Chapter 4

Damien sat in the dark, immobilized and frustrated. His mind was alive with thoughts—memories of his old life, questions about this new world, and, most of all, his pitiful new form.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, a strange sensation washed over him. His body... or what was left of it, shifted. A ripple of energy coursed through his gelatinous form.

"What's... happening now?" Damien thought, his confusion growing.

> Sensorial Core: Activated.<

With that, a blurry image appeared in his mind—a small, fuzzy outline of the world around him. His "eyes," though rudimentary, were now able to pick up basic shapes.

> Quest Available: "The First Meal"<

Objective: Consume the local flora or fauna to gain sustenance and adapt to your new form.

Reward: Initial Experience Points, Basic Growth.

Damien blinked—well, at least, mentally blinked. "So now I have a quest?"

> Yes, host. You must consume organic matter to gain strength.<

He couldn't help but let out a small, frustrated laugh. "Well, at least it's not a fetch quest..."

He sensed something—no, someone—moving near him. The smell of damp earth and decay filled his senses. From the fuzzy outline, Damien could tell there were small creatures nearby, though they were too far to reach yet.

"Alright, guess I need to find something to eat," Damien thought.

Slowly, he began to slide forward, feeling the strange weightlessness of his body. The slime's movement was awkward, like he was flowing more than walking, but it worked. He found the nearest small plant-like shape and nudged against it. The sensation of consuming it was odd, but not painful. As he "devoured," a faint warmth spread through him.

> Consumption Complete: +1 EXP.<

A wave of satisfaction washed over him, though it wasn't much. The reward was tiny, but it was a start. Damien took in the small plant, absorbing whatever nutrients it provided. It was a strange feeling—like he was somehow more than before.

"Okay… I guess I'm getting somewhere," Damien mused, feeling a small surge of strength. "I'll need more, though. Maybe I'll try one of those creatures next."

He focused on his new quest, the goal clear in his mind: Eat. Grow. Survive.

With his basic movement abilities now functioning, Damien began to flow towards the next target—a small insect-like creature darting across the floor, its legs skittering quickly.

"Here goes nothing."

He surged forward, instinct guiding him, and engulfed the creature, feeling it squirm for a moment before it disappeared into his form. The sensation was strange, almost like... absorbing a memory.

> Consumption Complete: +2 EXP.

Racial Talent: Devour - Upgraded.

You have gained: Enhanced Movement.

"Okay, okay... that's better," Damien thought with a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. "I'm definitely not a weakling anymore."

He felt his body begin to solidify, ever so slightly. The quest, though simple, had given him something: power.

> Quest Update: "The First Meal" Complete. Reward: +5 EXP, First Evolution Stage Unlocked.<

Damien paused, unsure of what this meant. The words flashed in his mind—First Evolution Stage. "Evolution? I actually get stronger?" he wondered. "I guess this is what I get for being a slime. Not much else to do, but evolve."

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