ZAP – Chapter 139: Animal Club – Part 3

◇Sumire’s POV◇

――Media Parker.

The Record Holder of the Zenith Tower, ranked 10th.

While the top nine records have remained unchanged for over a century, she was a relatively recent record-setter.

(I see, she was the head of the animal club…) (Sumire)

This great explorer, whose name is etched in history, was unexpectedly a slender, gentle-looking woman.

However, her room was quite messy.

Notebooks lay open on her desk, surrounded by numerous scribbled notes.

Countless magical books overflowed from the bookshelves, forming piles on the floor.

It was the kind of room that screamed “magic researcher”.

It reminded me of the atmosphere of the Principal’s office I often visited.

“Thanks for coming all the way out to such a remote place. Sorry for the messy room, but please make yourselves comfortable. Just be careful not to come too close to me. I was born with a curse on my body, and I’m afraid it might accidentally transfer to you.” (Media)

““‘…?!’””

We didn’t say anything aloud, but Airi-chan and I stiffened slightly at the mention of the curse.

“You don’t need to be so tense. Even if it transfers, I can exorcize it.” (Eugene)

Eugy-kun said to us nonchalantly.

“Oh, I see. It’s good to know it’s a curse that can be exorcized.” (Airi)

“What~ I thought for sure it would be a super heavy curse.” (Sumire)

Airi-chan and I said in relief.

“It’s a curse that would kill an ordinary person within a few hours though.” (Media) 

Media-san muttered quietly.

“‘…’”

Once again, Airi-chan and I were at a loss for words.

“Please don’t scare them too much. Don’t worry, Sumire, Airi. As long as you don’t touch her body for extended periods or get bitten, the curse won’t transfer. By the way, I’ll borrow the kitchen and make tea. That’s fine, right?” (Eugene)

Oh, I see.

…Wait, bitten?

“Eugene-kun, sorry I can’t even offer you hospitality.” (Media)

“Not at all, please take it easy, Club President.” (Eugene)

Eugy-kun quickly boiled water and prepared tea cups.

“Eugy-kun, I’ll help!” (Sumire) 

“I’ll help too, Eugy!” (Airi)

Airi-chan and I stood up simultaneously.

Then we exchanged glances.

“Airi-chan, let me handle this.” (Sumire)

“You must be tired, Sumire.” (Airi)

As we tried to outmaneuver each other…

“The tea’s ready.” (Eugene)

Eugy-kun said, having already finished everything.

He placed the tea on the round table in the center of the room.

For Media-san, he placed her tea on a small table beside her bed.

(Eugy-kun is so used to this…) (Sumire)

Does he come here often?

I brought the tea Eugy-kun prepared to my lips, and a sweet, honey-like aroma wafted through the air.

When I sipped the hot tea, warmth spread through my body, easing the fatigue of our long walk.

“Hey, Eugy, what’s this tea called?” (Airi)

“It’s Snow Lavender tea, blended with some leaves from the Tree of Life, right, Club President?” (Eugene)

“Yes, that’s correct. I also like adding some Golden Honey. It’s my personal preference.” (Media)

“?! …Cough, cough!” (Airi)

Airi-chan choked and almost spat out her tea.

“A-Are you okay, Airi-chan?” (Sumire)

“What kind of tea are you giving us?!” (Airi)

“Airi, what’s wrong?” (Eugene)

“Did it not suit your taste?” (Media)

Eugy-kun and the Club President asked, puzzled.

“Snow Lavender, which only blooms once every ten years, blended with the nearly unattainable Tree of Life leaves, and Golden Honey, an S rank rarity. A single cup of this tea costs about one million G!” (Airi)

“Eeeehhh?!!” (Sumire)

This time, I was the one who shouted in surprise.

Is this tea that expensive?!

“Is the market price around that much, Eugy-kun?” (Media)

“With inflation these days, yes, Club President.” (Eugene)

“Is that so? Did something happen?” (Media)

“There are rumors that the Great Demon Lord is reviving on the North Continent, so everyone’s hoarding wealth.” (Eugene)

Eugy-kun replied calmly, sipping his million-G tea alongside the Club President-san.

“…”

“…”

Airi-chan and I, feeling out of place, reluctantly followed suit and drank the tea.

I tried to savor it after learning its price, but I couldn’t taste anything anymore.

◇◇

“Now then, Club President. What did you want to talk about?” (Eugene)

Eugy-kun asked after having a breather with tea time.

Right, we came because Eugy-kun was called.

We waited for Media-san to begin.

“You’re aware that I’m a Dragon Tamer, right?” (Media)

“Of course. I was surprised to learn you’re a Dragonewt with the blood of a Dragon God.” (Eugene)

(Eeeehhhhh?!) 

He said something outrageous so casually. 

Airi-chan was at a loss for words as well.

“Thanks to my Dragon God blood, the dragons of the Zenith Tower don’t oppose me. Exploring the dungeon has become dull because of it though…” (Media)

“That’s quite the first world problem.” (Eugene)

Eugy-kun’s remark was spot on.

Dragons are undoubtedly one of the strongest creatures in the Last Dungeon.

If you don’t have to fight them, exploration would go much smoother.

“However, a dragon recently appeared that attacked me.” (Media)

“…The Dragon God’s blood didn’t intimidate it?” (Eugene)

“I’m not sure about the specifics. I can’t explore for long periods, so I only visit the Zenith Tower once a month to gather herbs and magic stones.” (Media)

“Wouldn’t the Principal know something about this?” (Sumire)

When I asked…

“I wanted to, but the Principal has been busy lately.” (Media)

“The Dungeon Master is being problematic after all.” (Eugene)

“I suspect it has to do with that Dungeon Master.” (Media)

“Well, if anyone is going to stir up trouble, it is most likely her.” (Eugene)

“…True.” (Sumire)

I saw Eugy-kun nod and I had the same opinion.

The other day, the seal of the Nine-Headed Evil Dragon Hydra was broken, and it caused a huge mess.

“Eugene-kun, I heard you often talk with the Dungeon Master. Could you subtly probe for some information?” (Media)

“She approaches me often for some reason. Got it, I’ll look into it.” (Eugene)

“Thanks, that’s a big help.” (Media)

“Anything for you, Club President.” (Eugene)

It seems like the conversation has wrapped up.

Eugy-kun accepted the Club President-san’s request, but that means he’ll be going to meet that Dungeon Master-san, right?

I’m not good with her, so I really don’t want to tag along.

As I was thinking that…

“May I ask a question?” (Airi)

Airi-chan, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke.

“What is it, Imperial Princess?” (Media)

“Why would someone like you, who carries the blood of the Dragon God, get cursed?” (Airi)

That was something I had been wondering about too!

The Club President-san gave a troubled smile at Airi-chan’s words.

“Well… it’s a complicated story. My family has treated the blood of the Dragon God as sacred for generations, and our lineage prospered because of it. The bloodline thinned over time though. But in my generation, the Dragon God’s Blood awakened.
Because of that, any dragon will bow before me, but my human body can’t handle the power of the blood. I ended up in a cursed state as a result. It’s pathetic, really, being at the mercy of my own body.” (Media)

“I see…” (Airi)

Airi-chan looked genuinely sympathetic.

I couldn’t find any words to say either.

“But the medicine the Principal prepared helps you, right?” (Eugene)

Eugy-kun chimed in.

“It’s only a temporary measure, but yes. I’m very grateful to the Principal. Though, I must admit, I still get embarrassed when my body gets regularly examined.” (Media)

“I’ve been through that before. Spending hours naked is tough, isn’t it?” (Eugene)

“…I, uh, get to keep my clothes on, though?” (Media)

“The Principal seems to have stopped checking me as of late. His focus shifted to Sumire over here.” (Eugene)

The conversation suddenly turned toward me.

Media-san’s gaze also landed on me.

(!!)

Even though she was just looking at me normally, I felt like I couldn’t breathe under the pressure.

It felt like being stared at by a massive predator.

The contrast between Media-san’s seemingly calm exterior and this oppressive aura was overwhelming.

“I’ve heard about you from the Principal, Sashiogi Sumire-kun. You’re an otherworlder who reincarnated as an Ifrit, right? That’s certainly some incredible mana you have.” (Media)

“N-Nice to meet you. I’m, uh, in the animal club…” (Sumire)

“Nice to meet you too, Sumire. Looks like we’re both in the same ‘Dangerous Creatures’ category.” (Media)

“…Huh?” (Sumire)

Media-san said something strange.

I turned to Eugy-kun in confusion.

“What does that mean?!” (Sumire)

“Club President, please don’t say weird things to Sumire. She might actually take you seriously.” (Eugene)

“It’s not weird at all. If someone like me with Dragon God blood or someone like Sumire, a reincarnated Ifrit, were to go out of control, the Dungeon City could be destroyed.” (Media)

“I-I wouldn’t lose control!” (Sumire)

“I feel the same way. But you see, the power of a God is something beyond human comprehension. Even the inherited power in my family caused me to be cursed when the blood awakened.
And Sumire-kun, even though you were once human, your soul now inhabits the vessel of an Ifrit. That mismatch is something you should be cautious about.” (Media)

“I…see…” (Sumire)

I nodded reluctantly, even though I wasn’t fully convinced.

Media-san’s warning carried weight. She is undoubtedly far more experienced than me, not to mention knowledgeable about magic.

And she is ‘inhuman’ just like me.

I decided to take her advice seriously.

“You’ll be fine, Sumire. I’m sure of it. You’ve always been yourself when we’re together after all. You’ve never lost control.” (Airi)

Airi-chan gently patted my shoulder to comfort me.

“Thanks, Airi-chan.” (Sumire)

“If you ever lose control, I’ll stop you.” (Eugene)

Eugy-kun added.

…Wait.

Hm?

Does that mean Eugy-kun actually thinks I might lose control?

“………”

“……Sumire?” (Eugene)

I glared at Eugy-kun, but he didn’t seem to notice.

“Good grief. You’re lucky to have such a devoted boyfriend and kind friends. I wish I had someone like that too— Cough! Cough!…” (Media)

“Club President! Are you okay?!” (Eugene)

Media-san started coughing violently out of nowhere.

Not only that… Is that a bit of blood?!

Eugy-kun quickly rushed over to support her.

Airi-chan and I tried to approach as well, concerned, but…

“Huh…?”

“……Eh?”

My body suddenly felt cold.

Fear gripped me. My legs shook so much I couldn’t stand straight.

I looked by my side, and Airi-chan’s face had turned pale.

My teeth were chattering.

(T-This is terrifying…) (Sumire)

Even though she was talking normally just a few moments ago…

Media-san’s presence now was utterly terrifying.

It can’t even be compared to when we made eye-contact.

It was like being inside the maw of a dragon…

“Guh… S-Sorry… This…episode…hit at the worst time…” (Media)

Even as Media-san exuded an oppressive aura, she herself looked to be in great pain.

Is this the Dragon God’s Curse?

While Airi-chan and I were frozen in fear…

“Club President, I think you need to do that thing you usually do. It’s the Dragon God’s ‘Hunger Impulse’, isn’t it?” (Eugene)

Only Eugy-kun was calm.

So calm it is scary instead.

“…Can I? They’re…watching though.” (Media) 

“This isn’t the time to worry about that.” (Eugene)

“…Alright…” (Media)

Before I could comprehend what was happening…

“…Hn.”

Media-san suddenly…bit Eugy-kun’s arm.

“”Eeeeeeh?!!!!””

I ended up screaming, forgetting about my fear.

Looks like Airi-chan felt the same. 

(W-What are you doing, Eugy-kun?!) (Sumire)

I let out an unintelligible sound.

Media-san clung to Eugy-kun, her claws digging into his arm as she bit down near his bicep.

From the side, it almost looked…intimate.

The oppressive aura gradually lifted.

Media-san eventually released Eugy-kun’s arm, leaving behind deep bite marks…or more like fang marks.

“[High Heal].” (Eugene)

Eugy-kun cast a healing spell, instantly closing the wounds.

“Haah… Haah… Haah…”

Media-san’s face was flushed and she was breathing heavily.

“Calmed down now?” (Eugene)

“Yeah, it has been a while, so that flustered me. Good grief, the Dragon God’s Hunger Impulse always strikes so suddenly. But your arm is oddly soothing, Eugene-kun.” (Media) 

“It’s pretty painful though.” (Eugene)

“Sorry, I lose control when I get worked up.” (Media)

The two of them continued talking as if nothing had happened.

(…Does this happen often?) (Sumire)

Even though it was due to the curse, so it can’t be helped…

Eugy-kun being hugged by Media-san like that… It felt a little too suspicious.

Hmm, this bothers me.

Looking beside me, Airi-chan seemed ten times more annoyed than I was.

We left the Club President-san’s house after chatting a bit more.

We walked back slowly.

We arrived at the crossroad between the academy’s dormitories and the Zenith Tower.

Haah, today was tiring…

I just wanted to soak in a hot bath and relax.

But then…

“Alright, let’s head to the Zenith Tower.” (Eugene)

“”Eh?!””

Eugy-kun suggested exploring the Last Dungeon.

You’ve got to be kidding me!

■Comment Response: 

>2 more heroines.

-The Club President is not a heroine~.

>It’s fine because a certain Nin◯endo legal department won’t extend their reach to a parallel world!

-I will delete it immediately if I get in trouble for that.

■Author’s Comment: 

Hope we get an illustration of the Club President-san one day.

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