Chapter 57: The Slime Farm Adventure Begins

After a full week of relentless rain, the first day of the new week finally brought a reprieve as several golden rays pierced through Alastor’s dim, overcast sky.The clean, clear azure of the heavens once again painted the firmament.

A lively clamor rose from the streets and alleys, as the constant ebb and flow of pedestrians once again inundated every corner of the city.

For Qing Yu, this glorious change in weather signified that his long-anticipated journey to the Slime Farm could finally commence.

Thus, with the first light of dawn, after drawing back his curtains and beholding the clear sky, Qing Yu let out a triumphant cheer.Too excited to even consider a proper meal, he merely snatched a few pieces of bread before eagerly summoning his companions, rushing them out the door.

The farm itself was situated north of Alastor, a region, as Eden explained, renowned for its diverse array of pets and livestock.These creatures, bred and raised there, were then distributed across the entire kingdom, annually bringing in substantial revenue and earning widespread acclaim throughout Midgard.

Indeed, along their journey, Qing Yu encountered numerous pet merchants, all of whom appeared to be well-acquainted with Eden, greeting him warmly.The pets confined within their cages, however, presented a stark contrast; each was grotesquely shaped and exuded a menacing aura.Despite Eden’s assurances of their gentle disposition, as he playfully teased them and encouraged Qing Yu to touch them, Qing Yu couldn’t help but notice the full array of sharp fangs bared when these creatures snarled.Ultimately, he dared not extend his hand.

After all, a single careless move could easily cost him a limb.

‘How peculiar,’ Eden mused, having naturally observed the same detail while interacting with the creatures, ‘the pets lately seem to possess notably sharper teeth. Has a trend for pointed fangs emerged?’ Though he found it somewhat strange, Eden quickly dismissed the thought, merely stroking the monsters’ heads before continuing their journey with Qing Yu and their companions.

Yet, amidst these fearsome creatures, there were also slimes that appeared remarkably docile.They were all housed within a grand carriage, which Eden brought to a halt.The person driving the carriage, who seemed to know Eden, patiently waited as he exchanged a few words with her.Seizing this chance, Eden proceeded to introduce the slimes.Unlike the fist-sized, pure blue slimes Qing Yu had previously encountered, these were the size of house cats, boasting incredibly vivid colors and intricate patterns that made them exceptionally beautiful.Eden explained that these were specially bred, superior competitive varieties, known for their gentle disposition, striking appearance, and long lifespans.Moreover, their liquid-filled bodies could store small amounts of food, and they exhibited minimal growth, making them truly exceptional companions.

Had Aldoran not harbored an aversion to anything sticky, Qing Yu would have been tempted to purchase one immediately, given his virtually nonexistent resistance to adorable creatures.

Following his detailed introduction, Eden ushered everyone into the carriage, explaining that it was bound for the Slime Farm.The driver, a casual acquaintance of Eden’s, readily agreed to offer them a ride upon learning their destination.

With the convenience of the carriage, they traversed the city at a leisurely pace for half a day before reaching the sprawling outskirts.There, the carriage’s speed significantly increased, and it wasn’t long before the farm’s gates appeared before them.

Upon presenting their invitation, the farm management assigned a dedicated guide to lead them through the sprawling estate.

The farm was an expansive operation, meticulously divided into numerous distinct zones, each dedicated to the cultivation of a specific slime variety.White-clad staff members bustled about, constantly weaving between these specialized areas.

Their first stop was the Fire Slime breeding zone, and upon stepping inside, the immediate sensation was one of oppressive heat.The entire enclosure was enveloped by a colossal heat-conducting stone ceiling, beneath which a pit hundreds of meters deep had been excavated.A single passage offered the only route to another door, while at the bottom of the pit, fierce flames raged.Within this fiery abyss, head-sized slimes, their own bodies alight with internal flames, frolicked and leaped ceaselessly.Scattered amongst them were several turtle-like creatures, their forms wreathed in fire, their shells as rugged as rock.

‘These are Fire Slimes,’ the guide explained, ‘typically inhabiting volcanic regions. The creatures beside them are called Flame Turtles; Fire Slimes have a unique preference for parasitizing their shells, drawing warmth from them. Although Fire Slimes thrive in high-temperature environments and the constant flames burning within them, their external body temperature remains surprisingly low, making them quite effective as hand warmers. Nevertheless, given their properties for strengthening the body and nourishing the spleen and stomach, they are far more commonly utilized as a food source.’

As the guide spoke, they led the group across a narrow passage spanning the center of the vast pit.

‘Nourishing the spleen and stomach?’ Qing Yu and Liliya inquired, a hint of curiosity in their voices. ‘Will this thing truly not scorch one’s insides?’

‘You simply cook them alongside Blue Slimes,’ Thrud explained. ‘First, prepare the Blue Slimes as a chilled dish, then just mix the Fire Slimes and Blue Slimes together.’

Thrud, having once been a chef, replied with confidence, her familiarity with the culinary techniques for such dishes evident.

Aldoran, a noble herself, simply nodded in agreement, her position naturally granting her the most authoritative voice on such matters.

‘The flavor is remarkably sweet,’ she affirmed, ‘the texture delightfully smooth and slick, and it leaves a wonderfully cool sensation on the palate.’

Liliya and Qing Yu involuntarily swallowed, their appetites piqued.

Having departed the Fire Slime breeding zone, their next destination was the Sun Slime enclosure.

This particular breeding zone was entirely open-air, basking directly in the sunlight.Numerous thatched huts dotted the landscape, alongside glowing yellow stones placed seemingly at random.Within this serene setting, many nearly transparent slimes lay sprawled indolently on the grass, utterly motionless.

The moment they stepped into the breeding zone, Eden, without a moment’s hesitation, dashed onto the grassy expanse.He scooped up a slime, holding it aloft and scrutinizing it with unwavering fascination.

‘These are Sun Slimes,’ the guide began, ‘capable of sustaining life so long as a light source is present. Their bodies are remarkably simple, essentially just an outer membrane, completely hollow within. Their inherent luminescence makes them a favored companion for cave explorers. When consumed as food, they are known to significantly enhance the magical prowess of novice mages; beyond that, they primarily offer a substantial, simple means of satisfying hunger.’

The guide, who had initially moved to restrain Eden, halted abruptly as their gaze fell upon his familiar features.

Eden, it seemed, enjoyed a rather amiable relationship with the farm’s proprietor, often visiting as a guest.The owner, in turn, frequently bestowed slimes upon him, having even issued specific instructions to her staff that Eden was at liberty to take any slime he wished from the farm.

Consequently, the guide simply resumed their detailed explanation of the Sun Slimes.

‘They typically inhabit vast grasslands,’ the guide continued, ‘and due to the frequent attempts by novice adventurers to capture them, wild Sun Slimes have become exceedingly rare…’

‘Very useful for magic apprentices, you say…?’ Aldoran mused aloud, her gaze sweeping over the surrounding slimes before settling pointedly on Qing Yu.

Noticing Aldoran’s direct gaze, Qing Yu, assuming she wished to confide something, moved closer to her side.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Aldoran addressed the guide. ‘Excuse me, what is the approximate price for one of these?’

‘One is eighty silver coins, ma’am,’ the guide answered, a pleasant smile gracing their lips.

‘I’ll take two, please,’ Aldoran declared without hesitation, presenting the guide with a gleaming gold coin. ‘Have them prepared and delivered to Eden’s inn. My name is Aldoran.’

‘There’s no need for change,’ she added, ‘consider the extra a gratuity.’

‘Aldoran, you’re absolutely wonderful!’ Qing Yu exclaimed, launching himself at her and swiftly planting a grateful kiss on her cheek.

Witnessing this tender exchange, an irrepressible envy flickered in Liliya’s eyes.

As a young woman whose heart was just beginning to stir with romantic longings, she, too, yearned for an adorable boyfriend.

Thrud, on the other hand, propped her chin in her hand, a look of profound satisfaction gracing her features, much like a proud father observing his daughter finally finding true love.

‘Oh, Qing Yu, you’re so fortunate!’ Eden, who had been teasing slimes some distance away, noticed the scene unfolding and waved cheerfully in Qing Yu’s direction.

Subsequently, guided by the attendant, Qing Yu and his companions proceeded to tour various other slime habitats, including those for Ocean Slimes, Forest Slimes, Desert Slimes, and Black Slimes.

However, upon reaching the Ice Slime breeding zone, the guide halted their progress, explaining that the area was experiencing a malfunction.Members of the Knightage were currently investigating, rendering it temporarily inaccessible to visitors.

‘A malfunction?’ Eden pondered, a puzzled expression on his face. ‘But I recall the entire farm being perfectly fine when I last visited not long ago, didn’t I?’

‘My apologies, Mr. Eden, but you may not have been keeping up with the daily news,’ the guide responded with a bow, a regretful tone in their voice. ‘The Forest Slime breeding zone was vandalized by a group of bandits a month ago, and the Knightage has been actively tracking them. We had hoped they would remain dormant, but two nights ago, the Ice Slime breeding zone was also raided by the same group. That is why we have called upon the Knightage to collect evidence.’

‘Ah, I see. In that case, it can’t be helped then,’ Eden sighed, puffing out his cheeks and scratching his head, a look of disappointment on his face.

‘It seems we won’t be able to visit this area after all, even though the Ice Slimes are quite adorable.’

‘I am truly sorry. Allow me to guide everyone to the next breeding zone.’

Given the circumstances, no one felt it appropriate to press the issue further, so they all nodded in agreement, consenting to move on to other areas.

Just as the group prepared to depart, however, the door to the Ice Slime breeding zone suddenly swung open.Before anyone could react, a tall, green-haired woman emerged, walking side-by-side with another woman with long golden hair, dressed in an elegant gown.

‘Ms. Roalsa!’

Qing Yu was the first to exclaim, recognizing the woman’s face.Roalsa had been engrossed in conversation with the other woman, oblivious to Qing Yu and his companions, but at the sound of his shout, she lifted her head.

So deeply absorbed in her discussion, Roalsa seemed momentarily disoriented when her gaze finally landed on Qing Yu and his group.

‘Ms. Roalsa! It’s me! I’m Qing Yu!’ Seeing her lack of reaction, Qing Yu waved and called out to her again.

Roalsa blinked, then, as if a memory had just surfaced, she exchanged a few more words with the woman beside her before turning back to Qing Yu and Eden.With a boisterous laugh, she tossed a rose to each of them.

‘Mr. Eden, Mr. Qing Yu, it’s certainly been a while since we last met!’