Syl

Chapter 27: Syl

It certainly was tempting to devour all the slimes and hope for one that had developed a new trait, but I was hoping to make periodic trips here and grab a few. I didn't feel guilty per se about the forest boars driven to near extinction, but if I did the same to the blue slimes, I'd be trading potential long-term gains for a quick short-term one.

What I desperately wanted, however, was a green slime or, even better yet, a new color. This led to the decision that I would not return to my tree home and instead explore uncharted sections of the forest. My wolf form was perfect for fast travel, especially if I used [Mana Reinforcement] on the legs, and its exquisite nose would guide me to points of interest.

A whiff of fresh blood caught my attention, and I started cautiously heading toward it. As I got closer, I noticed two smells mingled amongst the blood; one smelt wild and animalistic, while the other had a rich and earthy forest scent. Hoping that my stealth skills were being put to good use, I cautiously approached until I finally spotted them.

Lying in a large pool of blood was the black cat-like creature, covered in gashing wounds - unmoving and dead. Leaning against the cat creature was the elf, also covered in wounds, the worst of which looked like something had gouged through her stomach. That fancy bow was not on her person, and she was stroking the cat with a forlorn expression.

'She looks like she's been through hell and back. Whoever or whatever did that to her didn't want to give her the chance to escape alive...'

I couldn't smell anything else nearby, so I cautiously approached, not sensing any instinctual threat from the dying and unarmed elf. When the elf detected my presence, she jerked violently from her position before huddling over in pain and clutching the wound. She shouted in a threatening tone, but I couldn't understand it and just stopped and stared at her. She looked confused and eventually started talking more, her tone becoming less hostile with each repetition. Her hand reached out, and a green light softly emerged and enveloped me. I was about to panic and retreat when a notification popped up.

Do you accept?>

Confused, I stared at the message. It didn't seem hostile, and the thought of finally having someone to talk to gave me some unfounded hope. The elf Sylthaeryn, I assumed, had an almost pleading look on her face, and regardless of my choice, it looked like she had not much time left in this world.

'What the hell just happ-'

"Thank you for accepting my request, noble wolf." The elf spoke softly with an expression of relief.

My mental protest was abruptly cut short by sheer confusion at her words. Words that I could finally understand.

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'Can you hear my thoughts?' I tried, but the elf showed no sign of reacting, 'So not a Gramps situation...' I thought sadly, then tried to speak aloud, but my wolf form only made barking noises.

"Unfortunately, our time together will be short as I'm not long for this world, and soon my essence will give this forest life." She continued, then reached for a small pouch that looked intricately crafted from all sorts of plant matter and finally wrapped in golden vines.

She beckoned me closer. I would normally be hesitant to approach an unknown, but our bond informed me that she held no hostile intent toward me, so I approached. When I got closer, I finally took more notice of her appearance, something I had disregarded from the other humanoids; she had long silvery-white hair, and her eyes were a deep emerald green. She stroked my wolf head with a terribly weak hand and then placed the pouch strap around my neck.

"I know this is a selfish request, but please could you protect this pouch, and should you ever discover another elf, present it to them."

'Sure, might as well as thanks for teaching me the language.' I thought, then realized she couldn't hear my mind and quickly nodded.

"Thank you, noble wolf." Her smile was faint, but her eyes held some embers of determination.

I glanced at the creature she was still partially leaning against. She noticed my gaze, with tears rolling down her eyes.

"This was Shalana, my first companion. She died soon after we escaped..." She spoke softly and shook her head in disbelief, "Her sacrifice was in vain... My wounds are far too great, and the bastard even used poison to ensure my eventual demise."

It was a dreadful situation, and perhaps if I had chosen Parasite Slime I could have saved her, but my current evolution, traits, and skills provided me no way to deal with hemorrhaging wounds or poison.

"Unfortunately, there is one last thing. I do not wish for my killer to gain from my essence or ancestral emblem, and instead, I wish to pass both of them to you."

I wasn't sure what she was talking about, but the embers had rekindled like she had made a final resolution.

"I shall grant you a name so that adventurers will see you once had a bond, and perhaps if you deliver my pouch, a more suitable elf will rebond with you... Syl."

'Wait-'

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'She can just force a name on me? I mean... At least it sounds better than Blue.'

"Sorry if it was a bit of a rush name... I thought I'd leave behind another part of me with you. I wanted to make my own mark on the world, but fate had other plans for me." She spoke full of regret and glanced at the gaping wound, her hands trembling, "Forgive me, this is the greatest taboo for a bonded companion..."

"Syl." The resolution in her voice caused my wolf ears to perk, and her following words shocked me to my core, "I order you to kill me."

My mind shuddered, my vision took on a red tint, and I felt myself lose control over my body. It felt vaguely similar to what happened to me when fighting the Blade Wolf, and my body moved to follow the order to maximum efficiency. My wolf form melted away as tendrils burst out, and my entire slime form rapidly moved to engulf her whole.

"A slime!?" These were the last words spoken by Sylthaeryn.

Emblem Usurped: [Elven Legacy].>

When I finally regained control over my body, both Sylthaeryn and Shalana were gone, the panther's body taken with her in the overflowing amount of slime. Being at the mercy of Sylthaeryn's order, my slime had not preserved anything. Her body was gone, her companion gone, her bow presumably lost. Other than memories, the only thing that remained of Sylthaeryn was the small pouch she gave me and the mark she had left on my profile.

Name: Syl