Adjacent to the Mountain of Magical Monsters lie the Sacred Alliance and the Dark Alliance, with Solara Kingdom as the capital of the Sacred Alliance. Solara Kingdom City serves as both the capital of the kingdom and the 'Light Capital' of the Sacred Alliance, hosting the headquarters of the Light Church in its western part. The city is divided into East Solara Kingdom City and West Solara Kingdom City. East Solara Kingdom City is overseen by the King of Solara Kingdom, while West Solara Kingdom City is managed by the Light Church. Due to its status as both the kingdom's capital and the Light Capital, Solara Kingdom City is one of the most opulent cities in the Aerthos continent, with over a million residents and ranking among the top five megacities.
As night fell, Renji and Draven entered Solara Kingdom City. Walking along Fragrant Pavilion Road, the main thoroughfare of East Solara Kingdom City, Renji was dazzled by the sights. The little Umbramouse, Echo, hidden in Renji's clothes, peeked out and squeaked with excitement, though the bustling surroundings masked the sound. Renji gently quieted Echo, but the Umbramouse continued to express its thrill through their mental link.
Fragrant Pavilion Road was paved with symmetrical limestone tiles, wide enough for multiple carriages. Alongside were hotels, clothing stores, weapon shops, nightclubs, and more, all bordered by rows of pine and cypress trees. Wealthy women, dressed in the latest fashion, strolled and chatted, and some noble ladies, noticing Renji's awe, whispered and pointed, clearly seeing him as a naïve outsider. Annoyed by their reactions, Renji tried to mask his excitement and maintain a composed demeanor.
Draven noted Renji's reaction. "How do you find Solara Kingdom City? It's the largest city in our Sacred Alliance," he asked. Renji acknowledged the grandeur, remarking on the city's role as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the alliance. Draven commented on the city's wealth and prestige, noting the frequent passage of luxurious carriages.
After exploring Fragrant Pavilion Road, Draven and Renji retired to a modest guesthouse and decided to have dinner at a nearby restaurant. That night, in their guesthouse room, Echo eagerly emerged from Renji's clothes and began circling around him, squeaking loudly. Renji tossed a roast duck on the floor, and Echo excitedly devoured it. Draven reminded Renji to rest for the magus assessment and recruitment event the next morning. Renji opened the window to the cityscape from the third floor, a height uncommon in Dragonspire Village but typical in Solara Kingdom City, which even featured buildings seven or eight stories tall.
Kaiya Tanaka materialized from the Celestial Dragon Ring, and Renji greeted him warmly. Kaiya commented on the city's opulence and the fierce competition for wealth and status, cautioning Renji to rely on his own strength rather than expecting others to be benevolent. Renji, resolved to protect his family and himself, understood the harsh realities of high society.
The next morning on Greenleaf Road, another major street in Solara Kingdom City, the grandeur of the buildings, including the towering Cathedral of the Light Church, was evident. The Cathedral's towering presence reflected the authority of the Light Church over the Sacred Alliance. A large crowd of nobles and their children had gathered for the magus assessment and recruitment event. The testing fee was ten gold coins, with additional costs for acceptance into a magus academy. The most prestigious academy, the Keito Institute, waived fees for its exceptionally talented students.
Renji observed that some nobles looked down on commoners and countryside nobility, including himself. Draven advised Renji not to concern himself with their disdain. As they waited, two armored guards stood at the entrance to the Light Cathedral, and a black-robed official soon emerged, announcing the commencement of the magical assessment ceremony and inviting everyone to proceed into the main hall.