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Poo-woo-woo-woo-woo━━━━━············
It was the bustling train station.
Beyond the elegant lattice fence, the piercing noise of a steam engine resonated.
As the signal announcing the train’s approach waned, the clattering and mechanical clanking sounds took over.
“Everyone, take out your tickets! Take out your tickets!”
With billowing smoke, the train pulled into the station, and a station employee stationed at the entrance of the fence shouted confidently.
The middle-aged station employee, sporting a stylishly grown mustache, possessed a commanding voice that suited his black uniform perfectly. However, despite his authoritative presence, those at the back of the line were preoccupied, failing to produce their tickets as they engaged in idle chatter.
Understandably so.
The train station was a cacophony of sound, drowning out any distant voices even in the absence of the approaching train. All that permeated the atmosphere were the hum of conversations and the clatter of luggage carts’ wheels, loaded with various belongings.
The seasoned station employee, evidently attuned to the chaos, dispatched a younger subordinate to prompt the passengers at the rear to retrieve their tickets as well.
“Please take out your tickets! Please take out your tickets!”
The young employee, ringing a bell, approached the passengers clad similarly, and in response, they complied by retrieving their tickets.
This efficient action facilitated swift ticket checks, enabling passengers to pass through the lattice fence and board the train with minimal delay.
“Hmm… I guess we’ll have to wait.” murmured Kevin, who had just alighted from a taxi, surveying the lengthy queue.
While it was a mere whisper, Alain, who had arrived from Rokuri University independently to pick someone up, responded proactively.
“There’s no need for that. Please follow me.”
Alain strode forward with confidence, while Erad, accompanying him, signaled to follow with a friendly smile. Kevin and Terence exchanged glances and fell in line behind one another.
Naturally, Yareli and Oliver trailed along as well.
“Sir, please join the line,” a station employee firmly instructed Alain, who had bypassed the line, expressing his displeasure toward queue-jumpers.
Instead of responding verbally, Alain retrieved his identification from his pocket and presented it. The stern station employee displayed a somewhat awkward expression before granting passage.
“Oh… My apologies. Please go ahead.”
Although the station employee maintained outward courtesy, an underlying irritation emanated. Fellow passengers shared similar sentiments.
Their glares pierced those who arrived late yet entered first, exhibiting a hostility more intense and confrontational than the destitute in Landa.
“Don’t mind them.” Alain from Rokuri University advised Oliver, who had momentarily halted.
As Oliver continued to follow, Alain vented a mixture of complaint and apology.
“If you were startled, I apologize. There’s been an increase in such people lately… Foolish and full of envy. Because of them, we have to be mindful even when exercising our obvious rights. It’s embarrassing as a fellow Galosian.”
Oliver was inclined to inquire about these “rightful privileges,” but he refrained from speaking, merely nodding in acknowledgment.
Somewhat disappointingly, Kevin stepped in on behalf of Oliver to satisfy his curiosity.
“What is the rightful privilege?”
“Not having to line up and being able to board the train directly. Our Rokuri University’s technology and funding have gone into making this train.”
Alain stood proudly before a train.
At first glance, it appeared similar to a standard train, but upon closer inspection, subtle distinctions were evident, particularly to the discerning eye of a warlock.
The engine exuded a substantial mana presence.
It undeniably set it apart from conventional trains.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt“So, it’s a combination of a regular steam engine and a mana engine.”
Kevin immediately commented upon a glance.
“Oh, you have an impressive eye…?”
“I read about it in the newspaper. It’s the Ezafreko express train, isn’t it?”
Alain, who had maintained a consistently polite demeanor, genuinely delighted for a moment.
“Yes! That’s correct… The Ezafreko express train. The fastest train in existence, incorporating the latest technology.”
Kevin nodded in agreement, his enthusiasm apparent.
Oliver, too, was acquainted with the train and silently concurred. He had read about it in the newspaper as well.
The Ezafreko express train utilized a engine that combined the magic stone engine technology of the Pure Magic School with steam engine technology, reducing the traditional coal consumption while significantly boosting output, all powered by a minimal amount of magic stones.
The excessive output made it a technology not easily adopted due to the risk of overloading, but according to the newspaper, it had been successfully engineered under the initiative of King Louis of Galos.
Though the train itself didn’t particularly pique their interest, the fact that it had been featured in the newspaper, along with the subsequent criticism of the Landa railway companies for their inaction, left a lasting impression.
The plummeting stock prices added to the controversy.
“Seeing it in person, it is certainly extraordinary. Impressive indeed.”
“Thank you for the compliment. Honestly, we are also proud of this creation. It’s the precise art of mechanical engineering and magic. The mixed art of science and magic that does not allow even the slightest error!”
Alain exclaimed, gesturing as if zipping an invisible zipper, his voice brimming with pride and passion. It was evident even without the scrutiny of warlock’s vision.
Well, a wizard was a wizard, even across the sea. It was only natural to take pride in the accomplishments of one’s own institution.
Concluding his proud speech, Alain indicated a seat with a more relaxed demeanor than before.
It was the first-class compartment, Car Number 0.
“Please, get on. I have reserved a valuable seat for our esteemed guest. Enjoy the top-class seat of the Ezafreko express train, the new pride of Galos.”
***
The first-class seat of the Ezafreko express train.
As Alain had promised, it was an exceedingly opulent compartment.
While all the first-class compartments were luxurious with generous space and comfortable amenities, the grandeur of this particular one set it apart.
“It has to be exceptional. It’s the only unique compartment on the train. Would you like some wine?”
Alain suggested, opening a shelf on one side of the spacious cabin.
On the shelf, in addition to wine, an array of beverages including magic wine and snacks were neatly arranged.
“Thanks for the offer, but I’m fine.”
“It’s included in the fare anyway. It’s free. Considering the fare is ten times that of first-class, it’s actually to your benefit to eat.”
“Still, we’ll pass. We’ve come to support Rokuri University, not to enjoy a tour.”
Terence seemed slightly regretful, but he concurred with Kevin’s decision.
Alain, upon witnessing this, didn’t appear displeased but smiled instead.
Then, his demeanor transformed, exuding warmth and respect.
“It’s fortunate. Although it’s the expected attitude, there aren’t many these days who maintain it.”
“Did we pass the test?”
Kevin inquired with a touch of skepticism, prompting Alain to clarify.
“If that’s how it felt, I apologize. It was just our intention to treat the guests from the Magic Tower and to showcase the technology of Rokuri University. Please don’t misunderstand, it wasn’t a test. Though personally, I am relieved.”
Genuineness. Oliver perceived it through the eyes of a warlock, and Kevin, possibly sensing the same, didn’t press further.
“How did you know we were coming? We didn’t ask to be met.”
“Rokuri University has its own eyes and ears. We naturally come to know when a selection team is sent from the Magic Tower. Someone tips us off.”
His explanation was sincere.
After all, the Magic Tower comprised various schools, and information could originate from various sources.
“Considering the times, we figured you would come by ship rather than airship, since it’s relatively safer, and if by ship, then only through Lengkal… If the sudden welcome was disconcerting, please understand. Given the times, we were just being cautious.”
The phrase “given the times” seemed to carry multiple implications.
“I understand. That Rokuri University means no harm. And please understand, this friend of mine is just naturally not very fun.”
Terence naturally chimed in, placing his hand on Kevin’s shoulder. His affable and friendly disposition worked to diffuse the tension in the room.
“But you can trust his ability. He’s sharp when it comes to work.”
“If a member of the Roar family says so, it’s trustworthy.”
“You’ve also heard of who we are?”
Alain gestured towards his sleeve, adorned with cufflinks.
Seeing this, Terence glanced at his own sleeve and soon realized that he was wearing cufflinks bearing his family’s lion crest.
“Ah… That’s quite embarrassing.”
“It’s a common mistake.”
“Thank you for the comfort. I am Terence of the Roar family.”
“An honor to meet the great lion.”
“I’m far from deserving to be called a lion… This gentleman is Master Kevin Dunbara of the Elemental School, this lady is Yareli Issai of the Issai family, and lastly, this friend is Zenon Bright.”
“Ah, I’ve heard of your reputations… All distinguished figures from there, aren’t you?”
Alain spoke vaguely, seeming reluctant to mention Lake Village.
“Yes, we thought it would be best to have someone with experience… Though we are just an advance party.”
“No, what are you saying… I’m well aware of how important an advance party is to assess the local situation before the main forces arrive. Depending on the capacity of the advance party, it determines whether the main forces can move immediately upon arrival… That’s why I mean to say—”
Just as he was about to broach the concealed main point, Kevin interjected.
“—Could we possibly know how the current situation is progressing?”
Kevin’s interjection was so skillful that it didn’t come across as impolite.
Setting aside his own question, Alain began to speak.
“I can’t provide details as the university will inform you, but I can give a general idea, if that would be acceptable?”
“Of course,” Kevin replied.
***
Oliver mused as he gazed at the passing landscape. In less than two hours, the rapid train had transported them from the port city to Ravel, the capital of Galos.
Considering the train’s velocity, this was to be expected.
As Alain of Rokuri University had boasted, the Ezafreko express train was indeed a marvel of speed.
With only a few whistles and the sound of wheels on rails, the trapezoidal form of Lengkal and the coastline had disappeared from view long ago. Now, the train raced across the expansive plains, heading towards the outskirts of Ravel.
Thanks to this, Oliver had a clear view of the enormous factories dotting the outskirts of Ravel.
As he surveyed the factories and the entirety of Ravel in the distance, Oliver couldn’t help but acknowledge the stark differences.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmRavel, the capital of Galos, rivaled Landa in size, but distinctions between the two cities were evident.
The dissimilarity lay in their density and organization. While Landa might appear chaotic at first glance, it possessed an inherent order and system that operated like a well-oiled machine. In contrast, Ravel bustled like a colony of creatures but lacked discernible organization.
The U-shaped river meandering through the city and the chaotic cityscape, resembling serpents entwined around the waterway, were clear indicators of this.
“It’s the political chaos. The city planning changes with every shift in power.”
Yareli spoke in hushed tones, shedding light on the seemingly freeform layout of the city, as if it had been scribbled upon by numerous hands.
“How many times has it changed?”
“Five times.”
Oliver was taken aback. He now had a curiosity about the details behind these five changes in city planning.
It seemed that his studies would not be limited to the Galosian language alone; delving into its history would also be necessary.
Poo-woo-woo-woo-woo━━━━━············.
As Oliver pondered this, the train once again emitted its distinctive sound.
A familiar signal. It indicated their approach to the train station.
Passengers who had been napping on the train stirred awake, collecting their belongings and preparing to disembark.
Conversations like the one between Kevin, Terence, Alain, and Erad temporarily paused.
“I have listened well to the conversation. We will hear the detailed story at Rokuri University.”
Unlike Oliver, who had momentarily been distracted by the view outside, Kevin, who had been attentive to Alain’s every word, spoke formally and earnestly.
Alain, the one providing explanations, appeared pleased with Kevin’s demeanor and nodded in approval.
“Yes, understood.”
Click-click-click. Clank-clank-clank.
The sounds that had been heard prior to boarding the train resurfaced as the train gradually decelerated and came to a halt.
Bodies leaned slightly forward.
Soon, passengers regained their balance, opened compartment doors, and began to disembark with their luggage.
“How does it sound to you?”
While everyone disembarked, Kevin approached Oliver under the pretense of gathering his belongings, initiating a conversation.
He sought to gauge Oliver’s opinion regarding Alain’s explanations, and Oliver responded candidly, based on what he had heard and observed.
“Most of what he said was true, at least as far as he knows. The rest is not certain to him either; it’s not a lie with malicious intent.”
“I haven’t misjudged then.”
Kevin, a wizard skilled in warlock vision, muttered to himself. He was satisfied with his discernment but soon revealed his lingering doubts.
“Then, is that also true? That there might be internal disputes among the Human-meat Chef faction?”
Oliver glanced back toward Alain before answering.
“I personally don’t believe it, but it’s not a lie.”
(To be Continued)
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