-Afternoon. Nefiru's POV-

The giant tiger pushed the stones aside clearing the way before pulling through a shabby-looking carriage with semi-elliptical spring suspension and hard rubber tires making little noise. The black and white beast looked at the thirteen corpses scattered around me and started licking its mouth while advancing towards the closest group of men wearing shady attires.

Oh! The assassins were behind the group I fired the coil gun at... I stare at the three further away corpses with large holes in their torso. That attack was super effective, but I don't see the steel rods...must be lodged in them. I conjecture watching the large creature park the stagecoach sideways in the street while staying on my right.

The door opens revealing fancy red insides with two white-blue haired women while the one on the left appears to be an attendant. Then, the woman in the shining blue Dress with bell sleeves and expensive jewelry beckoned the man carrying Shaila over. The water magician with long blue hair and clothes of the same color passed the girl with smooth mannerism to the servant on the left and retreated outside to stand guard. 

So fucking chivalrous... I retorted watching from ten meters away.

The young woman lays Shaila on the seat with the feet outside and face down on her lap before removing the tattered bloodied dress with a knife and throwing it outside. Once uncovered, bruises and cuts appeared all over Shaila's pale skin and over twenty severe wounds still bleeding on her back that brings her closer to death with every passing minute.

...It looks really bad...not even her butt was spared! But at least the bracelet protected her neck... I reviewed.

I approach worriedly with intentions to assist with what little magic I've recovered, but Alphonse walked in front stopping me and gazed at him waiting for answers while my tail slumps on the wet pavement.

"Truth be told...I wasn't sure since poisonous gases affected my vision...on top of the things on my mind..." The former spy in tattered clothes complained.

Yeah... Not only did they hid this plot well which is a failure for the spies, but targetted them... I affirmed.

"So, they are the Bidlakes, and their family beast is Kaido." He introduced pointing with his right thumb. "Rigel is the high rank, and the pompous woman inside is Eleonor." The darkness user revealed.

I look into the carriage and take a better look at the woman watching the progress waving a decorated paper fan.

That's Eleonor? I couldn't tell...there is a resemblance but--Nope! That thing isn't a mother... Without saying anything or show interest in helping with the healing...she didn't even touch Shaila! Just like supervising a food stand without any expectation... I scowled at the bad parent.

I shake my head frustrated when a tail is noisily moving under the long shafts of the carriage caught my attention and turned to the tiger three meters on my right before sending a probe.

"GWRROAR!" The rank 6 beast growled back bothered.

Heh~ You have quite the pride for a horse replacement... I ridiculed.

"HRUFF!" I scoffed at him noticing Rigel's gaze on the left.

"Trouble Dragon...don't pick a fight." Alphonse rebuked and turned to the tiger. "Kaido, Blue here is just excited to see another beast." He informed.

The tiger looked at me and nodded before sniffing which I reciprocated as it seemed like some kind of recognition and needed to keep track of their scent anyway.

Still, their timing and early arrival...or is it late? That's not the reported carriage, so it might be the reason for the delay. I realized recalling the reports excluding the magical beast. The tiger could've used magic to fool the spies, making possible the preparations for a stage to take Shaila away without rising objections while also giving it a shot with mercenaries from the shadows. How needlessly crafty considering our side wouldn't resist. Argh! Shaila was put in harm's way for nothing! I analyzed swallowing my anger.

I hear men approaching from behind me and stretch my neck looking back. Lester is coming neatly dressed in a blue suit with four guards showing somber expressions as they observe the twenty corpses and body parts littering the bloody street for half a block.

I know... Yet another massacre on this street... I recalled previous cases of blood spilled in the plaza.

"Are you okay?" The brother asked reaching Liana.

"Yeah, my forearm broke, and wrist dislocated struggling to get free..." Liana revealed getting up. "Fffshhh..." She breathed through her teeth enduring. "Kind of regret it though...it's painful and really uncomfortable." The blond woman lamented holding her left arm closer to the body.

*Chik! Puic! Shk. Shk.* They walked closer over the spilled blood avoiding the bleeding corpses.

"Dragon... " Lester calls out to me. "You had fun killing and wrecking things..." He remarked with an angry tone arriving on my left.

"GRR." I growled throwing an icy glare.

Fuck off! I grumbled annoyed at the attitude.

"Sir Lester, the Dragon merely did his job protecting the Miss." Alphonse pointed out.

"Pfff!" Shaila's mother scoffed.

"He didn't break the houses running away." Liana clarified with sarcasm.

"Tch. What a mess to clean though." The nobleman clicked his tongue admitting.

"Alphonse's knife was a life's saver too..." The blond woman offers her gratitude.

"I'm glad. Most are gone... I lost much today... I need a drink." Alphonse announced gloomily.

"Where's Shaila?" Lester asked after looking around and unable to find the girl on my back.

I point my head where the healer stopped most of the bleeding on the girl and is carefully wiping her with wet clothes. The blond-haired Noble noticed the bloodied pads being disposed and traced their origin.

"Wah-!? SHAILA!!" The worried brother rushes over and is promptly stopped by Rigel.

"Please refrain from seeing a nude girl." The blue-haired magician admonished.

The guards go away towards the plaza, and Liana stares from my left as if asking to follow suit while Lester turns around with veins popping on his neck.

"HOW could you let this happen?!" He demanded looking at my head over Alphonse.

Ha? Like I can predict the future! I objected concentrating on recovery. Although it is not possible to control every fight since even luck plays a part in the outcome...I was unexpectedly forced to watch Shaila die. Admittedly, being overpowering seems more appealing now, but that's hard to achieve in a reality where there's always someone else stronger... I concluded.

"It was over thirty people! We all did everything possible here, and without the dragon, this result would be much worse." Liana rebuked glaring at her brother angered.

"Not very 'noble' to blame others without having a scratch on one's clothes," Alphonse revealed.

"Shhh!" The woman sitting in the right seat called for silence. "She'll live," Eleonor informed taking the fan off her face. "Now, stop making such unsightly racket that only disturbs the treatment." She coldly rebuked.

Ugh! Even the voice of this cliche woman is annoying. I disliked her further.

Lester separated and did a slight bow of greeting with the hand behind his back turning red from strongly gripping his fist.

"I apologize for our behavior, Mother," Lester said lowering his head. "It's good to see you again. Welcome home." He recited the lines that couldn't sound faker.

"Mhn." Eleonor nodded acknowledging. "Where's that good-for-nothing father of yours?" She asked.

"Er... Father is...on a journey of self-reflection." Lester replied peeking around the water magician.

"Uh-huh... It seems you can't handle these matters alone. Let our family take control." The noblewoman pointed out before requesting.

"Thanks for your concern, but I'm doing alright." He dismissed.

"Alright? If it weren't for us arriving, Shaila would have died by a high-rank magician losing control. And it's not a good idea getting a clumsy and tough pet like a dragon to such frail little girl." The woman insisted.

"Excuse me, Madam Eleonor," Alphonse interjected.

"Why is a mere guard joining our conversation?" She asked contemptuously.

"Pardon me. I am also Sir Lester's consultant." He replied dignified.

"Hmph! Speak then." She allowed.

"The Dragon neutralized most of the attackers, but something unexpected happened after the fight supposedly ended." He explained.

Well, even equal fighters decide the fight with mistakes and my disadvantage was just too great... Also, Shaila needs a lecture, and I should get her some other equipment from Erina... I must thank that wolf too... I affirmed before making plans.

"The Beast defeated them?" Eleonor wondered taking a better look at the street before her face contorts with disgusts. "It-it did that? W-why haven't you re-tamed that thing! Look at this barbaric scene!" The woman stuttered complaining.

"GRRR." I snarled at the woman.

"EEEK!" Elena shrieked backing away. "Protect me!" The noble ordered peeking outside.

The high-rank magician extended his magic...

"I'm sorry about his manners. ...Shaila spoils her pet too much." Lester bowed slightly saying. "Still, it might have been an accident, but Mother is right..." He said turning to me while pointing. "This is all your fault!" The blond haired person blamed me.

"Sighs... You know that's not true. Stop venting like a child." Admonished Liana.

I confirmed sufficient magic reserves, then relinquished control of the nervous system in some parts and prioritized speech with Lightning extending my neck over Alphonse.

Ughhh! The agony... I felt while concentrating.

"SHUT UP!!" I yelled in Lester's face while spitting blood and saliva.

"KYAAA!" Eleonor screamed while the others stare in surprise. "IT'S GONE VIOLENT! RIGEL! KILL IT! Kill it now!" She ordered from inside the carriage.

This abominable woman... I stare surprised at the turn of events.

The blue haired magician creates an ice spear on his left hand and shield over the right arm before taking a combat stance and quickly bound all my paws in ice.

"WAIIIIT!" Alphonse shouted holding an open palm towards Rigel. "He isn't going to attack anyone!" He explained.

"Don't be unreasonable Mother. Harming the beast will only bring you trouble!" Lester pleaded 

"Don't take their bond lightly... There's no telling what Shaila will do." Liana reasoned walking in front of my exposed chest.

However, neither of the visitors heeded as if it was their plan from the start to take me out of the picture.

"H-how could you let such a dangerous beast near my daughter?!" Eleonor argued. "I can't let her stay here anymore!" She declared.

I attempted to rid of the ice, but it was not possible with the superior control of a higher rank's magic permeating it.

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"I'll buy her another pet. Finish it!" The noblewoman commanded.

"Don't do this. You will regret it!" Alphonse said trying to take out a knife when the belt holding them froze and his legs bound.

Heh... Rigel thinks he can handle everything? I wondered after seeing his confident expression.

My body starts getting cold as the ice expands over my scales with creaking sounds, but I stayed calm and spoke once more...

"You won't be able to deal with the consequences," I said glaring at Rigel.

The blue haired man stopped and narrowed his eyes scrutinizing my expression to confirm the veracity of my words.

Well, that worked... The seed of doubt is planted... I affirmed pondering what to say next.

"...A low ranking dying creature is threatening me?" He asked with a poker face.

"I guarantee that you will all die within days." I reinforced. "Wouldn't you agree that is a good threat?" I confirmed grinning.

I stake my reputation that the Dragon speaks the truth." Alphonse supplemented.

"..." He silently ponders.

"GWROUU!" The tiger growled calling our attention.

"What is it?" Rigel asked looking to his left. "You believe him?" He inquired.The black and white beast

Kaido nodded before pointing at his nose with a paw.

Ah, he probably sniffed out Erina scent on me. I realized.

"I see..." The water magician nodded.

*Slorshhhh!* The ice turns into water and flows to the sides of the street mixing with the rest of the red liquid.

"What's happening? Why is the beast still alive?" Eleonor peeked out asking.

"My apologies. But he has troublesome allies." Rigel looked back reporting.

"Eh?! B-b-but..." The white and blue haired woman stuttered not wanting to say the rest.

But? Need to take Shaila away? I guessed.

"Fear not, woman. I won't oppose you taking Shaila. But make no mistake...I am coming with her." I declared.

Eleonor stares at me surprised for more than one reason and ponders with an agape mouth.

"A dragon so small using Magic to talk... Talent is so unfair..." Muttered the woman.

"Bah! Some help will you be." Lester spat. "Liana is going too." He announced.

"Aren't you being too unfair to him?" Liana defended.

"She's right. The Dragon may look fine, but he's using magic to endure the condition of his body." Alphonse said stepping aside.

Liana also moved out of the way to reveal my gauged chest.

"Oooh... Those injuries look severe..." Lester uttered scanning my body.

"Yeah, I'm mending my insides, and controlling the muscles, but the damage is extensive...I'm not sure how long I can hold." I described trembling from overexertion.

"Sighs... Need many healers to treat you, yet a single willing practitioner will be hard to find with all the chaos if they haven't fled town already. Even the guild building was closed." Lester explained with a cramped face.

So, these two are out of the picture... I caught the meaning looking into the vehicle. That's bad to hear since I can only do regeneration without making lifeforce. Also, the mana crystals and the people dying that helped me recover are no more, so I would have to rely entirely on my natural healing, but the circulatory system is a mess...parts of my body will rot soon. The only option is the wolves, but merely reaching the forest will be a challenge... I concluded with consternation.

"All my contacts keeping track of people are gone too..." Alphonse added.

"I'm so sorry...you could die by the time we find anyone, but...we'll search for you, I promise." The blond noble apologized lowering his head. "Arrrgh! Shaila's gonna kill me!" He groaned holding his head.

"Why are you apologizing to a lowly beast that's dying anyway?" Eleonor asked before receiving an icy glare from me. "Eeeek!" She flinched hiding inside the carriage.

"Woman, do you have any idea how ridiculous you sound? I feel ashamed for you and sorry for everyone else because there's no way anyone would like you genuinely." I blurted watching her face twist with different emotions.

"Wha-?! D-d-don't let him talk to me like that!" She complained to Rigel.

"Seriously? Please stop talking...it's shameful." I rebuked shaking my head. "Learn to be a human, okay? there's hardly anything positive about you." I advise sarcastically and stopped after Rigel glared.

"Ugh!" She sounded retreating out of view.

An awkward silence followed as Shaila continues to get treated when a guard called out.

"Sir! This one's alive!" The auramancer reported.

I twist my neck to the back and look at the coming guards carrying the unconscious blue haired man wearing light armors.

Oh? Did he get knocked unconscious? I asserted looking at the lodged sword.

*Shrrrruk!* I pulled the metallic object and threw it away. *Klang! Klingk!* I froze the wound and treated the tissue after.

Meanwhile, the two armored men held each of the magician's arms reached us, and I turned my body around slowly.

*Whap!* I bit down on the magician.

"HEY! My hands!" Complained a guard pulling his arms from inside my mouth.

"STOP!" Lester shouted.

*Glop! Glop!* I gobbled up the man up to his waist and lifted my head high up. *GULP!* I swallowed the person feeling the bulge painfully travel down my neck. *Plop!* It dropped in my stomach.

The guards were a little surprised but knowing me; they just stare in silence at their empty hands.

"...We know enough and can still get an interview with fleeting survivors." Alphonse declared.

"But eating someone alive...is just wrong." Lester shook his head with a contorted expression.

He's right...I didn't savor it, and I'll need to puke the armors if they don't dissolve. I affirmed sniffing around.

I detected the white tiger salivating while looking at me enviously when the woman in charge noticed the commotion and peeked out.

"Kaido! Don't you dare." Rebuked Eleonor.

"WUu..." The giant tiger lowered his ears lamenting.

I reach a dark-skinned woman on the left that smells nice and is still warm, then push apart the other corpses.

*Creeak! Crakkk! Riip!* I peel off the armor and clothes until the woman was completely naked.

Oh, my, what beautiful woman...like an African model... I appraised the busty corpse with long black hair and big ass, then licked her. *Chhhulp!* And delicious! I affirmed tasting the blood from the hole in her chest that broke the spine on the way out.

"I've seen enough... Let's go Kaido, Rigel." Eleonor called out to move on. "I will leave with Shaila after she recovers enough to travel far." She informed closing the door.

They drove away from the scene towards the Ragefire estate and silence pervades the street while I laid down.

"Uhh... Are you really going to eat a naked woman in the middle of town?" Lester narrowed his eyes disturbed as he said.

"Doesn't that excite you? Considering what you were..." Liana asked curiously.

Indeed... I would consider cutting off an arm to have a waifu like this at some point in the previous life, yet she was killed and now is going to feed me just like any other creature... I compared the perspectives.

"It's just meat now," I replied and proceeded to calmly enjoying my meal.

*SLURP!* I lick the legs and start chewing. *Crack! Shurlp! Gulp!* I bite and eat consuming her legs.

"Hey, mother's arrival sure was coincidental huh?" Liana remarked changing the subject.

Well, at least they shouldn't try anything else after achieving the objective. I hope they heal Shaila's scars though. I reviewed.

"Well, they were uninformed about our intentions and acted accordingly. The Bidlakes spies probably backed off because of Rigel too." The former spy analyzed.

"The Dragon should've also kept quiet, but he's too bias towards nobles and only made things worse by openly challenging nobility... We are tied down with responsibilities and expectations, so if word gets out, it will cause trouble for all of us and make me look incapable." Lester informed.

I reach the nether region of my food then bring the left paw over the half-eaten body and pierced the abdomen with a claw.

*Riiip! Clushp!* I opened up her belly and tossed the intestines. *SLUUURP!* I do a long sucking of the bloody insides before chewing where I left off. *Crunch! Crrraak! Num. Num. Num!* I continue munching up the torso.

"Ugh!" Liana shivers. "The other nobles interested in us won't let this chance pass by..." She reminded of coveters.

"Yes, but one thing at a time." Lester prioritized.

"The news about our young dragon massacring ranked people are already spreading, and many will eventually become aware of his hidden potential. There's no telling who may come after him or from where." Alphonse revealed the disturbing news that made me stop eating.

Complete exposure huh? I realize preparing to speak.

"It doesn't feel good being cornered like this," Liana said with an ugly expression.

"You only realized that now, but there's always danger everywhere...you either get unlucky or find how to deal with it. So, do that." I encouraged facing her up close.

"...Maybe marrying someone." Liana muttered.

"This mess gets bigger and bigger, but we should clean here first," Lester commented before turning to the guards. "Carry everything useless to the crematory like usual and keep their valuables, but hand me any document or evidence you find." He commanded the four guards present who nodded and got to work. "Liana, stay with Shaila just in case..." The blond haired man directed.

"Yeah, maybe I can get some heal too." The blond woman replied fixing her arm in place. "HNNGH!!--GAHH!" She uttered clenching her teeth to lodge the bones and joints back into position. "Hahh..." She panted bending down.

"Alphonse! I want all guild employees dead...including their families. I'll bear the responsibility." The blond young man declared. "This dumb dragon is dying after fighting against odds. It's the least I can do." He announced and exhaled deeply.

"Technically, they just processed a legal request to subjugate an unregistered dragon, but I'll hunt them ALL down after I'm able..." The black-haired man said emitting killing intent.

Yikes! Feels like he won't spare children... I conjectured.

"Nah, don't kill excessively." I denied receiving an inquisitive glare from Lester. "They are no use dead, and we lack personnel. So, have the earth magicians who survived the raid build an underground prison and round up anyone who stepped out of line for some projects." I proposed.

"I'll try to keep cooperative ones alive. However, I'm torturing to death those directly responsible." Alphonse replied with a vicious glint in his eyes.

I nodded at his compromise.

"Mm-hmm... But what about you?" Lester inquired.

"I'm leaving after I'm done eating. The wolves have healers but will take me time to recover. So, I'll need you to stall that woman as long as possible here." I replied with a request.

"Of course, but try to visit soon." He nodded affirming. "Sadly we can't help you get through the forest," Lester said apologetically.

"Yeah... Anyway, have Meruna cook some slabs of meat laying on the street that some idiot cut from my chest and collect the scales. Shaila wanted to eat a piece of me, and she probably won't like anyone else getting my scales." I instructed.

"I guess that's up to me then. I'll assess the damages and talk with the affected after." Lester accepted.

I finish eating the auramancer woman and lick my mouth clean.

"You sure enjoyed that." Liana retorted.

"Yep! Now onto another woman..." I thought when a movement in stomach caught my attention.

"Puahh!... Where!? Where am I?!!" A voice came from my stomach.

Hoh? Water magician won't drown as long as they have magic, huh? Well, that's why I swallowed you. I affirmed before speaking to the man in my stomach.

"Welcome to Nefiru's personal space. How may I help you?" I presented and asked.

"Let me out of here! I can't breathe!" The blue haired person with a ponytail demanded protecting himself with water magic.

"I know what you are going through, but please remain calm. You are indeed coming out." I announced.

"Really?" He asked confirmation.

"Of course. After digestion." I replied using all remaining lightning elementals to electrocute his brain.

"NOO!--GYAAA!!" He screamed loudly enough to feel it in my throat before falling into the stomach acid.

Oh crap...overdid it with lightning! I noticed the reserves critical once more feeling my body trembling harder and breathing sped up.

"Dumb Dragon! You had to go and eat him alive!" Lester admonished.

Ugh! I managed to cover 10% mana and water elementals though. Just enough to cover my muscles, stop bleedings and maybe make it to the forest while replenishing lightning on the way. I assert getting up and start limping away towards the plaza with Liana on my left.

They all get to work on their tasks and I slowly walk on the street leaving a blood trail as pedestrians avoid me when the orphan boy who ran into us earlier called.

"Psst! Psst! Mr. Dragon." He waved from an alley on the right.

I walk up to the boy with Liana in tow.

"The noble's maid is being held inside a house." The kid informed.

"Hilda!" The blond woman realized.

"Shh. Quietly come this way please." He beckoned.

I nodded and followed into an alley that my body barely fit and reach what should be their leader.

"In here..." The older boy pointed towards a shabby house.

I probed inside and immediately busted through a window while opening my mouth.

*Crash! Gash! Thud!* I bit the person inside on his chest and dragged him out.

"AHHH!" A naked old man screamed while struggling in my maw. "Hahaha!--Urrrgh!" He started laughing before my fangs pierced deeply and killed him.

Disgusting... A person who tortures and rapes others is worse than assassins... I noticed what happened to the two lovers on their date.

*Gulp!* I swallowed the old man while Liana rushes inside to rescue Hilda.

"That's the only one...you might get indigestion though." The leader said. "Name's Joey." He introduced himself. "The one who tried to con you is Lium, the girl is Mila, and the one with a thing for tails is Saum." Joey presented the rest.

*Pama!* The girl from earlier latched onto the same hind leg. "Dragon!" She said looking at me.

"We heard what happened and saw a bit of the fight...like how you used the tail!" Saum said looking behind me.

"It was manificent!" Mila praised.

"Can we keep the valuables?" Lium shamelessly asked.

Cheeky brats! I though petting his head with a paw while others started coming out of holes and invaded the house. Woah? An orphan army? I observed a dozen kids carryings thing out of the house.

Liana comes out of the house shouldering the naked Hilda showing bruises and dripping fluids which confirms what happened to her before she looks at me with a deadpan expression. I used water magic and cleaned her body, then look at Joey on my right.

"Here." He hands over a dark brown blanket to cover the girl. "Will you be okay?" The boy asked me pulling the little girl.

I nodded and walked away.

Moments later, we reach the gate leading to the estate while my body temperature lowers and shaking increases along with the hunger, but there are three human bodies in my stomach to satisfy such urges.

*Smack!* Liana slapped my rear. "Don't die, you big lizard." She said as we part ways.

I slowly walk on the large expanse of grass downwind towards the forest with every bit of strength and willpower to stay awake, but my vision starts blacking out by the time I reach the treeline.

Somebody...anybody...I need help...can't hold on anymore...body falling apart...sooner than expected. I affirmed wondering if my siblings are sleeping.

"GHUAAAAAHHH!" I roared with every bit of strength hoping for help. "HUFF! Huff! huff!" I continue pushing my worn out body forward with magic while wobbling and consciousness become hazy. 

*Basha! Brrushh!* I move through the bushes searching for the road north.

"Yo!" An armored man called out coming out behind a tree. "We've been waiting..." He said walking in front to block my path.

*Klank! Klash! Zatsu!* Several other men come out behind trees holding steel shields and wearing heavy armors with grins on their faces.

Who? I question the unknown men.

"Hehehe. What did I tell you? It was worth waiting so many days!" A darkness user said laughing.

Oh no... Opportunists! Not the help...I wanted... I retorted frustrated for being cornered by low rankers.

"We waited a looooong time for this! Kekeke!" A man holding a large hammer approached from the side laughing.

My legs sink into the ground controlled by earth magicians while men holding nets and ropes appear behind the armored soldiers.

No--NOOO! I cry out in dismay before the burly man assaulted my head with a hammer.

*BANGG!* The impact on my head robbed the last strength to stand. *THUMP!* I fell down slowly blacking out.

"Pull out the arrows out and stitch the wounds to stop the bleeding...camouflage to transport through the woods...avoid roads or contact with towns." The leader instructed.

"What if it dies...? It looks bad...even for a dragon." Someone pointed out.

"We'll sell the meat..." He replied.

I hear the people speaking while consciousness fades away...