New day

( N/A

sorry it took so long for this chapter I try to Try to do my best and release more chapter sooner)

Leon slowly opened his eyes to an unfamiliar ceiling, the rough-hewn beams a stark contrast to the smooth plaster he was accustomed to. "Huh," he murmured, a hint of disbelief in his voice. "So that wasn't a dream. I'm still here." He turned his head and saw Alice, sleeping soundly on the bade. Her blond hair spilled across the pillow, and her breathing was soft and even. A warm smile crept onto his face. "Cute," he whispered, the word laced with affection.

As he watched her, her eyelids fluttered open. She blinked, her eyes adjusting to the dim light, then looked toward Leon. A delicate blush rose on her cheeks as she realized she wasn't alone. She instinctively pulled the blanket tighter around herself, a flicker of embarrassment crossing her face. Leon chuckled softly, finding her shyness endearing. "Good morning," he greeted gently. "Did you sleep well?"

"Good morning," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. A shy smile touched her lips. "Yes, thank you."

Leon's smile widened. "Today's our first official day as a party," he said, a hint of excitement in his voice. "Fancy going on a quest?"

Alice's eyes lit up. "Yes!" she exclaimed, her earlier shyness forgotten.

"Alright then," Leon said, his smile warm and encouraging. "Let's grab some breakfast first, and then we'll head to the guild and see what quest we can take." Alice nodded eagerly.

They descended the creaking wooden stairs to the inn's common room, the smell of frying beef and freshly baked bread filling the air. They found an empty table and ordered a hearty breakfast. After their meal, they set off for the adventurers' guild, the morning sun casting long shadows before them.

The guild hall buzzed with activity. Adventurers of all shapes and sizes milled about, some boasting about past exploits, others eagerly planning their next adventure. Leon and Alice made their way to the quest board, their eyes scanning the numerous postings. Alice spotted one that caught her attention. "Leon," she said, pointing to a crumpled piece of parchment. "How about this one? It's an herb-gathering quest."

Leon glanced at the posting. "Sounds straightforward enough," he agreed. They approached the counter, their footsteps echoing on the wooden floor, and registered for the quest.

Leaving the bustling guild hall, they stepped out into the bright sunlight and headed towards the city gates. Once outside the city walls, they followed a well-worn path that led them to the area described in the quest. After a ten-minute walk, the path opened into a small clearing. A tranquil lake shimmered in the sunlight, surrounded by a profusion of plants and flowers. "This looks like the place," Alice said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

They began their search, carefully identifying and gathering the required herbs. The air was filled with the sweet scent of wildflowers, and the gentle lapping of the lake against the shore created a peaceful backdrop. Soon, their baskets were overflowing with herbs, enough to earn them a respectable sum of around 20 silver coins.

(Money exchange: 100 copper = 1 silver; 100 silver = 1 gold; 100 gold = 1 platinum)

Exhausted but satisfied, they sat down by the lake to rest before heading back. As they chatted, a dark shape stirred beneath the water's surface. Suddenly, a slimy tentacle shot out of the lake, wrapping itself around Alice's leg and yanking her into the water with terrifying speed.

"Alice!" Leon roared, his heart leaping into his throat. He plunged into the lake without hesitation. The murky water stung his eyes, but he could see Alice struggling against the monster's grip. The creature dragged her deeper, and Leon knew she was running out of air. He swam with a ferocity he didn't know he possessed, finally catching up to her. He drew his dagger and slashed at the tentacle, severing it with a sickening squelch.

He pulled Alice free, but she was limp and unresponsive. Her clothes, soaked and clinging to her body, seemed to dissolve before his eyes, a result of the monster's venomous slime. He surfaced, gasping for air, and dragged Alice onto the shore. She was unconscious, her skin pale. He laid her gently on the ground and began chest compressions, desperately trying to expel the water from her lungs. When that failed, he knew he had only one option left. He took a deep breath and gave her CPR, his lips pressing against hers.

Finally, Alice coughed, water sputtering from her mouth. She opened her eyes, her gaze unfocused and panicked. Then, awareness returned, and she realized the situation. Embarrassment washed over her, and tears welled up in her eyes. She was more frightened than humiliated, the near-death experience shaking her to her core. Leon tried to comfort her, but her sobs continued. In a moment of desperation, he leaned down and kissed her softly on the lips.

The kiss had the desired effect. Alice's crying stopped abruptly, replaced by a look of stunned surprise. Then, her eyes fluttered closed, and she kissed him back, her own fear and vulnerability transforming into something else entirely. Leon broke the kiss, a mixture of confusion and exhilaration swirling within him. Alice blushed crimson, hiding her face in her hands.

Leon, equally flustered, quickly removed his outer tunic and draped it over her. He opened his system shop and, with a silent command, purchased a simple but elegant dress for Alice. It materialized in his hands, leaving Alice even more bewildered. "Here," he said, offering her the dress. "Wear this, I know what you want to know and let's go back to the inn I'll tell you everything there."

Alice nodded, still speechless, and changed into the dress. They returned to the city in silence, the events by the lake weighing heavily on their minds. They entered the guild, collected their reward, and made their way back to their room at the inn.

Inside the room, Leon sat Alice on the edge of the bed and took a deep breath. even though he didn't knew Alice for that long but he knew he can trust her he speak "Alice," he began, his voice serious, "there's something I need to tell you." He hesitated, then closed his eyes and transformed. his ears because pointe,two majestic horns dragon horns appear on his head with a black scale dragon tale, "I'm not human," he said, his voice now a deep rumble. "I'm a black dragon. I can shapeshift into human form. I have…special abilities. I didn't want to keep this from you, but i didn't know what to say." He looked at Alice, his golden eyes searching hers. "I…I trust you, Alice. Even though we haven't known each other long, I feel like I can." He fell silent, waiting for her reaction, Alice looking at his dragon from become speechless herself.