I found myself drifting once again in the dark void of nothingness. I thought I would have gotten used to it by now, but I still found the experience hauntingly eerie, as if my entire being was being laid bare.
The familiar chair eventually made its appearance again, and I drifted toward it to take a seat.
"Hello?" I called out.
"Ah! Syl, you've arrived," the voice of Gramps resonated out. He sounded oddly cheerful, which was a good sign for me.
"Yeah, this evolution took a lot longer than I expected, but I got there eventually!"
"You certainly took your time, and if you weren't burdened by your class, you'd be well on your way to the next evolution already."
"Maybe. But I feel like my class levels have really opened a lot of doors for me, and I might not be here at all without them. I actually got all the elements now, despite not having the required slime cores, if they even exist at all."
"Don't let this stubborn old fool discourage you; I'm quite fond of your magical discoveries," the voice of Mother suddenly appeared. "You've made startling progress in [Dimension Magic] and are sharing them with Vee, so I'm both grateful and intrigued."
"Hopefully, I'll get Riftmancer soon so I can make more progress. Honestly, it feels like that entire category of magic is in desperate need of a thick instruction manual."
"I'm personally more fond of self-discovery and taking risks, but I've certainly filed your and Vee's complaints for further review," she explained. "As for Riftmancer, you should be unlocking it soon, although I'd advise that you wait until the next major milestone in Elementalist before making the switch."
"Thanks, I was planning to. Although much like that Rift Spirit special evolution, I'll probably be tempted to grab it when it appears."
"Rift Spirit?" Gramps asked, his voice trailing off as he appeared to be investigating something. "You crone! You were trying to interfere with my subject, again."
Mother chuckled haughtily. "Oh, come now. It was just a small gesture of thanks; it's nothing to lose hair over. Besides, Syl has made it abundantly clear that nothing but new slime cores will be tempting enough."
"Yeah, I'm thrilled to be a slime. I'm looking forward to seeing what my new prismatic evolution can do. I'm really hoping I don't lose my [Mana Slime] bonuses."
"You won't, I took that into consideration," Gramps said, much to my relief.
"Thanks! So, how have things been since we last met? The [Dungeon Masters] all seem to be in quite a panic because of a dragon [Experiment]?"
"I told them a dragon was a terrible idea," Gramps lamented.
"Did you? I seem to recall you being quite curious if a human soul could keep the draconic nature contained," Mother retorted.
"I'm sure it was mere idle curiosity; I most certainly didn't give my tacit approval."
"Well, regardless, a dragon is running around causing quite a mess."
"Well, hopefully I can stop it," I declared confidently.
"Hmm… at present, I'd give you maybe a twenty percent chance at victory, but if you collect some more slime cores, you can drastically improve your odds," Gramps replied.
"Increasing your magical repertoire will also aid you greatly," Mother added. "Although, unfortunately, your elemental magics will be relegated to support, as they will be unlikely to penetrate a dragon's legendary magic resistance. Riftmancer will definitely help you there, as will Vee, should she choose to fight."
"Speaking of Vee, she really wants a way to talk or get a human form, or something like that. Is there anything that can be done about that?"
"I believe she's already found a solution," Mother replied. "Of course it'll have to wait until her next evolution to come into effect."
"Oh, that's great news!"
"Indeed. It seems you two have been quite a pair working together," Mother said fondly. "Wouldn't you agree?"
"I must admit that you two have been a powerful duo," Gramps replied. "It certainly hasn't gone unnoticed, and a few other [Experiments] have been advised by their patrons to seek out allies too."
"Oh great, does that mean the dragon has friends too?"
"I believe he is seeking subordinates rather than allies," Mother answered.
"Well… that's not great. Maybe I should pick the Queen evolution next and raise an army of slimes."
"That's not a bad idea," Gramps said. "But I think you might find an easier solution soon enough. You've exceeded all my expectations so far, and I'm fully invested in seeing what you'll do next. Good job, Syl."
"Oh wow, I'd blush if I could," I replied, not expecting Gramps to suddenly praise me so directly. "I was considering setting up a slime dungeon. Is that what you're talking about?"
"You want to become a [Dungeon Master]?" Mother asked, sounding surprised.
"It was an idea I had. It seemed like a good way to gather resources, especially if I create monsters out of slime rather than using essence."
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"Hmm… That's not a bad idea," Gramps replied. "Although I don't know how you'd attract dungeon explorers, as nobody would want to challenge a dungeon that gives no experience. Even the individuals with no apparent ambition want to gain levels."
"The Queen evolution would facilitate that," Mother chimed in. "You could have your offspring take the place of monsters, assuming they shared your Mimic mutation. It's been a common cost-saving tactic from some of our [Dungeon Masters]."
"Oh… experience points, right…" I mumbled. "I was sort of hoping they'd just come for the challenge, perhaps gaining valuable skill and trait experience?"
Mother hummed in thought. "Sort of like a magical training ground? That could work, although once again, I don't think just the allure of skill experience would be enough."
"Yeah, they'd want treasure… I guess I'd need to spend resources to generate those. Unless I offer slime as payment?"
"I don't think anyone but you would want slime as payment," she said.
"Really? Not even super slime Mana potions?" I asked. "There was an entire Mana potion black market. What if mages could come to my slime dungeon, train their magic, and then get Mana potions to recover and train even harder!"
"I see… that's actually quite a nefarious plan," she acknowledged.
"Assuming you do get that pink slime core, it would be even more valuable, an elixir capable of healing health and restoring Mana together is practically unheard of," Gramps elaborated.
"So I will get to do both with my new evolution!?" I asked excitedly.
Gramps sighed. "I don't want to spoil the surprise, but you should find your new evolution quite accommodating to previous issues you've had."
"Really, like what?"
"I won't divulge any further. I want to both see your reaction and also see how you utilize it without my interference."
"Oh man, I can't wait! I'm personally hoping that means I can also manipulate my slime at a distance. Or at least with a separated [Sub-Core]."
Gramps muttered something inaudible but refused to say anymore.
"I must concur with my compatriot here, as seeing your raw reaction is far more entertaining," Mother added.
"Fine, I'll stop pressing. But I'm glad my little dungeon idea has some legs to stand on. Now I guess I just need to work on getting the [Dungeon Master] title?"
"Oh, that's rather simple. You just need to reach your final evolution," Gramps answered.
"What? That's awful!" I exclaimed in shock. "Look how long my current evolution took."
"You could usurp one," Mother suggested. "Although I will say that is quite a frowned-upon method, assuming you are caught."
"You mean defeating another [Dungeon Master]?"
"Yes. There are quite a few you should be able to defeat. Probably more so if this new evolution is up to scratch."
Gramps snorted in response.
"They're already spreading rumors about me. I don't know if I want to take that risk…"
"I'm not saying you should, I was just pointing out that it is certainly possible. I will also mention that not every [Dungeon Master] is part of that collective, and there are even other factions outside of the little cabal you've briefly interacted with."
"Really? I was under the impression they were one big group with the way they were talking about each other."
"Bah! Hardly…" Gramps asserted. "Can you really imagine a goblin ever getting along with an orc just because they are both [Dungeon Masters]? Or a treant and a salamander? Some monster species are simply incapable of getting along."
"Huh… okay, I'll keep that in mind."
A loud crashing noise could be heard, followed shortly by the sound of something being frantically opened.
"Is Syl finally evolving? D-did I miss it?" the panicked voice of Unc appeared.
I was pretty sure I heard both Gramps and Mother sigh.
"Hey, Unc, I hope you're well."
"Oh g-good, I didn't miss you," he replied, the relief evident in his tone. "When will you two be done with the elves?"
"I'm not sure…" I replied, unsure of why he was bringing them up. "I left them interrogating the prisoner we captured. Why?"
"Leon needs your help! I gave Vee that quest ages ago, but you haven't made any p-progress."
"The beach quest was from you? Well… we were planning on having a vacation when we were done. How urgent are we talking, and who's Leon?"
"Leon is my subject. He's being hunted by mermen," Unc explained. "As for how urgent… he's surviving, but the sooner the b-better!"
"I don't appreciate you trying to hijack my subject's agenda," Gramps said.
"Nor mine," Mother agreed.
"I mean, we were planning on going anyway," I pointed out, hoping to ease the tension. "Although I won't be leaving until I get my pink slime core. That and curiosity about the whole elf assassin situation is the only thing keeping me there."
"I-I could tell you—"
"No!" Gramps and Mother shouted in unison.
"We're in enough trouble already," Gramps snapped.
"Indeed, we cannot handle the repercussions of another
incident," Mother concurred. "Information about the world and its affairs is strictly forbidden.""O-okay…" Unc sighed, sounding quite defeated.
"I can't make any promises, but I'll see what I can do. That's obviously after I get my reward, sorry, but I won't compromise on that."
"You'll really do anything for a slime core," Mother chuckled.
"I mean, pink ones are super rare, aren't they? Anyway, maybe I can even use a tree gateway to get there sooner."
"That could w-work!" Unc exclaimed joyously. "Ask them to take you to the Vaelyssan Sea."
"You!" Gramps snarled. "We literally just said to not divulge worldly affairs!"
"It was just a n-name…"
"To my subject. I swear if I get a violation from this, then I'll be carving it from your hide."
There was the brief sound of a minor scuffle, followed by the sound of muffled cries. I could only imagine that Unc had been restrained and gagged, likely by both Mother and Gramps.
"Umm…"
"Please forget what that troublemaker said and continue with your business," Mother replied.
"Okay… speaking of which, what should I do to progress your quest?"
"Quest? What quest?" Gramps demanded.
"It was just a request to continue exploring magic and its limits," Mother replied.
Gramps let out a tired groan. "I can't believe you two… why must you continue to interfere with my subject. You've got your own, you don't see me giving them quests or requests, do you?"
"I mean, you could…" Mother replied.
"Are there no other subjects you could meddle with?" Gramps asked, sounding quite fatigued.
"I must admit I don't find them nearly as entertaining. Watching Vee and Syl work together has become quite the highlight of my day."
"HmmMmm!" the muffled noises of Unc seemed to agree.
Gramps sighed again. "And yet you can't even simply ask me before doing so. Why must you do it behind my back? I'm a busy man… and now you have me wondering if I need to double check all my work for meddling."
"Uhh…" I tried to say something, but couldn't really think of a way to cheer him up.
"Just go… I'm heading to bed. Enjoy your new evolution, Syl," Gramps said, tired and defeated.
"Wait! I still had some questions—"
"Save them for next time…" Gramps replied, my chair vanishing from under me.
"Goodbye, Syl, please continue looking after Vee!" Mother quickly chimed in.
"Mmm!" the muffled Unc added.
As I fell into the void below, I couldn't help but curse that once again I was being thrown back sooner than I expected.
Shit! Oh well... New evolution here I come!