And I Became a Dragonkin - 05

05. Regeneration and Transformation of the Body

With the transfer of control from Ars to Ace, significant changes occurred in the body. At the same time, as expected, the seal on the spring weakened significantly.

As the power of the sealing technique decreased, the healing of the body accelerated.

The healing of the damaged parts progressed, and the dull pain that Ace had been enduring began to fade.

As the concentration of the holy water increased, the healing of the damaged areas continued.

However, healing and recovery are different stages.

Just because a wound is healed doesn’t mean recovery is complete.

For full recovery, one must first escape from this spring.

Outside, it is necessary to intake nutrients, minerals, and vitamins from sunlight and food. 

Of course, adequate rest is also essential.

Ars predicted that even after leaving, complete recovery would take at least eight months. 

The body had been dormant for nearly two centuries, taking in minimal oxygen and nutrients from the water. It won’t return to normal so easily.

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At this moment, Ars made a request to Ace. 

He asked Ace not to introduce science, technology, or commerce from another planet.

At the same time, Ars told Ace to hide the fact that he was originally from Earth.

In the past, several reincarnated Earthlings appeared on this planet, and each time they brought calamity.

The Camiloalban Empire is a prime example of this misfortune.

The empire was founded by an Earthling reincarnated as a leader. 

This human introduced chemistry and commercial ideas. 

Consequently, it led to the creation of mass destruction weapons, wars, class systems, slavery, and other disasters among the humans, bringing calamity to this continent.

The middle region of the continent, where humans held dominance, was in a state of utter devastation.

What saved the continent and its people from this catastrophe was the “Explosive Combustion Technique” (Ekuramist) created by the superior guardians.

This technique triggers an explosion of all nitrogen-based and highly flammable substances within a radius of several kilometers. It detonates bombs, ammunition, and anything highly flammable, whether solid or liquid, wiping them out completely.

With the advent of this technique, Earth-like gunpowder weapons, heavy firearms, and large-scale destruction weapons were eradicated, putting an end to the humans’ barbaric actions. 

Excessive commercialism and the class system introduced by the humans were also reformed. 

However, the human nation (Camiloalban Empire) still retains the institution of slavery.

Nearly ten centuries ago, another human reincarnated on this planet. 

This reincarnated person was a former Earth biologist. He created a huge dark organization in the human society of the mid-western continent, where he conducted horrifying human experiments. 

The phantom race (Keiron) was born from these crossbreeding experiments.

“The sound of ‘reincarnated’ is never good on this planet,” Ars added. 

This means that neither being a reincarnated person nor being from Earth should ever be revealed.

Ace readily agreed to this request. 

The images from Ars’ memories of that time were indeed Earth-like tragedies and horrors. 

Knowing this, Ace vowed that he would not be the trigger for such events.

He decided to seal his fragmented knowledge of chemistry and not let it leak to the outside world.

Among this knowledge, his memories of pharmacology were completely sealed to prevent any impact on the planet’s ecosystem.

This planet is just beginning to recover from the tragedy of the Fifty-Year War and is slowly returning to its former state. 

However, wars between nations have not disappeared. 

Yet, thanks to the appearance of the “Explosive Combustion Technique” (Ekuramist) and long negotiations, the production of weapons of mass destruction (including gunpowder and heavy firearms) and the trade of land have become taboo in every country. 

However, within the Camiloalban Empire, the trade of land among humans is still not prohibited.

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On this continent, there are four main races: Dragonkin, Guardians, Humans, and Beastfolk. 

Additionally, there are the phantom race (Keiron), born from crossbreeding experiments between Humans and other races. 

While Humans and Beastfolk cannot use inherent magic, some Keiron can activate attack spells.

The most populous race on this planet is the Beastfolk, followed by Humans.

The relationship between these two races tends to be particularly strained.

The main reasons are the Humans’ beliefs and excessive commercialism and ideologies.

Beastfolk believe that the blessings of nature should be shared and are reluctant to alter the natural environment. 

They find the idea of land trading unacceptable. No one should monopolize the resources of mountains, seas, or rivers.

However, the commercialism, ideologies, and methods brought by Earth reincarnates took root in some Humans. 

This inevitably led to conflicts with the Beastfolk. 

Eventually, it resulted in the development of destructive weapons and invasions. 

In the central region of the continent, clashes between these two races continue to this day.

Humans, however, are broadly divided into two factions. 

There are the serious and sincere Humans, who are well-liked by other races.

But there are also many strategic, combative, and difficult Humans.

Among Humans, there is the “Moderate Faction,” who are harmonious, gentle, and revere the Dragonkin and dragons. 

The Moderate Faction is cooperative, and their relationship with the Beastfolk is relatively good.

Separately, there is the “Human-God Faction,” which considers humans as symbols of gods and faith.

They believe that humans should be the supreme beings on this planet. 

Their guiding principle is that “military and economy equal power,” and they relentlessly pursue the strengthening of these two forces.

Thus, humans are divided into the “Moderate Faction” and the “Human-God Faction.”

The internal state of each country varies greatly depending on the population ratio and power dynamics of these four races.

According to Ars, the Keiron and the Human-God Faction are the most greedy and hence the most warlike among these races.

Due to their large populations, humans or Keiron are almost always involved in conflicts. 

Moreover, relations between Keiron and humans are now at their worst.

Hearing this, Ace felt a bit guilty.

However, he also felt it was understandable and was more inclined to be exasperated by it.

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Ace and Ars began to specifically plan what to do after leaving the spring.

Ace might be targeted by external enemies as soon as he leaves.

The first priority is how to avoid that. 

At the same time, they carefully considered where and how Ace should spend the recovery period for his body.

The immediate task is to successfully escape from the spring and handle the period immediately afterward.

If that goes well, the next critical period will be the following two weeks.

These two weeks are likely to be the most challenging. 

After that, the focus will shift to the subsequent few months.

Fortunately, Ace has an exceptional talent for developing mental abilities, which even surprised Ars.

Although Ace has not yet mastered even half of his brain’s functions, he has already begun to excel in telepathy, clairvoyance, and aerial vision, skills that Ars struggled with. 

Ace can use all of these abilities at a much higher level than Ars.

It’s fair to say he is at the highest level, even by Dragonkin standards.

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While at the bottom of the spring, Ace used his high-level aerial vision to examine the surroundings of the cave. He combined this vision with clairvoyance to grasp the three-dimensional layout of the area.

“This is incredible… I couldn’t use aerial vision like this.”

“Oh, this? I just combined a few techniques. Don’t you think it’s more convenient this way?”

“Well, yeah… but combining techniques… that’s not something anyone can do easily.”

“Is that so? But I’m actually doing it.”

Ace thoroughly analyzed every part of his body, including Ars’s brain.

He detailed the activation process of Ars’s techniques and optimized them to a higher level.

Utilizing the full potential of the Dragonkin brain, he proceeded to reorganize, integrate, and further reconstruct all techniques and abilities.

(Is this even possible? Ace is now handling over twenty tasks simultaneously. I never had this kind of brainpower…)

Before long, Ace had developed the ability to investigate the situation outside the cave while still at the bottom of the spring. This information was crucial for planning their escape.

Outside the cave, heading straight forward leads to the town of Confiol. 

The town is surrounded by walls, with a gate facing the direction of the cave. 

Near this gate are five large buildings.

One building resembles a church.

Next to it is a building that seems to serve as both an office and a station. 

There is also a building that appears to be a barracks, along with a dormitory and stables. 

Ace was able to estimate the number of soldiers stationed there.

Every day at the same time, a priestess comes to the spring to worship.

Occasionally, an elderly man who seems to be a priest accompanies her. 

The worship lasts about 30 minutes. 

Afterward, the priestesses perform a purification ritual to cleanse the miasma.

Observing this routine, it seemed unlikely that the priest and priestesses would pose a threat during their escape.

Nevertheless, Ace continued to carefully investigate the surroundings and discussed the upcoming escape plan with Ars. 

During these discussions, Ace once again began to talk about ideas that astonished Ars.

“Ars, it seems that during the process of reactivating the body, I might be able to change my face and body shape a bit. Would it be okay if I made some changes?”

“Huh!? What? You mean you’re going to change my face and body shape?”

“Well, simply put, yes. I want to make it look more like the Guardians.”

Think of the Guardians’ physique and face as similar to elves. 

They are tall with long limbs, very slender, and have long ears.

The Dragonkin are a species that evolved further from the Holy Guardians. 

Their physique is somewhat similar to the Guardians but slightly more muscular. 

Their faces are not as slender as elves, and their ears are a bit shorter.

“Is that possible?”

“Probably. Now that the body is changing, it seems doable. I found a way to make the changes in the genetic information. I’m also trying to optimize brain function and physical abilities. I think this is the only time we can do this.”

Amazingly, Ace suggested that he could analyze the genetic sequence and change his own body, something only possible now that his spiritual form has taken physical form.

Hearing this, Ars spoke with a mix of astonishment and amusement.

“Ace… In this short time, you’ve developed many things I couldn’t. I’m really impressed.”

Through the analysis of genetic sequences, Ace had also begun developing his brain capabilities.

Currently, his brain had already acquired the ability to handle twenty-four parallel thoughts and multitasking.

“I’ve become quite good at exploring and analyzing the body since coming here.”

“I’ve been here longer than you, but I never even thought of doing that. No one would thoroughly examine their body and brain to squeeze out every bit of latent ability!”

“I was bored… It was just something to pass the time. Thanks to that, I got good at optimization.”

While laughing, Ars realized that Ace’s story had another purpose. 

He focused his questions accordingly.

“So, what’s your purpose in doing this?”

“I think it’s too dangerous to start moving around as Ars.”

Ars immediately understood Ace’s intention.

“You’re right… Even if we escape, it wouldn’t be good if people thought I had come back to life. It would be better to avoid that. We might get entangled in troublesome matters even if we manage to escape.”

“Exactly. So, I was thinking… let’s make it so Ars died here and I’ll become someone else.”

Ace suddenly made an unexpected proposal.

“No… I’m okay with that. I’m going to disappear soon anyway. If that’s possible, it’s the best plan. But… can you really change your body shape and appearance?”

“In reality, I can’t say for sure until I try. I’ll need to adjust the quality and density of bones and muscles, but it should be possible. I’ll simulate a Guardian-like physique and find the optimal balance.”

Hearing about Ace’s seemingly reckless attempt, Ars began to feel amused. 

As a Dragonkin, Ace could never blend in completely.

If that were the case, aiming for a Guardian-like appearance seemed like a good idea.

“Heh, haha, hahaha… So you’re going to be a Dragonkin with a Guardian look! That’s interesting. Let’s do it! But if that’s the case, you should call yourself a Half-Dragonkin (Raphil).”

“Half-Dragonkin, huh? That makes sense. That way, I can openly use Dragonkin techniques if needed. But wouldn’t it be better to still look more like a Guardian? With a Guardian-like appearance, I can move around more freely.”

“Yeah, Dragonkin are few in number and easily noticeable. And if you keep my face, you’re bound to get into trouble somewhere. There are many Guardians living in the towns, so you’ll be able to walk around freely with their appearance.”

Ars spoke with amusement.

“Are there really people who would pick a fight with a Dragonkin?”

“Normally, no. But my name is too well-known. There are fools who want to make a name for themselves by defeating me! Plus, there’s a bounty on my head from the Camiloalban Empire.”

“Then I’ll go with the Guardian-like appearance.”

“Understood. It’s better to avoid unnecessary battles and conflicts. I have no objections.”

　　　　　　　　＊

The two of them steadily prepared for that moment.

As discussed, Ace began adjusting and optimizing his appearance to resemble that of a Guardian.

Ace and Ars’s plan to escape from the spring was finally reaching its climax.