NOVEL WEB Chapter 10: Chapter ¹⁰ Ramen and Recklessness
Chapter 10: Ramen and Recklessness
"The thing about being a reincarnated dragon god is this: everyone assumes you're going to take everything seriously. But where's the fun in that? If I'm going to fight a guy in a cloak, I'm at least going to enjoy myself."
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Outside the convenience store, the cloaked figure regains their footing, glowing runes flickering angrily along their robe.
"Impressive," they mutter, brushing themselves off. "You still retain some of your former power."
Reina pulls at my sleeve. "Akira, who is this guy? And why are they glowing?"
"Just another fan," I reply, popping open my bag of chips. "You'd think being reincarnated would give me some privacy, but nope."
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The figure steps closer, their distorted voice somehow managing to sound both annoyed and menacing. "You mock me, Dragon God?"
"Every chance I get," I say, crunching loudly on a chip. "Seriously, though, who sent you this time? Council of Shadows? Magical Karens United? Come on, give me something."
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Narration Mode Activated
"Pro tip: if you're going to fight an overpowered protagonist like me, at least come with a name tag. 'Mysterious Cloak Guy #47' isn't winning any awards."
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Reina, meanwhile, looks ready to explode. "Akira, this is not the time for jokes! They're literally glowing!"
"And you're literally yelling," I reply, tossing another chip into my mouth. "Relax. I've got this."
The figure growls, their runes flaring brighter. "Enough games. Prepare to face justice!"
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They lunge forward, a massive glowing blade materializing in their hands.
I sigh, casually tossing the chip bag into a nearby trash can. "Alright, Cloaky. You want to dance? Let's dance."
The air around me shifts as I release a tiny fraction of my power, golden sparks crackling around my hands.
Reina gasps. "Akira…"
"Stay back," I say, flashing her a grin. "Wouldn't want you to get singed."
---
The cloaked figure swings their blade, aiming for my head. I duck effortlessly, the blade slicing through the air with a sharp whoosh.
"Nice try," I say, stepping to the side. "But you're gonna have to do better than that."
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Narration Mode Activated
"Side note: why do these guys always aim for the head? Like, hello? Have they never heard of leg sweeps?"
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The figure snarls, spinning around for another attack. This time, I catch the blade with one hand, stopping it mid-swing.
"Seriously?" I say, raising an eyebrow. "You brought a glowing sword to a fistfight? Rookie mistake."
With a flick of my wrist, I shatter the blade into a thousand pieces.
---
The figure stumbles back, clearly stunned. "Impossible…"
"Yeah, yeah, I've heard it all before," I say, dusting off my hands. "Now, do me a favor and buzz off. I've got snacks to eat."
Instead of retreating, the figure growls, their runes flaring brighter than ever. "You may have power, but you lack control. The Council will see to your destruction."
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"Oh, the Council," I say, rolling my eyes. "Tell them I said hi. And also that they owe me for the last guy I had to vaporize."
The figure raises their hands, summoning a massive sphere of dark energy. The air grows heavy, the ground cracking beneath us.
Reina steps back, her eyes wide with fear. "Akira, that looks—"
"Dangerous?" I finish, smirking. "Yeah, it does."
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Narration Mode Activated
"And this is where most people would panic. But me? I've fought eldritch horrors, angry gods, and, worst of all, group projects. This guy? He's not even in my top ten."
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As the energy sphere hurtles toward us, I raise one hand, a golden barrier forming in front of me. The sphere slams into it, crackling violently before disintegrating into nothing.
The figure stares in disbelief. "What…what are you?"
"Annoyed," I reply, taking a step forward. "And hungry. So how about we wrap this up?"
---
Before they can respond, I release another burst of energy, golden chains erupting from the ground and wrapping around the figure. They struggle, but it's useless.
"Let me guess," I say, crouching down to their level. "You're just a lackey, right? No real name, no real purpose. Just following orders."
They glare at me, their glowing eyes filled with rage. "You will regret this, Dragon God. The Council is always watching."
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"Cool," I say, snapping my fingers. "Tell them I said bye."
The chains tighten, and with a flash of light, the figure vanishes, leaving behind only a faint scorch mark on the ground.
Reina stares at me, her mouth hanging open. "What…what just happened?"
"Problem solved," I say, brushing off my hands. "Now, how about some ramen?"
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She grabs my arm, forcing me to face her. "Akira, you can't just act like this is normal! That guy—thing—whatever it was, it wanted to kill you!"
"Yeah, I noticed," I say, grinning. "But it didn't, so we're good."
"Akira!"
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Narration Mode Activated
"Pro tip: if you ever find yourself trying to explain away a near-death experience to your best friend, maybe don't do it while smiling like an idiot. It doesn't help."
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Reina sighs, rubbing her temples. "I don't even know where to start. You're some kind of dragon god, you're being hunted by a magical council, and you're still more worried about ramen than your own safety?"
"Exactly," I say, nodding.
She glares at me. "You're impossible."
---
"Aw, you say the sweetest things," I reply, slinging an arm around her shoulders. "Now come on. My treat."
She mutters something under her breath, but she doesn't pull away.
---
As we walk toward my favorite ramen shop, I can't shake the feeling that we're still being watched.
I glance over my shoulder, but the street is empty.
Narration Mode Activated
"Note to self: the next time someone tries to kill me, maybe don't let them escape. Loose ends are the worst."
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In a dark room somewhere far away, a group of shadowy figures sits around a table.
"The Dragon God grows stronger," one of them says, their voice low and menacing.
"Then we must act quickly," another replies. "Send the Enforcer."
End of Chapter 10