episode_0085

When discussing the strongest race in fantasy, one must mention the dragon.

If asked how it felt to become one, I would probably say, “It didn’t feel like much.”

It wasn’t that surprising.

How could one not be surprised when their body suddenly changed overnight?

The intense unfamiliarity that came with the emergence of things that were not there before, and the unfamiliar woman reflected in the mirror.

Despite feeling greatly perplexed and confused, those emotions did not last long.

“Is this… me?”

Instead of the usual messy black hair I was used to seeing, now neatly arranged red short hair.

The shabby body that couldn’t be discerned as female when covered in loose clothes exuded an undeniable sensual beauty even when concealed under thick garments.

The eyes that everyone called rotten fish eyes sparkled brightly like they were embedded with rubies.

The proud horns denying humanity, the large wings, and the thick yet smooth tail were flaws if anything.

But even looking at myself in the mirror continuously, rather than being seen as flawed, a sense of pride began to emerge.

Perhaps due to the satisfaction and confusion welling up from deep within, my body and mind quickly calmed down.

As I became a bit more composed, a few concerns crossed my mind, but I didn’t feel particularly overwhelmed or frustrated.

An unknown power overflowing within me.

It instilled in me the confidence that I could handle whatever came my way.

“Sigh…”

As confusion and astonishment subsided, boredom filled the void.

…Having experienced something shocking, why do I feel so calm?

Could this also be related to the change in my body?

There was much information to seek.

Am I the only one in this awkward situation?

Why are events that seem fit for a fantasy novel happening in reality?

How did I end up transforming into this body?

The 21st century is the age of information.

If this hadn’t just happened to me, the world would have surely gone crazy.

Although writing a few lines on the internet might give some insight, it was still puzzling.

“…I’m tired.”

Was it because of the fatigue weighing down my eyelids?

Feeling everything to be a bother, I decided to get some sleep for now.

Yes, it’s probably better in terms of both quantity and quality to search a few hours later than now.

After getting some rest and planning to leisurely gather information…

“What? Why has a week passed already?”

Upon regaining consciousness, a whole week had swiftly slipped by.

…I’ve heard that beauties tend to sleep a lot, but isn’t this a bit too much?

A sense of unease about the future already crept in.

After pushing away worries, I started organizing the things that had piled up over the past week.

——

“Phew… It’s finally over.”

What started early in the morning dragged on until late afternoon before finally concluding.

Truly an unbearably boring time.

With only slight variations, I had to repeat the same sentences with the same meaning dozens of times.

Searching for information about the racial mutation incident that occurred a week ago was somewhat enjoyable, but after two hours, I started to feel bored.

Unable to overcome the tedium and monotony, I eventually gave in and turned on my laptop to play a game.

…If each time it’s a new and thrilling disease game, maybe it will help erase this empty feeling, I thought.

“Let’s enjoy it lightly, casually.”

Playing a game for the first time with my changed body.

I briefly worried about what would happen if I couldn’t adapt quickly and my skills suffered, but within less than three minutes of starting the game, I realized it was an unnecessary concern.

[Avatar of the Battlefield]

[Double Kill!]

[Triple Kill!]

[The enemy team surrendered with 4 votes in favor and 1 vote against.]

[Victory!]

“…Wow.”

Doesn’t using a hack program feel exactly like this?

The sensation completely changed from when I played before the transformation, and involuntarily, my mouth hung open.

With this level of physical ability, could I easily escape from Bronze?

Perpetual Bronze.

Feeling the hope of finally being able to shed that dreadful title, I immediately started queuing for a ranked game.

Achieving a winning streak, I found myself on the brink of Silver.

“Just one more step forward…”

Just one step until the fervently desired wish of seven years is fulfilled.

Feeling a dizzying rush of excitement, I press the accept button to join the game.

Really, just this once.

After all the hard work and victories so far, I hoped to be matched with good teammates at least this time.

Despite silently praying as I finished selecting my character and transitioned to the loading screen, upon seeing two teammates running towards the same spot as me as soon as the game began, I could only erupt into angry curses.

“Sigh… Damn bastards.”

Upon searching their names on a match history site, unsurprisingly, they were a boosting duo.

The game played out in a grim atmosphere naturally ended in a devastating defeat.

[del15723155(Ayla): Our mid laner is really trash lol]

[del9454124(Louis): Just quit and play another game… You suck…]

[Your team surrendered with 5 votes in favor and 0 votes against.]

[Defeat.]

A result leaving nothing but wounds.

Feeling a strong tug at my back, I leaned against the chair’s backrest.

“Ha, hahaha…”

I should brush it off as if nothing happened.

Normally, I would have thought I stepped on crap and immediately queued for the next game.

However, the boiling anger inexplicably showed no signs of subsiding.

“…It’s hot.”

A strong heat began to be felt within, as if flames had ignited.

Would drinking a few cups of cold water help?

Even after gulping down water from a bottle pulled out of the fridge in an attempt to cool down, the burning sensation persisted.

“Ugh…”

…How can I rid myself of this unbearable sensation?

Amidst pondering, unable to bear the stifling feeling, I let out a sigh.

As the scorching heat inside me dissipated, my body felt lighter.

“I might feel a bit… better? Huh?”

Though relieved and feeling better, when I raised my head, a sight too grim to smile at unfolded before me.

Raging flames.

Like a hungry beast, it voraciously consumed my studio apartment.

The blaring fire alarm sounding like madness.

Gathering my wits, I shouted as loudly as I could without a moment’s hesitation.

“Fire!!!”

At least.

To ensure no one’s life was extinguished.

—–

“Life really is just one shot. Who would’ve known? A single sigh can lead to debts in the millions.”

“…You must have been through a lot.”

“It may not be the right thing to say in front of the victim, but still… It’s truly fortunate no one got hurt. If there were casualties… It would have been incredibly difficult to bear, wouldn’t it?”

The arsonist Dragon chuckled softly, taking a sip of the sweet cocktail I handed over.

Then, lowering his head wearily, he continued the conversation.

“To be honest… the compensation might take a bit longer. I’ve been making money like a devil, but there’s just too much to repay…”

“If it’s not intrusive, may I ask what you do for a living?”

“…I work at a construction site. The pay… is ridiculously good.”

“Aren’t you finding it tough?”

“Dragons, you know, haha. They’re quite capable with their sturdy bodies and strong muscles. Doing several people’s worth of work alone, they receive a lot of tips too.”

If you work diligently like this every day, wouldn’t you be able to finish compensating for the damages within seven years?

Playfully adding remarks, a dragon arsonist sprawled on the table.

Watching her in that state, I pitied her and cautiously asked, tilting my head quizzically.

“…Have you ever thought about things like internet broadcasting? With a bit of wit, you could really excel.”

“I haven’t thought about it. But… what I talk about is really boring. Would it make sense if I say I’m a serious bug?”

“Oh.”

“And there’s also a vague fear of not knowing when I might snap. If anger suddenly wells up and I breathe fire again, ugh…”

Certainly, that could be a big issue.

Nodding in understanding, I filled her empty plate with biscuits and asked her.

“By the way, how did you end up visiting a cocktail bar? It doesn’t seem like you came here to relax like other customers.”

“…I needed a new stimulus. To move, you need stimulation.”

“Ah, is it similar to vampires drinking blood?”

“Yes, if I were to explain… calling it fuel seems more appropriate.”

A new stimulus as the driving force for movement…

They weren’t as demoralizing as I had thought.

Was I comparing the superiority of vampires and dragons in my mind for a moment?

The dragon arsonist, who had emptied her glass, rose from her seat slowly, expressing gratitude to me.

“I should start heading back soon. If I have to work tomorrow, I need to wake up early. Thank you in many ways, truly.”

“Don’t mention it. If you ever want to rest, feel free to come by anytime. As long as you pay, I can listen to your complaints endlessly.”

“Haha, I’ll gratefully keep that in mind. Well then…”

So, just as we were about to bid farewell in a warm atmosphere to the dragon arsonist,

“Waitttt!!!”

The owner, who had been listening to the conversation all along, blocked her path and uttered words that made her doubt her ears.

“You said you’re a dragon species, right? You seem very strong. How about working here once?”