Chapter 53

How to make artificial slime.

First, obtain water from a lake blessed by a spirit.

Second, mix the water with the magic stone (※the components are a trade secret) and let it sit for a few days.

Third, once it has turned gel-like, cut it into fist-sized pieces and place them in a magic flask (※patent obtained).

Fourth, let it mature for about a week on a magic circle (※the composition is a trade secret) to complete the artificial slime.

"---So, the artificial slime is sealed in a magic flask, and it won't run around unless someone takes it out."

"What about when processing it?"

"We boil the magic flask as it is, so it dies right away."

"Hmm."

I listened to the detailed explanation from the uncle who was making artificial slime noodles. It was quite an interesting story, but it could be a terrifying technology if misused. Indeed, the Magic Research Bureau and the Monster Research Bureau are incredibly suspicious organizations.

Considering that, the幻獣保護局 (Phantom Beast Protection Bureau) seems like a healthy group in comparison. After all, what drives them is a pure love for phantom beasts.

Well, that love sometimes goes overboard.

By the way, the method to make glue is---

First, boil the artificial slime in a large pot without removing it from the magic flask.

Second, fry it sizzling on a magic stone fuel iron plate.

Third, dry the crispy slime in the sun.

Fourth, cut it into a size that is easy to process and pack it in a bag to complete.

"Glue is made like this."

"Is the one drying on the roof this glue?"

"Yeah. It takes about a week to dry like that."

"I see."

The bottles containing the slime are fixed in place, so it's impossible for the building to shake and knock them over. The entrance and exit of the storage room are also sealed with magic, so only the administrator can enter.

"Well, the culprit is probably the factory manager of the Rate factory."

"What about him?"

"Alexander Rate. He's a magician from the Monster Research Bureau. He's currently missing and wanted."

"Ah, I see."

It seems that the employee of the Monster Research Bureau and the factory manager of the glue factory is the suspect in this case. Apparently, he had an abnormal love for slimes.

"He named all the slimes used as materials. I always thought he would do something like this someday---"

"What a scary story."

Lieserotte listened to the story while being completely taken aback.

If slimes were replaced with phantom beasts, it could be a plausible incident in the Phantom Beast Protection Bureau, but she kept quiet about it.

"Oh, right. These slime noodles and candied slime---"

The new products, slime noodles and candied slime, are unique slime-based foods that they make independently.

"Slime noodles are made by kneading boiled slime with flour, and candied slime is made by boiling artificial slime with fruit juice and sugar. To add a texture, I tried mixing in chia seeds. How do you like it?"

Well, the popping texture was delicious. The taste was also sweet and sour, and very good. It seemed that various fruit juices were mixed in unique proportions. The noodles were also smoother than wheat noodles and easy to eat.

"Since the slime is prominently featured, it might feel a bit strange if you know the ingredients."

"Then, let's name it 'Slime-style' and sell it."

"No, no, that still makes people think of slime!"

Well, productization is up to them. It's uncertain whether it will be approved after this incident.

The factory manager who would approve it is missing, and the slimes, which are the raw materials, have escaped. It's unclear what will happen.

After parting with the uncle and summarizing the course of events in my notebook, I was ordered by the leader of the factory manager search team to patrol the factory.

"Ugh, I don't want to. It's scary."

"Don't worry. There are no slimes left inside."

"I know, but---"

I petted Amelia to calm my nerves.

"Quu~"

"Yes, I'm fine. I'll do my best."

Encouraged by the griffin, I felt like a wimp.

Subtly, the mud catfish battle was still affecting me psychologically. As a knight, it was a rather embarrassing situation.

"Don't worry. I'll protect you, Mel."

Lieserotte, holding a golden staff, said with a determined expression. She was very reliable.

"Quu quu!"

Amelia also seemed ready to protect me. I was so happy that I felt like crying.

"Let's go."

"Yes."

The factory was brightly lit by magic stone lamps.

In recent years, the development of magic stones has significantly enriched life in the capital. It was said that in a few years, it would develop even further.

The factory was long and narrow, with many large pots lined up for boiling slimes.

These pots were not only used for boiling the slimes in the magic flasks but also for sterilizing the flasks.

The factory was empty, and the silent, eerie space made me feel uneasy. Only the sound of our footsteps echoed in the factory.

"Something feels off... Ah!"

A cold something fell on my neck.

It was slimy and slid down my skin---

"Ahh! This is a sl---Lieserotte, please get it off!"

"What? A slime fell on you?"

"Yes, yes! A small one got inside my clothes."

The small slime landed on my neck, slid down to my shoulder, and then slipped inside my clothes.

"Where is it?"

"Ahh, Lieserotte's hand is cold."

"Sorry!"

Lieserotte's cold hand, as she reached into my clothes, surprised me. She seemed to have cold hands.

The small slime was about the size of a thumb and index finger pressed together. It slid down my back and moved toward my stomach.

"Ahh, hahaha! L, Lieserotte, it's moving to my stomach, Sl---! Ah, ahahaha, it's ticklish...!"

"It's on the front now!?"

When Lieserotte lifted my jacket, she came face to face with the small slime.

The transparent slime wobbled and moved away from me, jumping up and trying to escape.

"Quu!!"

Amelia leaped and caught the jumping slime with her beak, immediately spitting it out and stomping on it with her foot.

"Quuuuuu!!"

Amelia was stomping on it with all her might, but the small slime didn't seem to be dying. It was quite tough.

"Lieserotte, move your foot. I'll burn it with fire!"

"No, Lieserotte. Fire is strictly prohibited in the factory."

"But this isn't the time to be saying that!"

Well, if the factory equipment were damaged, the repair costs would be--- but Lieserotte's family was wealthy, so it might not be a problem.

"But there are many magic stones and magic circles everywhere in the factory. I'm not very knowledgeable about magic, but if it catches fire, our lives could be in danger."

"Yes, you're right. I was being hasty."

Lieserotte's head heats up and her vision narrows when she gets excited. It's best to remind her.

"Quu~ Quu~"

Amelia, who was wrestling with the small slime, reported, "This guy is tough." She was considering getting hot water from outside, but her foot was trembling, and she seemed to be reaching her limit.

"Aah, Amelia. I'm sorry."

Looking around for something to press down on the slime, I found a magic flask used to seal slimes. I quickly picked it up and opened the lid.

"Lieserotte, use your staff to push the small slime into this magic flask."

"Okay, I got it."

This was a one-shot deal.

The moment Amelia lifted her foot, Lieserotte would push the small slime with her staff, and I would guide it into the magic flask. I explained the plan to everyone.

"Let's go!"

"Quu!"

"Got it!"

In sync--- the plan began.

Amelia lifted her foot. Lieserotte stabbed the slime with her golden staff and pushed it toward the flask.

The small slime, trembling, entered the magic flask.

Once it was all inside, I quickly closed the lid. The circle on the lid glowed faintly, probably a sealing magic circle.

The capture of the small slime was successfully completed.

I was just about to breathe a sigh of relief when I spotted a suspicious person.

"Slime-chan, my Slime-chan."

A man in his forties, wearing a white coat, was wandering around, looking for something without even glancing at us.

It only brought a bad feeling.