"No... no, I'm listening."
"Very good, now let's continue."
Solis went to explain where the main city market was, along with the industrial area, first to the east second to the West. They didn't like to intermingle their air quality around the pleasantries of the city. There was an invisible bubble surrounding the outer most industrial buildings which would filter the air so as not to cause harm to the lungs of the citizens. Damien found this odd as the city was literally called the city of Daemons and Divines. " Um... Aren't you guys immortal?"
Solis stopped in his tracks and looked at Damien incredulously. "I never said it was to improve the air quality for our kind. We get plenty of tourists, such as yourself. Although, no we are also not immortal. We are just infinitely harder to kill than all you soft bodied low lifespan creatures." This was the first time he heard Solis speak with venom on his tongue. He hid his malice well, but he let his mask slip for an instant. Damiens guard immediately was raised.
Solis turned his head giving the faintest of side eyes. "Worry not shadow walker I have reason to hate your kind over all but no I'll will come to you by my hands. You are too young to be at fault... Yet. Let us continue."
Solis led Damien through the winding streets of the city. Somehow the city made him feel lighter, without fear or burdens. It could have been the lighting, or maybe it was the nature of the city. It seemed surreal, impossible, like something one would see in a fairytale or a world created in a video game. Besides the one building made out of pure obsidian the rest were made from massive geodes, amethyst, gold, emerald, and every other kind of precious stone and minerals. It was strange to see both some of the most feared and worshipped beings living in the same city in what appeared to be harmony.
"Not many come to our city to tour anymore. None but trial runners." Solis looked at Damien knowingly. " You're lucky Damien, your trial master found you before the competition or their master's did. You could have easily walked into this city and been slaughtered where you stand without a soul noticing."
Damien started, "How... Who are you" he stammered in both fear and confusion
"Ah I was able to tell first by the age of your soul, you are far too young to be in this city and far younger than most trial runners. You are... Unique, I didn't expect you to get here so soon despite the... Essence of your soul." Solis practically drooled on the last words. "Would be a tasty morsel" he said under his breath. " Nonetheless, I will be your mentor and hopefully, with my guidance, you will pass this trial. If you fail due to err on my part my soul will be fractured and you may choose to steal it or restore it."
"Wait what do you mean restore it, I thought fractured souls could only be poached."
"Things work differently with Daemons and Divines. You see we act as guides during trials for lesser beings. So if we steer one of you wrong on purpose you may choose to forgive us or punish us. This way the power remains balanced between the strong and the truly strong." Solis stopped suddenly. So suddenly in fact that Damien ran right into his backside and fell on his ass.
"Ah at least we are here, welcome to my humble abode dear shadow walker, here is where you will start your training."
Damien looked up at a polished ebony compound gate. Ivory bonework was masterfully accenting the entirety of the structure. Beyond it stood the compound itself with the same gorgeous display of intermingling blacks and whites. Other than the Obsidian structure, this building and set up was by far a cut above the rest in Damiens perspective. "This place is breathtaking."
"I know, I designed it myself, now come along your real training begins inside."