In the Shadow of the Dragon: Isekai Adventure

The Greedy Noble's Snare

Life in Alva City had never been easy for Li Ran, but recently, it had become unbearable. His growing reputation within the Adventurers' Guild had drawn the attention of both allies and enemies alike. The shadows of political intrigue and noble scheming now loomed over him, threatening to unravel everything he had built.

At the center of it all stood Duke Kadar, a cunning and ruthless noble, whose greed knew no bounds. His influence over Alva City's aristocracy was immense, and he was notorious for his corruption, arrogance, and unquenchable lust for power. But power alone was never enough for men like him.

Through carefully orchestrated lies and political maneuvering, Duke Kadar launched a smear campaign against Li Ran, accusing him of treachery, theft, and even murder. Rumors spread like wildfire—whispers that Li Ran had abandoned a merchant escort mission, slain his employer, and stolen his valuables. Fabricated witnesses emerged, each recounting tales designed to blacken his name.

While those who truly knew Li Ran saw through the deception, many fell prey to the noble's web of deceit.

But Kadar's true motivation was far more sinister than mere power—he desired the Darkmoon Dragon Princess.

Coveting both her formidable strength and ethereal beauty, he sought to force Li Ran out of Alva City, hoping to claim her as his own.

However, Kadar was not alone in his pursuit of Li Ran's downfall.

Enemies in the Shadows: The Church's Betrayal

For months, Sacred Radiance Church had silently resented Li Ran's disruption of the divine healing monopoly. His potions provided an affordable alternative to the church's expensive blessings, weakening their grip over the people.

High Priest Carson, the church's ever-calculating leader, saw Kadar's scheme as the perfect opportunity. The moment the accusations against Li Ran surfaced, Carson seized upon them.

From the grand pulpit of the Sacred Radiance Cathedral, Carson publicly denounced Li Ran before an audience of devout followers:

"This man has defied the sacred order. He dares to interfere with divine blessings, corrupting the people with alchemical abominations. He is a dangerous destabilizer—one who threatens the delicate balance of faith and power."

Before long, both the noble class and the church stood united against him.

Even with Guild Master Regnas' unwavering support, the corruption within Alva City ran too deep. The forces arrayed against Li Ran could not be ignored.

If he stayed, he would be crushed.

A Forced Departure: The Path to Redemption

Late one evening, within the walls of the Adventurers' Guild, Regnas called for a private meeting with Li Ran and the Darkmoon Dragon Princess. The usual lighthearted guildmaster looked graver than ever.

"If you stay, they will not stop," Regnas warned. "They will tighten their grip until you have no way out."

Li Ran clenched his fists. He had never run from a fight before—but this wasn't a battle of swords. It was a war of influence, politics, and deception.

Regnas exhaled before speaking his next words carefully.

"You need to leave Alva City and head to Carosso."

Carosso—the royal capital. A city beyond Kadar's reach, where the higher-ranking adventurer organizations and even the monarchy itself held power over corrupt nobles. There, Li Ran could regain control over his fate and strike back against those who conspired against him.

After a long silence, Li Ran finally spoke, his voice firm.

"Then it's decided. We leave for Carosso."

The Darkmoon Dragon Princess nodded. "If they want to destroy us, they will have to try harder."

Laying the Foundation: A Future Secured

Before their departure, Li Ran took careful steps to secure his assets and allies.

His potion business—the very industry that had threatened the church's monopoly—needed a capable overseer. Someone trustworthy, intelligent, and unwavering in their commitment to the people.

Seraphina was the perfect choice.

A gifted alchemist and an angelic presence, Seraphina embodied pure kindness and sincerity. Her silver hair shimmered like moonlight, her crystal-blue eyes reflected her untainted spirit, and her aura radiated warmth and serenity. She wore the traditional white and gold robes of the church, yet she had long since abandoned the rigid doctrines of Sacred Radiance.

She believed in helping the people—not controlling them.

"I'll make sure everything runs smoothly," Seraphina assured Li Ran, her soft voice carrying quiet determination. "By the time you return, this potion business won't just be a small enterprise—it'll be a force that truly changes lives."

Li Ran smiled. "Then I leave it in your hands."

Yet Seraphina was not alone.

The people who had benefited from Li Ran's potions had begun to form their own underground alliance—a network of common folk, merchants, and rogue informants who refused to be shackled by noble oppression.

They called themselves "The Silver Veil."

This secret group swore allegiance to Li Ran and Seraphina, vowing to gather intelligence within Alva City and report all noble activities directly to them.

Even as Li Ran departed, his influence remained.

The Journey to Carosso: A New Chapter Begins

With Regnas discreetly arranging their travel papers, Li Ran and the Darkmoon Dragon Princess departed under the cover of night.

Regnas had personally issued a formal letter of recommendation, ensuring their swift recognition within Carosso's Adventurers' Guild. Additionally, he provided an official guildmaster's permit, granting them unrestricted entry into the royal capital.

As the towering gates of Alva City closed behind them, Li Ran stole one last glance at the city that had both forged and betrayed him.

The Darkmoon Dragon Princess walked beside him, her eyes shining with unshakable resolve.

"Carosso awaits," she said softly. "Let's go."

Li Ran exhaled, turning toward the open road ahead.

"No more running," he murmured. "From here on out… we fight on our terms."

And thus, their journey toward Carosso—toward justice, revenge, and the forging of a new future—began.