Became a Dragon kidnapped by Humans

“So, what exactly was that thing? Wasn’t each strand of 769-1 originally at the level of metallic wire? I’ve seen holes made, but this being cut is truly bizarre.”

“I thought it had been sliced with a silver-plated blade, but if it were silver, the cut surface should have corroded, and it didn’t. It’s the first time I’ve seen one of those wolf pups die from something other than silver.”

Around them, the usual chatter about the differing operational environment buzzed.

Elena Miller of the IF-769 dedicated Mobile Strike Force ‘Marizan Ballerina’ couldn’t concentrate amidst all this atmosphere.

“Something’s definitely off…”

The ever-serious expression on Elena drew questions from her teammates.

“Eli, why so glum? Did you catch an infection or something? Heh heh.”

“Well, it is unsettling, but… it’s not our branch’s problem, right? Branches collapsing occasionally isn’t unusual either. Thinking back to the Foundation days, this level of suspicion is pretty much business as usual.”

Indeed.

A single branch-level hyper-dangerous entity wasn’t their concern, especially since they belonged to another branch.

Take IF-684, for instance, who alone managed to turn six entire research facilities into ashes through containment failures.

Sure, IF-684 was exceptionally notorious, but it wasn’t the only monster responsible for wiping out multiple branches.

This was why the FPL, a newly established organization just over ten years old, operated 27 branches.

The idea was that while a few research facilities might be lost, others could pick up the slack during reconstruction.

Indeed.

In many ways, missions in FPL were less taxing than when she worked for the now-hostile ‘Foundation.’

However…

The problem lay in the fact that something unprecedented, even by Foundation standards, had occurred.

“That survivor keeps bothering me.”

“You mean the girl? Well, she seemed unharmed. Just another successful rescue case, wasn’t it?”

“It was too successful, which is the problem.”

Elena Miller, a veteran who had slaughtered werewolves by the hundreds since her teens and the days of the mobile ‘special operations’ unit, weighed in.

Her expertise granted her one of the top voices in ‘Marizan Ballerina.’

For any ordinary strike force, rescuing survivors would have been routine by now.

But finding a survivor here was strange.

This did not apply to Elena.

“We haven’t done this before. Those wolf pups must have been incredibly hungry, huh.”

This was the first survivor rescued by ‘Marizan Ballerina.’

This was due to the nature of IF-769, the anomaly they specialized in handling.

IF-769-1 prioritized tearing humans apart, regardless of its own death.

Despite retaining some semblance of human intelligence, it set traps to kill people cunningly.

Even if someone survived, IF-769 itself spread spores that infected people like zombies.

These combined traits made finding a healthy survivor after eliminating IF-769-1 incredibly rare.

Thus, directly carrying out the rescue on a stretcher was unforgettable.

“Eli, you saw her again. Is she your type? Pedophilia is a crime, you know.”

“Shut up.”

Elena recalled the fourth research facility where the operation took place.

Even though the corpse of 769-1 was several minutes away at full speed, the vending machine was shattered.

This suggested that the high-risk entity practically roamed the entire facility, meaning the inevitable destruction and subsequent reconstruction of Research Facility 4 was predictable even to a fool.

Thinking this, Elena rested her chin on her hand.

She then reflected on the girl they had rescued.

Fearless around the venomous snake IF-098, known to be dangerous to humans, yet clung tightly to it without fear.

It made sense; she seemed to view the world with pure innocence.

Was it right to return such a bright young child to a place where high-risk entities roamed freely?

Could her decision determine the fate of this child?

Troubled thoughts led Elena to sigh deeply.

From her tactical bag, she pulled out a tablet streaming live CCTV footage showing the temporary holding area of the rescued girl.

The image displayed the sleeping girl still using IF-098 ‘Tsuchinoko’ as a pillow.

‘Does she not run away? I knew she was docile, but this is surprising.’

Elena thought, considering how harmless Tsuchinoko would seem if only it lacked venom.

Then suddenly, the girl jolted awake.

Compared to her previous state of unconsciousness, her recovery seemed remarkably quick.

Appearing confused, as if unsure of her surroundings.

‘Waving her hands in the air… picking something up… feeding it to IF-098. What is she doing?’

Perhaps she had suffered a minor head injury on-site.

Elena stood up.

“Where are you going?”

“To see the survivor. She seems to have woken up, so we need to conduct an identity check and send her back…”

Though her words trailed off slightly due to her complex thoughts, her teammate didn’t notice and readily agreed.

“Then I’ll go. This kind of task usually falls under my responsibility anyway.”

“David, do you really plan to show your scarred face, reminiscent of a 0.8-grade werewolf, to a frightened child? You’re planning to knock her out again?”

“Hey, don’t say such hurtful things!”

“True. Looking at everyone’s faces, Elena is probably the only suitable person here.”

“Everyone, quiet.”

Elena paused, checking the CCTV screen.

“…I’ll have to wait a moment.”

Elena stopped abruptly in front of the door.

The girl on the screen appeared to be reacting intensely to something invisible.

Elena understood immediately—it was likely IF-401-1 or -2, ghost-like entities with non-material bodies that couldn’t be captured on camera.

It was natural that on the CCTV, the girl looked like she was staring into empty space and nodding her head.

Since they were conversing, it was better to wait.

Oddly enough…

What was more peculiar was seeing the girl cuddling and petting IF-098 ‘Tsuchinoko.’

‘Didn’t I hear that 098 is notoriously timid and doesn’t like human contact? Maybe there’s significant individual variation? Still, it looks dangerous.’

Elena anxiously watched as expected trouble ensued.

As suspected, the girl attempted to snatch food from Tsuchinoko’s mouth and ended up bitten on the wrist.

Tsuchinoko was undoubtedly a venomous snake, capable of killing a human.

“Damn it, I knew this would happen…!”

Ignoring her teammates’ gazes, Elena rushed down the corridor.

Her hurried figure disappeared down the hallway.

Meanwhile…

“Why is she rushing off again? Didn’t she just say she’d wait?”

“And when are we supposed to launch this mission anyway?”

“Now that you mention it, that does seem odd. Should I ask again?”

The idle chatter among ‘Marizan Ballerina’ continued endlessly.

---

Beyond the wall, a woman in a black jacket approached with a serious expression.

But there was no time to worry about that.

Tonton-i had bitten my wrist and wouldn’t let go!

‘Distraction. Forbidden. Focus!’

Oh dear, how frightening.

Hmm. She’s upset now. What should I do?

I sent a telepathic message apologizing, promising never to do it again and asking her to release me.

‘Lie. Progenitor. Bad.’

Huh?

How did she know it was a lie?

I thought she was a creature filled with positive vibes, but apparently, she’s more perceptive than that.

Hmm. At this rate, I’ll collapse from exhaustion before she forgives me.

No choice. Time to use ‘that.’

Do I really annoy her that much?

Upon sending this telepathic message, Tonton-i’s eyes flickered briefly, then returned resolutely.

‘…No. Not hate. But bad, yes.’

So, I’m bad but not hated. Very pure of you, Tonton-i.

This should work then.

It failed with Sajejang but succeeded well with Shimcheong. Hehe.

I put on a pitiful face and sent a desperate telepathic plea.

Please don’t hate me, I’m unworthy—not of God, but of the Progenitor.

Pretending to wipe tears with my free hand.

Her biting strength weakened.

As expected.

‘Hate. No! Negative! Negative!’

Taking advantage of the situation, I added to her urgent telepathic messages.

Is negative a bad thing?

A life without affirmation is useless. Don’t look for someone like me anymore.

With a tear rolling down my eye, I conveyed this message.

Then, snap!

She released me immediately!

Hehe.

‘Progenitor. Life. Useful! Positive! Positive!’

Tonton-i came closer and rubbed her face against my hand.

Hmm.

I wonder what would happen if I pretended the bitten spot hurts now.

Should I try it?

…Nah. No need.

My goal has already been achieved.

Wiping away the fake tear at the corner of my eye, I smiled, pretending everything was fine.

As I stroked her plump body, Tonton-i relaxed, smiling innocently as if nothing happened.

Hehe. Silly Tonton-i.

Because of what I said earlier, it’ll be harder for her to refuse next time I suggest lying down with her.

I smiled and picked her up.

At that moment—

–Bang!

“Finally, here it is…! The antidote for Tsuchinoko’s poison!”

The woman in black, who was behind the wall earlier, burst through the door.

What?

Isn’t someone in black usually a janitor? Why is the janitor barging in now…?

No.

I was about to create a grand impression on Tonton-i, making this moment memorable!

And now, Tonton-i is already squealing and hiding deep in my arms.

How could this happen?

My grand plan has been ruined in an instant!

Sniffle sniffle.

“Excuse me, why are you hugging Tsuchinoko again?! No, this isn’t the time. Arm. Please extend your arm. It will sting a bit, but it’s absolutely safe, so don’t worry.”

So… it seems like some mysterious offering again.

It smells like processed venom or something similar.

More mercury?

I’m fine, but you humans would die if you consumed that stuff. Why keep bringing such dangerous things claiming they’re beneficial?

…Never mind.

Do whatever you want.

In my pajamas, with my permission, you can do anything with that needle, so go ahead.

Sigh.

With my grand plan shattered and my energy drained instantly, I obediently extended my arm…

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