That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime

The party moved along very comfortably.

Traveling by bus was so comfortable that many of them wondered why they had been made to suffer so much up until now.

First, there was air conditioning.

And they no longer had to wear the hot protection suits and could sit on cushioned chairs.

Everyone was smiling.

The harsh march of yesterday seemed so unnecessary now. Zaza almost wanted to complain.

No, this was no time to complain about anything. But with such luxury before them now, it was hard not to think about it.

Zaza was not used to such things happening, and so he was slow to adapt, unlike the children.

But then again, he had believed Rindo to be much like himself, and yet Rindo had become fully occupied in driving the bus and appeared to be enjoying it very much.

"Ahahaha! This is amazing!!"

It was almost as if he were a different person.

(Rindo. I never would have expected this from you…)

Zaza muttered.

Still, he could not complain.

After all, he had been driving for quite a while now, and so this much could be overlooked.

The other bus drivers were probably doing the same thing.

He believed this because they were all following the lead bus very closely.

And the children were really enjoying this too.

Barren, cold wasteland spread out before them on the other side of the windows. It wasn't the kind of scene that made you happy.

However, Rindo was driving in a way that would entertain them. He drove at breakneck speed, showing off his driving skills as the vehicle just barely avoided being hit by boulders.

Instead of honking, he would use the Pulse Gun to smash boulders that were in the way.

The Pulse Gun was the only weapon that remained after the others were removed. However, it was ridiculously powerful.

Even on such rough terrain, he was able to main an average speed of 80km/h, and it handled better than any small vehicle.

It could even float in the air for a short duration, which made it seem more advanced than the tanks used by the Empire.

Apparently, it could even go underwater.

Anti-radiation, anti-toxic gas, anti-bacteriological weapons were just some of the things it offered protection against. And it was sealed so tightly that not even a drop of water could get in.

And it went without saying, that the air was kept clean as well.

As long as you stayed in the vehicle, you were guaranteed a much more comfortable living space than any bomb shelter.

Was this really just a bus? It was all very hard to believe.

Rindo wasn't the only one who was getting carried away.

Karman was as well. And his men were incredibly excited.

"Captain Karman. This is amazing! I just came back after scouting the area. This Powered Suit is so much more powerful than before. I just need to think about it while flying, and I can accelerate to Mach 2 in an instant!"

"And no blackout is caused by it. I can see perfectly. Even if I'm in an electromagnetic storm, all the sensors are displayed in my brain…it understands everything and I can control it."

"Also, there is this thing called 'Telepathy Line.' I don't understand how it works, but it allows us to communicate with our thoughts even if we're in an electromagnetic storm!!"

"These modifications are amazing. I think as I am now, I could take on the old team by myself!"

"You idiot. That's going too far!"

"Really. Ahahaha!"

Like that, they talked about how the features had been upgraded and laughed.

But they had a right to be so excited.

Of course, they did. Zaza understood it very well.

After all…

He had undergone the same surgery as well.

This new body-this Battle Body boasted such features that changed everything Zaza understood about such things.

Veldora had told him that it was the same in structure as Michelle, in other words, the Machinery Four.

He could hardly believe it at first. But when the surgery was over, he realized that it was not a lie.

This was because his body was reacting in a completely different way to before.

The reaction that had troubled Zaza and had to be suppressed with drugs-that rejection he felt in his brain, had somehow disappeared.

It was almost as if he had returned to his human body. It was that natural.

For instance, he felt pain when he bumped against a chair. He felt coldness when touching the walls. And he felt the heat when he tried to touch fire.

There was a pain when he slapped his own cheek.

In other words, he had regained the sense of touch all over his body.

His brain was happy at the return of his five senses, including pain.

This had resulted in a decrease in stress.

While he was a cyborg, he was now much more like an ordinary human—that was Zaza.

However, he had not returned to flesh and blood either.

He knew this, by the monitor that would appear in his brain when he wanted.

He could see 'Normal/Battle,' displayed on that monitor.

Now push it! The switch in his brain seemed to shout at him.

He was currently in normal mode.

But Zaza was too afraid to push the switch.

He only had to move his will towards pressing it…but he knew that he would be assaulted by more realities that would be hard to accept.

Karman's men had likely already done it.

That's why they were so excited now.

"Ah, Zaza. Let me ask you something. In your brain…"

"Don't ask me, Karman. If you're talking about the switch, I don't feel like answering that."

Zaza was going to ignore it for now.

He had thought he was prepared for anything, but he was even more anxious now than before the surgery.

It was the anxiety of suddenly being given too much power.

Karman might have felt the same because he nodded knowingly at Zaza's answer.

In other words, he also had a similar display in his brain.

"I see. Well, I understand that. But this really is amazing."

Zaza looked at him.

"So, did you do it then?"

"Yeah. It wouldn't do to test it during an actual fight. I felt as if the flow of time had slowed down the moment I turned it on. It's as if all sensations leave your body and you don't have a care in the world. After all, you can see your entire body in your brain monitor. It's almost as if you can see yourself from the outside and control your body."

Karman was a military man, so he was more concerned with his current state than Zaza, who mainly worked in intelligence. And so he had already checked his new features.

Pain, heat, and coldness were now just numbers displayed as information. He could look at how the numbers were affected to see what damage he was taking.

He tried cutting himself with a high-frequency blade as a test. The appropriate numbers dropped. However, they returned to normal after a short while and the cut on his arm disappeared.

"So it has a self-repairing feature…"

"Aye, it seems that it does. And when in battle mode, the Powered Suit—no, the Powered Armor, can be controlled remotely. You can call it and make it do some scouting or simple combat automatically."

"…Really!? I guess it just does everything now."

Electromagnetic storms could block nearly all forms of transmissions with the exception of the military's secret satellite transmissions. So it was shocking that these suits could communicate wirelessly.

And yet the modification surgery they had underwent now allowed them to not only communicate wirelessly, but control things remotely through 'Telepathy Line.'

It was all very hard for Zaza to comprehend.

Maybe he should try pushing it—the devil whispered into his ear.

However, Zaza had a will of iron.

He knew that they were all looking at him now and smirking.

(No. I do want to test it out in case of an emergency, but not now. I don't want to become their plaything…)

Zaza thought.

"What is it, Zaza? Don't be so modest. You should test the power out if you really want to."

"Yes, Zaza. I'm looking forward to seeing it. You should go out and fight with Karman!"

But why?

They were treating him like a toy. He wanted to say.

"Ramiris is right. We should see which of you is the strongest once and for all. Don't worry. As long as you take less than 80% damage, you will be able to auto-repair."

"Exactly. We used 'Demon Steel,' so a little damage won't mean much to you anyway."

Veldora was insisting that Zaza and Karman have a test fight.

Even Beretta was nodding. He agreed that such a thing was not likely to lead to any lethal wounds.

Did they want them to fight so bad then?

Perhaps they had betted money on which of them would win…?

Such things went through Zaza's mind.

He decided that he had to find out.

"Hey, Mister Veldora. You wouldn't be betting any money on this, would you? Like, which of us is stronger. The one who is a fighter or the one with more firepower. Surely you and Ramiris would not do something so pointless?"

He knew it was a little on the disrespectful side, but he still asked this through squinted eyes.

The result…

"O-of course, not? Of course, we are not doing something like…that?"

"Wh-what are you saying!? Zaza! Who do you think we are? Why would we modify you just to test something silly like that?"

"Oh, Zaza. I am glad you did not lump me in with these two. So you understand then? I have no interest in such base things!"

As Zaza predicted, Veldora and Ramiris had become very suspicious in their behavior.

While they strongly denied having any such intentions, their behavior was a clear answer in itself.

But what was most surprising, was the Beretta seemed to be a part of it.

"Mister Beretta, were you betting on this too? Which of us were you betting on winning?"

While Zaza only thought about it, Karman asked him straight up.

Beretta heard this and froze.

(Is this Karman a fearless hero!?)

Even Zaza was surprised and did not know how to react.

"Ho-hohoho. How absurd, Mister Karman. Mister Veldora and the others would never involve themselves in gambling."

It was Sharma who saved the day.

"You are too wise, Sharma. Zaza and Karman here are very narrow-minded. You have to look at the bigger picture!"

"Ye-yes. Master is right!"

"I won't say anything this time, but be careful in the future!"

After Sharma came to their rescue, Veldora and the others quickly caught on and made a successful escape.

It went without saying, that this was possible because Zaza did not say anything.

◇◇◇

And so the fight between Zaza and Karman was dismissed.

As they had covered up the fact they had been placing bets, Veldora and the others were now too afraid to push for it.

Regardless, the party continued on their way to their destination without much event.

No, there were some problems…

The automated battle machines that patrolled the area.

Monsters that mutated due to the radiation. These were not Super Beasts.

And there were also armored cyborg bandits that were not part of the resistance, The Light of Dawn.

Monsters without human hearts that lived in the ravaged land.

Such threats would not let these unusual busses go without interruption.

And so they were targeted. However, Karman's men were able to deal with them swiftly.

"These features are insane…"

"I'm surprised, really. You just turned at a right angle, didn't you?"

"Yeah. I was moving at the speed of sound, and yet I could easily change course… My body is one thing, but how can my brain withstand that burden?"

"I don't know. I don't understand it at all…"

There was no need for Zaza or Karman to go out.

Super abilities and super firepower.

Their notions of what was possible had been destroyed the other day, and now Karman's men were obliterating the enemy with overwhelming power.

As long as they were protecting the buses, everyone was safe.

"You know. I was thinking it would take two weeks if we were lucky. And over three weeks at worst. And I assumed it would be impossible for us all to reach it alive. But at this rate, we'll arrive at our destination in just an hour."

Zaza muttered with a faraway look.

It was a wonderful thing, but it was almost too easy, which made it difficult to see it as reality.

They were all relaxing in an air-conditioned bus with cold drinks in their hands…

Sometimes, Zaza wondered if he was dreaming.

"Well, now. You're thinking too much, Zaza."

Karman said consolingly. He then took a sip of his chilled drink as if its existence was not the strangest thing.

It was pure, delicious water. And there was no fear of being poisoned.

This cold and luxurious water was enough to raise Karman's spirits.

He forgot his worries and anxiety. He trusted Veldora and the others now.

Zaza was feeling the same.

"Yes, there is no point in worrying about things."

Zaza nodded back.

If they were powerful enough to do such modifications as these in one night, then there would be little they could not do.

He would only look like a fool if he kept worrying. He finally felt free.

(Yes, that's it. It's stupid to hold on to what you think is normal!)

He had finally realized it.

And like that, Zaza and the rest of the party arrived at the destination that Michelle had sent them to.

They punched in the code and the door to the underground hideout opened.

The door was hidden behind a boulder, and beyond it were stairs that led to an underground area.

It was big enough for one thousand people to live in comfortably.

However, as it had not been cleaned or had life supporting machines installed, it would not be very relaxing to be in.

In any case, they had to first contact the resistance's headquarters and discuss what they would do next.

There were many things they had to do.

Or so Zaza, Sharma and the others thought…

"Hey, Karman. I've been waiting for you."

"Reiz! If you're here, that means the person who prepared this place…"

"Yeah, it's me. On General Michelle's orders."

Someone was already there.

In fact, it was a whole group of armored soldiers.

"Karman. Who are these people?"

Rindo asked him cautiously as he stepped out and in front of Sharma.

However, before Karman could reply, the man called Reiz lifted his arms with a laugh.

Then he said,

"Hey, we're not your enemies. General Michelle gave us a secret order to come here to the south as combat engineers."

However, Rindo did not let his guard down after hearing this.

"Can you prove it?"

He said to Reiz.

Even Karman had only just recently heard about Michelle's true purpose, and he wasn't sure who he was supposed to trust.

And so he gave Zaza a questioning look…

"Sorry. I am not in a position to know all of the others. In fact, none of us who were sent on secret missions were allowed to contact each other. Michelle didn't want to risk putting the rest in danger if one of us got caught."

I see. Rindo and the others nodded.

However, this meant that it would be difficult to prove that Reiz was on their side.

"However, wouldn't the fact that we were waiting here prove that General Michelle had told us of the situation?"

"That's true. Rindo, you are worrying too much. General Michelle has been helping the resistance in secret and very few people are aware of it. Because it is unquestionably an act of treachery against the empire. And yet they know and are here. I think that is enough to believe that they are moving at her command."

"B-but, Mister Zaza!? If that was true, wouldn't she have told us directly…"

"No, that would be difficult. Didn't he just say it? If someone had a loose tongue, the others would be put in danger. While I doubt it, there could be spies from the empire among us. She would be wary of such a possibility. Everyone from the empire has 'Dog Tags' implants. Officially, we were purged by General Michelle. That's when she destroyed our dog tags."

"That's right, Rindo. I don't have a dog tag either. That's why I can't enter the city and had to make my scheduled reports outside. It was really inconvenient. It's not possible to prepare a shelter like this without cooperators inside of the city. You must understand how important it is to keep their identity a secret."

"If you say it like that…"

Indeed, it would not have been possible for a collaborator on the outside, without access to supplies, to be able to prepare this place.

Rindo could understand that.

"Sorry. I shouldn't have suspected you so much."

He apologized.

Reize laughed and forgave him.

"Well, it's only normal to be cautious. After all, on the surface, our job is to investigate the area and wipe out any resistance members we encounter. But, well, we're kind of infamous as being the useless guys who often have our supplies stolen while on the move."

Reiz said. Everyone could not help but laugh.

◇◇◇

As Reiz and his men had set up the place, Sharma and the others were able to act quickly.

They decided to leave the children with Veldora as they contacted the other leaders of the resistance.

And so they went to the room with the communications equipment, along with Zaza and Rindo.

"We have now arrived in the hideout provided by General Michelle, as I said we would in my last report."

Sharma said to the other directors.

'I see. So there was someone trustworthy within the empire…'

'Michelle is the highest in command of the Machinery Four. I'm sorry to say it, Sharma. But I believed you were all being tricked.'

'We were told to gather our fighting force. I shall give you my support. We will send as many men as we can.'

'Zalando. Aren't you being a little hasty?"

'Perhaps. But, Blancha. There is no future for us unless we act. Many are dying due to our life support machines failing. We cannot find new homes now. It is too late. Even if it turns out to be a trap, we have no other hope.'

'That…'

'It's true. We must give this some thought… I had wanted to watch you a little longer before deciding. But I shall come to a decision tonight.'

Their reactions varied.

As Sharma had arrived earlier than scheduled, many of them had not come to a decision yet.

And the main reason for this was that most of them did not entirely trust Michelle. They believed that Sharma was being deceived.

However, now that Sharma had arrived safely, they were starting to think that they could trust Michelle.

Still, it seemed that it would be difficult for them all to be in agreement.

And so it was decided that the talks would end for now, and they would continue the meeting on the following morning.

Now they just had to wait for their answers.

That's what Sharma thought.

Michelle had requested that they gather a fighting force that they could trust.

However, information was still to be kept from them for the most part.

Each director knew that Michelle was a collaborator. Michelle had allowed her to share this information.

Even if there was a spy in their midst, Michelle thought it would be a good opprotunity to find the traitors. This willingness to sacrifice herself was well-received by the others, and Sharma fully trusted her now.

And so she had told the other directors of Michelle's request, that they gather their men.

There was a possibility of fighting within the empire, and the resistance would act in accordance.

She told them that Michelle would be in their debt after this, and would promise to aid them…

It was no surprise that the other directors had their doubts.

They too had comrades to protect. They did not want to lose men if there was no need.

It would be difficult to persuade them, but not impossible—that's what Sharma thought.

As some of the directors had said, the shelters were at their limits.

The surface was full of threats, but their claustrophobic homes would no longer be able to support them.

So they had no choice but to strike out.

In that case, there was no better time than now.

They had a collaborator within the empire. Michelle. And so helping Michelle to destroy the current regime became a path to survival for the resistance.

With this renewed conviction, Sharma directed her thoughts towards tomorrow's meeting.

Unfortunately, things would not be favorable.

An unexpected problem awaited them.

Sharma and the others finished their communication with the directors and returned to the main hall. There, a stranger awaited them.

She was covered in wounds, proof that a battle had been fought.

Currently, Karman and Reiz were treating her.

"Who is that?"

"She is General Michelle's adjutant. Her name is Jegyll. I don't know what happened, but she arrived here like this. Barely breathing…"

Karman answered Sharma's nervous question.

It seemed that the stranger had escaped from the empire.

But there were no pursuers.

Jegyll must have killed them so they would not locate this place.

That's why she was wounded so badly.

"I have used healing drugs and she seems to be improving. Her loss of consciousness should be temporary…"

"…Where am I?"

Just as Reiz was explaining this, Jegyll's eyes cracked open and she muttered.

"Oh, she has come to. Adjutant Jegyll, it is me. Reiz. Do you understand?"

"Reiz… So this must be Shelter 5. The one that General Michelle prepared?"

"Exactly."

"Did anyone follow me?"

"No. Karman's men are patrolling the area. No enemies have been sighted."

"I see. So I killed all of them then…"

Jegyll said. Then she sighed with relief.

Karman nodded and said,

"Adjutant Jegyll. It's Karman. General Michelle told me everything. I am now just like you."

"I see. That is comforting. As for the rest of you, I apologize for such a rude greeting. I am Jegyll. I am Michelle's adjutant and I know of her intentions. I am not your enemy. Please rest easy."

Jegyll said this, and Sharma and the others introduced themselves.

While this happened, a man who could not read the room—or had no intention of trying—asked Jegyll a very blunt question.

"So, Jegyll or whatever your name is. Why are you here?"

Hey!? Zaza became frantic.

Not just Zaza, but Karman and Sharma as well.

Reiz was speechless at the lack of manners.

This person was Michelle's adjutant. A noble of the highest rank who belonged in the ruling class of the empire.

And yet he had no respect for her.

Even Reiz felt he had to say something…

"No-now, now, Mister Reiz. Calm down. And Mister Veldora, let's try to be a little more polite. Actually, we will be dealing with all the negotiations. You can go over there and play with the children…"

Rindo said as he quickly stepped in between them.

"Ka-Hahahaha! The children are already asleep, thanks to my flawless ability to babysit. Besides, negotiations are very important. You must leave it to me. Don't worry, I won't let things go wrong."

However, none of them said it out loud.

"Hohohoho. We cannot allow Lord Veldora to do something as low as that."

"Ye-yes, Master. We have a nice room prepared. Why don't you go and have a rest!"

"Hmmm. I hope you are not just trying to get rid of me…"

Veldora muttered as he started to walk away, but then—

"Th-that's right! This is no time for talk. General Michelle has been taken!! You must help me…"

Jegyll's face went pale as she dropped this unbelievable bomb on them.

And so in a flash, the situation suddenly changed for the worse.