Chapter 2: Märchen Dragon's Blood
Soul Society, West Rukongai District 1 · Junrinan.
Sōma opened his eyes, stared blankly at the unfamiliar ceiling for a while before leaving the bed, changing into clean, simple yukata and stepping out the door.
"You're up early, Kurosaki."
Just outside, he saw the orange-haired youth washing up by the courtyard well.
"Because I barely slept at all."
Ichigo draped his towel over his shoulder, and upon closer inspection, one could see the bloodshot veins in his eyes.
"That's wasting the elder's kindness."
Sōma stretched lazily.
The sunlight streaming from the sky was slightly dazzling.
Who knew where that sun hung—beyond the distant sky in outer space or somewhere else.
He slightly narrowed his eyes, deeply imprinting the exceptionally lofty otherworldly sky in his heart.
The air filling his lungs contained no industrial pollution, brimming with rich natural scents. Combined with the surrounding clusters of outdated Japanese nagaya houses, it felt like returning to the genuine Edo period.
This is the Soul Society, the homeland of the deceased.
Thanks to Rukia.
They were assigned to the district with the best public order.
With the help of the locally respected elder, not only did they avoid discrimination as outsiders, but they also received temporary accommodation, clean clothes, and food for free.
They spent their first day in the Soul Society peacefully.
"Let me make one thing clear—it's not that I'm dissatisfied with the living conditions here,"
Ichigo emphasized.
"Is it because you're worried about failing the exam?"
"Shut up!"
His reaction made it clear the guess was correct.
"Don't worry, you definitely won't fail twice like that guy Shūhei Hisagi. Besides, he's now a high-ranking captain-level figure—what an inspiring and touching story."
Yesterday, they had learned the basic common knowledge about the Soul Society through the elder.
Having witnessed Rukia's power earlier, a seed had been planted in Ichigo's heart, sparking a strong interest in the profession of Shinigami.
Coincidentally, the current enrollment period for Shin'ō Academy hadn't ended yet.
If they went to register now, they could still catch the last opportunity.
The choice was obvious.
Shinigami had a mixed reputation in Rukongai, but the elder was open-minded and generous. Upon learning they were interested in applying to the academy, he offered some guidance in this regard.
Among the advice, he mentioned the story of a certain now high-ranking Lieutenant who had previously failed the exam.
Sōma believed the elder's intention was to prepare them in advance and offer some encouragement.
Even if they failed, they shouldn't give up—other freshmen who passed on their first attempt weren't necessarily more talented, and so on.
But it seemed the message hadn't gotten through to Ichigo.
"If possible, I don't want to wait another year or even longer... It's not that I lack patience, just..."
Ichigo's voice grew increasingly faint, as if he had said something or fallen into silence, unsure how to express his feelings.
His furrowed brows seemed perpetually tense, never relaxing.
Sōma walked over with a towel, patted his shoulder, pushed him aside, and began washing up while speaking.
"Rukongai has all kinds of people. If there's a political screening in the exam, it wouldn't be surprising to get filtered out. But we're different—we've received modern education, have the aptitude, clean backgrounds, abide by the law, impeccable morals, and never cause trouble. We're practically the model of honest, straightforward people."
"The only thing to worry about is that people like us, the honest ones, are easily bullied."
"Ahem... You're right. If I get eliminated this time, I'll try other paths. I heard from the elder that some squads have special recruitment channels. As long as you have a Zanpakutō and sufficient strength, it's fine. But if we outperform real Shinigami with swords we picked up outside, wouldn't that make people resent us?"
Ichigo quickly regained his fighting spirit.
Just as Sōma was about to speak, a line of characters resembling ink-wash clouds suddenly appeared before his eyes.
[As a great transmigrator, participating in the murder of the Child of Destiny, the protagonist of the era, upon your arrival has pleased the Machine Spirit...]
'Who? Who said I murdered Ichigo?'
Sōma remained outwardly calm but was inwardly furious.
Even if you're a golden finger, you can't make such a judgment—isn't this slandering an innocent person out of thin air?
[Your bold performance has earned the world's respect. You have a welcome gift waiting to be claimed. Will you accept it?]
"..."
Accept.
[——You have obtained "Märchen Dragon · Cinderella's Blood." Physical abilities greatly increased. Growth potential +1000%]
Thump!
A peculiar heartbeat sound echoed in his chest.
It seemed no different from before.
But Sōma clearly felt a new power within his body, intertwining with his existing Reiryoku, then merging and growing stronger.
His arm strength increased, his breathing became more powerful, and he felt like lifting a water bucket was no different from picking up a grain of sand.
This wasn't the physical prowess gained from training with a high-concentration soul to master one's Reiryoku.
It leaned more toward an innate talent.
Only Hollows with highly compressed souls could compare.
As for the +1000% growth potential...
According to Sōma's understanding, it probably meant that when training related to physical abilities, his growth speed would be ten times faster than before, right?
This was also a talent unique to geniuses—not only possessing potential far beyond ordinary people but also being able to realize it rapidly.
"Speaking of which, have I become a 'Dragon' or a 'Dragon Attendant'?"
In this world's Europe, there exists another organization opposed to the Soul Society. Dragons and Dragon Attendants are products of that side.
Although from Sōma's memory, that dragon didn't seem very strong.
But in this world, hybrids are always the ultimate meta.
Most Hollows, Shinigami, Quincy, and even Fullbringers aren't all that powerful either.
The key lies in the fundamental nature of these groups' powers.
They break through the limits of the soul using different types of power.
Shaking off the constraints the world imposes on life, until surpassing everything, reigning above all creation.
—This was Aizen's chosen path, and it might be his path in the future.
"..."
Sōma bent over, picked up a towel, and washed his face, his expression hidden.
After washing, cool well water trickled down his cheeks, his handsome face damp with a few strands of hair stuck to it.
His eyes were like impeccably polished mirrors.
Right now, there was only one thing to consider.
Pass the entrance exam for the Shin'ō Academy and become a Shinigami.
"Good luck with your exams."
"Thank you."
After breakfast, bidding farewell to the elder and the few enthusiastic children.
Sōma and Ichigo officially stepped into the Seireitei, arriving at the gate of the Shin'ō Academy with their Court Access Permits obtained during registration.
Looking at the ancient, elegant plaque whose age was unknown, both couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
"Hey, Kurosaki."
"Huh?"
"See, I told you so."
"Told me what?"
"Getting killed by a truck is the protagonist's treatment, followed by being sent to another world by a goddess."
"I guess you got that part right, though that kid hardly looked like a goddess."
"Want to hear the rest?"
"What?"
"Gain immense power in the other world, protect the kingdom as a hero, defeat the Demon King, marry the princess, and then Happy End."
"...That's a game trope, right? I'm not a chuunibyou. I'm not interested in playing hero, defeating the Demon King, or marrying princesses, but I don't mind the other parts."
"Then let's go. Time to start our school life in another world."
"Who would've thought we'd still have to go to school after dying? In a way, this really is hell."
Despite saying that, both stepped through the academy gates filled with anticipation.
The confidence radiating from them made it clear they already considered the acceptance letters as good as theirs.
***
[T/N: I haven't watched Burn the Witch, so I didn't understand what "Dragon Attendant" meant. If any of you have watched the anime, let me know if I made any mistakes in the translation.]