From Hero to Her: Cale's Quirky Adventure

Chapter 2: A Strange Awakening

Cale slowly stirred awake, a low groan slipping out as he blinked against the dim morning light. His head felt heavy, as if weighted down by layers of fog, and a dull ache pulsed through his body. For a brief, blissful moment, he had no idea where he was or why his limbs felt like lead. But as the events of the previous day began piecing themselves together, Cale's eyes shot open.

He was still slumped over the dining table, an empty plate in front of him and the faint smell of apple lingering in the air.

"Ugh..." he muttered, pushing himself up slowly. "What... happened?"

Raon, who had been perched at Cale's side all night, sprang up the moment he saw Cale moving. "Human! You're awake!" His voice was an excited squeak as he bounced in place, his tail wagging with pure joy. "I, the mighty Raon Miru, guarded you all night!"

Cale squinted at him, still half-dazed. "Raon... how long have I been out?"

"Only until morning!" Raon said cheerfully. "I didn't let a single soul disturb you!"

Ron entered the room quietly, observing Cale with a keen eye. "Young Master, it's good to see you awake," he greeted with his usual calm tone. "How are you feeling?"

Cale leaned back in his chair, lifting a hand to rub at his temples. "I feel like I've been hit by a wagon. My whole body aches." He shot a suspicious look at the empty plate. "You're sure there was nothing in that pie?"

Ron tilted his head, feigning innocence. "It was just a simple apple pie, Young Master. Freshly made by our most trusted cook. Besides," he added, with a barely perceptible twitch of his lips, "it's unlikely that a pastry could take down someone like you, wouldn't you agree?"

Cale narrowed his eyes, unconvinced. "Well, it felt like a bit more than an innocent pastry."

Just then, the family doctor entered the room, having been summoned by Ron earlier. He glanced at Cale with concern before setting his bag down and beginning his examination. "Young Master, let's check your pulse. I've heard you've had a rather deep sleep."

Cale reluctantly extended his hand, watching as the doctor inspected him with the usual thoroughness. After a few moments, the doctor leaned back, visibly puzzled.

"There's no sign of poison, and your pulse is steady. Other than fatigue, you seem perfectly fine, Young Master," he said, his tone trying to reassure.

Cale didn't look convinced. "Fine? I don't feel fine," he grumbled. His pride stung just a bit—how could he, the supposedly cunning and resilient Cale Henituse, be taken down by a mere pie?

The doctor continued, "Rest should help, but I'd suggest you refrain from any intense activities for the next few days. You've likely been overworking yourself."

Raon huffed. "Our human doesn't 'overwork' himself!" he declared, crossing his little arms with a resolute nod. "He's simply... handling his responsibilities as a hero!"

Cale closed his eyes, sighing. "Thank you, Raon. But let's not forget I'm just a slacker." His tone was dry, but there was an undeniable warmth in his eyes as he glanced at the small dragon.

Ron cleared his throat, giving Cale a pointed look. "Perhaps, Young Master, it would be wise to take the doctor's advice. I'll make sure the children give you space tonight so you can rest properly."

Cale waved a dismissive hand, not entirely pleased with the suggestion. "I'll be fine, Ron. I don't need special treatment."

"Nonetheless," Ron insisted, his gaze unwavering, "you'll sleep alone tonight."

Raon, On, and Hong exchanged looks, visibly disappointed. Raon puffed up his cheeks. "But Human, we're your loyal guardians! Who else will watch over you?"

Ron's smile was almost too polite. "I'll make sure he's well-guarded, Raon-nim."

Reluctantly, Raon nodded, giving in to Ron's subtle authority. Cale himself didn't argue further, sensing the slight tension in Ron's voice—whenever Ron used that tone, it was best to avoid pushing back.

That night, the Henituse estate was unusually quiet. Cale lay in bed, an odd sense of restlessness tugging at him. The silence felt thick, almost suffocating, but he was too exhausted to dwell on it. Within minutes, he fell into a deep sleep.

Unbeknownst to him, a faint, shimmering pink aura began to radiate from his body, curling around him like wisps of fog. The light was soft, gentle, and almost mesmerizing as it spread across the room, casting an ethereal glow. The aura pulsed rhythmically, in time with Cale's breathing, bathing the room in a strange, otherworldly light.

No one was there to witness it, but the aura grew brighter, intensifying as it enveloped Cale completely. It seemed to seep into his very being, subtly altering his form, reshaping him in ways that no one could yet see.

As dawn approached, the aura faded, retreating back into Cale, leaving no trace of its presence. The room returned to darkness, silent and undisturbed.

The next morning, the Henituse estate awoke to a new day, blissfully unaware of the mysterious transformation that had taken place overnight.