-Afternoon - Nefiru's POV-

I continue the pace south, towards the Ragefire estate on the trail wide enough for cars where my constant passage has exposed the tree roots, and the bare soil devoid of any weeds which only grow on the sides.

"...What makes you think they might have killed you?" Shaila inquired not seeing the connection.

"Well, growing up in the wild with only misconceptions about dwarves, and partial knowledge from previous life would keep me ignorant of these affairs while oblivious of those trimming Divine dragon numbers that might also be related to Tinkers," I explain the possibilities of dying to ignorance while feeling thankful for the retired Spy.

"Ah, I get it already! It's bad for you to approach them. But someone else could go in your place to trade some information...a sacrificial pawn like in Chess." Shaila proposes an alternative to direct exposure.

"Hmm... I'm probably overthinking it, but I wonder if that already happened. I mean, the electric generators powering street light bulbs at the capital, and the Muskets that Tinkers sell are all things from Earth that feel a little out of place in this world. However, they have been producing the same crude model of firearms for centuries without further developing as if the makers aren't even worried about competitors, and seems unlikely that I was involved with Tinker that long ago." I associate the origins of recognized items.

Nah, I wouldn't be so dumb as to get killed by them more than once haha... I asserted while hoping.

"...Those are primitive guns?!! Do you mean they could be hiding newer, and more powerful models while selling old guns for a high price?!" Shaila inquired surprised.

"It would be weird if they didn't. The Makers control the production to get money while still maintaining weapon superiority." I replied wondering how far they have gone.

"But why bother to do all of this? Most individuals just want resources, connections between high rankers, and some legacy like kingdoms, or disciples." Shaila reasoned.

"Besides the sentimental motive, you mean? Perhaps the person behind wants to leave this world with an army for protection on the next plane since ascenders start at the bottom of the power hierarchy according to Guardian, but that would require knowing said piece of information." I describe my hypothesis.

"I see... I suppose we'll also do some kind of preparation when the time comes right?" Shaila inquired after realizing the hardship.

"Not enough information. And we still have to survive this world..." I reaffirm priorities.

"Ah, got ahead of myself." Shaila embarrassingly said before going back to the previous topic. "Still, do you really believe firearms can make a difference?" She scoffed being aware of the Rank advantage.

"I guess...only to an extent. The political systems on Earth progressed society at a greater pace, and caused millions of casualties due to technological advances, but this is a world with Magic phenomena compared to weapons of mass destruction..." I compared.

"M-millions? Such a number...even the capital only has a couple of million people." She said incredulously.

"Yeah, but here there are more intelligent races, and magical beasts occupying territories whereas that world just had human countries with a food supply that maintained billions of people which is difficult to achieve in this world..." I explain the differences that make such thing possible.

"B-but for so many people to die fighting each other...is it worth it?" Shaila asked puzzled.

"I wondered the same. But patriotism is a beautiful and contagious thing which people can die for rather than being commanded by a King, or Noble just because they are above everyone." I replied solemnly.

"Uh-huh... Those ideals seem admirable and dangerous things. Though I can relate...it's best not to waste a life." Shaila muttered in understanding. "But the people wouldn't rebel because they need protection from magical beasts, and other humanoids since only a tiny portion of the 20% that is above Rank 1 can defend themselves." She elaborated.

...That ratio of 20% of this, have 80% of that seem inevitable in this reality. I affirmed before thinking of weapon advantages.

"Right?" I uttered in confirmation. "That's probably why Aristocracy still works here...not like there's a perfect government anyway. So, I can't imagine a revolution with cheap firearms, but at least the common folk wouldn't be as powerless as compared to wielding bows or swords. And I'm sure Erydon would be thrilled with a weaponry advantage to progress their invasion here since magicians running out of mana slows things down." I said after recalling the troublemaking eastern country.

"Yeah... They never give up." She stated.

I don't get that desire to conquer everything.... It was stressing enough being the leader of an online guild, and here, Lester struggles to govern this small territory by himself, so ruling a whole continent sounds like a huge pain to me. I dismiss the ambitious idea wondering about the war results.

"By the way, what happens if Erydon wins?" I asked the girl on my back.

"Oh, they wouldn't take the lives of the Royals because they are descendants of the Divine, but our country loses land with the resources they choose," Shaila replied as if it already happened. "However, our side hasn't deployed the sky cavalry, and all the high ranked to end the war which is routine already, so I'm not sure why they are waiting," Shaila explained the valuable assets being the last resort.

Hmm... Are they making sure it's safe to send flying mounts, or expecting some tactic? I conjectured while wondering what such air raid looks like.

"Admit it...it's mostly the dragons, they haven't released the dragons yet!!" I said contemptuously.

"Kufufu... Dragon freak!" The girl chuckled before mocking.

"Uh... That sounds as weird as calling you human freak..." I retorted.

"Pfft!" Shaila on the back held a tired laugh.

Oh, dear... it seems she's going to be in a world of pain later since the adrenaline from the fight ran out in her body. I realized after inspecting her body.

"Whatever...we are almost back at the estate," I informed watching the fortified structure in the distance.

I wonder how Lester will react to Shaila's state... I muse at the scenario while leaving the forest.

After leaving the forest, and noisily advance over the almost two-meter tall brown grass hitting my body, the gray walls of the Ragefire estate gradually enlarge.

...

"Here we are," I informed reaching the backyard wall.

"Urgh...finally. My body is too sore! Your scales hurt after riding for a while...I'm so buying a pillow..." Shaila complained changing her position.

"Yes--yes, sorry I'm not a walking bed, princess," I said with discontent.

"At least, we don't have to jump over the wall now since you went all out building these doors." She spoke with derision.

"Ah--Shut up! It was a stupid idea building a fortress with only one gate in the first place!" I retaliate her mockery while stopping in front of the gates.

Mhn... These steel beauties allow two cars to pass at once, aren't noisy with all the hinges lubricated, and have three internal locks which open from outside using magnetism. Although high ranked Earth magicians could bend the metal to get inside, the sheer size of the mechanism would cost massive amounts of mana to move. I appraise the work while unlocking the doors.

"But you won't need them after learning how to fly, or depart from this place..." Shaila pointed out.

True... The guards seem to be the ones who benefit the most to restock the firewood on a shorter path to the forest...no wonder Lester didn't oppose. I realized while going through the gate.

"When will you fly anyway?" She inquired pulling a wing.

"Soon," I replied confidently. "I need to practice the flight pattern more, but it is quite exhausting," I informed. "Who said flying was easy!? I could test now if you want though." I complained before teasing.

"Nu-uh... I just want to change these tattered clothes and go straight to bed." Shaila disapproved.

Oh yeah! Now, she really needs to buy new ones, and sturdier too since they rip just by getting tangled with the scales. I affirmed watching the drying clothes in the backyard. I miss wearing clothes, but I don't feel naked with scales that prevent feeling any sort of garment over my body anyway. I affirmed feeling nostalgic. Although this makes me wonder how one finds a dragoness attractive, and seductive without clothes hiding her parts like people? I'll know when the time comes I suppose. I briefly stopped to ponder.

"Nefi, get closer to the kitchen's door to call Hilda," Shaila ordered. "It will be less painful getting carried to bed after you stop canceling the pain, and I want to avoid Sister dragging me into the bathroom for another bath." She explained.

"Hmph! Does she think I lick you clean or something?" I scoffed approaching the house. "This technique using water and lightning is as effective as soap but faster!" I compared proudly before parking my left side by the kitchen door.

"And also more painful..." The girl added.

"Sorry... I clean my body like that." I apologized turning to look at my back.

"Nhnng... It's okay." Shaila said sitting up while trembling.

*GRUuuowl...* My stomach growled from the intense food smells while mouth began to salivate.

"Was the snake from before was your lunch?" The girl asked holding onto the wing.

I nodded while slurping the saliva.

"I'm hungry as well.... I'll ask Hilda to feed me in bed, and have some food prepared for you." She announced.

"...Rich girl." I derided lowering my body.

"Spoiled pet." Shaila countered and faced the wooden door. "HILDA!" She yelled.

The kitchen door opened moments later, and the black haired maid slowly peeked outside before laying her eyes on Shaila's upright body.

"What did you do to miss Shaila!!?" Hilda reproached while raising her voice in anger.

Ugh! I'm not a human child that needs scolding. Although it's good that she cares about Shaila, that attitude pisses me off. I asserted deciding to retaliate.

"GRRR," I growled back irritated.

"Eeek!" She backed away under my glare.

"Know your place, vermin," I said with an icy glare.

"I'm-I'm sorry!" She apologized while stammering with her head lowered, then looked up at the girl on my back with a hardened expression. "...Are you okay Miss Shaila? Your clothes are exposing--" Hilda asked before she was interrupted.

"I'm not fine!" Shaila snapped.

"...Lesions." The black haired maid finished muttering.

"I just fought a Dragon bigger than Nefiru, and he's suppressing my pain, so a ripped old shirt is the least of my concerns." She rebuked leaning over my left wing.

"T-that sounds scary..." The black haired woman stuttered. "Then, what do you need me to do?" She meekly inquired.

"Carry me to my room, and inform my brother that I need a good healer, then bring me some food," Shaila ordered extending her arms.

"Can I?" She uttered looking at my head from the corner of her eyes.

"Yes! Just don't bother him..." Shaila acknowledged.

"I won't bite...this time." I approved with a warning.

"Eh?! You can talk without the collar!?" She spoke with a face that revealed perplexity.

"And you are slow..." I remarked with double meaning while canceling the lightning effect on my passenger.

"Ah! Right." Hilda realized grabbing Shaila.

"Fwoooh!..." The white-haired girl transported in a princes' carry writhes in pain. "Oh, Meruna... Can you give Nefiru some food? He's hungry." She requested once inside the kitchen.

"He's always hungry." The red-haired chef retorted walking outside.

"That girl needs a good meal..." I commented watching the two disappear from my view.

"Are you implying that not all my dishes are good?" Meruna asked raising an eyebrow.

"By no means.... It's just that her body's condition demands something highly nutritious. I replied mildly annoyed.

"Mm-hmm..." She nodded in approval. "Shaila appeared to be enduring quite a bit of pain, and you expect a free meal..." The woman accused leaning on the door frame with her arms crossed.

"GRROUH..." I grumbled and got up before heading for the gates.

"Honestly... Such temper... I didn't say that I wouldn't give you food!" Meruna nagged behind causing me to stop.

"I detest useless lectures." I declared turning around.

"...Alright. But that was still overdoing it." Meruna said and shrugged. "Anyway, the dragon whelp can talk now eh? Your speech is a little slow, but a great achievement at this rank. Lightning magic sure is versatile." She said with an appraising look.

"Yeah, it was about time. But I can't sing yet." I shook my head saying.

"Uh-huh... That girl Hilda is unaware what that entails, but I can tell...you are progressing too fast for a living being. At this rate, you will become Divine in tens of years, and forget what it means to be a 'normal' dragon. Take advice from this old woman who's only done coking for over fifty years and slow down to enjoy life a little." She advised.

Hmm... Perhaps it's better for my mental heath to take things easy instead of living with constant drama and pressure, but it's a miracle I don't treat life as a game considering it's just an inconvenience starting over as a reincarnator. However, I already lived thirty years despite my human infanthood being more frustrating than enjoyable...in a rural town where creativity kept me from getting insanely bored, and always having a goal made routine days more exciting. To that end, I intend on taking over the mana veins that used to be dragon cities, then reform them, but one step at a time since the future becomes more unpredictable the further ahead is the objective. I affirmed my own ambitions before resuming my thoughts to answer.

"You are right about going through my infanthood exceedingly fast... However, I feel like I can't afford to slow down...on the contrary, there's not enough time to reach a rank that will ensure my safety. For now, I have enough projects in mind to keep me busy for hundreds of years; then I'll find other goals to pursue, and beyond that.... Well, dragons are known to take long naps." I elaborated.

"I see... All figured out eh?" She affirmed nodding after a sigh. "Then what will it be...cooked, medium, or raw?" The chef asked.

"Raw is fine." I chose the quickest way.

"Ok. But I'm gonna need you to chop some firewood afterward." She declared walking into the kitchen.

I haven't done that since tail-practice days, but it's more comfortable with my claws. I affirm with nostalgia. Too bad I don't have any ability to cut through objects like butter instantly, and pressurized water Jets eat a lot of mana. I lament the incapability.

The red-haired woman threw dozens of meter-long ribs into my mouth, and I walked towards the log pile to deposit the load away from the ground before munching.

Ohh! These ribs taste good even raw, so it's no wonder Plain dragons are used as livestock like the cows of this world. I appraised before lying down while facing north.

Although those small dragons are capable of transportation, I haven't seen one alive, and perhaps I should visit their Prairie on the south to see what similarities we share. I affirmed recalling dragon tiers. They are considered the lowest of ground Dragons with four legs and no wings just as the famous wyverns who have wings but no forelegs are at the bottom of the sky Dragons... I review the dragon types before munching on the grass-eaters bones.

*CRACK!...CRUNCH...* I loudly chew on the bones partially stripped of meat with my body twisted into a 'C' position while facing the woodpile comfortably when...

*BOOM!* An explosion on the upper side of the right hind leg shook my whole body before an intense pain registered in my brain.

"GHUAAH!" I yowled while immediately jumping ahead onto the heap of logs.

WHAT THE HELL!!? I angrily question the surprise event further climbing towards the corner and turning around as another attack landed in my former location.

*BOOM! BOOM!* Two more explosions close to that of hand grenades sent the remaining of my meal and wood pieces flying while raising a cloud of dust that obscures the vision. *Clack-Clack Plaf...* Several different projectiles impact the walls and my body before falling.

...That was fucking close! And one wasn't enough?? There are shattered scales on that leg...I can feel the grinding sensation. I lament the damage while peering through the dust cloud slowly dispersing due to the lack of Wind.

I stare at the blue fragments, and blood trails scattered, then identified the attacker behind the bombardment using my own invention to teach me a lesson. I guided Lester at first to produce chunks of highly reactive alkali metals with his Earth Magic, and put to good use Faust's sturdy glass alcohol bottles in manufacturing Potassium Bombs that explode on impact after activation.

Ugh! I'm pleased to know the invention is working, but this asshole prepared too many just because it's an effective method to hurt me. And throwing grenades to dragon's asses who are eating is going too far! I asserted feeling angry.

"GRHRR...!" I growled menacingly atop the woodpile while mobilizing magic to block the pain and prepare for the aggression.

"Don't you growl at me.... YOU UNGRATEFUL ANIMAL!!" The blond haired young man bawled fifteen meters away.

Ah, shit...it's going to be annoying restraining an angry Lester holding grenades without killing him. Although it doesn't take much to make this guy mad when it comes to Shaila, he's more pissed than usual... I deliberate a way out.

I ready water elementals on the surface of my body to minimize any damage from explosions while sending arcs of electricity ahead.

"You almost killed her today!" Lester reproaches my recent actions reaching for another glass bottle to throw.

Oh, crap! I reacted with urgency mobilizing water magic in the path of the projectile.

*Swiss...* The object whistled through the air until it was intercepted a few meters away by an ice ball that set it off in midair.

*BOOM!* The explosion sent shockwaves in every direction while leaving a cloud of sprayed water and vapors.

Having said his piece with an early pause, Lester ignores the explosion and grabs the last two bottles.

Oops... I don't want you to throw that... I affirmed charging two electrostatic balls before releasing them towards the blond earth magician.

*Brzzssst!!* Two bolts of electricity traveled a short distance and landed on a thin sandy barrier protecting the magician who stopped to concentrate on defense.

"As if I didn't see that coming." Lester scoffed from inside his semi-transparent cover.

"GRRR..." I growled from the unacceptable mistake.

Argh! Don't get cocky...I was holding back and miscalculated how much the distance weakens the magic effect. I complain following up by pouring water on the ground around him.

"Ah!" He uttered in realization and jumped out of the mud knowing lightning would come next.

However, contrary to his expectations, electricity didn't appear since I was channeling magic with lightning elementals to my wings, then turned all the muddy water into a mist cloud that obscured his vision.

*Shuuk!* I snap open my wings while electricity tense up the membrane and high charge of static electricity provide the force to turn them into speakers ultimately.

Might as well experiment this... I thought using infrared detection on my eyes to aim at the target moving behind the mist and plugged my ears with ice

*Shrirhiirhiii...* The high voltage electric arcs producing crackling sounds while generating Ozone is also superheating the air into making purple, blue shades appear on the surface of my scales and hairs.

*Ghuooon...* I do a short test observing the blond-haired magician using a sand cloud to blow away my mist and uncover my location.

Well... I didn't move or charged at him to kill. It appears that some people already know of my arrangement with Shaila, so he probably wants to push my limits. I conjecture preparing a speech sequence.

"...e-ENOoOUuGH!..." A loud sound rumbles through the backyard blowing dust into the drying clothes and exposing the blond person about to throw the alcoholic grenades.

"GAH! MY EARS...!" Lester cried out caught off guard by the soundwave and dropped the bottles before grabbing his head.

AGH! My wings! I protest from the intense vibrations inflicting pain enough to think my bones shattered and followed by a numbing sensation which makes one question if the wings are still attached.

Ugh... I should have held back a little more with better control since it sounded like a broken machine, and now I have to wait a moment before folding back my wings... I take note removing the ice in my ears and powering down the electric show.

I climbed down the wood stack and approached the writhing person bleeding from the ears while his usual light blue clothes are dirty.

He must have received quite the shock from rather high decibels to rupture his eardrums badly enough to bleed, and this could be used as crowd control, but it's too inefficient. In any case, these sounds loud enough to reach even the Town is the reason he forbids from experimenting in the backyard which makes me wonder how wind users train... I assess my experiment.

"I can't hear anything...there's only a pitch..." The agonizing young man spoke kneeling on the ground touching his ears.

Well, a healer is coming... I reaffirm reaching out my right paw towards the incapacitated Noble.

"Ugh! What are you doing?" He asks from the ground as the middle door of the house opens, and Liana comes out in work clothes.

"Nefiru! Stop!" The blond woman ordered raising her voice a little as she runs to Lester. "He's hurt enough already..." She pleaded inspecting her brother.

I know... I'm the one who did it..... I'll refrain from further violence since we appear somewhat even, but we'll both regret the next time he pulls something like this off... I concluded while observing the damage we caused in the backyard.

I'm not chopping firewood anymore... I shake my head deciding not to accept food again.

"Don't yell. I'm not deaf like Lester." I reproved dragging the containers away.

"Ah... Congratulations on being able to speak...now you can be more annoying!" She said with a smirk next to me.

"GRRR-SHU!" I growled before blowing my nose in her face.

"Aghh! Gross!" The aura user uttered in disgust and wiped with her shirt sleeves.

"Why didn't you stop him?" I accuse the witness.

"Um... I was watching from Shaila's room, and she told me to do something about it, but I waited until it looked like you were going to drop those on him in retaliation." She said as we both look at Lester.

"I made my point already! Don't hurt her..." The person in questions interjected and goes back to hold his ears on the ground while staying still.

You do not make a point with grenades! That's going overboard when it almost damaged my precious wings. I disapproved grabbing the bottles with my paw.

"No...But I'm tempted to know what effect these have on people...." I replied extending my forearm to her. "Here. Keep them with you at all times since you lack means of attacking, and he can't be trusted." I handed over the saved bottles to her. "These are meant to be used in emergencies, and he just wasted them like an idiot." I scorned.

"Well, I'm angry too since she almost died while you are being so casual about it, but I'm not blind like him who can't notice how this helps her," Liana said hanging the objects on her belt before walking around my body to peek at my backside. "Still, you can't push her too far, or she might break again." The blond woman points out a flaw with training.

No-no... Shaila broke in the first place because of the moral code implanted in her since little and the pressure from her Noble status. I'm trying to temper her emotions since being too sentimental inhibits rational thinking which one needs when dealing with problems. I asserted and decided to answer something else.

"Noted. I already offered to obey her as compensation for my harsh treatment." I said turning to look behind. "How bad is it?" I inquired feeling lazy to inspect myself visually with the awkward posture required.

"Well, you have cracked scales with blood seeping out on your upper thigh, and base of the tail while some bent from lodged pieces of glass, but your ass seems safe." She reported her examination snickering, and I retaliated slapping her rear with my tail. "HiaAh!" The auramancer shrieked before rubbing her butt.

"Can you rip out anything out of place?" I requested.

"Sure, but don't fart." She complied.

The Rank 5 auramancer ripped the broken scales with enough force to pull my whole body as if venting her anger, and threw them to the ground while the recovering Lester stare at us with a weird look.

*Paahh!* The blond woman slapped my rear after finishing.

"All done." She announced.

That was like going to the dentist...so glad I can block the pain though. I compared cauterizing the wounds and removing the blood traces.

"Thanks." I offered my gratitude. "Shaila will probably want those," I said staring at my broken scales thrown in the dirt.

"Ugh... Is the healer here yet?" Lester looked around before getting up. "Hey, you lizard bastard." He looks up calling my attention. "Mother is coming soon..." The blond haired young man informed. "...Shaila can probably alleviate this agony..." He muttered heading inside the house.

Oh, dear... I don't like the storm that's coming... I recall the impossible mission while feeling as if I ate a gross thing.