"This is just a term. The powerful body of dragons has always been pursued by people, and some have even devised methods to occupy a dragon's body," the little girl said calmly, sitting on Zephyr's claw, recounting events Zephyr could never have known in this world.

"Some people worked together on related research and succeeded. Dragon souls are exceptionally strong and possess unique traits specific to dragons, making it difficult to occupy their bodies."

"However, young dragons are different. Their soul strength is much weaker compared to adult dragons, so with certain techniques, their souls can be erased. Thus, there were many instances where young dragons were secretly captured."

"When this was exposed, it enraged the dragons, leading to ruthless retaliation against anyone involved. Even when they united to fight back, the result was still total annihilation."

"Toward the end of the incident, some who had occupied dragon bodies tried to hide among the dragons to escape persecution. However, even with secret techniques to occupy a dragon's body, their souls remained vastly different from true dragons."

"These differences could be resolved through various secret arts, but one thing couldn't be avoided: the dragon aura. It's not just linked to the dragon's body but more so to its soul. Without a high degree of compatibility between soul and body, dragon aura cannot manifest."

"Even if some cursed dragons used special treasures to gain a disguised dragon aura, the compatibility between soul and body couldn't be faked, and certain investigative methods could reveal them."

"... Like the dream I had?" Zephyr's lips twitched slightly. Though the little girl's account glossed over many details, she emphasized the dragon race's attitude towards cursed dragons: no mercy!

"If not, there wouldn't have been complete annihilation."

"One way... entering your dream was very difficult." The little girl looked up at Zephyr. "Also, unlike cursed dragons, you have an extremely perfect fit with this body, so unless it's a spell that traces the essence of the soul, you can basically ignore it."

"So, if I find something to give me a disguised dragon aura... I'll be fine?"

Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

"The dragon race has collected almost all related treasures," the little girl glanced at Zephyr, delivering a rather despairing fact, "So your identity is easily exposed. They hold absolute hatred for cursed dragons. Even if you try to avoid combat to hide your lack of dragon aura, any suspicion will lead to relentless pursuit."

"And your problem is bigger." The little girl's crimson eyes fixed on Zephyr, "The origin of your soul—I've visited many planes, yet none have anything resembling what's in your dream. Does your soul belong to this world?"

"..." Damn, he felt like he was about to die! Zephyr stared silently at the little girl, feeling as if he'd been doused with ice water. What did time travelers fear most?

Being exposed before becoming strong enough!

Not only was he exposed, but it was in this world, seemingly in front of a powerful 'pseudo-loli' who knew a lot.

"Not considering your identity as a cursed dragon, merely being a suspected outsider soul, even if you're weak, it's enough for many powerful beings to extract all your knowledge."

"Including you?"

"My pursuits aren't in knowledge." The little girl glanced at Zephyr, not continuing the topic that made him feel increasingly hopeless, "In short, I really like you, so stay by my side."

"Do I have a choice?"

"No." The little girl replied bluntly.

"I'm Zephyr, uh, surname first, given name last." Considering the cultural style of this world, Zephyr added an explanation.

"Loris... no surname." The little girl tasted Zephyr's name and said lightly.

No surname... Alright, perhaps the little girl belonged to some unique existence, making surnames unnecessary. Being told she liked him by a pseudo-loli—what kind of feeling was this?

Thinking back to before his time travel and comparing it to now, it seemed going out more often could indeed help with relationships with women?

Though his current 'relationships' were peculiar and fraught with misfortune.

"For now, live here. During this time, I'll teach you some things." Loris patted Zephyr's claw, "Your soul is special, perfectly fitting this body, so you need to cooperate with me on some experiments, which will benefit you."

"Still something I can't refuse?" Experiments... if they were experiments involving lab rats or studies, most people could accept them, but if the subject was oneself, resistance would naturally arise.

"It's for your own good." Loris jumped off Zephyr's claw and returned to her sleeping spot, pulling his wing over herself like a blanket, "I'm going to sleep."

"... Okay." With many lingering doubts, Zephyr shook his head and rested it on his claws again. Unlike Loris, he couldn't calm down with so many worries—he couldn't sleep!

He didn't know if it was because there were too many holes in his story or if Loris was just too powerful, seeing through everything about him. There might be much she didn't understand, but those unknowns were based on the knowledge of his alien soul.

Moreover, recent experiences showed that possessing a dragon body didn't mean others would ignore him if he didn't want to hurt them, even if he became stronger in the future.

Facing stronger enemies, while he might win, the chances of exposing himself as a cursed dragon would skyrocket. Zephyr didn't know if there were any other cursed dragons in this world.

A bird that sticks its head out gets shot. After exposure, not only would humans target him, but the dragons would relentlessly hunt him... life would be unbearable!

Thinking about this, his head throbbed. As a pacifist, wouldn't it be better to sit down and chat and play games? Fighting was too violent.

This world was truly dangerous. If only there was a way back to his original world... With such thoughts, Zephyr's eyelids gradually drooped. He would take things one step at a time from now on.

For now, his experience wasn't bad, having a particularly cute pseudo-loli as a teacher...