"The reconnaissance squad sent to investigate is suspected to have been completely wiped out..."

"The supporting city defense forces suffered over ninety percent casualties..."

A strange conversation roused Rayelle from her drowsy haze.

Ugh... so noisy...

Are we having guests at home?

Rayelle rubbed her sleepy eyes, crawled to a crack leaking faint light, and blinked out curiously.

!?

One glance shattered her sleepiness entirely.

Panic replaced it.

Where am I?

Before Rayelle lay a conference room blending modern and retro-fantasy styles.

Pure white lime walls held intricate, oversized banners.

Ethereal lanterns floated mid-air, glowing with spectral hues.

A monochrome metal table displayed pale yellow scrolls, metallic swords, and crystal-studded staves.

She was curled inside a luggage pile stacked in the corner.

As awareness returned, memories flooded back.

Rayelle recalled: she’d transmigrated.

After two all-nighters led to instant death, she’d crossed into a game—as Rigmore, a villainous evil dragon!

Rayelle was her self-given name.

As an enemy of the game’s protagonist—Hero Aileen—this dragon schemed in shadows.

She teased and pranked Aileen constantly.

Like giving her a "powerful" greatsword that turned into a rubber duck mid-fight.

Or selling devil pepper candies disguised as sweet treats.

Or directing her to a tentacle-monster cave when she sought safe rest.

Thus, Rigmore met a brutal end at Aileen’s hands in the story’s finale.

Just remembering that gruesome scene made Rayelle shiver violently.

Then, Rayelle noticed something.

The girl seated at the table looked uncannily like Hero Aileen... no, it *was* her!?

While Rayelle froze, Aileen raised a hand, cutting off the man’s report.

"...forest fires displaced thousands... huh?"

His voice died abruptly.

Like everyone else, he silently stared at Aileen.

Waist-length silver-white hair cascaded like a galaxy. Her childlike face held resolve far beyond her years.

Her petite, upright frame radiated awe-inspiring charisma—impossible to look away from.

She was the current Hero Aileen, known to all present.

"Lady Aileen?"

Amid expectant and curious gazes, Aileen stood.

"Commander, what caused this? Demons? Evil gods?"

The commander shook his head slightly.

"No. It’s said to be the revived evil dragon, Rigmore."

"What!?"

Gasps of shock rippled through the room. Most faces twisted with deep fear.

Even Aileen’s brow furrowed.

"Rigmore, the legendary Abyssal Dragon King, ended the Third Era and wiped out over a million humans. The previous Hero sealed him."

With each feat Aileen recited, the room’s tension thickened.

"So it’s Rigmore... they say he exterminated entire races. Even the mightiest empire lost most of its lands to him."

"A being even sages feared. His power could shatter the world."

"Ancient races united just to seal him—not kill him."

"We’re doomed! What now? If he’s back, are we finished?"

"Should we seek the elves for an alliance?"

Listening to the anxious chatter, Aileen slammed her sword sheath on the table.

The sharp crack silenced the room instantly.

All eyes snapped to her.

"Though Rigmore’s power is terrifying and his nature vile, a newly revived dragon isn’t at full strength."

Aileen swept her gaze over them, slowly drawing her sword.

"Per the commander, she fled. But if she dares attack, I’ll crush her."

The pale golden blade emitted sacred, majestic light. Everyone stared, murmuring in awe.

"Holy Sword Gungnir!"

"So the Hero brought it!"

"They say this sword cripples the Dragon King!"

"Fantastic! With Hero Aileen here, that evil dragon’s nothing to fear!"

The oppressive mood lifted into cheerful relief.

Even the grim-faced commander visibly relaxed.

"Good, Hero. Your confidence reassures us."

"As the Hero, you’ll slay him!"

"If he attacks Bonn City, we’ll spare no effort to help you crush that vile Abyssal Dragon King!"

Aileen nodded silently, glancing at the sword’s faint glow, her eyes flickering.

Meanwhile, unnoticed in the corner.

Rayelle sat petrified, body rigid as stone.

They... are talking about *me*!?

Oh no—I’m in the enemy’s stronghold!?

Unlike the room’s cheer, Rayelle’s eyes brimmed with despair.

Badly injured, she’d hidden in a passing carriage.

Turns out, it was Hero Aileen’s luggage!?

Just recalling Rigmore’s death made Rayelle shudder.

Though no one would believe it.

This white-haired girl curled in luggage, sneaking Aileen’s rations, was the feared Abyssal Dragon King—Rigmore.

Just a juvenile version.

Rayelle decided: avoid contact at all costs.

If she triggered Aileen’s dark side, she’d be doomed.

She peeked out stealthily, scanning guards for escape routes.

After a moment, she concluded: no chance.

Too many people. Packed tight.

Her injuries slowed her. Better wait for the meeting to end.

If she avoided Aileen and didn’t meddle like the original timeline, she could escape her fate.

Phew. Time to rest and recover.

Just as Rayelle relaxed and sat down, her foot stepped on a smooth glass bottle.

!?

Oh no.

That was her last thought.

The next second, she plopped down, colliding hard with the bottle.

Luggage collapsed like dominoes, crashing loudly.

"...you mobilize the troops... huh?"

The commander’s voice cut off.

The noise drew every gaze in the room.

Including Aileen’s.