Arin woke to unfamiliar sounds.

  Instead of birds announcing a new day and the rustling leaves, Arin heard cart wheels on cobblestones, distant conversations, and the pounding of a blacksmith's hammer. The cellar was cool and dark, exactly as Marta had promised, but it lacked the comfort of his tree hollow.

  This is civilization. This is what humans build when they have safety.

  He flowed up the cellar stairs, squeezing under the door rather than trying to open it. The last thing he needed was to break something in Marta's house on his first morning.

  The kitchen was empty, but there was evidence of recent activity. Bread crumbs on the cutting board, a pot still warm on the stove, the lingering smell of porridge. A note lay on the table, written in Jorin's careful hand:

  "Arin - Gone to report to town officials about Mira's parents. Back by midday. You're welcome to explore, but remember Captain Thorne's rules. Stay visible. -Gareth"

  Arin read the note twice, pleased that he could understand it without too much difficulty. Jorin's clear handwriting helped, but Arin's reading skills had genuinely improved over the past weeks.

  Explore. I can explore a real human town.

  The prospect was both exciting and terrifying.

  He flowed out through the front door, careful to make sure it latched behind him. Baker Street was already busy despite the early hour. People moved with purpose, heading to work or the market. Most gave Arin's house a wide berth, having clearly been warned about the unusual resident.

  Arin formed himself into a compact ball shape, trying to appear as non-threatening as possible. He stayed on the cobblestone street rather than the walkways, giving people space.

  Almost immediately, he noticed the stares. They were different from the shock and fear of yesterday. Now people looked at him with a mixture of curiosity, suspicion, and in some cases, open hostility.

  A woman pulling a cart full of vegetables crossed to the other side of the street when she saw him. Two men in work clothes stopped their conversation to watch him pass, their hands moving toward tools that could serve as weapons if needed.

  But there were exceptions. A young girl, maybe six years old, waved at him from a doorway before her mother pulled her back inside. An elderly man nodded politely as Arin rolled past. A dwarf carrying a barrel full of something that smelled like pickled fish actually stopped to study him.

  "You're the slime that killed the hobgoblin, yeah?" the dwarf asked in a gravelly voice.

  Arin formed letters on the cobblestones: Y E S

  "Impressive. A level 10 hobgoblin's no joke, especially for something your level." The dwarf set down his barrel and extended a calloused hand, then seemed to realize the gesture was meaningless. "Name's Brund. I work the docks. Heard the guards talking about you this morning. Half of them think you're dangerous. The other half thinks you're the most interesting thing to happen to Greengate in years."

  W H I C H H A L F A R E Y U

  Brund laughed, a deep rumbling sound. "The interesting half, obviously. Any creature smart enough to learn Common and fight alongside humans deserves respect, in my book." He picked up his barrel again. "Word of advice, though - avoid the east market if you can. That's where the temple folk gather, and they're not... open-minded about non-humans."

  T H A N K Y U F O R W A R N I N G

  "Don't mention it. Welcome to Greengate, slime."

  The dwarf trudged off, leaving Arin with valuable information.

  There are parts of town that won’t like me. That’s good to know.

  He continued exploring, making mental notes of important locations. A large building with a sign depicting a sword and shield - probably the guard barracks. A temple with a white stone tower - the place Brund had warned him about. Shops selling everything from bread to boots to weapons.

  And then he saw it. A three-story building near the town center with an elaborate sign hanging above the door. The sign showed a creature that might have been a dragon, painted in gold and red, surrounding a shield. Below it, words Arin slowly pieced together:

  "GREENGATE ADVENTURER'S GUILD"

  The Adventurer's Guild. Where people take contracts to fight monsters and explore dungeons.

  Arin had heard the woodcutters mention it occasionally, but seeing the actual building was a different experience. Through the open door, he could see people inside. Real adventurers, presumably, wore armor and carried well-worn weapons.

  He flowed closer, drawn by curiosity. The guild hall's interior was visible from the doorway - a large open room with tables, a bar along one wall, and a huge bulletin board covered in papers. At least thirty people occupied the space, some eating breakfast, others studying the board, a few gathered around a table in heated discussion.

  Arin hesitated at the threshold. Captain Thorne's rules had been clear. He needed to stay visible and not enter private buildings without permission. Was the guild hall public enough to count?

  "You coming in or just blocking the door?"

  Arin turned his vision toward the speaker. A human woman, maybe in her mid-thirties, leaned against the doorframe with her arms crossed. She wore leather armor reinforced with metal studs, and a sword hung at her hip. Her dark hair was pulled back in a practical braid, and her expression was more curious than hostile.

  [Human Warrior - Level 11]

  I D O N O T W A N T C A U S T R O U B L

  "Then come in or move aside. You're making people nervous just hovering there." The woman straightened and walked past him into the guild hall. Over her shoulder, she added, "First drink's on me if you've got a good story about that hobgoblin kill."

  Arin made a decision and flowed into the guild hall. Conversation didn't stop exactly, but it definitely quieted. Every eye in the room tracked his movement as he positioned himself near the door, trying to stay out of the way.

  The woman who'd invited him in walked to the bar and spoke to the man behind it - a massive half-orc with gray-green skin and arms thick as tree trunks. They had a brief, quiet conversation, during which the half-orc's eyes flickered toward Arin several times.

  Finally, the woman returned with two mugs. She set one on the floor near Arin, then took a long drink from her own.

  "Name's Kelsa. Bronze rank adventurer, been at this for six years." She nodded toward the mug. "That's water. Wasn't sure if you could drink ale."

  C A N N O T B U T T H A N K Y U

  "You really can write." Kelsa crouched down to read his letters more easily. "The guards weren't exaggerating. So, the hobgoblin. True story?"

  Y E S L E V L 1 0 I W A S L E V L 8

  "You beat something two levels above you?" A new voice joined the conversation. A young man, maybe twenty, wearing light armor and carrying a bow approached. "How?"

  [Human Ranger - Level 7]

  Arin considered how to explain. Finally, he formed:

  U S D T A C T I C S N O T J U S T S T R E N G T H

  "Tactics," Kelsa repeated, nodding appreciatively. "Smart. Hobgoblins are strong but predictable. If you could stay mobile, avoid the sword strikes..." She studied Arin's gelatinous form. "Yeah, I can see how that'd work. Weapon passes right through you, doesn't it?"

  M O S T L Y B U T S T I L H U R T S

  "Fascinating." The ranger crouched down as well. "I'm Peck. Sorry for the questions, but I've never met a sapient slime before. Are you unique?"

  D O N O T K N O W N E V R M E T A N O T H R S L I M

  "So you could be one of a kind," Kelsa said. "That's either really special or really lonely."

  B O T H

  The simple honesty of it seemed to affect them. Kelsa's expression softened slightly, and Peck looked thoughtful.

  "Well, you're not alone now," Kelsa said. "Greengate's not the worst place to end up. We've got a decent adventurer's guild, reasonable contracts, and most people are fine once they get used to something new." She paused. "Most people."

  The way she said it made Arin's core pulse with apprehension.

  W H A T

  "There's a group," Peck explained quietly. "They call themselves the Purity Movement. They think only 'true' races should be allowed in human settlements. Humans, elves, dwarves - the usual. They've been causing problems for the half-orc community, and they definitely won't like you."

  G R E A T M O R E T H I N G S T O W O R R Y A B O U T

  "Don't let them scare you off," Kelsa said firmly. "They're mostly talk. Captain Thorne keeps them in check. Just... be aware they exist."

  Arin appreciated the warning, even as it added another layer of complexity to his new life in town. He was about to form another question when a commotion at the bulletin board caught everyone's attention.

  "Another goblin raid!" someone shouted. "Third one this week!"

  The guild hall erupted in conversation. Adventurers crowded around the board, reading the new contract posting. Arin could hear fragments of worried discussion:

  "—pattern to the attacks—"

  "—bigger force organizing them—"

  "—not just random raids anymore—"

  Kelsa stood and moved toward the board with the rest of the crowd. Arin followed, curious despite himself.

  The new posting was written in bold letters:

  "URGENT CONTRACT: Goblin raids are increasing on northern farms. At least twenty goblins confirmed, possibly more. Led by an unknown commander. Bronze rank minimum. 50 gold reward. See Guild Master for details."

  Fifty gold. Arin didn't know if that was a lot, but the way the adventurers were reacting suggested it was significant.

  "Twenty goblins," Peck said, reading over Kelsa's shoulder. "That's going to need a full party at least."

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  "Or two parties working together," Kelsa added. She glanced at Arin. "You interested in contract work?"

  The question caught Arin off guard.

  Levi mentioned being an adventurer as a dream, but could I really be one? Would they let me be one as a slime? I need to become stronger and learn more. Eventually, I need to return to Vyrdan.

  Taking contracts would give him purpose. Direction. A way to prove his worth to the town while gaining experience and levels.

  M A Y B E B U T A M N O T G I L D M E M B R Y E T

  "Yet," Kelsa repeated with a slight smile. "You thinking about joining?"

  I F T H E Y W O U D H A V M E

  "Only one way to find out." Kelsa jerked her head toward a door at the back of the hall. "Guild Master's office is through there. Fair warning though - Master Torven is... particular. He might take some convincing."

  H O W P A R T I C U L R

  "He believes in order, rules, and tradition. A sapient slime wanting to join the guild is pretty far outside tradition." Kelsa shrugged. "But he's also practical. You've got combat experience, you can communicate, and you just proved yourself against a Level 10 threat. That has to count for something."

  Arin considered. He could wait, play it safe, avoid pushing for official recognition. Or he could take a chance now, while he had the advantage of recent success and witnesses to vouch for him.

  Levi would have taken the chance. Levi always believed in moving forward, not hiding.

  C A N Y U C O M W I T H M E

  "To vouch for you?" Kelsa looked surprised, then thoughtful. "Yeah, I can do that. Give me a minute to finish my drink."

  As Kelsa returned to her mug, Peck leaned closer to Arin. "You're brave," he said quietly. "Or crazy. Possibly both."

  M A Y B E B O T H

  Peck laughed. "I like you, slime. Hope Torven says yes."

  A few minutes later, Kelsa led Arin to the back of the guild hall and knocked on a heavy wooden door. A gruff voice called out, "Enter."

  The office beyond was neat and organized. Shelves lined the walls, filled with books, scrolls, and various monster parts preserved in jars. A large desk dominated the center of the room, and behind it sat a man who radiated authority.

  [Human Guild Master - Level 18]

  Guild Master Torven was perhaps sixty years old, with gray hair, sharp eyes, and the bearing of someone who'd seen everything at least twice. He looked up from the document he was reading, saw Kelsa, then saw Arin, and his eyebrows rose.

  "Kelsa. And... the slime." Torven set down his quill. "I assume this isn't a social visit."

  "The slime wants to join the guild," Kelsa said directly. "And before you say no, hear me out."

  Torven leaned back in his chair. "I'm listening."

  "He's Level 9. He killed the hobgoblin that ambushed the refugee caravan yesterday - a Level 10 opponent. He can communicate effectively, follow instructions, and work collaboratively with a team. He's got Stealth and Charge as confirmed skills, plus who knows what other abilities."

  "He's also a slime," Torven said. "A creature typically classified as a low-level monster."

  N O T T Y P I C A L S L I M, Arin formed on the office floor.

  Torven's eyes flickered down to read the letters, and something that might have been amusement crossed his face. "No, you certainly are not typical."

  He stood and walked around his desk, studying Arin from multiple angles. "Can you follow complex instructions?"

  Y E S

  "Can you work as part of a team without endangering your allies?"

  Y E S H A V D O N E S O A L R E A D Y

  "Can you read a contract and understand what you're agreeing to?"

  R E A D I N G I S S T I L H A R D B U T I M P R O V I N G

  "Honest answer. I appreciate that." Torven returned to his desk and pulled out a thick book. "The guild charter allows for non-human membership. Elves, dwarves, half-orcs, and even the occasional lizardfolk. There's technically no rule against a slime joining."

  "So you'll approve him?" Kelsa asked.

  "I didn't say that." Torven flipped through the book. "The charter also requires that all members demonstrate basic competency. Can you show me your Status?"

  Arin had seen adventurers do this before - share their Status screen with others. He focused and projected his information:

  [Name: Arin]

  [Species: Adaptive Slime]

  [Level: 9]

  [Mass: 153% of base]

  [Essence: 27/180]

  [Skills:]

  - Charge (Tier 1)

  - Darkvision (Tier 1)

  - Stealth (Tier 1)

  [Abilities:]

  - Absorption (Tier 2)

  - Acidic (Tier 1)

  - Fire Resistance (Tier 1)

  - Ice Resistance (Tier 1)

  - Lightning Resistance (Tier 1)

  - Physical Resistance (Tier 1)

  - Shadow Resistance (Tier 1)

  - Magical Resistance (Tier 1)

  - Slime Control (Tier 1)

  [Skill Points Available: 1]

  Torven studied the Status for a long moment. His expression was unreadable.

  "Adaptive Slime," he finally said. "Never seen that species classification before. And look at those resistances." He glanced at Kelsa. "You weren't exaggerating about unusual abilities."

  "So?" Kelsa pressed.

  "So..." Torven closed his book. "The guild has a probationary membership option. Bronze rank, restricted contracts only, and must work with an established party for the first three months. After that period, full evaluation for permanent membership."

  Arin's core pulsed with excitement.

  He's saying yes!

  "The restrictions," Torven continued, "are non-negotiable. You cannot take contracts alone. You cannot attempt Silver rank or higher contracts. And if there are any complaints about your conduct - any at all - probationary status is revoked immediately."

  W I L F O L O W A L R U L S

  "I'm sure you will." Torven pulled out a new document and began filling it out. "The paperwork will take a few minutes. In the meantime, consider what name you would like to have registered. Your legal guild name."

  A R I N, Arin formed without hesitation.

  "Just Arin? No family name?"

  N O F A M I L Y

  The words formed before Arin fully processed what he was saying. It was true, though. He had no family. No pack. No hive. Just himself and the memories of someone who'd died trying to save him.

  Torven's expression softened slightly. "Understood. Arin, it is." He continued writing. "Age?"

  H O W M E S U R A G E F O R S L I M

  "Fair question. We'll put 'unknown' and note your sapience date if you know it."

  T H R E E M O N T H S M A Y B E

  "So you're essentially an infant by human standards," Torven mused. "Yet you're Level 9, literate, and capable of tactical thinking. Remarkable."

  He finished the paperwork and slid it across the desk. "Read this as best you can. It's your membership contract. The key points are: You agree to follow guild rules, take only approved contracts, pay the standard ten percent commission on all earnings, and conduct yourself in a manner that doesn't bring dishonor to the guild."

  Arin read through the document slowly. The language was complex, but the key points Torven had mentioned were clear enough. At the bottom was a line for a signature.

  H O W D O I S I G N

  "Good question." Torven thought for a moment, then pulled out an inkpad. "Form a tendril and press it here. Your unique texture should leave an identifiable mark."

  Arin did as instructed, creating a small tendril and pressing it against the inkpad, then onto the signature line. The mark it left was distinctive - a swirling pattern unlike any human fingerprint.

  "Excellent." Torven filed the document. "Welcome to the Greengate Adventurer's Guild, Arin. Bronze rank, probationary status." He pulled out a small bronze token and handed it to Kelsa. "Since you vouched for him, you're responsible for holding his guild token until he can carry it himself. Don't lose it."

  Kelsa took the token and examined it. One side showed the guild symbol. The other had been freshly engraved with a simple letter: A.

  "Got yourself a slime," she said with a slight smile. "Never thought I'd see the day."

  "Neither did I," Torven admitted. He looked at Arin seriously. "Don't make me regret this decision. Prove me right."

  W I L T R Y T O

  "That's all any of us can do." Torven waved toward the door. "Now get out of my office. I have actual work to do."

  As they left the office and returned to the main hall, Kelsa held up the bronze token for everyone to see. "Attention! We've got a new guild member. Bronze rank, probationary status. Meet Arin."

  The reaction was mixed. Some adventurers clapped or raised their mugs in acknowledgment. Others looked skeptical or outright hostile. But the announcement had been made. Arin was officially an adventurer now.

  "So," Kelsa said, pocketing the token safely. "You're one of us now. That means you need to learn how the guild actually works." She led him back to the bulletin board. "Contracts are posted here. Bronze rank can take anything marked bronze or copper. Silver rank and above are restricted."

  She pointed to different postings. "See the symbols? Bronze copper is for new adventurers or minor threats. Bronze is standard work - goblin patrols, wolf packs, minor dungeon exploration. Silver requires Level 10 minimum and involves greater danger."

  W H A T A B O U T G O B L I N R A I D C O N T R A C T

  "That one?" Kelsa studied the posting. "It's marked bronze, so technically you qualify. But twenty goblins is serious business. You'd need a full party - at least four people, probably five."

  I D O N O T H A V P A R T Y

  "Not yet," Kelsa corrected. "But you will. Tell you what - my party is down a member right now. Our rogue quit last week to join a Silver rank group. We've been looking for someone to fill that spot." She studied Arin thoughtfully. "Your Stealth skill could work. And you've proven you can handle combat."

  Y U W O U D W A N T M E

  "Want might be strong," Kelsa said honestly. "But I'm practical. You've got skills we need, and you're motivated to prove yourself. That counts for something." She paused. "Fair warning, though, my other party members are going to need convincing."

  W H E N D O I M E E T T H E M

  "Tonight. We meet at the hall every evening to plan the next day's contracts. Six o'clock, table in the back corner." Kelsa's expression grew serious. "They're good people, but they're going to test you. Be ready for that."

  W I L B E R E A D Y

  "Good." Kelsa glanced at the window, gauging the sun's position. "It's almost midday. You should probably head back to your lodgings. Don't want to worry your woodcutter friends."

  Arin realized she was right. Gareth had said they'd be back by midday, and Arin didn't want them to worry about where he'd gone.

  T H A N K Y U F O R H E L P

  "Don't thank me yet. Wait until you meet Torvin and Essa." Kelsa smiled slightly. "See you tonight, guild member."

  As Arin flowed out of the guild hall and back toward Baker Street, his core pulsed with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. So much had happened in just one morning. He'd explored the town, been warned about hostile groups, met other adventurers, and somehow ended up joining the Adventurers' Guild.

  *One day in Greengate and everything's changed again.*

  The street was busier now, with the midday crowd moving between shops and homes. More people stared at Arin as he passed, but a few seemed to recognize him from earlier. The elderly man nodded again. Brund the dwarf called out a greeting from across the street.

  Word was spreading. The slime was part of the town now, for better or worse.

  When Arin reached Marta's house, he found Gareth and Jorin waiting on the front step. Gareth's expression was troubled.

  "There you are," Gareth said. "We were starting to worry."

  S O R R Y W E N T T O G I L D H A L

  "The guild hall?" Gareth's eyebrows rose. "Why?"

  J O I N D A D V E N T U R R S G I L D

  "You joined?" Jorin's face lit up. "Really? That's amazing!"

  "That's..." Gareth seemed less certain. "That's a big step, Arin. Are you sure about this?"

  Arin considered how to explain. Finally, he formed: N E E D P U R P O S E N E E D T O G R O W S T R O N G R

  "To go back to Vyrdan eventually," Gareth said quietly, understanding. "To find out what happened to your creator."

  Y E S

  Gareth was silent for a moment, then nodded. "I understand. Just... be careful. The adventuring life is dangerous."

  W I L B E C A R F U L

  "Good." Gareth's expression shifted to something more troubled. "Speaking of dangerous news, we found out what happened to Mira's parents."

  Arin's core pulsed with apprehension. The way Gareth said it suggested the news wasn't good.

  "They're alive," Gareth said quickly. "Both of them. But Mira's father was badly injured in the bandit attack. They made it to Greengate two days before we did, and he's been with the town healer ever since."

  T H A T I S G O O D T H E Y A R E A L I V

  "Yes, but..." Gareth looked uncomfortable. "They're asking about Mira. About how she survived. And specifically about what saved her from the bandits and the goblins."

  Arin understood immediately.

  They want to know about me.

  W H E N D O I M E E T T H E M

  "Tomorrow morning," Gareth said. "Mira's mother wants to meet you. To thank you, officially." He paused. "Just be aware that they're scared. They've heard stories about the red slime that killed bandits and goblins. They don't know yet that you're sapient."

  W I L S H O W T H E M I A M F R E N D

  "I know you will." Gareth stood and opened the door. "Come on. Marta made lunch, and she's been eager to hear about your morning."

  As they entered the house and the familiar smell of home-cooked food surrounded him, Arin reflected on his first morning in Greengate. He'd joined the Adventurer's Guild. Made contact with other adventurers. Been warned about potential enemies. And tomorrow, he would meet Mira's parents.

  The path forward was becoming clearer. He would work as an adventurer, take contracts, and grow stronger. Even more, Arin would learn more about the world and his place in it. And eventually, when he was ready, he would return to Vyrdan and find answers about Levi's death.

  But today, he could rest and enjoy lunch with people who'd become his family. Gareth, Jorin, Marta, and the others who'd accepted him despite being a creature that shouldn't exist.

  Tomorrow would bring new challenges. But for now, Arin was content.

  He was home. He had purpose. And he had friends.

  That was more than enough.