Chapter 32
Chapter 32
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 32
Chapter Title: Dragon Appears at University
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[Dragon Pops Out at University]
I thought an earthquake had hit or something, so I looked outside the lecture hall.
There was some demon bastard tussling with a Dragon-type Mutant.
The demon was firing off fireballs, and it absorbed them before suddenly transforming into a dragon...
It was huge—like, bigger than our university building.
Whoa... what the hell? I pinched my cheek thinking it was a dream, but nope, it was real.
- For real?
- Yeah, it's legit lol;; There's even a news article about it.
- So Dragon-type Mutants can actually turn into real dragons?
- That's why they're called Dragon-type Mutants, right?
- Okay, but fine, whatever—the size of that thing rivals the colossal kaiju from monster movies. How does that even make sense?
- Anything's possible lol. Just look at that High Elf growing a World Tree right now.
- The world's gone way past common sense...
[But why did it even transform into a dragon?]
Was there some kind of incident?
From that interview before, it didn't seem like the type to randomly transform and go on a rampage...
- Heard that demon prick attacked it?
- Oh, that guy? The crazy bastard still hasn't been caught?
- As if. How are the National Intelligence Service or cops gonna catch him lol? Even other Mutants died trying.
- True... So what happened?
- Lol what do you mean? Word is it got turned into a total vegetable.
- A vegetable? How does that even happen?
- No idea;; That's just what the article said.
[That demon's killed a bunch of other Mutants too, right?]
I know it's a seriously terrifying bastard. If it turned into a vegetable the moment it was spotted, just how strong is that dragon...?
Honestly, kinda scary.
If a girl like that snaps and breathes once, half of Seoul's probably toast.
- Fr, shouldn't there be some countermeasures or something?
- But how do you even restrain it? Put yourself in her shoes—if you had insane power and hadn't done jack, but they treat you like a threat and try to restrain you, you wouldn't flip out?
- Fair;; It's just scary, you know? Even as a Mutant myself, it creeps me out. Imagine regular folks.
- They'll probably work something out;; She said in the interview she doesn't wanna abuse that power.
- Good thing she's got her head screwed on straight, at least;;
- Honestly, if the government's got any brains, they'll cooperate with her, not threaten.
- Have you ever seen the government act sensibly?
- ...
- Bluntly put, the only reason Mutant treatment's improved at all is because Seo Jin-ha's daughter of some big-shot politician.
[I believe in our dragon friend...!]
Dragons are guardians of the Middle Realm, right?
So I believe our dragon friend won't turn Korea upside down and will just enjoy a peaceful haha-ho-ho campus life!
- After seeing that, you think haha-ho-ho campus life is possible?
- ...Maybe? She's not a bad person.
- Really? How do you know if she's good or bad lol? That interview could've just been lip service.
- If she was the type to flip out, Seoul wouldn't be standing, right? Military firepower probably wouldn't even scratch it.
- Huh, true. If the government acts halfway sensibly, maybe no need to worry?
* * *
"As expected, all hell's breaking loose."
I gave a wry smile. Well, after folks saw that smack in the middle of Seoul, this kind of reaction was inevitable. The agent seemed to share my sentiment, offering a bitter smile of his own.
"No helping it. They witnessed it firsthand."
"It felt a bit overkill... but I still think it was the right call. Talk about me was bound to circulate one way or another."
"Exactly. That's why there's some talk from the higher-ups."
"Like slapping restraints on me or something?"
"Who knows. If restraints like that existed, that Demon-type Mutant wouldn't have rampaged so much. Even if the brass pulls a lot of dumb stunts, they value their necks enough not to try anything physical against you, Miss Seo-hyun."
"That's a relief at least."
"They'll probably go the non-provocative route. That's why we called you in today."
"Like, 'go soothe her nicely' or whatever?"
The agent chuckled awkwardly at my words.
"Haha, nothing like that. Just here to make a proposal."
"A proposal?"
"If you're open to it, Miss Seo-hyun, how about officially joining us? Of course, if you want to keep attending university, you can balance both."
"...Me?"
"Yes. Truth is, with all the Demon-type Mutant trouble, there's been talk of forming an official government agency staffed by Mutants. We'd like you to lead it."
"Have me head up an official agency?"
"There's no better fit. Mutants who step up for others like you are rare. You're ideal all around."
"...Sounds kinda meh. Probably a ton of work for peanuts."
Not just about the money—it felt like they'd exploit specialized Mutant talent on the cheap, which rubbed me wrong.
Hard workers don't always get treated well, sure, but shouldn't they at least pay properly for busting Mutants?
Of course, I'm not hurting for cash. Ways to make money are endless.
But there's such a thing as pride, right?
I'm that valuable. Indispensable, even.
Everyone craves that validation deep down.
Compensation's the bare minimum for satisfying it.
"No way. If they push weird terms, I'll block it myself. Rest easy."
"Your authority's bigger than I thought, Agent."
"Ah, I'm in the National Intelligence Service Director's direct line. Gives me some pull. No worries there. Your concerns won't happen. However..."
"However?"
"Just do one press conference."
Press conference? Why that all of a sudden...
"Why a press conference out of nowhere?"
"How you frame things changes public reception. If you say nothing, it'll just fuel anxiety."
"But even if I hold one and say it, some'll dismiss it as lip service."
Bluntly, how many would believe me yelling "I'm safe!"? They'd fear me more.
"True, but a strong statement from you that you won't harm people will reassure plenty. 'One word repays a debt of gold' isn't just a saying. Cynics will stay cynical, but they're a loud minority. Worst case... we shape opinion."
"Isn't that kinda shady?"
"Haha, kidding. But we do need to boost your public favor. Not some monster who might wreck Seoul anytime, but a hero protecting people from vicious Mutants."
Hero? Way too grandiose for a normie like me.
"Hero... Isn't that embarrassing?"
"You've earned multiple brave citizen awards already. Three vicious Mutants caught. One wasn't just captured... but it had to be dealt with on the spot. Plenty cheering that."
"And here we are, talking improving Mutant image."
"Inevitable, really. Like it or not, from the moment you became a Dragon-type Mutant, eyes were on you. Your push for positive Mutant perception is a godsend for us."
"...Speaking of, who's the Mutant right before me?"
"Miss Sia."
"Ah."
"Her powers are impressive too, in their way. But yours go further. Amazing, really. Three months feels short for that kind of power."
"I think so too. What was that light from the sky back then?"
"I'd like to know. Anyway... what's your answer?"
Join a government agency.
A lit major shooting up the ranks? Sounds cushy, from what I hear.
Who knew starving arts kids like us get auto-hired after three months of mutation magic.
I suddenly recalled yesterday.
When I stashed my main body, Han-gyeol and Seo-ah's shocked yet worried gazes.
Not a speck of fear in them.
That's what put me out front.
Once people know me, no need to fear.
Too far to back out now. Hero? Cringe.
Never been hero material.
No burning sense of duty—just protecting my own.
So, not hero... more like friendly neighbor, getting along with folks.
That should fly.
"I'll do the press conference."
"Excellent."
The agent smiled. Looked like a veteran glad for a solid recruit. My imagination?