After the three Cardinals—Marcell, Theon, and Ravia—left, the atmosphere in the Adventurers' Guild gradually returned to normal. Dargus, the guild master, approached Renar and "Fang" Kael, his eyes filled with concern.
"Are you alright, Kael?" Dargus asked in his deep, warm voice.
Kael smirked, brushing the dust off his shoulder. "Nothing at all. I'm used to this kind of thing."
Renar still looked a little dazed, unaccustomed to the tension just moments ago. Seeing this, Kael patted his shoulder lightly. "Hey, don't worry. Today isn't your unlucky day."
Turning to Dargus, Kael added: "I think I should take the boy around the city. He's new here, probably still bewildered."
Renar was surprised, but quickly nodded. The thought of exploring made his heart beat faster.
The two left the guild. Curious eyes—some wary, some envious—followed them. Renar felt uneasy, but Kael walked with confident strides, unconcerned.
On the wide cobblestone street, Renar asked, "Where are we going first?"
Kael chuckled and pointed ahead. "To the market. If you want to know how prosperous a city is, look at its market."
Soon, they entered the bustling marketplace of Lumeria. Renar was instantly overwhelmed. Crystals of light floated in the air, casting shimmering glows over strange goods. Vendors shouted loudly:
"Healing potion! One sip and you're good as new!"
"Magical jewelry—durable and resistant to curses!"
"Fire apples from Mount Trokan! Warm your whole body in winter!"
Renar's eyes widened. He saw glowing fruits, fragrant red meats, sparkling pastries like snowflakes. Around him, all sorts of races mingled—beastfolk with cat ears, dwarves with heavy hammers, sharp-eared elves, and even green-skinned goblins. Each stall radiated color and life.
Kael smiled at Renar. "Do you want to buy anything?"
Renar blushed, shaking his head. "I… I don't know."
Kael burst into laughter. "Ha! Then first, we need to get you proper clothes. Let's go."
They entered a clothing shop, lit brightly by crystals. A cat-girl appeared from behind the curtain—white-haired, ears twitching, dressed in stylish clothes Renar had never seen.
"Welcome~! What kind of outfit are you looking for?" she chirped.
Before Renar could answer, she dragged him over and began pulling outfits. "This one suits you! No, wait, this one makes you look younger! Hold on, this one's more rugged…!"
Kael, embarrassed, interrupted. "Hey, Felina, calm down. You're scaring him."
"Kael?!" she cried, ears standing. "Interrupting my business again? And who's this boy—your brother?"
Kael shook his head. "No. His name is Renar. Just arrived here… his family is gone."
Felina fell silent, then suddenly hugged Renar tightly. "Poor thing…! Don't worry. From now on, you have big sister Felina."
Renar gave a shy smile while Kael sighed. Finally, Felina declared, "These clothes are free! A gift!"
After leaving, she waved goodbye. "Come back to try new outfits!" Renar waved back, his heart warm.
Later, when Renar's stomach growled, Kael suggested: "Let's eat. I know a good place."
They entered a medieval-style tavern: stone walls, wooden tables, lanterns glowing warmly. Kael ordered for them: "Dark rye bread, vegetable stew with venison, and roast chicken with herbs."
Renar looked around: dwarves clinking mugs, goblins counting coins, beastfolk and demi-humans discussing hunts. When the food came, he tasted eagerly. The bread was crunchy, the stew rich, the chicken savory.
"It's delicious!" he exclaimed.
Kael laughed heartily. They ate well, paid, and left.
Night fell. The moon lit the rooftops. Kael said: "You'll stay in my inn tonight, alright?"
Renar nodded with a smile. But before they could go far, two hooded figures leapt down, blades glowing with magic.
Kael frowned. "More trouble."
One cast a fireball—Kael sliced it apart with his glowing sword. The other sped forward, striking at his arm, but Kael's spell "Iron Reinforcement" made his arm unbreakable. Sparks flew.
Kael sneered. "Too weak."
He crouched, shouting: "Ocean Wave—Finisher!"
His sword roared like waves, slamming the enemies down. Both collapsed, unconscious.
The noise drew guards nearby. Kael cursed. "Damn it! Let's go!"
He grabbed Renar, leapt onto the rooftops, and vanished into the night. The wind roared past as Renar looked at Kael, a smile spreading—he knew he had made the right choice.