the sack with the grass. It was quite thicker than I thought...

After I filled it up full, I said to Myla to let's go. Bernard and Calvin aren't that far from us.

[What took you so long ?] Bernard asked.

[Nothing, just collecting something.] I answered.

[Hey you three, come over here! We have another swarm and this time, there aren't small ones like last sol.]

Calvin called to us. There was a wide grassy plain next to Dark forest that we planned to go into.

Looks like we need to deal with that big swarm of slimes first if we want to advance.

I look at them with appraisal.

Name: Grass slime

Level: 2

Attribute: Nature

Abilities: Unable to appraise

Title: Unable to appraise

Hp: 100%

Mp: 90%

.....

Name: Earth slime

Level: 1

Attribute: Earth

Abilities: Unable to appraise

Title: Unable to appraise

Hp: 100%

Mp: 100%

.....

Name: Grass slime

Level: 3

Attribute: Nature

Abilities: Unable to appraise

Title: Unable to appraise

Hp: 100%

Mp: 100%

.....

There are countless green and brown slimes, some even have higher level then the ones from last sol.

Looks like they are following that LV3 green slime. Is he maybe the leader ?

[Okay, nothing weird here and they seems to be a lone swarm. We could use them for training.

They are even stronger then the ones from last sol and even have a leader... Perfect.] Calvin said with a smile.

[Just don't be reckless like last sol and you should be fine.

After all, all you need to do is to keep your distance from them and keep slicing them up.] Bernard added.

[Just always keep moving around to not get swarmed and that's it.

I and Bernard will distract them while you two just do like you did last sol. Ready ?!] Calvin asked.

I have already prepared my silver sword. I'm excited to try something out that I learned from grandma,

it should help me deal with those tough ones. I was having too much fun last sol, so I didn't manage to try it out.

Myla also took her sword out and took a stance.

[We're ready!] She shouted with a wide smile.

[Good, then GO!] Calvin also shouted energetically.

After his signal, we jumped out of the small grove,

where we were hiding and started running towards the swarm from the side, while Calvin and Bernard got in front of them.

When we come close to them, me and Myla split up and started attacking the slimes.

Probably sensing the danger, a lot of slimes started to panic and running away from us.

Last sol we learned that we don't need to wait for them to jump at us to cut them down,

as long as the cut is deep enough, they will die.

At first, I had trouble doing that as I was always hitting the ground with my sword,

slowing down the attack and enabling the wounded slime to escape.

It didn't help that I still need to use both of my hands to hold the sword, despite my sword being one-handed type.

This is probably because I'm still short and quite thin despite getting muscles thanks to the training...

This is probably what grandpa was talking about during my status check about two cycles ago.

My body type is more suited for a Mage or Wizard class, not Warrior or the like.

Myla on the other hand was killing slimes like mowing down grass, she has already got used to it.

She is really talented with a sword, even surprising Calvin a lot of times.

Not to mention she is at least a head taller than me. She is already holding her sword with one hand.

With so much talent at such a young age, her future is already looking bright.

Getting the hang of it wasn't easy, and finding the right way to swing took more time than I expected.

However, once I found the right way, It was quite easy. I probably already killed about 50 of the green slimes up until now.

Problem are those brown ones. Last sol we managed to kill them somehow, but I don't know about this sol...

The ones here are bigger than the ones from last sol and their skin is probably a lot harder.

This is where my new move come into play. I tried it at home last sabb and it looked like a promising technique.

As I was running around, I started sending my mana into the sword with [Mana Control],

making my silver sword to shine with a weak red light that started covering even my body.

Good, doesn't look like there's anything wrong with the transfer.

Getting ready, I cut down one brown slime that was in front of me.

My hands started to tremble from the impact but I managed to cut it in half.

Looks like the sharpness of the sword improved only a little, but it's better than nothing.

Myla is still struggling with another brown slime, looks like all her attacks are too shallow.

I look at the brown slime with appraisal, it seems that his HP is already below 20%.

I see, so because she can't kill it with one strike, she decided to slowly bring his HP down.

I look around me, there are still a good chunk of slimes left.

Too many, aren't there too much slimes here ?

[Watch out you two, the shooters are coming !!!] I heard Bernard shouting.

Looks like another swarm was coming behind us. Reinforcement? I appraise the ones in the first row.

Name: Grass slime

Level: 1

Attribute: Nature

Abilities: Unable to appraise

Title: Unable to appraise

Hp: 100%

Mp: 80%

.....

Name: Water slime

Level: 1

Attribute: Water

Abilities: Unable to appraise

Title: Unable to appraise

Hp: 100%

Mp: 90%

.....

Name: Earth slime

Level: 3

Attribute: Earth

Abilities: Unable to appraise

Title: Unable to appraise

Hp: 80%

Mp: 100%

.....

Eh? Another LV3 slime? Looks like he's also the leader.

Also, why did Bernard shouted that shooters are coming?

Come to think of it, there wasn't any slime that shoot at us like last sol...

As I was thinking that, the other swarm suddenly started shooting rocks and water projectiles at us.

[Take cover, NOW!!!] Calvin shouted.

He is becoming quite nervous, probably didn't expect another swarm to show up.

Even worse, with another leader. And they aren't a small swarm either, probably as big as the first one.

This is starting to look like an ants attacking the beetle. Us being the beetle in this case.

Using [Mana Control], I started sending even more mana into my sword and around my body, making me covered in red energy cloth.

Then I started running towards the other swarm while Myla and Calvin had taken cover behind the transformed Bernard.

[Arian, what are you doing ?!] Calvin shouted angrily when he realized that I still didn't take cover.

Of course he's angry, those slimes here are more dangerous than the ones from last sol.

But I continued to run at them as rocks and water projectiles fly towards me.

The moment they started hitting me, I stopped for a second or two to check something and then continued to run like nothing happened.

As I thought, this energy cloth serve as some kind of shield, protecting me from slime attacks.

But it's not perfect, I can still feel a little bit of pain every time I get hit and not every shot is completely blocked.

At least the impact is lowered so the injuries are light, mostly cuts and bruises.

Probably because my [Mana Control] is still only LV1 that this mana shield is still imperfect.

Looks like I need to add another training to my already busy schedule.

As I started cutting down blue and green slimes with my sword covered in my red mana,

slimes around me started to panic and running away from me, still shooting rocks and water projections at me.

Seeing that the shooters are concentrated at me,

both Calvin and Myla got out from behind Bernard and started attacking the remaining slimes,

while Bernard attack that LV3 brown slime that may be the leader.

I don't know how long we are fighting those slimes, but I have already killed so many that I have started to feel tired.

My grip has already started to loosen and my swings are becoming slower as sweat is running down from my face.

I need to get to where Calvin and Myla are to get a little breather and while I'm doing that,

it would be a good idea to check my HP and MP with appraisal.

Looking at my status, I skim through the information I already know and only look at my HP and MP...

HP: 92%

MP: 60%

Not good, not good, while my HP is fine, my MP is going down rapidly.

Let's just hope this is going to end soon, looks like everybody is starting to become tired from killing so many slimes.

[How's going?] I asked.

[Good, thanks to that reckless attack of yours, but please don't do that again, you'll give me an heart attack...]

Calvin answered. No good, that look of his is saying that he's gonna give me some kind of punishment when we come home.

Quickly, I need to come up with a good reason for my actions...

[Surprising them with my attack was the best thing I could come up with at that moment,

because hiding behind Bernard would only drag the battle to much.] I said in my self defence.

[While I don't agree with that method, it was certainly a solid plan.

Good to know that you did use that head of yours and didn't just attack mindlessly.]

Calvin said that while he was still slicing up green slimes that didn't run away.

[What about that big one over there ?] Myla asked while pointing at the LV3 green slime.

[He's just standing there, probably don't know what to do.

Good, in that state he shouldn't be that hard to handle. You two, can you do it ?]

Calvin asked as he looked at Bernard and then at me and Myla.

Looks like Bernard has finished the brown leader and is now cleaning the rest.

[[Yes!]] Both me and Myla ansered at once.

[Then show me your teamwork.] Calvin answered back.

Looks like that LV3 is quite bigger and faster than the normal slime.

We probably couldn't kill that brown one that Bernard squashed in one attack, but if it's this frightened green one, we could manage.

When we come closer to it, we both nodded at each other and then split up to surround it while we wait for it to jump at one of us.

We could just attack directly, but we want to deal as much of the damage as possible while we preserve as much strength as we can.

Both of us are already tired as it is...

As we were circling around the green leader, we realized that it didn't move an inch. Whats it doing? Did it give up??

As I was just thinking that, the green leader suddenly jumped.

Both me and Myla were eagerly awaiting this moment so we attacked without hesitation. This was our mistake.

Nobody could even guess what happened afterwards...

Giant green thorns come out of its jelly body,

making it look like some sea urchin,

piercing my left shoulder and both of Mylas legs...

[Ugh...] What is this ? What is this ? What is this ?

[Shit, get away from it, that's an "Alpha" !!!] Calvin screamed when he realized what had happened.

I don't understand what the hell just happened and don't even care what Calvin just shouted.

The moment green leader retraced its thorns back into its body,

I started running to where Myla was and started dragging her away from that thing.

She was so shocked that she didn't even scream when her legs got pierced.

Good thing we jumped backwards when we realized that something was up,

we would definitely be a sponge by now if we had continued with our attack.

I looked behind me while I was still dragging Myla,

only to see that the green leader had already created long, thin arms and legs and was coming toward us.

Good thing that not even a second after that, both Calvin and still transformed Bernard jumped between us.

[Bernard, Kill that thing. I going to take Myla and Arian to safety.] Calvin said with a complicated expression.

[YES, FATHER!!!] Bernard answered angrily as he started attacking the green leader, but it avoided all of his attacks...

Calvin took Myla into his arms and started running towards the small grove where we were hiding in the beginning.

I followed right after them.

[Fucking Alpha, why was it here so far from the nest ?!] Calvin cursed when we hid behind some tall grass in the grove.

Myla was starting to panic. Her wounds weren't light, there are three small holes on her legs and she was bleeding a lot.

[I have a few Rafle leaves that I picked on our way here and a few bandages...]

I said, taking them out of my magic bag, good thing I come prepared.

[Really?! Arian, you're a lifesaver. Come, help me take her armor off so that we could stop her bleeding.]

Calvin said, he is sweating buckets. But I'm surprised that Myla stayed this calm even though the pain must be enormous.

She's probably still in shock. After all, it happened so suddenly, there was no time to properly react.

While we were stopping Mylas bleeding, Bernard was still fighting that green leader, but it was still avoiding all of his attacks...

What the fuck is that thing? How it could be only LV3? What is an Alpha anyways?

While I was thinking about that, I suddenly feel dizzy...

[Hey Aryan, are you okay? ...Wait, you're bleeding too ?!] Calvin started to panic.

[Oh yeah... I did get hit too, didn't I...] I answered like it's was somebody else's business.

Even I was surprised by my own words. I probably forgot about it and didn't feel any pain thanks to the adrenaline.

[Quickly take off that armor. You'll bleed out, you idiot !] Calvin shouted in panic.

..........

The Alpha was jumping around Bernard, avoiding all his attacks. Bernard wanted to end this quickly,

so he impatiently transformed his arms into giant stone blades and was angrily trying to cut down the Alpha.

(It's avoiding all my attacks so skillfully, this must be a really old Alpha to be able to do that.

Whatever it was doing here so far from it's nest, we are quite unlucky to cross it's path...)

The Alpha retraced its thorns and when it managed to come a little bit closer to Bernard, it extended them again, trying to pierce him.

However, Bernards transformed body is made out of stone, making Alphas attack unable to pierce him.

Bernard used this chance to also attack, managing to cut off a few of the thorns.

Sustaining injuries, the Alpha returned to defence, probably waiting for the wounds to regenerate.

(Dammit, do I really need to use earth magic I learned from mother to defeat it ?

My MP is low so I need to be careful about the number of spells I could cast. Having my MP reach 0 would be bad. )

Bernard was getting nervous, this wasn't an normal Alpha. This one was too skilled.

Waiting for it to come closer again, Bernard was getting ready to use one of the earth spells he know.

After regenerating, the Alpha got ready and quickly jumped closer to Bernard, even faster then the last time.

However, this time Bernard was ready for it.

[Using the [Terra archive], rise [Earth spikes] !!!]

Bernard shouted as the large earth spikes emerged from the ground, piercing the Alpha all over its body.

However, it survived by punching the ground with its long thin arms, launching itself into the air.

Bernard was already expecting this as he also jumped towards the Alpha, trying to cut it with his large stone blade.

However, this alpha was full of surprises, it shoot a large stone stake at Bernard,

forcing him to change his attack into defence. As they both returned to the ground,

the Alpha suddenly shoot another stone stake at Bernard.

[Shit, [Terra archive], rise [Earth wall] !] Bernard quickly cast another spell.

In a second, a giant thick earth wall emerged from the ground, stopping the stone stake.

(Shit, that was dangerous... This is the worst opponent I could have faced,

I'm at the huge disadvantage against a fast enemy like this one. What do I... Huh ?)

While he was thinking that, he suddenly looked behind him, toward the small grove where the others were hiding,

only to see Arian standing in the open and holding his sword in one hand as its tip was shining in dark red light.

(I don't know what he's planning, but I'm gonna try dealing with this myself.

I just hope I won't need to do what I think he wants me to do...)

..........

Looking at Bernard, I see that even he was having a hard time fighting that green leader.

Calvin just finished patching up my wound, it's quite bad to be honest. I probably won't be able to use my left hand for awhile.

[Hey, hey, what's an Alpha ?]

I asked Calvin, who has just calmed down a little. He's taking care of Myla as she's starting to feel the pain from her wounds.

I just hope this won't leave her with a trauma or something like that.

Even if this is a harsh world, having to face a life or death situation this young is quite unexpected.

[I will explain when we come back home. For now, we'll just wait until Bernard kills it...]

Calvin answered, looking at Bernards fight. He probably also realised that this won't be an easy win as he hoped.

That green leader is both fast and smart. It's avoiding all of Bernards attacks, he's too slow to hit it.

[And they are supposed to be weakest ma.beast of all... Isn't it weird ?]

Myla said. Good to know that she is still relatively calm, despite being in this situation.

No wait, isn't she a little bit too calm for her age ? Maybe it's because Calvin is here with us.

Anyway, we need a plan to deal with that green leader. It's too fast for a direct attack, so a surprise attack is our only choice.

But how can you surprise something that can see in all directions? No wait, I can't be too sure of that...

[Hey, can slimes see in all directions ? If I'm not mistaken, they can use every part of their body as eyes, right ?]

I asked. Depending on the answer, I will take action or stay put...

[What's this about, Arian? But, your not mistaken. They can see in every direction,

however, only in one direction at the time. Think about it as a pair of eyes that could be moved all around the body.]

Calvin answered. He was confused, but still explained it to me.

Good, so surprise attack could work if done right and I already have an idea.

I smiled, this plan will only work if Bernard realise what I plan to do.

Calvin's expression has turned worried, he probably realised that I am about to do something.

Myla also becomes worried about me, but shouldn't you worry about yourself first ?

And it looks like the pain has stopped. Those Rafle leaves sure are convenient, huh ?

[Good, then my plan may actually work out. Sorry uncle, but I'm gonna be reckless just one more time.]

I said with a smile. Based on my use of mana, I think I could make an new mana attack.

But it will be difficult, as something like that require the use of [Mana Control], which I only have it at LV1.

But I think I could somehow pull it off. Optimism boys and girls, I still have a little bit of that left in me...

However, Calvins turned very serious and looked at me in the eyes.

[Arian, what are you planning to do ?!?] He asked with a angry voice. He is clearly worried about me.

[Nothing dangerous, hopefully. I'm just gonna stand there on the middle of the plain and ready my sword, that's all.]

I answered, leaving Calvin dumbfounded. He probably thought that I was going straight towards Bernard to help him fight.

Well, I did turn only 5 cycle old just 3 lun ago, kids my age would probably love to play a hero.

[Well, if it's only that, then I won't stop you. But what do you plan to achieve doing that ?

I see that you can use your mana for something other than magic, so is it something like that ?]

Calvin said calmly, still looking into my eyes. Looks like he decided to trust me on this one.

[Yes, I'm about to do something similar to what I did just a while ago.

However, I don't know how much mana will I use. So, is there any side-effects if I use it all ?]

I asked Calvin. Grandma never taught me about this, probably thinking that it won't happen anytime soon.

This is something I need to know, as I will definitely use all of my mana in this next attack.

It would be bad if there are some side-effects to this.

[You will probably only faint, that's all. But don't be surprised if you wake up with an enormous headache.]

Calvin answered, scratching his head. He probably have no idea what to do in this situation.

[Got it. There is also a chance that Bernard would manage to deal with that thing and I won't need to do anything, but..

Just in case he can't, we'll have a plan B.]

I said that as I stood up, took my sword and started walking out of the grove.

[Arian, be careful.] Myla said to me.

[I will.] I answered.

[I too hope you don't need to do anything, but be careful...

Also, wipe off that creepy smile, it's only ruining that cute face of yours.]

Calvin said as I was about to get out. Ups, did I really smiled like that ? I need to be careful, I'm getting excited a lot lately.

Also, what was that about the cute face ?!? I turned around to face Calvin.

[Who are you calling cute ?]

He and Myla only smiled...

Anyway, I need to hurry.

Looks like Bernard is about to use an magic attack...

..........

I took the stance in the middle of the plain. Bernard is fighting the green leader around 500 meter from me.

They still didn't realise that I'm here.

Good.

Holding my silver sword downwards, I started pouring mana into it with [Mana Control], specifically at the tip of it.

Despite it being one-handed sword, I still have trouble holding it in one hand because of my body.

But I don't have much of a choice, so please hold up, my right hand.

This is harder than it looks, pouring a large amount of mana into one point require a large amount of concentration...

One wrong move and it will all spill out. For now, I manage it somehow.

The tip of my sword was already dark red when Bernard noticed me.

At first he showed a confused expression, but then he turned serious as he created two new earth walls around the green leader.

He probably guessed what I was planning, so he created the earth walls so the green leader couldn't see me.

I'm still pouring mana into the sword, getting ready to swing at any time. Now, whatever happens next is up to Bernard.

..........

(I created two more earth walls so the Alpha couldn't see him. What is father thinking, allowing him to do that.)

Bernard thought to himself as another stone stake pierced the earth wall he just created.

(He look like his ready to strike at any time, but how does he plan to do that, wait for me to throw this bastard at him ?!

Actually, that doesn't sound like a bad plan, but...)

Bernard jumped over the earth walls and attacked the Alpha, however, it avoided the attack.

(But that's dangerous, this guy is unpredictable. Also, how do I throw this bastard when I can't even get close to him.)

Bernard continued to attack but, the Alpha avoided all of his attacks. If this continue, he will run out off stamina.

After All, he could already feel that he's out of mana, one more spell and he would faint.

(I'm more like the shield in the party, training to take a hit rather than hitting myself. Wait...)

Bernard realised that he couldn't hit the Alpha because while he was a shield, the alpha was an assassin.

It's like a rock is trying to hit the wind.

He wished that Calvin was in Arians place, but he's probably taking care of Myla.

There was no helping it, he will need to rely on Arian.

(Pathetic, relying on a 5 cycle old kid... But if father let him go, he will probably manage it.

After all, he and Myla are more capable than I ever wished to be when I was their age.)

He stopped attacking and took a stance. He was waiting for the Alphas attack.

Seeing the opening, the Alpha jumped closer to Bernard at incredible speed and extended its thorns, piercing Bernards rock hard skin.

But, he was waiting for this. Enduring the pain, he grabbed as much thorns as he can and started spinning to get a momentum.

After a few spins, he throw the Alpha in Arians direction with all his might.

(I just hope this won't bite me in the ass later...)

..........

Looks like Bernard couldn't finish it and decided to throw it in my direction.

Good, as long as the green leader is looking in Bernards direction thinking that another attack will follow right after,

I should be fine. Now the it's up to me. I need to kill it in one attack or I'm done for.

[Aaaaa~ !!!]

I screamed as I swing my sword horizontally. From the tip of my sword flew a energy slash in a shape of a dark red crescent moon,

flying towards the green leader that was flying towards me.

But before it could cut through it, green leader spotted me and in its desperate attempt to attack,

it extended one of its thorns, impaling my left leg.

Before I could even scream in pain, the green leader splitted into two symmetrical halves,

spilling all of it's slime goo right at me like a waterfall.

The only thing I remember after that is the strong smell of cut grass that entered my nostrils,

before I lost my consciousness.

..........

I suddenly woke up from the pain running through every bone and every muscle in my body.

My left shoulder and leg are burning so much that I want to scream, but I managed to hold it within me.

And there goes my earlier remark about how bad it is to overwork your body...

Looking around, it looks like it's my room. Calvin and Bernard probably brought me here after I fainted from using all of my mana.

I wonder how long did I sleep. I should check on the others, but first... [Status]

Name: Arian Deurius - Damian

Age: 5

Race: Half-Elf

Gender: Male

Level: 2

Attribute: none

Skills: [Appraisal LV2], [Swordsmanship LV2](up), [Mana Clad LV1](new), [Mana Slash LV1](new)

Abilities: [Concentration LV1], [Mana Control LV2](up), [Pain Tolerance LV1](new)

Title: none

Soul tipe: Red

HP: 86%

MP: 21%

Oh wow... I leveled up. I also got a few new skills and abilities, nice.

Oh, and [Swordsmanship] and [Mana Control] also leveled up...

However, other than feeling just like shit, I don't feel any difference... Maybe this is normal, I dont know.

Slowly standing up from my bed, being careful not to fall, I dressed up my old shirt.

Probably to tend to my wounds, they took down my shirt so I was shirtless all this time.

Carefully descending from the staircase, I slowly walk to the kitchen where I could hear a few voices.

My leg is killing me from pain, good thing I acquired that [Pain Tolerance] or this would be impossible.

[Good morning Arian, how are you feeling ?]

Miranda quickly greeted me and guided me to the table. Looks like it's time for breakfast.

[Good morning. Other than feeling tired and an enormous headache, I'm feeling normal... as normal as I could feel at the moment.]

I said as sat on my chair with Miranda's help.

[That's for using all of your mana, not to mention your wounds...] Calvin said with a mirthless smile.

[How long did I slept ?] I asked. It didn't feel long but better to be sure.

[Only through the night. I'm surprised you're still that calm, you got two holes on your body, you know ?] Miranda answered.

[Yeah, sorry about that. We underestimate the opponent and then BAM, here comes the big fish...]

I replied. Kinda hard to demonstrate with only one arm, I can't move my left one at all.

[No, last sol was my fault. I didn't check the surroundings properly

nor did I even considered the possibility that a strong ma.beast may show up.] Calvin answered, lowerng his head.

[But for an Alpha to show up like that, it's weird. You got lucky it was just a green one.]

Miranda said while eating the baked black bread. This sol's breakfast is the same as the one from last sol. Black bread and eggs.

[By the way, what is an Alp...] I tried to ask, but...

[Good morning everybody, nice weather this sol, isn't it ?]

Bernard suddenly jumped into the kitchen with some weird lines of dialog.

He was shirtless like usual, but his body was covered completely by bandages...

[Geh... What happened to you, got hit by a horse ?!] I asked amazed.

[Those are my battle scars that I got while fighting.... a slime...]

Bernard said energetically, but that last part could barely be heard. I tried saying something...

[Please~ don't comment on it, my pride is already beaten up enough. Anyway, what's for breakfast ?]

[Same as last sol.] I answered.

[Good, good, I love those eggs, gimmy...] Bernard is already back to normal, good to see that.

[And so, as I was about to ask, what is this Alpha anyway ?] I finally managed to ask the question.

[Ha~ how to explain that to you... They are like a big papa of the group, with many, many mama's...

The swarm we met must have been a emigration as the old big papa was moving to a new place.]

Calvin tried to answer as simply as possible so that even an 5 cycle old could understand.

Sorry, but that sounded just cringy to me...

[Please, I would understand even if you speak normally, hopefully... Anyway, why was he moving out ?] I asked.

[Che, your not cute at all...] Calvin said.

[Probably because a new "big papa" was born and he managed to defeat the old one.

Because of that, old "big papa" needed to move out of their nest and found a new place to stay.

We were just unlucky to meet them on their way.]

Bernard answered as he was chomping down another egg.

[I see. I get that older is wiser and probably stronger, but... what was that with the thorns, arms and legs ?]

I asked another question I need answered.

["Shape Shifting" ability. Only metal and solnox slimes from iron rank and all slimes from higher ranks have this ability.

However, there's an exception. All Alphas also have this ability.] Calvin answered.

I see, shape shifting... Changing the body at will, quite an unpredictable ability.

[So that's why we had so much trouble dealing with it... scary.] I said to myself.

[Anyway, you're the one who give it a finishing blow so this should rightfully belong to you.

Throw it, sell it, it's for you to decide.]

Calvin said as he give me a small green orb... Hah ?!

[What's this, a candy ?] I asked, looking at the orb.

[That's the ma.beast soul core. It's usually bigger, but you can't expect much from a slime.]

Bernard answered. Oh, so this is soul core, huh ? I expected something... different.

[So, what are you going to do with it ?] Miranda asked.

[I keep it like the rest of the junk I have in my magic bag. Definitely not gonna absorb this one.]

I said as I put the soul core into my pocket.

[Oh, I see... Wait, this one ?] Calvin asked when he realized what I just said.

[Don't tell me that you wan't to absorb a slime soul core ?!] Bernard was also shocked.

[Calm down, I only gonna absorb metal or that solnox slime soul core if I found them.

I'm just thinking about the possibilities, I don't want to absorb something that I regret down the line...]

I answered, calming them down. Miranda was only smiling from the side. She really do that often.

[You know, you really gonna give me an heart attack one of this sol's.] Calvin said.

[Hahaha, that's Arian for you... But why slime, If you want that "shape shifting" ability,

you will not get it if you somehow stop the *softening effect...

And if you don't stop it, you basically turn into a slime yourself which is really uncomfortable...]

Bernard added and asked.

[I think about that when the time comes, but I have my reasons why. And, did Myla woke up already ?]

I answered and asked, changing the subject.

[Yes, I already given her her breakfast. She probably won't be able to walk for a sabb or two, but she's fine.]

Miranda answered worryingly.

[...and her wounds ?] I asked again.

[She was lucky, none of her wound are serious so she be up and running in no time.

She's also determined to become stronger then ever, she said.] Calvin answered.

[She probably saw how cool you were when you killed that Alpha, so she wants to be able to do that too.] Bernard added.

[Hmm. Well, I going to humor her now, she is probably bored to death, being stuck in that room.]

I joked as I stood up from my seat.

As I was walking to the Mylas room, I suddenly stopped.

Is it my imagination or are Calvin and Miranda starting to talk to me the same way they talk to Bernard ?

Like if somebody else heard them talking with me like that,

they would think they are crazy for talking to a 5 cycle old child like that...

Well, who cares. It's more convenient for me this way.

Anyway, I need to recover as soon as possible, School starts in just about two sabb.

I think how fun the sol's are becoming as I was entering Myla's room...