The afternoon passed quietly. Marta's lunch was simple but filling, though Arin couldn't partake. Instead, he rested in the cellar, processing everything that had happened since arriving in Greengate. The guild membership. Meeting Kelsa and Peck. The warning about the Purity Movement. Tomorrow's meeting with Mira's parents.

  So much to think about. So many new things.

  As the sun began to set, Arin flowed up from the cellar to find Jorin waiting for him in the kitchen.

  "Are you nervous?" the boy asked. "About meeting Kelsa's party?"

  Y E S, Arin formed on the floor. T H E Y M I T N O T L I K M E

  "They might not," Jorin admitted. "But you saved our lives. That has to count for something, right?"

  Arin hoped so, but he'd learned that past actions didn't always guarantee future acceptance. Each new person was a separate test, a new chance to prove himself or be rejected.

  "You should go," Jorin said, glancing at the window. "It's almost six. Don't want to be late for your first party meeting."

  G O O D L U C K W I S H

  "You don't need luck," Jorin said with surprising confidence. "You're Arin. You beat a hobgoblin. You'll be fine."

  The boy's faith warmed something in Arin's core. He formed a quick T H A N K Y U and flowed out the door toward the guild hall.

  ***

  The evening streets of Greengate were different from the morning. Fewer people, softer light from lanterns being lit along the main roads. The businesses were closing, but the taverns and inns were coming alive with workers finished for the day.

  The guild hall was busier than it had been that morning. More adventurers filled the space, most gathered around tables with their parties, discussing the day's contracts or planning tomorrow's work. The atmosphere was relaxed but purposeful.

  Arin spotted Kelsa immediately. She sat at a table in the back corner, exactly where she'd said she would be. Two other figures sat with her, a dwarf and another human, both studying something on the table between them.

  Arin flowed closer, drawing the usual stares from other adventurers. Some of the looks were curious. Others were hostile. He ignored them and focused on reaching Kelsa's table.

  "Right on time," Kelsa said as Arin approached. "Good. I value punctuality." She gestured to her companions. "These are my party members. The dwarf is Torvin Stonefist, our tank and front-line fighter. The woman is Essa Brightwood, our healer and support caster."

  Arin studied them both.

  [Dwarf Guardian - Level 9]

  Torvin was built like a barrel with limbs, all muscle and beard. His armor was heavy plate, dented and scratched from obvious use. A warhammer rested against the table within easy reach, and his eyes held the sharp assessment of someone who'd survived more than a few dangerous fights.

  [Human Cleric - Level 8]

  Essa was younger than Kelsa, maybe mid-twenties, with auburn hair tied in a practical bun. She wore lighter armor, chain mail over padded cloth, and a wooden holy symbol hung around her neck. Her expression was cautious but not hostile.

  "So this is the slime," Torvin said, his gravelly voice carrying a thick accent. "Kelsa told us about ye. Says ye killed a hobgoblin solo."

  Y E S L E V L 1 0, Arin formed on the floor.

  "Impressive." Torvin leaned forward to read the letters. "Can ye understand tactical instructions in combat?"

  Y E S H A V W O R K D W I T H H U M A N S B E F O R

  "Have worked with humans before," Essa translated softly. She looked at Kelsa. "You're serious about this? Adding a slime to our party?"

  "I'm serious about filling our empty slot with someone competent," Kelsa replied. "We've been down a member for two weeks. Every contract we skip is coin we're not earning." She gestured to Arin. "He's got Stealth, which we desperately need after Ren left. He can fight. He can follow orders. And Master Torven approved his guild membership, which means he's at least minimally qualified."

  "Being qualified and being a good party member are different things," Torvin pointed out. "We need to trust whoever fills that slot. Trust them to have our backs when things go bad."

  I U N D R S T A N D, Arin formed. H O W D O I P R O V E T R U S T

  "That's the question, isn't it?" Torvin stroked his beard thoughtfully. "In my experience, trust comes from shared danger. Ye fight beside someone a few times, see how they handle pressure, and ye know what they're made of."

  "So we give him a trial run," Kelsa suggested. "A simple contract. Something bronze level, low risk. We see how he performs in actual combat with the party. If it works, he stays. If it doesn't, we part ways professionally."

  "What kind of contract?" Essa asked.

  Kelsa pulled a piece of parchment from her pocket, one of the postings from the guild board. "There's a merchant requesting escort to Millbrook. One day's travel each way, two days total. Bronze level. Twenty gold payment, plus any loot from encounters."

  "Escort duty," Torvin grumbled. "Boring work."

  "Safe work," Essa countered. "Which is perfect for a trial run. We see how Arin handles road travel, responds to potential threats, and works with the party formation."

  W H A T I S M Y R O L E, Arin asked.

  "That's the question," Kelsa said. "Normally, you'd be our rogue. Scouting ahead, detecting ambushes, and flanking enemies during combat. Think you can handle that?"

  C A N S C O U T H A V D O N E B E F O R, Arin formed. W H A T I S F L A N K I N G

  "It's when you attack from the side or rear while the enemy is focused on someone else," Essa explained. "The tank, Torvin, engages enemies head-on. They focus on him because he's the obvious threat. While they're distracted, you strike from behind or the side where they're vulnerable."

  U N D R S T A N D T A C T I C M A K S S E N S

  "Good." Kelsa looked at her party members. "So? Do we give him the trial run?"

  Torvin and Essa exchanged a long look, the kind of silent communication that came from working together for years. Finally, Torvin nodded.

  "Aye, we'll give the slime a chance. One contract. If he proves himself, we talk about making it permanent." The dwarf's eyes fixed on Arin. "But if ye endanger my party through incompetence or cowardice, ye'll answer to me. Clear?"

  W I L N O T L E T Y U D O W N

  "See that ye don't." Torvin picked up his mug and took a long drink. "We leave mid-morning. Meet us at the north gate by the ninth bell. Don't be late."

  "And bring supplies," Essa added. "Water, rations if you need them, anything else you might require. We're self-sufficient on the road."

  D O N O T N E E D M U C H B U T W I L B E R E A D Y

  The meeting seemed to be concluded. Kelsa stood and stretched. "That went better than expected. Torvin usually grills new members for at least an hour."

  "The slime's novelty worked in his favor," Torvin said. "I'm curious to see what he can actually do." The dwarf stood as well, collecting his warhammer. "But curiosity only goes so far. He'll need to prove himself on the road."

  As the party began to disperse, Essa approached Arin directly. She crouched down to his level, her expression serious.

  "I know this is all new to you," she said quietly. "The guild, party dynamics, all of it. So I'm going to be direct. Out there on contracts, we're a family. We trust each other with our lives. If you join us, really join us, you're taking on that responsibility too."

  I U N D R S T A N D, Arin formed. W I L P R O T E C T P A R T Y

  "That's what I wanted to hear." Essa's expression softened slightly. "Kelsa vouched for you. That means something. She doesn't give trust easily."

  W H Y D I D S H E V O U C H F O R M E

  Essa glanced at Kelsa, who was talking with Torvin near the door. "Because she sees potential. Kelsa's good at that, finding people who can become something more than they are." She stood. "Don't disappoint her."

  W I L T R Y N O T T O

  As Essa walked away to join her companions, Arin felt the weight of expectations settling on him. A trial contract. A chance to prove himself. But also a chance to fail, to show that he wasn't ready for this kind of work.

  I beat a hobgoblin. I saved the woodcutters. I can handle an escort contract.

  He flowed toward the exit, ready to return to Marta's house and prepare for tomorrow. But as he reached the door, a voice called out behind him.

  "Slime! Wait."

  Arin turned his attention toward the one who called out to him. A man approached, tall and broad-shouldered, wearing armor that marked him as a Silver rank adventurer. His face was hard, his eyes cold.

  [Human Fighter - Level 14]

  "Heard you joined the guild," the man said, his voice carrying across the hall. Other conversations quieted as people turned to watch. "Probationary status. Bronze rank."

  Y E S, Arin formed, unsure where this was going.

  Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

  "Let me give you some advice," the fighter continued, loud enough for everyone to hear. "Real adventurers are human, elf, dwarf, the civilized races. Monsters wearing guild tokens are still monsters. You might fool Torven with your tricks, but you don't fool me."

  The hostility was palpable. Arin felt his core pulse with a mixture of anger and apprehension. This wasn't just prejudice. This was a direct challenge.

  I A M N O T M O N S T R, Arin formed carefully. I A M G I L D M E M B R

  "You're a thing that learned to write letters," the fighter spat. "That doesn't make you people. It makes you a trained animal." He stepped closer, towering over Arin's compact form. "First time you cost someone their life because you're too stupid or too monstrous to do the job right, I'll be there. And I'll make sure you never endanger another adventurer again."

  The threat was clear. Arin wanted to respond, to defend himself, but he remembered Captain Thorne's warning. Any incidents, any problems at all, and his probationary status would be revoked.

  Don't give him what he wants. Don't fight here.

  Arin formed simple words: I W I L P R O V E Y U W R O N G

  "We'll see." The fighter turned and walked back to his table, where several other Silver rank adventurers sat watching with similar hostile expressions.

  The guild hall slowly returned to normal conversation, but Arin noticed the looks. Some sympathetic. Others approving of what the fighter had said. The guild might have accepted him officially, but plenty of its members hadn't.

  Arin flowed out into the evening air, his core churning with emotion. Anger at the fighter's words. Determination to prove him wrong. Fear that maybe, somehow, he was right.

  No. I'm not a monster. Levi believed I could be more. The woodcutters believe it. Kelsa believes it.

  He just needed to believe it himself.

  ***

  The walk back to Baker Street helped calm his thoughts. By the time Arin reached Marta's house, he'd regained his composure. Tomorrow was important. He'd meet Mira's parents in the morning, then leave for his first real adventuring contract.

  No room for doubt. No time for fear. Just focus on the next challenge.

  But as he flowed down into the cellar to rest, he found someone waiting for him. Mira sat on an old crate, her injured leg stretched out, holding a candle for light.

  "Hi, Arin," she said softly. "I heard you're leaving tomorrow. For an adventure."

  Y E S E S C O R T C O N T R A C T, Arin formed.

  "That's exciting." Mira looked down at her hands. "I wanted to thank you. Before you left. Properly."

  Y U A L R E A D Y T H A N K D M E

  "I know. But..." She paused, struggling with words. "You saved my life. You carried me when I couldn't walk. You fought off those goblins. And you did it even though you didn't know me, even though I was just some random kid on the road."

  E V R Y O N E D E S R V E S H E L P, Arin formed. E S P E C I A L Y C H I L D R E N

  "My mama says you're going to meet her tomorrow. She's scared, I think. Scared of what you are." Mira looked up, her eyes reflecting the candlelight. "But I told her you're good. That you're the kindest person I've ever met, even if you're not really a person."

  The words hit Arin harder than he expected. This child, who'd been through trauma and loss, saw him as good. Saw him as kind.

  That's what matters. Not what some hostile fighter thinks. What matters is the lives I touch, the people I help.

  T H A N K Y U M I R A, Arin formed. T H A T M E A N S A L O T

  "You're welcome." She stood carefully, favoring her healing leg. "Be safe tomorrow, okay? Come back and tell me about your adventure."

  W I L C O M B A C K P R O M I S E

  After Mira left, Arin settled into his resting spot. Tomorrow would bring new challenges. Meeting Mira's parents and facing their fear. The escort contract and proving himself to Kelsa's party. Every day seemed to bring new tests, new ways he needed to prove his worth.

  But tonight, he could rest knowing that at least one person saw him clearly. Saw past the red gelatinous form to what lay beneath.

  Levi saw it too. That's why he tried to save me. Why he believed I could be more.

  Arin checked his Status one more time before sleep claimed him.

  [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]

  He was level 9 and one skill point. Soon he'd have enough to unlock a fourth skill slot or upgrade an existing skill to Tier 2. The thought was exciting, but also a reminder of how much further he needed to grow.

  One step at a time. First, prove myself to the party. Then get stronger. Eventually... return to Vyrdan.

  The path forward was long and uncertain. But Arin was committed to walking it, no matter how many obstacles appeared along the way.

  ***

  Morning came with the sound of movement above. Arin flowed up from the cellar to find the kitchen busy with activity. Gareth, Marta, and Jorin were preparing breakfast, while Mira sat at the table watching them work.

  "There he is," Gareth said, spotting Arin. "Big day today. Meeting with Mira's parents, then your first contract."

  Y E S N E R V O U S

  "Don't be," Marta said kindly. "Mira's parents are good people. They're just scared. Give them time."

  The meal passed quickly. Arin couldn't eat, so he simply waited while the others finished. When they were done, Gareth stood and collected his coat.

  "Ready?" he asked Arin.

  R E A D Y A S I W I L E V R B E

  "That's the spirit." Gareth looked at Mira. "You want to come? Might help if your parents see you with Arin."

  Mira nodded eagerly. She'd been practicing walking with a crutch Marta had made for her, and though she still limped, she could move on her own.

  The three of them left the house and headed deeper into Greengate. The healer's house was near the temple district, the area Brund had warned Arin about. As they approached, Arin noticed more hostile looks from passersby. Several people made warding gestures, and one woman actually spat on the ground as they passed.

  "Ignore them," Gareth muttered. "Temple folk think anything non-human is tainted. They're wrong, but arguing won't change their minds."

  The healer's house was a two-story building with a green door and flowering plants in window boxes. It looked peaceful, welcoming. Gareth knocked, and after a moment, a woman answered.

  She was thin and tired-looking, with the same dark hair as Mira. When she saw her daughter, her face lit up.

  "Mira! Oh, sweetheart." She pulled the girl into a hug, then noticed Arin. Her expression changed instantly to fear. "That's... that's the..."

  "That's Arin, Mama," Mira said firmly. "He saved me. Remember? I told you."

  "I remember." The woman, Mira's mother, looked at Gareth. "Is it safe? Having that thing here?"

  "Arin's not a thing," Gareth said patiently. "He's sapient, can communicate, and yes, he's safe. He's also a guild member now, if that helps."

  "A guild member?" The woman looked skeptical but stepped aside. "Come in, I suppose. Thomas is resting, but he wanted to meet... wanted to see..." She trailed off, clearly uncomfortable.

  The interior of the healer's house was warm and smelled of medicinal herbs. Mira's mother led them to a back room where a man lay in a bed, his torso wrapped in bandages. He was pale and drawn, clearly still recovering from serious injuries.

  [Human Merchant - Level 3]

  Thomas, Mira's father, looked up as they entered. His eyes found Mira first, and he smiled weakly. Then he saw Arin, and the smile faded into something more complex. Fear, yes, but also... understanding?

  "So you're the slime that saved my daughter," he said, his voice hoarse.

  Y E S, Arin formed on the floor. I A M A R I N

  "Arin," Thomas repeated the name slowly. "Not exactly what I expected. The guards said a red slime killed four bandits and fought off goblins. Made it sound like a monster."

  I A M N O T M O N S T R J U S T T R I E D T O H E L P

  "You did more than try." Thomas looked at Mira, and his eyes grew wet. "You saved her. When I couldn't. When those bastards..." He stopped, taking a shaky breath. "I'm sorry. I'm not handling this well."

  "Thomas," his wife said softly, taking his hand.

  "I know, I know." He looked back at Arin. "The guards told us what you did. How you carried Mira for hours. Kept her safe. Fed her." His voice broke slightly. "How do I thank something, someone, for that? For giving me back my daughter?"

  Y U D O N O T N E E D T O T H A N K M E, Arin formed. S H E I S S A F E T H A T I S E N O U G H

  "It's not enough for me." Thomas pushed himself up slightly in bed, wincing at the pain. "I need to know, are you staying in Greengate? Or moving on?"

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

  "An adventurer." Thomas exchanged a look with his wife. "Then I have a request. When you're in town, when you're not on contracts, check on Mira. Make sure she's safe. After what happened..." His voice hardened. "After what those bandits did, I don't trust the roads. Don't trust that she's truly safe."

  The request surprised Arin. This man, who'd been terrified moments ago, was asking him to watch over his daughter.

  I W I L P R O T E C T H E R, Arin formed. P R O M I S E

  "Thank you." Thomas lay back down, exhausted from the brief exchange. "That's all I needed to hear."

  Mira's mother walked them to the door afterward. At the threshold, she paused and looked at Arin directly.

  "I'm scared of you," she said honestly. "You're not human, not anything I understand. But..." She glanced back toward where her husband rested. "You saved my family. That matters more than my fear." She managed a small smile. "Thank you, Arin."

  Y U A R E W E L C O M E

  As they walked back toward Baker Street, Mira held Arin's... well, not hand exactly, but she stayed close to his side. The girl was beaming.

  "They like you," she said happily. "I knew they would."

  "They're trying," Gareth corrected. "Which is all we can ask." He checked the sun's position. "You need to head to the north gate soon. Your party will be waiting."

  Arin nodded his understanding. Time for the next challenge.

  When they reached Marta's house, Jorin was waiting outside with a small pack.

  "I made you supplies," the boy said, handing the pack to Gareth. "Water skin, some dried meat in case the party needs extra, rope, and the reading primer. Thought you might want to practice while traveling."

  T H A N K Y U V E R Y T H O U G H T F U L

  "Just come back safe," Jorin said seriously. "And with good stories."

  W I L D O B O T H

  Gareth helped Arin figure out how to carry the pack, which involved wrapping it in his gelatinous form and holding it securely without dissolving it. It was awkward but manageable.

  "Good luck," Gareth said. "Prove them all wrong."

  That was exactly what Arin intended to do.

  The walk to the north gate took fifteen minutes. As Arin approached, he saw Kelsa, Torvin, and Essa waiting with a merchant and a loaded wagon. The merchant, a nervous-looking man in his forties, was eyeing Essa's holy symbol while trying very hard not to look at Arin.

  "Right on time," Kelsa said approvingly. She looked at the merchant. "Master Brennan, this is Arin. He's our scout and fourth party member."

  "That's... the slime?" Brennan's voice rose slightly. "You didn't mention the scout was a slime."

  "Does it matter?" Kelsa asked coolly. "He's guild-certified Bronze rank. He killed a Level 10 hobgoblin two days ago. And he's probably the most qualified scout available in Greengate right now."

  Brennan looked uncertain but didn't argue. "Fine. As long as he doesn't... I don't know, dissolve my cargo?"

  I W I L N O T T O U C H C A R G O, Arin formed. P R O M I S E

  "See? Professional." Kelsa gestured to the road ahead. "We ready to move?"

  "Aye," Torvin said, adjusting his shield. "Let's get this over with. Two days to Millbrook, two days back. Easy coin."

  As the party formed up, Arin took his position ahead of the group, scouting the road for threats. This was it. His first real adventuring contract. His chance to prove he belonged.

  Behind him, he heard Essa speak quietly to Kelsa. "Think he'll do alright?"

  "We'll find out," Kelsa replied. "But my gut says yes. The slime's got something to prove. That makes him dangerous in a good way."

  Arin hoped she was right. Because failure wasn't an option. Not with so many people watching, waiting to see if a slime could truly be an adventurer.

  I'll show them. I'll show everyone.

  The road stretched ahead, leading away from Greengate into the wilderness beyond. Somewhere out there, challenges waited. Monsters, bandits, maybe worse.

  But Arin wasn't afraid. He'd faced worse already and survived. This was just the next step on his journey.

  The journey to become someone who mattered. Someone who could protect others. Someone who could eventually face the truth about what happened to Levi.

  One contract at a time. One challenge at a time.

  Starting now.

  The party moved forward, and Arin flowed ahead of them, his senses alert, his core pulsing with determination.

  He was an adventurer now. Time to prove it.