Levi was about to ask what was happening but swallowed the question. Seeing the seriousness of her expression, he knew now wasn’t the right time. A few moments passed, and she finally lifted her head, looking at him with a smile.

“The train belongs to the Church of Technology. Prayers are done in two parts,” She explained. “We first pray that the train will reach its destination safely, and then another once it safely arrives. We thank the Lord of Technology for bringing them to us safely.”

Levi nodded in silence. He wasn’t a religious person back on Earth. Honestly, he thought it was a load of hogwash. But here, it was obvious gods were real. Although he hadn’t seen them with his very own eyes, but here, they were real.

Maybe God held some truth to it back on Earth, after all?

He looked up at Sera, and said, “Will you teach me the prayer?”

She smiled, brighter this time. “I will.”

From the train, lots of people disembarked. It was evident that the younger travellers were a bit shaken up. They must have encountered a few monsters on their travels. Many–scratch that–all of those who left the train were covered in fine, colourful clothes.

The men wore immaculate three-piece suits, while the women donned gorgeous dresses cinched with corsets, accentuating their hourglass figures. The older women had faces caked in make-up, which was obviously the style from wherever they came from–probably the Imperial City. While the younger women/teenagers had more natural make-up.

Levi thought it was interesting seeing the difference in styles from old to young. It was just like back on Earth.

The younger children–around Levi’s age–sprinted past in fervour, pushing passed the common drab of people. Along the way, they kept on mentioning the name Rowena. From that, it was obvious to see why they had made the trip: to hear the girls' songs.

It was an insane notion to Levi, and he couldn’t help scrunch his eyes at them, and their parents. They had made the journey, risking the lives of the Rail Slayers, all to see a concert. He knew that the train would have come regardless because of trade, but still, it didn’t sit well with him for some reason.

Was he being ridiculous? Maybe.

The Rail Slayers detached from the tough metal wires on the roof of the train cars, and leaped down onto the station's platform. Levi noticed one in particular that was older than the rest by at least 10 years. Judging by the air he exuded, he was strong. Gregory was right. In a profession in which most died young, it was always right to respect the old.

He had slicked-back black hair, tattoos covering his arms, and a deep scar running down his left eye. As he scanned the surroundings, his gaze landed on Gregory, and he smiled. With his bloody appearance, the smile was downright terrifying. He sauntered toward them, bringing with him the stench of metal and copper.

“Gregory? What the hell are you doing here?” He asked, stopping only 2 feet from the detective. His face was serious. Levi tensed. Then he laughed, caught Gregory in a bear hug, and lifted him up.

Gregory laughed through gritted teeth. “You’ve only gotten stronger, Major Balin,” He slapped the Rail Slayers arm. “Rough travels?”

Balin, the Rail Slayer, glanced over his shoulders to the train, before turning back. “Bah, it wasn’t so bad. Had a run in with a few krull, but nothing we can’t manage. It’s been peaceful for a while, until the Krag started acting up. Lost a good few men during that time.”

The Krag is really messing with everything, Levi thought. His mind turned to questions.

“Lady Sera Lindar,” Balin bowed his head slightly, “It’s a pleasure.”

Sera curtsied, “The pleasure is all mine, Major.”

“Krull?” Levi whispered to Bram as the two men continued their pleasantries.

He whispered back, “They are large monsters with tentacles hanging from their mouths. With large pincers made for digging and killing, thick carapace, and wings for short distance flight, they are one of the most common dangerous monsters the Rail Slayers face on their travels. They are very territorial, and they have made their homes all throughout the land underneath Ubez. They can also swim, making them suitable for all terrain.”

“Sounds horrible,” Levi said.

“So,” Major Balin poked Levi in the chest. “Who’s this scraggly thing? Don’t tell me it’s a lost pup of yours, Gregory?”

“Hells no,” Gregory laughed, shaking his head, glancing at Sera. “We found him during our work in Beron.”

Balin nodded, frowning. “I heard about the loss of contact there, just what happened?”

“How about I tell you all about it over a cold ale?” Gregory said. “God knows you need it.”

“Aye,” Balin clicked his tongue. “Wouldn't go amiss.”

Gregory turned to Sera, Bram, and Levi. “I’ll catch up with the major. Why don’t you take the lad to that concert? Rowena,” He said, “It’ll cost an arm and a leg if you want to see her in the Imperial City. Might as well take a look today. We have some time to kill for the train's departure tomorrow.”

Levi was busy staring at the Rail Slayers getting on with their work. They were already tending to their weaponry, checking the cannons on top.

The railway engineers–most likely from the Church of Technology–began cleaning the front of the train with high powered power washers. They used batteries, but not of the electrical kind. They were powered by magic.

“Does the lad have an interest in becoming a Slayer?” Balin asked, laughing.

“If he values his life,” Sera said, “he won’t.”

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“If the pay is good,” Levi joked. The others looked at him as he chuckled. “I’m joking. My academy placement will be with the Supernatural Detective Corp.”

Balin boomed laughter. “The confidence of the lad, I love it. Aye, you may have the badge of a family for admittance, but–” He straightened his face, then said, “Oh, they haven’t told you?”

Levi looked at them in confusion.

Balin explained, “no matter what family you are from, you only have admittance for the first year.” He nudged his nose at Sera. “The family still needs to pay for that year. And the second onwards, it will be all up to your own skills if you manage to remain within.”

“No,” Levi said. “They didn’t explain that part.”

“Ah,” Gregory said, waving his arm. “The lad’ll be fine. He’s a talented little beast.”

“I really wish you’d stop calling me monster, or beast,” Levi said. “What will others think? But, I’m more worried about the payment… Sera, how much is it?”

Sera smiled in response. “Don’t you worry about that,” she said, “It was my decision to recruit you, so of course I’ll foot the bill.”

“Hey, lad,” Balin said. “After the academy, you may be with them during your apprenticeship. But you still have work placement a year before that. How about joining us?”

“Major,” Sera warned. “Levi is a member of my family now; don't be trying to get him killed. How many students have passed this year alone?”

Balin muttered jumbled words under his breath.

“What was that? I didn’t quite catch it?”

“Bah,” Balin spat. “Eighteen.”

Levi’s eyes widened.

“Eighteen,” Sera said wryly. “They died honourably, and for a great cause, but such a choice–only Levi can make it himself.”

“Come, Major, let’s get to that alehouse, shall we?” Gregory said, breaking up the tense air.

“Right,” The major responded, walking by Gregory. However, he glanced over his shoulder, looked right at Levi, and said, “You have a nice set of eyes on you, boy. They have the aroma of determination. Listen, the other students may not think so, but where you choose your work placement may be the most important event in your little life. If you want the strength to preserve your own life; where else better than the Rail Slayers?”

Sera and Bram led Levi through the upper streets of Raven’s pit. Levi was stuck in thought. So, there are work placements, then after we finish the academy, we enter our apprenticeships. I was originally meant to do my work placement with Gregory and the others… What do I do now?

Levi, in a daze, couldn’t help the images of the brutal iron train from filtering into his mind. The images of blood and bone stuck to the front of the train, the wind blowing through the Train Slayer’s hair atop the mechanical beast. Levi felt his heart stir.

Decisions, decisions.

“Here we are,” Sera said, announcing their arrival to the concert.

In reality, Sera didn’t have to say anything–it was obvious where they were from a mile away. The building in front of them was an enormous manor. Grand gates were already open, where men and women both old and young, along with boys and girls, excitedly made their way into a grand, open courtyard.

The manor in the background stood grandly, casting its glow on the populace of the poor not far away.

Magical lights shot into the sky like heaven’s ethereal lances. There were all different kinds of colours; blue, yellow, purple, white, all contributing to the festivities.

“This is where the concert is taking place?” Levi asked the question that held the obvious answer.

“We better hurry,” Sera said, grasping Levi by the wrist. “Lest we don’t get a seat.”

Sera may have been a cold-blooded warrior when on the battlefield, but on the civilian streets, she transformed back into a noble lady that seemed to have her childhood stripped away from her. She dragged Levi forwards with a hop in her step, her lips curling.

Following closely behind, they made it to the gates of the manor, where a fancy man in a black suit, and red cap, greeted the nobility. He bowed in front of Sera, just like all the others before her, as if he already was aware of her face.

All Levi could only look at was his massive nose. He ripped his attention off of it, not wanting to be rude.

Do the servants know everyone's faces? Levi wondered, jealous at the memory capabilities of the man.

The man didn’t even need to look at the golden emblem of the Lindar family pinned to Levi’s chest.

"Lady Sera Lindar," he said, finally raising his head with a smirk. "The Antor Family extends you a pleasant stay. We trust the facilities of the manor are sufficient for your tastes. And do enjoy the ethereal voice of the Rising Star Rowena. I hope it offers a reprieve of the heart, given the recent misfortunes your family has faced."

The open hostility took Levi by surprise. Levi glanced at Sera, but her face didn’t stir.

She nodded her head by a tiny amount, and said sarcastically, “Oh, the Antor family’s openness really warms my heart. Please, servant, extend my gratitude to the family.”

His lips twitched, “You may have the chance to do that yourself, Lady Sera Lindar.”

Sera nodded, and continued. However, Levi stopped. The servant looked at him as if he was a mere insect. The look only became worse when he noticed the poor clothes he was wearing. Levi felt the disdain.

“You know,” Levi said. “I’ve always wondered.”

“Wondered what?” He said coldly.

“Wondered if you could even smell colours with the size of that thing attached to your face,” Levi said, mocking. “Ah, sorry if I was rude just then. It’s just a child’s morbid curiosity.”

“You–” The Antor family's servant stepped forward. Sera intercepted, her glare tearing into the man.

“I strongly advise you to lower your head,” Sera said, coldly. “Lest I get an itching to lop it off myself.”

The man bit his lip, but nonetheless did as he was told. He knew his standing. He could say hidden words, but his actions were different.

Bram also stepped forwards, his massive body lumbering.

Everyone had already started talking amongst themselves, looking over at Levi, Sera, and Bram. They were gossiping. Levi sighed. Families were exhausting.

They continued for a few steps before Sera mumbled to herself, “Smell colours.” She placed her hand against her mouth and laughed out loud. People looked once more, but she didn’t seem to care.

She turned to Levi, and said, “Just where did you learn that?”

“It just popped out of my head,” he replied. “But will it be okay? I couldn’t let him talk to you like that…”

“It’s normal in noble families, Levi,” Bram explained. “They always talk in hidden meanings. The servants of the family are extensions of their arms, and their words often reflect the family's feelings toward you. The Antor family and Lindar family… they don’t have a good history between them.”

Levi looked at Sera, but she only responded with:

“A story for later, Levi,” she said, smiling. “Thank you for defending me, really. But be careful with your words in places like this. The noble families will spin your words to fit their agenda. Wars have started over things said in seemingly private. So be cautious.”

Levi nodded, a cold sweat blanketing the nape of his neck.

Yep, he’d much rather face the sharpened fangs of monsters.