So, you think these are the skills I need to invest in? I asked myself after looking at all the System messages I’ve recently received.
'Yeah, these are the stuff we will be needing the most, I think.'
You think? …Whatever. So, what are we gonna do with the remaining 250?
'Save them up.'
I guess we can train the rest up and be efficient about it.
[Parallel Thoughts].
Speaking with myself sounded like something a crazy or lonely person would do, and while I would consider myself in the latter half right now, what I was talking about was a skill. A System skill to be specific with duplicated my mind and placed it inside my mind. A bit complicated, but to sum it up, I had an extra me in my head.
It was better to imagine it as two consciousnesses living and thinking inside a single body. The clone inherited pretty much everything about me — memories and personality — only that it wasn’t 100% me, at the end of the day. She was my “Parallel Mind,” a clone.
‘You’re still hung up on that? I mean, it is weird. I can sympathise, but don’t forget that I’m a System product. I was created by it and I am here to serve you specifically, ‘Original Mind.’’ The clone went on to send me a thumbs up with a large gecko grin to comfort me, but I will still confused about her.
I know… I responded with a sigh internally. It’s just that, while you helped me buy and upgrade the skills that would be good for me— Uhm, us, I don’t know what to do with a second me in my head. Feels like some split personality shit, dude.
‘If that is the vibe you want to go with, then, sure, do what you want, Original Mind. But, if you're scared about me taking over your body or something, don’t. I can’t do it without your express consent. You are the ‘boss’ in our relationship~’
Bleh, don’t call me boss… It makes me seem like a smug bitch since I’m technically calling myself that.
I had a feeling it would take me a while to get used to her, but I couldn’t argue she wasn’t useful. Not only did she help me with the previously mentioned SP usage, she was the one who helped me evolve. She accepted the evolution choice after I fell unconscious.
After we got to know each other, she told me I almost fell asleep while the option was up. Adrenaline still kept me going, she said. And in this small window, she had me evolve before we died from our injuries. After all, if I fell asleep, she would be forced to go “offline,” too.
About the weird evolution itself, she told me the options changed after I was half-asleep. All the previous three options disappeared, and she was only able to choose [Young Spark Fire Dragon]. That the System adapted my choice after it took in my draconic lineage and genetics.
Which begs the question from what sort of bloodline did I come from? Maybe the gods did something and decided to bless me with a good one, but how important was it in the first place? Well, sadly, asking about it did nothing.
Regardless, even if asking my parallel minds didn’t yield any information, it did make me appreciate her as a talking partner.
“Awwwwwww, thank you~”
S-Shut up, I’m trying to think right now!
As I said, she was a good companion. Sure, it didn’t sound sane but it beats having to endure this solitude. I rather kill the loneliness and accept I was going crazy, since going through the SP skill was quite comforting with her.
We managed to level up a ton of skills and she helped me set up a good skill build for my future as a mage. For example, I overlooked [Wind Magic] for only 100 SP, which was the same amount I paid for [Enhanced Mana Capacity]. Cheap and they seemed super useful. One increased my mana and the other enlarged my toolkit.
During the process, I also suggested to learn [Water Magic] and [Dark Magic] to become proficient in all elements, but I soon learned they were 2100 and 3000 SP respectively. Affinity affected the cost, it seemed, and I guessed also how much to level them up.
While annoyed my titles were stopping my dream to become an all-elemental mage, my parallel minds pointed out if I even wanted to become a jack-of-all-trades, instead of just becoming an archmage level threat with whatever I had right now. I had holy, fire, earth, and wind right now. She sounded reasonable so I listened and ignore those two skills.
Although, without [Water Magic], I have no access to water anymore. The strawberries and rainwater in my storage were the only thing keeping me going, and they were depleting fast! Although, not buying that skill allowed me to break through multiple breakpoint requirements for my important skills. And that’s how I ended up with 250 SP.
…
“Kraaaaaaaaaaa!” I roared.
The sound of my draconic voice travelled throughout the cave, echoing even further than I thought. Considering how far it went, I could only guess how huge this cave must be.
'Hey, what are you doing?!' My parallel mind asked flustered.
She should understand my actions and motives, so this must be her way to strike up a conversation.
Boredom. We've walked for a while now, but we haven't found anybody else yet. This cave is empty.
The cave was cold and dark. Two adjectives I wish would have been reversed. [Fire] nullified the former and [Light] the latter, but the general idea is that this place sucked ass. I switched from a less ideal living environment to another one.
On the bright side, considering how desolated this cave has been recently, my sleeping quality had improved tremendously. [Enhanced Enemy Sense] still notified me of small critters like bugs, but I’ve learned to block out smaller warnings. I could deactivate it, but what do you think I was? An idiot? Yeah, right.
Sleeping soundly after over a month of torturous short sleeping seassions just to wake up in the middle of the night. Oh, how I loved being fully rested. That was one good thing about being inside this cave. Maybe that was why dragons loved caves so much in stories. Good sleep was the most valuable prize.
Was it worth giving up interacting with living beings, I wonder?
‘Weeeell, technically, we do have other living organisms around us. Bacteria, bacteria, bact—’
Her joke was bad. I hastily stopped her before her punchline to save myself from cringetopia.
Yeah, yeah, I know. These mushrooms also count as ‘life’, right? Speaking of which, these mushrooms are quite tasty.
I preferred my shrooms in a creamy soup, but I needed to eat them raw for the little bit of liquid in them. The humidity inside this cave was keeping these mushrooms alive by letting them absorb the moisture from the air, giving me a way to obtain small amounts of water.
'That reminds me, we did level up our [Identify], so why not use it on something.'
I’ve nothing better to do, so why not. I’m also curious about a certain plant with a similar name to this mushroom.
There is that word again: Belzac.
'Astonishing healing capabilities? Wow, and we've been using these leaves as a food wrapping. Hey, hey, Original Mind, do you think potions and alchemists exist in this world?'
'This wouldn’t dare to not have them, right? I wonder how potent the healing potion would be with this thing. Hiehie, imagine if we were to open a garden and grow these. Ahh, a dragon and her garden.'
Regardless of my daydreams, I wasn’t ignoring the fact we got that “Belzac forest” name once again. The word “Belzac” appeared again. For some reason, identifying the word “Belzac” led to no answers, so I tried it on “Belzac forest” due to trial and error and managed to get another clue.
Oh! So the place I’m in is the Belzac forest and I’m somewhere in the west, if that one part is to be believed.
The name of my birthplace — got’cha! Leveling up [Identify] once again proved to be invaluable for my information gathering. Not only did I learn where I currently was, but that there was more to this place than I thought. If the hole I dropped into was in the mountain area, then the exit would probably lead to the forest.
'Or swamp. Regardless, stronger enemies, huh?’ I could hear the worry in my parallel mind’s voice, and I couldn’t help but agree with it. ‘We just dodged a close call and now we’re — No, wait, actually, this might be good fortune!’
Yeah, we’re just unluck— Hold on, what?!
I turned my mental head around to face her. I then imagined myself exaggerating a shocked face and asked her, with a little bit of real shock, to clarify what she meant.
'I understand that this might sound crazy, but you saw what happened to us back there. We are too weak, and we aren’t strong enough to properly survive if we don’t start putting some seriously hard work into getting more strength.'
Hard work is worthless if we get killed by such a reckless action! Did you not see that garm?! Did you not see the even more terrifying garm that was its leader?! If there are even more of those things out there… then send your prayers.
I was appalled! What was this person thinking and saying to me about fighting stronger monsters? For somebody who named herself a clone, she sure acted against my intentions!
'So…what are you planning to do then? You aren’t seriously suggesting staying in this cave, right?'
I-I… don't you remember what I felt when I saw that second garm?
I asked her while remembering the total stats of the garm with the [Pack Leader] title. It was crazy high if you compare them to the first garm. I thought that first garm was pretty scary already, but it looked like he was just a grunt.
The fear I felt from them, the terror of death hanging above me, and the disgust at how I couldn’t contend against them. I felt hopeless and could only count my lucky stars with how I got out of that. All of these emotions were there for my parallel mind to analyze, but she still chose a decision I wouldn’t have taken ever.
'… Of course, I do. However, I don’t think that way.'
What?
'Please, remember this for the future, Original Mind. I am you, but I am still an entity created by the System to assist you. We share emotions and memories, but mine could still be considered ‘robotic.’ Logical. I am not here to backstab you or anything, but I am looking out for your future benefits.’
I knew I shouldn’t have been surprised about this, as I had already understood she wasn’t 100% me, but I still thought we would still think the same way. It felt like a foreign being was inside my brain right now. Like a parasite.
My parallel mind instantly shook her mental head and hands as she noticed my panic. She was trying to show me I had nothing to worry about.
'Hey, I never said we were that different. I am thou, and thou art me, or whatever. The only difference is that I have to think more objectively, without all your emotions so I can do a better job.
So, you don’t fear…dying?
Every true sentient being must possess a will to survive. A preservation instinct. The only way my new neighbour could be me was if she shared this trait with me.
'My existence was created to keep you alive. Your survival is my most important task, and from how I see it, cowering inside a cave, instead of going out there to at least try to survive is something we couldn’t afford if we wish to fulfill our promise and dream to our parents!’
…
I was dumbfounded. I couldn’t respond back as I knew she hit a bullseye.
But, I don’t want to die again. I don’t want to feel so terrified about everything again, that it could all end like that. All that pain through my body…
But…but…this isn’t the same. I don’t want to die…I don’t want to feel that terrified again.'
'And it would continue if you don’t do anything about it. We are a dragon! Has failure ever held us back in our past life? I remember our teachers praising our efforts despite how often we fucked up and failed our auditions!’
You can’t be seriously suggesting that sort of thing in this situation! Failing to have my dream come true is different than losing a fight in this world!
If I couldn’t get scouted by a talent scout then ok, better luck next time. I would have the time to train my dancing and singing. My dream to become an Idol wouldn’t just die from one or two… or tens of failed castings. But lose a fight in this world and you’re most likely dead. I couldn’t count on my luck persisting all the time.
Looking back, if I hadn’t unconsciously used [Mana Control] on my first day, then I would have died without knowing what even happened. Even my first real fight was a disaster; I barely won ‘cause those kobolds were equally as bad at fighting as me.
The noose was this close to hanging me.
'I know what you are thinking but we don’t have a choice here. Even if you don’t include the fact that we will probably starve to death here, what about our dream? Becoming an Idol. Wasn’t that the plan we decided on the moment we found [Humanize]?'
'Isn’t it about time we gave up on it?'
I said that while sighing, expressing a bit of my built-up stress. It was always an option for me to give up, but I couldn't do it in my past life. However, watching my memories flash around me in that dream certainly brought reality to show. How the hell was I supposed to fulfill my dreams as a dragon in a world I had no idea about?
Would the inhabitants even like my singing? My dancing? My passion?
'And have all our hard work go to waste? We aren’t that old. For idols, 15 years old is around the age you start properly training to become a professional, so our chance wasn’t completely gone yet.' She pointed at my real age, noting my still unfulfilled potential.
And what has all that hard work brought us but rejections over rejections over rejections? Maybe our first death was a sign for us to start anew, without all that baggage from before. I can bake, we can become a baker. That’s a good profession.
‘… That still means we need to get out of this forest first. That also includes leveling, so we don’t just die again.’
'Oh…'
Now that she brought it up again, I really overlooked the elephant in the room. Regardless of what my end goal was, if I wanted to get out of this forest, I actually had to listen to her. I couldn’t stay in this cave forever, nor could I delay my leveling just ‘cause I was scared of dying.
Noticing my mistake, I couldn’t help but curse myself from being born in this forest. I wanted to blame my draconic parents that left me here to hatch without any support or help. It was even more outrageous that they haven’t searched for me. Was I that worthless to them, or what?
Irresponsible assholes! I denounced them in my head. My real parents wouldn’t have rested until they found me. Considering my papa’s personality, he would probably light a fire under the police station to find me faster all while occasionally letting out his thick German accent.
Hiehie…
I did feel bad laughing at that imagination. The world didn’t revolve around me. After all, I died before I had any chance to become a real professional idol. I didn’t even get an opportunity to perform as a singer. All the struggle turned meaningless…
'Haaaa, but wouldn’t our life be even more forgettable, if we’re too afraid to even try in this world?
Can you not understand that I’m scared of dying? I don’t want to go out.
'No, you aren’t afraid of dying. You’re just scared that if you try something again, that you will fail at it. I know you. You are the sort of person that can do anything she wants to if she’s interested enough.'
Maybe that’s true, but learning that you can die at any time, with all your effort and accomplishment just vanishing into thin air… it’s discouraging.
I firmly denied her efforts to cheer me up. What she said were simply empty words, only meant to improve my current mood. She should know better.
'… Do you remember when we first decided on becoming an idol? Watching that awesome video of DSNS? We just came out of the usual violin practice with mama, and she found that video of their song “Dee” and started to hum to it all while we started to rock to the beat.'
… She also started to join in at the second chorus repeat, right?
Neomu banjjakbanjjak nuni busheo.
No no no no no. '
'Neomu kkamjjakkamjjak nollan naneun.
Oh oh oh oh oh. '
'Neomu jjaritjarit momi tteollyeo.
Dee Dee Dee Dee Dee. '
‘ “Mama, I want to become a singer like them!” Oh, when Mama heard that. She was so confused about what to say besides “That’s good to hear, honey.” ’
‘Ahahahaha! And Papa was so devastated when he heard that. He really didn’t want us to become an idol, ha ha. But he did agree to give us both singing and dancing practice, right? Both our dancing and singing teachers were fantastic.’
That was right. The reason why I wanted to become an Idol wasn’t for the fame nor was it for the money.
I still remembered my first DSNS concert where I literally begged my parents so I could attend one when they had a tour through Japan. The venue was packed to the brim with cheering fans with the only lights shining in the dark were the glow sticks they swung around. I was only seven back then, so my Mama had to calm down when I was confused about how concerts worked.
Then it happened. Suddenly, a single area was bathed in dazzling, shimmering brightness and the figures of DSNS girls appeared on the stage. Mesmerized at this sight, I copied what the other fans did and shouted with all I could to express how overwhelmed I was at this stunning stage appearance.
I wanted to be a part of that. I also wanted to stand on that stage, be one of the stars who shimmered their radiance in a world filled with darkness. The excited cheering of the fans. The ear-shattering explosions of voices after a song was done. The tears of joy when the concert ended.
I didn’t only want to be a fan that cheered on the side-lines. I wanted to be someone who could encourage people to cheer even when they were sad. Someone who could bring a smile on the faces of others.
A very skin-deep assessment of an idol’s career, but it was my naive ideal.
'You seem to have cheered up. Is all that pent-up frustration and stress gone?'
Pah, shouldn’t you know that? … You probably also noticed something changed in us after evolving, correct? No more restraints. My thoughts feel more liberated than before.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I have completely gotten over it, but I guess it did feel good to let out steam. Going down memory lane and experiencing the origin of my dream just reassured me enough to not act so pessimistic.
Right! You’re right! I’m an idol at the end of the day, and an idol has to keep her smile up even in the most troubling times! If I can’t smile, how can I make others happy?
'That’s what I wanted to hear, girl~! I got’cha back, so don’t forget about it. I want our dream to come true just as much as you do. Remember what Papa said when we fully committed to becoming an Idol?'
I nodded. How could I ever forget it?
Music is the art of touching the souls of thousands to empower and heal them.
His motto. My parents were both musicians, but I probably wouldn’t have joined them if I disagreed. I love music.
And that was why I couldn’t drop back to rock bottom, again. I mistrusted my talents back on Earth after all my failed auditions. It brought so many problems for me and actively halted my progress, causing me some rather unpleasant issues that an idol… No, an entertainer had to overcome.
Stage fright and self-doubt.
I personally thought I was a pretty good singer and decent dancer, but the constant failures of being rejected by scouts slowly grinded on my mind to the point that I just wasn't confident of going up on any stage. "What if I mess up the tune?” or “What if I made a misstep?”. The anxiety of failing and disappointing my parents was too unbearable.
… Wait. My parents?
'Hey, are you listening?'
Huh? Oh, yeah. I think I understand now.
'Awesome. That’s what I want to hear from myself. Now let’s get back to business, alright? Our end goal might be a bit too idealistic, but it’s still true that we want to become an idol, right? To do that in this world, we need the strength to survive in it.'
To never have to experience death again. That’s what you’re getting at.
'Yup. As a dragon, that might be a bit tricky considering our whole existence might make us enemies to other people. But who cares if we’re super strong and cute to boot? We’ll make them love us, Original Mind.'
With her speech over, she beamed a big smile. I couldn't help but give a wry smile in response.
Being a dragon does bring a ton of disadvantages, huh? I don’t want to die before I can reach my dream this time. I don’t want to be another nobody again before I die.
To gain strength, I must kill. As a monster, that was the truth. However, I was also once a human. My end goal was to return to human civilization, so the humanity part of myself was something I couldn’t forget nor must I abandon it.
A dog eat dog world? Well, that meant I had to become the strongest dragon ever, so I didn’t have to stomp on the people I wanted to impress. As an idol, I shouldn’t go around slaughtering things, but I needed to take my life in my own hands.
At the end of the day, the idol had to shine the brightest so others could feel safe around her.
'Good girl! Now that’s the smile I wanted to see! Come on, let’s continue looking around for some monsters.'
Wait…wait a moment.
The more I thought about it, the more I knew I was forgetting something! It felt normal to not have it, so I never questioned it. Just like it was expected from me not to have when I started this life.
Now that I’d finally gotten some proper sleep, my head was clear enough to understand.
Wait, there is something that is annoying me.
'Huh?'
'Papa and Mama…can you…can you remember their name? Why are you calling me only Original Mind when you could use my proper name? Hold on, what is my damn name?!'
How obvious. How very obvious. How very stupid of me.
'Huh? …Huh?! Huuuuh?!'
Name: * Level: 0 Race: Young Spark Fire Dragon
Age: 1 Month
Status: Health: 245/245 Mana: 743/743(+56)
Strength: 159 (+4) Intelligence: 150(+9)
Vitality: 106 Wisdom: 116 (+5)
Agility: 303 Stamina: 174/174(+11)
Effects: None
Skill Points: 250 (-1450)
Unique Skill: [Spark Fire Dragon Lv. 4] (+3) [Spark Fire’s Fire Boost] (New)
Skill: Magic skills and related:
[Mana Control Lv. 4] [Holy Magic Lv. 6] [Fire Magic Lv. 4] (+1)
[Earth Magic Lv. 4] (+1) [Wind Magic Lv. 1] (New)
[Space-Time Magic Lv. 2]
[Primal Magics]
Physical skills and related:
[Mana Strike Lv. 3]
[Enhanced Claws Lv. 4] [Enhanced Fangs Lv. 3]
Senses and movement skills:
[Stealth Lv. 5] [Prediction Lv. 1]
[Enhanced Enemy Sense Lv. 7] [Enhanced Olfactory Sense Lv. 1]
[Night Vision Lv. 3] (+2)
[Evasion Lv. 3] (+1) [Acrobatic Lv. 2] (+1)
Resistances:
[Physical Resistance Lv. 4] [Pain Resistance Lv. 4]
[Holy Resistance Lv. 4] (+1) [Fire Resistance Lv. 4] (+1)
[Earth Resistance Lv. 4] (+1) [Wind Resistance Lv. 1]
Stat growths and related:
[Enhanced Health Growth Lv. 2]
[Enhanced Mana Capacity Lv. 1] (New)
[Enhanced Mana Growth Lv. 4] (+1)
[Enhanced Strength Growth Lv. 2]
[Enhanced Intelligence Growth Lv. 4 (+1)]
[Enhanced Vitality Growth Lv. 1]
[Enhanced Wisdom Growth Lv. 1]
[Enhanced Agility Growth Lv. 4] (+1)
[Enhanced Stamina Growth Lv. 1]
Others:
[Identify Lv. 7] (+1)
[Cooking Lv. 5] [Dismantle Lv. 4] [Parallel Thoughts Lv. 1]
Ability List: [Flame Blast] [Spark Claws] [Spark Flame]
Spell List: Holy spells:
[Minor Heal] [Cure] [Modest Heal] [Smite] [Light] [Holy Protection]
Fire spells:
[Fire] [Firebolt] [Imbue Fire] [Fire Ball]
Earth spells:
[Earth Wall] [Rock Blast] [Earth Strike] [Rock Bullet]
Wind spells:
[Wind Bullet]
Space-Time Spells:
[Haste] [Storage Magic]
The Light spells:
[Shine]
Titles: [The Light] [Bearer of Kargryxmor’s Blood] [Otherworldly Reincarnator]
So, you think these are the skills I need to invest in? I asked myself after looking at all the System messages I’ve recently received.
'Yeah, these are the stuff we will be needing the most, I think.'
You think? …Whatever. So, what are we gonna do with the remaining 250?
'Save them up.'
I guess we can train the rest up and be efficient about it.
[Parallel Thoughts].
Speaking with myself sounded like something a crazy or lonely person would do, and while I would consider myself in the latter half right now, what I was talking about was a skill. A System skill to be specific with duplicated my mind and placed it inside my mind. A bit complicated, but to sum it up, I had an extra me in my head.
It was better to imagine it as two consciousnesses living and thinking inside a single body. The clone inherited pretty much everything about me — memories and personality — only that it wasn’t 100% me, at the end of the day. She was my “Parallel Mind,” a clone.
‘You’re still hung up on that? I mean, it is weird. I can sympathise, but don’t forget that I’m a System product. I was created by it and I am here to serve you specifically, ‘Original Mind.’’ The clone went on to send me a thumbs up with a large gecko grin to comfort me, but I will still confused about her.
I know… I responded with a sigh internally. It’s just that, while you helped me buy and upgrade the skills that would be good for me— Uhm, us, I don’t know what to do with a second me in my head. Feels like some split personality shit, dude.
‘If that is the vibe you want to go with, then, sure, do what you want, Original Mind. But, if you're scared about me taking over your body or something, don’t. I can’t do it without your express consent. You are the ‘boss’ in our relationship~’
Bleh, don’t call me boss… It makes me seem like a smug bitch since I’m technically calling myself that.
I had a feeling it would take me a while to get used to her, but I couldn’t argue she wasn’t useful. Not only did she help me with the previously mentioned SP usage, she was the one who helped me evolve. She accepted the evolution choice after I fell unconscious.
After we got to know each other, she told me I almost fell asleep while the option was up. Adrenaline still kept me going, she said. And in this small window, she had me evolve before we died from our injuries. After all, if I fell asleep, she would be forced to go “offline,” too.
About the weird evolution itself, she told me the options changed after I was half-asleep. All the previous three options disappeared, and she was only able to choose [Young Spark Fire Dragon]. That the System adapted my choice after it took in my draconic lineage and genetics.
Which begs the question from what sort of bloodline did I come from? Maybe the gods did something and decided to bless me with a good one, but how important was it in the first place? Well, sadly, asking about it did nothing.
Regardless, even if asking my parallel minds didn’t yield any information, it did make me appreciate her as a talking partner.
“Awwwwwww, thank you~”
S-Shut up, I’m trying to think right now!
As I said, she was a good companion. Sure, it didn’t sound sane but it beats having to endure this solitude. I rather kill the loneliness and accept I was going crazy, since going through the SP skill was quite comforting with her.
We managed to level up a ton of skills and she helped me set up a good skill build for my future as a mage. For example, I overlooked [Wind Magic] for only 100 SP, which was the same amount I paid for [Enhanced Mana Capacity]. Cheap and they seemed super useful. One increased my mana and the other enlarged my toolkit.
During the process, I also suggested to learn [Water Magic] and [Dark Magic] to become proficient in all elements, but I soon learned they were 2100 and 3000 SP respectively. Affinity affected the cost, it seemed, and I guessed also how much to level them up.
While annoyed my titles were stopping my dream to become an all-elemental mage, my parallel minds pointed out if I even wanted to become a jack-of-all-trades, instead of just becoming an archmage level threat with whatever I had right now. I had holy, fire, earth, and wind right now. She sounded reasonable so I listened and ignore those two skills.
Although, without [Water Magic], I have no access to water anymore. The strawberries and rainwater in my storage were the only thing keeping me going, and they were depleting fast! Although, not buying that skill allowed me to break through multiple breakpoint requirements for my important skills. And that’s how I ended up with 250 SP.
…
“Kraaaaaaaaaaa!” I roared.
The sound of my draconic voice travelled throughout the cave, echoing even further than I thought. Considering how far it went, I could only guess how huge this cave must be.
'Hey, what are you doing?!' My parallel mind asked flustered.
She should understand my actions and motives, so this must be her way to strike up a conversation.
Boredom. We've walked for a while now, but we haven't found anybody else yet. This cave is empty.
The cave was cold and dark. Two adjectives I wish would have been reversed. [Fire] nullified the former and [Light] the latter, but the general idea is that this place sucked ass. I switched from a less ideal living environment to another one.
On the bright side, considering how desolated this cave has been recently, my sleeping quality had improved tremendously. [Enhanced Enemy Sense] still notified me of small critters like bugs, but I’ve learned to block out smaller warnings. I could deactivate it, but what do you think I was? An idiot? Yeah, right.
Sleeping soundly after over a month of torturous short sleeping seassions just to wake up in the middle of the night. Oh, how I loved being fully rested. That was one good thing about being inside this cave. Maybe that was why dragons loved caves so much in stories. Good sleep was the most valuable prize.
Was it worth giving up interacting with living beings, I wonder?
‘Weeeell, technically, we do have other living organisms around us. Bacteria, bacteria, bact—’
Her joke was bad. I hastily stopped her before her punchline to save myself from cringetopia.
Yeah, yeah, I know. These mushrooms also count as ‘life’, right? Speaking of which, these mushrooms are quite tasty.
I preferred my shrooms in a creamy soup, but I needed to eat them raw for the little bit of liquid in them. The humidity inside this cave was keeping these mushrooms alive by letting them absorb the moisture from the air, giving me a way to obtain small amounts of water.
'That reminds me, we did level up our [Identify], so why not use it on something.'
I’ve nothing better to do, so why not. I’m also curious about a certain plant with a similar name to this mushroom.
There is that word again: Belzac.
'Astonishing healing capabilities? Wow, and we've been using these leaves as a food wrapping. Hey, hey, Original Mind, do you think potions and alchemists exist in this world?'
'This wouldn’t dare to not have them, right? I wonder how potent the healing potion would be with this thing. Hiehie, imagine if we were to open a garden and grow these. Ahh, a dragon and her garden.'
Regardless of my daydreams, I wasn’t ignoring the fact we got that “Belzac forest” name once again. The word “Belzac” appeared again. For some reason, identifying the word “Belzac” led to no answers, so I tried it on “Belzac forest” due to trial and error and managed to get another clue.
Oh! So the place I’m in is the Belzac forest and I’m somewhere in the west, if that one part is to be believed.
The name of my birthplace — got’cha! Leveling up [Identify] once again proved to be invaluable for my information gathering. Not only did I learn where I currently was, but that there was more to this place than I thought. If the hole I dropped into was in the mountain area, then the exit would probably lead to the forest.
'Or swamp. Regardless, stronger enemies, huh?’ I could hear the worry in my parallel mind’s voice, and I couldn’t help but agree with it. ‘We just dodged a close call and now we’re — No, wait, actually, this might be good fortune!’
Yeah, we’re just unluck— Hold on, what?!
I turned my mental head around to face her. I then imagined myself exaggerating a shocked face and asked her, with a little bit of real shock, to clarify what she meant.
'I understand that this might sound crazy, but you saw what happened to us back there. We are too weak, and we aren’t strong enough to properly survive if we don’t start putting some seriously hard work into getting more strength.'
Hard work is worthless if we get killed by such a reckless action! Did you not see that garm?! Did you not see the even more terrifying garm that was its leader?! If there are even more of those things out there… then send your prayers.
I was appalled! What was this person thinking and saying to me about fighting stronger monsters? For somebody who named herself a clone, she sure acted against my intentions!
'So…what are you planning to do then? You aren’t seriously suggesting staying in this cave, right?'
I-I… don't you remember what I felt when I saw that second garm?
I asked her while remembering the total stats of the garm with the [Pack Leader] title. It was crazy high if you compare them to the first garm. I thought that first garm was pretty scary already, but it looked like he was just a grunt.
The fear I felt from them, the terror of death hanging above me, and the disgust at how I couldn’t contend against them. I felt hopeless and could only count my lucky stars with how I got out of that. All of these emotions were there for my parallel mind to analyze, but she still chose a decision I wouldn’t have taken ever.
'… Of course, I do. However, I don’t think that way.'
What?
'Please, remember this for the future, Original Mind. I am you, but I am still an entity created by the System to assist you. We share emotions and memories, but mine could still be considered ‘robotic.’ Logical. I am not here to backstab you or anything, but I am looking out for your future benefits.’
I knew I shouldn’t have been surprised about this, as I had already understood she wasn’t 100% me, but I still thought we would still think the same way. It felt like a foreign being was inside my brain right now. Like a parasite.
My parallel mind instantly shook her mental head and hands as she noticed my panic. She was trying to show me I had nothing to worry about.
'Hey, I never said we were that different. I am thou, and thou art me, or whatever. The only difference is that I have to think more objectively, without all your emotions so I can do a better job.
So, you don’t fear…dying?
Every true sentient being must possess a will to survive. A preservation instinct. The only way my new neighbour could be me was if she shared this trait with me.
'My existence was created to keep you alive. Your survival is my most important task, and from how I see it, cowering inside a cave, instead of going out there to at least try to survive is something we couldn’t afford if we wish to fulfill our promise and dream to our parents!’
…
I was dumbfounded. I couldn’t respond back as I knew she hit a bullseye.
But, I don’t want to die again. I don’t want to feel so terrified about everything again, that it could all end like that. All that pain through my body…
But…but…this isn’t the same. I don’t want to die…I don’t want to feel that terrified again.'
'And it would continue if you don’t do anything about it. We are a dragon! Has failure ever held us back in our past life? I remember our teachers praising our efforts despite how often we fucked up and failed our auditions!’
You can’t be seriously suggesting that sort of thing in this situation! Failing to have my dream come true is different than losing a fight in this world!
If I couldn’t get scouted by a talent scout then ok, better luck next time. I would have the time to train my dancing and singing. My dream to become an Idol wouldn’t just die from one or two… or tens of failed castings. But lose a fight in this world and you’re most likely dead. I couldn’t count on my luck persisting all the time.
Looking back, if I hadn’t unconsciously used [Mana Control] on my first day, then I would have died without knowing what even happened. Even my first real fight was a disaster; I barely won ‘cause those kobolds were equally as bad at fighting as me.
The noose was this close to hanging me.
'I know what you are thinking but we don’t have a choice here. Even if you don’t include the fact that we will probably starve to death here, what about our dream? Becoming an Idol. Wasn’t that the plan we decided on the moment we found [Humanize]?'
'Isn’t it about time we gave up on it?'
I said that while sighing, expressing a bit of my built-up stress. It was always an option for me to give up, but I couldn't do it in my past life. However, watching my memories flash around me in that dream certainly brought reality to show. How the hell was I supposed to fulfill my dreams as a dragon in a world I had no idea about?
Would the inhabitants even like my singing? My dancing? My passion?
'And have all our hard work go to waste? We aren’t that old. For idols, 15 years old is around the age you start properly training to become a professional, so our chance wasn’t completely gone yet.' She pointed at my real age, noting my still unfulfilled potential.
And what has all that hard work brought us but rejections over rejections over rejections? Maybe our first death was a sign for us to start anew, without all that baggage from before. I can bake, we can become a baker. That’s a good profession.
‘… That still means we need to get out of this forest first. That also includes leveling, so we don’t just die again.’
'Oh…'
Now that she brought it up again, I really overlooked the elephant in the room. Regardless of what my end goal was, if I wanted to get out of this forest, I actually had to listen to her. I couldn’t stay in this cave forever, nor could I delay my leveling just ‘cause I was scared of dying.
Noticing my mistake, I couldn’t help but curse myself from being born in this forest. I wanted to blame my draconic parents that left me here to hatch without any support or help. It was even more outrageous that they haven’t searched for me. Was I that worthless to them, or what?
Irresponsible assholes! I denounced them in my head. My real parents wouldn’t have rested until they found me. Considering my papa’s personality, he would probably light a fire under the police station to find me faster all while occasionally letting out his thick German accent.
Hiehie…
I did feel bad laughing at that imagination. The world didn’t revolve around me. After all, I died before I had any chance to become a real professional idol. I didn’t even get an opportunity to perform as a singer. All the struggle turned meaningless…
'Haaaa, but wouldn’t our life be even more forgettable, if we’re too afraid to even try in this world?
Can you not understand that I’m scared of dying? I don’t want to go out.
'No, you aren’t afraid of dying. You’re just scared that if you try something again, that you will fail at it. I know you. You are the sort of person that can do anything she wants to if she’s interested enough.'
Maybe that’s true, but learning that you can die at any time, with all your effort and accomplishment just vanishing into thin air… it’s discouraging.
I firmly denied her efforts to cheer me up. What she said were simply empty words, only meant to improve my current mood. She should know better.
'… Do you remember when we first decided on becoming an idol? Watching that awesome video of DSNS? We just came out of the usual violin practice with mama, and she found that video of their song “Dee” and started to hum to it all while we started to rock to the beat.'
… She also started to join in at the second chorus repeat, right?
Neomu banjjakbanjjak nuni busheo.
No no no no no. '
'Neomu kkamjjakkamjjak nollan naneun.
Oh oh oh oh oh. '
'Neomu jjaritjarit momi tteollyeo.
Dee Dee Dee Dee Dee. '
‘ “Mama, I want to become a singer like them!” Oh, when Mama heard that. She was so confused about what to say besides “That’s good to hear, honey.” ’
‘Ahahahaha! And Papa was so devastated when he heard that. He really didn’t want us to become an idol, ha ha. But he did agree to give us both singing and dancing practice, right? Both our dancing and singing teachers were fantastic.’
That was right. The reason why I wanted to become an Idol wasn’t for the fame nor was it for the money.
I still remembered my first DSNS concert where I literally begged my parents so I could attend one when they had a tour through Japan. The venue was packed to the brim with cheering fans with the only lights shining in the dark were the glow sticks they swung around. I was only seven back then, so my Mama had to calm down when I was confused about how concerts worked.
Then it happened. Suddenly, a single area was bathed in dazzling, shimmering brightness and the figures of DSNS girls appeared on the stage. Mesmerized at this sight, I copied what the other fans did and shouted with all I could to express how overwhelmed I was at this stunning stage appearance.
I wanted to be a part of that. I also wanted to stand on that stage, be one of the stars who shimmered their radiance in a world filled with darkness. The excited cheering of the fans. The ear-shattering explosions of voices after a song was done. The tears of joy when the concert ended.
I didn’t only want to be a fan that cheered on the side-lines. I wanted to be someone who could encourage people to cheer even when they were sad. Someone who could bring a smile on the faces of others.
A very skin-deep assessment of an idol’s career, but it was my naive ideal.
'You seem to have cheered up. Is all that pent-up frustration and stress gone?'
Pah, shouldn’t you know that? … You probably also noticed something changed in us after evolving, correct? No more restraints. My thoughts feel more liberated than before.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I have completely gotten over it, but I guess it did feel good to let out steam. Going down memory lane and experiencing the origin of my dream just reassured me enough to not act so pessimistic.
Right! You’re right! I’m an idol at the end of the day, and an idol has to keep her smile up even in the most troubling times! If I can’t smile, how can I make others happy?
'That’s what I wanted to hear, girl~! I got’cha back, so don’t forget about it. I want our dream to come true just as much as you do. Remember what Papa said when we fully committed to becoming an Idol?'
I nodded. How could I ever forget it?
Music is the art of touching the souls of thousands to empower and heal them.
His motto. My parents were both musicians, but I probably wouldn’t have joined them if I disagreed. I love music.
And that was why I couldn’t drop back to rock bottom, again. I mistrusted my talents back on Earth after all my failed auditions. It brought so many problems for me and actively halted my progress, causing me some rather unpleasant issues that an idol… No, an entertainer had to overcome.
Stage fright and self-doubt.
I personally thought I was a pretty good singer and decent dancer, but the constant failures of being rejected by scouts slowly grinded on my mind to the point that I just wasn't confident of going up on any stage. "What if I mess up the tune?” or “What if I made a misstep?”. The anxiety of failing and disappointing my parents was too unbearable.
… Wait. My parents?
'Hey, are you listening?'
Huh? Oh, yeah. I think I understand now.
'Awesome. That’s what I want to hear from myself. Now let’s get back to business, alright? Our end goal might be a bit too idealistic, but it’s still true that we want to become an idol, right? To do that in this world, we need the strength to survive in it.'
To never have to experience death again. That’s what you’re getting at.
'Yup. As a dragon, that might be a bit tricky considering our whole existence might make us enemies to other people. But who cares if we’re super strong and cute to boot? We’ll make them love us, Original Mind.'
With her speech over, she beamed a big smile. I couldn't help but give a wry smile in response.
Being a dragon does bring a ton of disadvantages, huh? I don’t want to die before I can reach my dream this time. I don’t want to be another nobody again before I die.
To gain strength, I must kill. As a monster, that was the truth. However, I was also once a human. My end goal was to return to human civilization, so the humanity part of myself was something I couldn’t forget nor must I abandon it.
A dog eat dog world? Well, that meant I had to become the strongest dragon ever, so I didn’t have to stomp on the people I wanted to impress. As an idol, I shouldn’t go around slaughtering things, but I needed to take my life in my own hands.
At the end of the day, the idol had to shine the brightest so others could feel safe around her.
'Good girl! Now that’s the smile I wanted to see! Come on, let’s continue looking around for some monsters.'
Wait…wait a moment.
The more I thought about it, the more I knew I was forgetting something! It felt normal to not have it, so I never questioned it. Just like it was expected from me not to have when I started this life.
Now that I’d finally gotten some proper sleep, my head was clear enough to understand.
Wait, there is something that is annoying me.
'Huh?'
'Papa and Mama…can you…can you remember their name? Why are you calling me only Original Mind when you could use my proper name? Hold on, what is my damn name?!'
How obvious. How very obvious. How very stupid of me.
'Huh? …Huh?! Huuuuh?!'
Name: * Level: 0 Race: Young Spark Fire Dragon
Age: 1 Month
Status: Health: 245/245 Mana: 743/743(+56)
Strength: 159 (+4) Intelligence: 150(+9)
Vitality: 106 Wisdom: 116 (+5)
Agility: 303 Stamina: 174/174(+11)
Effects: None
Skill Points: 250 (-1450)
Unique Skill: [Spark Fire Dragon Lv. 4] (+3) [Spark Fire’s Fire Boost] (New)
Skill: Magic skills and related:
[Mana Control Lv. 4] [Holy Magic Lv. 6] [Fire Magic Lv. 4] (+1)
[Earth Magic Lv. 4] (+1) [Wind Magic Lv. 1] (New)
[Space-Time Magic Lv. 2]
[Primal Magics]
Physical skills and related:
[Mana Strike Lv. 3]
[Enhanced Claws Lv. 4] [Enhanced Fangs Lv. 3]
Senses and movement skills:
[Stealth Lv. 5] [Prediction Lv. 1]
[Enhanced Enemy Sense Lv. 7] [Enhanced Olfactory Sense Lv. 1]
[Night Vision Lv. 3] (+2)
[Evasion Lv. 3] (+1) [Acrobatic Lv. 2] (+1)
Resistances:
[Physical Resistance Lv. 4] [Pain Resistance Lv. 4]
[Holy Resistance Lv. 4] (+1) [Fire Resistance Lv. 4] (+1)
[Earth Resistance Lv. 4] (+1) [Wind Resistance Lv. 1]
Stat growths and related:
[Enhanced Health Growth Lv. 2]
[Enhanced Mana Capacity Lv. 1] (New)
[Enhanced Mana Growth Lv. 4] (+1)
[Enhanced Strength Growth Lv. 2]
[Enhanced Intelligence Growth Lv. 4 (+1)]
[Enhanced Vitality Growth Lv. 1]
[Enhanced Wisdom Growth Lv. 1]
[Enhanced Agility Growth Lv. 4] (+1)
[Enhanced Stamina Growth Lv. 1]
Others:
[Identify Lv. 7] (+1)
[Cooking Lv. 5] [Dismantle Lv. 4] [Parallel Thoughts Lv. 1]
Ability List: [Flame Blast] [Spark Claws] [Spark Flame]
Spell List: Holy spells:
[Minor Heal] [Cure] [Modest Heal] [Smite] [Light] [Holy Protection]
Fire spells:
[Fire] [Firebolt] [Imbue Fire] [Fire Ball]
Earth spells:
[Earth Wall] [Rock Blast] [Earth Strike] [Rock Bullet]
Wind spells:
[Wind Bullet]
Space-Time Spells:
[Haste] [Storage Magic]
The Light spells:
[Shine]
Titles: [The Light] [Bearer of Kargryxmor’s Blood] [Otherworldly Reincarnator]
