What would it be like to have a family of my own? A little girl or boy laughing, a partner to share everything with... He smiled softly in his sleep, feeling content in his dream. Suddenly, a voice echoed through the dream, pulling him from his peaceful vision.
"Owen Gardon, from Planet Earth 54869 that is destroyed, son of Ollen Gardon and Welma Uni."
Owen's eyes widened as he looked around, unable to contain his excitement. "Oh shit! Are you God?! Am I getting isekai'd?"
The figure, glowing and majestic, seemed surprised. "It seems I don't have to explain more. Owen Gardon, you have been given another chance."
Owen could hardly believe it. "This is amazing! I get to start over! So, what happens now? What about Hiroshi, he's my friend?!"
"Hiroshi will be reincarnated too. He's next after you. Since you're excited, please remain still," the god said calmly.
"Wait, wait, wait! Don't I get to wish? Like, what do I want?" Owen asked, his mind racing with possibilities.
Owen's thoughts raced as he imagined what abilities he would have in the new world.
"I want to be able to absorb heat, feeling the warmth flow through me like a protective shield. I need to be flexible, able to squeeze into tight spaces and slip through any barrier.
I wish I could regenerate quickly, healing any wounds in an instant. Maybe I could even absorb nutrients from the air around me, so I never feel weak or tired—blah blah blah."
As he described these abilities, he didn't realize he was painting a picture of something different. He was just thinking of what would make him powerful, unaware that his words were pushing him toward a form that perfectly matched his wishes.
"And can I choose a world? Like a fantasy world? I want to be in a place with magic, dragons, and adventure!"
The god chuckled softly. "You have many options, Owen. You can wish for any abilities, and yes, you can choose a world."
"Awesome!" Owen exclaimed, jumping with excitement.
The figure nodded. "You may have all of that. Prepare for your new life."
As Owen felt the energy swirling around him, he couldn't help but grin from ear to ear. "This is it! I'm going to have the best adventure ever!"
And with that, Owen's vision faded, and he was filled with excitement for his new beginning.
_______
Owen's eyes slowly opened, but everything was a blur. He couldn't make out any shapes or colors—just a soft haze around him. Where am I? he thought, disoriented and confused.
He tried to stretch his limbs, but something felt terribly wrong. Instead of solid arms and legs, he felt… nothing. Panic began to rise in his chest.
What is going on? he wondered, trying to focus on his surroundings.
As he attempted to move, a strange sensation washed over him. It felt like he was floating, gently swaying back and forth. Am I dreaming? he mumbled, but his voice sounded distant, almost like a whisper underwater. This is messed up.
Then, as he moved again, he felt himself shift and expand. Confusion turned to horror as the realization hit him. Wait… am I a slime? His heart sank.
Desperately, he tried to remember how he'd ended up here, what he had wished for. Frustration and anger welled up inside him, but it wasn't the kind of anger he could let out in a scream. Instead, his body twisted and pulsed with emotion. This isn't what I wanted! he yelled inwardly. I'm supposed to be a hero, not… this!
No! This isn't fair! he thought, rolling and bouncing in frustration. I hate this! I don't want to be a slime! He thrashed about, slamming into the soft ground in a tantrum. Why can't I just be human?
After what felt like an eternity of sulking and rolling in his own misery, Owen accidentally rolled over a patch of grass and absorbed it.
Hey… this isn't so bad, he thought, a grin creeping onto his gooey face.
Being a slime has its perks. I can absorb things! Just like Rimuru! His excitement slowly began to return. Ho ho! Owen's here, walking the path of a ruler! Make way!
Suddenly, he felt a sharp jolt. Something grabbed him, lifting him into the air. Looks like I was caught by a bird... just great, he thought in frustration.
*****Back to Present...
"Ahahaha! This is priceless! You got isekai'd too and ended up like...this?" Hiroshi wiped a tear from his eye, his grin stretching from ear to ear. "Man, karma really got you, huh?"
The slime—Owen—wobbled angrily. "Shut up! At least I'm still alive, okay?! I've been bouncing around this place for days, and I couldn't even see! You have no idea how annoying that is!"
Hiroshi snorted, shaking his head in disbelief. "I can't believe it...you're really Owen?" He held the slime up to his face, squinting as if trying to find any trace of his old friend. "Well, you don't look any different. You were always kinda squishy."
"Shut. Up." Owen wobbled angrily, but there was a hint of relief in his voice. "You don't get to make jokes right now! I've been alone this whole time!"
Hiroshi's grin softened, and he gave the slime a gentle pat. "Well, guess you're not alone anymore, huh?"
Owen wobbled, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Yeah...I guess not."
Hiroshi leaned back, holding the slime in his hands as he let the moment sink in. "Man...reincarnated in some medieval world, you're a slime, and I'm stuck in some kid's body. What the hell do we do now?"
Owen wobbled in his hands, his voice perking up. "First, you can stop calling me a waterball. That'd be a good start."
Hiroshi chuckled. "No promises."
Owen sighed heavily in frustration. "This is ridiculous… How did you end up in a child body?"
Hiroshi shrugged, still chuckling. "No idea, but at least I'm not a slime."
"Yeah, rub it in," Owen grumbled, feeling more and more annoyed by the minute.