Chapter 3: Future Path and Wishes

The mysterious entity, tentatively called Goldfinger, laughed heartily for a long while. Even Ophis, who usually paid no heed to the passage of time, felt that the laughter was prolonged.

Despite her growing annoyance, Ophis chose not to interrupt. She suspected that the laughter was more of a release than a genuine amusement.

It seems this golden finger has its own story.

But Ophis wasn't interested in digging deeper. She preferred to ignore anything that seemed irrelevant or overly complex. Her nature inclined her to focus on simpler, more straightforward aspects of life. In her view, being a dragon suited her better than getting tangled in convoluted matters.

Finally, Goldfinger's laughter subsided when Ophis's patience wore thin.

[Although I don't have any particularly powerful abilities, I do have some advantages.]

"What advantages?"

Ophis, though not particularly interested, directed her attention to Goldfinger.

[My advantage lies in the vast amount of experience and knowledge I possess, which you could only gain over countless years.]

"Um...?"

Ophis responded with newfound interest. She had never been driven by a strong desire for power, content to spend her time in the dimensional gap. But knowing a bit about potential future threats had shifted her perspective.

Sometimes trouble finds you even if you don't seek it out.

[Ah... You understand now? Even if I'm a master... or should I say, a portable goddess? Wait, that doesn't sound right...]

[Don't worry about it. I'll guide you on the right path.]

Ophis focused intently on the golden finger, who had become a blue-haired girl in her mind. If Goldfinger's only contribution was guidance, Ophis felt relieved. Dragons had their own specialized training methods, and she believed that the golden finger could only point the way, not fundamentally alter her training approach.

She could accept taking a detour if necessary. If Goldfinger had ulterior motives, she would deal with them as they came.

Strength was crucial for facing the Red Dragon God Emperor in the future. Despite her inherent dragon laziness, Ophis retained the inherent pride of her kind and was determined to confront this challenge.

"So, what do you suggest?"

After some thought, Ophis asked directly. Though she accepted Goldfinger's presence, she remained skeptical.

Training methods among dragons varied, but they generally involved time and patience. For dragons, it often meant sleeping or meditating to accumulate power, though this process was slower compared to humans. Dragons needed time to develop their abilities, and Ophis was no exception.

But her situation was unique. Her energy was infinite, requiring more control than other dragons, and the challenge lay in managing this boundless power. Ophis had to focus on mastering the control of her energy, rather than just accumulating it.

[If you want advice...]

Goldfinger seemed to think for a moment.

[As an Ouroboros, you should know your strengths, right?]

"Kindness..."

The Ouroboros symbolized many concepts, including infinity, rebirth, and the cycle of life and death. For Ophis, infinity was her defining trait. Unlike other Ouroboros, whose cycles involved energy depletion and replenishment, Ophis's infinity meant her power was never exhausted. However, she needed to master destruction and rebirth abilities, which would take time.

Her energy was infinite, but she had to learn to control it effectively. Although her power was immense, managing it required careful practice.

[So, how do you use this infinite energy?]

"How do I use it?"

Ophis blinked her large eyes, wondering if it meant combat techniques.

She believed that her answer was simple—using powerful magic cannons. If one didn't work, she could always use more. It seemed straightforward and powerful.

Goldfinger responded:

[Haha, I had a feeling you'd think that. But while it's effective, it's not always practical. What if you need to avoid hitting allies or if the enemy is immune to energy?]

Ophis considered this and then rolled over.

"I focus my magic into my fists."

Goldfinger seemed taken aback.

[Listen carefully. Being infinite isn't about being a perpetual motion machine. You must develop towards 'infinity,' but remember, you are an individual. Your 'infinity' must converge into a single 'one'. Understand?]

"…Not really."

[True infinity is unattainable because if it were, it wouldn't be called infinity. You need to figure out what it means for you...]

"Does it mean there's no limit to what I can achieve?"

[Exactly. The extent of 'infinity' depends on your ability. You may not achieve true infinity, but the goal is to make the final 'one' strong enough.]

"…"

Ophis was silent for a moment before asking:

"And your name?"

[Oh?]

"I don't know your name yet."

[Ah, indeed...]

Goldfinger paused.

[I've had many names over time, some of which have lost their meaning. For now, you can call me 'Qi,' as in 'prayer.']