Treasured Bond

The twins passed Yoki back and forth between them, observing and playing with it. Eventually one of them took a slice of cake and placed it atop the slime. They watched, transfixed, as the cake sank into the slime and dissolved in moments.

“So what species of slime is it?” Revian asked. “I only know of the common ones.”

“Before I tell you, here’s a riddle. What container is full of gold and has no locks?”

“An egg,” Tholm answered.

“A fan of riddles I see, very good.”

Tholm shrugged. “It’s a classic.”

It was a riddle from an iconic story that Victor had read in his world. However it bothered him that he couldn’t recall the title of it.

One of things that bothered Victor was the plethora of missing memories and knowledge from his mind. Luckily it hadn’t caused any issues that he was aware of.

“A container full of gold.” Victor continued with his presentation. “That, my friends, is a Treasure Egg Slime.”

“What makes Yoki so special?” Enderan asked.

Felis was balancing Yoki atop Felisha’s head, and finally got it to settle.

“Many things. First, is its digestion speed. Compared to most slimes, that creature can digest metals like iron and steel in mere minutes.”

Many faces paled as they looked at slime resting on the girl’s head. The twins appeared more fascinated than scared.

“Worry not. Unlike normal slimes, Yoki has complete control over its body. And I mean every single atom.” Victor said. “Not only that, it can restructure itself into whatever shape and material it wants.”

“So if we feed it, it becomes instantly bigger?”

“Look for yourself.”

Yoki was now big enough to require two hands to hold him, and mixed into his colorless jelly, were hues of white and light yellow.

“You mentioned it can turn itself into whatever it wants. What does it prefer to change into?”

“As you can imagine, it uses its ability to camouflage into its environment. Turning into rocks, trees, and other plants. Making it a pain in the ass to find.” He corrected himself. “Fortunately I randomly stumbled upon it.”

He didn’t. It was nothing short of a pain in the ass to find. “On its own, it isn’t very imaginative, but as a bonded creature, I’ve only heard rumors of its capabilities.”

He regaled them about a king named Gu Yuan. Once a poor pig farmer from the marshlands who stumbled upon the slime by accident. At first he thought some egg fell from a tree, because of its transparent slime and yellow core. He then watched it absorb a rock and turn into it.

Gu was a beast tamer, but only used his affinity to herd pigs. Upon taming it, he was able to get it to change into any shape he wanted.

After training it, he discovered its ability to flawlessly replicate any item he fed it, from money to jewelry. Thus he founded a trade dynasty that is still prosperous today.

“Does that mean we have access to infinite wealth?!” Enderan willed Yoki back to him. It slid across the table. Upon sitting before him, Enderan poked at it.

“That story is a bit…” He was whirling around his hand, coming up with answer. “Eggs-aggerated.” He smirked.

Everyone frowned at him.

“While it can do that to an extent, it has a drastic effect on its mind, if you can call it that. Be impressed it can achieve molecular reconstruction in the first place.”

“Moneclular recinstriction,” Felisha tried replicating the words and was frustrated at the attempt.

“I know, it’s astounding,” Victor nodded. “Anyways, I would say avoid attempting duplication. While it can change its form at will, having it leave behind a part of itself might harm it. Many who heard Gu Yuan’s story ended up killing their Treasure Egg slimes. Only after plenty of training and your bond is stronger could we train it to duplicate simple items. Only then can you start your nefarious duplication scheme.”

Looking at the slime, Enderan asked, “Can it replicate limbs? If we are bonded, could I possibly command him like one?”

The others looked sympathetic at his question. It wasn’t likely in their eyes.

“You actually might.” Victor said, with realization.

Enderan’s eyes shone; Carrisa’s mouth opened slightly; even the twins sat still taking in his words.

“Aside from just replicating items, you might be able to teach it to move and manipulate items. Some beast tamers shove slimes in suits of armor and can eerily move them around like people.”

Enderan’s eyes beamed, and Revian shared a hopeful look with him.

“Victor, you honestly might be a heaven-sent helper.” Carrissa said. Several of them joined in agreement, while Enderan took that statement and pondered on it.

“I’m glad you find my presence agreeable.” He smiled. “But alas I think that’s all the cards up this magician’s sleeve. Ones that would serve you anyway.”

“Getting me and Enderan to make amends was enough for me to be grateful to you for the rest of my days.” Revian said. “Speaking of, while you do your research, you should stay here on the estate with us.”

“Really? It certainly would save me time traveling from the local inn. I’ll take you up on the offer, “so long as it’s all right with the head mistress.”

“Of course. Like I said. A room will always be open for you. We have plenty.” Her eyes drifted briefly to somewhere past his shoulder before she smiled warmly.

“Then I’d love to be amongst you all for a while longer.” He turned to Enderan. “Since I’m going to be here, I might as well help you train before your trip to the capital.”

“That’s right. We should send a message ahead of your arrival. Captain Nemo should be informed about Baylor. Tholm, we should get one sent by tomorrow.”

The head servant nodded. As the conversation turned to lighter topics, Enderan kept his gaze on his new companion. The slime that held a new hope that was growing with every moment.