Chapter 3: The Crimson Beginning

Kazuto walked through the streets of the town, but something was missing. Despite the excitement he felt, a nagging reality tugged at the back of his mind: he had nothing. No money, no home, and certainly no base of operations. The idea of simply enrolling at the academy seemed impossible with his current situation.

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. How am I supposed to live here if I can't even afford a meal?

He had spent the last few days learning the lay of the land, but even that felt like a futile effort. The town was large, yet unfamiliar, and with no way to buy supplies or a place to stay, he was forced to stay on the move.

Kazuto continued walking, lost in thought, until he noticed something peculiar—a faint hum in the air, like a pull in the back of his mind, tugging at him toward the outskirts of the town. He'd felt this before, that sense of raw energy in the air. It was faint but growing stronger the more he walked. Mana. The world was alive with it, and it felt like it was coming from somewhere specific.

Following the sensation, Kazuto made his way out of the town and into the wilderness. The trees grew thicker, the air heavier with magical energy. After an hour of walking, the hum was almost overwhelming. He had to follow it, whatever it was.

As the sun began to set, he arrived at a large clearing, and there, in the center, was a strange pool of shimmering red liquid. It bubbled softly, pulsing with an almost sentient rhythm. Kazuto approached cautiously, feeling the heat emanating from the red substance. It felt alive, much like the black slime Cid had encountered in his own world—but this one was crimson, unlike anything Kazuto had ever seen.

A strange voice echoed in his mind.

The chosen one will take the power, or it shall remain dormant.

Kazuto felt an instinctual pull. He wasn't sure what the "chosen one" meant, but this felt like an opportunity. His hand hesitated for only a moment before he reached out and touched the crimson slime.

The moment his fingers made contact, a surge of energy coursed through his body. He gasped as raw power flooded his veins, the mana swirling inside him. It was different from what he'd experienced before—this was something deeper, something more primal. A surge of heat filled his chest, and he felt his senses sharpen, his vision clearing. His body seemed to hum with newfound strength.

The crimson slime, as if acknowledging the bond, shifted, taking on a more solid form, almost like a small creature. Kazuto's mind raced. So this is it. This is my power.

Suddenly, the ground trembled beneath him. He looked around, realizing too late that he had been followed. A massive figure emerged from the shadows, its silhouette towering over him. A legendary beast, its eyes glowing a deep, menacing red. The creature bared its fangs, and a low growl echoed from deep within its chest.

It was a dragon.

Kazuto's heart pounded. This was no ordinary beast. It was an ancient guardian of the area—immensely powerful and unyielding. He had no choice now. There would be no retreat.

So this is the test, Kazuto thought as he clenched his fists. He could feel the power of the crimson slime inside him, pulsing in sync with his heartbeat. He didn't have much experience with battle, but the bond with the slime had unlocked something in him. Strength surged through his limbs, and he prepared for the fight of his life.

The dragon lunged, and Kazuto barely dodged the creature's clawed swipe. The ground beneath him cracked from the impact, sending shards of rock flying in every direction.

Kazuto gritted his teeth. He couldn't afford to hesitate. With a powerful leap, he summoned the magic inside him, his hands glowing with red energy as he formed a fiery, crimson shield to block the dragon's next attack. The slime's power surged into him, amplifying his abilities beyond what he ever expected.

The dragon roared in fury and charged again, but this time Kazuto was ready. He held his ground, focusing every ounce of his energy into a single thrust. The crimson slime responded, and with a burst of power, he launched an energy blast that struck the dragon square in the chest. The beast howled in agony before collapsing to the ground with a thunderous crash.

Kazuto panted heavily, his body trembling from the intensity of the battle. He had done it. He had defeated a legendary creature, and in doing so, he had claimed his first true victory.

The crimson slime slithered over to Kazuto, resting contentedly by his side. Kazuto couldn't help but grin, feeling a surge of pride.

"I'm Crimson," he whispered to the slime. The name felt right. It was a new beginning, one that would mark the start of his journey.

He had his power. Now, he needed a place to call his own.

---

Kazuto climbed a nearby mountain, finding a perfect vantage point where he could see the entire valley below. The view was breathtaking. At the top of the mountain, he could establish his base—secure, out of sight, and full of potential.

"This will be mine," Kazuto said, determination burning in his eyes. "No one will take this from me. Not now, and not ever."