The Gift of the Dream

Chapter 4: Strength in the Shadows

The gentle hum of Nekomura's nightly sounds filled the air. Crickets chirped rhythmically, and the occasional rustle of leaves revealed nocturnal creatures moving about in the safety of the forest. Kato Megumi lay on her simple bed, staring up at the wooden beams of her hut. She had spent weeks adapting to life among the Catkin, but her heart and mind were restless.

"I need to grow stronger," she thought, her golden eyes narrowing. The peaceful existence of Nekomura was idyllic, but Megumi knew the world beyond the village held dangers that she couldn't ignore. If this truly was the world of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, then extraordinary beings and cataclysmic events were just around the corner.

Her Copy Power had proven invaluable already, giving her insights into the abilities of those around her. Yet, she had barely scratched the surface of its potential. If she wanted to protect herself and perhaps even the village, she needed to take action.

________________________________________

The next morning, Megumi approached Raiku as he oversaw a group of hunters preparing for their daily tasks. His jet-black fur glistened in the sunlight, and his piercing green eyes radiated authority. She waited until he dismissed the hunters before stepping forward.

"Raiku-sama," she began, bowing slightly. "May I speak with you?"

Raiku tilted his head, his tail flicking curiously. "Of course, Megumi. What's on your mind?"

Megumi hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath. "I want to grow stronger. I want to learn how to survive in this world and protect the village if the need arises."

Raiku's expression softened, and he nodded approvingly. "A noble goal. Strength is not just physical, Megumi; it's also about understanding yourself and the world around you. How do you plan to achieve this?"

She looked up, determination burning in her golden eyes. "I want to start by learning from you. I've seen your skills, and I believe I can grow by observing and copying your techniques."

Raiku's ears twitched, and a small smile tugged at his lips. "So, you've figured out how to use your unique ability. Very well, Megumi. If you wish to learn, I'll teach you. But be warned, the path to strength is not easy."

________________________________________

For the next several days, Raiku trained Megumi rigorously. He demonstrated his Shadowstep ability, vanishing into the shadows and reappearing behind her in the blink of an eye. Megumi focused intently, activating her Copy Power to replicate the skill.

A familiar translucent screen appeared before her:

________________________________________

Skill Acquired: Shadowstep

Excitement surged through her as she attempted the move. Concentrating, she stepped forward, her body melting into the shadows like smoke. She reappeared a few feet away, slightly disoriented but exhilarated.

"Impressive," Raiku said, his voice tinged with pride. "You've adapted quickly. But mastering the skill requires more than just copying it. You must understand its essence."

The training sessions continued, with Raiku teaching her not only combat techniques but also survival skills. She learned to track animals, identify edible plants, and navigate the dense forest using natural landmarks. Megumi's agility and keen senses, inherent traits of the Catkin, gave her an edge, but it was her unwavering determination that impressed Raiku the most.

________________________________________

One evening, as they sat by the village's communal fire, Raiku handed her a hand-drawn map. The parchment was worn but detailed, depicting the surrounding regions of the Jura Forest.

"This will guide you," he said. "The Jura Forest is vast and teeming with life, both friend and foe. If you're serious about becoming stronger, you must venture beyond Nekomura."

Megumi studied the map, her eyes tracing the marked paths and landmarks. Her gaze lingered on a particular area labeled "Storm Dragon's Cave."

"That's where Veldora was sealed," she thought, her heart pounding. She knew that Rimuru's journey would soon begin there, and she was determined to intersect with it.

"Thank you, Raiku-sama," she said, bowing deeply. "I won't let your teachings go to waste."

________________________________________

The following morning, Megumi prepared for her journey. The villagers gathered to see her off, offering small gifts: dried fruits, medicinal herbs, and a sturdy cloak to protect her from the elements. Lyra, the village herbalist, placed a pouch of healing salves in her hands.

"Stay safe, Megumi," Lyra said, her green eyes glistening with emotion. "The forest is unpredictable."

Megumi nodded, her tail swishing with anticipation. "I will. Thank you, everyone."

Raiku stood at the village gates, his arms crossed. "Remember, Megumi: Strength comes from experience. Trust your instincts and learn from every challenge."

She bowed once more before turning toward the forest. The path ahead was uncertain, but she felt a renewed sense of purpose. She wasn't just venturing out to grow stronger; she was stepping into a world of endless possibilities.

________________________________________

The first few days were grueling. The dense forest tested her skills at every turn. She encountered wild beasts, their glowing red eyes peering at her from the underbrush. Using her enhanced agility and Shadowstep, she managed to evade most of them, only engaging when absolutely necessary.

Her Copy Power proved invaluable. By observing the creatures she defeated, she gained new abilities. From a venomous snake, she acquired a minor poison resistance. From a swift forest bird, she learned Featherlight Step, which enhanced her speed and grace.

At night, she set up camp, using the survival techniques Raiku had taught her. The forest's eerie sounds no longer frightened her; instead, they became a comforting reminder of her progress.

________________________________________

One evening, as she rested by her campfire, Megumi's thoughts turned to her ultimate goal. She needed to find Rimuru's village, the future home of extraordinary beings like Shion, Benimaru, and Shuna. Their skills were legendary, and if she could copy even a fraction of them, she would become a force to be reckoned with.

Her translucent status screen appeared once more, reflecting her progress:

________________________________________

Name: Kato Megumi

Race: Catkin

Level: 8

Skills: Copy Power, Enhanced Agility, Keen Senses, Shadowstep, Featherlight Step, Minor Poison Resistance

Unique Trait: Soul of Tranquility

A small smile played on her lips. "I'm getting there," she thought. "One step at a time."

As the fire crackled and the stars twinkled above, Megumi felt a renewed sense of determination. The world of Jura Forest was vast and full of opportunities, and she was ready to carve out her place in it. With her Copy Power and the knowledge she had gained, she was confident she could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Tomorrow, she would continue her journey, her sights set on the future Rimuru Tempest's village. A new chapter of her reincarnated life was about to unfold, and Megumi was ready to embrace it with open arms.