Chapter 3 - Solmora City

The sky was beginning to turn orange when Cain and Rin finally reached the main gate of Solmora City. From a distance, the massive silver-black walls towered, built of a special metal reinforced with Xenova crystals. A faint blue light flowed along the carvings on the walls, indicating that this city was more than just a fortress, it was a symbol of a new civilization born from the impact of Xenova.

As they got closer, Cain could see how busy the entrance to the city was. Long lines of merchants, adventurers, and workers were lining up for inspection. Some were riding conventional horse-drawn carriages, while others were riding four-wheeled vehicles powered by Xenova engines, which seemed to emit a faint blue light from their undercarriages.

Unique creatures were also seen among the crowd, such as Void Runners, large wolves with aerodynamic bodies, and Drakosaurs, large reptiles with crystal-coated bodies that were used as mounts by some groups of adventurers.

"We're finally here," Rin said, relaxing her shoulders after the long journey.

Cain was still stunned by the sight before him. He never imagined he would find a city like this, where tradition and technology met in a unique balance.

Rin stepped forward, approaching the soldiers guarding the gate. Unlike ordinary soldiers, they wore black uniforms with silver emblems, and carried Xenova-based weapons that looked more sophisticated than ordinary swords or spears.

"Identity marks?" a guard asked in a stern voice.

Without hesitation, Rin took out her Arkaneum badge, which caused the guard to immediately salute and allow them to enter without further question.

Once they passed through the gate, the sight inside left Cain speechless.

The main street was made of smooth stone, but in some parts, there were lighted paths that seemed to be special lanes for Xenova-based vehicles. Tall buildings loomed in the distance, but they still maintained the classic architectural style of pointed roofs, stained-glass windows, and carvings on large pillars reminiscent of the era before Xenova was discovered.

Despite the presence of Xenova-based streetlights, some shops still used traditional lanterns hanging in front of their entrances. Merchants along the streets were still shouting their wares, offering goods from various regions, while laborers and adventurers passed by, carrying their equipment to their respective districts.

Among the crowd, Cain saw a unique vehicle that was different from ordinary horse-drawn carriages. It was sleek, had large wheels reinforced with Xenova metal, and an engine at the back that emitted a faint blue light.

Rin noticed Cain's gaze and smiled. "That's a Xeno-Craft. A Xenova-based vehicle that has begun to replace horse-drawn carriages in some areas."

Cain nodded. "So this isn't a flying vehicle?"

Rin chuckled. "Of course not. Xeno-Crafts still use wheels to move, both two-wheeled and four-wheeled. Only Sky Drifters can float in the air, but that's a special vehicle for long-distance travel between countries or between hard-to-reach regions."

As they talked, Rin waved to a driver of a Xeno-Car, a larger four-wheeled vehicle used as public transportation within the city. The vehicle rolled off with a light hiss, then stopped right in front of them.

"The city center, huh?" asked the driver, a man in his thirties with goggles on his forehead.

Rin nodded. "The Great Hall of the Arcaneum."

The driver motioned for them to enter. Cain hesitated for a moment before finally settling into the vehicle, feeling the soft seat with its automatic seatbelt adjust to his body.

As the engine started and they began to cruise along the main road, Cain surveyed the city again.

The city of Solmora was not just an ordinary metropolis, it was the embodiment of a world that was constantly evolving, where ancient civilization and Xenova innovation coexisted, creating a new era filled with endless possibilities.

Cain leaned back in the seat of the Xeno-Car, a four-wheeled vehicle based on Xenova that they had rented to get to the city center. The engine of the vehicle vibrated gently without the thumping sound of a steam train that he was used to hearing in the outside world. The view outside the window showed a wide street filled with various types of vehicles, such as the Xeno-Cycle and the Xeno-Car.

Rin sat beside him, looking relaxed as she looked outside. "So, how is it? Surprised to see a city like this?" she asked teasingly.

Cain sighed, looking away from the tall buildings that touched the sky. "This is… more than I expected. I thought this world is still stuck in the era of swords and magic. But here… it feels like another civilization."

Rin smiled slightly. "It's natural for you to think so. Most of the places out there are still like the medieval world, but Solmora is different. This city is built on top of a Dungeon, so the changes here are much faster than other places."

Cain frowned. "You mean changes?"

Rin crossed her arms. "Xenova. Ever since the energy emerged from the Dungeon, humans began to use it for many things. Transportation, architecture, technology have all developed rapidly in this city. But that's not all that makes Solmora special."

She pointed to the highway that stretched in several directions. "This city is built with a very organized structure. There are five main districts that divide Solmora based on their functions."

Central District → Area 500 km²

"This is where we're headed now. The place where Arkaneum stands, the center of government, the largest market, and the main access to the Dungeon, called The Abyssal Rift."

"If you want to find someone important, this is the place to be."

Residential District → Area 800 km²

"Where most of the population lives. Divided into three parts: the upper settlement for the wealthy, the middle zone for the common people, and the underground settlement for laborers and adventurers."

"We entered from the East Gate, so at first you see the middle zone, but if you turn into the lower passage, you can see the underground settlement."

Industrial & Research Zone → Area 600 km²

"The place where Xenova-based technology is developed. The laboratories, workshops for making exploration tools, and experiments conducted by Arkaneum are all here."

"Not everyone can enter freely. There are many secret researches that are closely guarded."

Military & Security Zone → Area 300 km²

"A military fortress and the center of the city's defense. If there is an attack from the Dungeon, the troops from here will be the first to move."

"There are also training facilities for those who want to become part of the Arcaneum."

Black Zone / Forbidden → Area 300 km²

"The most dangerous area in this city. A place for those who want to live outside the law such as smugglers, illegal treasure hunters, and maybe… people like you."

Rin glanced at him with a teasing smile, making Cain sigh.

Cain tried to digest all the information. "So this city is thriving because of Xenova? But why does the rest of the world still look ancient?"

Rin nodded. "Xenova is both a blessing and a curse. In this city, people found a way to control it and built a modern civilization. But out there, Xenova mostly causes chaos."

"How is that possible?"

Rin stared out the window, her eyes slightly dimmed. "Xenova is an energy that comes from the Dungeon, and the Dungeon is unpredictable. Its effects vary from place to place. Sometimes it creates something new, sometimes it only brings destruction. That's why Solmora is the only city that can truly harness this energy."

Cain pondered. This world was more complex than he had thought. If Xenova had so much potential, then he needed to understand more about this energy, especially since he himself felt something within him that was connected to Xenova.

Their Xeno-Car turned onto the main road leading to the Central District. In the distance, Cain could see the top of the Arkaneum building towering over the city.

"Alright," he said quietly. "Guess I need to start getting used to this new world."

Rin chuckled. "That's why I brought you here. Get ready, Cain. Your story has only just begun."

Their Xeno-Car stopped in front of a giant building with architecture that was no less impressive than the surrounding skyscrapers. The Arkaneum, the research and administration center for Dungeon exploration, stood majestically in the middle of the Central District.

Cain got out of the vehicle, his eyes fixed on the tall pillars that supported the front of the building. The building was not just shaped like a government office, but a combination of technology and artistic beauty that combined classic style with Xenova's futuristic touch.

The walls were decorated with glowing carvings that continued to pulse like a stream of living energy. Above it, a large symbol in the form of a circle with complex lines inside was carved, symbolizing knowledge and mastery over the Dungeon.

Rin patted his shoulder lightly. "Don't be too impressed. This is just the surface. The inside is much more impressive."

They stepped through a large doorway made of dark Xenova-plated metal, which automatically opened as they approached. As soon as they entered, Cain was greeted by a large hall with a high ceiling, lit by Xenova crystals that floated in the air, emitting a purplish-blue light.

The reflective marble floor made the room feel even more spacious, as along the sides were various corridors leading to research rooms, administrative rooms, and briefing areas for Dungeon explorers. A large holographic screen hung in the center of the room, displaying the latest map of the explored sections of the Dungeon.

People in various attire walked by, some wearing the long robes typical of Arkaneum scientists, while others wore more combat-ready soldier uniforms. There were also lightly dressed adventurers who seemed to have just returned from an expedition.

Cain tried to remain calm, even as his eyes continued to scan the scenery around him. "This place is more like a government building of a country than just a research center," he muttered.

Rin nodded. "Indeed. Arkaneum is not only a research center, but also the center of administration, expedition management, and even the place where political decisions regarding the Dungeon are made. It could be said that the people here are more influential than the nobles out there."

Before Cain could answer, footsteps approached them. A woman with long blonde hair in a ponytail walked over with a sharp gaze. She wore a dark blue robe with the Arcaneum emblem engraved on her chest, signifying her status as a high-ranking Grand Pioneer.

Cain immediately recognized the similarities between her and Rin. Those sky-blue eyes, that confident expression, and that aura that seemed to dominate the room. The difference was, this woman had a more mature and authoritative attitude.

Rin stepped forward. "Cain, this is—"

"Helena Valmont," the woman interrupted, her voice deep and firm. "Rin's aunt… and one of the higher-ups of Arcaneum."

Cain could only nod respectfully, unsure of how to respond.

Helena eyed him from head to toe, her expression still flat but analytical. "And who is this?"

Rin answered in a light tone, "His name is Cain. I brought him here because—"

"Your guest?" Helena raised an eyebrow, then looked back at Cain more sharply. "Since when did you start bringing strangers into Arcaneum without permission?"

Helena Valmont with a sharp gaze and a confident posture crossed her arms in front of her chest as she stared at Cain.

"I don't understand, Rin," Helena said, her voice calm but full of pressure. "You brought him here, but I don't see a strong enough reason to accept a stranger into the Arcaneum. You know our rules."

Rin took a deep breath, then tried to speak in a casual tone. "Auntie, he is not an ordinary person. Cain has something different."

"Oh? Something different?" Helena narrowed her eyes, her expression full of skepticism. She then turned to Cain, looking him over from head to toe, as if assessing his worthiness. "Can you explain yourself why I should consider your presence in this place?"

Cain felt the pressure growing. Under Helena's sharp gaze, he realized that this was an indirect test. If he couldn't convince this woman, he might not get the chance to approach the Arcaneum and worse, he might be forced to leave Solmora.

"I can't give you a reason that sounds impressive," Cain answered honestly, but his eyes showed determination. "But I didn't come here to play around. I want to know more about this world, about Xenova, and about what's happening in the Dungeon. If the Arkaneum is the place that understands all of that best, then this is where I should be."

Helena raised her eyebrows slightly, as if judging his words. But then she smiled a thin smile that was not friendly, but rather one of challenge.

"Very well, then I'll give you a chance." She lowered her hand, then turned, walking to the large window behind her that overlooked the center of the Arkaneum district. "But in the Arkaneum, we don't accept people just for words. We accept those who can prove themselves."

Helena looked back at Cain. "Take the selection test. If you can pass the test, you can become part of the Arkaneum. If not... then you should start looking for another place to settle, perhaps the forbidden zone would be a good fit for you."

The atmosphere in the room grew tense. Cain could feel his pulse quickening slightly. Meanwhile, Rin didn't seem surprised by the decision, but still looked a little worried.

"When's the test?" Cain asked without hesitation.

Helena grinned thinly. "In three days. Take your time to adapt... if you really want to survive."