Suddenly, I Became a Slime

The rigid figures froze at the chilling noise from beyond the door. The sound of bones breaking and flesh being torn was unmistakable.

They had always known this might happen. But witnessing someone alive being consumed reduced them to stone.Crack! Though panicked and chaotic, their training kicked in. They moved in frantic haste. The one shouting commands became the next victim. A dark appendage—blackened, overlapping hands—lunged through the door and snatched him mid-scream. Crunch! The door slammed shut, reinforced locks clamping it in place. Steel barriers descended to seal the corridor. ‘Why now?’ ‘I never even touched her hand…’ No one spoke aloud, fearing their words would manifest reality. They clung to the superstitions they’d learned. Boom!Bang! Thud! Why hadn’t they been evacuated? The pounding continued, as though mocking their fear. It sounded almost human, like distant screams wrapped in dread. Terrible thoughts crept into my mind. If that were true, then whatever prowled this ruined world had escaped, and I’d unwittingly set it free. The door might not open without something to replace it. Regardless, one thing was clear: something had been knocking. ‘Did it really leave?’ Clenching my jelly hands, I racked my brain. What had changed since I entered? That’s it!That must be why the door treats me differently. ‘Did I cause this by opening the door?’ The nervous tremors made me laugh despite myself. At least I wasn’t completely detached from human instincts. If I had truly let go, I could have hidden somewhere like the sewer where I first woke up. Having told them to scatter earlier, I hadn’t expected them to return so quickly. People and jellies alike seemed to need constant prodding to get things done. ‘It’s clear now. The door responds to this difference.’ Frustrated, I jiggled the handle and pounded on the door. It rattled but held firm. I had no doubt now: something had escaped when I opened the door. ‘Just wait until I find you.’ Though inefficient, I couldn’t wait. If something had gone wrong, I needed to act fast. It squirmed feebly but was alive. Relief washed over me as I carefully pulled it free. Absorbing the jelly, I sprinted back to the door, hoping it wasn’t too late.