When I awoke, I was feeling dizzy. Felt like my mind was spinning like a Ferris wheel but faster.

Is it even possible for a slime to have headaches? It certainly does now for some reason.

That's right, my head hurts... It hurts like hell.

“Sorry about that. It seems I was too forceful.”

“Who-Fua-Huh? Wha?” My words came out in a jumbled mess, not that my brain wasn't a mess too. If I could puke, I would do that right now.

“Hmm, it seems you're all too groggy even to respond. Mhm, Let me fix that for you.”

Suddenly, my dizziness and headache disappeared.

My mind felt clearer.

Woah, that's a relief.

“Feeling better?”

“Ah, Yes, thank you- Wait, who are you?- Wait! I can speak?!” A roller coaster of emotions flooded me in an instant.

The voice laughed at my bewilderment. “Only temporarily. Just enough for us to have a conversation. And no, you don’t have a mouth. It’s more like telepathic communication,” he explained.

I calmed down and turned my attention toward the voice.

While I did retain my own voice, that doesn't necessarily mean my sight returned. I was still using my ability ‘Beyond Senses’. If he had the ability to regain my speech, could he at least regain my sight? Even so, I did not dare mention it, afraid of angering him. Looking at the figure, it was shaped to be a human…but why is there a point at the top? Huh, I wonder what that is.

‘Identify’

[ERROR!]

[SKILL: Identify not authorized]

'That’s new.'

I couldn’t help but be perplexed.

First, it didn’t notify me back then, and now this? Something feels off about this. But I decided not to focus on that now but on the conversation at hand.

The voice seems to stay silent as if waiting for me to speak first.

I did so just that,

“So mind explaining who you are?”

“Oh, How rude of me not to introduce myself.~” He said, still having the type of tone he had before I arrived here. He paused for a moment, and his tone shifted to a formal one when he spoke again. “You can call me Alder, a wizard.”

That’s when my view of him shatters in an instant.

A wizard? A WIZARD? He’s a wizard?!

“And you are?”

I was too shocked to even respond. Shit, never thought that I would meet a wizard. I don’t know if he’s telling the truth but given how I appeared here through magic, it seems likely.

I just didn't expect to meet them this early in the phase.

“Ahem, Hello? You there?”

“Oh, Uhm! Sorry, I was-”

“Shocked? I know. It’s not every day you get to meet a handsome wizard such as myself. It’s normal to be nervous,” Alder calmly interjected, there was a hint of amusement in his tone.

Oh? He’s that type of guy. Not that I’m surprised.

Not wanting to be rude, I introduced myself. “You can call me Valt.”

“Valt… What a good name for a slime such as yourself,” He praised, which somewhat left me feeling awkward.

“Thanks?”

“Now, Valt. You know why I brought you here?” He said, getting to the point.

“To talk?” Well, that was what he said before. Or could it be a lie to hide his true intentions?

With all the guesses I have, his intention of just wanting to talk to me seems a little off. I feel there’s more than it seems.

“Yes, that,” Alder chuckled. “Fret not. I will explain.” He coughed before continuing. “You see, slimes tend to have no emotions at all despite all living creatures having one. However, you’re different. You have emotions unlike the rest of your species here.”

I don’t know if the word ‘anger’ would describe after hearing his explanation.

“So, you just brought me here because of that?” Really, that's the reason? You brought me here with a splitting headache, nausea, and a traumatic experience and that's your reason? - Is what I wanted to really say.

Alder denied that statement. "No, no, no, seeing a rare, special case like you. I couldn't help but feel pity for your current situation," He said, even his tone carried great sadness directly at me.

After hearing his response, I couldn't help but question myself - Am I that pitiful?

A guy gets reincarnated as a slime with most memories erased. Met an undead creature and got cursed and forced to do the bidding of the system just to have the privilege of breathing.

“...” Oh God, I really am pitiful. But how did he know that? More importantly...

“You mentioned the Lich, you know him?” I asked.

“That guy? Hah, of course. He’s been living on this mountain for decades. It’s only this year he’s been gathering your friends,” He replied with a rather annoyed tone.

I wonder why that is. Could there be a history between them?

“Friends?” I asked, after being confused at the ‘Friends’ part.

“Your species.”

“Why would he gather them?” I never actually began to wonder why that is. All the quest description said was he had a unique interest in them and used them as a source of energy. But the system didn’t give any details more than that.

“That- Hmm how should I explain this?” I heard a tapping of stone. “Let’s say just he has some weird mentality about the void, or should I say obsessed with it,” He explained.

The void, there it is again.

“You know about the Void?” I questioned. Maybe with his answer, I could find a way to disrupt my status effect.

“I’m very somewhat familiar, can't say I’m an expert, even the Lich knows it better than me,” He answered then quickly asked a question that left me surprised.

“You’re suffering from it, aren’t you?”

“Huh?”

“You're tainted by it. I noticed.”

“Y-You know about it?” I was shocked. Man, it’s either his perception is really off the roof or I am just easy to read

“Well, being a wizard for many years does make one see what others could not,” He said.

That's reasonable. Then I thought of something; what if he could help me? But hey, maybe he will agree. It’s a bold request, but I’m willing to give it a try.

Composing myself, I spoke. “Can I ask you a favor?”

“Oh?”

Why do I feel like he’s expecting this?

Shaking off that feeling, I continued.

“Can you help me get rid of it?” I waited for his answer anxiously, preparing myself mentally for a chance of rejection.

“Alright,” He replied after a moment of silence.

“Really?” My voice was like that of a child filled with joy and relief, but that came to a stop when he added.

“On one condition.”

I knew it.

“What is it?” Again, I became nervous. It couldn't be too bad right? I swear if he asked me to go fight some legendary beast or something, I would lose it. Like literally.

“Don’t be anxious. It’s not that unreasonable. It’s very simple,” He assured me before explaining. “Say when you decide to leave this mountain if you’re done with your business, go to a town named “Helder”. It’s not that far from here, just a couple of blocks away. Ask some residents about a person named Jenson. Now, I’m gonna give you something but only after you leave this place. Understood?”

“I-” I was about to speak but was cut off by a familiar screen.

[QUEST FOUND!]

[Favor from a Wizard!]

[-The Wizard, Alder has tasked you with a mission. Go to a town named Helder and Find a person named Jenson”]

[Reward: 1500 exp, Ability selection kit]

A quest?

“So, what is it then?” Alder questioned, awaiting my answer.

“I agree!” I said, with no hesitation whatsoever. What he said was true. Given how simple the quest is, how can I say no?

I don’t even want to question what’s his purpose for assigning me on that quest, as long as the reward is good. All I need is just to find a person; how hard can it be? I laughed on the inside.

“Good. Since we’re on the topic of the Lich...” He paused, and I could hear him take a breath.

“You want to kill him, don’t you?” His tone was serious when he spoke of this.

I was left momentarily speechless.

He knows about that too?! Seriously, his perception must be maxed. Unless has he been stalking me?

I felt chills suddenly. Oh my god, I don’t want a stalker in my life. I hope that isn't so,

“You know that too. Well, I’m not surprised anymore,” I said, almost sighing.

I could hear him laugh. Somehow, I felt annoyed yet scared at the same time.

“Let's just say, I had a good feeling seeing you are quite interested in the Lich.”

“But how does that relate to me wanting to kill him?” I questioned.

“So you don't want to? Well too bad, I was gonna help~”

Huh? He wants to help? Okay, that changed things drastically then.

“Wait-!”

“Heh, then what I said was true, was it not?” He teased, cutting me off entirely.

Again, I was speechless.

Damn, wizard. If I had eyes, I would certainly see a sly smile on his face.

Since I've been cornered, I had no choice but to confess.

“You- You're right. I do want to kill him.” It wasn't really personal; I don't have a grudge against the guy. I was just forced to.

“Mmm, see~ was it hard to confess?” His teasing continued.

Honestly, this wizard was starting to get on my nerves.

“Why do you want to help me?” I couldn't help but ask. He showed a suspicious amount of kindness. While it was good, it was worrying at the same time.

“Hmm?”

“Why do you want to help me?” I repeated my question; my suspicion was obvious given the tone I had. “You’ve already helped me, and now you're gonna help me again? What's the catch?”

“Oh? What made you say so?” He replied innocently.

“It's… it's a feeling,” I said, hesitantly.

He chuckled, “Valt, I can tell you’re nervous. Probably afraid of me. I can't blame you for that. We only just met, but I assure you, I mean no harm.”

“And to assure you we’re on the same side. We do share similar thoughts about the Lich.” He added, almost an afterthought.

I looked at him, surprised. “You want to kill him too?”

“Hmmm~ Not really, but somewhat similar to that, and what's the better timing if we both want to get rid of him? We might as well work together, right?” He suggested with a sly tone.

“Couldn't you just kill him yourself?” I asked, pointing out the obvious. Work together? I am just gonna be a burden.

That begs the question. How powerful is he?

'Further inspection.'

[ERROR!]

[SKILL: Further Identification skill not authorized]

Again?

“I could, but... I’m quite busy at the moment, so I don't have time to do that sadly.” I could hear him sigh.

“Then how could you help me?” If he won't come to aid me then how? Perhaps, giving me a power? I’m not against that as long it's strong.

“Hmm, let me think~. Ah, I know.” He exclaimed. “I’m gonna put something inside of you real quick if you don’t mind~”

“That can be given out of context–OW!” I yelped in pain, cutting off my words.

That hurts! What was that? It felt sharp for some reason. Then the familiar blue screen appeared before me.

[Attention!]

[Host has been granted authority [Might of the SUN PHOENIX]

[ - If conditions are met, The host can summon a companion lasting for 5 minutes]

A phoenix? From what I could tell, Phoenix is typically birds that are made of fire or set themselves by fire. They were kinda akin to a mythical beast and it’s my summon. Talk about god summon right there.

“Sorry about that. The first time hurts after all ~ “

….I don’t want to even respond to that.

“Now in order to activate your aid. All you need is to say “Aldo Et Grato” Five times to summon your helper.”

[Authority Updated!]

[Condition: Say “Aldo Et Grato(5x)”]

I decided to ignore the system for now and proceed to ask a question.

“That's it? It’s very…”

“Simple right?”

“Yeah, Are there any side effects I should know about this?” I questioned, still feeling unsure about this whole ‘Help’ thing. It’s too good to be true.

“If you count her personality then None.”

“What was that?” I couldn't make out his answer. It is more of a whisper of sorts.

“Nothing~”

“Right..” Like I would believe it, But I didn’t pursue it further.

“So, who’s this helper?” I asked, curiously.

“She's a friend,” He answered. “If you're worried about her combat capabilities. Don't worry, she's enough help for the lich.”

Heh as if a phoenix is weak. But I didn’t say that obviously.

“Though,” He added. “ one thing you should remember is you can only summon her once. And don't summon her if you're not fighting the Lich. I mean it, she has…a temper if you summon her outside what she is supposed to do.  If she gets angry, It will take quite a while to calm her down.” He explained as if he was recalling some unpleasant memories.

“So, If I meet the Lich, I just need to shout the words and she’ll do the fighting for me?”

This Helper is great! I don't need to risk my life at all!

“About that...The summon only works if you prove that you're worthy of summoning her.”

I felt puzzled “What do you mean?”

“If you don't try to fight the lich or don't attempt to put much effort then the summoning won't work.” He clarified.

“So I need to fight?”

“Yes,” Alder affirmed, Leaving me to fall silent.

“...” There goes my plan of just watching on the sides.

“Don't be saddened. She’s quite easy to please as long as she finds you worthy.” He assured me, yet the nervousness that followed somehow left me doubting his words.

Before I could say something, I felt something starting to pull me from the ground.

“Oh~ I guess we ran out of time to talk.” He sounded downcasted

I was about to speak but found myself unable to. My voice was gone.

“Well Valt, It was a pleasure to meet you. I hope I at least lessen the burden on your shoulders. May our interactions be more in the future. I bid you fare well.”

Then the suction started to intensify, and my vision darkened before eventually, I lost consciousness.

When I awoke for the second time, I was relieved not to have the headaches again.

I recalled everything that happened with Wizard. I felt many emotions but most of them were positive. In fact, It gave me a new hope in this new life.

I might just survive after all.

‘That was something indeed.’

Never thought I'd finish this today. Man, this took quite a while to write. This was supposed to be 1k words only yet it turned to 2k.

As always - any comment, feedback, criticism, suggestions is very welcome