[“Miss Dragon.”] I asked. [“Have you decided?”]

With confidence, Miss Dragon replied, [“Yeah, there really is only one choice among all of them.”]

MC's evolution choices and descriptions of each choice Evolution [Young Inferno Dragon] [Young Sacred Dragon] [Young Spark Inferno Dragon] [Young Black-Wrath Dragon] [Young Angel Dragon] [Young Lava Dragon] [Young Mana Dragon]] [Young Arcane Corrupter Dragon] Young Spark Inferno Dragon A young, mutant Inferno Dragon that evolved from a Spark Fire Dragon. Compared to an Inferno Dragon, these dragons focus primarily on growths that develop their power and speed. A dragon that dominates other fire elemental dragons with fire-resistant scale plating and overwhelming firepower. Sows fear in any Inferno Dragon. Rank C Young Black-Wrath Dragon A rare dragon-type that possess scales of pure darkness. A dragon with a short temper, who’s rampage would send an entire city in ruins. Can shoot out a strong beam of concentrated black mana that eradicates anything in its path. Called a "Spawn of Kargryxmor". Rank B Young Angel Dragon A unique dragon type that possesses the aura of divinity. A dragon that possesses serene feathers that makes this dragon look like an angel. Specializes in supportive magic and skills, while possessing scales that nullify all spells related to the holy element. A dragon created by the Goddess of Light, Aurena. Rank B Young Lava Dragon A young dragon that can only be found in the vicinity of extreme temperatures. It can feast on both flesh and minerals. Compared to a Magma Dragon, these dragons lack the ability to deftly traverse through pools of molten rock. Rank B Young Mana Dragon A young dragon that embodies the power of mana. Its whole body is composed of mana, instead of flesh and blood, so it can only die if its mana expires. Punishes foes with unending amounts of magic, with no risk of arcane corruption. Rank B Young Arcane Corrupter Dragon A young, mutant Mana Dragon that spreads corrupted mana in its surroundings. Its whole body is composed of mana, instead of flesh and blood, so it can only die if its mana expires. Instead of pure mana, its body is composed of arcane corrupted mana, thick enough to materialize into anything it wants. Cannot use spells. Rank B

Eight choices. Eight different dragon evolutions with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Three C rank options and 5 B rank options.

Miss Dragon seems to have already decided, but how can she make her choice in such a short time? I wouldn’t be able to, with all these options.

[“Do you not require more time?”] I inquired to quench my curiosity. [“Disregarding the C rank options, there are still five evolutions that you may choose.”]

Just reading the descriptions of those dragons makes me excited, although I’m not the one to evolve. I’m once again reminded how extraordinary this world is. It’s like experiencing something you would read from fiction, or maybe it would be better to describe it coming from a movie?

[“Five?”] Miss Dragon was in her dragon form, but she nonetheless tilted her head as if she were in her humanized form. [“Ms. Segawa, you seem to not understand something.”]

Now I had to tilt my garm head. I responded with a simple “What?”, as I’m not sure what I’m overlooking here.

[“Since the start, I never had my eyes on anything else but that one choice.”]

She already made her choice before identifying all the options?!

Bewildered, I bid her to continue speaking.

[“I always planned, if there were no better options, that I would just continue with the evolved version of [Young Crimson Spark Dragon].”]

Which means she’s planning to evolve into a [Young Spark Inferno Dragon]? But this doesn’t make sense. If she’s looking for better options, then aren’t the B rank ones more beneficial?

Guessing my thoughts, Miss Dragon just went ahead and cleared up my confusion before I had the option to speak up.

[“I never intended to take any B or A rank ones.”] She began. [“Yes, the rank difference would make me super powerful, but skipping ranks mean skipping extra SP. I have no evidence for the contrary, so I want to stay cautious.”]

I can understand why she’s valuing SP so much. Since the moment we met and until now, she’s spent over 9000 SP on improving and buying various skills. That stockpile of SP is no more.

[“And besides.”] Miss Dragon continued. [“Rank differences can be overcome if you’re smart about it. More skills mean your arsenal of tricks will grow, and, honestly, I need to start fighting smarter. I’ve gotten extremely complacent ever since my stats began growing like crazy.”]

That does make sense. The grizzly was a tough enemy, but by trapping it, we ended the whole fight with a single attack. If I hadn’t messed up…no, there is no need to wallow on the past. I must just get better for the next time.

Shaking off that train of thought, I asked Miss Dragon a different question. [“Then, let us say you only had the B rank options available. Which would you choose?”]

Thinking for a second, she began talking once she formed her thoughts. [“Well, [Young Black-Wrath Dragon] and [Young Angel Dragon] are out on default. I have no wish to associate myself with the gods and their plans.”]

Her two titles [The Light] and [Bearer of Kargryxmor’s Blood] were divine blessings given by two gods of this world, Aurena and Kargryxmor. She mentioned that she doesn’t have anything against the gods, but that she would consider it troublesome if they were to drag her into whatever their plans are.

“How interesting that gods exist.”, was what I said when she talked about it.

While I was reminiscing about the past, Miss Dragon further added. [“Asides from those, I’m not too sure. That is a question for the future me to worry about.”]

I nodded. [“It cannot be helped. Will you start it now?”]

[“Yup. Sorry for having you sleep in this fortress, but I’ll probably be completely out until the morning.”]

The “Fortress” was the same igloo made of earth that she built on the first day we met. Only difference is that it’s much larger to accommodate her new form.

[“I will be fine. Do not worry.”] I reassured her.

[“Ok…well, good night, Ms. Segawa.”]

[“Good night…Miss Dragon.”]

*******************

“As I walk on the ground now ♫

Striding through lands of lush greens♫

How can I forget ♫

I used to see it, from up there. ♫

.

Feel the wind stream around me♫

Like a butterfly riding on high winds ♫

But now I’m down here♫

Looking up, longing for my fleeting past. ♫”

.

When I woke up, I heard a wonderful serene voice singing. Fitting to the clear shining sky, I thought for a second that I was listening to an angel’s chorus because I was fully entranced in it, my soul quivering in excitement.

When I rose, I moved my head around, trying to find the source of this angelic voice.

Sitting on a rock was a young girl. Her previously scale-covered body was now a mix of pink-rose colored skin and glistening crimson-colored scales.

The once jet-black wings and tail were now covered by those very same fiery scales, giving them an alluring attraction, as if they want you to admire them for hours to come.

However, the most striking part of her appearance was the silky-smooth, flowing hair that now shared the very same powerful crimson her scales are proudly presenting. Adorned on her head are a pair of horns, that seem to have grown thicker and sharper, growing from the top of her scalp.

Long nails more fitting to be called sickle claws, sharp ears, slit-shaped irises, and four deadly looking fangs.

Even with all those monster-like features, the girl I have traveled around with for a whole month looks nothing less than an angel.

.

“Why was it like, wow wow wow wow wow? ♫

Stranded down here, all my hopes are crushed. ♫

However, wow wow wow wow wow ♫

Must I really accept this unfair world, or not? ♫

.

Don’t let your light flicker and dim. ♫

Put up a smile and never give up. ♫

Hope will not die this soon. ♫

Remember that this is the life that you have chosen! ♫

.

My broken wings set yourself free. ♫

Rise from the ground, oh, so I plea. ♫

So, our dreams can be true. ♫

To reach the stars! ♫”

.

I don't know why, but I feel a terribly strong urge to kneel before her. To take care of this little creature, that can pass as my little sister.

What is this feeling? Is it because of her singing?

[“M-Miss Dragon?”]

“Huh? ...Oh! Segawa-san. Segawa- san. Oha~yogozaimasu~” (Ms. Segawa. Ms. Segawa. Good Mor~ning~)

…

“Uhh…why are just staring at me like that? Did I say it wrong? I’m pretty sure my pronunciation hasn’t gotten that bad in only five months. Wait, how good is your English…or are you out of mana?”

…

“Ms. Segawa?”

I could only blink and stare at this little girl waving her hands around, trying to get my attention, while speaking, yes speaking, in words that I could hear and understand.

Due to my silence, Miss Dragon, confused about my situation, switched over to using [Telepathy].

[“Ms. Segaaaawaaaa…Do you have a hangover?”]

[“How can I have a hangover when I have had nothing to drink, yet!”]

Oops, I shouted.

“Ahh, good. You’re awake.”

Kneeling down to align our eyesight, she pushed her face against mine, leaving only a small gap that separates us from making physical contact.

To-Too close! Those crimson eyes…ado-adorable! Too adorable!

[“…Yo-You can speak?”] I asked in a stutter.

Smirking, the crimson-haired girl struck a pose, showing off everything about her body. [“He he he, it’s ‘cause I have finally reached level 6 with [Humanize]. It rose with my evolution!”]

[“Oh, that’s…wonderful!”]

“Isn’t it, isn’t it?” Cheered the girl. “The best part is that my original voice is completely back! Yes! I don’t have to retrain my voice!”

[“He he. I feel happy for you…but you seem to still be stuck in that body, huh?"] I pointed out.

“Oh, oh yeah.” Giving off a shy giggle, she began inspecting her body. “It’s ok though. My voice is a bit higher now, but I don’t care, ‘cause I can do this again.”

Miss Dragon suddenly emitted a high-pitched voice, which caused me to flinched a bit. If I hadn’t covered my ears, I bet they would have burst open.

“Oops, sorry that might have been a bit too high. Ha ha, I got ahead of myself.”

[“…You don’t look very remorseful.”]

“You can’t blame me for feeling any shame when I’m this happy. Gosh, I can’t wait to show you my profile but not now. Not now. Daily training time!”

[“Wait, wait!”]

I frantically stopped her, as it seems she didn’t understand my subtle warning. She hasn’t worn any clothes for five months now, so it’s inevitable. However, as a fellow woman, I can not allow her to be seen by other people in this state!

Her innocence must be kept!

“Huh? Do you need anything?”

[“Well, before you start dancing and singing again. …Uh, speaking of shame…uh.”]

“Come on, spit it out.”

[“Well…if I may be blunt; you are naked.”]

…

“…”

[“…”]

“…I’ll go and make myself some clothes.”