Solo Panicking

The Forest

After Jinwoo left the group to complete his daily quest, you and the remaining hunters settled in for a short rest. The quiet of the forest was somewhat calming, but there was still a sense of nervous energy in the air. Song-Yi and the White Tiger members huddled together, sharing quiet conversation, each taking occasional glances at you, as though they still couldn't believe what they'd just witnessed with the ice bear meal.

While the others talked, Ignis made a loud chip sound. WHich immediately brought attention to you and the backpack on your feet. There was a hushed silence before Ignis made another sound.

"Unnie? What's in the bag?" questioned Song-Yi as she leaned over a bit to take a look.

"Um.. It might be better to show you guys"

You reached into your bag, gently picking Ignis up and out. His small, warm body felt comforting in your hands, and as you lifted him, the others gasped softly. A small, crimson-scaled baby dragon blinked up at them, his big green eyes curious as he took in his new surroundings.

"This," you announced with a grin, "is Ignis. He's... my familiar."

The response was immediate, and exactly what you expected. Park Heejin gasped, her hands covering her mouth as she stared at the tiny dragon in awe.

"Is that a...?" Go Myung-Hwan trailed off, his eyes wide as he leaned in for a closer look. "A dragon?!"

Song-Yi's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Unnie! Why didn't you tell us you had a baby dragon? He's adorable!"

Ignis chirped, seemingly pleased by the attention. His little wings fluttered as he looked from one face to the next, studying each person carefully. His scales glimmered in the light, a deep, iridescent red that seemed to glow in the dim forest.

Yoon Ki-Joong, usually the quieter person of the group, was just as stunned as the others, though he hid it better. He cleared his throat and raised an eyebrow. "I didn't even know familiars could be a thing. "

You laughed, patting Ignis gently on the head. "He's definitely a special one. Ignis here was, uh, more of a surprise gift from someone. But don't worry, he's completely friendly and trained... mostly."

At that, Ignis gave a small, playful growl, as though he'd understood the implication. His tail flicked in defiance, and then he buried his head into your chest, starting to feel the cold, drawing a collective "aww" from the group.

Park Heejin finally stepped closer, her gaze curious but cautious. "Does he breathe fire?"

You laughed while patting his back. "Not yet, thankfully. He's still too little right now."

Go Myung-Hwan seemed particularly taken by the tiny dragon, his hand tentatively reaching out as he marveled, "I've heard about some pretty strange things in dungeons, but nothing like this." Ignis eyed his hand and gave it a friendly sniff before giving an approving chirp.

"He likes you!" you laughed.

Song-Yi tilted her head, staring at Ignis with open adoration. "Can I pet him?"

You glanced at Ignis, who seemed eager, and nodded. "Of course. He's a bit shy at first, but I think he likes all of you already."

Song-Yi reached out, gently patting his head, and Ignis closed his eyes in contentment, leaning into her touch giving a little thrill of approval. The group watched in fascination, still adjusting to the sight of a dragon in such a peaceful setting. In a world filled with monsters and dungeons, the sight of a tiny, affectionate dragon familiar was something entirely new.

Especially since the last time anyone saw a dragon at least outside its domain was Kamish. It's getting dark out and a bit cooler as the sun sets in the dungeon. There are about three tents set up that Jinwoo left before he headed out.