The World After the Bad Ending

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There are countless bad endings in the “Flame Butterfly” chapter.

Among them, if I were to name one of the worst bad endings, it would undoubtedly be the “Dragon of Destruction.”

In the northern region of Jerion Academy lies the mountain range of the great dragon.

The great dragon that resides there is an entity made to not be defeated.

Thus, witnessing the sight of Jerion Academy frozen solid by the dragon’s breath was an overwhelming feeling that could not be explained in words.

Therefore, the great dragon must never be turned into an enemy.

This is a fact I am most familiar with after playing “Flame Butterfly” countless times.

‘So.’

Presently, who is the most dangerous person after encountering a bad ending?

In Act 3, she is the one to be defeated by the protagonist and can directly lead to the bad ending, “Dragon of Destruction.”

The girl who will wield dragon magic.

Known as the Disaster Dragon Maiden.

She is currently a third-year student and serves as the vice president of the student council.

Even back in Act 1, Scene 1, she was part of the student council and observed the entrance exam as a proctor.

However, unfortunately, she had the misfortune of losing to Lucas, who awakened the flame of ambition during the entrance exam.

From that point on, she and Lucas have become rivals, clashing at every turn.

‘In fact, the reason why Bickamon, whom I possessed, particularly disliked Lucas was because of the Dragon Maiden.’

Bickamon liked the Dragon Maiden.

Although I no longer share that sentiment as Bickamon, it is a well-known fact that he had feelings for her.

Of course, the Dragon Maiden had no intention of reciprocating Bickamon’s feelings.

Bickamon was well aware of this.

That’s why Bickamon didn’t confess his feelings to her recklessly.

In other words, their relationship consisted of Bickamon’s one-sided crush.

‘Such a timid guy.’

He could have at least tried confessing to the girl he liked.

It’s apparent that he couldn’t help but be small-minded, even as a villainous extra.

‘And now, that’s me.’

Having never experienced unrequited love, I somehow now have a history of it.

Thank goodness I didn’t enroll as Bickamon.

If I had re-enrolled as Bickamon, I would have undoubtedly been followed around by rumors of being the Dragon Maiden’s unrequited lover.

Now, returning to the main point.

Bickamon regarded Lucas, who had an unpleasant relationship with the Dragon Maiden, with disdain.

An enemy of the one I like is my enemy.

With that sentiment, he relentlessly tormented Lucas.

However, Bickamon eventually crossed the line.

He ended up provoking Lucas, who happened to be in a squad with the princess.

In the process, things went awry, and Bickamon found himself in a life-threatening situation.

To his unexpected surprise, Lucas saved Bickamon, playing the role of the protagonist.

That was a moment that showcased Lucas’s character.

Lucas rescued Bickamon, whom he had been tormenting.

Thus, Bickamon deeply bowed his head and apologized for his actions.

Furthermore,

“I will help you as much as the worth of your life saved, if you find yourself in a crisis later.”

He declares that he would repay his debt as the repentant villain.

However, he had already committed the grave sin of messing with the squad that included the princess.

As a consequence, he is cut off, not only from the academy but even from his own family.

Normally, Bickamon would no longer make an appearance after that.

Only rumors would spread that he was living a carefree life somewhere.

‘No one would have guessed that I would return to Jerion Academy like this.’

It’s Bickamon’s story, but now it’s mine.

The past won’t disappear.

If there’s ever an opportunity to act as Bickamon again, I need to be careful with my words.

‘Anyway, enough about Bickamon. The real issue lies with the Disaster Dragon Maiden.’

The Dragon Maiden is a character closely intertwined with the protagonist’s story from long ago.

Although she is at odds with Lucas, there’s a saying that you give an extra rice cake to someone you dislike.

In the end, both Lucas and the Dragon Maiden become quite attached to each other through various incidents.

However, that attachment is merely a nefarious tactic from the developers.

A ploy to maximize the tragic narrative of the Dragon Maiden.

She is the final boss of Act 3, destined to meet a tragic end.

As such, Lucas becomes indirectly aware of the narrative associated with the Dragon Maiden and the storm caused by the empire’s succession struggle.

‘Lucas was already connected to the Disaster Dragon Maiden from the start due to the entrance exam.’

He was essentially set up from the very beginning.

On the other hand, what about me?

I am merely a transfer student who has just joined in the first semester of the second year, and I’m only now entering in Act 3.

Naturally, I had no entrance exam, and I won’t have any encounters with the Dragon Maiden in the future.

Nonetheless, I must somehow steer this world, which has already encountered a bad ending, towards the correct path.

Even though this world has already turned into a bad ending.

I must prevent the bad ending of the great dragon, which has the power to end the world.

‘Such is why I will join the student council.’

The Dragon Maiden is currently the vice president of the student council.

There’s only one way for me to reach her.

I had to join the student council.

Thus, immediately after my martial arts class, I set my steps towards the student council.

Jerion Academy consists of a central building surrounded by five large towers.

These represent the five disciplines:

Martial Arts.
Military Arts.
Magic Arts.
Holy Studies.
Special Studies.

The entire collection of these towers is called the Jerion Pentagon.

The Jerion Pentagon is connected to the central building by aerial bridges.

There’s a floating building elevated in the air, housing the headmaster’s office, faculty offices, and the student council.

Uplifting—

Just then, I arrived at the bridge of the martial arts building.

As I was about to step towards the central building visible across the way,

A gust of wind on the bridge caught my attention, whipping around white, silver hair.

Seeing this, I abruptly halted the leg I was about to extend.

Between the fluttering silver locks stood a girl with a striking appearance.

She was shorter than me, disguised as the pretty boy character, Hanon, yet her proportions were astonishingly good.

The reason being her tiny head.

Her small face housed features that were almost intricately detailed, making one wonder how they fit all there.

Moreover, despite her petite frame,

Her bosom naturally directed attention, signaling that she was a mature woman.

I knew quite well who she was.

For I had been searching for her just moments ago.

Disaster Dragon Maiden.
Nikita Cynthia.

She is the final boss of Act 3.

‘Wow, what a surprise.’

I had intended to seek her out, but who would have thought she would appear right in front of me?

Caught off guard by the unexpected, I froze momentarily.

Then, my eyes met with Nikita’s.

There were only the two of us on the bridge of the martial arts building.

It was only natural our eyes would meet.

As Nikita walked towards me, she briefly glanced my way before turning her head coldly.

At a glance, she seemed quite aloof.

But I knew Nikita’s true nature.

There was nothing particularly notable at all.

‘Her appearance has gradually changed since she became rivals with Lucas.’

Outwardly, she appeared cold, much like her hair and looks.

In reality, she had a strong desire to win and could be mischievous at times.

She was quite susceptible to compliments yet tough against criticisms.

And she had a complex regarding her petite stature more than one would think.

This is a personality I experienced first-hand while playing as Lucas countless times.

Right now, Nikita’s appearance was merely a mask.

Undoubtedly, she was putting on a facade of dignity before the new students.

“Nikita Cynthia, senior.”

Thus, I called out to her.

The one I wanted to approach was Nikita, rather than the student council.

Nikita, caught off guard by my call, turned to look at me, puzzled.

The silver hair flowing as she turned was so beautiful it explained why she wore the high-and-mighty mask.

“I have respected Nikita Cynthia’s endeavors since before my enrollment.

I wish to join the student council, where you work, Nikita-senpai.”

I exclaimed loudly from there.

I felt Nikita stiffening as she heard my bowed head.

It was clear to me what her expression would be.

By now, she must be wearing a flustered face.

But I understood Nikita’s inner feelings.

‘Respect.’

I knew all too well what that word meant to Nikita.

And why she was particularly vulnerable to compliments.

I stole a quick glance at her.

And sure enough, Nikita’s face wore an expression of bewilderment.

However, her lips were quivering slightly.

She was especially weak against the compliment of respect.

My praise struck her directly to the core.

Compliments could even make Nikita dance!

I could already see curiosity shimmering in her eyes directed towards me.

“…Junior, what is your name?”

And that curiosity soon morphed into interest.

Now’s my chance to step in.

To avoid the other bad ending of the great dragon,

I must build a connection with Nikita at all costs.

‘No matter how it happens.’

As long as I can move towards the correct path, that’s all that matters!

Thus, I continued to shout towards her.

“My name is Hanon Irey. I just transferred to the 2nd year today!”

Immediately after hearing my name, Nikita’s shoulders flinched.

Because Nikita already knew my name.

At the start of Act 3, Scene 1,

A piece of news reached Nikita’s ears.

That was the news that her real brother, Nia Cynthia, had allied with the 1st Prince.

In other words, the Marquis family, the Cynthias, is now in a hostile relationship with the 3rd Princess.

Hanon Irey is the last villain, related as a cousin to the 3rd Princess.

Though insignificant as a cousin.

One never knows.

Of course, Nikita would have been carefully observing me since before I transferred.

“Junior….”

Quite predictably, Nikita recognized me.

She must have figured out my relationship with the princess from my recent appearance.

Nikita’s eyes gleamed quietly as she finished her calculations.

“Ahem, I’m curious why you suddenly mentioned respect.”

However, Nikita did not readily accept me either.

She must be mindful of the possibility of a trap laid by the 3rd Princess.

She was restlessly looking around, already curious about what kind of compliment she might be given.

How adorable; is she that starved for flattery?

Let’s throw her a compliment.

“Then, should I directly tell you why I respect Nikita Cynthia, senior?”

Here comes the compliment bombardment.