Became a Dragon kidnapped by Humans

I was enjoying a rare, proper rest.

The temperature here was just right, the floor soft, and the flow of air refreshing.

It was worlds apart from the place I had woken up in.

The only drawback was the constant chatter of humans beyond the walls, but even that I could endure at the moment.

After tucking away my horns, tail, wings, and everything else possible, I had reset into my pajamas setup!

Had it really been since I last rested while holding Kan Hana?

This was my resolve: to make up for that woefully insufficient rest right here.

From beneath my head, the small heartbeat of Tonton-i snake could be heard.

Thump, thump.

Compared to Kan Hana’s, this was quieter than the sound of dewdrops falling.

Originally, my room had been so noisy that it drove me straight into Kan Hana’s embrace, but in this quieter place, this level of sound was enough.

Because its body was small, its heart was small, and because its heart was small, its heartbeat was quiet too—was that how it worked?

It was so insignificant, which made it all the more endearing.

Hehe.

Though I was quite exhausted, excessive rest wasn’t healthy, as Seomcheong had drilled into my ears countless times…

So, not too much, not too little—just the right amount.

Perhaps I would rest for about a thousand human years.

My current position was incredibly comfortable.

I swear, if someone disturbed me and I had to get up and lie down again, I wouldn’t feel this same comfort no matter how I adjusted myself.

Thus, I hoped no one would interrupt this dreamlike rest.

That’s when it happened.

A sudden, urgent telepathic call came through.

“Ghost? Ghost?!”

Ghost—if they meant the (former) humans, then it should be fine; they seemed rather kind.

Gwae-eek…

And then there was the sound of… no, not pig necks being wrung, but snake necks…

No, wait—it was the ‘pig snake’ having its neck wrung.

What is going on?

Why is this happening?

I poked Tonton-i snake’s squishy belly with my fingertips where it lay pressed against my head.

There was no response.

I sent a telepathic inquiry asking why and if everything was okay. Tonton-i was usually quick to respond.

Surprisingly, there was no reaction at all.

Thumpthump.

Thump… thump…

The small, insignificant heartbeat of Tonton-i snake that I had found so comforting had suddenly stopped.

That comforting feeling vanished along with it.

Silence.

… Hmm?

Is the situation serious…?

Something seems off with Tonton-i snake. I need to check immediately…

Wait a moment.

Surely, it couldn’t be…

With my mind clouded by exhaustion, I forced myself to think logically.

Alright, let’s think this through.

Tonton-i snake is behind my head, and I don’t have eyes in the back of my skull, nor can I twist my neck 180 degrees…

So, to check, I’d have to get up…

Ah.

I just got comfortable. It was so relaxing.

I see.

To check, I’d have to get up, huh?

… Irritating.

No, this goes beyond irritation.

I’m angry.

Extremely, outrageously angry. So angry, in fact, that it felt like a “five breaths” level of anger.

Bubbling with rage, the fire within me responded automatically, boiling furiously and scorching just below my jaw.

—Creeeak.

A strand of hot steam escaped from the corner of my mouth.

Ugh. I want to release it just once.

If I could just exhale it once, this oppressive feeling might ease up…

But then, then…

Certainly, Tonton-i snake or some unrelated humans might get caught in the blast.

They’d be no different from those carefree-faced bastards.

That can’t happen.

Suppress it.

As a dragon called divine, I must live up to my name. Please, just cool down. Alright?

My weary body didn’t respond well, but I focused all my energy to steady my breath.

I forcibly shoved the heat rising uncontrollably deep into my stomach.

Ughhh.

It’s suffocating. My chest feels so tight!

Pounding my chest did nothing to relieve the oppressive sensation, making me feel nauseous.

I miss Sajejang.

I want to ask them if what I’ve done is correct.

At that moment, Sajejang’s words were so vivid:

“Great ancient being. A deity is one who acts. Please, do not overthink. Please, act upon your desires. If you do so, this city shall forever live for you alone.”

Even now, when I close my eyes, the scene where they spoke these words comes back so clearly…

Whenever I hear those words, it feels like letting loose however I please would be the right thing to do.

If I keep suppressing it like this, I’ll inevitably lose control sooner or later.

Humans.

You’d better behave yourselves…

“GYAOOOO…!”

In frustration, I snapped open my eyes, stood up, and checked on Tonton-i snake.

Its heart had completely stopped.

Foam dripped from its mouth, its eyes rolled back, and its body turned pale.

Sure enough.

Looking up at the sky, I saw that Tonton-i snake had already become a star in the lake.

What’s this Tonton-i snake star you speak of?

It wasn’t there a moment ago.

Scanning around, I spotted Tonton-i snake’s soul ascending heavenward, tearfully gazing back with a melancholic expression.

“Progenitor… goodbye…”

No.

I’m not in a good mood right now. Don’t bother me.

Who gave you permission to become a star in the lake?

I don’t approve.

Reaching out, I grabbed the newly formed Tonton-i snake star and pulled it down.

“???!!!”

Tonton-i snake’s soul, which was heading toward the star, flailed wildly in confusion.

I snatched it with my other hand.

Don’t resist.

Struggling won’t help, so stop it.

This galaxy isn’t where this star belongs, and neither does this place belong to you. Your place is here.

Sending such a firm telepathic message, Tonton-i snake’s soul calmed down.

As expected, it listens well.

Just thinking about speaking at length was exhausting, so it was fortunate.

I promptly returned Tonton-i snake’s soul to its body.

Thump, thump.

Not long after the soul left, without any intervention, blood began returning to Tonton-i snake’s body.

Then…

What should I do with this Tonton-i snake star now?

Hmm…

It seems like it will never be used anyway. Such stars probably aren’t necessary, are they?

Having it there spoils the arrangement of the Milky Way.

Therefore…

I swallowed it with my mouth.

Crunchcrunch.

The Tonton-i snake star tasted purely sweet, without any scent.

Well,

It didn’t exactly improve my mood, but it wasn’t unpleasant either.

Recalling Sajejang’s advice to chew food properly whenever eating, I chewed carefully before swallowing and looked down.

From the floor came a “beep” sound.

Tonton-i snake, fully revived, was looking up at me.

While shedding tears.

“Progenitor. Mood. Extremely bad… Apologies…”

Its plump body trembled visibly, evoking pity at first glance.

Hmm.

Did I look that angry?

True, I almost lost it completely, and I neglected to control the volume of my telepathic communication… Did it come across as yelling?

But I wasn’t angry at you.

Why are you apologizing so profusely like this?

Such a foolish Tonton-i snake.

I picked it up and stroked its head gently.

Still trembling in fear, Tonton-i snake soon smiled bashfully and accepted my touch.

Yes.

Even now, it’s true—I lacked foresight.

There’s no way Tonton-i snake could survive under my head without eating for a thousand years.

I thought naturally by my own standards.

Even though it’s obvious if you give it a moment’s thought, I often fail to consider such things.

This is all due to the tiresome chronic fatigue.

When I closed my eyes momentarily, I shouldn’t have let it seem like it would die and disappear, something reserved for those I don’t care about.

We nearly had a major incident.

Do you think I’d allow that?

The Tonton-i snake star won’t be recreated, and it won’t be needed.

Because I will make it so.

I am an incredible dragon and the god of the lake, after all, and I will do as I please.

Closing my eyes,

Deep within my body.

The blazing fire I had tightly suppressed in my stomach.

—Keeeeeeng…

Despite being small enough to fit inside my stomach, the energy it radiated was immeasurably vast and scorching.

If I transfer this directly to Tonton-i snake, I’ll need to eat another star soon.

So, just this much.

Carefully separating it bit by bit, down to the finest fragment,

with a ‘tsk’ sound,

I drew it up my throat.

Placing it on my tongue, I rolled it around.

It was warm.

Should I call this a “pseudo breath”?

Like a balloon bursting, this alone significantly relieved the oppressive feeling in my chest.

Balloon? Come to think of it, I don’t recall ever seeing such a thing.

It’s a memory from my human days. Let’s move past that.

Right now,

Checking on Tonton-i snake’s condition is more important.

“Are you feeling better?”

“Yes. Very good. Amazingly good.”

Clearly, it was feeling refreshed.

Even when I poked its belly, it offered no resistance, unlike what I would have done.

“Is your body alright? Is your heart too hot or anything?”

“Yes. Correct. No. Not at all.”

“What does that mean?”

Sending strange telepathic messages.

Interpreting the intent, it seemed to confirm that its body was fine, but its heart wasn’t hot.

Good.

I pretended to stroke its head while subtly covering its eyes.

“Hey, want to try?”

Beep~

Tonton-i snake opened its mouth wide.

Two tiny pairs of teeth above and below, and a crimson tongue split slightly at the tip.

It looked so shiny, I almost wanted to pull it.

Would it bite?

Let’s not.

I placed the fragment of fire under Tonton-i snake’s tongue and closed its mouth gently.

“Gem. What is it? Warm.”

“Don’t swallow it absolutely. Keep it under your tongue as a cherished gift.”

“Gift! Great! Progenitor, best!”

Upon receiving my telepathic message, Tonton-i snake happily jumped around.

Though it kept bumping into me because I held it in my arms, I didn’t point it out.

Seeing its pure joy was… something you couldn’t expect from any human.

It was quite a pleasant sight.

“Progenitor. Smiling? Happy?”

“Yes, I’m happy. So, smile.”

Because the unexpected situation resolved smoothly.

Tonton-i snake survived well…

… And the culprits are gathered before me.

So,

Why did you do it? Will you explain yourself?

“GYAO.”

I sent such a telepathic message while glaring sternly at the (former) humans.

“…Repo, what were you thinking? There won’t be a second chance for this kind of mistake.”

“It was because Loft summoned us, sir….”

How dare they chatter among themselves in front of me.

Who do you think you are, Kan Hana?

“GYAOO…!”

You incorrigible Western ghosts!

---