The NPC's Survival Guide

Chapter 4 : The Soul That Shouldn't Exist

A heavy silence followed the silver dragon's words.

"What an odd human," she had said, her voice calm but filled with certainty. "He has a soul, but he doesn't."

Noah felt a chill creep down his spine. The way the dragons looked at him—like he was something unnatural, something that shouldn't exist—made his fear grow stronger. He wanted to speak, to ask what they meant, but his instincts screamed at him to stay silent.

The red dragon finally broke the silence, his deep voice carrying an undeniable authority.

""She bends the very laws of this world… She is beyond special."

His words carried an almost reverent weight, making the other dragons listen carefully.

The black dragon, still watching Noah with a hint of curiosity, tilted his head slightly. "Then… is he one of them?"

The red dragon's response was immediate, his tone sharp.

"No. I don't sense any evil intent from him."

The green dragon narrowed his eyes. "Then… the opposing faction?"

The silver dragon sighed as if already expecting the question. She shook her head, her gaze still locked onto Noah.

"He doesn't have any divinity either, so no."

A tense silence filled the air. The dragons were deep in thought, but Noah was just as confused as ever. What the hell are they talking about?

He had been a simple salaryman, then a useless NPC who could only say one line. Now, suddenly, dragons—beings that were considered god-like in the game—were acting like he was some kind of mystery.

'I have a soul, but I don't?'Noah repeated in his head. 'What does that even mean?'

He didn't know.

But one thing was certain—the dragons saw something in him that even he didn't understand.

The red dragon's deep voice thundered across the ruined city, carrying the weight of absolute authority.

"Speak, human. Who are you?"

It wasn't a question—it was a demand. One that left no room for hesitation.

Noah stiffened. His mind raced. Should he speak? Or should he stay silent? He had no idea what to say, and worse, what if his voice still betrayed him? If all that came out was a meaningless, automated "Welcome to the castle," he might as well dig his own grave.

His eyes darted toward the red dragon, trying to read his expression. Was he angry? Curious? Testing him? Noah couldn't tell.

Then, a voice broke the tension.

"He just ignored your question, uncle."

It was the blue dragon, a smirk playing on his face. He giggled at the sight, clearly entertained.

The red dragon shot him a glare. "Shut your mouth."

The blue dragon rolled his eyes playfully, but he didn't push further.

Noah barely had time to breathe before the red dragon turned back to him. This time, the air itself felt heavier. A crushing presence radiated from the dragon's massive form, pressing down on Noah like an invisible weight.

"Speak, or else I won't hold back."

His words weren't a mere threat. They were a promise.

The remaining dragons locked their gazes on Noah, waiting. Their eyes—powerful, ancient—felt as if they could see through his very soul.

His legs refused to move, his breath caught in his throat. The dragon's golden eyes burned into him, vast and ancient. This wasn't just a game enemy—this was a being beyond human understanding. And it was waiting for his answer.

Noah swallowed hard. He had no choice. He had to say something.

Noah's heart pounded in his chest. He had no choice left. He had to say something.

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to speak.

"Welco—"

His stomach dropped.

"Welcome to the castle."

The words left his mouth before he could stop them. Damn it.

A suffocating silence followed. No one spoke. The dragons merely stared.

Then—

"Pfft—hahaha!!"

The blue dragon burst into laughter. His booming voice echoed across the ruins, his massive frame shaking from amusement.

The green dragon pressed his lips together, trying—failing—to suppress a chuckle. He averted his gaze, careful not to meet the red dragon's eyes.

Through gasps of laughter, the blue dragon managed to say, "He's... he's making fun of uncle!"

The red dragon's face darkened.

Noah's blood ran cold.

'I'm dead.'

Noah's stomach dropped. This was it. His funeral. Death by dragon glare. The blue one might be laughing, but the red dragon's narrowed eyes told a different story. What would it feel like? Instant incineration? Or would he be torn apart first? He didn't want to know.

His mind screamed at him to run, but his body refused to move.

The atmosphere grew heavier. The temperature seemed to rise. The red dragon's golden eyes locked onto Noah with pure, seething intensity.

This was it.

His one mistake just turned into a death sentence.

The air around them tensed. The laughter faded as quickly as it had begun.

The red dragon exhaled, slow and deep. The temperature rose instantly—a scorching wave of heat pulsed from his massive body. The ancient marble beneath Noah's feet cracked, thin trails of smoke rising from the sudden heat.

Noah didn't dare move. Was this the end?

"You dare mock me?" The red dragon's voice was no longer just powerful—it was wrathful. A low, guttural growl rumbled from deep within his throat.

The blue dragon, still trying to catch his breath, cleared his throat and swiftly turned away, as if distancing himself from Noah. The green dragon also took a step back, looking away as if this had nothing to do with him. Even the black dragon, who had been the quietest so far, let out a deep sigh, shaking his head.

The message was clear.

"You're on your own, human."

Noah swallowed hard. Damn it.

Then—BOOM!

The ground shattered beneath him as the red dragon slammed one of his massive claws into the earth, mere inches away. Dust and debris shot into the air.

Noah flinched, instinctively stepping back, his breath caught in his throat.

The red dragon leaned in closer, his enormous head lowering until his golden eyes were level with Noah's tiny, insignificant form.

"Speak properly. One last chance."

Noah desperately willed his body to obey him. His mind screamed, his muscles tensed, but—

Nothing.

Not. A. Single. Word.

His throat burned from the effort. His lips trembled. But his voice refused to obey him.

Panic settled in.

The red dragon narrowed his eyes. His jaws parted slightly, revealing rows of gleaming, razor-sharp teeth.

The heat intensified.

Noah had to do something—NOW.

To be continued -