Chapter 31: Hatching

At that very moment—

I was witnessing a magnificent birth.

KWAHHHH!

A brilliant five-colored light began to burst forth from Dania’s egg.

「<Dragon Egg> has begun to hatch.」

A message floated before my eyes.

‘Finally!’

A storm of emotions, anticipation, excitement, awe, rushed through me all at once.

[Ku-gugugugu…]

Suddenly, the mana in the atmosphere seemed to hold its breath, the world falling silentas if Dania alone existed within it radiating an overwhelming presence.

Jjeojeok, jjeojeojeok—

Hairline cracks began forming across the once-solid shell, the egg gradually beginning to tremble.

KWAHHHHHH!

Light in a rainbow of colors leaked through the cracks, dyeing the surrounding air.

The energy of red flame, the glow of blue waves, green veins brimming with life, and pure white light swirling like a gentle breeze—weaving together into a mystical pattern.

“Ahh…”

I gasped in silence at the breathtaking, majestic scene.

JJAEENG—!!!

At that instant.

A sharp sound rang out, and fragments of the eggshell exploded outward in all directions.

SSHHHH—!

Through the dispersing light, I saw Dania’s glittering eyes.

Despite its small body, it radiated an intense power, mystery itself.

Every single scale carried the force of the elements, and the aura surrounding it shimmered and pulsed like a living light.

Dania’s appearance wasn’t all that different from the image I had always envisioned.

A dragon.

A miniature embodiment of that noble and ancient race.

And yet, it also carried the unique cuteness and charm of a hatchling.

“Chu, Chuchu!”

“Popo!”

Chuchu and Popo both gasped in awe, albeit belatedly.

『Ar…keron… greets the great master…』

SCREEECH. CLICK.

Even Arkeron, who had trouble moving, knelt on one knee in reverence before the magnificent birth.

[….!]

As Dania slowly rose from within the broken shell, fragments of flame, droplets of water, sprigs of leaves, and wisps of wind gathered around it, dancing as if in celebration.

Its eyes, newly awakened, sparkled like the Milky Way.

And when they turned to look at me, they held the deep affection of a long-lost lover reunited.

[Kyuu]

A tremble ran down my spine as I let out a small, breathless exclamation.

This was a moment of greatness I knew I would never forget—a scene forever etched into memory.

「Seojoon.」

Dania.

It called my name.

Its voice held the mystical harmony of the earth’s rumble and the sky’s breeze, whispering together.

Though soft and low, it resonated deep within me imbued with the power of all elements stirring something profound in my soul.

It didn’t feel like a sound I heard with my ears, but something that reached directly into my spirit.

It carried the warmth and intimacy of a bond that transcended time and space.

“Yeah, Dania.”

I smiled softly and called Dania’s name back.

With gratitude for each other’s existence, I meant it as a blessing for the future we would share.

Surely, Dania had called my name with the same intent—

[I’m hungry. Feed me.]

—Or… it was just hungry.

……

Fair.

It did just wake up.

[Hehe. Just kidding . Thank you… for being here, Seojoon.]

Huh?

That little rascal…

Throwing a curveball at me.

As it said that, Dania flapped its tiny wings and floated into the air.

Able to fly right after birth?

As expected of a dragon.

It flew straight to me and nestled comfortably in my arms.

‘So warm.’

Despite being about the size of my torso, it radiated a deep, comforting warmth.

I’d heard lizards are cold-blooded…

But I guess dragons don’t count.

Lv 100
[Elemental Dragon]
[Dania]

Whoa.

Our Dania.

Level 100 from birth?

If my earlier thoughts are correct, it might really reach Level 500 when it matures into a full dragon.

‘But wow… seeing it up close—it’s even more beautiful.’

I stared at Dania, entranced.

Its scales shifted in color depending on the angle, shimmering like a rainbow.

It looked so mesmerizing that I found myself frozen, simply admiring it when—

FWAAAAHHHH!!!

A blinding, radiant burst of multicolored light erupted from Dania’s body as it lay in my arms.

‘Uh…!’

Before I could even react, the light surged into my body.

「You have received the blessing of the Elemental Dragon, Dania.」

「Your potential increases greatly.」

「The purity of your dragon blood rises significantly.」

「The skill <Rapid Bloom of Spirit Herb> has been added to the <Elixir Master (SSS)> trait.」

“Ah!”

A thrilling surge of energy welled up from within the body.

It brought a sense of fulfillment, as if floating above the clouds.

Paaaah!!

A brilliant five-colored radiance burst out from Dania, briefly touching Popo, Chuchu, and Arkelon before fading.

Even the <Fountain of Refined Public Healing Oil> shimmered with that same light for a while before it disappeared.

「Popo’s potential has increased.」

「Chuchu’s potential has increased.」

「Arkeron’s potential has increased.」

“Wow.”

This is just… incredible.

All of our potentials have skyrocketed.

For superhumans, potential is the most important factor.

The reason Hong Seolhwa and Aleksei could reach Level 80…

It was only possible because their potential was unlocked beyond Level 80.

If that hadn’t been the case, no matter how amazing the elixirs I gave them were, it would’ve been difficult to break through that level.

‘That’s how much potential is like a heaven-given, innate limit… and yet Dania raised it this easily?’

What are you, Dania?!

As I stared wide-eyed at Dania, blinking in disbelief—

「Kyuu~ Seojoon, your face is funny!!」

Dania giggled, covering its mouth with its small hand, eyes crinkled in amusement.

“Hah… seriously…”

Even its name wasn’t ordinary.

An Elemental Dragon, it said.

I’d never even heard of such a thing before.

Though there’s very little known about dragons, I could instinctively tell—this was no ordinary one.

A truly special kind of dragon.

“Anyway, let’s eat first. There were lots of things you wanted to eat, right?”

“Yeah! Sweet potatoes! I wanted them so badly!!”

“Chuchu!”

“Popo!”

At Dania’s words, Chuchu and Popo quickly ran off and dug up some sweet potatoes.

“Thanks, you two.”

“Chuuu~!”

“Popo!”

Aww, look at Chuchu and Popo.

They’re acting all cutesy in front of Dania.

Just like they do with me—they treat Dania the same way.

I guess they see all of us as their caretakers now.

“Try a raw bite first.”

Chomp!

I handed Dania a peeled sweet potato and it took a bite.

And then—

[Uuuuuhhh!!]

Dania let out an amazed groan.

Its eyes sparkled like stars as it quickly devoured the rest.

[This is even better than I imagined! Seojoon, give me more sweet potatoes!!]

Dania had instantly become a devout follower of sweet potatoes.

I chuckled and said,

“Hold on. This next one will be even better.”

This time, I was going to make roasted sweet potatoes.

Wrapped in Clearwater Herb and baked directly over the flame.

“Fire.”

Fwoooosh!!

The inside cooked to a perfect golden texture.

Thanks to my vastly improved mana control, adjusting fire intensity like this was now ridiculously easy.

“Here, take a bite.”

Crunch.

Dania took a bite of the roasted sweet potato right away.

「Kyuuu… this is bliss…!」

With a lovestruck expression, Dania devoured the roasted sweet potato in no time.

‘Wow…’

The roasted sweet potatoes made here in the lair are fantastic, but Dania seemed to like them especially much.

Yeah, I’ve got a feeling now.

We’re going to need to grow a lot more sweet potatoes.

“Chuchu!”

Chuchu saluted confidently, as if to say, “Leave it to me!”

That little one’s quick on the uptake—love that about it!

I gave Chuchu a pat on the head.

“All right, then. Let’s try something a little different this time.”

「Something different?」

“Chuu?”

“Popo?”

At my words, they all tilted their heads and looked at me with puzzled faces.

Hehe.

This time’s meal was something even I had been looking forward to.

I looked at Chuchu and continued speaking.

“Bring out the Nagattara meat, Sergeant Chu.”

“Chuchu!”

At my words, Chuchu immediately slipped its hand into its belly pouch.

And pulled out a slab of Nagattara meat.

It felt as fresh as if it had just been butchered.

That was the power of Chuchu’s belly pouch.

Amazingly, whatever went into Chuchu’s pouch didn’t rot or oxidize—it stayed perfectly preserved.

“Today, we’re going to grill this meat.”

Stewing Mandragora with Nagattara meat would have to wait for another time.

Why?

Because the Mandragora hadn’t even produced seeds yet.

“Fire.”

Fwoooosh!

I sparked a flame in my hand and lit the firewood.

Then I skewered the Nagattara meat and set it over the flames.

Ssshhh—

The moment it touched the fire, the surface of the meat began to glisten, and a thin stream of smoke started to rise.

That smoke, mingled with the sound of fat melting and dripping into the flames, signaled the crispy, juicy texture that was soon to come.

The scent spreading with the sound was rich and deep.

As the melted fat met the flames, a subtle charred aroma wafted up, and a savory, umami-filled scent filled the air, tickling the nose.

As the meat slowly turned golden brown, juices burst from within, pooling on the surface, and the fire responded with a sizzling ‘sizzle-sizzle’ that echoed all around.

My mouth was already watering.

I hadn’t even taken a single bite yet, but the meat’s clean yet deep flavor seemed to reach the tip of my tongue and spread through my whole body.

“Wow. This is insane.”

My stomach was in a frenzy.

It was begging me to throw a piece in right now.

[Kyuuu! What is this! The smell is heavenly!]

Dania’s eyes were already sparkling.

Of course.

She’s a dragon, after all.

I figured she’d love meat.

“Chuuu!”

“Popo.”

And as for Chuchu and Popo?

Their reactions weren’t all that enthusiastic.

These two…

So you’re vegetarians, huh.

‘Then I guess the meat’s just for Dania and me.’

What should I give to Chuchu and Popo?

‘Ah!’

A sudden idea.

Kujija Leaf Herb.

Should I try out that newly obtained <Rapid Blooming of Spirit Herb>?

The thought was brief, and the action was immediate.

‘Rapid Blooming of Spirit Herb.’

The moment I activated it on the soil where I had planted the Kujija Leaf Herb seed, the earth trembled with the pulse of life.

The ground quietly stirred as if breathing, and from where the seed had been planted, a faint light began to emerge.

The light was a warm, mystical green that made the surrounding air feel fresh and moist.

Then, in the next moment—

We witnessed a miracle.

Rustle!

A tiny sound echoed from the earth, and young shoots burst through the soil.

The sprouts gradually unfurled their leaves and began to bloom fully, drawing strength as if from deep within the earth itself, growing at an accelerating pace.

The blue-green leaves caught the light and glowed transparently, releasing a faint aroma into the air.

The scent was refreshing with a slightly bitter undertone, seeping deep into the nose like it was purifying the surroundings.

In the blink of an eye—

Seven full Kujija Leaf Herbs had grown to maturity.

Only some of the seeds had bloomed, but it was still undeniably a wondrous sight.

But then—

“Whoa… incredible.”

My voice weakened.

Pant, pant.

I was out of breath.

Why?

“Popo!”

“Chuchu!”

[Seojoon!! Drink water!]

They hurriedly brought over some Clearwater Herb leaves, and I gulped the water down.

As the cool liquid ran down my throat, my senses returned a little.

“Ah.”

And then I instinctively realized—

That <Rapid Blooming of Spirit Herb> I had just used…

Consumes a massive amount of stamina and mana.

‘I can’t use this lightly.’

As I held onto my dizzy head, I saw the worried eyes of the kids staring at me.

“I’m fine. Don’t worry.”

I exaggerated a stretch to show I was okay.

Only then did they let out a sigh of relief.

‘I need to eat that meat quickly.’

Just in time, the Nagattara meat had grilled to perfection.

“Dania and I will have the meat.”

“Chuchu and Popo, this is for you.”

Nagattara meat and Kujija Leaf Herb.

We all started eating at the same time.

‘Phew.‘

When the grilled Nagattara meat was placed in front of me, the subtle smoky aroma and deep, savory scent teased my nose.

The crispy golden-brown surface gleamed appetizingly, and beneath it, I could glimpse the juicy, tender flesh.

Crunch!

The moment I took the first bite of the Nagattara meat, I felt the crispy, crackling texture of the surface.

Inside, it was soft and overflowing with juices, melting on my tongue like butter.

“Wow!”

A gasp of awe escaped my lips from the very first bite.

The more I chewed, the deeper the umami flavor wrapped around the tip of my tongue, leaving behind a powerful taste.

Every time the meat’s juices burst in my mouth, a rich flavor rose along with a hint of sweetness, creating a perfect harmony between the charred exterior and moist interior.

A warmth spread through my whole body, leaving a nutty aftertaste in my mouth—and an irresistible desire to have just one more bite.

‘This is insane.’

「Kkkyuuuu! Seojoon!! This is way too delicious!!!」

Both Dania and I lost it.

Our eyes rolled back, and before we knew it, we had devoured every last piece of meat.

「Your level has increased.」

And as a bonus, we even leveled up.

What about Dania?

「Elemental Dragon <Dania> has leveled up! 100 → 101」

It leveled up too.

‘Damn.‘

Nagattara meat.

This stuff is amazing.

There’s plenty of it, so we’ll be able to eat well for a while.

And when it runs out?

Honestly, I’d be willing to go out and hunt it myself.

“Chuchu!”

“Popo—!”

Just then, Chuchu and Popo let out satisfied exclamations from the side.

Kujija Leaf Herb.

Looks like it suits their tastes too.

What does that taste like?

I gave them a curious look.

And—

“Chuchu!”

Chuchu plucked a leaf and brought it over to me.

I was about to taste it, wondering what it would be like, when—

「<Cherry Tomato, Lv 100> has been sold.」

「<Potato, Lv 100> has been sold.」

「<Sweet Potato, Lv 100> has been sold.」

「<Lunadria, Lv 101> has been sold.」

「<Baekyang Herb, Lv 100> has been sold.」

「Auction proceeds will be paid after deducting the 10% auction fee.」

A string of messages floated in front of my eyes.

Ah!!

Looks like all the crops I listed in the auction have sold.

I’m curious about how much they went for, but for now, I just want to try the Kujija Leaf Herb…

“Huh?”

I made a puzzled sound.

Why?

‘Some kind of alert…?’

Apparently, a post I uploaded earlier had gotten a lot of comments.

I casually checked…

“What? Something happened to Bangbaedong Gourmet?”

Totally unexpected news about the Bangbaedong Gourmet.