Chapter 20

The commotion in the park was, of course, bound to be a huge topic of conversation.

It was only natural. After all, with the way flames were sprayed about, and the fact that the park was used as a launchpad for flight…

…Somehow, the feeling that turning into a dragon has enhanced my craving for attention has arisen.

Originally, I had no sense of rejection about stepping out in front of others like this.

I’ve felt this for a while now, but the unwarranted confidence inside me seems to swell up quite often.

There’s this strange confidence that whatever I do, people will treat me well… But I need to try my best to ensure that this confidence doesn’t run off in the wrong direction.

Anyway, it was honestly amusing to watch the situation unfold because of me.

[What the hell just happened?]

Suddenly near Korea University, there was this massive pillar of fire shooting up in the park; it looked like it pierced through the clouds.

-Is this real?

-No, I’m serious.

-Really? Is this that Dragon-type Mutant again? I heard he’s a Korea University student.

-Could be. Last time there was lightning, and now a fire breath.

-Just… how does someone this powerful exist? Is this the power of a 3-month-old Mutant?

-When you think about it, the High Elf isn’t normal either. She talks to plants after all.

-Now that you mention it… A 2-month-old Mutant is that strong… Isn’t a 3-month-old Mutant like some kind of strategic weapon?

-Isn’t it dangerous if his Mind goes off the rails?

[Just now, I saw the Dragon-type Mutant spread his wings and fly across the park.]

The wings were insanely big.

If I’m estimating correctly, the wingspan was around 4.5 meters, and he had a girl in his arms.

The girl was screaming excitedly.

-Is this kid playing around in the park, spreading his wings and walking around? Seriously, he’s such an attention-seeker.

-Then why did he unleash that fiery breath?

-Dunno lol.

-Is there some kind of anger involved?

-Not really. When I casually asked some Juniors or Classmates nearby, they said he was showing off the flames because people asked him to.

-Is that why the scale of the fire display was so large?

-He made sure not to endanger anyone by not letting the flames spread and he even checked out the sky beforehand.

-Still, if a breath can pierce through clouds, how strong is it really? It feels like my understanding of the world is being completely overturned.

-From the moment the Mutants appeared, common sense has been overturned, hasn’t it?

-True.

-Even so, the scale is way too large compared to others. He’s just on a completely different level.

-Also true.

While watching all this, I was relieved to see that people weren’t purely viewing it negatively. However, I was also aware that some must feel uneasy about me.

Checking the community forum just in case, as expected, there were some negative reactions.

[What if this guy goes berserk and lets out that fiery breath onto a building?]

Isn’t that scary?

Of course, not all Mutants are bad, and I personally know some friendly Mutants, but it’s still unsettling.

-The personal power granted to an individual is just too immense.

-If he goes crazy, can we even stop him?

-Can military firepower contain him?

-If he flies around spraying flames, there will be disastrous casualties.

That much of a disturbance was bound to attract fearful stares.

I can understand their fear. People naturally grow afraid of overpowering forces they cannot resist, and the idea that such power could be an integral part of everyday life makes them uneasy.

Even with the emergence of Mutants, there have been no signs of any demonic beings or the like.

In other words, there have been few significant contributions by Mutants that enhance society.

With the sole controlling element being the military and their firepower, it’s inevitable for people’s sense of unease to increase daily.

…Seems like letting out that fiery breath was indeed a bit excessive.

I should reflect on my actions. From now on, I’ll try to tone it down.

One shouldn’t overdo things. It feels like I got lost in the mood and got too carried away.

As I was making that resolution and casually browsing the forum, a particular post caught my eye.

[From the parents who entrusted their child to a Mutant.]

To the Dragon-type Mutant who unleashed the fiery breath near Korea University, we were the ones who asked you to look after our child.

The reason we asked was because the child approached you when the fiery breath occurred.

It was the child’s first encounter with a Mutant.

Perhaps intrigued by the horns on your head, the child became unusually insistent, even though he has rarely done so before.

We were worried you might get upset, but luckily, you kindly understood, and even went so far as to reveal your wings by tearing your own clothes.

We learned afterward that to unfold the wings, you need to tear the back portion of your clothing.

You even flew with the child because he wanted to see the sky—showing great courtesy and seriousness.

The child still talks fondly about “Sister Dragon.”

Here is a photo of my child in your arms.

(Picture of child beaming with joy)

The face has been pixelated, but the Mutant allowed me to share this photo.

In any case, nothing of concern happened.

Upon further inquiry, other students also describe you as a good Senior.

I’m writing this post to prevent any malicious rumors or unease from spreading.

Everyone, have a good day.

-What?

-I mean, tearing your own clothing for this? lmao

-Oh wow. He even went through so much trouble for the child’s happiness? He’s really kind.

-Still, should we conclude he’s good just based on this one incident?

-Actually, I heard he saved people when dealing with the Minotaur… So, we need occasional Mutants like these.

-Heard this from a café employee he saved later on.

-Oh yes, amidst all that, Korea University? It’s so unfair!

-What a joke.

-How is a Dragon-type Mutant studying at Korea University, which is known as one of the best universities in the country?

-Why is he still attending university? From the photos floating around, it seems he could be a model and make a living easily.

-I don’t know…

-Values differ from person to person. It seems like he values his studies at Korea University.

-The wings, wow, they are jarringly huge lol.

Reading this, I recalled the moment before I lifted off with Yoon Seo in my arms, when the child’s parents had asked if they could take a photo.

Could they have anticipated this situation? It’s impossible to know, but I feel lighter-hearted because of it.

—

*

—

Then, the next day, I received an unexpected call.

It was from Agent Choe Jung-ho.

“Hello, this is Yoon Seo-hyun.”

-Good day, Seo-hyun. I’m calling regarding yesterday’s incident.

“The event from yesterday? Ah… the fiery breath?”

-That’s right. More specifically, the issue is the flight over the park.

“Wait, the problem wasn’t the fiery breath but flying over the park?”

-Formally, flying over Seoul is prohibited. There’s a fine involved.

“…Ah. Well, how much is it?”

-Haha, just joking. Just checking in since you seem to be adapting well. Is there anything troubling you in your daily life?

“Not really. Lately, every day feels enjoyable.”

-Good to hear. Actually, I was worried since many Mutants report mental strain or become unruly due to the societal gaze. It seems you have good people around you, Seo-hyun.

-Yeah, kind of.

-Excellent. If you ever feel uncomfortable, please contact me. Since I’m handling care for Mutants…

“…I’ve wondered this for a while, Agent.”

-Yes?

“Why is the National Intelligence Service doing this? Wouldn’t it be better to establish a dedicated Mutant facility?”

-Haha, couldn’t agree more… Originally, another department was supposed to handle it, but due to authority issues, they couldn’t proceed smoothly. Somehow, it fell onto us.

“I try to avoid mentioning the NIS, but… is it right to talk about this?”

-Most people who know, already know. Just avoid publicizing it too much, if you would. Anyway, if anything comes up, I’ll let you know.

-By the way, we’ve heard of an aggressive Mutant from China who recently infiltrated the country. We’re about to distribute a wanted poster. Are you interested?

“Hmm… is there a reward?”

-Yes, a considerable sum can be arranged. Considering the time and equipment spent in capturing him, we can offer you a fair reward.

“Please let me know if you find him. I think I can help.”

-Understood. Once the location of the fugitive is confirmed, I’ll contact you.

“One last thing, do you ask other Mutants for cooperation like this?”

-Well, that’s generally how it works. Even highly trained soldiers or agents become regular people in front of Mutants. Many Mutants have offered help.

-Ah… I’d like to meet other Mutants sometime. I’m curious about them personally.

-Haha, good idea. I’ll pass the message along. See you soon.

After ending the call with Agent Choe, I smiled.

Because… it’s time to earn some pocket money again.

Though calling it pocket money feels inaccurate given the size of the potential reward. But hey, good is good.