Choose

Why?

That question was extremely difficult.

However, one simple answer naturally presented itself.

“My Dragon Crown is defective.”

“Indeed.”

The crown floating in front of the man’s eyes was likely meant to represent Kikori’s Dragon Crown.

He doubted it had been prepared just to mock him, but… well, in a space like this, perhaps such things could happen.

“However, that answer is still incomplete.”

“Then what’s the correct answer?”

“It’s simple. Kikori, you are not a dragon. Correct?”

“Yeah. I’m human.”

“Yes, you were human. But by some coincidence, you obtained something resembling a Dragon Crown, and because of that, you shifted slightly out of alignment.”

After saying that, the man smiled at Kikori.

“Your existence, wavering on the boundary line, is extremely unpleasant. However, Kikori. That is precisely why I thought I would prepare a choice for you.”

“A choice…”

“Yes, first is the first option.”

A glowing path appeared to the man’s right. As for where it led… Kikori did not know.

“I will erase that imitation Dragon Crown, and you will return to being human. It is a precious choice… There is no one other than me who can return you to humanity.”

A glowing path appeared to the man’s left. Kikori could see that it led into blazing flames.

“You will obtain a complete Dragon Crown, and you will cease to be human. It is a painful choice. You will become the weakest dragon in the world.”

Choose, the man said.

He said he would grant either choice. He said this was the final chance.

It seemed very kind… That was how it felt.

But Kikori understood that it was not.

In practice, this was a choice with only one option… if he wished to live.

“I’ll become a dragon.”

“Are you sure? Would it not be better to return to being human? That fairy called Orphe would not hate you at this point, either.”

“Even if that’s true, if I choose humanity, I’ll die. That Great Wyvern will kill me. That’s what this means, right?”

At Kikori’s reply, the man… lightly shrugged his shoulders.

“Indeed. What a boring man. I think clinging to humanity, being torn apart, and dying in pieces would have been a fine amusement too, though.”

Both glowing paths vanished. The crown over which the man held his hand transformed into a magnificent crown shining with light.

It was on a completely different level from the shabby thing it had been moments ago.

“I believe you called yourself a Dragonewt.”

“Huh? Yeah.”

“Then from now on, you may call yourself Kikori the Dragonewt. I, and no other, permit it.”

“Permit it…? You’re not, by any chance…”

“You had a vague idea, didn’t you?”

The crown shining in the man’s hands was placed upon Kikori’s head.

“Today is your coronation, Kikori the Dragonewt. Newest and weakest of dragons. I… Dragon God Falkeros, shall watch your future with anticipation.”

In that instant, Kikori’s vision changed.

Kikori… realized that he had adapted to the tornado of mana.