I wake up from my slumber, still trapped in the form of a dragon.
The emptiness persists upon waking.
As a dragon now, I understand the importance of intelligence for survival. I won't meet the same fate as the previous dragons who fell to the hands of cryptozoologists, mad scientists, hunters, or military personnel. I refuse to become a spectacle in a zoo or a mere specimen in a laboratory.
My small laboratory is where I delve into research on aerospace and industrial materials; this will serve me well.
Immediate threats loom:
Tranquilizer darts designed for rhinoceroses, elephants, and crocodiles.
High-caliber perforating ammunition (caliber 0.50).
Electrified steel nets.
Helicopters and reconnaissance aircraft equipped with thermal cameras and radar for tracking fugitives.
Elephant tasers.
Tear gas and soporific gases.
Contemplating the needles and projectiles brings discomfort.
Some of my scales have been shed during my sleep. These fragments will serve as test samples.
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After numerous experiments (traction devices, military and space material assessments), I conclude that my scales render me akin to a flying tank, though an outdated version. They boast resistance to heat, impact, and abrasion, while maintaining flexibility.
However, the chink in my armor is revealed: a sharp carbide needle could exploit gaps between scales, puncture the skin, and deliver poison or paralytic agents. A disheartening realization, indeed.
A seemingly absurd but potentially useful test follows: I construct a small-scale radar model using Arduino and optics for automated targeting.
Miraculously, the radar effectively detects the scales. An idea crystallizes—could I channel mana to manipulate which scales absorb metal? An intriguing prospect for the future.
Exploring silver's interaction with dragon physiology leads to painful experimentation. The historical context of silver's use to detect and neutralize poisons is fascinating.
My journey into material exploration continues, culminating in a composite alloy of babbit and molybdenum, apt for my scales.
An odd venture includes ingesting nanometric aluminum mixed with a mana-filled liquid. The outcome: an explosive reaction akin to advanced military explosives.
Combining babbit and molybdenum alloys creates a distinctive pink metal. The alloy melds with my scales, promising enhanced strength.
Interrupted by a neighbor, I hastily retreat into the shadows, my dragon form concealed.
Subsequent events bring familial concerns to the forefront. The voicemails from my wife and children reflect their unease, especially in light of my sudden absence and the puzzling phenomena they've witnessed.