The journey finally came to an end as the tall, shining walls of Star City came into view. Gleaming white stone walls, towering spires, and fluttering banners welcomed the Lan family. As their cart approached the massive outer gate, Zhen and Na'er could hardly contain their amazement. It was the largest city they had ever seen—a place spoken of in stories and dreams. Even Lan Hua and Lan Xin, though they had seen more of the world, were visibly moved by the grandeur of the capital of the Beast Empire.
Guards clad in silver armor let them through after inspecting their travel pass. Inside, the city was a sea of life. Bond Masters flew overhead on spirit-bound beasts and swords, magical lanterns floated in the air, and the streets bustled with travelers, shopkeepers, and performers. Music echoed faintly from nearby plazas, where street performers and elemental dancers amazed small crowds.
Lan Hua carefully directed the cart through the crowd toward the Bond Registry Office, a tall building with a wide plaza in front. In the center stood a large statue of the Holy Beast Academy crest—a dragon wrapped in flame and a phoenix in flight. The symbol shimmered with faint enchantments, glowing softly even under the daylight.
Inside, the registry hall was filled with murmuring voices and soft light from enchanted crystals. Scrolls floated mid-air behind reception desks, and clerks moved swiftly from one end to another, guiding visitors and applicants. Waiting for them was a tall man with sharp eyes, dressed in black armor trimmed with silver. A pair of curved daggers hung at his waist, and his aura was sharp like a blade drawn in silence.
"Lan Hua!" the man said, grinning broadly.
"Wang Yan!" Lan Hua stepped forward with a wide grin and embraced him tightly. The man standing before him was none other than Wang Yan—his oldest friend and a Rank 47 Holy Shifter Dagger Master, his eyes held the sharp gleam of someone who had survived countless battles, and his very presence seemed to cut through the air like a drawn blade.
Wang Yan looked at Zhen and Na'er, his gaze sharp and curious. "I can't believe it. A child with a dragon bond... and another with a phoenix bond. What a surprise. But don't let that get to your heads. The Holy Beast Bond Master Academy is one of the finest academies in the entire Holy Continent. Its entrance trials are brutal, and only the elites of the elites can step beyond its gates."
Zhen and Na'er both blinked in shock. Na'er looked a little scared, her hand twitching slightly. Zhen gently reached out and held her hand, steady and warm.
"We'll do our best, Na'er," he said softly, offering her a reassuring smile.
Na'er nodded, her eyes more steady now, comforted by his words and presence.
Wang Yan gave a satisfied nod. "As an old friend, I've already arranged a place for you to stay. It's nothing too fancy, though."
Lan Hua looked surprised and overjoyed. "You serious? Thank you, old friend! I don't know how I'll ever repay you."
Wang Yan waved a hand. "Don't worry about it. I've just paid my debt."
"Debt?" Xin asked curiously, tilting her head.
Wang Yan touched the hilt of one of his daggers and smiled. "Lan Hua forged these daggers for me, long ago. My most trusted weapons. In battle, they've never failed me. I owe my life to the one who made them."
Zhen, Na'er, and Xin all exclaimed together. "Whoa! That's amazing!"
They all laughed together before stepping out of the Registry Office. Wang Yan led them through the city, taking the time to point out notable locations and sights. The family's eyes were wide with wonder. Some Bond Masters soared above on glowing beasts with flaming wings or crystal feathers. Others zipped by on enchanted blades shaped like leaves or lightning bolts. Stalls lined the roads with magical items, spirit herbs, and rare scrolls. One booth even had a floating cauldron, brewing colorful elixirs mid-air. Children practiced minor spells in the side alleys, while glowing birds fluttered across enchanted trees.
Zhen and Na'er marveled at everything they saw—the busy markets, the tall towers, the magical creatures. It was a world they had only ever imagined. The scent of roasted meat and sweet buns filled the air, making their stomachs growl. Even Lan Xin found herself smiling at a row of flower stalls where petals danced without wind.
Finally, they arrived at a quiet street near the academy district. A two-story house stood waiting for them. It wasn't grand or luxurious, but it radiated warmth. The walls were clean, the roof sturdy, and a small garden bloomed at the front with blue and silver spirit blossoms. Wind chimes made of bone crystal hung from the porch, softly singing in the breeze.
Wang Yan handed over a wooden key shaped like a leaf and smiled. "I'll leave you all to rest. Good luck tomorrow. The trials won't be easy."
"Thank you, Wang Yan," Hua said warmly, embracing his friend once more.
Once inside, the Lan family unpacked their belongings and settled into their new home. Zhen and Na'er helped move baskets and blankets, working with cheerful energy. Even Xin smiled as she arranged the kitchen and swept the floors. They turned the empty house into a home.
As night fell, the four of them stood together on the balcony. The city lights sparkled below like stars on the ground. It was beautiful beyond words. The view stretched far, revealing towers glowing with runes, floating academies in the distance, and great flying beasts that cast long shadows over the rooftops.
Na'er grew quiet, her small fingers gripping the balcony rail. Her eyes shimmered as she looked at the distant horizon. "I miss my parents..."
Lan Xin gently held her shoulder and gave her a soft smile. "Don't worry, Na'er. This is your home too, now. You're part of our family."
Lan Hua nodded, his voice steady. "We'll never let you feel alone. You are one of us."
Zhen took Na'er's hand and smiled warmly. "I promised your parents that I'd protect you. I'll always be by your side. No matter what."
Tears welled in Na'er's eyes as she hugged Zhen tightly. "Thank you, Zhen. I won't leave your side either. We'll face everything together."
Lan Hua and Lan Xin exchanged a proud and emotional glance. In their hearts, they silently vowed to protect the children no matter the cost. Whatever the future held, they would face it as a family.
The stars above twinkled as if listening to their promise. Somewhere in the distance, the bells of the academy tower rang gently, marking the final hour of the day.
Tomorrow, the trials for the Holy Beast Bond Master Academy would begin.
Zhen and Na'er stood side by side under the starry sky, the wind brushing against their faces, their hearts filled with hope, nerves, and determination. Their new life had just begun—and the path ahead would change everything.