Vol 3 Chapter 1 The Train That Began

Early morning, white mist still enveloped the city, the chilly air making early risers pull their collars higher as they hurried across the streets.

Inside the station, crowds bustled, the tall black train sounded its whistle, beginning to warm up in advance.

Led by Kidi, Sylutia arrived at the station. After a complex verification of identity and invitation letters, she and Kidi entered the station interior, arriving before the train about to depart.

This long steel behemoth was far taller than Sylutia had imagined. Beneath it were rows of large wheels as tall as the young girl, the body above was as sturdy as a fortress forged from iron. The upper part of the body had a row of smaller round windows, while the lower body was engraved with patterns enclosed within large square frames.

These patterns were all portraits, among them an old man, a woman, a young girl, a king, a queen, a knight, and a swan. The origin of these patterns was the first city built by the Swan King, its seven Gates. At that time, each Gate was inscribed with a different image and figure. Since then, these seven Gates became symbols of the School of Royal Authority, and even the Castle Aspect, used in various occasions and rituals, possessing special power.

“Let’s go, Hedra.” Kidi led the girl to the side of this large black steel train.

Tilting her head back slightly to look up, Sylutia estimated the train was roughly three stories tall. After passing the ticket check, she climbed the steel steps, her steps producing crisp sounds.

This was a train specially prepared for new students. The interior layout was quite similar to the old-fashioned trains seen in movies from her previous life, though the space was much wider. Holding her ticket, she found her seat and stowed her luggage.

Kidi told her to sit here and not wander off, then went ahead to the front train compartment, seemingly to communicate with someone.

About half an hour later, he returned with a train attendant in a dark green uniform. The other party briefly confirmed Sylutia’s appearance and identity, then nodded.

“I understand, I will take care to look after this young lady from now on. Please rest assured, Mr. Kidi.”

“Thank you then.” Kidi took off his hat, gave a slight nod to the attendant, then came and sat down in front of Sylutia.

“The train will probably travel for 3-4 days before reaching the destination, Asra. The journey will be quite trying, but I believe you can endure it.”

“Food will be provided on the train at noon and evening each day. The taste isn’t great, but filling your stomach shouldn’t be a problem. There are toilets on the train, but no bath. You’ll have to use a towel to simply wipe your face and arms.”

“Upon arriving in Asra, personnel will arrange things for you new students. Just follow the arrangements. Once you’re settled, write me a letter to let me know.”

“Here is an address, a tailor shop in Asra. I’m very familiar with the owner there. Take this business card and token, you can find him. He lives there year-round, you can seek his advice if you have problems.” After saying this, Kidi handed over a business card and a black bird feather.

“I understand.” Sylutia nodded, accepting the card and feather, carefully placing them inside her notebook.

Then Kidi gave a few more instructions, stood up, and bid farewell to Sylutia.

After he left, the carriage quieted down. At this moment, Sylutia was the only passenger seated. Many new students in the station were only now just checking their tickets and boarding.

Sitting on the long bench covered with velvet, Sylutia carefully observed the structure and style of the carriage interior. The decoration was elegant, with flower-shaped lamps on both side walls. The tables were also made of fairly good hardwood, covered with white tablecloths, set with simple flower arrangements emitting a faint fragrance.

The windows had light blue curtains, the floor was laid with horizontal wooden planks, on which many worn scratches could be seen, though it was cleaned very thoroughly, giving a feeling of being both new and old.

Soon the train gradually grew lively, many new students walking, talking, and taking seats in the carriage. Everyone was filled with excitement and anticipation, many, like Sylutia, were riding a train for the first time.

Although it was the first time in this life, Sylutia’s previous life was after all on a highly developed Earth, having ridden similar and even more advanced bullet trains and high-speed rails, so she wasn’t surprised. But for those children from the countryside, it was completely different.

Coming from villages and towns where for the first seventeen years of their lives they only saw carriages and cows, seeing this steel behemoth belching steam and whistling, and entering inside to sit down, this kind of anticipation and nervousness was something familiar people couldn’t understand.

Sitting by the train window, Sylutia could hear various noisy conversations from afar, most of which were about the train.

“Did you know, my father said trains are all transformed from True Dragons, that’s why they blow steam and whistle.”

“Powerful Mages defeat the dragons, make them submit, then transform them into trains like this.”

“Really? Mages are truly powerful.” Many students curiously gathered around, their imaginations running wild.

The number of apprentices on the train gradually increased. The carriage Sylutia was in also slowly boarded newly arrived apprentices. It was at this moment the young girl noticed that the carriage she was sitting in seemed special. Not only were the seats wider, the decoration more refined, but it also had independent changing rooms, a tea room, and two toilets divided for men and women.

“Why won’t you let me through? Clearly there are still so many empty seats in this carriage!” At the junction between carriages in the distance, three new students stared indignantly at the train attendant blocking their way.

“Sorry, this is an exclusive carriage, not for your use.” The attendant coldly replied.

“On what grounds? We are all new students, why can they sit in this carriage?” The leading youth pointed at one of the occupants of this carriage. He seemed to know one of the apprentices.

“This is not my concern. I only know to let new students with special tickets enter this carriage.” The attendant retorted.

“I’m a new student with three perfect scores, already the top-performing new student. If carriages are assigned by results, I should be inside.” This youth still refused to accept it.

To this, the attendant sighed.

“I understand how you feel, but no one told you this was the rule for assigning carriages, right?”

“Then tell me the reason for dividing different carriages. Could it be that the Hall of Truth has also been corrupted and polluted by money?” The other party seemed obsessive, wanting to get to the root of the matter.

Unfortunately, the attendant never answered the reason, and the commotion between the two sides eventually attracted other personnel on the train.

A middle-aged man in a black trench coat uniform strode over imposingly. He had a thick black beard. Arriving before this shouting youth, he grabbed the other’s collar, fixing him with a chilling gaze.

“What’s your name?”

“I… I’m Elvin.” His voice softened, his eyes seeking help from his companions behind him. Unfortunately, the two were somewhat fearful and didn’t dare step forward.

“Good, Apprentice Elvin, let me tell you why you cannot enter this carriage.”

“Because you are not qualified. It’s that simple.”

“You have neither a prominent family background, nor exceptional talent, nor even a humble attitude for learning. What gives you, a weed from the wilds, the right to pollute the noble and pure flower seedlings?” After saying this, he threw the other to the ground, then swept his gaze over the watching new students.

“Lowly origins are not shameful, but knowing this and still focusing your mind on trivial matters is being an idiot. If you have any self-respect left, become an Official Mage within ten years, then come slap my face and tell me you were wrong back then.”

“Get back to your seat, you fool.” After handling this matter, he coldly closed the Gate connecting the two carriages, then strode back to the front train compartment.

Like a cold wind passing through, it was a good while before voices resumed in the carriage.

“So fierce, that uncle just now.”

“But also really impressive. I didn’t dare speak.”

“Looking at it this way, those who can sit in this carriage are probably all apprentices from good families, right?” A girl wearing expensive clothing surveyed her surroundings, her expression slightly proud.

“Giggle, is that how you praise yourself?” Her companion opposite her covered her mouth with a light laugh.

“But indeed, they are mostly familiar faces. I’ve seen most of them.”

“That one is the niece of the Duke of Kikas, on the left is the son of Count Fenglai.” The two lowered their voices, speaking softly.

Their voices weren’t loud, but Sylutia could hear every word clearly. She could even hear through the door the conversations of dozens of people in the next carriage, simultaneously distinguishing and understanding them.

Sitting quietly in her seat, Sylutia slowly sorted out quite a bit of information and intelligence.

The carriage she was in was near the front of the train, probably the one with the best environment. Further back were the carriages for other new students, roughly also arranged according to results. The last three carriages carried the kitchen and food, plus places for train staff to rest.

The entire train probably carried nearly 3,000 new students. Over seventy percent of them came from countries outside the Mage Alliance. Many had received 1-2 years of basic education in border cities of the Mage Alliance, then taken the assessment in Switch City Kikas to obtain recommendation letters.

Every year, the Mage Alliance gathers nearly 200,000 new students from all directions. They will enter the academy district in the center of the continent to study, learning and working there. Among these apprentices, roughly one in ten will eventually become Official Mages, and only one percent can step into the ranks of Mages within ten years.

Although not everyone can become an Official Mage, even a Second Tier Mage Apprentice is far stronger than ordinary professions in the countryside and can obtain better treatment. So residents from various regions take pride in sending their children to study with the Mage Alliance.

The train’s whistle sounded again, a dull surge of steam gushing out, bringing a whooshing roar. Accompanied by a brief tremor, the train gradually started, slowly pulling out of the station. At this moment, the new students on board let out excited shouts, joyful clamor spreading throughout the train.

No matter what the future holds, at this moment they were all fervent little suns, full of vigorous vitality and numerous infinite possibilities not yet set. The scroll of a new world was about to slowly unfurl before them.

Outside the carriage, a black raven followed and swept past, its speed keeping up with the not-yet-accelerated train, tapping the window with its beak.

After several taps, Sylutia, somewhat curious, opened the window. A refreshing wind rushed in from outside, and the raven brought the package it was carrying into the carriage. It stood before Sylutia, tilted its head to look at her, seemingly confirming it was the right person, spread its wings with a cry, then flew out the window again, disappearing into the misty horizon.

What’s this? Sylutia opened the black cloth package. Inside was an exquisite paper box containing fresh, delicious pastries. Beneath them was a note pressed flat.

‘~ For the lovely Hedra.’

Seeing the familiar black feather mark at the end, Sylutia understood this was a small gift from Mr. Kidi, a faint warmth rising in her heart.

What a special person. He seemed very adept at taking care of girls of her young age.

…

Switch City · Kikas, ‘Black Bird Tower’

The Mage in the black trench coat stood by the tower’s window ledge, watching the raven return from the horizon, landing on his shoulder.

“Already delivered, the gift for that lovely child.”

“Mm, I know, you’ve worked hard.” He stroked the raven for a while, then released it to fly again.

Turning back into the tower, Kidi, holding a candle lamp, descended the steps continuously downwards, to a place deeper than the surface. After turning several spirals, he arrived before a sealed Gate underground, then used a special key to open the stone door and entered.

Compared to the bustling city, this underground room was exceptionally silent, only the crisp sound of his leather shoes echoing.

Passing through several Gates and long corridors, he finally entered a room adorned with blue roses. Here stood a stone coffin, exquisitely carved with vines, with a line of elegant script written in the middle.

Placing the candle lamp on a stand, Kidi leaned against the stone coffin, gently stroking it.

“I’ve come to be with you again, Videnoya.”

“You know, recently I met a girl very much like you.”

“Though she isn’t as willful and spoiled as you, she has similar black hair and figure.”

“Of course, in my heart, you are definitely the most beautiful. Heh, I know, you always liked to be jealous…” He spoke softly and gently, as if venting years of dullness and loneliness.

That gentle voice echoed in the silent tomb chamber until the candle lamp was about to go out, then he slowly stood up.

“Don’t worry, I will return, Videnoya.”

“If the ritual succeeds, you will also awaken again, and afterwards we will never be apart.” Then he put on his trench coat, picked up the candle lamp again, and left this deep underground tomb chamber.

…

Harp Flower Union ‘Flower Vine City · Elafondi’

On the open ground outside the city, a white-sailed airship was making final adjustments. Many Travelers queued up, slowly boarding.

Several luxurious carriages slowly drove up, stopping on the grassy lawn of the open ground. Then, surrounded by family and maidservants, a young girl with beautiful golden hair stepped down from a carriage. She wore a luxurious dress sewn with fine lace, her light pink hair ribbon and golden hair fluttering in the wind.

“Alright, just see me off here. I’m going to board the airship now.”

“Oh, Lovier, I’m so reluctant to let you go. Promise Mama, just study in Elafondi, alright?”

“Ah, Mama, why are you still saying this? I’ve prepared for so long.” This beautiful golden-haired girl shook her head, then took a small golden cage from a maidservant’s hands.

“The most powerful astrologer in Elafondi said that me going to study with the Mage Alliance is the choice that aligns with fate.” She opened the cage, picking up an adorable golden cat from within, gently stroking it.

“But that divination ritual was interfered with by a cat. Does that still count?” An older brother nearby asked worriedly.

“Of course, that’s how divination is. Any accident is a hint from fate.” She raised the slightly plump, round-faced cat in her hands, rubbing it against her cheek, feeling its fluffy cuteness.

“Since fate guides me this way, then I must follow the script. Isn’t that our family’s motto?” She lifted her head, revealing a flawless smile.

“But our family’s motto is ‘Perform until the final moment the curtain falls’.” The other shook his head.

“Though the meaning is somewhat similar.”

“Alright, since Lovier has decided, we can only give our blessings. We hope you can find your own fate and script over at the Mage Alliance.”

The group watched as this golden-haired girl, holding the cat, walked up the airship’s steps, waving goodbye to her.

…

North of the Ice Sea, the Crimson Court.

Inside the black great hall, candle lamps were carried in one by one by maidservants wearing classical long gowns. They came to stand on both sides of the hall, then bowed their heads respectfully.

These maidservants were all of superior appearance, beautiful figures, and also possessed the Bloodline Aspect of Fourth Tier or above. If there was anything unusual, it was probably that their skin was relatively pale, giving a sense of not having seen sunlight for a long time.

Soon, a woman wearing a magnificent black and red long gown slowly entered. She had delicate golden-brown hair, each strand combed clearly and smooth. The court gown trailing on the ground had elegant black folds with a matte finish, as if a masterpiece from a thousand years ago. The occasional glimpse of rose-blood red from the inner lining was so striking in the darkness, like blood not yet congealed.

She slowly ascended the Gothic-style black throne within the great hall, slowly sitting down. Her slender fingers slightly propped her cheek, her eyelids opened, revealing crimson eyes as red as blood, like a tranquil beast of madness, or a sorrowful, solitary emperor.

“Bring Carmilla forward.”

“Yes, Your Majesty the Queen.” A maidservant nearby respectfully bowed.

Soon, four knights covered entirely in black armor escorted a woman who also had golden-brown hair into the great hall.

Surprisingly, this escorted woman and the figure sitting on the throne had nearly identical appearances, even the magnificent black and red long gowns they wore were largely similar, merely differing in stylistic details.

Wearing specially made silver chains on her wrists and ankles, she was dragged to the center of the great hall, then released.

After the black gag covering her mouth was removed, the woman on the ground shouted.

“Let me go, Catella, you black-hearted creature!” Although chained, she seemed to have no fear at all, only anger and dissatisfaction.

“Be quiet for a while, my dear sister.” The figure on the throne raised a hand, an invisible force directly controlling the woman’s body, making it difficult for her to speak.

“Why? I haven’t done anything wrong, why are you locking me up!” Carmilla on the ground still refused to accept it, struggling fiercely against the other’s control. Then the two pairs of equally beautiful crimson eyes met, an invisible contest of power occurring between them.

Several seconds later, Carmilla on the ground let out a gasp, then covered her eyes, slowly sitting on the ground. It seemed she had lost in the power contest.

The figure on the throne snorted coldly, issuing another warning.

“Now I shall declare your crimes, Carmilla.”

“As a Queen Candidate of the Sea Cliff Blood Clan, and currently the first heir of the Crimson Court, Carmilla, for the sake of the throne, colluded with external enemies, committing a grave mistake.”

“Henceforth, you shall be stripped of your Aspect rank and all status within the Sea Cliff Blood Clan, and exiled.” She coldly pronounced the judgment, and the woman on the ground, no matter how she struggled, could not speak to resist.

Several days later, this originally high-status Blood Clan royal, wearing simple black clothes, was sent to a ship departing the territory. Along the way, she tried to escape. Unfortunately, not only had her rank dissipated, making her an ordinary mortal, but her physique had also degenerated considerably, roughly equivalent to that of an ordinary human 17-year-old girl.

“Accept this reality, Lady Carmilla.” A black-robed executor accompanying her spoke to admonish.

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