Chapter 5: The Path of Power
> What am I supposed to do now… six kids.
I could barely take care of four, and now there are six — and they're dragon children!
If people find out, we're doomed.
I have to be more careful from now on.
They're still small, but when they grow up, their powers will awaken.
If I don't get stronger soon, I won't be able to protect them.
I need to find a way to increase my power…
---
System:
> "You can increase your strength by completing missions."
Me:
> "Missions? What kind of missions? Will they really make me stronger?"
System:
> "Of course. Depending on how difficult the mission is, your power will grow.
You could even rise to the level of a Divine Being."
> "A Divine Being…? That's insane.
What do I have to do?"
System:
> "First Mission — Physical Enhancement:
Strength – 1200
Speed – 1200
Endurance – 1200
Intelligence – 1200
Duration: 7 days."
> "Seven days?! That's way too short! Can't you extend the time?"
System:
> "This is a world-level beginner mission.
You are currently far below that level."
> "Fine. I'll do it. But how am I supposed to complete it?"
System:
> "You'll be transferred to a special battle field — a space outside your world.
One hour there equals one day here.
You must survive for 7 hours."
> "Wait, what? Survive?! What does that mean?!"
System:
> "Mission starting."
> "Hold on—EEEEHHHH!?"
---
When I opened my eyes, I was standing in a strange, silent wasteland.
The ground trembled… and then came the monsters.
> "Where am I…? My kids are still asleep back home…
And I'm here fighting for my life?"
System:
> "Survival time: 7 days."
> "Damn you, system! You could've told me earlier!"
System:
> "Good luck."
> "Good luck!? You better give me a weapon!"
System:
> "Defeat monsters to earn points and purchase weapons."
> "Fine! I'll show you what I can do!"
---
I picked up a rock from the ground.
There — a weak-looking monster.
I threw the rock with all my strength.
> "Did that… kill it? No? Then— DIE! DIE! DIE—
Ahhh! Finally!"
System:
> "Level up. 50 points awarded."
---
Three days passed.
Fighting, bleeding, surviving.
No rest.
Each battle made me stronger.
> "None of you will survive…
I'll fight until my children grow up!
Until they have families of their own!
I won't stop! COME ON, MONSTERS!!!"
---
System:
> "Congratulations. Mission completed."
> "Send me back. Now."
System:
> "Would you like to continue with the next missions?"
> "Of course. One day, I'll become strong enough to destroy even you."
System:
> "We'll see."
---
When I opened my eyes again, I was home.
The sun was rising.
> "Alright… time to make breakfast for the kids."
As I reached for the door, it came off the hinges.
> "What the— how strong am I now?"
System:
> "Status:
Strength – 2000
Speed – 2500
Endurance – 4000
Intelligence – 2000
Current level: Equal to a High Knight."
> "Stronger than expected, huh…"
System:
> "Indeed. You are now capable of fighting a High Knight one-on-one.
With more effort, you may surpass both Heroes and Demon Kings."
> "Then I'll keep going until I do."
---
Morning light filled the room.
The dragon kids stirred awake.
> "Father! Father! Pick me up!"
> "Alright, one at a time! First your brothers and sisters, then you two."
Inside, I thought to myself:
> "Dragon children really grow fast…
They already look like five-year-olds.
Vampires' children grow like humans —
But dragons… they evolve much quicker."
> "Alright, come on kids, let's eat."
> "I still haven't given you names, have I?
How about… Victor and Kira?"
> "I like it, Father!"
> "Good. Now let's eat — tomorrow, we begin training.
You'll learn to control your power."