Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Nothingness. That was the only sensation as his awareness flickered back to life. It wasn’t darkness, nor silence—it was a void, utterly devoid of sensation. No light, no sound, no touch, no body. He simply... existed, suspended in an absence that felt both infinite and crushingly small.

Gradually, thoughts began to emerge like faint ripples across still water.

The... last thing I remember was...

Fragments of memory surged forward, sharp and disjointed.

Yeah... I... died. We all did.

The battle. The Gatekeeper. Their assault to prevent it's machinations. He remembered rushing forward, the others at his side, knowing full well they wouldn’t survive. And then... oblivion.

Yet, in that fleeting moment before the void consumed him, there had been something else—a voice. A whisper that lingered now, clear and haunting.

"Wisdom of a sage. Heart of a leader."

What did that even mean? The thought echoed in the emptiness, but no answers came.

Slowly, sensation began to return—if it could be called that. Vision formed first, though it wasn’t anything like before. Everything was inverted: blacks and whites bleeding into each other in stark, alien contrast. Shapes emerged—a jagged expanse of stone.

Rocks? Am I... in a cave? Underground? What’s going on?

He tried to move, but the sensation was bizarre. He wasn’t shifting arms or legs—he had neither. Instead, his entire form wobbled and sloshed as he adjusted himself. It was unsettling, but at least it was movement. He focused on his surroundings, hoping for clarity.

Something brushed against him. His awareness turned inward to investigate. It wasn’t a hand that reached out, but rather his entire gelatinous body pressed against the object—a plant, soft and yielding.

A plant? A real one? Not one of those fake, synthetic things from the Ark...?

The thought barely formed before something strange happened. The plant began to dissolve—not in his hands, for he had none, but directly into his body. Warmth spread through him as the energy coursed through his being. It was jarring, foreign.

What’s happening? Did that... thing just dissolve inside me?

His form quivered, an instinctive reaction to his growing unease. Panic threatened to take hold, but he forced himself to calm down, focusing on the odd sensations radiating through him. And then it struck him—his body wasn’t solid. It was soft, elastic, and strangely bouncy.

Wait... am I a slime? Like in one of Trony’s games?

The absurdity of it almost made him laugh—if he could still laugh. His mind raced, cobbling together the pieces of his new reality. Could this be some trick of the Gatekeeper? A punishment? A trap?

"Negative."

The voice came suddenly, cutting through his thoughts like a blade. It resonated not from around him, but within him. His entire form quivered at the intrusion.

What the—? Who’s there?

"In reality," the voice continued, calm and clinical, "it seems that our world ended, and you were reincarnated as a slime."

His thoughts reeled. Reincarnated? As a slime? None of this made any sense.

Who are you and why can I hear you in my head? he demanded, his thoughts sharpening into suspicion.

"I am the Gatekeeper...rather a fragment of me found its way into you before your death," the voice explained. "You could consider me an AI version of Gatekeeper, bound to your soul."

The words hit him with the weight of truth. The Gatekeeper... part of the very entity they had fought to destroy was now inside him? He processed the implications, letting the idea settle.

I see... His thoughts grew dry, laced with an edge of sarcasm. And your voice explains why you only summoned women from other worlds to ours.

The voice—smooth and undeniably feminine—didn’t react to his jab.

"In any case," she continued, her tone unfaltering, "you need to focus on survival. I can sense every Nikke and Heretic resting within you."

His thoughts froze. Wait, you mean... every single one of them?

"Yes," the Gatekeeper confirmed, her tone measured. "This includes Liberalio and Indivilia, though I would caution against awakening them prematurely."

The names sent a shiver through his mind. He knew the power and chaos they represented. He would have to tread carefully.

I see, he thought. Looks like we’re working together for the future, then.

"You seem... calm about this," the Gatekeeper observed. "Upon analysis, it appears you were granted certain Skills upon reincarnation. One of them is called [Tranquility]. It prevents you from feeling despair or stress."

That revelation made sense. He should have been panicking, screaming internally, overwhelmed by terror. Instead, his mind was eerily calm, as if his emotions had been neatly packed away.

Yeah... that sounds about right, he admitted. I know I should be freaking out, terrified even, but I don’t feel any of that. I do feel other emotions, though. Tell me more about these Skills as we go along.

"Understood," the Gatekeeper replied.

He shifted—or rather, his amorphous body slid forward, undulating over the rocky terrain. There were still so many questions, so many unknowns. But one thing was certain: whatever he had become, this was only the beginning.

The passageway narrowed as he moved deeper into the cave, the air growing heavier with each undulation of his gelatinous body. The stone walls pressed close, glittering faintly with veins of some unknown mineral, and the ground beneath him felt rough, almost jagged, as if worn by time or an ancient force. His slime form absorbed the subtle textures, cataloging them instinctively—a feature he hadn’t fully understood but had come to appreciate.

He paused to take stock of the materials he had gathered. Tiny shards of ore dissolved into his essence, joining a collection of plants and other substances his body had consumed over the hours. His skills had proven invaluable for absorbing and storing them, though he wasn’t yet sure how they might serve him.

As he pressed onward, the narrow passage suddenly opened into a vast cavern. His awareness expanded to fill the space, his unique senses stretching out to map the area. The air here was different, alive with a hum of energy that thrummed faintly through his gelatinous form.

And then he felt it.

At the cavern’s center loomed an immense structure—a crystal, vast and commanding, radiating an aura of raw, unyielding power. He couldn’t see it, but his senses painted a vivid picture of its presence, an unshakable monolith that dominated the cavern like a heartbeat made solid. Its energy was like nothing he had encountered before, sharp and resonant, as though it were alive.

As he reached out with his awareness, probing further, his senses struck something inside the crystal. The entity within was massive, its presence overwhelming. He couldn’t make out details—not with his current abilities—but its sheer scale and latent power were impossible to ignore.

Whatever it was, it wasn’t just dormant. It was waiting.

Suddenly, the energy shifted. A pulse rippled out from the crystal, brushing against him like a gale against a flame. For the briefest moment, his awareness touched the being within. It was ancient, vast, and utterly alien, yet its essence carried a spark of recognition, as if it had noticed him in turn.

The realization chilled him—or it would have, had his [Tranquility] skill not dulled the edge of fear. Instead, he remained still, his mind racing as the cavern fell silent once more.

A faint pulse emanated from the crystal as the presence within stirred again, its power brushing against the Commander’s awareness. This time, it was not a silent observation but a deliberate contact. A voice resounded in his mind, deep and resonant, carrying an ancient weight that made the cavern feel smaller than it was.

"You, Little One, can you hear me?"

The Commander’s thoughts sharpened, instinctively forming a reply. "Are... you talking to me? Telepathy?"

A booming chuckle followed, the vibrations seemingly rippling through the crystal itself. "Hahaha, good. You’re smarter than most of your kind."

The Commander paused, processing the words. "I wasn’t always a slime... Still... who or what are you?"

"Hoh?" the voice intoned, almost teasing. "Can’t tell what stands before you?"

"I can’t see," the Commander admitted. "I’ve been traveling through this cave just by sense alone."

"Then let me bestow upon you the power of sight," the voice declared. "Though, there are conditions."

"Conditions?"

"When you gain sight and lay eyes on me, you must not fear me. And you must come back to visit me sometime when you leave."

The Commander considered for a moment. "That’s reasonable. You are helping me. It would be rude not to agree to these terms."

Quietly, the Gatekeeper’s fragment within him bristled. "You’re an idiot," she muttered, though she did not interrupt aloud. Despite her bluntness, she too shared the Commander’s unspoken frustration. Navigating the unknown without sight had proven troublesome. Both former machine and man understood now just how much they had once taken sight for granted.

Suddenly, the Commander felt a shift deep within his core. A strange sensation surged through his body, and in an instant, the world came into focus.

He blinked—or tried to, though his slime body lacked eyelids—and marveled at the clarity of his vision. The cavern around him was immense, every surface glittering with intricate patterns of light. The texture of the stone walls, the shimmer of distant minerals, the faint glow of the crystal—all of it was breathtakingly vivid.

He turned his focus to the object before him. The massive crystal that had stood as an indistinct presence now revealed its true form. Encased within its radiant shell was a dragon, colossal and magnificent.

"Oh," the Commander’s thoughts were casual, "that’s why you were afraid of me fearing you. You’re a dragon."

The dragon’s laughter was like a rolling storm, shaking the air. "This little one truly does not fear me," it mused, its tone filled with an odd warmth. The Commander, unfazed, drifted toward the pool of water at the cavern’s edge, curious to see himself for the first time.

Looking down, he observed his form in the rippling surface. "My body feels soft and rubbery, but looking at myself, I look like mercury or something similar."

Indeed, his body gleamed like liquid metal, its smooth, reflective surface undulating slightly with his movements. After a moment of observation, he returned to the crystal.

"You’re a strange one, Little One," the dragon remarked. "You said earlier you weren’t always a slime."

"I was once human. Military," the Commander explained. "I was in charge of forces that fought living machines, some of them bigger than you. Not as dangerous, though. I’ll admit, I’ve never seen a dragon before, so I was... well, shocked at least."

The dragon laughed again, the sound echoing through the cavern. "You’re a strange person indeed! Tell me, do you have a 'Name'?"

The Commander hesitated. "I had a name... rather, I think I did. It’s been so long since anyone used it that I’ve forgotten. In life, I was simply called Commander by most, and nicknames by those close to me that felt right to them. Though... the way you said 'Name,' it feels like it means something more meaningful."

"It does," the dragon replied. "Receiving a 'Name' from a powerful being imparts a bit of their power unto you and forms a bond between the two. Most of the time, it is between master and servant, but I wish to give you a 'Name' as a gift."

The Commander’s thoughts paused at the offer. "You’ve already given me sight. Why a 'Name'?"

"In my entire lifetime," the dragon said, his voice softening, "I have yet to meet someone who speaks to me as a friend, not out of fear. I wish to formalize this bond."

"I see." The Commander nodded—or rather, his slime form quivered in acknowledgment. "Then it’ll be my honor to be your friend, though I don’t know your name."

The dragon chuckled deeply. "Forgive me. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a civilized conversation. I am Veldora, the Tempest Dragon."

"Veldora, then. If you wish to 'Name' me, I’d be glad to have it."

The dragon extended a massive claw, its tip glowing faintly with energy. "Very well! From now on, you will be known as Cáno Tempest, my brother in arms!"

The Commander stretched a part of his form to touch the claw. The moment they made contact, a surge of power coursed through him, filling every fiber of his being. Even the Gatekeeper was left speechless at the overwhelming strength imparted by the act of naming.

Cáno felt the weight of the dragon’s power settle within him and smiled inwardly. "If we’re brothers in arms and friends, let’s share a 'Name,' then! You are my brother, Veldora Tempest."

Veldora’s eyes widened, the shock clear even through his crystalline prison. The power of being named flowed into him, subtle yet warm, as if imbued with genuine friendship. He let out a delighted roar.

"Oh! Then well met, brother!"

The cavern echoed with the sound of laughter, the joyful bond between Cáno and Veldora solidified in a moment neither would ever forget.

Chapter Text

The cavern's stillness was broken only by the faint hum of the crystal and Veldora’s rumbling voice.

"I’ve been trapped within this crystal for centuries," the dragon began, his tone rich with both pride and weariness. "A punishment for my ‘rampage,’ as the mortals called it. They feared me, so they sealed me away. No trial, no negotiation—just a cold, lonely prison, tucked in a cave far from memory."

Cáno's form shifted slightly, a ripple passing through his liquid surface. "That doesn’t seem fair. To be shoved in a cave and forgotten feels worse than death."

The Gatekeeper’s voice slipped into his thoughts, soft but pointed. "Humanity would have done the same to the Raptures if they had the means."

Cáno’s mental response was immediate and sharp. "And if humanity could, they’d have preferred to live in peace instead."

The Gatekeeper fell silent, retreating into contemplation. Cáno, unperturbed, turned his thoughts outward. "Is there any way to free you?" he asked aloud, his tone laden with determination.

Veldora’s laughter rumbled through the cavern, though it lacked his earlier mirth. "There isn’t. This crystal is my cage, bound to my very essence. I am trapped here until the day I die—whenever that may come."

That didn’t sit well with Cáno. His form wavered, reflecting his unease. He began to consider the implications of such a fate, but Gatekeeper interrupted, her voice cool and calculating.

"Compress and trap the crystal within yourself," she suggested. "If my analysis is correct, it will take approximately one year for your unique skills to weaken the crystal enough to break it."

Cáno stilled, the unexpected suggestion giving him pause. "You’d suggest something like that?"

"Yes," Gatekeeper replied. "Additionally, we can siphon off the residual energy from the crystal to awaken the Nikke. It would be an efficient use of resources."

Veldora’s immense presence seemed to swell within the crystal, his glowing eyes steady as he regarded Cáno. "Very well," he rumbled, his voice heavy with resolve. "Let’s do this."

Cáno rippled in agreement, sliding closer to the massive crystal. Reaching out, he placed a portion of his gelatinous form against its surface. The energy thrumming through the crystal responded immediately, almost resisting his touch.

"Gatekeeper," he thought firmly, "I’ll need your help for this."

"Understood," she replied, her voice carrying a focus and clarity that matched his determination.

With a faint hum, the process began. The crystal vibrated, its light intensifying as Gatekeeper’s calculations guided Cáno’s skills. Slowly, the massive structure began to compress, shrinking in size with each passing moment. The glow dimmed, the energy condensing until the once-massive prison was no larger than a gem, cool and dormant in Cáno’s grasp.

The final step was instinctual. The compressed crystal disappeared into Cáno’s form, stored safely within the depths of his body.

"The process has started," Gatekeeper informed him, her tone almost clinical. "Veldora is asleep now, resting within you. His essence is adjusting to the containment."

Cáno nodded—or made the closest approximation his form allowed. Turning his gaze down the dark, winding passage he had come through, he prepared himself. The journey out would be long, but now, armed with sight, he felt more capable than ever.

The glittering stone walls stretched endlessly ahead, faint echoes of water dripping in the distance. As Cáno slid forward, Gatekeeper’s voice came again, this time softer. "Did you mean it? When you said you trust me?"

Cáno didn’t hesitate, his reply steady. "You’re a part of me now. If you don’t already know, you will eventually."

Gatekeeper was quiet for a moment, processing his words. Warmth suffused her thoughts, an unfamiliar sensation that lingered like a glow in the dark. "Is this why so many Nikkes were in love with you?" she mused silently to herself, her tone more contemplative than amused.

Cáno didn’t answer, his focus turning to the task ahead. With Veldora secured within him and Gatekeeper by his side, he began the long climb toward freedom, his gelatinous body gliding steadily over the uneven stone.

The cave stretched endlessly before him, its winding passages teeming with creatures that had long claimed the depths as their home. Cáno moved cautiously at first, his gelatinous form gliding soundlessly over jagged stone. The dim light of bioluminescent fungi painted the cavern walls in faint blues and greens, illuminating the hulking shapes of monsters lurking in the shadows.

The first beast he encountered—a scaly, six-legged lizard—lunged at him with a guttural hiss. It was strong, its claws raking across the ground, but Cáno was quicker. His amorphous body slipped beneath its attack, enveloping the creature before it could react. Within moments, it dissolved into his form, its essence absorbed. A rush of new strength coursed through Cáno, his senses sharpening.

"Not bad," Gatekeeper remarked, her voice tinged with approval.

As he progressed, the monsters grew stronger. An enormous spider with legs sharp as blades ambushed him from above. A creature resembling a wolf, but with glowing red eyes and spiked fur, snarled as it circled him. Each one fell, their power becoming his own. The combat was a dance of instinct and adaptation, Cáno’s growing arsenal of abilities making each subsequent battle easier.

It wasn’t until he encountered the monstrous bat that something remarkable happened. The creature’s screech reverberated through the cavern, disorienting him at first. But when he finally brought it down, its essence brought with it a surprise—a voice.

"I can... speak?" Cáno’s words echoed through the chamber, startling even himself.

"Interesting," Gatekeeper noted, her tone neutral but curious. "Absorbing the bat must have unlocked some latent ability for vocalization. This will make future interactions significantly easier."

Cáno experimented with his newfound voice, murmuring phrases to himself as he continued his trek. Each victory brought new strength and abilities, leaving him more prepared for what lay ahead.

Eventually, he found himself before a massive metal door, its surface weathered but unyielding. It stood incongruously within the natural stone, its intricate carvings glowing faintly with symbols he didn’t recognize. Cáno studied it, feeling a strange sense of familiarity yet unable to decipher its meaning.

"Any ideas how to open it?" Cáno asked, addressing Gatekeeper.

"Unknown," she admitted. "This structure predates your presence here. It’s possible that it reacts to certain stimuli, such as energy signatures or specific commands."

Before they could investigate further, the door creaked, its ancient mechanisms groaning as it slowly swung open. Cáno quickly slid behind a cluster of rocks, watching as three figures entered.

Two men and a young woman, all clad in armor and gear that suggested adventurers, stepped cautiously into the cavern. They moved with precision, their eyes scanning for danger. The woman carried a wooden staff, her posture betraying her unease, while the two men—a swordsman and a shield-bearer—kept close to her, weapons drawn.

Cáno remained still, observing their movements. "Why are they here? What could they want in Veldora’s cave?" he wondered silently.

Gatekeeper, for once, offered no commentary, her attention seemingly on the intruders. Deciding it wasn’t his concern, Cáno slipped away, exiting outside the door before they noticed.

A sprawling forest stretched as far as the eye could see, its canopy alive with the vibrant hues of nature unspoiled by civilization. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting golden patches across the undergrowth. Birds flitted between branches, their songs mingling with the gentle rustle of the wind. The air was clean, crisp, and full of life.

"It’s beautiful," Cáno said softly.

For once, Gatekeeper was silent, her calculations momentarily halted by the sheer majesty of the scene. Even through her cold, logical perspective, she could feel the weight of the moment.

Cáno eventually stirred, setting off in a random direction.

"Do you know where you’re going?" Gatekeeper asked, her voice regaining its usual edge.

"Not really," Cáno admitted. "But I also don’t want to find civilization."

Her surprise was evident in her tone. "You don’t? Why?"

"If we’re going to release the Nikkes into this world eventually," Cáno began, his tone firm, "we’ll need to build a base of our own. Somewhere they won’t be used or threatened. Somewhere safe."

Gatekeeper processed this for a moment before replying. "That would be sensible. Building our own city... yes, you do have experience with such things."

Cáno’s thoughts drifted to his time managing the Outpost. It had been more than just a military base; it was a community, a home. He had been its leader in all but title. "Yeah," he murmured. "I do."

"Any ideas on how to start?" he asked.

"None yet," Gatekeeper admitted. "First, we should gather information about this world—find other creatures or inhabitants in the forest. That will give us a better understanding of where to begin."

Cáno sighed. "I should’ve talked to those adventurers," he muttered. "But something told me they would’ve attacked me."

"Probably," Gatekeeper replied bluntly.

Cáno chuckled dryly, shaking his form as if in exasperation. "Where’s all my foresight gone?"

As if in answer, a sudden rustling came from the underbrush ahead. Cáno froze, watching as a group of small green creatures emerged. They were goblin-like, with rough, leathery skin and simple clothing made from leaves and animal hide.

Before he could react, they dropped to their knees, bowing low before him.

"What the...?" Cáno murmured, unsure what to make of the scene.

Gatekeeper’s voice was tinged with dry amusement. "Perhaps this is truly your luck at work."

Chapter Text

The forest had grown restless in the wake of Cáno’s pact with Veldora. When Cáno absorbed Veldora’s prison into himself, the entire forest had felt the shift. The event sent ripples through the balance of power, forcing smarter creatures to either flee or vie for dominance. It even stirred the more aggressive predators, like the Star Wolves, who sought to claim the title of alpha in Veldora’s absence.

Cáno had been forced to confront the Star Wolves directly. After a fierce battle, their leader had submitted, bowing low before Cáno. This victory earned him the loyalty of the pack, adding them to his growing forces alongside the Goblins, now Hobgoblins, who had pledged their allegiance to him.

With a strong starting force behind him, Cáno found himself facing a new challenge.

Rigurd, the Hobgoblin chief, had reported the existence of a nearby city. The city, ruled by Dwarves, welcomed all races so long as they bore no ill intent. The idea intrigued Cáno, but he didn’t want to visit unprepared.

Gatekeeper’s voice cut into his thoughts. "Suggestion. Perhaps it’s time to release a few Nikke who specialize in what we need instead of ones that are fully combat-focused."

Cáno considered this before replying. "Who do you have in mind?"

"Considering our current course… I see four Nikke that fit the criteria we need."

"Who?"

"Liter and Centi of Mighty Tools, Dolla and Yan of Talentum," Gatekeeper replied.

"Not Rupee?" Cáno asked, a faint chuckle in his voice.

"I fear she might die of shock if she can’t go shopping," Gatekeeper quipped.

Cáno chuckled. "Good call. We should also tell Rigurd so he can warn the others not to freak out over the sudden appearance of human-like entities."

"Agreed," Gatekeeper said.

Cáno hopped through the growing village, heading to where Rigurd was overseeing the construction of a small wooden hut.

“Ah, Lord Cáno!” Rigurd greeted, his voice warm. “What brings you from your meditations?”

Cáno chuckled internally. The Goblins and Hobgoblins had taken to calling his private discussions with Gatekeeper “meditation,” a convenient excuse to avoid interruptions.

“Rigurd,” Cáno began, “I’m going to be using my power to bring forth helpers from my past. They’re going to look human, so I didn’t want you or the others to worry about a sudden invasion.”

“I see!” Rigurd said, his voice full of understanding. “And what will these helpers be doing?”

“Two of them will be staying here to help plan and improve our construction projects, as they specialize in that,” Cáno explained. “The other two will be coming with me to Dwargon to assist with mercantile work, which is their specialty.”

“If they’re tied deeply to you, my lord, then we will trust them as well,” Rigurd said with conviction.

Cáno chuckled softly. “Thank you for that, Rigurd. Seriously.”

“You’ve done nothing but help us and give us Names, my lord. I should be thanking you,” Rigurd replied earnestly.

"I am ready to begin," Gatekeeper interrupted. "Though we might need to find them clothes."

"I kind of have an idea about that," Cáno said before turning back to Rigurd. “I’ll be in my hut to do so, so don’t worry if you feel my power flare.”

Rigurd nodded. “I’ll warn the others to keep away from there until you come out.”

“Thank you again,” Cáno said before hopping toward his hut. Once inside, he made sure to close the door behind him.

"So what is this plan about clothing?" Gatekeeper asked curiously.

"Partner," Cáno began, "I want to upgrade a skill."

Gatekeeper felt a small thrill of emotion at being called partner. "Proceed."

"The Sticky Thread we got from the Black Spiders. In human history, there was a story of a woman who challenged a goddess to a weaving contest, and lost, and for her punishment, she was transformed into a spider. I want to evolve Sticky Thread into a skill that’ll allow me to weave clothing."

"Calculating…" Gatekeeper paused for a moment. "You can with no loss of the original intent of the skill. Evolving skill, draining Magicules to compensate… Skill Evolution complete. Sticky Thread is now Arachne Weave. You can choose whether to weave clothing or capture foes."

Cáno felt the faint drain of magic. It wasn’t much, but it was noticeable. "Good. At least I can get them something."

"When you’re ready, we can proceed," Gatekeeper said.

Cáno nodded. "Let’s begin."

He closed his eyes, his body beginning to glow. Inside, Gatekeeper worked to retrieve the spirit data of the four Nikke they had selected. On the outside, four tendrils of his form stretched out, breaking off and slowly shaping into humanoid forms. These forms began to gain color and definition, flesh solidifying and features taking shape. Within moments, the process completed, leaving the four Nikke standing there, albeit naked.

The exertion left Cáno slightly slumped. "Partner, will the drain always be this bad?"

"The next time won’t be as severe," Gatekeeper replied, her tone practical. "But we will need to continue getting stronger."

"Agreed," Cáno said.

The first Nikke to awaken was Liter. She groaned, rubbing her head. “Ugh… what happened? Where am I?”

“Liter?” Centi’s voice sounded as she stirred awake, looking around groggily.

Liter blinked, spotting Centi. “Whoa! Centi, what happened to your clothes?”

Dolla, still disoriented, looked down. “What happened to our clothes?”

Liter turned her gaze to see Dolla and Yan, equally unclothed.

“Sorry about that,” Cáno said, his voice startling all of them. “The process that brings you back leaves you naked.”

The four froze, recognizing the familiar tone but not the source.

“Client?” Dolla asked cautiously. “Where are you?”

“I haven’t moved from where I stood,” Cáno replied. “You probably hadn’t noticed me because… I wasn’t so lucky to keep my body.”

Yan looked down, gasping. “Oh my lord… gals, look down!”

The four stared at the metallic slime looking up at them.

“G-Greenhorn?!” Liter stammered. “Is that you?”

“I go by Cáno Tempest these days, but yes, it’s me,” he replied.

Centi picked him up carefully, marveling at his light weight. “Boss, what happened to you?”

Cáno sighed. “We messed up, big time. When we assaulted the Gatekeeper, the explosion… it killed everyone. I was reborn as this slime, and the Gatekeeper—”

"Tell them," Gatekeeper said quietly.

Cáno continued. “The AI Core of the Gatekeeper was attached to my soul. She’s listening in right now, and it was with her help that I gained the strength to bring you all back.”

Yan folded her arms. “So, let me get this straight. We all died, you got reincarnated as a slime, the Gatekeeper is inside of you, and you have the power to revive everyone?”

“Only the Nikke, and the Heretics,” Cáno clarified. “I’m not sure if Enikk, Einkk, or Shifty are inside of me.”

Dolla sighed. “That’s… a lot to take in.”

“You believe me?” Cáno asked.

Dolla nodded. “Client, you couldn’t lie to save your life. Besides… it’s strange, but I can feel the bond between us.”

“Same,” Liter added softly. “It’s like I can feel your heart.”

“Huh?” Cáno said, confused.

"It seems the bond you created with the Nikke transformed into a literal bond," Gatekeeper interjected. "In some ways, you’re spiritually married."

“HUH?!” Cáno exclaimed.

This was not what he had expected when he decided to revive them.

Cáno, still flustered by Gatekeeper’s revelation, shifted his form slightly in an attempt to recover. “Uh, so… Gatekeeper just told me something I didn’t expect.”

Centi tilted her head, still cradling the metallic slime in her hands. “What is it, Boss?”

“Apparently,” Cáno said, hesitating for a moment, “the bond I have with the Nikke isn’t just emotional. It’s literal. Gatekeeper said that spiritually, we’re… married.”

The reaction was immediate. All four women blushed, their expressions shifting from surprise to something softer, though none of them seemed displeased by the idea.

“Married?” Dolla echoed, her cheeks pink as she adjusted her posture. “Client, that’s… unexpected, but I can’t say I hate it.”

Liter laughed, the sound bright and full of warmth. “Oh, Greenhorn, you should’ve seen that coming. You’ve always been the kind of guy who made all the Nikke feel like they were truly cared for.”

“True,” Dolla added, smiling slightly. “Your affection and care for us were always universally loved. Even the ones who didn’t want to admit it—like Crow and Eunhwa—felt the same.”

At that, Yan laughed harder. “Those two? Definitely Tsundere about it. Always pretending they didn’t care, but they totally did.”

Cáno’s form rippled slightly in embarrassment as his thoughts swirled. I… I don’t know what to say. I mean, sure, I cared about all of you, deeply. And yeah, I… uh… had moments with some of you. His inner voice softened. But I didn’t think any of you truly cared about me like that. I was just… human.

Gatekeeper’s presence surged in his mind, her tone sharp with frustration. "Idiot," she muttered, delivering what felt like a mental slap to the back of his head. "If I could talk to them directly, I’d tell them what you’re thinking right now. How could you be so dense?"

Cáno quivered slightly, more from her reaction than his own embarrassment.

Yan crossed her arms, her sharp eyes meeting Cáno’s form. “So what’s the plan, Rookie?”

Cáno shifted slightly within Centi’s hands, turning his attention to the group. “Well, I need Mighty Tools to work with the people of the village I’m building here. They’re not human, so don’t freak out when you see them, by the way.”

Centi tilted her head, still holding him. “What do you mean by ‘not human,’ Boss?”

“This world is different from Earth,” Cáno explained. “For one, it has little in the way of technology, so any tools we need, we’ll have to invent ourselves. The upside to this is that the world is mostly untouched by the chaos of modern warfare. Nature is abundant.”

Dolla’s calculating gaze narrowed. “Go on.”

“There are humans here,” Cáno continued, “but a large number of intelligent beings on this world aren’t human. For example, the people of my village are Hobgoblins and Star Wolves. The latter are intelligent wolves with magical powers. Also… magic is real.”

Liter blinked, the information clearly taking a moment to settle. “Magic is real… and intelligent wolves. This is getting stranger and stranger.”

Yan shrugged. “No stranger than our Rookie being a slime. We’re going to need to adapt.”

Centi smirked dryly. “We’re also going to need clothes, and if what Boss says is true, our usual stuff isn’t going to cut it here.”

Liter flushed, glancing down. “Yeah… we are naked here… literally.”

“Oh, sorry,” Cáno said quickly. “Allow me.”

Before they could react, Cáno slid free of Centi’s hands, landing softly on the ground. Turning toward the group, he sprayed a fine mist of webbing in their direction. The women yelped, instinctively shielding their faces. A moment later, they hesitantly opened their eyes, realizing that the webbing had formed into clothing. It wasn’t anything extravagant—simple tunics and leggings—but it was functional and modest.

Centi looked down at herself, flexing her arms to test the fit. “What on earth was that, Boss?”

Cáno turned his form slightly, his voice calm. “Beings here can learn skills and get stronger through willpower and experience. It’s literally like one of those games Exia used to play.”

Dolla crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. “That would explain why you look like a Metal Slime from Dragon Quest.”

The room fell silent as everyone turned to stare at her.

Dolla flushed under their gazes, her usual poise faltering. “I can have hobbies outside of my ambitions…”

Cáno let out a chuckle, though his gelatinous form quivered slightly from amusement. “Dolla’s secret aside, continuing from earlier—Talentum will be coming with me to a nearby city, Dwargon. We’ll be selling goods, gathering information, and getting a sense of the lay of the land.”

Liter tilted her head, clearly pondering something. “No Rupee?”

Yan smirked, her tone light but teasing. “She’d die of a heart attack if she couldn’t go shopping, and given what Rookie is telling us, shopping here would be… rough.”

Cáno sweatdropped internally. “Is it bad that even Gatekeeper said that?”

Liter laughed, adjusting her newly formed tunic. “Well, it makes sense.”

Dolla turned back to Cáno, her usual calculating tone returning. “So when do we leave?”

“Soon,” Cáno replied. “We’ll be traveling by riding Star Wolves.”

Centi’s eyes widened slightly, her voice tinged with curiosity. “Riding wolves? That’s… new.”

The Nikke exchanged glances, their expressions ranging from curiosity to skepticism, but none of them outright objected. Cáno felt a sense of comfort settle over him, the presence of his trusted companions grounding him in a way he hadn’t realized he needed.

As the conversation trailed off, Cáno reflected silently, his mind wandering. His most dependable partners in life had never been human—first the Nikkes, and now these beings of this strange new world. A thought lingered at the back of his mind, quiet but persistent. Did he ever truly like humans? Outside of people like Anderson, Ingrid, and Mustang, and the few others he interacted with, he wasn’t so sure.

Chapter Text

The introduction of Yan, Centi, Dolla, and Liter to the Hobgoblins and Starwolves went surprisingly well. Standing outside the grand but rustic structure that served as their base of operations, the group found themselves under the curious scrutiny of their monstrous allies. Among them, Ranga loomed over the gathering. His presence was as protective as it was imposing, and despite his size, he regarded the newcomers with an air of curiosity rather than hostility.

“They don’t smell human at all,” Ranga rumbled, his voice deep and resonant. His sharp eyes narrowed, and his tail flicked thoughtfully. “More like... birds. Kind of strange, really.”

That peculiar observation hung in the air, drawing confused glances from both the Nikke and their Hobgoblin hosts. Cáno, shifted slightly on the ground confused. Before he could respond, Rigurd stepped forward.

“Perhaps,” Rigurd mused, stroking his chin with his hand, “they’re Valkyries. Either that, or Harpies. But there’s something different about them... a faint trace of holy energy. Not enough to bother monsters like us, but noticeable to anyone old enough to remember.”

The Nikke looked at each other in surprise, exchanging murmurs. Rigurd studied them with a knowing gaze before turning to Liter and Centi.

“Try focusing on your backs and shoulder blades,” he suggested.

The two Nikke hesitated but complied, following his advice. Moments later, to everyone’s astonishment, wings unfolded from their backs. The appendages shimmered faintly, catching the light like spun silver and gold.

Yan blinked, her jaw falling open in disbelief. “How did you do that?” she asked, her voice tinged with awe.

Liter furrowed her brow, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. “It felt... kind of like how we used to use our abilities against the Raptures,” she said slowly.

A moment of quiet passed as the group processed the implications. The Nikke were designed to wield extraordinary abilities in battle—powers that ranged from healing and shielding to delivering devastating attacks. Cáno, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally spoke, his voice smooth but thoughtful.

“Looks like, in this world, you can still fight the way you used to,” he said, his tone measured. “Well... minus the guns.”

The statement drew mixed reactions from the four Nikke.

Liter folded her arms across her chest, her tone pragmatic. “It’s nice to know we’re not fully useless, though...”

Dolla, ever the voice of practicality, added, “It’s not something any of us would focus on, Client. Combat is what we can do, but not what we’re best at.”

Cáno’s silver form rippled subtly as he considered their words. “Should I call on some combat-oriented Nikke, then?”

Centi grinned, her tone light. “It couldn’t hurt. Maybe your old squad?”

The mention of the Counters gave Cáno pause. Silence fell over the group as the weight of Centi’s suggestion settled on him. His core shifted faintly, and the reflective surface of his body dimmed for a moment. The Counters weren’t just his “old squad.” They were family. Thinking of them stirred a pang of guilt—shouldn’t they have been his first call?

Sensing his unease, Yan stepped closer. With surprising gentleness, she reached down and scooped him up, cradling his form in her hands. Her touch was soothing, and her voice carried a quiet reassurance.

“Easy there,” she murmured, brushing a finger over his surface in a calming gesture. “Whatever’s got you down, it’ll be fine. You’re probably thinking, ‘I should’ve called them first,’ right? But you were being practical. You didn’t need combat-heavy Nikke yet; you needed thinkers.”

Liter tilted her head, intrigued. “How’d you figure out what he was thinking?”

Yan offered a small, almost sheepish smile. “I don’t know... maybe it’s the bond? But he was feeling really guilty just now, and I just… wanted to comfort him.”

Centi’s grin widened, and she gave Cáno an enthusiastic thumbs-up. “Don’t worry, Boss. Maybe make a list of Nikke to bring back so we can really get this place running.”

Cáno seemed to relax at her words, the glow of his form brightening once more. “Thanks, ladies,” he said with a faint chuckle. “I’ve just been working by the seat of my pants... metaphorically speaking.”

Rigurd, who had been watching quietly, stepped forward. His posture was straight, and his presence radiated an air of leadership earned through experience.

“Lord Cáno,” he said, his gravelly voice steady, “as a former leader, let me give you some advice. Don’t hesitate to speak your mind or share how you feel. The humans have a saying—‘Heavy is the crown on the head who wears it.’ But in my experience, it’s only as heavy as you make it.”

Cáno inclined slightly in acknowledgment, his tone filled with gratitude. “Right... Thank you for your insight, Rigurd.”

Rigurd bowed his head respectfully. “It is my pleasure to help.”

The journey to the Dwarven Kingdom of Dwargon began in relative silence, save for the animated chatter of Gobta. The excitable goblin had declared himself a great warrior, and while Cáno was skeptical of his boasts, he couldn’t deny that Gobta had an impressive amount of energy and enthusiasm. As Cáno listened to Gobta ramble about his self-proclaimed heroics and obscure trivia about the region, it dawned on him that the goblin’s constant chatter wasn’t entirely useless. With enough patience and careful listening, Gobta’s stories and observations became a wellspring of valuable information, though extracting it required an almost surgical precision in interpretation.

The peace of the journey, however, was interrupted when the group stumbled upon a grim scene on the fringes of the Forest. An overturned wagon lay shattered on the road, surrounded by several lifeless bodies and a few more clinging weakly to life. It didn’t take much deduction to recognize the handiwork of bandits.

While Cáno and Gobta inspected the bodies, Yan and Dolla turned their attention to the wagon itself. Ranga and the other Starwolves stood nearby, their eyes scanning the surrounding forest for any sign of further danger.

Gobta crouched near a corpse, his brow furrowed. “Whoever did this must’ve been really strong…” he muttered, then quickly corrected himself with a nervous laugh. “N-Not as strong as you, Lord Cáno!”

The silver slime rippled slightly as Cáno shook his metaphorical head. “It’s fine, Gobta. Don’t worry about it.” He leaned closer to one of the bodies, inspecting the wounds with an analytical eye. “Though… whoever did this was efficient. I’ve only seen slash marks this clean from fighters like Scarlet, A2, and 2B...”

Cáno’s voice trailed off as his focus turned inward, speaking silently to his ever-present companion. Partner, do we have data on Abnormals?

Gatekeeper, his internal AI responded, her tone as clinical as ever. We do, though… I don’t understand how.

Whenever you summoned beings from another world, we had the idea to scan their brains under the guise of making sure they were healthy, Cáno explained. I didn’t agree with it, but it let us create replica Nikke of them. They only worked with me, though, and I always made sure to tell them that the real ones had returned home.

That didn’t cause mental dissonance with them? Gatekeeper asked, curiosity laced in her tone.

Not with 2B, A2, Rei Ayanami, Makima, Pascal, Power, Emilia, Rem, and Ram, Cáno replied. None of them were fully human. Pascal was a robot; 2B and A2 were practically Nikkes themselves. Rei Ayanami was a mass-produced human, Emilia a half-elf, and Makima, Power, Rem, and Ram were demons of sorts. It was only a problem with Asuka and Mari. Himeo and Misato just… drank a lot and enjoyed the fact that they could do so with barely any consequences.

Humans are weird… Gatekeeper remarked dryly.

I know, partner, Cáno replied, a faint humor in his tone.

Meanwhile, Yan and Dolla continued their investigation of the cart, their expressions growing grim.

“I don’t think Client is going to like this…” Dolla murmured, brushing dust and splinters away from some scattered chains.

“Hell, I don’t like it,” Yan replied, her voice laced with disgust. The evidence was undeniable: the cart had been transporting slaves. Signs of abuse and neglect littered the wreckage, from discarded restraints to the stench of human suffering that still clung to the air.

“We have to tell him, regardless,” Dolla said, her tone resolute. “He needs to know this kind of thing happens here so he can plan accordingly.”

Yan nodded, turning to approach Cáno. Gobta stood nearby, looking at the silent slime with a confused expression.

“Lady Dolla,” Gobta asked nervously, “did I do something wrong to Lord Cáno? He’s not moving.”

Dolla glanced at the immobile silver form. “More than likely, he’s talking with Gatekeeper. Something must’ve come up.”

A moment later, Cáno’s focus returned. “We were discussing the Abnormals,” he explained briefly. “That said, what did you find?”

Yan’s expression darkened. “The cargo was slaves,” she said bluntly. “We’re not sure what kind, but they were... very poorly treated.”

Cáno was silent for a moment, the weight of her words settling over him. He sighed deeply, an action more habitual than necessary in his current form.

Partner, Gatekeeper interjected, I do believe we can make use of this corpse.

Ominous. What do you mean? Cáno asked.

If you absorb him, we can gain the basic structure of a fit male for your humanoid form. As for the face, we can adjust it to closely resemble your old one.

Cáno hesitated. No need to let this trash go to waste. Let’s do it.

Before anyone could react, Cáno’s slime form surged forward, enveloping one of the dead bodies entirely. The Nikke and Gobta watched in stunned silence as the corpse was consumed, the process oddly quiet.

“Client?!” Dolla exclaimed, her eyes wide with shock.

“What the heck?!” Yan added, her voice incredulous.

The transformation was swift. Cáno’s silver form shifted and solidified, reshaping itself into a young man with features that faintly echoed his past life. When the process was complete, Cáno stood before them—completely human in appearance, and completely naked.

Ranga tilted his head, his deep voice breaking the silence. “Master, did you just absorb the human to take on a human form?”

“Yes,” Cáno replied, glancing down at himself. He frowned slightly. “Not sure about the… size.”

You’re keeping it, Gatekeeper said firmly.

Cáno sighed. “Yes, ma’am.”

Dolla smirked, raising an eyebrow. “I’m guessing she wants you to be stacked, huh?”

Cáno ran a hand through his hair, exasperated. “I have a feeling this is going to be a recurring trend…”

Yan, meanwhile, grinned. “You do look handsome overall. How about some clothes now, and we can get moving?”

Nodding, Cáno formed a set of simple garments around his new body. Though the ability to appear human was undeniably useful, something about it felt... off. As the group resumed their journey, he couldn’t help but admit to himself that he still preferred his slime form.

After a long journey, Cáno and his companions finally arrived at the gates of Dwargon, a city hidden within the heart of a mountain. The entrance was a simple but sturdy stone structure, unadorned and practical in design. The massive gate was built directly into the rock face, its thick slabs of stone standing resolute against the elements. No intricate carvings or embellishments marked the dwarven heritage—this was a city that spoke of function over flair.

A line of merchants, adventurers, and travelers stretched before them, each group patiently awaiting their turn to pass through the gate. The air buzzed with conversation and the occasional grumble of impatience, while the creak of wagon wheels and the clinking of goods provided a steady backdrop of noise.

As Cáno, Yan, and Dolla joined the line, their presence drew curious glances—and not all of them friendly. A pair of scruffy-looking men, clearly opportunists, sauntered toward them with confident sneers.

“Hey there,” one of them called out, his tone dripping with mockery. “Those are some fine-looking women you’ve got there.”

Cáno turned to face the pair, his expression neutral. The men were rough, their mismatched armor and cocky grins suggesting they were more accustomed to intimidating the helpless than picking fair fights.

“How about you let us have some fun with them for a while?” the second thug suggested, his grin widening. “All this waiting has us bored.”

Yan and Dolla moved closer to Cáno, slipping their arms around him. Though both were fully capable of handling the thugs on their own, they decided to play the part of dependent companions, letting Cáno take the lead.

“How about no,” Cáno replied calmly, his tone firm but unbothered. “And if you persist, you might not like the consequences.”

The first thug scoffed, taking a step closer. “Oh yeah? And what are you gonna—”

Before he could finish, Ranga emerged silently from Cáno’s shadow, his massive form casting an intimidating silhouette in the sunlight. The wolf’s glowing eyes fixed on the men, radiating a primal menace that sent a shiver through the air. Cáno hadn’t expected Ranga to develop this ability, but he wasn’t about to complain.

“I’m generally a nice guy,” Cáno said evenly, nodding toward Ranga, “but my wolf here… he can get a little playful.”

The thugs froze, their bravado crumbling in an instant. The first one stammered, “Y—yeah, we get it! Have a nice day!”

Without waiting for a response, the two turned and bolted, disappearing into the nearby forest.

Yan smirked, watching them retreat. “Well, that was satisfying.”

Dolla glanced at Cáno, raising an eyebrow. “Remind me to stop underestimating Ranga.”

Cáno looked up at the wolf, who gave a satisfied snort. “Remind me to get you a good treat, Ranga.”

Ranga grinned before slipping seamlessly back into Cáno’s shadow.

The exchange hadn’t gone unnoticed. As they approached the gates, the guards standing watch eyed them with a mixture of curiosity and unease. Cáno raised a hand in a placating gesture.

“Peace,” he said calmly. “I am Cáno Tempest, and these are my companions, Yan and Dolla. We’re residents of the Jura Forest and have come to sell healing potions we’ve made.”

One of the guards, a dwarf with a gruff voice and five o'clock shadow, stepped forward. “You couldn’t have come at a better time, Mr. Tempest. A recent mine collapse has left many injured, and we’re in desperate need of healing potions.”

Cáno frowned slightly. “We didn’t know about the collapse, but we’ll do everything we can to help.”

Dolla nodded. “No charge, of course.”

The dwarf blinked, visibly surprised. “No charge? That’s… incredibly generous.”

Cáno smiled faintly. “We just want to help.”

“Very well,” the guard replied, gesturing for them to follow. “We’ll take you to the infirmary.”

As they passed through the gates into the mountain city, Cáno couldn’t help but wonder what other challenges awaited them within Dwargon.

Chapter Text

Cáno, Dolla, and Yan followed the guard, Kaidou, through Dwargon’s lively streets. The city, nestled into the side of a valley deep within the mountain, was a marvel of engineering and natural defenses. Cáno’s keen eye traced the contours of the valley walls and the strategic placement of stone battlements.

“This place is impenetrable,” Cáno muttered to himself. “They’ve thought of everything.”

“Commander,” Dolla interjected, lightly tapping his arm, “focus.”

Cáno gave her a faint smile, nodding as he shifted his thoughts back to the task at hand. Kaidou led them to a courtyard near the castle, where rows of injured miners lay on rough cots. The air was heavy with the scent of earth and sweat, mingled with faint groans of pain.

“Here we are,” Kaidou said, gesturing to the wounded. His skeptical gaze turned to Cáno. “Are you sure you can help these men?”

Cáno nodded, his expression calm but confident. “We came here to sell medicine we’ve created—healing potions.”

“Healing potions?” Kaidou’s brows shot up. “Those are hard to come by. If you’re selling them, you must be a powerful alchemist.”

Dolla stepped forward with a small smirk. “It’s not so much that he’s a powerful alchemist. The plants we use are filled to the brim with Magicules, making them especially potent.”

Reaching into the satchel slung over her shoulder, she pulled out a small glass bottle. The liquid inside glowed faintly, a soft, golden radiance that drew immediate attention. Kaidou stared at it in disbelief.

“I’ve seen healing potions before,” he said, taking the bottle carefully, “but nothing like this. Even Vesta—our most accomplished alchemist—hasn’t made something that glows like this.”

Without another word, he hurried to administer the potion to one of the miners. The man winced as the liquid took effect, but the results were almost immediate. Cuts and bruises faded, and his pallor disappeared as he sat up, blinking in astonishment.

Gasps of amazement rippled through the courtyard as Kaidou worked his way down the line of miners. By the time the last of them was healed, the guard was beaming. “Thank you—thank you so much. I can’t tell you how much this means to us.”

“You’re welcome,” Cáno said warmly.

As Kaidou ushered them over to meet the miners, Cáno and his companions were introduced to Dord, Myrd, and Garm. The three dwarves, though grateful, carried a visible weight of sorrow.

“What’s wrong?” Yan asked, her sharp gaze noting their somber expressions.

Garm sighed. “It’s our friend Kaijin. He’s Dwargon’s best blacksmith, but Minister Vesta gave him an impossible order. He worked day and night but couldn’t finish it in time. Now the King’s exiling him.”

“Exiling him?” Cáno’s expression hardened. “For failing one order?”

“It’s not official until tomorrow,” Garm added. “The King gave him one day to get his affairs in order.”

“A blacksmith, you say?” Dolla’s eyes sparkled with interest as she glanced at Cáno. “We could use an experienced blacksmith in our growing village. Liter and Centi are great, but someone with Kaijin’s skill could teach them—and introduce us to the local techniques.”

“I agree,” Yan said with a nod.

The brothers exchanged uncertain glances before Dord broke the silence. “You’re building a village? Where?”

“In the Forest of Jura,” Cáno explained. “It was infested with monsters, but I’ve brought peace to the area. Now I’m creating a home for anyone in need.”

Garm stepped forward with a determined expression. “Count me in.”

Dord and Myrd shared a look before nodding. “Us too,” Dord said.

Kaidou’s jaw dropped. “Wait a minute. You’re seriously thinking about leaving Dwargon to go with these strangers?”

“They helped us,” Garm said firmly. “And they might be able to help Kaijin. Besides, you think we’d do any better working under Vesta? You know how he is.”

Kaidou hesitated, his frown deepening. After a moment, he muttered, “The King won’t be pleased.”

“Then he shouldn’t have let Vesta exile the best of us,” Garm retorted.

Cáno remained quiet, though it was clear to him that the tension with Vesta ran deeper than the matter of Kaijin.

“Cáno,” Dolla said, her voice serious as she addressed him directly. “Why don’t you meet with Kaijin while Kaidou points us to where we can sell our goods?”

Cáno hesitated, glancing between Dolla and Yan. His concern for them was palpable.

Yan smiled, placing a reassuring hand on his arm. “Don’t you worry. We can handle ourselves.”

With a reluctant nod, Cáno agreed. “All right. Be careful.”

Cáno nodded, and the group split up. While Dolla and Yan went with Kaidou to finalize their trading arrangements, Garm, Dord, and Myrd led Cáno through the bustling streets of Dwargon to a lively, dimly lit bar. The establishment hummed with chatter, the clinking of mugs, and the lilting laughter of patrons.

Cáno stepped inside, his gaze immediately drawn to the center of the room. Seated at a table with a frothy mug of beer was Kaijin, a broad-shouldered dwarf whose jovial demeanor was matched only by the two elf girls clinging to him. They giggled as they leaned against him, their delicate hands resting on his chest. Cáno sighed inwardly. At this point, very little surprised him anymore.

As Cáno approached the table, Kaijin glanced up, his expression shifting to curiosity. “So you helped my friends, eh? Thanks for that.”

Cáno took a seat across from him, folding his hands on the table. “It was a happy coincidence, really. We came here looking to sell potions for our village.”

“Ah, I see,” Kaijin replied, taking a swig of his beer.

Garm, standing nearby, leaned forward. “Kaijin, they need experienced blacksmiths to help build up their village in the Forest of Jura. Apparently, they’ve actually got an area safe enough for that.”

“Well,” Cáno said, his tone thoughtful, “it’s a little more complicated than that. Our citizens so far consist of Hobgoblins and Star Wolves.”

Kaijin’s eyes widened, his beer mug pausing mid-air. “Hobgoblins and Star Wolves? Last I heard, those two were mortal enemies. How’d you get them to coexist?”

Cáno offered a faint smile. “Trade secret for now. Nothing bad, I promise.”

Kaijin chuckled, setting his mug down with a thud. “Well, you helped my friends out for free, with a potion stronger than anything I’ve ever seen. I can wait to find out when we leave Dwargon.”

Cáno blinked, surprised. “You’re coming with us?”

“Why not?” Kaijin said with a shrug. “I can tell you’re a kind man. Besides, I’ve had enough of this place for now.”

Before Cáno could reply, the door to the bar swung open, and Dolla and Yan stepped inside. Both women scanned the room, their gazes quickly locking on Cáno.

“So this is where you were...” Dolla said, her tone laced with faint amusement.

Cáno swallowed nervously, glancing at the elf girls still clinging to Kaijin. “Dolla, Yan—I can explain—”

Yan waved him off with a knowing smile. “Don’t worry. We know you’re not the type.”

Kaijin tilted his head, curious. “And who might you two be?”

“We’re his companions,” Dolla said smoothly, crossing her arms. “One of many.”

Yan smirked. “We’re also the village merchants. And for the record, we handled things pretty well, Cáno.”

“You did?” Cáno’s brow lifted, his expression softening.

Dolla nodded, her tone confident. “We made a killing and got some solid information to help plan our future endeavors.”

“Good job,” Cáno said warmly. Turning to Kaijin, he gestured toward the two women. “Kaijin, these are Dolla and Yan. Along with another, they’ll be the heads of commerce in the village.”

Kaijin nodded in greeting. “Where’s the third?”

Cáno hesitated. “She’s...”

“She’s not as flexible with bartering as we are,” Dolla supplied with a wry smile.

“More of a shopper, really,” Yan added, “to test the waters of the markets.”

Kaijin chuckled at that but didn’t press further. Cáno leaned forward, his tone turning practical. “We can leave tonight if need be.”

Garm frowned, crossing his arms. “Are you sure? Traveling at night has its risks.”

Cáno smiled faintly, confidence in his gaze. “Positive. Ranga and I will be more than enough to keep everyone safe.”

With that settled, plans were quickly made. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Kaijin, with the help of Garm, Dord, and Myrd, gathered his essential tools. By sunset, they were ready to depart. The group left the gates of Dwargon under the cover of twilight, a faint sense of hope and purpose guiding their steps into the Forest of Jura.

Unbeknownst to them, Kaijin’s exile had not been an ironclad decree. It was a test for Minister Vesta by Gazel Dwargo, the King of Dwargon. Vesta failed, resulting in Vesta’s exile from Dwargon.

For now, though, Cáno and his companions focused on the road ahead.

The next morning, Kaijin sat with his brothers, Rigurd, Cáno, and the Nikke in the heart of the village. The group gathered around a large table constructed of rough-hewn wood, the air filled with the sounds of the bustling settlement. Cáno leaned forward, explaining his plans for the future of the village.

Kaijin rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he processed everything he had heard. “Wait… so you’re actually a slime, and you’ve come from another world?”

“That’s about the long and short of it,” Cáno replied with a faint smile. “I’m hoping to turn this place into a home of equality.”

Rigurd, seated beside him, nodded enthusiastically. “Lord Cáno named every single Hobgoblin and Wolf here, so he’s pretty powerful.”

Cáno, however, wasn’t one to take all the credit. Thinking to himself, he added, It was all because of my partner picking up after I passed out.

Gatekeeper’s voice chimed in his mind, calm and warm. It was my pleasure.

Out loud, Cáno continued, “I also carry the souls of my trusted allies in me and will be reviving them here when needed. You’ve already met Yan and Dolla. Let me introduce Liter and Centi—they’ll be working with you on blacksmithing and construction.”

Kaijin’s gaze shifted to the two Nikke, a hint of skepticism in his eyes. “I see… what’s their experience? They look like young humans to me.”

Liter smiled faintly, her tone confident but professional. “I’ve been in construction for over thirty years now, so I’m pretty adept at it.”

“And we’ve been working together for a while,” Centi added, her tone cheerful and supportive.

Kaijin nodded thoughtfully before gesturing toward the rest of the group. “And your other companions?”

Cáno leaned back slightly. “I plan on reviving a dozen first before resting. Each of them will have a role to play in the village’s development.”

Dolla glanced at him, raising a brow. “Did you include the Counters?”

“The Counters?” Garm asked, his curiosity piqued.

Yan chuckled lightly. “In our old life, they were his personal unit, kind of like family.”

Cáno gave a small nod. “I included them all, yes.”

Liter smiled warmly, her tone carrying a touch of approval. “Good. No more feeling bad about being practical.”

Cáno looked slightly sheepish, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well, here are the twelve I’m going to bring back first.”

He began listing off the names, his tone steady. “Flora is an expert at plants and agriculture, so she’ll help us grow food efficiently. Next are Hammering and Drilley—I plan on having them search Veldora’s cave for ores to make better tools. Biscuit and Nero will follow. They’re great with animals and can work with the Star Wolves to procure food and help maintain farms. Then there’s Emilia, Scarlet, and 2B...”

Dolla raised an eyebrow, her sharp gaze locking onto Cáno. “Emilia and 2B? The ones summoned by the Gatekeeper? Why them?”

Cáno leaned forward slightly, his tone even as he explained. “Magic. This world runs on it, and if there’s anyone I know who could harness magic effectively, it’s Emilia. I chose 2B, along with Scarlet, because they’re swordswomen. They can teach us—and others—about fighting with blades. Finally, I’ll revive the Counters: Anis, Neon, Rapi, and Modernia.”

Centi’s eyes narrowed, her usual cheer giving way to a guarded intensity. “A Heretic?”

Rigurd tilted his head in confusion. “What’s a Heretic?”

Centi’s voice was cool, her gaze sharp. “They’re Nikke who fought against our forces. Why would you even count one as part of the Counters?”

Cáno met her gaze steadily, his tone firm but calm. “Because she’s always been a part of Counters. We lost her, and she came back as a Heretic. But she’s never wavered in her loyalty to her friends—or to me. Don’t worry.”

Dolla folded her arms, her expression thoughtful. “Well… I trust you, but I’ll be keeping an eye on her. Just in case.”

Cáno’s lips quirked into a faint smile. “The only thing anyone needs to be wary of is… well, her cooking.”

Kaijin, who had been listening intently, raised an eyebrow. “...That bad?”

Cáno leaned back with a chuckle. “I heard from Chime that they once threw her cooking at a Rapture. It vomited.”

Liter’s eyes widened as the realization hit her. “...Wait. Most Raptures don’t even have… Oh no...”

“Exactly,” Cáno said with a wry grin. “We’re keeping her far, far away from the food.”

With their plan set, Cáno dismissed the group, keeping only the Nikke behind as he prepared to summon the others. Gatekeeper, mindful of Cáno’s energy, advised summoning four at a time.

The first four to appear were Flora, Hammering, Drilley, and Biscuit. Just as before, the summoning process caused them to splinter from Cáno’s body, emerging naked as the transformation completed.

Hammering blinked, disoriented. “W-Wha… Where am I?”

A voice called out before Cáno could answer. “Hammering?! You’re okay!”

Hammering turned, her eyes widening. “Wait… Liveryn? Why are—why are we naked?”

“That is a question I want to know as well,” Flora said, her voice calm but tinged with curiosity.

Biscuit stood silently, her face bright red, looking as though she wanted to vanish on the spot.

Before any further embarrassment could unfold, Cáno raised a hand. Threads of shimmering fabric wove themselves over the four Nikke, clothing them in modest, functional attire.

“I have a feeling this is going to be a repeat a third and fourth time…” Cáno muttered under his breath.

Hammering turned toward him, her eyes narrowing in recognition. “Commander? I recognize your voice, but… you look different.”

“I’ll explain once I’ve brought back the other eight,” Cáno said evenly.

Flora hesitated, her brows furrowing. “Bring back? Were we…”

“I’ll explain everything, Flora,” Cáno reassured her, his tone steady. “But I think you’ll like where we are now.”

Flora nodded quietly, her questions put on hold for the moment. Cáno asked the four to join the others while he prepared for the next summoning.

After checking with Gatekeeper, he summoned the next group: Nero, Emilia, Scarlet, and 2B. This time, he immediately clothed them upon their arrival, avoiding a repeat of the earlier scene.

2B glanced around, her tone sharp with confusion. “What is going on?”

Before Cáno could respond, Dolla stepped forward, gesturing for the four to move aside. “You four, come over here. It’s getting crowded, and it looks like Client is getting tired.”

Emilia’s expression softened as she adjusted to her new surroundings. “I suppose. I wasn’t expecting to be summoned to another world again.”

Once the second group joined the others, Cáno prepared for the final summoning. Exhaustion began to tug at him, but he pressed on.

The last group appeared: Anis, Neon, Rapi, and Modernia. As before, Cáno clothed them quickly, though his energy waned further with the effort.

“A little warning next time!” Anis exclaimed, brushing herself off as she adjusted to the sudden change.

Cáno managed a faint smile, his voice tinged with weariness. “Sorry, Anis… I haven’t figured out a way to do this without you all starting out naked.”

Modernia froze as her gaze locked onto him. Her voice was soft, almost disbelieving. “That voice… Commander?”

“Yeah, it’s me,” Cáno said, his tone gentle but firm. He straightened, forcing himself to focus despite his fatigue. “I need you all to listen up. I know you have questions, but I need to say what I have to say first.”

All eyes turned to Cáno, their expressions a mix of curiosity and anticipation.

He took a deep breath before beginning. “Our world, which I’m calling the Nikke World, is gone. I was reincarnated here as a slime and became connected with the Gatekeeper. She’s been helping me navigate my new powers and abilities. Through her, I discovered that I carry the ‘Spirit Data’ of every Nikke from our world, including outsiders like Emilia and 2B.”

He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. “Currently, we’re in a village in a place called the Forest of Jura. And yes, Flora, it’s a full, natural forest.”

Flora’s eyes widened with excitement, her hands clasped together.

Emilia tilted her head, her voice steady. “I’m guessing you called us all due to our abilities?”

Cáno nodded. “Yes. Over the next few days, we’ll be working to expand the village. Emilia, you’ll be working closely with me to learn magic. This world’s system is different from what you’ve explained to me, so it’ll be a learning experience for both of us.”

Emilia smiled faintly, nodding in agreement.

“What about me?” 2B asked, her tone sharp but curious.

“You and Scarlet are expert swordswomen,” Cáno replied. “And if I remember correctly, you’re adept with other weapons too. I’m hoping you can teach others to fight with swords, at the very least. Guns are far from being made in this world.”

Scarlet inclined her head, her voice filled with calm determination. “It would be my honor.”

Cáno smiled before adding, “One last thing. I go by Cáno now and—”

He was cut off by Emilia, who let out an amused snort.

Cáno frowned. “What is it?”

Emilia’s lips twitched with suppressed laughter. “Cáno… is Elvish for Chief or, in this case, Commander.”

Groaning, Cáno rubbed the back of his neck as laughter filled the room. Even without hearing them, he could imagine Veldora’s booming laugh resounding in his mind. Gatekeeper’s amusement, though silent, was just as palpable.

“Well,” Cáno muttered, “it’s my name now.”

Dolla, grinning, took the opportunity to shift the conversation. “Anyway, most of you will be focused on helping the village grow. The Counters... well.”

Liter stepped in, her voice gentle but firm. “Cáno felt like he betrayed you four by not calling you out first.”

Modernia’s eyes softened. “Comman—I mean, Cáno missed us?”

Centi nodded, her tone light and reassuring. “Big time, but he needed to be practical before personal.”

2B raised an eyebrow. “Will he be summoning more? A2 would be helpful in combat.”

“And Rem and Ram would definitely be helpful when it comes to magic,” Emilia added.

Cáno hesitated, his tone thoughtful. “There are a few I’m… hesitant to summon for various reasons. Makima, for example, worries me. I think she’d cause a lot of trouble—even more than Nihilister, Liberalio, Indivilla, Leviathan, Behemoth, Ziz, or Bahamut.”

Anis froze, her voice rising slightly. “W-Wait! You’re actually more scared of Makima than the Heretics?”

Cáno sighed inwardly. Gatekeeper, can you explain? I trust you.

Closing his eyes for a moment, Cáno’s form seemed to shift subtly. When he opened them again, his irises glowed green. The air grew still as a smooth, feminine voice spoke through him.

“I can explain better than my partner.”

The room fell silent. All the Nikke stared at him, their expressions a mix of shock and confusion.

Centi’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. “Wait… Gatekeeper?”

Rapi stepped forward, her expression tense as her hand hovered near her side, forgetting she didn't have a gun. “Gatekeeper... has it taken over Cáno?”

“Negative,” Gatekeeper replied smoothly, the green glow of Cáno’s eyes steady and unyielding. “Partner willingly gave me control, and I will not betray his trust.”

None of the women missed the possessive tone in her voice when she said Partner.

Gatekeeper continued, her tone growing serious. “Makima is not human, nor is she a Nikke. She is a Devil. More specifically, the ‘Control Devil.’ She embodies the ‘Fear of Conquest,’ as in the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Her ability allowed her to tie her body to every soul in Japan. Every time she was ‘killed,’ a random innocent person would die in her place. We will not be summoning her unless under severe circumstances.”

A heavy silence fell over the group as the Nikke processed her words. The weight of the revelation settled like a stone in their chests. The very idea of such a being, one who could manipulate death on such a horrifying scale, sent chills through them.

Cáno’s eyes shifted back to their usual state as he regained control. “So yeah… we’ll be picking and choosing our allies carefully. As for the Heretics and some Nikke, they may end up being the village’s primary fighting force. As much as it pains me to say it, we’ll need them.” He sighed deeply, his weariness showing. “And then there’s the matter of figuring out what to do with Syuen.”

Neon spoke up, her tone light and playful. “That can wait until later. You need to rest, and we need to familiarize ourselves with our surroundings. I mean, that’s what I plan to do as a great spy.”

Anis smirked, crossing her arms. “Glad to see she hasn’t changed. But she’s right.” Turning to Dolla, she added, “You have an idea of what we should be doing, right?”

Dolla nodded, her voice steady with the confidence of someone who had everything planned. “Yes, Cáno discussed it with the villagers beforehand. First, we’ll need to introduce you to Kaijin, Rigurd, and Ranga. I think Biscuit will like Ranga.”

Biscuit tilted her head, curiosity lighting her features. “What do you mean?”

Yan chuckled, her tone fond. “Ranga is a giant, horned Star Wolf and definitely a good boy.”

Biscuit’s eyes sparkled with delight, her hands clapping together. “I have to meet him!”

Cáno couldn’t help but laugh, though the sound was soft with exhaustion. Despite the challenges that lay ahead, he could feel it in his core—this was the start of something special.