Primordial Slime: I Devour The World

Two days passed.

For the first time in months. There was rest.

Tanaka had declared a rest day. The village was finally able to relax. Morning business resumed as usual. The wolves dispersed before dawn. The Alpha led the patrol while the young ones learned the borders of their territory.

The veteran slimes entered the dungeon on the first floor to spar with the remaining Stone Creatures. Their intent was not to conquer, but to practice. While they played, the younger slimes practiced their Leap near the cave.

Some landed gracefully on logs. Others flew clumsily into trees. One bounced off another slime and sent them both tumbling down a hill. The little slime watched. Then it confidently demonstrated.

It landed on its feet and immediately taught the others. Tanaka observed from a nearby rock.

Looks like you’ve become an instructor.

The little slime happily puffed itself up. Life was indeed nice. Tanaka never expected this when he first opened his eyes in this world. It seemed that every day was spent fighting to survive. Now the village was filled with laughter. Well, bouncing anyway.

That afternoon. Tanaka practiced Thought Communication. He closed his eyes. Magic energy flowed around his Magic Core.

”Alpha.”

A distant whisper reached the Alpha Wolf’s ears. It was coming from the slime near the cave entrance. The Alpha slowly turned its head to face Tanaka. Their eyes met.

”Can... hear...”

It was more of a feeling than an actual voice. But there was no doubt about it. The Alpha’s tail gave a small wag. Tanaka’s core pulsed. Progress. It wasn’t much, but it was there. As the sun began to set. A long howl was heard from the woods.

The Alpha.

This time it was not a warning, but a summons. All the wolves immediately perked up their ears. Tanaka bounced outside the cave. The Alpha soon came out of the woods. It was not alone. Following closely behind were several Fanged Rabbits.

They were all skinny and their fur was matted. Some had fresh wounds. One rabbit had a bad limp. The smallest one hid behind an elder rabbit. The wolves made no move to attack. They simply watched.

The rabbits peered nervously at the slime village. Tanaka bounced toward them. The rabbits tensed. One rabbit dropped its ears. Another prepared to run.

Tanaka stopped a few feet away from them. They’re terrified. The Alpha came beside him. Through their telepathic link, the Alpha transmitted a couple simple emotions.

Found.

Hungry.

No home.

Tanaka glanced at the rabbits. Then at the forest behind them. Something had driven these creatures away from their nests. Something stronger than them. He thought for a moment.

Then...

Tanaka slowly pushed a small pile of berries toward the rabbits. They blinked. No one made a move. The little slime bounced toward them. Tanaka nearly stopped it. Instead he watched as the tiny slime lifted a mushroom that was almost as big as itself. With great effort, it shoved the mushroom toward the smallest rabbit.

Boing.

The little rabbit stared at the mushroom. Then at the little slime. Carefully it nibbled at the mushroom. Its eyes widened. It ate the rest of the mushroom. The little slime bounced happily. The older rabbits exchanged uneasy glances. Finally, the oldest one stepped forward. It lowered its head toward Tanaka. To show its appreciation. Tanaka smiled.

Looks like we’ve got guests.

The next day. The rabbits stayed. Not in the slime village. But around it. They stayed close enough to feel safe. But far enough to still be able to leave if something happened.

The wolves paid them no mind. The slimes shared some berries with them.

By afternoon, the rabbits began to give back. They gathered medicinal leaves, herbs, edible roots, and even some fruits. The veteran slimes were amazed. The rabbits knew the forest better than anyone.

By evening, the entrance to the cave was filled with activity. The slimes bounced happily. The wolves napped under the trees. The rabbits sorted through herbs. Everything was done without any planning. Without any agreements. It just happened. Three species. One home. Tanaka looked at the scene before him. A warm feeling blossomed in his chest.

He thought back to the Game’s advertisement for Ascension Online. ”A world where everything feels alive.” At the time, Tanaka thought it meant something about kingdoms and story events. Now that he was in another world, he realized it wasn’t the world that made everything feel alive. It was the people. Their choices. Their actions. Their lives. A sudden pulse of mana shot through the ground. The chatting, bouncing and rustling ceased. All the monsters turned their attention toward the dungeon. Deep underground. Something was awakening.