The Fastest Evolution of the Unrivaled Slime: My Rejected Skill was a Cheat for Super Efficient Leveling, So I Trained 100 Times Faster to Become the World’s Strongest

171. Who Am I Really? [Side – Golem]

Where am I? It might sound like a simple question, but it represented the essence of my life. I am a Golem. Nothing more, nothing less.

Since I became aware, I’ve always been alone. I don’t remember my parents’ faces. The man who became my owner named me Golem. My life from birth to now has been that of a monster.

However, a turning point came to me recently. I killed my owner and gained my freedom.

Though I am a fugitive, for the first time, I tasted freedom. Now that some time has passed, I find myself thinking.

Freedom is a troublesome thing.

Before, everything I had to do was dictated by orders. If I killed people as Matthew commanded, I’d get food, and while it was crude, I had a place to sleep. Now, things are different. I have to decide everything on my own. And I don’t think I have the brains for it.

Freedom is troublesome. But to say I prefer complete servitude would be wrong. Living by simply obeying my master’s orders, without thinking for myself, seems meaningless. That’s how it feels to me.

“…It’s getting too complicated. Whatever.”

Currently, I live in a forest. I hid myself here after destroying Matthew’s carriage. In the process, I learned a few things.

“Status Open”

―― ? Male, 16 years old

Level 1

Skills

Experience remaining: 920

… Uses 10 experience points. Increases attack power for 1 minute.

… Uses 50 experience points. Releases a punch enveloped in an explosion.

… Uses 200 experience points. Generates a shockwave for ranged attacks.

… Uses 500 experience points. Enhances the hardness of both arms, making them into shields.

… Uses 1000 experience points. Delivers a powerful chain attack.

… Uses 3000 experience points. Increases hardness and physical abilities for 5 minutes.

――

First, the things I know.

The skill I possess, , allows me to use techniques by consuming experience points.

These techniques are broadly divided into offensive and defensive types. For instance, creates explosive attacks, while raises my body’s hardness as a defensive skill.

Both categories are strong enough to defeat enemies if used correctly… though I doubt I can manage that well.

Next, a new discovery.

Experience points can be gained not only by killing humans but also by defeating monsters.

The man who stood in my way—Alkus—had spoken the truth. I was skeptical, but it was proven correct.

This fact greatly broadened my path.

I don’t have to kill humans to use my abilities. This realization was groundbreaking for me.

Killing monsters is far less painful than killing humans. Plus, I can eat the meat of dead monsters.

Killing monsters and gathering food. That’s how I’ve been surviving in the forest for a while.

Yet, even this lifestyle has its limits.

When I’m alone, I ponder. Who am I really?

Why was I raised by Matthew? Likely, the answer lies in this skill. But I still don’t understand what made so valuable to him.

If I could find that answer, I might uncover my reason for existing and my purpose in life.

“…I’m not good at thinking. For now, I’ll just move.”

I want to know. What kind of skill is ? What am I meant to do? About my family. About myself.

To find out, returning to the city I once lived in is the best option. My destination is set.

Guided by my instincts, I began walking toward the Thunberg territory, where I once lived with Matthew.