Recovering From the Chimaera Battle
Having just barely survived his brutal fight with a Chimaera, Li Ran was near exhaustion when he and the Darkmoon Dragon Princess encountered a small party of adventurers on the road. Impressed that Li Ran had managed to vanquish such a formidable creature alone, the party eagerly shared valuable information, pointing him toward Alva City, a frontier town known for its well-established Adventurers' Guild and diverse array of quests.
"This world's tougher than it looks,"
one of the adventurers remarked, clapping Li Ran on the shoulder.
"Registering as an adventurer in Alva City is a great place to start."
Buoyed by their advice, Li Ran and the Darkmoon Dragon Princess set out for the border city. Along the way, Li Ran relied on his hunting and scouting skills—honed in countless virtual battles—to gather fresh meat and fruits. Occasionally, weak monsters crossed their path, but they posed little threat to Li Ran's considerable combat prowess. The Princess stayed on constant guard, using her mental link to warn him of any lurking dangers. Working in tandem, their coordination improved with every step.
A Clash of Wits at the City Gates
At last, the towering walls of Alva City loomed on the horizon. Approaching the main gate, Li Ran felt the tension in the air as the guards scrutinized him.
"Are you an adventurer? Where're you from?"
the guard captain demanded, suspicion heavy in his voice. Li Ran's armor and weaponry were clearly high-grade and foreign, rousing the guards' curiosity.
Not wanting to spark trouble, Li Ran answered breezily:
"I'm from…far away, just looking for work here."
Sensing their skepticism, he produced a few silver coins—spoils from the bandits he'd encountered—and handed them over.
"Not sure what the entrance fee is… Hope this covers it?"
The guard hesitated, eyeing the coins' vaguely familiar markings. After a tense moment, he pocketed them, tacitly allowing Li Ran to pass. Breathing a sigh of relief, Li Ran silently thanked his luck for holding on to some universal currency.
Alva City: A Lively Frontier
Stepping past the gates, Li Ran felt as though he had entered an entirely different world:
Bustling Streets: Vendors and travelers thronged the winding roads, their voices merging in a chorus of haggling and chatter.Varied Races: Feline-eared or fox-eared beastfolk darted through the crowd with nimble ease; brawny dwarves busied themselves in forge workshops; tall, elegant elves engaged in trading at magical emporiums; even half-orcs tirelessly hawked exotic potions at street stalls.Adventurers' Haven: Taverns, inns, and weapon shops plastered their walls with recruitment notices and quest bulletins. Adventurers of every stripe and skill level—from bright-eyed novices to battle-scarred veterans—congregated in the city.
The sheer diversity and energy of Alva City set Li Ran's mind racing with excitement and unease. He sensed that beneath the lively hustle lay hidden tensions: the walls still bore signs of recent fortification work, and rumors of monster incursions ricocheted among tavern patrons.
Still, he resolved to make Alva City his temporary home—first registering as an adventurer, then planning his next move. Secure in the Princess's calming mental presence, he felt certain he could forge his own path here. Perhaps, in time, he might even find the answers he sought…or step onto an even larger stage. For now, everything would begin in Alva City.
Finding Shelter and Seeking Opportunity
Li Ran checked into a modest inn recommended by local adventurers, spending just a few copper coins for a night's rest—an excellent deal. He had little choice, having bribed the city guard with most of his silver and gleaned only meager spoils from the bandits. Confronted with a dwindling purse, he racked his brain for ways to earn money. Then, an idea struck him: his magic storage pouch still contained an assortment of loot—slime crystals, goblin blades, basic provisions, and even bits of Chimaera fur and fangs. Perhaps the Adventurers' Guild would purchase them, giving him the quick cash he needed.
He felt a flicker of renewed hope, resolved to visit the Guild first thing in the morning.
A Quiet Night and a Warm Embrace
That evening, while Li Ran tried to rest, the Darkmoon Dragon Princess slipped into his bed. Her unique ability to shapeshift meant that tonight she opted for her human-like form—appearing adorably drowsy, yet undeniably captivating as she nestled close. Her gentle eyes glimmered with a soft affection; at one point, a shy flush lit her cheeks when her hand brushed Li Ran's chest.
An unfamiliar rush of emotion swept over him, deepening the intimacy of the moment. Reaching out, he stroked her silky silver hair, and her eyes sparkled with delight—warming the small space they shared.
Dawn's early light found Li Ran still awake, heart pounding from that lingering, delicate tension between them. As Alva City stirred to life outside, a new day dawned on their story—a subtle tenderness growing in the hush of that quiet room, igniting a sense of promise for the adventures yet to come.