Translator’s Corner (Cast: an English Clown and a French Pierrot)
Clown: I feel like these chapters are getting longer…
Pierrot: Well, the universe is expanding, after all.
Clown: What does that have to do with chapters getting longer?
Pierrot: Well, since time is relative, wouldn’t time be expanding as well?
Clown: … you know, the typical expectation in our profession is that we are fools. If you talk like that, you will lose customers!
Pierrot: Then what do I do?
Clown: Tell them a stupid joke. That’s what I do to keep up the image!
Pierrot: Alright… what do you call that pink goo between an elephant’s toes?
Clown: … cotton candy?
Pierrot: Slow clowns.
Clown: …
.
.
Empowerment Arc
Chapter 03 – First Conversation
Did someone say “Little One”?
No matter how I think about it, they were probably talking about me…
But rather than a voice, it felt more like being directly made aware of those words. At any rate, I don’t got ears to hear.
(Oi! You can hear me, can’t you? Responding would be good!)
I can hear you!
But, however! Since I lack a voice, I cannot respond.
As a test,
(Too loud, baldie!)
That’s the answer I tried to project in my head.
Well, not like you hear it anyways, so you should be fine. But, how did I respond…
(… Ho, Hoho! To deign us a baldy, aren’t You a brave one!!! It has been long since I have last had company so I may have started poorly, but this one seems to be searching for death!)
This is bad. He heard that one.
But hey, when I think words in my head, I can respond! Had I been taught that earlier, I wouldn’t have to anger my partner.
And besides, I don’t even know what my partner is like at all.
Well, that’s that. Time to throw in the towel.
Let’s properly apologize here.
(I’m sorry! I didn’t know how to respond, so I decided to try whatever seemed appropriate. I sincerely apologize!
And on that note, I must note that I have no eyes to see with, so I cannot behold your visage.)
Did that reach?
Well, although I can’t see him, who would expect him to actually be bald? Though if that’s the case, then any amount of rage can only be expected.
Let’s also refrain from thoughtless statements (?).
(Fufufu. Fuhaha. Fuahahahahaha!)
And suddenly, laughter.
A perfect, three step laughter. Simply breathtaking.
Has the anger passed?
(Interesting. Truly, stated without beholding my appearance as I suspected, but for you to lack eyes. Slime species are typically thoughtless creatures that only [Absorb], [Dissolve], and [Regenerate]. I have yet to behold one leaving their territory.)
Somehow, he started telling a tale?
Rather than abating his anger, did I win his interest…?
At any rate, this is first contact. This is the first chapter in my life’s (slime) story.
I want to proceed on favorable terms.
And learn a lot from him.
(When a slime suddenly rammed my body, I naturally found it rather bizarre. At an exceptionally high speed, at that. What are You? A named monster? A unique monster?
Named? Unique? I don’t understand.
(I apologize, but I don’t really understand the meaning of what you said. Truth be told, since I have been born only 90 days have…)
(Ay. Self-awareness is something impossible for a slime. Named monsters are those that have received a name, but to have had only 90 days pass since birth… in that case, unique?)
(What would you mean by “unique”?)
(Unique monsters are those who have undergone some mutation and possess unusual powers. Rarely, such are born in areas with high magical energy density… I see, your birth was founded on magical energy drawn from myself!)
Mumu? And what would that mean?
Let’s see if past world’s knowledge can be used figure this one out.
In other words, from this old man (assumption) magical energy flows, and thus it has become abundant in around here.
And when that energy gathered, the monster that was born from it–the slime = myself? Is that it?
(Ay. In these 300 years, a monster who could approach myself had not existed. Being born from my power, perhaps You could even lay your hands upon myself!)
(Hoho… in that case, you would be something akin to my parent?)
(A parent would be the wrong way to call it. After all, I do not possess reproductive capabilities. Some monsters can reproduce, and some cannot.)
(Normally, lacking such capabilities would be normal, no? If monsters born from condensed magical energy, wouldn’t reproduction be unnecessary?)
(… Little one, you are surprisingly intelligent. Normally, the monsters who think are few in number, but those that possess true intelligence would be only the Majin…
But that is fine, I will respond to your question.
There are inferior tribes which reproduce. Goblins and orcs, along with lizardmen–to name a few. These are special among the monsters, and are commonly referred to as demi-humans.
Among demi-humans, there also those who have befriended humanity. Elves, hobbits, and dwarfs–those belonging to the fair magical races.
Well, in a few words, those the support the Majin are called monsters, and those that support humans are recognized as a part of their species.
These demi-humans would be the representatives of the reproducing monsters. Though to me they are no more than trash!
Next, about the Majin.
Although these have been born from magical energy, they are generally beasts and magical beasts who have evolved beyond themselves.
Reproductive capabilities and true intelligence are considered their special features. Most of all, these tend to vary as individuals.
Among these, there also the high class majin. They are the most disorganize and diverse bunch.
The conclude, the giants, the vampires, and the devils are the high class majin with the longest life span.
Although these too can reproduce, they normally abstain. Hosting overwhelming magical energy, their flesh never decays.
And so, there is no need to leave offspring. Though perhaps if their numbers were to decrease due to a war or some great calamity, that may change.
As one would expect, they are strong. I myself have fought with them many times, yet they are not an opponent you can face many at a time.
A perfect brawling partner!
All together, these are referred to as the demonic races.
Of high intelligence, capable of reproduction, and laying waste to humanity–these are deigned as demons by them.
As for why I cannot reproduce… there is simply no need.
I art a “A being perfect as one, one of the four existing dragons.
The Storm Dragon Veldora!” Such is I!
I am bound by neither time nor flesh! A mass of pure magical energy, and thus I art endless!!!
Fu…. hahahahahahaha!!!)
And there he goes with his high pitched laughter…
So basically, since he has no lifespan, he needs no children! That kind of thing?
His explanation dragged on, but it was pretty useful.
Storm Dragon Veldora… a dragon, huh?
Fighting high class majin for fun, ain’t he a dangerous fellow?
This would fit the taste of most people engrossed in manga, anime, and light novels.
With all that I know, there is no question that the Storm Dragon Veldora is dangerous.
And the fact that he explained everything so politely just makes this feel more ominous.
Now… what to do next…
(Is… is that so! What an easy to understand explanation, thank you very much! Well then, I’ll excuse myself!)
With those words, I tried to take my leave.
(Wait. I have explained myself. Is it not your turn? Hmm?)
Doesn’t seem like a situation where I need to quickly run away.
Yeah~. Let’s talk about myself… but wait. I reincarnated into a different world! If I said that, would he even believe it?
As a slime possessing high intelligence, deceiving him would be unthinkable.
If anything, if he will figure out that I am trying to deceive him… that would raise a death flag, wouldn’t i?
Oh, well.
Whether he believes me or not, is not for me to decide.
Having come to a decision, I discussed everything that happened until now.
・
・
・
・
・
(And well, that’s the thing! Ain’t it strange!)
Without mentioning anything about my skills, I discussed everything from when I got stabbed, to waking up as a slime, and situations I’ve lived through.
As I was saying this, it strangely did not seem a troubling situation at all, but, well, it was pretty bad.
The fact that I can’t see being the worst part of it all.
If this goes on, won’t I pass on every cute girls and beautiful women around?
That makes me said…
(I see. You had reincarnated as I thought. What a truly rare method you used.)
(Eh? Method? And hey, aren’t you supposed to be doubtful or surprised?)
What’s with that response. Isn’t reincarnation supposed to be something really rare? From the way he says it, normal birth is beginning to seem more unusual!
(Ay. Reincarnated tend to appear once in a while. Souls with strong intentions engraved in them.
Those among them who remember their past life are not all that unusual
But to have reincarnated from a different world… that is rare.
Moreover, you’d normally be born from a human. But to be born as a monster, and from magical energy to say the least… that I have never heard of.
To have crossed the boundaries of the worlds, just having a strong soul is not enough. Had you not stabilized your soul in this demonic body, your soul would have vanished.
You are special.)
(Is that so? I wasn’t self aware, though… So there are those who have reincarnated from a different world, huh?)
(Ay. Although there haven’t been successful cases of world travel, some have wandered from there to this side.
A “Foreigner” and a “World Traveler”–so they are called, and they possess special intellect. Also, they tend to have acquired some special skills.
Records of reincarnated being renowned for their wisdom do remain. Though there are most likely those that were never recognized.)
I see. Other worlds.. I do not know whether they are from my Earth or not, but meeting them would not be a bad idea.
Maybe, there are a few Japanese around.
Might as well make meeting one my goal.
(I see! In that case, I’ll go see if I can meet any “World Traveler”. Maybe, I’ll find a compatriot among them.)
(Still, little one. You can’t even see.)
(Ah… right.)
If I can’t see, then what?
It’s inconvenient, but if I carefully hop around, I’m certain to meet them someday. Probably.
(I shall restore your sight.)
Huh? What?
Oi oi, this old man, no, this Storm Dragon Veldora… ain’t he a good man (dragon)?
Can I really expect this miracle?
(Eh? Will you really?)
(Ay. But, there is a condition. How about it?)
A condition… huh. Ominous, but…
(What sort of condition?)
(A simple one. When you regain your sight, do not fear me. And, please come talk to me again. How about it?)
Is just that fine?
And could it be… was this dragon just lonely? Solitude borne of strength?
And just as I thought the conversation went on for a while. He must not have had anyone to talk to in a while.
Maybe he’s just a big softy.
But, maybe he’s not even a real dragon. Or maybe the dragons of this world aren’t all that impressive.
Yup. This is certainly a good deal.
(Is just that much enough?)
(Ay. Truth be told, I had been sealed away for three hundred years. And so, I have been so plagued by boredom. How about it?)
(If you are alright with it, then I will happily accept!)
(Ay. Then it’s a promise. Keep it!)
(I will! As they say, I am a dependable slime!)
Of course, only I think so.
(Very well. There exists a [Magic Perception] skill. Can you use it?)
(No, I cannot. What type of skill is it?)
(You perceive the surrounding magical energy. It’s not a major skill, and acquiring the skill is rather simple.)
(Ho ho. Simple you say!))
※Truly, it is actually not simple at all.
(Ay. For those like I, it is as simple as breathing–you don’t even know you are doing it.)
(I see! If I were to acquire it, would I be able to see?)
(That is the idea. The world is covered in magical energy. There is a difference in concentration. And, light and dark possess a wave like property, did you know?)
(Yeah, light wave and dark waves, right?)
(You know well, is that knowledge from the other world? Well, it is so.
But observing these fluctuations, you can calculate the appearance of the surrounding. Simply, right?)
Haa? What the hell?
This guy… how is that simply?!
(Iya~, sounds a little difficult…)
(What? With this, even if your eyes and ears are crushed, you can continue combat. Ambushes become impossible. It’s an indispensable skill!)
(Iyaiyaiyaiya! Let’s leave the matter of combat aside from now, I just want to be able to see!)
(Muu~, if you say so. I’ll help with acquisition! And by the way, I don’t know another way!)
(Wha… can you even do it?! Aren’t you a beginner at this yourself?)
(Don’t worry. You are among the lucky few who possesses past world memories. Thus, you know what light and darkness looks like.
If you had not known, making you see would have been impossible even for me. You are indeed blessed!)
I see, explaining light and darkness would be difficult for those who have never seen them
I know I couldn’t do it.
It took Hellen Keller 2 years to learn the meaning of words.
In other words, due to other world’s knowledge, I can obtain pseudo-sight and hearing through the [Magic Perception] skill…
Not like I can refuse to try anyways.
Being unable to see is far too inconvenient.
Moreover, I’ve forgotten about it, but I also have the [Great Sage] skill.
Surely something will come from this!
(Please teach me!)
(Nay, fret not; it is truly simple. First, try to move the magical energy inside your body.)
This, I somehow understand. I think I can use the same principle as moving through the water.
(Like this?)
While enclosing it in my body, I verify movement of magical energy.
(Ay. Though you said otherwise, you seem quiet apt at this. In this case, the energy that moves within you and that which is beside you–do you feel the difference?)
This is actually pretty simple.
It’s a good thing I spent all that time feeling magical energy–I mean, I live by absorbing it after all! Feeling it is a must!
(That much I understand! Since I eat it, you know?)
(Kukuku. Since you understand that much, the rest is simple. Feel the movement of magical energy outside of yourself.)
That’s what I don’t understand, though.
Anyways, as instructed, I tried to feel it.
I do feel it swaying. Back and forth, back and forth…
Right! Let’s active [Great Sage]!
＜＜Verified. Extra skill [Magic Perception]… has been succesfully acquired＞＞
＜＜Will you use extra skill [Magic Perception]? [YES]/[NO]＞＞
Eh?
Did I really just acquire it that easily?
Well yeah, of course, [YES].
As expected, [Great Sage] is reliable as always!
The moment I had activate the extra skill [Magic Perception], my mind was filled with information.
Never, even as a human, had I processed that much information at once.
Little by little, magical energy moving along–waves of light and darkness.
Having grasped all of the incoming information, I convert it into one I can understand.
And so, I can now see 360 degrees around me, without a single blindspot.
A boulder’s shadow, the scenery 100 meters away: if I direct my consciousness there, I can see it.
If a human’s mind was filled with that much information… it just might fry.
But, I am a slime. Every one of my cells is a muscle and a brain cell!
I can definitely manage this much.
And so…
＜＜Linking extra skill [Magical Perception] and unique skill [Great Sage]… complete＞＞
My field of vision cleared up.
Moreover, I was not attacked by a burning pain in my brain.
That I wasn’t able to do this until now is strange in itself, this is an obvious form of “vision”.
[Great Sage] just might be a cheat.
That certainly is not an overstatement.
If others held it, I would certainly be crying foul. But the one possessing it, is me.
So there’s no problem.
(Well… I somehow seem to have managed it. Thank you very much!)
When I said that, I finally beheld “that.”
What do you know… a real dragon.
Gleaming like black steel, flexible and durable, like the scales of a fish….
The visage of an evil dragon…
(Geh! Dragon!!!!!!)
An appearance more evil than I was expecting, a scream had escaped from my heart.
.
.
Status
Name: Mikami Satoru
Species: Slime
Title: None
Magic: None
Techniques: Unique Skill [Great Sage], Unique Skill [Predator], Slime-specific skill [Dissolve], [Absorption], [Regeneration], skill [Hydraulic Propulsion], Extra Skill [Magic Perception].
Resistances: Thermal Fluctuation Resistance EX, Physical Attack Resistance, Pain Resistance, Electricity Resistance, Paralysis Resistance.
TL Note: Majin 魔人, would be translated as either magical men or demonic men. The closest word we have in English would probably be devils, but the author decided to use it later. Thus, I decided to leave it as it is.