Chapter 553: Research and Xiao Hei

Spiritual creation

In other words, it's still something from the Igoh Cult.

Luo De watched the slime, Xiao Hei, on his right hand shrink back listlessly.

He narrowed his eyes slightly.

After Daphne Argyle's brain was implanted with a spiritual creation, it was never removed, despite the Argyle family's immense reputation and power.

Later, Daphne's sister, Isabella Gail, sent a letter saying they had consulted the Great Elder of the Half-Deer People for a prophecy.

They learned that something called the 【Divine Heart】 was required to remove it.

But even finding such a thing was impossible.

No one had ever even heard of it.

Now that there was a complete physical form of a spiritual creation, and with Kalistra, a genius research mage, perhaps there was a chance to crack its secrets?

Before he could speak,

the witch Dimea, who was deeply concerned for Daphne Argyle, had already pleaded with Kalistra:

"Miss Kalistra, you're the most learned mage I've ever met—no matter the cost, could you—"

Kalistra lifted her chin proudly.

The high collar of her fitted magical attire revealed a smooth, snow-white neck.

Upon closer inspection,

one could faintly see the outline of her collarbones through the fabric, giving an oddly suggestive air.

"Even if you don't ask, I'm interested in this myself."

Sharon leaned over to Dimea, frowning.

"What's that supposed to mean? I'm not learned?"

"Meh. Some little dog specializes in necromancy and conjuration—back in the Transmutation Creation class, she couldn't even beat Daphne, who never attended lectures."

The witch, delighted that Kalistra had agreed, let out a light laugh.

"Huh?"

Sharon's face darkened:

"The fact it can be implanted into a human body means it's tied to biological necromancy."

"Kalistra, I'm joining too. Once Daphne's healed, let her see how a witch who failed every class except Evocation stands by, handing you water and wiping your sweat."

"We agreed not to bring this up again!"

Dimea's cheeks flushed as she angrily swatted Sharon.

Then she shot a reproachful glance at Luo De, who was laughing.

Kalistra glared at Luo De: "Laugh? What's so funny? Why didn't you show up to spell class yesterday?"

"Well, I got injured."

Nighttime.

Forest Guard Cabin.

Luo De was curled up on the fur sofa.

With his right hand, he playfully patted the slime, Xiao Hei, which was jelly-like.

Simultaneously, the Plague Domain's 【Sapient Unity】 and the Grass Domain's 【Green Vines Mutual Healing】 continued to exert their effects.

To nurse this little thing that had eaten something bad.

Continuous feelings of grievance and affection flowed through the 【Mind Link】.

Xiao Hei clung to his hand like a Venom symbiote, nuzzling affectionately.

The forest guard had yet to decide who to invite to spend the night—he was currently alone.

He'd originally invited Lin Saixier, since last night's fun hadn't been enough.

But she still seemed in pain and was too shy to ask a mage for healing, so she'd stayed in her room all day.

Thus, the forest guard cabin currently had no women present.

Luo De, looking at Xiao Hei, thought it looked quite pretty.

"I'll give you a point. Quickly turn into a slime girl."

Most of his 【Growth Spirit】 had been allocated to girls with strong combat potential.

As a support unit, slime Xiao Hei rarely got any.

But now?

The threat of Coral Bay was gone.

The Infernal Duke Asmodeus had been defeated and retreated into hiding; tension had eased.

Clean and decisive.

He spent five points at once.

Hum—

A deep green spiritual glow flickered.

Slime Xiao Hei trembled violently.

Soon,

Five new entries appeared on the panel.

Luo De glanced and immediately felt unimpressed.

The only new skill was one: 【Elemental Torrent】.

Most slimes could use this skill—it resembled a water cannon.

Since Xiao Hei was between metal and water elements, perhaps its impact would be stronger.

The other four were all existing skills: 【Black Metal Adhesion】 and 【Form Solidification】 each increased by +1; 【Gender Recognition】 reached +2.

Luo De had never quite understood what 【Gender Recognition】 +2 actually did.

Until he saw Xiao Hei slowly reshape itself on his hand into a miniature humanoid form.

The lower half remained a jelly-like slime mass; the upper half became a plump woman with blurred features.

And she had arms and legs!

"Oh!"

Luo De, intrigued, poked her cheek with his finger.

It was fragile.

A little too much pressure and she'd scatter.

Then she'd re-form.

Xiao Hei thought Luo De was playing with her; though she couldn't speak,

her formed hands waved happily, silently laughing, her soft body quivering.

【Xiao Hei's obedience to you +10, current obedience: 38】

Luo De raised an eyebrow.

He undid his belt and let her—

"Master—I'm back—"

Outside the door, Tally shouted and knocked.

Luo De was open and honest—he usually didn't hide such things from the succubus.

He didn't cover up or dress; he simply let her come in—

Hmm.

I am, after all, a respectable man. Shouldn't I at least pretend to care?

Tally burst through the door.

Seeing Luo De's open clothes, her eyes lit up and she pounced eagerly.

Until she saw the wriggling black slime.

Her face fell in sorrow: "Master, without me to keep you company, you've resorted to slimes? Tally's moving back in tonight!"

"No."

"Mmmmm~ Master~ how much longer will this punishment last? Tally misses you so much she's going mad~"

Luo De chuckled coldly and pulled his arm from her grasp:

"Why are you here so late? Your daily portion was already taken at noon."

Tally pouted.

She jumped onto the half-open bedroom bed, buried her face in Luo De's pillow, and let out exaggerated, obvious breaths.

"It's the Holy Flame Cult—they're all caught! Isn't Tally amazing?"

"You chased them from morning till night and still dare to boast?"

"Oh, Master, you don't know—they can teleport far without preparation or cooldown, jumping around everywhere, it's so annoying—"

As she spoke,

Tally glanced oddly at the pillow.

Strange, why does it smell like sulfur?

She looked up and saw Luo De still sitting on the fur sofa, back turned to her, unmoving.

She quietly slipped the pillow between her thighs and clutched the blanket into a ball, hugging it to her chest.

It began to slowly wriggle and operate.

"Tally!"

"Aww."

She reluctantly pushed the blanket and pillow out of her embrace.

She added: "We were supposed to need more time, but by evening, they suddenly couldn't jump anymore, each freezing in place with panicked eyes."

Luo De narrowed his eyes.

Evening

It seemed that period coincided exactly with when Shi Laimu the Black spat out the mental construct.

At that moment.

A feedback came through Shi Laimu's 【Mind Link】, reporting the memory consumption of Bishop Arturo.

(End of Chapter)