The city of Tristan

After finishing their meal, Reiji, Souma, and the three children eventually left the orphanage to walk around the city of Tristan. Souma walked infront, Taryn and Noah followed alongside Reiji, and Wuelle was riding on Kiba at the back.

"The city of Tristan is a free city not goverened by any of the three major powers of the continent. It is situated in the middle of the great plains, making it an ideal location for caravans and merchants to travel through from the three countries." Taryn began a long lecture on the city that Reiji now found himself in, reminding him of old history classes he use to take.

Unable to focus on long winded explanation, his eyes began to glaze over from information overload. Seeing his vacant expression Elnyra that was floating besides him giggled out loud. "It's basically like Vatican City back on Earth. It's a sovereign state not under any of the three major powers."

'Ah. Thanks.' He mentally noted.

"Who are the three major powers Taryn? Uh... Short version... please." Reiji asked Taryn as he stopped to take a breath.

"Oh I know this." Noah interrupted Taryn. "Theres the Hierophant Empire to the North East. The uh - Kingdom of Eiraneth to the West, and -"

"- the Valerian Alliance to the south." Taryn finished, shooting a side eye glance at Noah.

"So you're basically a buffer zone situated between the border of where the three kingdom intersect? What about the regions running along the other countries? A single city no matter how big can't possible act as buffer for the whole border." Reiji frowned.

"Yes. The Sea of Trees, lies to the South West seperating the alliance and the kingdom. While the Black Spine Mountain range seperates the empire and the kingdom. Lastly, the great gulf lies in the middle of the alliance and empire." Taryn Answered.

"Supposedly these area are also home to multiple species that live and govern themselves too!" cried Noah. 

"I see."  

'So Tristan is a strategic city, used by the three countries. If any country dares to occupy it openly, it may trigger a war with the other two countries. Meaning this city is free but always in constant danger.'

"Wow. You're smarter than you look." Elnyra commented telepathicaly.

At present, the group was walking through a run down part of the town. 

Tristan is a spawling metropolis, broken up into three layers each protected by a defensive wall. The two outer layers are further split into four sections each corresponding to a main direction. They were currently making their way from the east district to the middle southern district.

"So what else is special about Tristan?"

"Well as you can see. The outer layer, is the living quarters. It's used by most of the citizens who live in Tristan. The land is cheaper, and businesses are smaller." Taryn replied. "Each district houses their own military barracks too."

"The middle layer is where most merchants and services are found. Whether it be the adventurer's guild, stores for equipment and magical artifacts, even the grand market is situated in one of the district of the middle layer."

"What about the Inner layer?"

"The inner layer is where the ruling body is. The city is ruled by the council. Merchants, guildmasters, and representatives of the various districts. The most important facilities and operations are located there. But only really important people get to go there." Taryn finally finished.

"So finally done with the history lessons?" Souma finally turns around, tossing Reiji a roll of paper.

"What's this?" Snatching the paper out of the air. Reiji unfolds it to find a long written scroll of wriggly characters. Staring at it, the meaning slowly entered his head.

"Adventurer's Guild application form." 

Why?

"You need identification of this world. An adventurer's plate can be used as identification. Proving your strength, you'll be able to become a high ranking member of the guild. The higher your rank, the more benefits and leeway you'll be afforded."  Elnyra answered telepathically.

"A place that runs based on who's stronger? Sounds like my kind of place." Reiji grinned.

---

Showing his application form, the guards allowed Reiji to pass through the gate to the inner layer of the south district. Sending the three children back to the orphanage, Souma and Reiji carried on just the two of them.

Stepping into the middle south district, Reiji's senses were assaulted from all sides. The overwhelming noise of four different cultures clashing in one place. Soldiers bearing coat of arms from rival nation glaring at one another. Most importantly the smells of grilled meats, spices, incense and all kinds of fish wafted through the district. 

Reiji couldn't help but whistle in astonishment.

"This place is just as lively as the city back home. Hell, it might be even livelier."

"Don't you dare start anything." Elnyra warned Reiji afraid of what he might do. 

'Don't go giving me ideas now.' Reiji smiled wolfishly.

Arriving at the Adventurer's Guild, the building was three-story of timber and stone. Towering over the surrounding buildings. Despite only being three story, every floor was double the usual height.

The outer doors were reinforced oak, scarred by old axe marks, a warning that fights can break out here. Coming from inside, the scent of ale, sweat, oiled leather and metal welcomed new comers.

Long and short tables sprawled across the main floor, littered with half eaten food, maps, and tankards. 

The job boards decorated opposite walls, patchwork of bounties for men and monsters, guard request, and the occasional mysterious ruin exploration, dominated them.

The far end was a counter where information and food orders could be ordered.

On the second floor, the guild offices kept records, issue ranks, process rewards, and took in new request. Guild clerks used to dealing with all kinds of people, from bright-eyed rookies to blood-splattered veterans dragging in monster trophies onto their desk.

The basement, was the true lifeblood of the place. Hidden training pits for sparring, weapons testing, and settling "disputes" between adventuring parties, out of the watchful eyes of the city guards. Each magically reinforced to be able to withstand the full might of a top rank adventurer.