Chapter 9

From there, I couldn’t stop. I divided the 12 slimes into three groups of four and set about slaying the goblins. Controlling 12 slimes at once was something I was already used to.

The four slimes worked together to defeat one goblin. If even one was missing, the efficiency of experience points would drop, and coordination would be hindered, so I made it my motto to "be careful."

Still, it felt like a lie that those goblins, which were so tough until recently, are now just being defeated by me. It’s hard to believe that I was risking my life in battles with them just yesterday.

After each of the three groups had defeated five goblins, I took a break. It was almost noon.

“Phew, even though I’m used to it, controlling 12 at once is quite tiring.”

I returned to my human form and sat on a nearby rock. If my prediction was correct, it should be about time...

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You have reached level 8.

New abilities have been added to <Slime>.

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Oh! Here it comes. It’s time for the level-up bonus!

I immediately opened my status. The excitement makes the fatigue disappear.

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Alcys Seirant, 17 years old, male

Level 8

Skills

<Slime>

Mimicry... Allows you to transform your body into a level 2 slime.

Split... Allows you to split the mimicked body. Maximum is 12.

Auto-Pilot... Allows you to automatically control the split slimes.

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There’s a new ability! The third ability of <Slime> is called "Auto-Pilot." This means I don’t have to control the slimes myself, right...?

If so, this is quite revolutionary! They can fight on their own without me having to move them!

“This is amazing! Let’s try it out right away!”

I transformed into a slime using Mimicry and split into 12! The operation is smooth.

I wonder how it’s different... For now, it doesn’t seem to have changed...

“Kyu!”

“Kyu-kyu!”

I quickly noticed the difference. The slimes are making sounds on their own! Until now, they were like puppets; they wouldn’t move or make sounds unless I made them.

But now, my clones, the slimes, are lined up in front of me!

Amazing! This must be the power of Auto-Pilot! Even though they are my clones, seeing them move on their own makes them look cute! It feels like having pets!

“Kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu!”

“Kyu!”

When I give an order, the slimes split into groups and start searching for goblins just like before.

Wow!! They’re amazing! They perfectly understand my instructions!!

...Wait, do I even need to be here?

I’m not being pessimistic. If my clones can move on their own, it means that goblin hunting can be done without me having to control them.

So, can I just sleep?

The clones are in groups of four, but even if one is missing, they won’t lose to the goblins. The efficiency might drop a bit.

Yeah, I’m not needed. I’ll leave the goblin hunting to the other slimes.

Still, since this is the first time using Auto-Pilot, I’m a bit uneasy about doing nothing. I’ll keep an eye on them for a bit.

Just like when I was controlling the clones, the slimes’ fields of view are shared. I decided to observe the battle from their perspectives.

The first group defeated a goblin. Then the third group... Oh, the second group found the second goblin and is going to defeat it. Smooth work.

Hmm, perfect! They’re even more flawless than when I was controlling 12 at once. I should just leave it to them.

I’ll take a break while watching everyone. Still, it’s getting warm and I’m feeling sleepy...

*

Huh!!

It seems I fell asleep. The sun is setting. It’s already evening!

That was dangerous, falling asleep on the battlefield in slime form! I could have been crushed by other monsters or adventurers!

Miraculously, I was hidden in the shade of a rock and didn’t get hurt. Phew, that was a close call...

Now, have the clones finished the goblin hunting? It’s late today, so I’ll return to my human form.

Hey, everyone, good job! Come back!

When I said it in my mind, the clones all returned. All 11 are here. They did a great job until this late hour!

“Now, how did it go...”

The moment I muttered, I saw an unbelievable sight. A situation I didn’t notice in the slimes’ fields of view.

“What, what is this!?”

At my feet, there were countless goblin skins scattered around!!!