Leo turned when he heard the door creak open.
Amanda walked out of the bathroom, towel barely holding itself together. Drops of water glided down her arms and legs, catching the morning light. Her hair was still wet, clinging to her skin in dark, soft strands.
She moved like she didn't care, like walking out half-naked was the most normal thing in the world.
Leo sighed.
"How many times do I have to say not to casually walk out like that?" he muttered, already digging through his bag. "One day I might not be able to look away."
Amanda didn't answer. Still half-asleep. Her eyes barely open, body moving on instinct as she padded toward her bed and sat down.
Leo glanced her way and instantly regretted it.
Her towel was struggling. The slit down her thigh shifted with every step, and the towel's top clung to her chest like it was about to surrender.
He covered his face with one hand and turned toward the bathroom. "I'm a gentleman, Amanda. But you're seriously testing the limits here."
She didn't even blink. Just yawned.
Leo closed the door behind him and splashed water on his face, the cold hitting harder than expected. He let it drip down his neck, exhaling slowly as the blush on his cheeks cooled.
When he stepped back out, Amanda was dressed. Hair tied back, shirt tucked in, she looked like a completely different person from the walking distraction earlier.
Leo walked over to his bedside and grabbed his adventurer card. He was about to suggest breakfast and figure out their plans when something clicked in his head.
He glanced at her shirt. Narrowed his eyes a little.
She better be wearing what we bought yesterday.
Amanda caught him staring. Smirked.
Without a word, she lifted her shirt—just enough. The new undergarments peeked through, snug against her chest. The movement made her breasts bounce slightly before she let the fabric fall.
"I wore it," she said, grinning. "Took a while, though. That shop girl actually taught me how to put them on."
Leo choked. Looked away. "Seriously… don't just do that."
Amanda laughed. "Should I show you the bottom part too?"
Leo's eyes widened. "Amanda!"
Her laughter was clear and wicked, echoing through the room like she hadn't laughed like that in years. There was pride in it, too, a soft kind.
"I'll remember to wear them every time now. Since they were your gift," she said, stretching slightly.
Leo scratched his cheek, ears still warm. "Let's just grab a bite."
Amanda nodded, still smiling as they left the inn together.
The city greeted them with the usual chaos, warm sunlight spilling between rooftops, merchants yelling over each other, and the sharp scent of roasted meat cutting through the morning air.
They stopped by a stall selling skewers and fried dough. Nothing fancy, just hot and filling. Amanda picked both, one in each hand. Leo stuck to the skewer, savoring the smoky flavor.
They ate standing under a tree near the plaza. It was quiet enough there to catch their breath.
"What's the plan before the arena?" Amanda asked, wiping crumbs from her lips.
Leo blinked. "Guild center. Gonna check if there's a quest I can take."
Amanda nodded. "I'll be meeting some old friends." Then she tilted her head, eyes curious. "You still want me to look into housing?"
"Yeah," Leo said. "Something not too big. Just safe."
Amanda's expression softened. "I'll ask around."
They split ways shortly after. Amanda faded into the crowd like she belonged there. Leo kept moving, eyes scanning signs and shop names.
As he passed a potion shop, something made him stop. The windows were lined with glowing bottles, faintly pulsing. He remembered, he needed to check prices.
Inside, the air was thick with herbal fumes. Wooden shelves stood heavy with tools and ingredients. Bottles glimmered under the lanternlight, neatly labeled but slightly dusty.
Behind the counter stood a man with sharp eyes and a face carved from disdain.
Leo approached calmly. "How much is a great potion?"
The man barely looked at him. "Wasted on a level 1 like you," he said flatly. "You'd be lucky to buy two small potions after a week of work."
Leo blinked. "I'm not buying right now. Just asking."
The man snorted. "I don't buy from amateurs either. Don't waste my time."
Leo felt his jaw tighten, but kept his voice even. "I'm not selling either. Just needed the price."
The man sighed, clearly annoyed. "Ten gold."
"Thanks," Leo said and left without another word.
Outside, he let the irritation burn off under the sun. The man wasn't wrong.
But he didn't have to be an ass about it he tho.
He made his way to the guild center. The place was louder than usual—adventurers swarmed the boards, a few shouting over one another about quests, loot, or who got there first.
Leo pushed through, but the crowd blocked most of the postings. He tried standing back to wait for a gap, but ten minutes later, it was worse.
"Hey," someone called.
He turned.
"Why are you here?"
Susan stood by a nearby post, arms crossed. "You've got a fight coming up."
"I know," Leo said. "Just wanted to check quests. Can't get close though."
Susan glanced at the board. "You should've come earlier. E-rank quests go fast—too many people chasing too few tasks."
Leo nodded. "Didn't think of that."
She stepped closer. "You can still hunt monsters, sell materials at the guild. Not as profitable, but it adds up."
"What about merchants?" Leo asked.
"They'll buy. But cheap," she said. "They need margin."
Leo nodded, processing it. "Makes sense."
Susan watched him a little longer, like she wasn't sure what to make of him.
"Well, good luck," she said. "Just be early next time."
"Thanks," Leo replied with a small smile.
As he walked away, Susan exhaled. Her eyes lingered on him before she turned back to her post.
Does he not get it? she thought. He's fighting the Dragon Lord. Today.
She shook her head.
Maybe he was an idiot like the others before him.
Or maybe... he actually believed he could win.