Infinite Adaptation: Starting As A Level 1 Slime-Chapter 38: Going Out

"Why not?" Lunaris asked.

"It’s too dangerous," Roselle said firmly. "The humans hate us. If the Lord goes there, you will be at risk."

Lunaris focused on his Shapeshifting.

His wolf ears receded into his head. His tail vanished. Within moments, he appeared completely human.

"How about now?"

Roselle’s eyes widened in surprise.

Then she pressed her lips together.

"It’s still too risky."

She opened her mouth to continue...

"Roselle."

His voice cut through.

She met his gaze and froze.

Something in his eyes made her instinctively back away.

"My Lord?"

"Why does it feel like you’re trying to go against me every time?"

Her expression crumbled.

"My Lord, I care about your safety! I’m not doing it on purpose, I swear!"

He looked at her silently.

She trembled under his gaze.

"I... I really can’t budge on this matter."

"Calm down."

His voice softened slightly.

"I’m not doubting you. It’s just... when it happens so often, one can’t help but wonder. You understand, right?"

Her voice trembled.

"Yes..."

He smiled.

"I’m not unreasonable. In fact, I understand your concerns."

He paused.

"How about this - I can take someone with me as a guard. That’s much safer, right?"

Roselle hesitated.

The Lord is becoming suspicious of me.

They were bumping heads too much. If this continued, she wouldn’t be able to convince him of anything.

She gritted her teeth.

If that happens... then my mission...

"It’s fine," she said finally. "You can take me with you."

She placed her hand on her chest.

"I swear to keep you safe."

"No."

She blinked. "What?"

"I’m not taking you with me."

Shock flashed across her face.

"Then who else could you take as a guard? I am the strongest person here!"

"You’re too hostile toward humans," he said plainly. "Even to the point of disobeying me. How am I supposed to go through with my plan while trying to keep you from causing trouble?"

She fell silent.

"After you, Mira is the strongest, right?" he continued. "And after my blessing, she should be even stronger now. She’s enough for my protection. It’s not like we’ll go around seeking trouble. I’ll bless her with my disguise ability and all will be fine."

Roselle remained silent.

Then she exhaled slowly.

"...Alright. I’ll talk with Mira."

...

Lunaris stood outside the village, waiting.

Footsteps approached.

"My Lord, I’m ready to go."

Mira stood before him, her posture straight and attentive.

Lunaris looked at her. Then he extended his hand.

A silver glow spread from his palm and flowed into her body.

Mira’s eyes widened.

"This is..."

She instantly dropped to her knees.

"Thank you for the blessing, my Lord!"

"Don’t worry about it," he said. "Use it to disguise yourself."

She rose and activated the skill.

Her rabbit ears vanished. Her tail disappeared.

She looked down at herself, amazed by the effectiveness.

"This is incredible..."

The two began walking.

"What did you talk about with Roselle?" he asked.

Mira answered without hesitation.

"She told me to protect you with my life. And to be ready to give my life for you."

She continued in the same even tone.

"She said it’s better I die protecting you than return without you. She said I don’t want to know what will happen if I do."

That far?

Lunaris glanced at her.

And this girl... saying such scary things with such a straight face.

He transformed into his wolf form.

Mira blinked.

"My Lord, what are you doing? Isn’t this too conspicuous?"

"We have a long way to go," he explained. "We’ll use this form since it’s fast to close the distance, then transform back when we’re close."

He looked at her.

"What are you waiting for? Get on."

She seemed hesitant.

"Will you continue wasting time?"

"My apologies, my Lord."

She climbed onto his back.

They took off.

...

Roselle paced back and forth in the church.

Dammit. Everything is messed up.

She had let the Lord go so he wouldn’t think she was being too overbearing. But she was still worried.

He should be fine, right?

Her steps quickened. Her tail twitched anxiously.

Right?

"Roselle?"

She snapped out of her thoughts.

Luna stood before her, head tilted curiously.

Roselle composed herself and bowed.

"Young Moon."

"Is something wrong?" Luna asked. "You seemed worried."

"Everything is fine," Roselle assured her with a practiced smile. "There’s nothing for the Young Moon to concern herself with."

Luna didn’t look entirely convinced.

Roselle paused.

Hmm... maybe I can use this.

She needed something to calm herself anyway.

Besides, she could use this as an apology to the Lord later.

She knelt before Luna.

"Does the Young Moon wish to step outside? Aren’t you bored staying here all day?"

Luna’s eyes lit up instantly.

"Want to! Want to!"

Then she stopped, her excitement dimming slightly.

"But... I have to ask for Dad’s permission."

Roselle smiled warmly.

"There’s no need to bother the Lord with such a trivial matter. The Young Lord need only say the word, and I, your humble servant, shall abide."

Luna hesitated.

Then she nodded slowly.

"I want to go out."

"Alright."

Roselle’s smile widened.

"This servant obeys."

She rose to her feet, her expression calm.

I should take this chance to deal with those troublesome fellows.

Her eyes glinted.

I’m merely taking the Young Lord on a stroll under her orders. If we happen to encounter danger... it’s only natural that I go all out to protect her, right?

...

Seria walked down the grand hallways of the Holy Church, her expression sour and her steps sharp and irritated.

Hmph. So what if I went out a little without permission?

She continued walking, her mood showing no signs of improving.

Then she noticed movement in the training area.

A woman stood beneath the afternoon sun, sword in hand. Sweat glistened on her brow as she swung with focused determination.

One swing after another.

Her form was precise and her eyes were unwavering.

Seria watched for a moment.

"Why don’t you take a break?"

The woman stopped mid-swing and turned around.

"Saintess?"

"I told you not to be so formal," Seria said, walking closer. "Just call me Seria."

She held out a towel.

The woman set down her training sword and accepted it gratefully.

"I apologize..."

Seria pouted.

The woman hesitated.

Then, quietly...

"...Seria."

Seria’s expression brightened into a warm smile.

"That’s more like it."

...

The two walked together through the church grounds.

"Seria is really impressive," the girl said. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Seria waved her hand dismissively.

"It’s just so-so." She glanced at the girl beside her. "More than that, I’m much more impressed by you."

The girl shook her head.

"I’m not that impressive."

"But you really are."

Seria paused.

"You’re from another world, right?"

The girl looked at her.

"How is it? The world you’re from?"

"The world I’m from..."

The girl thought for a moment.

"It’s totally different. There’s no magic." She smiled faintly. "But there are all sorts of things that function just like magic."

Seria’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.

"It sounds like an interesting place."

"It really is," the girl agreed.

"Do you miss it?" Seria asked. "Your world?"

The girl paused.

Her steps slowed.

Then she smiled.

"Not really."

They continued walking.

"Though... I have a regret."