Victoria conducted several more rounds of tests, ranging from magical attacks of different elements and intensities to physical impacts, toxin tests, and even minor mental interference spells.
The results left even this experienced High Summoner unable to hide her surprise.
The Devouring and Reflection abilities were extremely stable. For elemental attacks of Rank 4 and below, it could almost instantly devour them and immediately reflect the attack.
For Rank 5 attacks, the devouring process was slightly sluggish, requiring several seconds to digest, but the reflection effect was still impressive.
As for Rank 6 attacks, Rimuru could devour them but could not reflect them, seemingly exceeding the current limit of its conversion capability.
In terms of physical resistance, after entering its pink form, Rimuru’s gelatinous body possessed incredible toughness. Ordinary swords could only leave shallow marks that quickly healed, while blunt force impacts were largely cushioned and absorbed.
However, the most mysterious ability was its capacity to create subordinates.
At Victoria’s strong insistence, Rimuru “produced” more than a dozen small slimes again.
These little things seemed to have very low intelligence and could only execute very simple commands. However, they shared some deep-seated connection with Rimuru’s main body. Victoria detected that they could act as a single unit, sharing a very tiny portion of the damage for Rimuru. Furthermore, when the main body needed it, they could be “recycled” and converted back into pure energy replenishment.
At present, the strategic value of this ability lay in scouting, harassment, or perhaps as a special medium for spellcasting?
Victoria could not be entirely certain, as there were almost no similar historical cases for reference.
“Incredible… it’s almost like the prototype of an entirely new species of summoned beast.”
Victoria finished her notes. The look she gave Camilla carried 30% amazement, 60% curiosity, and 10% of the excitement inherent to a researcher.
“Devouring and Reflection, high physical resistance, and a unique swarm creation ability… Miss Camilla, with Rimuru’s potential, if nurtured properly, it might reach unimaginable heights in the future.”
She paused, her tone becoming more serious.
“You can think about my previous question now. Regardless, one thing is clear — your compatibility with Rimuru is extremely high. It evolved because of you, and the bond between you is tighter than a normal contract. This reminds me of a powerful but difficult summoner technique…”
Camilla’s heart stirred, and she had a vague guess.
“Bond Transformation?” she asked softly.
Victoria nodded affirmatively, her gray-blue eyes sharp.
“That’s right. It seems you know about it. Bond Transformation requires the summoner and the contracted beast to reach a state of extreme spiritual resonance and mana synchronization. It took me seven years to reach that level with my Earth-burrowing Dragon Shark, yet you and Rimuru…”
She looked at the pink slime rubbing affectionately against Camilla’s palm.
“The connection between you feels entirely natural. Although Rimuru’s absolute power isn’t strong enough yet, this level of compatibility is the most precious foundation for learning Bond Transformation. If you are interested, I can guide you through the initial attempts once your body has fully recovered and Rimuru’s condition has stabilized.”
This was undoubtedly an incredibly enticing offer. Bond Transformation represented a qualitative leap in combat strength and was one of the hallmarks of a top-tier summoner.
However, just as Camilla was digesting this information and thinking about how to respond, the heavy stone door of the testing grounds let out a soft *click* and was pushed open from the outside.
A figure with blonde hair and purple eyes walked in somewhat urgently. It was Alina von Bardia.
Her face still held a slight flush from running. Her gaze quickly swept across the testing grounds before finally landing on Camilla. She visibly relaxed but immediately stiffened her expression, returning to her usual haughty demeanor.
“So you were here, Camilla.”
Alina walked over and first bowed to Victoria.
“Good day, Professor Victoria. I asked the infirmary staff, and they said Miss Camilla had come to the testing grounds with you.”
“Miss Bardia, is there something the matter?”
Victoria nodded slightly, her tone returning to its usual sternness.
Alina turned to Camilla, her violet eyes staring straight at her. They lacked the usual mockery or annoyance, instead showing a rare hint of… seriousness, or perhaps even earnestness?
“I came to find you because I want to talk to you… about writing.”
Alina seemed to find it a bit difficult to speak, but she eventually forced the words out.
“About the new book.”
Hearing this, Camilla was stunned.
‘A new book?’ she thought. ‘Where would I have found the time to think about that?’
She had just escaped death and been stuck in the hospital for three days. Her mind was currently filled with Rimuru’s changes and the mysteries left by Lilith.
“Miss Alina, I’m afraid I don’t have — “
Camilla instinctively wanted to refuse. After all, she didn’t want to be locked in a dungeon to be pressured for updates again. While the other girl probably wouldn’t go that far now, writing was truly exhausting, especially during such a turbulent time.
“Wait!”
Alina interrupted her hurriedly, stepping forward. Her voice lowered, but the urgency in her tone became even more apparent.
“I know this isn’t a good time, but… I really need a new story to immerse myself in. Your previous work, *About the Time I Opened a Harem in a Magic Academy and Saved the World*, although the ending… cough, the process was indeed brilliant. This time, I want to commission a novel. The protagonist must be powerful, calm, and intelligent. The plot should be full of twists and turns but logically sound. And the ending… the ending must be a happy one! I can pay you. Double, no, triple the manuscript fees!”
Her gaze was almost pleading. This was a far cry from her usual arrogant young lady persona.
Camilla vaguely recalled that in the original setting, Alina tended to rely on immersive reading to relieve stress when she was under immense pressure or extremely frustrated. The recent attack on the academy had likely been quite a shock to her.
Victoria listened from the side. At first, she frowned slightly, thinking it was inappropriate for students to discuss writing novels at a time like this. However, when she heard the title *About the Time I Opened a Harem in a Magic Academy and Saved the World*, her brow twitched violently.
” *About the Time I Opened a Harem in a Magic Academy and Saved the World* ?”
Victoria’s voice cut in abruptly, carrying a hint of uncertainty.
“Are you talking about the book written by the author with the pen name ‘Big Rice Fan’? The one where the protagonist fights a final battle against a villain who desires to become a god to save the world, and they both end up dying?”
“Professor Victoria, you’ve read it too?”
Alina and Camilla both turned to look at her simultaneously. The former’s eyes widened in surprise, excited to find a fellow fan, while the latter felt a chill run down her spine and a sense of impending doom.
Victoria did not answer immediately. Her expression became somewhat strange. She adjusted her glasses, and her gaze slowly shifted toward Camilla. Her gray-blue eyes narrowed slightly.
“I remember the author of that book was very mysterious. Although the number of published books isn’t large, the writing is sophisticated and the plot design is ingenious. The author is especially skilled at portraying the psychological struggle and sense of helplessness in characters under extreme circumstances… though the ending makes one really want to send the author a box of razor blades.”
Her tone grew slower and slower, and her gaze on Camilla became sharper.
“Miss Bardia, you just said you wanted Miss Camilla to write a new book? Could it be — “
Looking at Victoria, Alina suddenly realized something, and the corners of her mouth curved into a subtle arc.
She nodded to Victoria, her tone carrying a hint of shared suffering.
“It seems the professor has also been a victim. That’s right! Miss Camilla is Big Rice Fan!”
The testing grounds fell into a dead silence. A moment later, Professor Victoria stepped forward, forming a sort of invisible united front with Alina.
She looked at Camilla. The words she had intended to use to help Camilla reject the “unproductive” request were swallowed back down. Instead, she spoke in a tone that mixed condemnation with intense anticipation.
“Miss Camilla, I never imagined you were actually… Since that is the case, regarding the matter of the new book, I believe you can give it serious consideration. Miss Bardia’s request is very reasonable; a good story can indeed soothe the heart. Of course, your studies cannot be neglected, but arranging time for creative work is also a form of exercise. By the way — “
She coughed, her eyes drifting for a second.
“If you could reveal the concept of the new book ahead of time… or perhaps slightly modify the ending of that previous book to release a special revised edition with some extra side stories… as your professor, I would be more than happy to offer some professional advice.”