Maybe it was because I did a good deed, but my steps felt lighter than usual.

Gathering herbs, treating wounds, licking injuries—such a fulfilling day.

Honestly, my saliva doesn’t have any healing properties, but at least it’s not poisonous… right?

Wait, could it be poisonous?

Maybe there’s a little poison in it. But a small amount of poison could even help sometimes; poison can become medicine if used right.

Still, it was worth it. I’d been away from my internal energy pouch, so I was running low, but accidentally ended up restoring some strength.

“…Grk!”

What’s wrong with my body?

Or is something wrong with my head?

There’s definitely something off.

Could it be the influence of the demon in my heart?

…Come to think of it, it’s been a while since I last saw it.

‘Krooong….’

What’s that?

Go back inside.

My inner demon takes the form of a terrifying red dinosaur. But the scariest part is that it may not be alone.

A green dinosaur with ten blades, possibly wearing a school uniform instead of a maid outfit—that could be a likely candidate.

If they both attacked me at once, I might not be able to overcome the inner demon.

Lost in these ridiculous thoughts, I continued walking until I spotted a familiar structure: the Temple of the Snake Queen.

But now with added statues.

I saw several statues of lizards that looked like me before my evolution.

Wow, they’re impressively lifelike.

…Wait, are they real?

I tapped one cautiously, but thankfully, it didn’t move. It looked like they petrified my old shed skin and made multiple statues.

I also noticed a few scales that seemed like they belonged to Shikshik.

It looked like an exhibit at the entrance, almost like a museum of my former selves.

Seeing the Heavenly Demon Sect members nearby, it seemed like this was set up for the purpose of cultural exchange.

What a brilliant idea—truly fitting for the Snake Queen.

As I entered the temple, I saw a familiar long, slender figure.

"Dorolong…."

Wait, can a snake make sounds like that?

The cutest ball python I’d ever seen was making adorable noises in its sleep.

If I remember right, snakes can’t close their eyes, but Shikshik was sleeping with eyes shut. This must mean she’s reaching the next level after consuming the Biikjo’s inner core.

If she keeps going, she might be able to take human form soon.

…Wait, what about me?

I’m a mid-level dragon, after all.

The Pashil can transform partially into human form, and Baek Lang has ears and a tail while otherwise being human.

The Red Dragon can even hide her horns and tail.

But me?

I can barely manage to stand on two legs.

"Grk…."

What a frustrating thought.

Not that I urgently need a human body right now.

In the Red Dragon’s case, she actually becomes weaker in human form—it's more of a drawback.

But still, there’s a big difference between not needing something and not being able to do it.

At this level of evolution, shouldn’t I be able to transform at least?

…Well, I did refuse the last offer I got for it, so maybe that’s on me.

Other mystical creatures would’ve transformed ages ago.

I’ve been using all my strength for evolution instead.

"Grk-grk…."

I guess that makes sense.

I’m growing so fast compared to my age.

Other beasts barely manage a single metamorphosis, and I’ve evolved over five times.

Let’s put the human transformation thoughts aside for now.

If I’d leaned toward transforming, I’d probably be a lot weaker than I am now.

I might have lost battles I’d otherwise win or even died.

When I get stronger, I’ll consider it.

"Dororong…."

For now, let’s admire this cute ball python.

Her body puffs up like a balloon and then deflates again.

"Frrr…."

Watching Shikshik is so soothing.

Maybe it’s because I’m a lizard, but I seem to prefer scales over fur.

As I kept watching her, Shikshik must’ve sensed something. She extended her tongue to taste the air.

"Ssshrik…."

When reptiles flick their tongues, it means they’re gathering scents.

"Shrik… chirp?"

Her large eyes opened as she recognized my scent.

Rising up, her body swayed like a dancing cobra as she studied me, trying to decide if this lizard was really me.

Can’t blame her; I’ve evolved.

"Grk-grk."

Hey there, Shikshik.

"Screee!"

Shikshik stiffened in shock, and then collapsed to the ground with a thud.

"Eeek…."

After a moment, she raised her head slightly to look at me.

"Grk-grk-grk."

Yeah, it’s been a while.

Or maybe not that long?

"Screeeee!"

She wrapped herself around my leg, flicking her tongue to taste my scales.

Then she slipped off and scurried off somewhere.

Swish!

She returned in no time, wearing a maid outfit.

"Shik-shik!"

With her tail wagging, she ran back to me.

How did she manage to dress herself?

I decided not to overthink it and just enjoy the moment.

There’s nothing like these chubby scales. Ha, scales are the best… heh-heh.

"Grk!"

Did I just act like an Ikkak creature?

After relishing the reunion with Shikshik for a while, I looked around for the Snake Queen.

"Grk-grk-grk."

Shikshik.

Where’s the Snake Queen?

"Sshrik…."

Shikshik stopped licking my scales and glanced toward a part of the temple.

It was the room with the Mirror of Possibility.

But it looked like something new had been added—a large stone door.

"Grk-grk?"

Is she in there?

"Sshrik!"

Shikshik nodded.

"Chirp…."

She glanced nervously at me.

That was strange.

Normally, if I came around, the Snake Queen would come out to see me.

If she were somewhere else, it’d make sense, but she’s in the temple.

Is she sleeping?

"Grk."

With Shikshik on my back, I headed toward where the Snake Queen was.

"Grk-grk!"

Standing at the door, I let out a small call.

There was no response, so I was about to open it when a voice called out from within.

"Who dares enter the Queen’s domain without permission?"

It was the Snake Queen’s voice.

But she sounded… off, much lower and harsher than usual.

"Grk…."

Shikshik and I exchanged glances, trying to gauge the situation.

"Eek…."

Even Shikshik tucked her tail, unused to seeing her mother so upset.

She’s usually playful, but sometimes, real anger needs to be taken seriously.

What could have made her this angry?

"Grk-grk."

I lightly scratched the door with my claw.

Sccr-sccr.

I could open it, but if I did, the Snake Queen’s death ray would likely hit me square in the face.

"Why are you still standing there? Get out at once."

This was bad.

She was seriously angry for some reason.

"Grk!"

Could it be that she doesn’t recognize me?

"…My mate. I know it’s you."

"Grk!"

Then why are you acting like this?

"Even if you are my mate, it’s not easy to forgive you for breaking our pact."

A pact?

What does she mean?

"I told you to behave yourself, and yet you’ve gone and added another."

"Chirp?"

Shikshik looked puzzled, hearing the Snake Queen’s words for the first time.

"Hiss!"

Realizing what the Snake Queen meant, Shikshik’s eyes narrowed.

She was glaring at the necklace on my neck.

Now I understood why the Snake Queen was angry.

"If it weren’t for the divine token I gave you, who knows what might have happened."

While only symbolic, I am technically the Snake Queen’s mate.

Given that I’d connected with another female, it’s no wonder she’s upset.

And the real problem? It’s not just one.

Judging by her reference to the necklace, she probably only noticed Baek Lang’s mark from when she was pushed away last time, assuming there’s just one.

Small mercies, I guess.

If she knew there were seven wolves and a dragon added, I’d be greeted with a death ray, not a conversation.

"I should’ve dealt with that furball long ago."

"Grk…."

I made my most apologetic lizard noise.

"Still, since you’re here, I suppose it’s too harsh not to see your face even once."

"Grk!"

Creeaak.

The stone door slowly opened.

The Snake Queen truly has a big heart.

"Of course, that doesn’t mean I’m forgiving you."

She slithered closer with an icy expression.

Hearing that cold tone, I suddenly recalled all my past wrongdoings.

It’s not even that big of a deal, but her expression and voice made it feel like a major crime.

"I’ll check the divine token first, and then…."

The Snake Queen trailed off.

She was staring at the numerous marks etched on my necklace.

Gulp.

I swallowed nervously.

What punishment awaited me?

I hoped she’d go easy on me.

I waited in silence for her to continue.

"…Heh-heh."

A cute giggle suddenly echoed.

Curious, I looked up.

"

Why are you looking at me like that?"

The Snake Queen’s face was calm, as if denying she made that sound.

"Surely you don’t think that sound came from me."

Right.

It’s hard to imagine the ruler of the jungle, a lower dragon, and the queen of snakes making such a sound.

But I’d already heard her laugh like this before.

She’d laughed like this after eating honey rice cakes made with jade nectar.

It was the same giggle.

I stared at her silently, and she subtly avoided my gaze.

"…It’s not as if seeing your face made all my anger vanish. Don’t get the wrong idea."

I didn’t say anything like that.

"…It’s just hard to look at you directly. Maybe… turn around a bit. I mean, it’s because I’m very angry, yes, that’s it."

Rambling, she reached out and gently turned my head.

I didn’t resist, feeling like my neck might be snapped if I did.

"Ahem… so you’ve managed to complete your metamorphosis."

Her hand began stroking my head.

"Now you have two horns… mm…."

Her usual composed self seemed a little flustered.

"Having fur isn’t bad either. It’s soft, warm…."

At some point, her hand had started stroking my front paw.

"Your limbs… are so sturdy…."

Drip.

A cold droplet landed on the scales of my forelimb.

Turning to see what happened, I found myself meeting the Snake Queen’s eyes, glistening with saliva.

"Heh-heh… such sturdy limbs…."

Her gaze seemed a bit… off.

"Grk…."

As she continued stroking my paw, her tail began to move.

"Ssss."

"…Mate."

Shikshik started wrapping around me, too.

"Chirp…."

"You’ve left plenty of time, I assume."

The Snake Queen spoke without wiping her mouth.

"I was going to take my time, but if flies keep buzzing around…."

Squeeeeze.

The mother-daughter duo’s tails coiled around me tightly.

"Chirp-chirp…."

Shikshik even laughed mischievously.

"Then we’ll just have to savor the rain and clouds first."

"Chirp…."

Squeeeeze.

Snake Queen.

Shikshik.

There’s something wrong with your eyes.

"Grk-grk…."

I admit my mistakes, but how about ending this welcome ceremony now?

"Chirp-chirp…."

"Ohoho…."

…This is a welcome ceremony, right?

"Grk! Grk-grk-grk!"