Chapter 12

The time originally allotted for orientation had somehow turned into an opportunity for people to satisfy their curiosity about me.

Judging by how others were subtly eavesdropping despite pretending not to, it seemed like they were quite curious.

“So, do you happen to have any special abilities?”

“I do, but I can’t show it. It’s too dangerous in several ways.”

“What kind of ability could it be?”

“I… can manipulate the weather, and I can summon lightning.”

“Wow…”

“Wha…”

The surrounding area was filled with astonishment. Naturally so. There had been no confirmed mutants with such extreme abilities so far.

But why am I telling them all this? I could’ve just made something up and left it at that.

Still, I could feel some inexplicable sense of satisfaction filling me.

Especially when I sensed the astonished looks from those around me, that satisfaction was particularly strong.

Could this be a characteristic of dragons as well? Some innate pride that comes with being a dragon? It wasn’t an unreasonable assumption, since dragons depicted in media—excluding special cases—are mostly arrogant and full of pride.

But then again, if that’s the case, I’d just look like someone craving attention.

And sure enough, every time someone asked me a question, I felt the urge to answer.

“Ah, thanks for answering. I guess it’s just impossible to ignore curiosity about dragons.”

“No problem. It was bound to come out eventually anyway.”

After that, the professor intentionally steered the conversation to other topics, apparently realizing that satisfying everyone’s curiosity about dragons would have no end.

About 5 minutes later, the professor nodded and concluded the orientation.

Just as I was tidying up after class, a familiar face approached me. It was Yoo Han-gyeol.

“Is that really Yoon Seo-hyun?”

“Yeah, it’s me. Anyway, there’s no one else named Yoon Seo-hyun from the Literature class of ‘18.”

“Whew. When I heard you had mutated, I just thought your appearance had changed a little… But it’s hard to believe that the guy I knew is now like this.”

“I was shocked too, you know.”

“What happened?”

“I’m not exactly sure. After finishing up the group project, when I was just outside catching some fresh air, there was a sudden flash of light and I passed out. When I woke up, it turned out three months had passed.”

“Three months!?”

“That’s right. I’m told I was the last of all the confirmed mutants worldwide to finish my mutation.”

“What did your family say?”

“At first, I thought they wouldn’t recognize me, but apparently they had watched the whole mutation process.”

“Luck in misfortune.”

“Exactly. Honestly, can you imagine how confused your family would be if suddenly some woman claimed to be their long-lost son?”

“That’s right. So, was it you who handled that Minotaur-type Mutant we talked about the other day?”

“Yeah, it was me.”

“That time, Senior Seo-hyun saved me.”

“What? What are you talking about?”

“The Minotaur was rampaging near my new apartment, near the Korea University subway station. While I was coming back from the department store with my younger sister, the disaster alarm went off…”

“Wow, what a coincidence. So you were with them then? I saw a woman I didn’t recognize with them and thought you’d just made a new friend.”

“Anyway, how are the others?”

“They haven’t come to school yet. They only have afternoon classes.”

“Oh, I see. Well… shall we have lunch together?”

“I was supposed to eat with them, but whatever, let’s go. Don’t you need a hat though? Is it okay to go without?”

“I’m just going to take the hat off anyway. It feels the same whether I wear it or not — everyone notices.”

“True… Your face has become so striking. Why did your gender change, though?”

“I don’t know. I decided to consider this change as something good. During the break, my younger sister kept dragging me to the department store, nearly killing me.”

“Ahaha! That’s relatable.”

“She kept trying to dress me up like a gaming character, and I had to tell her to stop making stuff up. Anyway, let’s go. I didn’t treat the juniors last semester, so I’ll pick up the tab today.”

“Really?”

At my words, Ahn Ye-in’s eyes lit up. Free food always tasted better.

Then Han-gyeol added his input,

“What about me?”

“You figure it out. You’re not a junior…”

“That’s harsh.”

“Have you ever bought me lunch?”

“No.”

“Damn. Anyway, hold on. Since I’m taking my hat off, might as well do this too.”

“What?”

“Take out the colored contact lenses.”

“Why are you even wearing them?”

“My eyes turned gold, but now I plan to go all out, so there’s no point in wearing them anymore.”

As I said this, I took out the contact lenses with my fingers and carefully placed them in the storage case. I also put the hat in my bag.

I’ve already revealed myself as a mutant in front of many people, so I’ve decided to live openly. As long as I’m not causing any harm, there shouldn’t be a problem.

*

“It’s insane… the looks are crazy.”

“That’s why I said so.”

“Shouldn’t you have covered up a bit?”

“No, now that it’s out, rumors will spread anyway. It’s better to just let people naturally accept it.”

Thus, we arrived at the first-year cafeteria.

The whole way there, I couldn’t help but squirm under the endless stares of others.

For goodness’ sake, haven’t they ever seen a mutant before?

Whispers surrounded me.

– It’s a mutant. Wow… what kind of mutant is this?

– I don’t know.

– What are those horns? Is that…

– Is it going to cause a commotion?

– It’s really beautiful, though…

– A bit scary…

Such murmurs continued. They think I’ll cause some kind of ruckus.

Isn’t that a bit much?

Even though the general perception of mutants is low, the fear and bias among people is something I can’t control.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. I need to get used to it anyway. Still… it’s not as bad as I anticipated.”

“What’s not as bad?”

“I thought at least a couple of people would come up to me and start talking nonsense.”

“Hey, people have died after picking fights with mutants.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. Like the Minotaur you stopped—it broke the spine of someone causing trouble for it, leaving him paralyzed.”

“… Is that so? Looking back, I should’ve pounded it even more last time.”

“Then, Seo-hyun, what about your physical abilities? I heard that mutants’ physical strength is crazy, and they can’t even control their own powers. It seems like you aren’t facing any daily inconvenience, though.”

“Me? Umm… just a sec. Look at this.”

At that moment, I noticed a couple of 100 won coins in my pocket. Perfect, this’ll work.

“Why are you suddenly pulling out coins?”

I gently pressed down on the coin as Han-gyeol asked, and it folded neatly, as if pressed by a machine.

“…”

“Ta-da. The magic of folding coins in half.”

“Wow… Damn, we really can’t mess with you, huh? What about your strength control?”

“It’s good. About a day after waking up, I controlled it well. The mutant hospital had everything imaginable. I saw the basement with alloy walls for the first time. It felt like I was in a movie.”

“Wow, really? Did you hit it?”

At this moment, Si-hyun asked me, clearly interested in mutants.

“Yeah. They made me test it while doing medical checkups. I didn’t use much force but it left a noticeable dent.”

“…”

“Anyway, I haven’t used my full power yet, so I don’t know my limits. I heard the Minotaur-type mutants have immense strength. But last time, I caught and threw the punch of the one I handled with one hand.”

“Errr… well, to be honest, I’ll really watch out from now on.”

“Hey, would I use my strength on you guys?”

“Well… I’ve been told some people’s personalities change after they mutate.”

“Actually, I feel more positive. I’ve been emotionally very stable. Han-gyeol knows I used to be pretty mentally fragile, right?”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. People often say mutants start breaking stuff due to shock after mutating. But I just listened to the doctor and calmly answered with ‘Yes, yes.'”

“Then that’s good. Ugh, the school cafeteria’s noodles are disgustingly bad. Still, Yoon Seo-hyun, you shouldn’t offer free meals in a school cafeteria.”

“Is it that bad?”

“It’s the first time we’re eating school food that our senior has treated us to.”

“Same here.”

Su-yeon and Si-hyun teased me with a light tone.

I felt a little awkward and instinctively scratched my head.

Their playful reactions helped ease my mind. If even after knowing how formidable I am as a mutant, they can joke like this, it means I’m starting to fit in a little.

“Alright, if you want to eat anything else, let me know. I’ll treat you next time.”

“Wow, for real?”

“Then we’ll settle the bill separately today.”

“Eh, still, it’s not much. How much does this even cost?”

“No, two free meals are a bit much.”

“Agreed.”

“Alright then, if you’re free anytime, let me know. We could meet this weekend too.”

“Hey, Seo-hyun, where are you going after lunch?”

“Not sure. I’ve got some free time according to my schedule.”

“Then how about the department office? It’s around the time other classmates start showing up there.”

“Sure, let’s go. It’s more convenient than meeting everyone one by one later.”

“Alright, do you guys want to come along?”

“Since our schedules are free too… let’s go together!”

“I’d love to!”

“Alright. Let me send a quick message to the others. Ah, never mind, they’re already there. Doesn’t it feel like some kind of debut?”

“What, am I some kind of idol? Debut…?”

“Frankly speaking, if you entered the idol industry right now, I’d be confident to become your most loyal fan. You’re that good-looking—talent scouts would line up for you.”

“Stop it. There’s a reason I stay away from the spotlight. Acting requires talent and preparation, which I clearly lack.”

“Aren’t you wasting an opportunity? With that face, you could become the next big thing in acting.”

“Acting? Like, can anyone just act? I’ve never participated in a school play, not in middle or high school.”

“Still, maybe you have acting talent.”

“Or modeling, how about that?”

“Do these people not get it? Why would I want to be in the public eye?”

“Hmm… Maybe it’s not so bad? I’d like to have a famous friend.”

“Right? Wow, imagine, our department senior becoming an idol or something? Can’t resist!”

“Alright, stop all this talk and let’s head to the office.”

Connecting with other people is tiring for someone who dislikes unnecessary entanglements. What nonsense is this about becoming a celebrity? They need to be reasonable.

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