READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 8: Chapter ⁸ Shadow Boxing and Awkward Truths
Chapter 8: Shadow Boxing and Awkward Truths
"I'll admit, this isn't the first time someone's broken into my room uninvited. But usually, they're not made of pure nightmare fuel. And they definitely don't growl like they're auditioning for Demonic Idol."
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The shadowy figure looms in the corner, its glowing red eyes locked onto me. Reina, to her credit, hasn't screamed yet, though she does have the "what the actual hell" expression down perfectly.
"Akira," she whispers. "What is that thing?"
"That thing," I say, casually stepping in front of her, "is an uninvited guest. And trust me, it's not here to borrow sugar."
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The figure growls again, its voice like gravel in a blender. "Dragon God… your time has come."
"Ugh, can we skip the whole 'ominous threats' bit?" I say, rubbing my temples. "It's late, I'm tired, and I haven't even finished my homework."
The shadow tilts its head, confused.
"What?" I ask, crossing my arms. "Did you expect me to start crying or something?"
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Narration Mode Activated
"Pro tip for all you aspiring villains out there: If you want to intimidate someone, maybe don't show up looking like a rejected Halloween costume."
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"Akira," Reina hisses, tugging on my arm. "This is serious! That thing is—"
"Ugly? Yeah, I noticed," I interrupt, flashing her a grin. "Don't worry, I've got this."
The shadow growls louder, apparently done with my jokes. It lunges, claws outstretched.
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Now, I could've dodged. I could've gone full Dragon God mode and turned it into shadow confetti.
But where's the fun in that?
Instead, I summon a frying pan from thin air. Yes, a frying pan. Don't ask me why—I was in a mood.
"Bon appétit!" I shout, swinging the pan like I'm Gordon Ramsay on a rampage.
CLANG!
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The shadow stumbles back, clutching its head.
Reina stares at me, her jaw practically on the floor. "Did you just…hit it with a frying pan?"
"Yup," I say, twirling the pan like it's a prized weapon. "This baby's enchanted. Grade-A shadow repellent."
"That's…not a thing," she says, blinking in disbelief.
"Sure it is," I reply, smirking. "I saw it on Magical Shopping Network."
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The shadow recovers, snarling. "You mock me, Dragon God?"
"Absolutely," I say, tossing the pan up and catching it one-handed. "What are you gonna do about it?"
Apparently, what it's going to do is grow about ten feet taller and sprout extra arms.
"Oh," I mutter, staring up at it. "That's…new."
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The shadow lunges again, but this time, I get serious. I summon a wall of fire, blocking its path. The heat forces it to retreat, hissing in frustration.
Reina, meanwhile, is still trying to process everything. "Akira, what the hell is going on?"
"Long story short," I say, keeping my eyes on the shadow, "I used to be a super-powerful dragon god, but now I'm reincarnated as a regular guy. Sort of. And these jerks won't leave me alone."
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She blinks. "You're joking, right?"
"Nope," I reply, grinning. "Welcome to my life."
Before she can respond, the shadow charges again, breaking through the flames.
"Alright," I say, cracking my knuckles. "No more Mr. Nice Guy."
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I let just a fraction of my true power slip through, my golden aura flaring to life. The room fills with a blinding light, and the shadow screeches, its form starting to dissolve.
"Pro tip," I say, stepping forward, "don't pick a fight with someone way out of your league."
With a final burst of energy, I blast the shadow into oblivion. The room falls silent, save for Reina's rapid breathing.
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Narration Mode Activated
"And just like that, another wannabe assassin bites the dust. Honestly, it's starting to feel like a bad video game—same enemies, different day."
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Reina stares at the spot where the shadow had been, her face pale. "What…what was that thing?"
"Trouble," I say, brushing off some imaginary dust. "Big, ugly, and very persistent trouble."
"Akira," she says, her voice shaky. "You just…summoned fire. And a frying pan. And you—"
"Saved your life?" I finish, flashing her a grin. "Yeah, I know. You're welcome."
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She glares at me. "This isn't a joke! You need to tell me the truth."
I sigh, sitting on the edge of my bed. "Alright, fine. But you're not gonna like it."
I explain everything—my past life as the Dragon God, my reincarnation, the Council of Shadows, and why I've been trying (and failing) to stay under the radar.
By the time I'm done, Reina looks like she's about to pass out.
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"So…you're telling me you're basically a god?" she asks.
"Pretty much," I reply. "But, you know, a humble one."
She gives me a flat look. "Humble? You just fought a monster with a frying pan."
"Exactly," I say, smirking. "Who needs swords when you've got style?"
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She groans, burying her face in her hands. "I can't believe this. My best friend is a reincarnated dragon god, and I had no idea."
"Hey, in my defense, I've been trying to keep it a secret," I say. "You're just really noisy."
She glares at me, but there's a hint of a smile on her lips. "So, what now? Are more of those…things going to come after you?"
"Probably," I admit. "But don't worry. I can handle them."
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There's a moment of silence as she processes everything.
"Akira," she says finally, "you're an idiot."
"Yeah," I say, grinning. "But I'm your idiot."
She sighs, shaking her head. "This is going to be a nightmare, isn't it?"
"Oh, absolutely," I reply. "But hey, at least it won't be boring."
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Narration Mode Activated
"And there you have it, folks. Another day, another brush with death, and somehow I'm still alive. For now, anyway. Stay tuned—things are only going to get crazier from here."
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As the dust settles, a pair of glowing red eyes watches from the shadows outside Akira's window.
"Interesting," a voice murmurs. "The Dragon God is more powerful than we thought."
End of Chapter 8