Chapter 4: Welcome to Solmere!
As Renjin and Bairon stepped foot in Solmere for the very first time, they almost couldn't believe it. It was beautiful. Weapon stores lined the cobbled streets, each displaying gleaming blades and artifacts in their windows. Clothing shops with fine silks fluttered in the breeze. The air was lively with chatter, laughter, and the clanging of metal from nearby forges. Towering structures reached into the sky, adorned with intricate carvings and paintings—artistic marvels that seemed to shimmer with enchantments.
Renjin's father, Nico, chuckled as he watched their reactions. Bairon's wide-eyed wonder betrayed his excitement, but Renjin's smile was subtler—touched with something else. Not awe. Nostalgia.
The city reminded him of the capital from his previous life—grand, crowded, buzzing with life. The same sprawling streets, the same energy in the air, and in the distance, even castles that scraped the sky. It was uncanny how similar this place felt. His heart ached—not from sadness, but from recognition.
"This place is amazing..." Bairon muttered, eyes darting around, taking it all in.
Renjin simply nodded, lips curled into a small smile."Just like home," he whispered under his breath.
"Hey Father," Renjin said aloud, breaking the moment. "Didn't you say we were going to meet someone to test if that KI Beast actually gave me its power?"
"Well, yeah, son," Nico said with a grin, "but first, we're going to check out our new house!"
They made their way through the winding streets, passing food stalls with steaming dumplings, children racing down alleys with toy swords, and robed figures moving with quiet purpose—likely mages or scholars of the Academy. After about fifteen minutes, they reached a quiet district shaded by tall trees.
The house wasn't enormous, but it had charm. A two-story stone cottage with ivy creeping up one side, a small garden in the front, and a training yard in the back. Modest by noble standards, but perfect for a new life in a new city.
As they entered, Nico immediately excused himself."I need to handle some business regarding the shop. Settle in, boys. I'll be back before sundown."
He left through the side gate, already deep in thought about permits, taxes, and trade routes.
Renjin and Bairon stood in the main room, dust motes drifting through sunlight from a high window. It was quiet, warm, and smelled faintly of wood and herbs.
Bairon slumped onto a bench."I could get used to this."
Renjin walked slowly through the house, touching the wooden beams, feeling the weight of time in the air. Something about this place felt grounded. Safe. After years as a ruler, months as a baby, and weeks of grueling travel, this—this was peace.
"I'm gonna check the training yard," Renjin said.
Outside, the yard was simple: an open dirt circle, a few worn training dummies, and a rack for weapons. But it was more than enough. Renjin closed his eyes and drew in a breath. He felt every last stream of the KI flowing through his body, through his veins.
"Let's get started!" Renjin said.
Just when Renjin was about to unleash a powerful KI attack, Bairon called him.
"Renjin!! Your dad is back. We're going to see that KI Beast specialist to see if that tiger gave its powers to you."
"Alright, I'm coming. Damn, that KI Beast is still sleeping in my bag haha," Renjin said.
Renjin, his dad, and Bairon walked to the KI Beast specialist.
"Hey, what's up, Mealor!" Nico said.
Mealor Fen was a world-famous KI Beast specialist, but ever since a few years ago, he rarely took customers anymore.
"Ah, if it isn't Nico Ashtorn, my old friend. What can I do for you?" Mealor said.
"You see, Mealor, my son Renjin here has an S-Class Beast in his backpack. It chose him, I think, and we want you to inspect him and the Beast to see if any bonds have formed."
"Ah, I see. Very well then, I'll get started right away."
And so Mealor started inspecting him closely, as well as the tiger. Mealor put their hands on a ball and more—he started mumbling...
"Yes, indeed, that tiger has already fully bonded with your son, Nico, and transferred its will upon him. You're quite lucky, Renjin. Beasts rarely bond with humans willingly—and you guys have the same elemental affinities! Hold up? Wait A SECOND, WHAT THE HELL AM I SEEING… NICO, YOUR SON… HE—HE—HE HAS AFFINITIES FOR AIR, FIRE, AND EARTH AS WELL AS A DEVIANT IN LIGHTNING??" Mealor screamed.
They were all shocked—even Renjin.
Mealor immediately went on to talk about the opportunities that could present themselves now, but Nico said,"We'll talk about this later. We have an appointment with the headmaster of Solmere Academy!"