No matter how I think about it, it seems to be referring to me...
It feels more like a direct perception by the mind rather than a voice. After all, I can't hear any sound.
(Hey! Can you hear me? Answer me!)
I can hear you!
But! Since I don't have a throat, I can't answer even if I want to.
As an experiment,
(Shut up, baldy!)
I tried answering in my mind.
It's fine, right, since it can't be heard anyway. But, how did it come across...
(...Heh, heh, heh! Calling me baldy... What a nerve!!! I bowed to welcome a rare guest, and you want to die, don't you!)
Dangerous. It seems to have been heard.
More importantly, can you answer by thinking in your mind! If you had told me that first, I wouldn't have deliberately made you angry.
Besides, I don't even know what kind of creature you are.
There's nothing I can do. I'm at a loss.
For now, I'll honestly apologize.
(Sorry! I didn't know how to answer, so I just experimented with a thought. I'm really sorry!
Also, I can't see anything, so I can't see your appearance.)
Will it work?
Well, I can't see your appearance, so you're not bald. If you were really bald, it would be understandable for you to get angry.
I'll refrain from thoughtless remarks (??).
(Hahaha, hahaha, hahahahahaha!!)
A sudden burst of laughter.
A well-practiced three-step laugh, solid and impressive. Excellent.
Is the anger gone?
(Interesting. Actually, I thought you were making a comment after seeing my appearance, but you can't see, can you? Slimes are generally low-level monsters that just absorb, split, and regenerate without much thought. They rarely venture beyond their own territory.)
He's starting to talk?
Interest seems to have won over anger...?
No matter what, this is the first contact. My first conversation in my new (slime) life.
I want to proceed amicably and learn various things.
(That slime rammed into me, which was strange. Its regeneration ability is unusually fast, so it might be a named monster or a unique monster?)
Named? Unique? I don't understand the meaning.
(Sorry, I don't quite understand. Actually, I've only been here for 90 days...)
(Hmm. Having a sense of self is unusual for a regular slime. A monster with a "name" is called a named monster, but 90 days is too short. So, are you a unique one?)
(What do you mean by unique?)
(A unique monster is an individual with abnormal abilities, a mutant. They are rarely born in places with high concentrations of mana... But in your case, you were created from a lump of mana that flowed out from me!)
Hmm? What does that mean?
Let me think using all the knowledge from my previous life.
This uncle (assumption) has mana (้ญ็ด ) flowing out, making the surrounding area rich in mana.
And, the monster created from that mana is the slime = me?
(Hmm. For the past 300 years, not even a monster could get close to me. If you were born from the source of my magic, it makes sense that you could reach me!)
(Ho ho... So, are you saying you're my parent?)
(Not a parent, but... I don't have reproductive capabilities. Monsters have them or they don't, depending on the species.)
(Usually, don't they have reproductive capabilities? More importantly, if you were created from a lump of mana, do you not need to reproduce?)
(...You're quite intelligent. Most monsters don't even have the ability to think. Intelligent monsters are called "demons" (้ญไบบ)...
Anyway, I'll answer your question.
There are lower-level monsters with reproductive capabilities, like goblins, orcs, and lizardmen. They are called "yin" (็ฐไบบ) among monsters.
Some yin side with "humans," like elves, hobbits, and dwarves, who are considered a type of human.
To put it simply, yin that side with "demons" are called monsters, while yin that side with "humans" are considered a type of human.
Representatives of monsters with reproductive capabilities are these yin. To me, they are like trash!
Next are "demons."
These are a general term for those born from mana, mutants of monsters, or those evolved from animals or beasts.
They have intelligence and reproductive capabilities. Some are very different from humans.
Among them, there are higher-class mutants. They are diverse and varied.
Lastly, there are long-lived higher-class demons, like giants, vampires, and devils.
They have reproductive capabilities but rarely use them. With overwhelming magic and indestructible bodies, they don't need offspring. Only in cases like wars, where the population decreases significantly, would it be different.
These are strong. I've fought them several times, but I can't finish them off because of their numbers.
They are perfect opponents for battles!
These are collectively called "demons."
They have intelligence, reproductive capabilities, and are hostile to humans = demons.
That's why I don't have reproductive capabilities... because I don't need them.
I am a "complete individual" and one of the four "dragon" species.
"Storm Dragon Veldora" refers to me!
I don't have a lifespan or a physical body! I am a lump of mana, and if I have a will, I am immortal!!!
Huh??? Hahahahahahaha!!)
Even if he laughs it off...
The point is, without a lifespan, there's no need to have children, right?
Thank you for the long explanation, but you said something hard to ignore.
"Storm Dragon Veldora," are you a dragon?
The higher demons seem like battle buddies and are incredibly dangerous, right?
Even though I look like this, I have the manners of a gentleman and have conquered most manga, anime, and light novels.
Using all my knowledge, the "Storm Dragon Veldora" in front of me is definitely dangerous.
His very detailed explanation is also quite unsettling.
So, what should I do...
(Well, well! Thank you for the very clear explanation! Then, I'll be on my way!)
Saying that, I try to leave the spot.
(Wait. I told you about myself. Now it's your turn, right? Huh?)
Obviously, he has no intention of letting me go.
Hmm? Should I tell him that I was reincarnated into this world? Will he believe me honestly?
He seems suspicious of my high intelligence for a slime, and I don't think I can lie convincingly.
Most importantly, if I fail to lie, it could be a death flag.
Maybe it doesn't matter.
If he doesn't believe me, I'll deal with it then.
I made up my mind and explained what had happened so far.
?
?
?
?
?
(That's the gist of it! It was a huge deal!)
I kept my skills a secret, explained how I opened my eyes as a slime, and how I got to where I am now.
While telling the story, it sounded like it wasn't a big deal, but it was a big deal.
The worst part is not being able to see.
From now on, I won't be able to see cute kids or beautiful ladies, right?
I felt a bit sad.
(Hmm. So, you are a "reincarnated" one. You had a very rare birth.)
(Eh? Rare birth? More importantly, don't you doubt or be surprised by "reincarnated"?)
His reaction... "Reincarnated" isn't rare? His tone suggests that the way of being born is even more unusual?
(Hmph. "Reincarnated" ones are occasionally born. If the will is strong, memories are imprinted on the soul.
Some remember their past lives completely, but they are not rare.
However, "reincarnated" ones in this world are rare.
Moreover, they are usually born as humans. If they are monsters, especially born from mana, I've never heard of it.
There are few souls strong enough to endure crossing worlds. If a reincarnated one is a monster, the soul usually dissipates without settling.
You are special.)
(Really? I didn't realize. So, there are "reincarnated" ones in this world?)
(Hmm. There are no confirmed cases of going to this world, but occasionally, someone falls from this side to this world.
They are called "foreigners" or "otherworlders" and have special knowledge. They also seem to gain special abilities when crossing worlds.
There are records of "reincarnated" ones with knowledge equivalent to these otherworlders. Some are unconfirmed.)
Indeed. I don't know if this world is the Earth I came from, but it might be good to meet someone.
They might even be from my hometown, Japan.
Since I have no goals, I'll set one.
(Indeed! Then, I'll go meet an otherworlder. They might be from my hometown!)
(Wait. Can't you see, right?)
(Ah, yes.)
What's the point if I can't see?
It's inconvenient, but if I move slowly and carefully, I might meet someone eventually. Maybe.
(I'll make you see.)
Huh? What did you say?
Hey, hey, is this uncle, no, "Storm Dragon Veldora," an incredibly nice person (dragon)?
Is it okay to get my hopes up?
(Really? For real?)
(Hmm. There are conditions, though. How about it?)
Conditions... Suspicious, but...
(What are the conditions?)
I'll follow any reasonable conditions.
(Simple. Even if you can see, don't be afraid of me. And come back to talk again. That's all. How about it?)
Is that okay?
More importantly... This dragon might have been lonely. Is it because strong beings are often isolated?
I thought the conversation was long. It must have been a long time since he had someone to talk to.
This dragon might be simple.
Or, maybe dragons are just overrated in this world. Who knows?
Phew. This might be a good deal (laugh).
(Is that okay?)
(Hmm. Actually, I've been sealed here for 300 years. It was unbearably boring. How about it?)
(If that's okay, I'll gladly accept it!)
(Good. It's a promise. Keep it!)
(No problem! Even though I look like this, I'm known for keeping my word!)
Of course, it's self-proclaimed!
(Good. I have a skill called "Mana Sense." Can you use it?)
(No, I can't. What kind of skill is it?)
(A skill to detect mana around you. It's a simple skill that just recognizes the surrounding mana, so it's easy to learn.)
(Ho ho. Sounds simple!)
*Definitely not simple!*
(Hmm. For me, it's as natural as breathing, so I can't really notice it.)
(Indeed! So, if I learn it, I'll be able to see?)
(That's right. This world is surrounded by mana. Light and sound have wave properties, do you know that?)
(Yes, light waves and sound waves.)
(You know a lot. Is it knowledge from this world? Anyway, by observing the waves that disturb the mana, you can predict and calculate your surroundings. Simple, right?)
Huh? What are you saying?
This guy... is saying something that doesn't make sense. It's not simple at all!
(No, it sounds a bit difficult...)
(What? With this, you can continue fighting even if you lose your eyes and ears? Ambushes become impossible. It's an essential skill?)
(No, no, no! Forget about fighting for now. I just want to be able to see!)
(Ugh... I have no choice. I'll help you learn it! Besides, I don't know any other way!)
(Really? I'm just a newborn. Is it possible?)
(Don't worry. Fortunately, you have memories from your past life. You know about light and sound.
Without that knowledge, it would be impossible even for me, but you're lucky!)
Indeed, explaining the world to someone who can't see is difficult.
It's impossible for me to make them understand.
Helen Keller could speak because she learned words before she was two.
So, because of my past life knowledge, I can use the "Mana Sense" skill as a substitute for vision and hearing...
I have no choice.
Not being able to see is too inconvenient.
Besides, I forgot, but I have the "Great Sage."
I'm sure I can do it somehow!
(Please teach me!)
(No, it's simple. First, try to move the mana inside your body to stir the surrounding mana.)
I can figure this out. It's an application of when I expelled water.
(Like this?)
I move the mana inside my body and check.
(Hmm. You're not as fluent as I thought. Can you tell the difference between the moving mana inside your body and the mana outside?)
This might be simple.
I've been consciously feeling the mana since I heard that I absorb it to live.
(Of course! I eat it to live, after all.)
(Kukuku. If you know that much, the rest is simple. Just feel the movement of the mana outside your body.)
I don't understand that.
Anyway, I feel the mana outside my body as instructed.
I feel the mana shaking, flowing, moving...
Yeah, yeah, "Great Sage" activate!
ใConfirmed. Extra Skill "Mana Sense" learned... Success.ใ
ใDo you want to use the Extra Skill "Mana Sense"? YES/NOใ
Huh?
Is it that simple to learn?
Well, of course, it's YES.
Indeed, the "Great Sage" is so reliable!
The moment I used the Extra Skill "Mana Sense," information filled my brain.
An overwhelming amount of information that a human could never process.
Each tiny piece of mana, pressing and moving, the waves of light and sound.
All of it is processed and converted into recognizable information.
As a human, my field of vision was less than 180 degrees.
Now, it's a full 360-degree, no-blind-spot "vision."
I can even focus on the shadow of a rock or a scene 100 meters away.
A human would probably go insane from the sheer amount of information, with their brain circuits burning out.
But I'm a slime. Each cell is a muscle and a brain cell!
I managed to endure it somehow.
And,
ใLinking Extra Skill "Mana Sense" with Unique Skill "Great Sage"... Success.ใ
My vision cleared.
The burning sensation in my brain, which had been overwhelming me, disappeared.
And, to my surprise, the world "appeared" as if it had always been there.
The "Great Sage" might be a cheap ability.
Calling it a cheat wouldn't be an exaggeration.
If someone else had it, I would complain that it's unfair!
But I have it, so there's no problem.
(Ah, it seems to be working. Thank you!)
Saying that, I directed my senses to the "thing" in front of me.
There really was a dragon.
Its scales, harder than black steel and seemingly flexible, wrapped around it...
It had the majesty of a dragon...
(Gaaaaah! Dragon!!!!!!)
A more evil appearance than I could have imagined.