In the Shadow of the Dragon: Isekai Adventure

Ever since Li Ran and the Darkmoon Dragon Princess had completed a series of highly dangerous quests, their names had spread beyond the Adventurers' Guild, catching the attention of Carosso's nobility and elite circles.

It wasn't long before high-ranking nobles saw them as the perfect solution to a pressing crisis—the reclamation of the Cloudveil Mines.

The Cloudveil Mines were renowned for producing Mythril Steel, one of the world's rarest and most durable metals, capable of crafting legendary-grade armor and weapons. The royal family and the capital's elite forces relied heavily on this irreplaceable resource.

But months ago, a massive dragon descended upon the mines, turning it into its personal lair. Every attempt to reclaim the area—whether by soldiers or adventurers—had ended in disastrous failure.

Faced with mounting losses, the nobles turned to Li Ran and the Darkmoon Dragon Princess, offering a king's ransom to rid them of the dragon and reclaim the mines.

Even the royal court formally intervened, requesting Guild Master Garrick Ironfist to assign the mission directly to them.

Accepting the Quest: A Clash of Mind and Might

Li Ran skimmed through the detailed mission report, his expression unreadable.

"Earning the title of 'Dragon Slayer' isn't something that comes easily." His tone carried a mix of caution and anticipation.

Turning to the Darkmoon Dragon Princess, he quirked an eyebrow. "What do you think?"

Her crimson gaze remained cold and unwavering. "Those beasts are nothing like me. They are mindless incarnations of destruction—violent, territorial, and foolish." A faint chill lingered in her tone. "Eliminating such creatures does not concern me."

Her response made Li Ran pause. He had always known she was different, yet moments like these reminded him just how distinct she was from other dragonkin.

Smiling faintly, he exhaled. "Then it's decided. We'll slay the dragon and reclaim the mines."

Nina Joins the Party: A Guide Through the Labyrinth

Knowing the Cloudveil Mines were a vast and treacherous labyrinth, Li Ran and the Princess sought out a knowledgeable guide.

Through Guild Master Garrick Ironfist, they were introduced to Nina, a young but skilled dwarven explorer.

Nina had short black hair, freckles, and an unwavering determination in her emerald eyes.

Her father had once managed the mines, but when the dragon claimed the territory, he lost everything—his livelihood, reputation, and will to fight.

Refusing to succumb to despair, Nina trained herself to navigate the mine's tunnels, leading adventurers in attempts to reclaim the territory—though all previous ventures had ended in failure.

"This time, I won't fail." Her fists clenched, resolve burning in her voice.

Li Ran patted her shoulder reassuringly. "With us here, you won't have to."

Challenges Beneath the Earth

The Cloudveil Mines weren't just a dragon's nest—they were a deadly labyrinth, stretching deep beneath the earth with countless interconnected tunnels, hidden chambers, and collapsed passageways.

One wrong step could lead to being lost for days—or worse, falling into the dragon's direct path.

Fortunately, Nina's experience and keen instincts guided them through the twisting corridors.

Navigating the Depths

First Obstacle – The Forking Paths

At a massive three-way intersection, Nina hesitated.

"The right path leads deeper underground, but it's collapsed. The left path is…" She frowned. "I remember it being a shortcut, but something's different."

Li Ran examined the air with keen eyes, sensing a subtle distortion in space.

"It's a mirage trap." He drew his blade. "I can cut through it."

Activating "Dimensional Rift Slash," he cleaved through the illusion—revealing a concealed passage leading forward.

Nina gasped in awe. "Incredible! That wasn't here before… Someone, or something, is setting these illusions."

The Darkmoon Dragon Princess narrowed her eyes. "Then we're being watched."

Second Obstacle – Magical Wards & Runic Traps

The deeper tunnels contained arcane runes pulsing with draconic energy.

"These are no ordinary traps." Nina observed. "They react to movement and magic."

As soon as she stepped closer, the runes flared—unleashing a barrage of crimson energy lances aimed directly at them.

The Darkmoon Dragon Princess extended her hand, activating "Shadow Veil", absorbing the attack into the darkness.

"How many of these traps do you think there are?" Li Ran asked.

Nina's expression darkened. "If the dragon placed them itself—countless."

Li Ran smirked. "Then we'd better get to work."

Third Obstacle – The Guardian Constructs

Just as they neared the final descent, a deep rumbling echoed through the tunnel.

From the cavern walls, three massive stone golems emerged, carved with ancient draconic markings.

Their runic cores pulsed with raw magic, and they stood like unshakable sentinels, barring their path forward.

Li Ran's Phantom Step

Li Ran blurred forward, dodging a stone fist the size of a boulder.

With precise footwork, he leapt onto one golem's arm and plunged his sword into its core—only for the construct to rapidly regenerate.

The Darkmoon Dragon Princess' Abyssal Chains

"Oblivion Chains."

From the shadows, black tendrils lashed out, coiling around the second golem, binding its limbs, forcing it to kneel.

Nina's Explosive Runestones

"This should do it!" Nina flung a handful of runestones at the remaining third golem, the stones glowing bright red before detonating in a fiery explosion.

As the dust settled, the last construct crumbled, revealing the final passage.

The Final Descent: A Dragon's Roar Awaits

Beyond the cleared chamber, a gust of hot air surged forth, carrying the unmistakable scent of sulfur and charred rock.

They had reached the dragon's lair.

Nina tightened her grip on her weapon, a mix of fear and determination in her eyes. "This is it."

Li Ran's lips curled into a sharp grin.

The Darkmoon Dragon Princess stepped forward, her crimson eyes gleaming in the dim glow.

"It's time."

They had cleared the labyrinth—now all that remained was to face the beast that ruled over it.

And they would not leave until the Cloudveil Mines were reclaimed.