A Dragon Idol's Reincarnation Tale

Chapter 26: Seems like just being a Dragon isn’t fantasy enough.

MC's Skill and Status Board update

Acquisition requirement fulfilled. [Singing Lv. 1] [Dancing Lv. 1] [Draconic Roar Lv. 1] [Noble Aura Lv. 1] [Royal Etiquette Lv. 1] [Leadership Lv. 1] acquired

You have bought [Poison Creation Lv. 1] [Identify Blocker Lv. 1] [Danger Perception Lv. 1] [Probability Correction Lv. 1] [Tracking Lv. 1] [Terrain Maneuvering Lv. 1] [Sundering Enhancement Lv. 1] [Piercing Enhancement Lv. 1] [Crushing Enhancement Lv. 1] [Bleed Resistance Lv. 1] [Poison Resistance Lv. 1] [Paralyze Resistance Lv. 1] [Torpor Resistance Lv. 1]. 2650 SP spent. Your current SP is 7000

Multiple proficiency requirements fulfilled. [Spark Fire Dragon Lv. 7] [Sacred Magic Lv. 2] [Inferno Magic Lv. 3] [Wind Magic Lv. 7] [Space-Time Magic Lv. 4] [Draconic Barrier Lv. 2] [Singing Lv. 2] [Poison Creation Lv. 2] [Silent Casting Lv. 6] [Magic Power Enhancement Lv. 5] [Battle Mind Lv. 4] [Prediction Lv. 6] [Terrain Maneuvering Lv. 2] [Evasion Lv. 10] [Acrobatic Lv. 9] [Parallel Thoughts Lv. 6] [Pain Resistance Lv. 9] [Health Recovery Lv. 3] [Stamina Recovery Lv. 5] [Enhanced Health Growth Lv. 6] [Enhanced Mana Growth Lv. 8] [Enhanced Intelligence Growth Lv. 7] [Enhanced Intelligence Enforcement Lv. 3] [Enhanced Agility Growth Lv. 7] [Enhanced Agility Enforcement Lv. 3] [Enhanced Stamina Capacity Lv. 3] [Humanize Lv. 6] gained

Multiple proficiency requirements fulfilled. [Inferno Magic Lv. 4] [Physical Resistance Lv. 10] [Pain Resistance Lv. 10] [Bleed Resistance Lv. 10] [Poison Resistance Lv. 10] [Paralyze Resistance Lv. 10] [Torpor Resistance Lv. 10] [Fire Resistance Lv. 10] [Earth Resistance Lv. 10] [Health Recovery Lv. 4] [Enhanced Intelligence Enforcement Lv. 4] [Enhanced Agility Enforcement Lv. 4] [Enhanced Stamina Capacity Lv. 4]. 6950 SP spent. 50 SP remaining

Magic gained: [Sacred Veil] [Blazing Twister] [Inferno Beam] [Scorching Sun] [Warp Point: Entry]

Multiple skill requirements fulfilled: [Spark Flame Veil] [Wind Magic Amp] gained

Skill requirement fulfilled. [Fire Resistance Lv. 10] evolved into [Inferno Resistance Lv. 1]

Skill requirement fulfilled. [Physical Resistance Lv. 10] evolved into [Physical Super-Resistance Lv. 1]

Skill requirement fulfilled. [Pain Resistance Lv. 10] evolved into [Absolute Pain Tolerance]

Skill requirement fulfilled. [Earth Resistance Lv. 10] evolved into [Terra Resistance Lv. 1]

Skill requirement fulfilled. [Bleed Resistance Lv. 10], [Poison Resistance Lv. 10], [Paralyze Resistance Lv. 10] and [Torpor Resistance Lv. 10] merged into [Abnormal Status Nullification]

By the divine System, individual [Young Spark Inferno Dragon *] is granted the title: [Princess]

MC's Status Board

Profile:

Name: *

Level: 0

Race: Young Spark Inferno Dragon

Age: 5 Months

Status:

Health: 3071/3071 (+1834) Mana: 11569/11569 (+6975) Strength: 1513 (+579) Intelligence: 2291 (+1019) Vitality: 812 (+343) Wisdom: 921 (+379) Agility: 2987 (+1123) Stamina: 1558/1558 (+634) Effects: [Damaged Mana Path [Left Wing] (Minor)] Skill Points: 50 (-1500) Unique Skill:

[Spark Fire Dragon Lv. 7] (+1)

[Spark Fires Fire Boost]

[Spark Flame Veil] (New)

Skill: Magic skills and related

[Lava Magic Lv. 1]

[Holy Magic Lv. 10]

[Holy Amp]

[Holy Magic Efficiency]

[Sacred Magic Lv. 2] (+1)

[Fire Magic Lv. 10]

[Fire Amp]

[Fire Magic Efficiency]

[Inferno Magic Lv. 4] (+3)

[Earth Magic Lv. 10]

[Earth Amp]

[Earth Magic Efficiency]

[Terra Magic Lv. 1]

[Wind Magic Lv. 7] (+1)

[Wind Amp] (New)

[Space-Time Magic Lv. 4] (+1)

[Space-Time Magic Efficiency]

[Draconic Magics]

[Draconic Barrier Lv. 2] (+1)

[Silent Casting Lv. 6] (+1)

[Magic Power Enhancement Lv. 5] (+1)

[Mental Stability Lv. 2]

[Mental Warfare Lv. 2]

Physical skills and related

[Unarmed Technique Lv. 4]

[Draconic Claws Lv. 2]

[Draconic Roar Lv. 1] (New)

[Draconic Fangs Lv. 1]

[Sundering Enhancement Lv. 1] (New)

[Piercing Enhancement Lv. 1] (New)

[Crushing Enhancement Lv. 1] (New)

Senses and Movement skill

[Stealth Lv. 8]

[Accuracy Correction Lv. 4] (+1)

[Prediction Lv. 6] (+1)

[Danger Perception Lv. 1] (New)

[Probability Correction Lv. 1] (New)

[Detection Sensor Lv. 1]

[Enhanced Auditory Sense Lv. 1] (New)

[Enhanced Olfactory Sense Lv. 4]

[Enhanced Vision Lv. 4] (+1)

[Tracking Lv. 1] (New)

[Night Vision Lv. 7]

[Presence Killer Lv. 6] (+1)

[Evasion Lv. 10] (+1)

[Acrobatic Lv. 9] (+1)

[Terrain Maneuvering Lv. 2] (New)

Resistances

[Physical Super-Resistance Lv. 1] (New)

[Absolute Pain Tolerance] (New)

[Abnormal Status Nullification] (New)

[Holy Resistance Lv. 4]

[Inferno Resistance Lv. 1] (New)

[Terra Resistance Lv. 1] (New)

[Wind Resistance Lv. 2]

[Water Resistance Lv. 1]

Stat growths and related

[Health Recovery Lv. 4] (+2)

[Stamina Recovery Lv. 5] (+1)

[Enhanced Health Growth Lv. 6] (+1)

[Enhanced Health Capacity Lv. 2]

[Enhanced Mana Growth Lv. 8] (+1)

[Enhanced Mana Capacity Lv. 5]

[Enhanced Strength Growth Lv. 5]

[Enhanced Strength Enforcement Lv. 2]

[Enhanced Intelligence Growth Lv. 7] (+1)

[Enhanced Intelligence Enforcement Lv. 4] (+2)

[Enhanced Vitality Growth Lv. 4]

[Enhanced Vitality Enforcement Lv. 2]

[Enhanced Wisdom Growth Lv. 4]

[Enhanced Wisdom Enforcement Lv. 2]

[Enhanced Agility Growth Lv. 7] (+1)

[Enhanced Agility Enforcement Lv. 4] (+2)

[Enhanced Stamina Growth Lv. 5]

[Enhanced Stamina Capacity Lv. 4] (+2)

Others

[Singing Lv. 2] (New)

[Dancing Lv. 1] (New)

[Poison Creation Lv. 2] (New)

[Trap Creation Lv. 3]

[Identity Blocker Lv. 1] (New)

[Identify Lv. 10]

[Noble Aura Lv. 1] (New)

[Battle Mind Lv. 4] (+1)

[Royal Etiquette Lv. 1] (New)

[Leadership Lv. 1] (New)

[Cooking Lv. 7]

[Dismantle Lv. 6]

[Thought Acceleration Lv. 1] (New)

[Parallel Thoughts Lv. 6] (+1)

[Humanize Lv. 6] (+2)

[Pyrokinesis]

[Aerokinesis] (New)

[Telepathy] (New)

Ability List:

[Flame Blast]

[Spark Claws]

[Spark Flame]

[Spark Fire Breath]

[Spark Fang]

Spell List:

[Imperial Hellfire]

[Lava Ball]

Holy and Sacred

[Minor Heal] [Cure] [Modest Heal] [Smite] [Light] [Holy Protection] [Holy Strength] [Purify] [Sacred Smite] [Sacred Veil]

Fire and Inferno

[Fire] [Firebolt] [Imbue Fire] [Fire Ball] [Strengthening Flames] [Flame Spear] [Petal Flame] [Flame Explosion] [Inferno Blast] [Blazing Twister] [Inferno Beam] [Scorching Sun]

Earth and Terra

[Earth Wall] [Rock Blast] [Earth Strike] [Rock Bullet] [Sturdy Earth] [Earth Spears] [Earth Crash] [Earthen Shackles] [Terra Wall]

[Wind Bullet] [Wind Cutter] [Air Shield] [Wind Slash] [Swift Winds] [Wind Blast]

[Haste] [Storage Magic] [Warp Point: Entry]

[Shine]

Titles:

[The Light] [Bearer of Kargryxmors Blood] [Otherworldly Reincarnator] [Princess] (New)

And that is without getting myself nerfed by [Humanize]. Can you imagine it? [Humanize Lv. 6] causes [Humanize (Moderate)], which halves all my stats. Im so weak, right now!

[Youre still far stronger than me though.]

Ah, youll get there.

Hi, hi! Its me, again! Your lovable little dragon is back and even stronger than before. Its been a while since I did a summary of my progress, so maybe I should do it now?

So, the major improvements I did after the garm encounter was collecting and buying all the skills that the garms were using, which I thought would be useful. That would include the resistance skills for abnormal conditions, like poison, bleed, paralyze and torpor.

I also got some highly useful utility skills that improve my life with [Tracking] and [Terrain Movement] while also taking [Danger Perception] and [Probability Correction], which improve combat.

It took me far too long to realize this, but I finally took the opportunity to buy [Identity Blocker]. If you think about it, knowing an enemies spells and skills is unsurprisingly very beneficial. If I had known the mama garm had [Shadow Clones], I wouldn't have acted like an idiot in that battle. I would have still lost butyeah.

I also took another page from her book, when I bought [Poison Creation], using this skill to improve all my venomous and poisonous concoctions, created from the myriad of toxins Ive collected in this forest. Fortunately, there is no shortage of those monsters and plants, albeit they arent good for experience.

Poison Slime

A slime made from poisonous liquids. Prefers to live as an ambush hunter, by dropping down on potential prey and inflicting a lethal dose of their toxin. Rank E

Belzac Butterfly

A small sized monster with a crippling toxin that paralyzes any small to medium-sized predators. These monsters usually live around [Belzac Sunshine Flower] due to its nutrient-filled nectar. Rank G

Belzac Monstertrapper

A plant monster that sends out its spores to attract prey towards it. Both its spores and sweet nectar dulls the mind of any that consumes them. Prefers larger monsters instead of insect types. A common mating ground for insects. Rank E

Belzac Sunshine Flower

A flower with paralyzing-curing nectar and petals

In total, that cost me 2650 SP.

Now, that wasnt too bad. [Poison Creation] costed me, an amazing, 600 SP and [Identity Blocker] cost 250 SP. Not very cheap but I believe it is worth the price.

However, now we get into my spending on skill improvements. A few of them were purely for breaking through the break requirements but most of my expenses went into defensive skills.

Buying something like [Poison Resistance] will cost me 150 SP but leveling this up from level 1 to level 10 made me spend 1000 SP. 1150 SP in total.

Now imagine me doing this for the four abnormal status skills I bought, while also improving physical, pain, fire and earth resistance.

I actually wanted to buy [Dark Resistance], to cover my biggest weakness, but the costs were insane! 3000 SP, the exact amount I would need to buy [Dark Magic], oh jeez.

So, I gave up on that for now. I have a limited amount of SP, so I need to be frugal about it. I also considered improving my resistances to water, as that is also a problem for me. However, upgrading [Water Resistance Lv. 1] to level two costs me 300 SP.

I hate my titles sometimes.

Regardless, I took it as an investment. If it can keep me safe, then the price is irrelevant. Thats when I noticed that I only had 100 SP left to my name. For the first time in my life, I was too poor to buy something I really wanted. I didnt think my spending was this terrible.

Oh wait, wasnt I unable to buy [Humanize] in the beginning too?

[You spent quite the sum on those skills.]

Hearing Ms. Segawas voice again, I shook off my train of thought and returned back to reality.

It was for the sake of survival.

And I mean it.

Abnormal Status Effect Nullification

A skill that prevents the infliction of certain abnormal status conditions. These skills are merged into it: [Bleed Resistance Lv. 10], [Poison Resistance Lv. 10], [Paralyzing Resistance Lv. 10], [Torpor Resistance Lv. 10]. These are the status abnormalities that will be affected by this skill

[So, what does [Bleed Resistance] exactly do? I cannot imagine a wound not bleeding.]

[Bleeding (Minor)] inflicted on [Young Spark Inferno Dragon *]

Oh, its just this. I was currently in my humanized form. Using one of my claws, I slit open my wrist to show Ms. Segawa what max bleeding resistance does.

Not understanding my intentions, she instead exploded in my face and scolded for doing something reckless.

[Stop, you do not have to cut your wrists! You can just explain it! There is no need to mutilate yourself!]

Heh heh, you will probably be angry, if I told you about the time, I set myself on fire.

Oh, the memories when I started out. I dont do it much nowadays, as my firepower is far stronger than my resistances can handle. How nostalgic.

[You what?!]

Ms. Segawa jumped on her feet and started to shake my shoulder quite violently.

Waaaah! I did it to improve my [Fire Resistance] and [Holy Magic]. It wasnt for fun!

Exasperated upon hearing my answer, she stopped and sat back down. Meanwhile, I patched myself up.

[Sigh, you should not have to do that. Anyways, would you mind explaining it? I still saw you bleeding, so what is its effect?]

The effect of [Bleed Resistance] is that you bleed less from wounds while preventing hemophilia disorders. You can still bleed but it can never progress to moderate or major."

My garm partner nodded at my words.

You can't cure blood loss with any curing spells, after all. Anemia is a big problem if youre wounded on a battlefield.

[Ok, with that out of the wayCould you explain to me who you are?]

I already told you so.

I froze. I could feel my face twitching involuntarily as I try to change the topic, not wanting to talk about it.

[No, I do not mean your past. I mean the fact that you have a title called [Princess], your highness~]

You know, garms have very expressive faces, cause I can feel and imagine her face right now. Shes poking fun at me!

GuckEven if you ask me this, how can I even answer that question when I have no idea who I even am. All I know is that the title appeared after my evolution.

Princess

A title granted to a member of a family recognized as royalty. Grants the owner a proficiency increase in all skills necessary for royalty. Naturally emits an aura of nobility around the owner

[Why, I humbly apologize for my rude remarks, Princess.]

Being a bit annoyed at her snickering, I stood up and picked up the hem of my flame dress, created to cover my otherwise nude body. Going through the movements my etiquette teacher pounded into my head, I gracefully performed a curtsey.

In addition, I decided to also shoot back an appropriate remark fitting for my weird new title.

Hmphahem, I graciously accept your apology, I felt no offense from it.

Its been a while since I did this, but I believe neither Mama nor my educator would be unhappy about it.

[Phew, you almost charmed me, again. Your curtsy came out of nowhere!]

Charmed? What does she mean by that?

[When you sang, I thought you were basked under streams of white light, while when you curtsied, I thought stars and hearts appeared. That, uh, aura of nobility is dangerous!]

My [Princess] title can charm people, and its this effective? Could this be used when Im doing idol stuff?

Oh please, stop your flattery. I believe my cheeks are starting to glow.

[Will you please stop that. Simply acting exaggerated works also. Come to think of it, your whole demeanor changed once you began talking formally, which, pardon my rudeness, is surprisingly refined despite your usual crude speaking mannerism.]

I dont think its that bad I don't like acting formal cause it's tiring and annoying. To be honest, I dont know how youre able to keep your act up 90% of the time.

Ive noticed that Ms. Segawa speaks incredibly formally, like to the point that it gets overbearing if youre not used to. And she does this 24/7!

At my remarks, she just shrugged her shoulders and said, Comes with the job. and pestered me to answer her questions already, leaning extremely close to me.

Its embarrassing but I guess weve known each other long enough to tell her about it.

Urgh, my mum wanted me to learn proper etiquette cause my father sometimes invites, well, distinguished guests to our home for dinner.

Ja, learning how to curtsey for something simple like greeting somebody is over the top. My formal etiquette education can be described more like antique or pretentious.

I love my Mama, but even I have to question why she made me go through something like that, which seemed more like what a medieval noble family would teach their children.

[I thought your father was a musician?]

He isbut hes more like a conductor, a maestrofor an orchestra. Hes successful enough to get invited by a ton of his wealthy attendees.

I believe he had quite a few Broadway jobs, so hes earning quite a hefty sum.

[You dont sound very enthusiastic about it.]

"Nein, I do feel very proud of my dad. It's just very embarrassing to say it cause it sounds like bragging. My parents financed my training as an idol, so it gets annoying every time one of the other trainees start asking about it. They always go on; how lucky I am to get everything paid by my rich parents.

I know my parents have money. You dont have to tell me that every time!

Eventually I continued. It got to me and I blew up in front of everyone. Boom, my relationship with all of them was totally ruined.

My parents asked me to switch to another training school, but I couldnt give up on the trainer there. He was that good. My parents eventually persuaded him to privately tutor me, but that made my reputation even worse

I figured, if I could just stop beingwell, rich sounding and rich looking, I could maybe get them to like me. Unfortunately, they called me pretentious

[Oh]

Still, I knew that there might be the chance that they will become my colleagues in the future, so I kept up with it. That also meant that I neglected my time with my school friends, as I slowly changed, which caused us to drift apart. Friendlesswho wants to sound like those stuck-up bitches anyways

Having ended my story, Ms. Segawa looked at me as if I just shared something very personal about myselfwell, I did, I guess.

As the atmosphere around us began to feel awkward, I decided to play it off like its nothing.

Huh?! I-Im sorry. I went a bitI should have kept that for myself

[Eh? Oh no! It is fine. I am willing to listen, if you have any worries. As an educator, I believe it is a part of my responsibility to listen to any problems my students have, and if possible, support them. I may not be your teacher but as an adult, you can confide with me."]

Yeah sure, but most of what I will say is just me complaining about how incompetent I am, or how unfair it was. What use will it bring to tell you about it? Its all a part of the past now. Trying to dig it all up is stupid. I think its better to just bury it and go on; trying to not repeat the same thing.

As if she could hear these thoughts, Ms. Segawa firmly spoke, trying to persuade me otherwise.

[Nonsense! Miss Dragon, considering how apprehensive you are about it, I can guess that this is very personal for you. However, as it is very personal, it is even more important not to let these feelings fester inside yourself.]

I kept silent.

[Please. You mentioned how fervently you wanted to become an idol or entertainer in this world. Why?]

She looked at me with curious eyes, pressuring me to speak my mind. Her wish to learn more about me, is pretty convincing.

Sigh.

I told you that I was an Idol in my past life, right? Well, that was a lie. I was only a trainee, nein, I aspired to be one.

I began preparing at a tender age of 7, and kept up my training for 9 years, dreaming that if I could just keep smiling and dedicating myself, that I will be accepted and become an Idol one day.

So, I went to auditions. If the scouts weren't interested, then go to them. Show them your skills. The problem is that I wasn't the only one who thought of this.

There was always someone more talented. Always someone who performed better. There were also people who got taken cause they just looked better! It was never me.

[With how it sounds. You dont seem to have enjoyed it much, so why did you continue and why are you still continuing, even in your second life?]

I-I dont know. It hurts every time I was rejected. But it hurts even more, knowing that if I give up, I will disappoint my parents who supported me with all their hearts.

My parents comforted me when I failed, but I knew that this wouldnt last when I grow older. My parents had the connection to help me, but if I took it, then those idiots who called me a spoiled brat would be, right!

However, how can I argue against that? My parents gave me everything I ever wanted. Its childish, so very childish.

Love, money, a good education and they even supported my dream, until I died. How could I not be grateful? However, my dream is something I can't just let them give me. I've been fed with a golden spoon for my entire life.

They gave me the support I needed but I couldnt do it. Ironically, this meant that my naysayers were correct, that I would be nothing without my family.

I couldnt just let parents down! How could I just give up, when they supported me for my entire life?! I am grateful for that, so I didnt want to look ungrateful. Neither to them nor to anybody who talked behind my back.

I could feel my tears starting to swell at this memory, but I kept them back, forcefully.

Now I am in this world. Reborn. With my memories. I have neither money nor connections. I dont even have proper clothes!

I pointed at the flame dress I made. Its literally the only thing keeping my human shame intact.

"I want to know. Can I do it in this world? Can I become an Idol in a world that doesn't know the concept of "Idols" and can I do it without any support? Am I good enough to do this aloneor am I really nothing without my parent's support?"

Too bad that part of the plan is now impossible, due to some meddlesome gods and my second life's "bloodline". I'm not gonna be ungrateful for the god's help cause it goes without saying that I would have died if I didn't have their blessings.

Thats why I have been doing my best to keep my training up when Im in human form. I want to go back to human society and debut successfully. I will do it, even if I have to break through walls to find success this time! Not only for my parents sake but also for my own.

Hearing my sincere wish, Ms. Segawa contemplated a bit, frowning a moment.

[I now understand why you are so diligent with your training. I might not know much about being an Idol nor an entertainer in general, however, is it really ok for someone to become an icon of cheerfulness, if they themselves are not?]

Huh? He he. Ha ha ha ha heh heh heh he ha ha ha!

[Miss Dragon?!].

Youre right! Youre right! I am a hypocrite, am I not? An idol should always act happy and friendly, but what the hell am I? Due to [Battle Frenzy] I could go berserk anytime during a concert and boom, it's over. The ideal female idol should be cute and sweet, singing songs to bring happiness to her audience, instead of somebody stubborn, like me."

Hearing what she said, I began to ramble. Its a self-deprecating rant about myself, as I could slowly feel something dark growing inside me.

I covered my ears. I want to stop talking about this

[My opinion of you is that of a very emotional person, who feels most comfortable, wearing those emotions on her sleeves. You know you can cry if you are sad.]

No! I cant cry! I will not cry! I made a promise to myself to not cry.

What are you saying? You helped me reflect on myself. So, thank you~

Knowing that if we keep this up, I instinctively forced a bright smile and cast away all the pain, distress, and sadness that my face would show.

Act happy. Act cheerful. An idol doesnt act sad nor angry. She is there to make others happy. Even if I am a hypocrite and my smile is as fake as it can get, I cant show this to others.

[Stress (Minor)] inflicted on [Young Spark Inferno Dragon *]]

[That is what I meant with keeping your feelings to yourself. Believe me, putting up a smile just to make others not worry about you, will inevitably cause the opposite. I am sorry if you dont want to hear it, but you need to let your feelings out.]

No, please stopWe don't need to continue with this. It was a waste of time anyway

[No! Look at yourself! Why must you be stubborn like this?]

Complaining about it wont help me. Crying is not allowed. I cant do it now. I can cry when I finally made it to something. Le-Lets leave it at that, please.

[Depression (Minor)] inflicted on [Young Spark Inferno Dragon *]

Stop. Stop. Stop. I knew talking about this crap is just gonna make me feel worse. I need to cheer myself up. Need to get rid of these abnormal effects. Honey. Honey. Something sweet.

I covered my whole hand in some honey from my storage and pushed it completely into my mouth. I could taste the sweet, sticky substance mixed with a bit of blood; a wound having opened from scratching my mouth.

[Then let me help you.]

Mrat? (What?)

Ms. Segawa carefully took out the hand in my mouth, making sure that I wouldnt harm myself any further with my long, sickle-like claws. She then spoke in a calming tone.

[Let me help you then. If you are not willing to fully express yourself now, then I can follow you until you can. Being patient with emotional students is a part of my job after all.]

What do you get from this? What you said makes no sense. Why would you want to do something that annoying? Im a stubborn idiot. Plain and simple. Not worth somebodys time.

[Well, I guess the first thing that I get from this is to make myself feel better. If you were one of my own students, then I would do my best to help you get over it. The other reason is part of my dream.]

What dream would force somebody to jump on some random girls foolish ambitions? I scoffed.

[Somebody who wishes to travel the world.]

Thats your dream? Pah, come on. What kinda dream is that? Thats so lame. I giggled as I mocked her, sneered at her simple wish.

[You might not know this, but I was not somebody who was born with the opportunity to travel around the world whenever I wanted. You said your grandparents lived around the world, right? One pair in Germany and the other in Japan? Well, I was never able to fly outside of Japan.]

Oh, crap! There I go again. This annoying mouth of mine, OMG! Why do I always say these stupid things? Just shut your damn trap

[Before my father died, he planned to have I and my mother join him on a trip around the world; visiting the many sights of the world after we saved up the money for it. I also studied history because I wanted to learn about the past of the world. Even after my father has died, that dream has not faded. I was planning to do this with my mother still, but it seems it was not meant to be.]

Ms. Segawa closed her eyes and breathed in deeply. She opened her eyes again and continued.

[Now I am in a completely foreign world with a foreign culture and also a history I have nothing about. Both the historian and the dreaming woman inside me wishes to learn about this world. If this world is medieval, then they wouldnt have the appropriate technology necessary to spread your name, which means you, an Idol, will have to travel far and wide. You will have to sing in foreign cities and countries. There can be no better traveling companion than you.]

It was convincingbut not enough.

WhatWhat if it all fails and I choose to give up on it? I stumbled on my words, remembering that I said the same thing to my parallel minds in the cave.

Ive changed. I know Ive changed. My life in these past months in this world have not only changed my appearance but it has also changed my attitude. My hearts burns, knowing that my chances of making my dream true, is slowly drifting away from me the longer I stay like this.

[Then so be it. I will still drag you around with me.]

I-Isnt that awfully selfish of you?! I flinched backwards upon hearing what she said.

[Yes, it is! And thats how you should express yourself. Show some more confidence in yourself. We are both reincarnated people from the same world and both of us are monsters. Were you to ask me, I would prefer traveling with]

I cant argue with that, so I just nodded.

[So, shall we become traveling companions, partner?]

Uhh, well

[Just for your information, you may not decline me.]

Gck, this person is totally not modest at all! Arent most Japanese supposed to be polite and modest?! Ms. Segawa completely flipped her personality. Shes been very pushy today, extremely inconsiderate!

Th-Then I have nothing else to say. Iaccept, I guess.

I guess, maybe being less lonely will help me change for the better? I may have sounded reluctant, but I think Im a bit relieved that she decided to stay with me, no more sleeping alone in this dark forest.

I should apologize for what I said, once I have the chance.

[Splendid. Now before we end this conversation, we need to give you a name!]

A name?

[Correct. I find it completely unacceptable to continue with Miss Dragon. That is both rude and inappropriate if we are to continue as traveling companions.]

Shes right, I do feel a bit awkward being called like that for a whole month. I nodded to her suggestion and looked at her, anticipating that she would give me a name.

[Dont you have a suggestion of your own?]

What meaning does it have when I name myself? Your name only has meaning, if somebody like your parents gives it to you. You mentioned I needed a name, so you do it.

["A namehmm. I have two pretty fitting names. The first is Hestia, the Greek goddess of hearths and its fire."]

Greek, huh? Well, she is a history teacher, after all.

[The other name is Atsuko.]

Atsuko?

[Yup. Atsu for honest or warm. Ko for being childlike. I thought it would be good to give you a Japanese name considering you are half Japanese.]

My original name could have been Japanese. This does make sense.

So, why did you take Hestia. Thats a Greek goddess name, right? I dont think I act like a goddess at all.

[I chose that name for you because I believe you are someone who values her family quite a lot. A name fitting for somebody who will do her best to keep her family happy even at cost of herself.]

That isquite a nice reason, more than I deserve. That makes choosing one of them quite hard.

["There is no need to choose. Just take both. One as your first name and the other as a sort of the last name."]

I lifted up one of my brows, showing my astonishment. Ms. Segawa on the other hand, showed me with a gentle smile, suggesting that I never had a choice once I gave up my right to suggest a name.

Chuckling, I spoke.

Well, I guess its better than being called Miss Dragon all the time.

[Fantastic. From today onwards you shall be Hestia Atsuko. It is an honor to have met your acquaintance, Princess Hestia. I, Saori Segawa, shall follow you from today onwards as a companion.]

[Young Spark Inferno Dragon *] has been named [Young Spark Inferno Dragon, Hestia Atsuko]

Come on, you dont have to be that formalhuh?

[Huh?]

[Young Garm, Saori Segawa] has received the title [Hestias Retainer] and is now your follower

Follower amount requirement fulfilled. [The Light] proficiency requirement fulfilled

Magic gained: [Sanctuary]