The towering gates of the city loomed before Eragon and Lunara, an imposing blend of medieval grandeur and sleek, modern engineering. The walls, built of ancient stone, were reinforced with shimmering panels that crackled faintly with Etherion energy. Overhead, drones buzzed lazily, their sleek forms scanning every passerby.
"Impressive," Eragon muttered, his gaze sweeping the bustling crowd funneling through the gates. Merchants with Etherion-powered carts, knights clad in gleaming armor, and scholars carrying tablets displaying holographic runes created a scene of both antiquity and progress.
"This is Velarith," Lunara said, padding silently beside him in her beast form. Her silver fur gleamed under the midday sun, and her golden eyes took in the surroundings with keen interest. "One of the few cities that survived the Genesis Cataclysm relatively intact. It's a hub for trade, research, and power struggles."
"Power struggles?" Eragon asked, his tone wary.
"The hierarchy here is rigid," Lunara explained. "Nobles hold sway, bolstered by their elite beasts and Etherion reserves. Commoners scrape by, hoping to earn a place in the academies or under a powerful patron. Be careful who you cross."
As they approached the gates, a guard stepped forward, his armor sleek and polished. His helmet's visor displayed a glowing interface, and a mechanical voice greeted them.
"State your name and purpose for entering Velarith," the guard said.
"I'm Eragon Arctis, a traveler seeking shelter and opportunity," Eragon replied, keeping his tone neutral.
The guard's visor scanned Eragon, then shifted to Lunara. The device beeped faintly, and the guard tilted his head.
"A contracted beast," he noted. "Class?"
"Radiant Fenrir," Eragon answered, feeling a flicker of pride despite the tension.
The guard's posture stiffened slightly. "Powerful. Keep her under control, or you'll answer to the city authorities."
Eragon nodded. "Understood."
After a final scan, the guard waved them through.
Inside the city, Eragon was struck by the stark contrast between the grandeur of the nobles' district and the crowded chaos of the commoners' quarter.
In the upper district, Etherion-powered lampposts lined pristine cobblestone streets, illuminating towering mansions adorned with crystalline turrets. Hovering carriages drifted silently by, their Etherion engines humming softly. Noble Beastbinders walked with their contracted beasts, many flaunting exotic, human-like forms.
In the lower district, the streets were narrow and bustling, filled with vendors hawking everything from beast pelts to glowing Etherion shards. Children darted between carts, and the air buzzed with snippets of conversation about the upcoming academy recruitment.
"They're recruiting soon," Eragon murmured, catching fragments of chatter.
"Yes," Lunara replied, her voice low. "Every year, academies across the continent select promising eighteen-year-olds to train as Beastbinders. For many, it's their only chance to rise above their station."
Eragon nodded, his mind racing. His eighteenth birthday had passed only weeks ago, and the idea of joining an academy stirred a mix of excitement and apprehension.
As the sun dipped toward the horizon, Eragon and Lunara found themselves in the lower district, searching for an inn. They settled on a modest establishment called The Iron Fang, its wooden sign depicting a snarling wolf.
The innkeeper, a grizzled man with a prosthetic arm powered by Etherion, greeted them with a wary smile. "Rooms are five Etherion shards a night. Extra for meals."
"Fair enough," Eragon replied, handing over the shards.
The room was small but clean, with a single bed and a window overlooking the bustling street below. Lunara curled up on the floor, her beast form taking up most of the space.
"You should rest," she said. "Tomorrow, we'll need to gather information about the academies and the city's power structure."
Eragon nodded, exhaustion finally catching up to him.
That night, as Eragon drifted off, his system interface appeared once again.
[System Alert: New Quests Available]
Quest: Academy Aspirant
Join one of Velarith's prestigious academies. Rewards: Skill upgrade, Etherion capacity increase.
Quest: Hidden Threads
Uncover the secrets of Velarith's ruling factions. Rewards: Beastbond enhancement, rare Etherion artifact.
He frowned, the possibilities sparking his curiosity.
[System Update: Shop Unlocked]
Etherion Skills
Beast Upgrades
Equipment
The shop interface revealed a dizzying array of options, from Etherion-infused weapons to skills designed to enhance his bond with Lunara.
The next morning, the city was alive with activity. Eragon and Lunara ventured into the bustling marketplace, weaving through the crowd as they listened for useful information.
"Did you hear? House Daelivar is sponsoring candidates for the academy this year," one merchant said.
"Yes, but their standards are impossibly high," another replied.
"Better than House Mordain," a third chimed in. "They only accept those with rare-class beasts."
Eragon glanced at Lunara. "Looks like the competition will be fierce."
She smirked. "Good thing you've got me."
They continued exploring, noting the intricate dynamics of the city. Nobles wielded immense influence, their wealth and power bolstered by their contracted beasts. Meanwhile, commoners relied on ingenuity and grit to survive.
As they passed a quiet alley, a figure stepped into their path. Cloaked in shadows, the person's face was obscured, but their voice carried an air of authority.
"You're new here," the figure said. "And not just any traveler. You have a Radiant Fenrir—a rare and dangerous companion."
Eragon tensed, his hand instinctively moving to his knife. "Who are you?"
The figure chuckled softly. "A friend, if you're smart. This city thrives on alliances and secrets. If you wish to survive, let alone thrive, you'll need both."
Before Eragon could respond, the figure slipped a small device into his hand. It glowed faintly with Etherion energy.
"Consider this a token of goodwill," the figure said before vanishing into the crowd.
Lunara sniffed the device cautiously. "It's a locator. Likely linked to someone powerful."
Eragon stared at the device, his mind racing with questions. "Looks like Velarith has more layers than I thought."