The morning sunlight pierced through the cave entrance, gently rousing Ryu from his deep slumber.
His eyes slowly opened, and the first thing he felt was an extraordinary warmth enveloping his entire body.
"Hmm?" he murmured, still half-conscious.
As his vision began to focus, Ryu became aware of their... extremely intimate position.
Aurellia was embracing him tightly, her arms wrapped around his waist, her face buried against his chest with a peaceful expression.
Even more surprising, her shimmering golden dragon tail was coiled over Ryu's body like a living blanket, warm and incredibly soft.
[SYSTEM WARNING: INTIMACY LEVEL INCREASED DURING SLEEP!]
[AURELLIA'S INTIMACY: 45% → 52%]
[DRAGON'S BLESSING: +10% bonus from prolonged physical contact]
"T-this..." Ryu felt his heartbeat quicken.
The warmth of Aurellia's body, the sweet natural fragrance emanating from her hair, and the softness of her tail wrapped around him created sensations he had never experienced before.
"Don't move too much, Ryu," he told himself, trying to stay calm.
"She's still sleeping soundly..."
But his efforts were in vain. The moment he shifted slightly for a more comfortable position, Aurellia immediately awakened.
"Hmm... Ryu?" she mumbled with the husky voice of someone just waking up.
Aurellia's golden eyes opened slowly, and the next second she realized their position.
"KYAAA!" she screamed while immediately jumping away, her face turning red as a ripe tomato.
"S-sorry! I didn't realize! I... my tail..." she panicked while trying to hide her tail behind her body.
[AURELLIA'S MOOD: Embarrassed → Extremely Embarrassed]
[EMOTIONAL STATE: Flustered but Happy]
Ryu rose calmly with a smile, though inwardly he could still feel the warmth and softness he had just experienced.
"It's alright," he said in a relaxed tone while stretching his body.
"I slept very soundly. Your tail seems to have a calming effect."
"R-really?" Aurellia asked while peeking from behind her hands covering her face.
"But... but that was so embarrassing! A Dragon Maiden shouldn't..."
"Hey," Ryu approached and gently patted her head.
"We're partners, remember? And you looked so peaceful while sleeping. That made me happy."
[AURELLIA'S TRUST LEVEL: 95% → 97%]
[INTIMACY LEVEL: 52% → 58%]
Aurellia's face grew even redder, but this time more from joy than embarrassment.
"Ryu... you always know what to say," she whispered with a shy smile.
After drinking fresh water from the spring inside the cave and tidying themselves up, they stepped outside to search for breakfast.
The cool, fresh morning air greeted them, with dew still glistening on the leaves.
"Beautiful day," Ryu commented while inhaling the morning air.
"Mm-hmm," Aurellia agreed while stretching her wings that appeared transparent like liquid gold.
"And I feel much more energetic today!"
[AURELLIA'S STATUS - MORNING UPDATE:]
[HP: 3,200/3,200 (100% - Fully Recovered)]
[MP: 4,200/4,800 (87%)]
[Stamina: 2,100/2,400 (87%)]
[MOOD: Energetic and Happy]
"Good," Ryu said while observing the surrounding forest.
"We need protein for breakfast. Any good game animals around here?"
"There are some wild rabbits and maybe small deer in the deeper areas," Aurellia answered while sniffing the air.
"And... it seems there's a large bird nest in those tall trees."
They began moving deeper into the forest, with Aurellia occasionally flying low for aerial reconnaissance while Ryu moved with increased speed thanks to the Dragon's Blessing.
"Aurellia," Ryu called as they walked side by side among the trees.
"Yes?"
"May I ask about your past?" Ryu inquired carefully.
"I mean... if you're comfortable discussing it."
Aurellia's steps slowed slightly, and her tail swayed nervously.
"What... what would you like to know?" she asked in a gentle voice.
[EMOTIONAL STATE: Cautious but Trusting]
[READY TO OPEN UP: 73%]
"Where do you come from? How did you end up alone in this forest?" Ryu asked with a warm, non-pressuring tone.
Aurellia stopped beneath a large tree and sat on its protruding roots. Ryu sat beside her, maintaining enough distance to make her feel comfortable.
"I... I come from Dragon Valley," Aurellia began with a slightly trembling voice.
"A hidden place in the northern mountains, where Dragon Maidens like me lived together."
"Dragon Valley?" Ryu repeated with curiosity.
"A beautiful place," Aurellia's eyes sparkled as she remembered the past.
"Surrounded by tall mountains, with a crystal lake at its center. We lived peacefully there... at least we used to."
[NEW LOCATION INFORMATION UNLOCKED: Dragon Valley]
[AURELLIA'S HOMELAND - POTENTIALLY IMPORTANT QUEST LOCATION]
"What happened?" Ryu asked gently.
Aurellia's expression turned sad.
"Three years ago, humans began discovering the pathways into our Valley."
"At first they came as traders, they said. We welcomed them warmly... we always believed in the goodness of hearts."
She clenched her hands in her lap.
"But it turned out they were hunters. Beast Maiden hunters."
[AURELLIA'S TRAUMA BACKSTORY UNLOCKED]
[TRUST LEVEL: 97% → 99%]
"They... they brought magic nets and special weapons to capture us," she continued with an increasingly quiet voice.
"That night, they attacked without warning."
"I watched my friends and family get captured one by one. My older sister, Celestine, she... she sacrificed herself so I could escape."
Tears began pooling in her golden eyes.
"She said, 'Run, Aurellia! You must live! Someday you'll find someone who truly values you!'"
[AURELLIA'S EMOTIONAL VULNERABILITY: MAXIMUM]
[SHARING DEEPEST PAIN WITH RYU]
Ryu felt his chest tighten hearing that story. Without thinking, he reached out and grasped Aurellia's trembling hand.
"And then?" he asked with a voice full of empathy.
"I fled into the forests, hiding, constantly moving for years," Aurellia continued while tightening her grip on Ryu's hand.
"Sometimes I encountered other hunters, sometimes I met kind humans who gave me food, but mostly... I was alone."
"Until yesterday, when that cult captured me."
She looked up at Ryu with teary eyes.
"And then you came."
"Someone who... who was truly like what Celestine had said."
[AURELLIA'S TRUST LEVEL: 99% → 100%]
[EMOTIONAL BOND: DEEPEST LEVEL REACHED]
[CONDITION: READY FOR ADVANCED BOND]
Ryu stood up and embraced Aurellia tightly.
"I promise," he whispered in her ear.
"Someday, we'll return to Dragon Valley. We'll free your family and rebuild your home."
"Really?" Aurellia sobbed while returning his embrace.
"I promise," Ryu repeated firmly.
[NEW QUEST ADDED:]
[LONG-TERM QUEST: "Return to Dragon Valley"]
[OBJECTIVE: Free the captured Dragon Maidens and restore Dragon Valley]
[DIFFICULTY: SS-Rank]
[ESTIMATED COMPLETION TIME: Advanced Level Required]
They held each other in warm silence for several minutes, with the sound of birdsong and distant babbling brooks as background.
"Alright," Ryu finally said while releasing the embrace.
"Now let's find breakfast. You need energy, and I'm hungry too."
Aurellia nodded while wiping her eyes. Her mood had already improved, even brighter than before because the burden in her heart had been lightened.
[AURELLIA'S MOOD: Relieved and Determined]
[MENTAL STATE: Significantly Improved]
"There's a deer!" Aurellia whispered while pointing toward bushes about 50 meters away from them.
Ryu spotted a young deer peacefully grazing, unaware of their presence.
"Can you handle it?" Ryu asked.
"Of course!" Aurellia smiled with newfound confidence.
"Watch this!"
She raised her hand and murmured softly, "Dragon Magic: Binding Chains!"
Thin golden chains emerged from the ground and gently but firmly wrapped around the deer's legs. The animal wasn't hurt, just unable to move.
"So she has other magic abilities..."
"Impressive!" Ryu praised.
"Perfect magical control."
[AURELLIA'S CONFIDENCE +15]
[SHOWING OFF SKILLS TO RYU: SUCCESS]
Quickly, Ryu finished the deer with his whip. They returned near the river to clean and prepare the meat.
"Ryu," Aurellia called while lighting a fire with her Dragon Fire.
"Yes?"
"Thank you... for being willing to listen to my story," she said with a sincere smile.
"I feel so much lighter now."
"And thank you for trusting me enough to tell it," Ryu replied while beginning to cut the meat.
"Now I understand why you're so strong and independent."
[BEAST BOND EVOLUTION TRIGGERED!]
[INTERMEDIATE BOND → ADVANCED BOND]
[REQUIREMENTS MET: Trust 100% + Deep Emotional Connection + Shared Vulnerability]
A brighter golden light enveloped both of them.
[ADVANCED BOND ACTIVATED!]
[NEW ABILITIES UNLOCKED:]
• Telepathic Communication (within 2 km radius)
• Shared Magic Pool (can share MP when needed)
• Enhanced Transformation (Aurellia can use partial dragon form)
• Battle Synchronization (perfect coordination in combat)
[DRAGON'S BLESSING MAXIMUM BOOST!]
[Stat Bonus: 125% → 200%]
"I can hear your thoughts," Aurellia whispered with wide, amazed eyes.
And I can hear yours too, Ryu replied through telepathy.
This... this is incredible!
They looked at each other with broad smiles, feeling a deeper connection than ever before.
"We're going to make a very powerful team."
"Yes!" Aurellia agreed enthusiastically.
"And now I'm truly ready to help search for other Beast Maidens who need our help!"
[AURELLIA'S LOYALTY: ABSOLUTE → ETERNAL]
[READY FOR ANY CHALLENGE]
[YOU HAVE COMPLETED YOUR BOND MISSION]
[From now on, these windows won't appear for minor details about Aurellia because you two have now become one]
[But you can still conduct some training with her so her status can reach perfection]
[Isn't it great having a system like this? It feels like you instantly have a wife, just try asking her to do anything you wa---]
Ryu immediately closed the status window and glanced at Aurellia, who was smiling genuinely at him.
The morning that had started with awkwardness had now transformed into a moment that strengthened their bond.
With their stomachs soon to be filled and hearts growing closer, Ryu and Aurellia were ready to continue their adventure searching for other Beast Maidens.
...
...
After a satisfying breakfast, Ryu gazed toward the horizon while contemplating their next move.
"Aurellia," he called while cleaning his hands in the river water.
"Is there a village or town nearby? We need supplies and information about other Beast Maidens who might need help."
Aurellia, who had been carefully extinguishing the fire, suddenly fell silent. Through their telepathic link, Ryu could sense a wave of anxiety that suddenly emerged from the dragon girl.
"There's Rivertown about two hours' journey south," she answered quietly while avoiding eye contact.
"But... Ryu, I can't..."
I can't enter crowded places, she continued through telepathy, her voice filled with worry. My tail and scales... the horns on my head... everyone will immediately know I'm a Beast Maiden.
Ryu sensed the deep unease through their bond. He approached and sat beside Aurellia.
"You're afraid of being captured again," he said with understanding.
"Very afraid," Aurellia whispered while unconsciously touching the small horns protruding from her golden hair.
"Beast Maidens like me... we're hunted everywhere. Even in the most peaceful cities."
Seeing his partner's worry, Ryu suddenly remembered something. He quickly opened his system panel.
[SYSTEM ACTIVE]
[SEARCHING FOR SOLUTION TO HIDE BEAST MAIDEN IDENTITY...]
[SEARCH COMPLETE!]
[NEW ABILITY DETECTED: DISGUISE MASTERY]
[DESCRIPTION: Ability to hide Beast Maiden characteristics using Bond power]
[REQUIREMENTS: Advanced Bond or higher ✓]
[EFFECT: Hide tail, scales, horns, and change eye color to normal]
"Aurellia," Ryu called with a brighter tone.
"I have a solution."
"A solution?" Aurellia looked at him with hopeful eyes.
"Trust me," Ryu said while standing before her.
"Thanks to our deepening Bond, it seems I can help hide your Dragon Maiden traits temporarily."
"Really?" Aurellia's eyes widened.
"How?"
"I'm not sure exactly how it works," Ryu answered while extending both hands.
"But my system says it's possible. Want to try?"
Without hesitation, Aurellia grasped both of Ryu's hands. As their skin touched, their Bond connection glowed with gentle golden light.
"Disguise Mastery," Ryu murmured while concentrating fully.
[DISGUISE MASTERY ACTIVATED!]
[HIDING DRAGON MAIDEN CHARACTERISTICS...]
[PROGRESS: 25%... 50%... 75%... 100%]
[SUCCESS!]
Golden light completely enveloped Aurellia's body. Ryu watched in amazement as her golden dragon tail slowly faded and disappeared.
The fine scales on her arms and neck became normal human skin, her small horns shrank until they were invisible, and most remarkably—her bright golden eyes changed to a warm, beautiful brown.
"How is it?" Aurellia asked nervously while examining her own hands.
"Did it work?"
Ryu was stunned looking at her. Aurellia now appeared like an ordinary human girl who was exceptionally beautiful—her shimmering golden hair now looked like natural blonde, and all her Dragon Maiden characteristics were perfectly hidden.
"Amazing," he whispered with an awed smile.
"You look... you're still very beautiful, but now like a normal human."
Aurellia's now-normal colored cheeks blushed upon hearing that praise.
"I-I can't feel my tail," she said while reaching around behind her body.
"And it feels strange not having scales..."
But I can still hear your thoughts, she added through telepathy. Our Bond is still intact.
Of course, Ryu replied. This only hides your appearance, it doesn't change our connection.
[DISGUISE STATUS:]
[MAGICAL ABILITIES: Still usable in emergencies]
[DETECTION PROBABILITY: 2% (very low)]
"Now we can go to Rivertown without worry," Ryu said while packing up their belongings.
Aurellia nodded enthusiastically. For the first time in years, she could walk among humans without fear.
"Ryu," she called as they began walking south.
"Yes?"
"Thank you," she said with a voice full of emotion.
"With this ability... I feel like I've regained part of my normal life."
And who knows, she continued through telepathy while looking at Ryu with her new warm brown eyes. Maybe we can find clues about other Beast Maidens in town.
Ryu smiled as they stepped together toward Rivertown, with Aurellia now able to walk with her head held high without needing to hide for the first time in years.