The aftermath of Li Ran's triumph over the hellhound horde brought him a wave of unexpected attention—especially from admirers who found themselves drawn to his striking blend of ordinary looks and extraordinary power. After all, unlike the fabled "divine heroes" or "non-human champions" who typically garnered fame, Li Ran appeared to be just a down-to-earth young man. This stark contrast only magnified his appeal in the eyes of curious onlookers—particularly among the women of Alva City.
Before long, they began flocking toward him:
A noble heiress appeared at the guild, offering to fund a specialized team for Li Ran—provided he agreed to accept her "personal requests."A female swordsman from a nearby adventuring party boldly professed her love, promising to share all quest rewards if she could fight by his side.Half-beastfolk and elven apothecaries who ran stalls in the street invited Li Ran to visit them at home, hoping for tips on his unique potion-making techniques.
At first, the attention felt fresh and exciting—back on Earth, Li Ran had never been the center of anyone's admiration, let alone an entire city's. But the swarm of new admirers soon became overwhelming. He also had to guard his growing wealth and power from those who might harbor darker intentions.
Fortunately, the Darkmoon Dragon Princess was always at his side. The moment someone grew too forward with Li Ran, she would quietly appear, her cool gaze alone enough to make these overeager suitors hesitate and back away. Despite her regal bearing and formidable strength, she showed Li Ran a tender concern that touched him deeply. After every battle, she would ask in her gentle voice whether he had been hurt. When he stayed up late refining potions, she would nap nearby, handing him a freshly brewed stimulant the moment he showed signs of fatigue.
Li Ran, too, looked after her in small but meaningful ways. Though she was a powerful dragon, he would check on her comfort during their journeys and surprise her with treats he painstakingly prepared. The warmth of his gestures filled the Dragon Princess's heart, and soon, a lighthearted rumor spread throughout the city:
"That new S-class adventurer Li Ran and his Dragon Princess companion are like an inseparable, heavenly couple. If you're thinking of wooing him, you might want to consider what you'll do about the dragon first!"
A Brand-New Chapter in Alva City
In just a few short days, Li Ran had made an indelible impression on Alva City:
Conquering an S-rank mission to eradicate the notorious hellhound pack in the northern mountains.Stunning the guild's healers with the high-level recovery potion he produced using his "life skills."Becoming an unlikely heartthrob among the city's many adventurers and merchants.
Still, Li Ran had no intention of settling into a comfortable routine. He sensed that this world was far more expansive and mysterious than he had initially believed, teeming with hidden ruins, formidable monsters, and clues to the secrets of his own origins. Glancing at the Darkmoon Dragon Princess by his side, he caught her soft, reassuring gaze through their telepathic link.
"So…where should we head next?"
A new wave of high-level quests covered the guild's notice board, and Li Ran's eyes shone with quiet determination. No matter how daunting the road ahead, he and his steadfast dragon partner would walk it together—carving new legends with every step. Thus began the latest chapter of Li Ran's adventures in Alva City, a tale destined to lead them far beyond its walls and into the heart of a far greater destiny.