episode_0020

The commotion at the park was bound to become a major topic of discussion.

Of course it was. I’d been spewing flames and even flying around the park, after all.

……Somehow, ever since becoming a dragon, I feel like my inner show-off has gotten stronger.

It’s like I’ve lost any aversion to putting myself in the spotlight.

I’ve noticed it before, but lately, I’ve been feeling surges of baseless confidence more often.

There’s this strange certainty that people will treat me well no matter what I do…… All I can do is my best to make sure that confidence doesn’t spiral in the wrong direction.

Anyway, honestly, watching the chaos unfold because of me was kind of fun.

[What the hell was that just now?]

A massive pillar of fire suddenly shot up at the park near Korea University?? It went straight through the clouds or something??

-?? That makes no sense? -No, I’m serious! -Is it that dragon-type mutant again? I heard they’re a Korea U student. -Maybe? Last time it was lightning, and now they’re breathing fire? -Just operating on a whole different level…… Is that the power of a three-month-old mutant? -Now that you mention it, that high elf girl is insane too lol Talking to plants and all that. -You’re right;; If a two-month-old is that strong, a three-month-old must be like some kind of strategic weapon, no? -Isn’t it dangerous if they lose their mind?

[Just saw the dragon-type mutant spreading their wings and flying around the park.]

Their wings were freaking huge;;

I’d estimate the wingspan alone was at least 4.5 meters? They were holding some girl.

The girl was screaming excitedly the whole time.

-?? So they spread their wings and paraded around the park playing with a kid? They must really be an attention seeker. -Then why the fire breath? -No clue lol -Did something piss them off? -Nah, I asked some people nearby—might’ve been juniors or classmates—and apparently, they begged for a “fire show” so they did it lol -What kind of fire show is on that scale?? -They said they made sure to aim where no sparks would fly and even checked if there was anything in the sky. -But if their breath can pierce clouds, how strong is that? Feels like my common sense is being denied. -Well, common sense’s been denied since mutants first appeared lol -True. -But even then, the scale’s insane;; They’re on a whole other level compared to others. -Also true.

Watching this, I felt relieved that people didn’t seem to view me entirely negatively. But at the same time, there were bound to be those who found me unpleasant.

Just in case, I checked some forums, and sure enough:

[What if they snap and fire that breath at a building?]

Wouldn’t that be terrifying?

Of course, I know not all mutants are bad—I’ve met a few good ones myself—so I can’t judge hastily, but it’s still scary.

The power given to individuals is just too strong.

-For real, if they suddenly go berserk, can they even be stopped? -Maybe with military firepower? -If they’re flying around breathing fire, the casualties would be insane.

After causing such a scene…… it’s only natural some would look at me with concern.

I get why they’d feel afraid. People fear what they can’t resist, and the idea of that power being part of daily life is unsettling.

It’s not like demons or anything popped up just because mutants appeared.

Meaning, mutants don’t have much of a functional role in society.

With the military being the only thing capable of controlling such overwhelming individual power, people’s anxiety is bound to keep growing.

……I guess the fire breath was definitely overkill.

I should reflect. Next time, I’ll tone it down.

I need to rein in the showboating—maybe I got too carried away by the excitement and encouragement.

As I made that resolution and skimmed through the forums…… one post caught my eye.

[Parent who entrusted their child to a mutant.]

I’m the parent who left my child with the mutant breathing fire at the park near Korea University.

The reason I left my child with them was because, while I was stunned by the fire breath, my kid ran up to the mutant.

It was their first time seeing one.

Maybe they were fascinated by the horns on their head…… I was worried they might be a nuisance, but my kid, who rarely ever throws tantrums, threw a huge one this time.

We were so flustered and worried the mutant might take offense…… But thankfully, they understood, saying kids can be like that, and even sacrificed their clothes to unfold their wings.

I didn’t know this, but apparently, unfolding wings requires tearing open the back of whatever you’re wearing……

They said they wouldn’t dare try it unless the clothes were already backless.

But when my child asked to fly, they didn’t hesitate. They were incredibly polite and well-mannered.

My kid still talks about wanting to see the “dragon sister” again today.

Here’s a photo of my child in their arms.

(Photo of a beaming child.jpg)

The face is blurred, and the mutant said it was okay to share the photo.

Anyway, the things you’re all worried about didn’t happen……

I looked into it separately, and other students say they’re a really great senior.

I’m posting this because I don’t want malicious rumors or concerns to spread.

Hope you all have a nice day.

-Wait, what? -The back of their clothes tho ㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷ -Oh. -Wow;; They even ruined their own clothes to give the kid a good memory? So kind;; -But isn’t it too soon to call them kind based on just this? -Nah, I heard they saved people during that minotaur incident too…… There are mutants like that sometimes. -Yeah, heard about that. A café employee, right? Later heard they rescued people. -And they’re at Korea U……? Life’s so unfair. -For real lol -How is a dragon mutant a fresh-faced college student, and at Korea’s top university at that? -But why are they still in school? From the pics floating around, they could make a living as a model. -No idea;; -People have different values. If they’re at Korea U, they probably don’t want to waste their studies. -Also, those wings are freaking huge lol

Reading that, I remembered the child’s parents asking if they could take a photo right before I flew up with Yunseo.

Could they have anticipated this situation? Who knows…… but it lightened my heart a little.

The next day, I received an unexpected call.

From Agent Choi Jeong-ho.

“Ah, yes. This is Yun Seohyun.”

-“Hello, Seohyun. Good day. I called regarding yesterday’s incident.”

“Yesterday’s incident? Ah…… the fire breath?”

-“Yes. More precisely, the issue is you flying around the park……”

“Huh? The problem isn’t the fire breath but flying in the park?”

-“Technically, flying over Seoul’s airspace isn’t allowed. There’s a fine.”

“……Oh. H-how much is it?”

-“Haha. Just kidding. I called because you seem to be adjusting well. Any difficulties in daily life?”

“No. Lately…… every day’s been fun.”

-“Glad to hear it. I was worried. Many mutants suffer mental distress or turn violent due to society’s gaze. You must have good people around you.”

“Ah…… I guess so.”

-“Good. If anything bothers you, let me know. Since I’m in charge of mutant care……”

“……I’ve been wondering, Agent.”

-“Yes?”

“Why is the NIS handling this……? Wouldn’t it make more sense to create a separate facility for mutants?”

-“Haha, you’re right…… It was supposed to be another department’s job, but there were too many bureaucratic hurdles. Before we knew it, we ended up with it.”

“I’ve been avoiding NIS talk, but…… this isn’t something I should spread, right?”

-“Well, those who need to know already do. Just don’t publicize it too openly. Anyway, I’ll contact you if anything comes up.”

“Ah, okay.”

-“Oh, and there’s a dangerous mutant from China on the loose. We’ll issue a bounty soon. Interested?”

“Uh…… is there a reward?”

-“We can make it substantial. Considering the time and equipment needed to catch them, the savings could translate to a hefty sum.”

“Can you contact me if you find them? I might be able to help.”

-“Understood. I’ll reach out if we confirm their location.”

“Do you ask other mutants for cooperation like this too?”

-“Naturally. No matter how trained soldiers or agents are, they’re just ordinary people against mutants. Many mutants have helped us.”

“Ah…… I’d love to meet others sometime. I’ve been curious about other mutants.”

-“Haha. Not a bad idea. I’ll arrange something. Until next time.”

After hanging up, I smiled.

Well…… it’s time to earn some pocket money again.

Though “pocket money” is an understatement for the sums involved. But hey, good is good.