New city

With Alice and her party, Leon finally arrived at the first city he'd ever seen in this new world. The journey had been eventful, and he'd learned a few crucial things. he discovered almer city, boasted an Adventurers' Guild, a place where he could register, hunt monsters, and earn a living. The concept of "free money" – leveling up and getting paid – was incredibly appealing.

He also learned that Alice was a temporary addition to the party. A newbie, she'd been sent along by the guild master for some field experience. They'd taken her on because their own healer was unavailable. The revelation that she was a solo adventurer, combined with the fact that they'd be parting ways soon, sparked an idea in Leon. A subtle smile played on his lips. He would make Alice his. It wouldn't be difficult; he could already sense her attraction to him. As he considered his strategy, the imposing walls of Almer came into view.

"Welcome to Almer City!" Walter announced. Leon gazed at the walls, a formidable barrier of stone and mortar that stretched some fifty meters high and disappeared into the distance. He admired their strength for a moment before his attention shifted to the massive city gates. Fifteen meters long and a meter thick, they looked capable of repelling any monstrous assault until reinforcements arrived. A small guard post stood beside the gate, and the party made their way towards it.

The guards recognized Walter and his companions, including Alice. But Leon was a new face. "Hey, Walter," one of them called out. "Who's the newcomer?"

"This is Leon," Walter explained. "He saved our lives in the forest. We ran into a goblin shaman, and things got… hairy. He pulled us out of the fire." Alice nodded shyly in confirmation.

"Well, in that case," the guard said, waving them through, "you should probably head straight to the guild."

Stepping through the gate, Leon's eyes swept over the city. It was old, certainly, but beautiful in its own way. The buildings, constructed of weathered stone and timber, possessed a rustic charm. The air felt fresher here, less tainted by the wilderness. After a short walk, they reached their destination: the Adventurers' Guild. The building was tall and imposing, a large sign bearing the guild's emblem swinging gently in the breeze. So, this is it, Leon thought. The legendary Adventurers' Guild. Let's see what all the fuss is about. He followed Walter and the others inside.

The guild hall buzzed with activity. Adventurers of all shapes and sizes milled about, some boasting of recent exploits, others haggling over quest rewards. Walter led them to the reception desk, where a woman with a warm smile and efficient air stood behind the counter. Walter gave his report, then turned to Leon. "Lana, this is Leon. He saved us back there."

"Hello, I'm Leon," he said.

"Hi, Leon," Lana replied. "I'm Lana, the receptionist. We owe you a great debt for saving Walter's party…and Alice."

"It was nothing," Leon said. "Just happened to be in the right place at the right time." He noticed Alice shifting uncomfortably, a faint blush rising on her cheeks.

Lana, perceptive as ever, saw the dynamic between them. Ah, a budding romance, she thought with amusement. "Leon, you're here to register, I presume?"

Leon nodded.

"Well," Lana continued, "why don't you and Alice form a party? She's a solo healer, and she needs a regular group. She filled in for Walter's party while their healer was indisposed, but they're back to full strength now. It would be mutually beneficial. What do you say?"

Alice's blush deepened to crimson. Leon, seizing the opportunity, readily agreed. "Sounds like a good plan to me." He glanced at Alice, a charming smile on his face. She gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. And just like that, Leon had a party member.

After the formalities were concluded, the two parties went their separate ways. Leon, having received a small reward from the guild for his heroics, had enough money to cover lodging for a few nights – for both himself and Alice. He decided to keep that little detail to himself for now. "Let's find an inn," he suggested.

They soon found a suitable establishment. It wasn't luxurious, but it looked clean and comfortable. Leon approached the gruff-looking receptionist. "We need two rooms."

The receptionist, a stout man with a shaved head and a white beard, grunted. "Sorry, kid. Only one room left."

Leon turned to Alice, "Looks like we're down to one room. All the other inns are full."

Alice hesitated, her cheeks flushing again. "I…I don't mind sharing," she stammered, "if you're okay with it."

Leon's smile widened. "Perfect," he said, turning back to the receptionist. "We'll take it."

"Alright, alright," the man grumbled, handing over a key. "Room's at the end of the hall, upstairs on the right."

They climbed the stairs and found their room. It was simple but cozy, furnished with a double bed, a small table, and a worn-out couch. Leon gestured towards the bed. "You take the bed," he said. "You've had a long day."

Alice started to protest, but one look at his determined face, and she relented. "Thank you," she whispered, sinking onto the mattress with a sigh and fall a sleep.