The body of a dragonewt, like that of a human, is largely composed of water. In theory, this should make it difficult to burn—similar to how a water-filled plastic bag doesn't melt when exposed to heat. Yet, why can the body burn so fiercely?
The answer lies in the materials within the body that fuel combustion, such as fat. Fat serves as the fuel, while oxygen in the air allows the flames to persist. However, an extreme heat source is required to trigger this process. Hellfire spells provide heat powerful enough to ignite even fire-resistant bodies.
Now, crimson flames engulfed the body of Johan, a legendary dragonewt and the strongest spear-wielder. Once, he was a symbol of beauty and strength. His handsome face captivated women, his deep blue eyes brought peace, and his confident smile reassured his allies. But now…
"AAAARRGGGHHH… HELP! HELP ME…!"
His agonized screams echoed, replacing the confident voice that once inspired his troops. His body was slowly melting under the searing heat of hellfire. An ordinary dragonewt would have turned to ash in seconds, but Johan’s extraordinary strength only prolonged his suffering, forcing the flames to consume his body more slowly.
The black fire began devouring his high-quality battle armor as though it were thin paper. The flames quickly reached his skin, turning his sweat into additional fuel. The heat stimulated every nerve in his body, creating pain far beyond the limits of sanity. Johan writhed on the ground, desperately trying to extinguish the flames consuming him. But hellfire was no ordinary fire—it craved destruction.
Since the body is mostly water, the initial heat evaporated bodily fluids before starting to burn the other tissues. This process required immense energy, but hellfire’s intense heat was sufficient to sustain the combustion. When the body's fluids were exhausted, the flames moved on to the fat and proteins. Body fat, highly flammable, acted as natural fuel, accelerating the chemical reaction with oxygen and producing heat, light, and gases like carbon dioxide and water vapor.
The heat spread, consuming tissue after tissue. Johan’s muscles spasmed, swelling like balloons filled with hot air before seizing and finally succumbing to immobility. The flames crept up to his face, evaporating every drop of moisture from his eyes, leaving behind hollow, blackened sockets where his once-captivating blue eyes had been.
After countless minutes of excruciating torment, the hellfire finally died down. Johan’s body, once a symbol of strength and beauty, was now reduced to ashes and charred remnants, curled up like a burned twig.
All around him, the stench of burning flesh mixed with the odors of blood, iron, and sulfur, carried by the night wind. The battlefield was shrouded in this sickening aroma, one that could only be described with a single phrase:
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“Burning War!”
Shiki stared at Johan with a vacant gaze. Her eyes seemed to focus on the once-mighty spear wielder of Atta, yet at the same time, they pierced far beyond him. Her crimson eyes, which usually radiated charm and strength, now lacked their luster. All that remained was exhaustion and resignation, making the Dragon Eyes, often envied by other dragonewts, appear dim and lifeless. Her once-labored breathing was gradually stabilizing, akin to the breaths of someone about to drift into slumber.
That’s right... Shiki would fall asleep... A hope for forever.
The scorching air of the burning battlefield could no longer warm her cooling body. A gaping wound in her chest marred what was once her proud and graceful form. Her resilient body had ensured she didn’t perish immediately when the devastating strike from the Human Bride tore through her chest. But unfortunately, it could only grant her a few minutes more. Fighting back or turning the tide was no longer part of her hopes.
Defeat had arrived, and extinction awaited her species.
Perhaps, if humanity were merciful, those who survived might be enslaved.
But...
Dragonewts carried a pride as lofty as their ancestors, the dragons. Their only choice was to fight until none remained. That was their fate, the brutal reality of the Brides War. As the strongest warrior among her kind, the fate of the dragonewts had rested on Shiki’s shoulders, but alas, it was far too late.
Her body grew colder, crimson blood flowing endlessly from the massive wound in her chest. They say that when death approaches, one’s life flashes before their eyes—and it seemed to be true.
She was nothing more than a spoiled girl, arrogant simply because she possessed the same eyes as her dragon ancestors. With crimson eyes that seemed to glow in the darkness, she had been deemed extraordinary among the dragonewts, and foolishly, she believed it herself. She grew up in an affluent family, surrounded by people who catered to her every whim, no matter how strange or selfish. Shiki saw herself as the protagonist of this world, while others were merely supporting characters meant to serve or entertain her.
She couldn’t even recall how many people had suffered because of her selfishness, for to her, they were nothing more than servants. In her eyes, there was only herself—always herself.
Then, the day came when all children aged ten to twenty were forcibly teleported to this new world. Yet, despite being thrown into a completely different place, Shiki’s haughty nature didn’t change one bit. She still expected to be pampered by those around her solely because of her beauty and her captivating eyes.
Shiki isolated herself in the Starter City, waiting for her admirers to serve her and offer her the fruits of their labor, like a queen bee reigning over her hive.
But how long could those she deemed mere servants continue to obey a girl who possessed nothing but her looks?
Shiki never considered this—such a thought never crossed her mind. To her, it was only natural that others would serve and pamper her, for they were the supporting characters in her story.
Unfortunately, the inherent nature of beings with individual consciousness is selfishness, and it wasn’t long before their desire to trample upon Shiki’s pride began to emerge.
And that is exactly what they did.
