Kazuki followed Lumi through the bustling streets of Eidolon, his thoughts still tangled with questions. The city around him buzzed with life—floating lanterns, shimmering skies, and winding streets that twisted in impossible directions. The air carried a strange mix of warmth and magic, yet Kazuki couldn't shake the unease in his chest.

"So, where exactly are we going?" he asked, trying to keep up with Lumi's energetic pace.

"You'll see!" Lumi sang, skipping ahead. "It's not too far, just… beyond the Golden Bridge, through the Spiral Street, and past the Dancing Clocktower!"

Kazuki blinked. "That sounds far."

"Far? Nah! It's more like… epic." Lumi grinned and twirled, her bag of snacks swinging wildly. "Besides, it's the best place for someone like you!"

They turned a corner and arrived at a bridge made of golden glass, stretching across a river that sparkled like liquid starlight. Kazuki stared in awe as shimmering fish swam beneath its surface, their scales glowing with soft blue light.

"Welcome to the Golden Bridge!" Lumi said, throwing her arms wide. "We're almost there!"

Kazuki couldn't help but marvel at the scenery, but the unease lingered. "Lumi," he said, his tone turning serious, "who exactly was Hotaru? She said she's a Trailblazer too, but something about her felt… off."

Lumi froze for a brief second, her playful expression faltering. "Hotaru, huh?" She gave a small, nervous laugh and quickly turned away. "We'll talk about that later. For now, let's focus on finding you a home!"

Kazuki narrowed his eyes but decided not to push. Lumi had her secrets, and if she wasn't ready to talk, there wasn't much he could do about it.

They crossed the bridge and entered a quiet alleyway lined with peculiar buildings that seemed to hum with life. At the end of the alley stood a small house with a glowing lantern above its door. It looked cozy, with ivy climbing up its stone walls and a wooden sign that read: Hearthlight Haven.

"Here we are!" Lumi said proudly. "This place is perfect for a new Trailblazer. It's safe, comfy, and has the best hot chocolate in all of Eidolon!"

Kazuki raised an eyebrow. "Hot chocolate?"

"Trust me," Lumi said with a wink. "Once you taste it, you'll never want to leave."

Kazuki stepped inside, and the warmth of the house immediately wrapped around him like a soft blanket. The air smelled of fresh bread and cinnamon, and a fire crackled in the hearth.

"Feels like home, huh?" Lumi said, watching his reaction.

Kazuki nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. For the first time since arriving in Eidolon, he felt a little more grounded. "Yeah… it does."

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Lumi plopped down on a nearby couch and stretched. "Well, make yourself comfortable! Tomorrow, we'll get you set up with some essentials. You'll be an official Trailblazer in no time!"

Kazuki leaned against the doorway, his thoughts returning to Hotaru. "Lumi… thanks for everything," he said quietly. "I'm still figuring things out, but I'm glad you're here."

Lumi gave him a thumbs-up. "Of course! What kind of guide would I be if I didn't help my favorite Trailblazer?"

The next morning, Kazuki wandered the streets of Eidolon, with Lumi at his side munching on a piece of bread. The sky above was a swirl of gold and violet, and the air seemed to buzz with the hum of life. Eidolon felt both magical and overwhelming, but at least now he had a place to return to.

As they passed a large open plaza filled with floating lanterns and bustling stalls, Lumi clapped her hands together. "Alright, Kazuki! Time for your first real experience in Eidolon's heart—the Gleaming Bazaar!"

Kazuki scanned the chaotic yet mesmerizing scene: merchants selling glowing fruits, musicians playing instruments made of light, and people from every corner of this strange world. His eyes widened as they passed a grand, golden building with a flashing sign that read: Fortune's Folly – Casino of Endless Luck.

"Wait, there's a casino here?" Kazuki asked, curious.

"Oh, yeah!" Lumi nodded. "Fortune's Folly is pretty famous! You can bet on anything there. Just don't get too addicted—those slot machines have a mind of their own!"

Kazuki chuckled. "Right, I'll keep that in mind."

Inside the casino, the air was electric with excitement. The sound of clinking coins and spinning wheels filled the room as people shouted in triumph or groaned in defeat. Kazuki's gaze drifted to a young woman sitting at a card table, her long silver hair catching the light. She wore a calm expression, eyes focused on her hand of cards. Despite the chaos around her, she seemed entirely composed—almost regal.

"Who's that?" Kazuki asked, nodding toward her.

"Uh… no idea!" Lumi said a little too quickly, looking away. "Probably just some random gambler!"

Kazuki narrowed his eyes but decided not to push it. He turned his attention to a different part of the room, where a tall man with dark hair was trying to balance on one foot on top of a table, holding what looked like a rubber duck.

"Three minutes! I can do this for three minutes!" the man shouted confidently, wobbling dangerously.

Kazuki blinked. "And… what's his deal?"

"Him? No clue!" Lumi said, walking faster. "He's probably just… having fun! Yeah, lots of fun people here!"

Kazuki gave her a suspicious look. "You're acting weirder than usual."

"Me? Weird? Never!" Lumi grinned, her voice a little too high-pitched. "C'mon, let's go check out something less suspicious!"

As they left the casino, Kazuki couldn't shake the feeling that there was more going on than Lumi was letting on. Whoever those two were, they definitely weren't just random strangers.

They walked in silence for a moment before Kazuki spoke again. "Hey, Lumi. Yesterday, you mentioned something about Trailblazers. What exactly are we supposed to do?"

Lumi stopped and glanced at him, her usual playful expression softening. "Well… Trailblazers are special. Not everyone gets to be one. You're here because you were chosen—by something far greater than me or anyone else in Eidolon."

Kazuki tilted his head. "Chosen for what?"

"For greatness, of course!" Lumi said, throwing her arms wide. "Trailblazers are the only ones who can truly change Eidolon. The greatest Trailblazers even participate in the Eclipse Trials."

"Eclipse Trials?" Kazuki repeated, raising an eyebrow.

"It's a big deal!" Lumi said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "Only the best of the best make it through. Think of it as… a tournament where heroes are made! Every ten years, Trailblazers from across Eidolon come together to prove themselves. The winners? They become legends."

"Sounds intense," Kazuki muttered.But the Realization Kicked in"wait I have heard about that from a random old man too!But it wasn't Eclipse Trials, it's called Echelon Trials."

"Oh, it is the same!" Lumi nodded. "But don't worry—you've got me! With my help, you'll be ready in no time for the tournament!"

Kazuki laughed softly, feeling a bit more at ease. "I guess having a chaotic guide like you isn't so bad."

Lumi grinned. "See? You're learning!"