Enhanced Hero Edition, Intelligence 250...

But why does it only show Intelligence? What about EP? MP?

"Good thing I learned two powerful active skills... The Word Spirit skill looks amazing, but what does 'consumes Intelligence' mean?"

I focused on the first Hero Exclusive skill. Just as I was about to try it, the words "consumes Intelligence" felt terrifying.

Won’t I turn into a drooling idiot after using it?

But I couldn’t know the effect without trying.

Just once. A quick test.

"Since it’s a test, and I’m not sure it’ll work... let’s try a 'Meteor Fall' skill... huh?"

As soon as I spoke, the Word Spirit skill activated on its own. My Intelligence plummeted from 250 like a waterfall. The sky turned fiery red.

Like evening clouds on fire, but burning even fiercer.

I stared wide-eyed. A burning meteor flew toward me from the sky!

When did Word Spirit trigger?!

The meteor grew larger, almost crashing to the ground. But just two kilometers above, it vanished.

At the same moment, my Intelligence hit 0.

I breathed a sigh of relief. If it had hit, this area would’ve burned to ashes. I’d be the biggest villain.

I raised my hand to pat my chest—but it moved uncontrollably into my skirt, then into my panties.

Huh... where are you going?

No—what’s wrong with me?

I meant to say that, but instead: "I really want to eat poop..."

What’s happening to me?!

"Mommy, I want mommy, waaah, poop..."

Tears streamed down. Then I giggled foolishly.

"Hehe~ heh~"

My world went dark.

Five minutes later, Intelligence finally recovered to 250/250.

"So scary..." My face turned deathly pale. I vowed never to use Word Spirit carelessly again—even if it seemed powerful.

"Then, this Summon Battle Partner skill?" I turned to the second skill. No mention of consuming Intelligence. Safe to try.

Do I need a chant? Others always mutter when casting. Feels weird not to... What to say?

I recalled a magical girl’s image. Closed my eyes. Opened my mouth.

"O baby hiding the Hero’s power, reveal your true strength before me! By your master Rogied’s command—seal broken!"

A magic circle appeared on the ground. It rotated slowly, glowing golden.

Golden light! Clearly, a BOSS baby was coming!

Excitement surged—then vanished in seconds. I froze.

The monster’s form solidified. A golden slime with big eyes appeared. The circle disappeared.

A golden slime...

My lips twitched. "A golden slime is still a slime! What good are eyes on a slime?!"

The slime looked around dazedly. Spotted me.

It hopped to my feet, rubbing against my legs.

Ah... it really likes me...

"Plop?"

It greeted me.

I crouched down. How stupid I was to get excited over being a "Modified Hero Version 1." No wonder my Intelligence is only 250.

"Forget it. I know I’m a good-for-nothing... Sigh, so frustrating."

I lifted the slime. Sunlight passed through its body, casting a golden glow.

A system notification sounded.

"...Battle pet summoned: Golden Slime. Current level: LV1..."

A level 1 slime gives almost no experience. Killing it’s pointless.

I sighed again.

"You’re golden and round. I’ll name you."

The Golden Slime wriggled happily in my hands.

"Pikaball."

It stilled, looking disappointed—but accepted my decision.

This slime has intelligence. Surprising.

I asked: "Can you evolve?"

It nodded.

"Are you male?"

It shook its head.

"Female?"

Shook again.

"A Slime Demon?"

Vigorous head-shaking.

"No gender?"

It nodded.

"Alright." I placed it on my head. Wet and cool—comfortable. "Stay here. You’re a monster. Ordinary people would kill you on sight. You’re my pet... Be a hat. No fighting required."

Pikaball wriggled slightly.

"Also—no attacking me with the 'Pleasure' skill. Understood?"

It nodded, eyes glistening. I ignored it.

Both skills tested. Somewhat satisfied.

Word Spirit is powerful—but only for emergencies. Fail to kill the enemy, turn into an idiot, and they’ll finish me easily.

Pikaball’s still just a slime. Zero combat power.

Thinking this, I almost cried.

Damn it! Others who transmigrate get flashy powers. Their Heroes save worlds with earth-shattering skills. Why am I so pathetic?

If I knew earlier, I’d have chosen the god race over human—Hero title be damned...

"Rogied, awake? Huh? Why’s there a hat on your head? Wow~ so cute~" ViniVini emerged from the woods, face smudged with dirt.

She saw Pikaball and ran over like an excited girl.

Pikaball’s big eyes were lethal to girls.

"Where were you?" I asked.

ViniVini stroked Pikaball’s head. "Setting traps. Tonight, I’ll catch that big guy!"

"What thing?"

"You’ll see."

She winked mysteriously. "This hat’s adorable. Can I wear it? Just a moment—I won’t steal it..."

"...Alright."

I lifted Pikaball off my head. It gazed at me longingly—but it had to be a hat now. ViniVini placed it on her head.

Night fell. ViniVini led me to the trap site.

A massive cave entrance. In my old world, three trucks could drive through side by side.

"Shh, quiet... The Crystal Lord’s coming out..."

As she spoke, the ground shook violently. Something emerged from the cave.