17 - We hereby name this base “Castle Slime”

Slime’s work went beyond Merle’s expectations. The army of duplicates only continued to split, eventually constructing a large, Japanese-style castle without stopping for sleep or rest. Come morning, Merle could only stare at the newly constructed fortress before her.

“ You’re amazing, Slime!” Merle said as she hugged the original. “You managed to build a castle overnight!”

“ Ehehehe, it was no trouble,” Slime said, blushing as Merle began to pat her head.

Merle wasn’t the only one shocked. On a nearby hill, there was a camp of soldiers dispatched to assist the Hero; as they woke up and saw the castle on the horizon, they rubbed their eyes and wondered if they were still dreaming.

“ Captain!” one of them cried. “It’s a castle! They’ve constructed a Demon Castle!”

“ I can see it!” the Captain said, stunned. “I’ve never heard of such a thing. What kind of magic can be used to build a castle overnight…?”

With the work completed, Slime’s duplicates merged back with the original.

Dorothy, still hanging from the tree, stares at the building with wide eyes. “What is this?” she asked. “You built a castle overnight?”

“ I’m just as surprised,” Merle said. “No—I’m grateful that my subordinates are so skilled.”

“ No, I only achieved this because you saved me, Demon King!” Slime said.

“ That so?” Merle said. “You’re a good girl, Slime, a good, good, good girl…” she said as she began to pat her head.

As she did, Succubus anxiously bit a handkerchief. “You’re only praising Slime for her hard work, Your Majesty, haven’t I done my best as well?” she asked.

“Yes, you’ve done great work as well,” Merle said. “Come over here! Get your head pats!”

“ Right away! <3” Succubus sang.

Still tied up, Dorothy could only watch with amazement as the Demon King treated her servants like pets. “What are they doing…?” she muttered to herself.

On the nearby hill, the soldiers decided to rescue Dorothy and inform the King about these events. They quickly ducked into the bushes, staying out of sight as they approached the newly constructed castle.