Instead of searching for a luxurious inn, the High King decided to lodge at the tavern. The owner gladly accepted and offered them the best room available. The adventurers, already staying at the tavern, kept the group company, and they talked late into the night, their voices blending with the warm flicker of lanterns. The High King listened intently to their thrilling stories, a hint of envy flickering in his eyes as he marveled at their adventures.
The next day, on the advice of the adventurers, the master-student duo set out to explore the western district, home to the bustling main market and the adventurers' guild.
Their first stop was the marketplace, where Lynus's eyes widened with amazement. Stalls overflowed with treasures of all kinds—strange artifacts, sparkling gemstones, and bizarre items that defied explanation. The High King, noticing Lynus's fascination, told him he could pick whatever he wanted, and Lynus's face lit up with gratitude and delight.
They then entered a massive store, its imposing front decorated with a towering dragon statue that seemed to guard the entrance.
Cling!
The chimes above the door sounded as the store clerk instantly sprang to his feet to welcome them.
"Welcome…," he started, but his voice faltered when he saw the High King.
His eyes widened in terror, and he immediately dropped to one knee, trembling. "Your Highness! We didn't know you were coming—please forgive us!"
The High King smiled kindly. "That's quite alright. Is your master here?"
The clerk hesitated, then hurriedly bowed. "Your Highness, I apologize for the late reception. Please, forgive me."
At that moment, a large, round man in a fine green silk robe hurried over, kneeling with a deep bow. "Your Highness, I am sorry for the delay. I was caught unprepared."
The High King regarded him with a gentle smile. "That's fine. This visit was sudden. Rise."
"Thank you, Your Highness," both men said eagerly, straightening up.
The High King looked around at the wares displayed—an eclectic mix of items from across the realm—and nodded thoughtfully. "I didn't expect a minister from the Northern Wyrm Sea to open a shop among humans," he remarked.
The store clerk responded with pride. "Your Highness, this was the idea of our great king—to learn from the humans' ways and share knowledge. The Great King believes that human race evolves faster than most and that we must learn from others instead of looking down on them."
The High King nodded approvingly. "Indeed. The Great King is wise and perceptive." He paused, then glanced at the two proud men.
His expression darkened slightly. "What now? Do you think I am foolish for not having thought of this first?"
Startled, the two men hurriedly kneeled again. "Your Highness, we… we did not mean to offend. We only speak the truth—your strength and wisdom are unmatched!"
The store owner added with enthusiasm, "The High King is wise beyond measure!"
The High King chuckled heartily. "Of course! Of course!" he said, basking in their praise. The scene grew lively with their enthusiastic adoration.
Lynus, feeling somewhat embarrassed by the scene, cleared his throat softly to get his master's attention.
"Master... Hey, master," he whispered.
The High King, noticing Lynus's discomfort, stopped laughing and coughed lightly. "Ah, yes. I came here to purchase items and treasures for my student. This is Lynus," he said, pointing at the boy.
The two men finally noticed Lynus's presence and their eyes widened in astonishment. "A divine phoenix!" they exclaimed.
"A half-phoenix, to be precise," Fremonth corrected with a smile.
The two men looked at Lynus with admiration. "Congratulations, Your Highness. Your third disciple will surely soar high in the future!"
They bowed deeply to Lynus. "Greetings, young master. We congratulate you on becoming the third disciple of High King Fremonth."
Lynus bowed respectfully. "Thank you. I am grateful as well."
The exchange continued, and instead of trying to sell him items, the shopkeepers decided to gift Lynus three special items of his choosing: a small bronze sword, a golden compass, and a wooden spinning top. They also handed him a storage ring, so he could keep his treasures safe.
"Great! Study these carefully," the owner said cheerfully. "They will be useful to you."
Lynus's face brightened with happiness. He nodded gratefully and expressed his thanks.
After bidding farewell to the store, the group headed toward the third street in the western district, where the adventurers' guild was located.
When they arrived, Lynus was awestruck—the guild hall resembled a palace. Hundreds of adventurers hurried in and out, their weapons and gear a dazzling array of colors and designs.
"Hey! Finally, you're here!" called a cheerful voice.
Lynus turned to see a tall man waving excitedly. "Big bro Jarius!"
"Lynus! Took you long enough," Jarius Vanz grinned. "What took so much time?"
"We checked out some stores in the marketplace," Lynus explained, waving his hand.
Jarius chuckled. "Got it, got it. I told the guild master you were coming. He's eager to meet you."
He gestured for them to follow as they climbed to the highest floor, where the guild master awaited.
An elderly man with a small stature greeted them with a warm smile. "Greetings…"
He paused, eyes widening in surprise when they fell on Fremonth. "Your Highness…," he whispered, humbled.
Fremonth laughed heartily. "Hahaha! Little rascal! It's been a while!"
The old man bowed deeply. "Your Highness, I never expected to see you in our humble city."
"Rise quickly! This is a surprise for us both," Fremonth said, patting him on the shoulder.
Jarius and Lynus looked on, astonished.
"Guild master, this visitor is—?" Jarius asked softly.
The old man cut him off with a knowing smile. "He is the High King of the Golden Sky Palace."
Jarius's eyes widened in shock. "The High King? A legend—no, a myth! I had no idea…"
He suddenly remembered the times he had raised his sword against one of the strongest beings in the realm. Fear and awe flooded his face. He immediately knelt. "Your Highness, I was unaware… please forgive my ignorance!"
Fremonth chuckled. "No need for apologies. Rise."
The guild master straightened up, eyes filled with respect. "Your Highness, I am honored by your visit. We will do everything we can to assist you."
He gestured around. "If you need anything, just ask. We're at your service."
Fremonth glanced around and then asked, "Is the old battlefield ready?"
The guild master's face lit up. "Yes, Your Highness. Thanks to your guidance, it's complete. Would you like to try it?"
With excitement, Fremonth nodded. "Yes. Please, show me."
The guild master looked at Jarius. "Tell the guardians to activate the old battlefield."
Jarius saluted eagerly. "Yes, I will go now!"
He hurried out, leaving Fremonth and the guild master alone.
The old man studied Lynus carefully, his expression serious. "A half-phoenix… A divine one," he muttered. "Good eyes."
Fremonth nodded. "Yes. And he's my third disciple," he said with a smile.
The old man looked at Lynus with respect. "Congratulations, young phoenix."
"Thank you, guild master," Lynus replied softly, bowing.
While Fremonth and the guild master discussed past and present, Jarius returned, looking a bit downcast.
"Master, the guardians say it will take at least two days to fully activate the battlefield," he reported.
"That's fine," Fremonth said cheerfully. "We can wait."
The guild master bowed respectfully. "We appreciate your patience, Your Highness."
He offered them a place to stay, but Fremonth politely declined, saying they already had lodgings. The group prepared to leave, promising to return in two days to witness the battlefield's activation.