In the Shadow of the Dragon: Isekai Adventure

The Adventurer's Guild Invitation

Li Ran and Darkmoon Dragon Princess had planned to take a short break when they received an invitation from the Adventurer's Guild Master—Regnas.

Regnas was a burly middle-aged man with an imposing aura, once a legendary warrior and now the leader of the Adventurer's Guild. His office was grand, adorned with relics and records of past adventurers, showcasing the long and glorious history of the guild.

When Li Ran and Darkmoon Dragon Princess entered, Regnas greeted them with a warm smile.

"Li Ran, Darkmoon Dragon Princess, welcome to the Adventurer's Guild."

He poured two glasses of fine wine and offered them with a chuckle.

"As S-rank adventurers, you are entitled to many privileges—exclusive access to classified intelligence, financial assistance, personal attendants, and even priority use of teleportation gates."

Darkmoon Dragon Princess raised an eyebrow.

"So, you're not just inviting us here for a friendly chat, are you?"

Regnas laughed heartily, a glint of cunning flashing in his eyes.

"Smart. In fact, I have a rather troublesome S-rank mission that requires your expertise."

Placing a file on the table, he pointed to a critical section.

"Recently, our adventurers have been encountering a powerful vampire, and the casualties have been severe. Even A-rank teams have failed to return. We've classified this as an S-rank threat, and I'm hoping you'll accept the mission."

Li Ran sighed, shaking his head with a wry smile.

"After offering all these benefits, refusing this mission would make me seem ungrateful."

Darkmoon Dragon Princess smirked.

"With the situation this dire, we can't let the vampire continue wreaking havoc. We accept."

Preparing Holy Water at the Church

To deal with the undead, Li Ran and Darkmoon Dragon Princess made their way to the Sacred Radiance Church, seeking potent holy water and divine magic support.

Archbishop Carson greeted them and listened carefully before speaking with grave concern.

"The vampire has been empowered by the rampant magic surges, making it far stronger than usual. Regular holy water won't be enough. Instead, we will provide you with Divine Blaze Holy Water—a rare substance capable of burning through the very souls of the undead."

He handed Li Ran several vials, and a group of priests blessed their weapons and magic.

Fully prepared, the two set off toward the Western Vampire's Lair.

Confronting the Vampire Lord's Lair

The vampire's lair was hidden deep within a canyon, shrouded in thick, eerie mist. The very air was laced with a sinister energy, as if the entire castle was cursed.

Upon stepping inside, the oppressive magical pressure intensified, signaling the presence of something overwhelmingly powerful.

The oppressive air thickened as a tall, slender figure emerged from the shadows. Clad in a regal crimson cloak, his silver hair cascaded like silk, flowing with an unnatural elegance. His blood-red eyes gleamed with predatory hunger, locking onto Li Ran and the Darkmoon Dragon Princess like a beast toying with its prey.

A slow, amused smirk crept across his face, revealing his razor-sharp fangs.

"Ah… What a pleasant surprise." His voice was both velvety and menacing. "I am Azrad, Lord of Nightmares. Have you come to offer yourselves as my next exquisite feast?"

The room trembled as his blood aura pulsed, distorting the air with an overwhelming malice.

Li Ran and Darkmoon Dragon Princess exchanged a brief glance. There was no need for words—battle was inevitable.

• Darkmoon Dragon Princess raised her staff, whispering an incantation. "Moon Shadow Barrier!" A veil of darkness enveloped them, distorting their figures and obscuring their movements.

• Azrad scoffed, his body dissolving into a crimson mist, effortlessly phasing through the barrier. In an instant, his claws shot forward, aiming for Li Ran's throat.

• Li Ran reacted instantly. His "Dimensional Rift Slash" carved through the air, splitting space itself in an attempt to bisect Azrad mid-strike.

• Azrad's form flickered as he used "Blood Phantom Shift", teleporting behind Li Ran in a crimson blur, his claws aiming for a fatal strike.

• But Li Ran was ready. He spun, activating "Spatial Wall", a translucent barrier materializing at the last second, deflecting the lethal blow.

• Darkmoon Dragon Princess countered swiftly, casting "Shadow Claws"—blackened tendrils shot forward, wrapping around Azrad's limbs, attempting to bind him in place.

• Azrad sneered, unfazed. His captured limb liquefied into blood, slipping through her grasp before reforming instantly.

• Azrad's expression darkened. With a flick of his wrist, "Crimson Thorns" erupted from the ground—blood-forged spikes surged upward like spears, aiming to impale his foes.

• Li Ran's eyes gleamed. "Dimensional Severance!" His Severance Blade hummed with raw power as he slashed through the spikes, his movements precise and unyielding.

• Darkmoon Dragon Princess seized the opportunity. She weaved shadows into chains, casting "Shadow Bind", the dark tendrils wrapping around Azrad's torso and dragging him downward.

• Azrad's glowing crimson eyes widened for a fraction of a second—his movements restricted for the first time.

• Li Ran didn't hesitate. He rushed forward, gathering an immense surge of energy into his blade. "Void Cleave!" The air trembled as a rift of pure destruction split through the darkness, targeting Azrad's core.

• Azrad, sensing his end, snarled. His form began to pulse violently, veins surging with an unnatural glow.

• "Blood Soul Detonation!" he bellowed. His entire body became a living bomb, crimson energy swirling chaotically, ready to detonate in a catastrophic explosion that would take his enemies down with him.

• Li Ran and Darkmoon Dragon Princess reacted instantly.

• "Holy Water Burst!" Li Ran roared, hurling a consecrated flask into the air. The purified flames of divine energy erupted forth, searing Azrad's volatile form.

• "Shadow Devour!" Darkmoon Dragon Princess followed, casting a vortex of consuming darkness, sucking away the remaining energy before it could explode.

• Azrad let out an agonized, inhuman shriek, his body disintegrating under the combined assault.

With an agonized screech, Azrad disintegrated into ashes, consumed by the Divine Blaze Holy Water.

A Celebration and A Tender Night

Returning to the Adventurer's Guild, Li Ran and Darkmoon Dragon Princess were welcomed with a hero's reception. Regnas personally raised a glass to them.

"To be able to drink with legends like you—what an honor!"

The battle had been a decisive victory, securing the safety of countless adventurers. Regnas, visibly moved, offered a heartfelt toast.

"Li Ran, Darkmoon Dragon Princess… you've saved us all. Thank you."

That night, they returned to their Moonlight Veil Inn, their well-earned accommodations.

Darkmoon Dragon Princess, slightly intoxicated, leaned against Li Ran, her face flushed with warmth.

"Li Ran…"

Before he could respond, she gently collapsed onto his lap.

With a soft chuckle, Li Ran stroked her hair, watching her peaceful sleeping face. A warmth spread through his chest.

They had fought for peace, and tonight, at least, they could rest.

Yet, they both knew—their journey was far from over.