You're right. This thing probably has been suffering for some time now, so it would be better to end it instead of leaving it be.

[ Atsushi's gaze turns back to the dragon, expression somewhat unreadable. This was pretty high up on the list of things he never thought he'd experience. ]

Understood.

[ Frowning a bit, he twisted his expression into something a little less grim. ]

Hey. Have you been like this for a long time?