"Oh, oh." The Hero nodded, only turning back after watching the back of the Gleaming Scale Serpent quickly disappear.
Looking at the slender fingers of the Slime King reaching out to her, and then at the azure hue within her body, the Hero always felt like she was doing something inappropriate.
But that fresh forest scent was still vivid, and the Hero, with slightly flushed cheeks, softly said.
"Then, just one bite?"
Tasting the flavor of Woodland Pudding after so long, the Hero licked her lips, savoring the taste.
"Purlulu~?" (Do you want more? I can regenerate it.)
As long as there is sufficient Magic Power, a slime's body can keep expanding; the largest slime recorded in the Kingdom's history was even bigger than the lake in Lake Town.
"No, that's enough, thank you." The Hero cleared her throat lightly.
"Besides, I have some things to tell you."
She looked at the energetic Slime King in front of her, speaking warmly and sincerely.
"I'm about to head off to a distant place, and I might not return for a long time. You must take good care of yourself and your children.
"Although I want to take you directly to my grandfather's house, it might be too overwhelming for him...
"I have instructed the Gleaming Scale Serpent to tell the surrounding Magic Creatures to get along with Humankind. My grandfather and others also know this and will relay the message to nearby villages and towns, so you don't have to worry about being attacked by humans or Magic Creatures.
"Also, I left some Elf Rabbit gemstones with my grandfather. If you encounter any unexpected situations, remember to seek help from him. However..."
"However, you must also be cautious not to approach humans casually. Although there aren't any Magic Creatures around stronger than you, it's different for newly born little slimes; it's still very dangerous.
"I will also leave a Familiar mark on you, do not refuse, so I can know your situation. In any case, be sure to...
And so, the Hero rambled on from the afternoon until late afternoon.
Until the Slime King appeared dizzy, much like after a day's hard work in the study, and with a reminder from the returning Gleaming Scale Serpent, she reluctantly got up and left.
[Skill: Unpaid Love's Level has increased]
[Hero's Compassion (70-Boost 1, 70+Boost 2, 95+Boost 3, 100 evolves, with a reduction in corresponding Elf Stone quantity)]
[Skill: Unpaid Love increased to LV6: Pay Constitution limit for comprehensive treatment, effect*6, *12 after half health]
[Elf Rabbit Gemstone Inventory: Emerald 5-3, Ruby 7-5, Sapphire 1-0, Purple Gemstone 4-2]
After bidding farewell to the Slime King, the Hero's expression still held some reluctance to part.
There wasn't much of a deep connection between her and the Slime King. If she hadn't been accidentally "attacked" by it and had some Magic Power and saliva taken, she might never have specifically come for a visit.
The Gleaming Scale Serpent's attitude toward this matter was similar; after all, at that time it was just a snake.
Now, whether it was the Hero or the Gleaming Scale Serpent, things were no longer the same. With the Slime King's power, this high-level demon that lived near the village relying on inorganic material and occasional hunting was almost harmless to the two of them.
Even the little slime bred from her Magic Power and saliva, before witnessing it firsthand, the Hero did not have any special emotions towards it.
The exchange of Magic Power between the human body and the outside world happens all the time; the human body absorbs external Magic Elements, transforms them into its Magic Power, and then returns the Magic Power to nature through life activities such as spellcasting.
All beings on earth are the same, this process spans everything in the world.
Only a few, like the Fourteenth Princess, afflicted with strange diseases, are forced to isolate themselves from this cycle.
Therefore, regarding the absorption of the Hero's Magic Power, the amount absorbed by those who received her Forbidden Curse blessing on the Highland far exceeded the Slime King. As for body fluids, the current Hero can cut her finger and let a drop of blood drip for the ubiquitous slimes, and that Magic Power would be enough for it to evolve or even split rapidly.
In fact, the ecology of slimes is inherently : digesting the energy of other organisms to enhance themselves, eventually accumulating enough to split into new individuals.
While interning at the Healer Association, the Hero also treated victims of slimes and heard horror stories such as adventurers who were too careless and got drunk outdoors, who were completely digested by a slime, and then a few days later, found that hundreds of slimes had split on the spot.
So, even knowing a slime was reproducing offspring using her body fluid Magic Power, the Hero didn't initially have many special feelings about it.
But when she actually saw that little slime, saw that familiar and dear color, felt that Magic Power pulse that was so similar to her own, the Hero couldn't deny the affection that surged from her heart.
For the little slime, the Hero decided—
1. Research Space Magic
2. Learn Magic Potion Technology
3. Attempt a Summoning Ceremony
4. Study Parenting Books (?)
10. Great Success/Extreme Failure♛
"Didn't expect it to take your... Magic Power so seriously,"
The White Snake Hair Ornament entwined in the Hero's locks, which was actually the Gleaming Scale Serpent, commented as it saw the Hero occasionally glance back.
"Generally speaking, as long as there's enough Magic Power, slime division is simple. Their reproduction efficiency even surpasses that of Goblins. But that's only the lowest tier of slimes, with a lifespan of no more than ten days or half a month, like morning dew, scavengers too insignificant for even ordinary animals to prey on.