Right after Luke left the hotel.
A young man with purple hair, black eyes, and an extravagantly noble attire went back to his VIP room in the Lily Hotel. The person who was supposedly one of his knights in full metal armor followed behind him to his room.
If someone saw this scene, they’d call it blasphemy for a knight to enter the resting chambers of a noble, but here the case didn’t seem as simple.
Inside the lavish hotel room, the metallic knight took off her helmet. Her silky dark black hair immediately came flowing out as if it had been freed from the shackles that bound it. Her eyes had a unique ashen color to them, and her skin created a heavy contrast with her hair. She had pale white skin, and if someone took a closer look at her cascading black hair, they’d see her long and pointy ears peeking out of her hair.
“I’ll report to my dad,” Lucas said as he warily looked at his ‘knight’. He took out a communication crystal and started trying to connect with his father. The knight took out a communication crystal of her own as she started to connect to someone too.
After a brief conversation with his father, Lucas walked towards his bed and sat on it, patiently waiting for his ‘knight’ to finish her talk.
“Good work today, keep an eye on him the entire time you’re at the academy,” after finishing her call, the black-haired beautiful woman said, her voice sharp and clear.
Lucas barely hid his annoyance as he just nodded his head. The knight handed him a small vial filled with golden liquid before disappearing into particles of shadows.
===
Haah!
Luke let out a large sigh as his eyes darted around the grand train station.
It was called the ‘South Gate Station’ of Berch Gyara. The grand and intricate structure of the station was a marvel in itself. Towering arches of polished marble framed the entrance, with beautifully detailed carvings of legendary ‘heroes’ and mythical creatures adorning its surface.
The station’s platform was enormous, stretching out like a grand courtyard with cobblestones and cemented pathways leading to various platforms. Luminescent crystals hovered above the pillars and the carvings, casting a soft, ethereal glow near the area, acting as light sources for the station.
The air was filled with a discordant mixture of voices. Noble children, easily distinguishable by their fine garments and insignias of their houses stood in small clusters, their laughter echoing with an air of arrogance. They were surrounded by servants, some of whom were hurriedly ensuring that their masters' luggage was properly secured.
Every so often, a noble would cast a fleeting glance at a candidate, sizing them up as potential competition or allies.
Candidates, on the other hand, wore expressions ranging from nervous anticipation to steely determination, at least that was the case for the human candidates. They clutched their acceptance letters and belongings close, often exchanging stories of their journeys and the tests they had faced. Their attire was diverse, reflecting the various regions of Eldoria they hailed from.
The station was a fusion of races. Tall, elegant Elves with their pointed ears and ageless beauty stood in stark contrast to the stocky, robust Dwarves who were engaged in animated discussions, their voices deep and resonant. Orcs, with their greenish skin and powerful builds, were scattered around, some practicing with their weapons while others chatted amicably with fellow students.
The beastmen, a diverse group in themselves, added to the vibrant tapestry.
Holy… Luke couldn’t help but lightly place his right hand on his mouth as lightly as possible, maintaining his cool act as he took in the view in front of him. This is as fantastical as it could get. Before coming here, he never thought he’d be met with such a situation even before he reached the academy. All the fantasy creatures that he had only ever read and seen on TV through CGI and graphics stood right in front of him in the flesh, better than any CGI could ever make them.
“Sir, here take this,” one of Garhan’s knights handed over a card similar to the room key that he had gotten back in Lily Hotel, “It’s your luggage card, we have already arranged for most of your luggage to be shipped through the delivery train. You can carry the handbags with you.”
Luke finally realized that by the time he was admiring the grand railway station, most of his luggage was already gone, including the small suitcase that contained the only weapon he had. Fuck! he couldn’t help but curse inwardly. It’s okay, not like I’d need a weapon when I am simply about to travel on a train, right?
For some reason, he felt like he had just jinxed himself, but he shook off the strange feeling. Turning around, his eyes scanned the group of knights that were in charge of his safety. They had taken their job seriously the whole time and did it as it was expected of them. Even though Luke was grateful, he couldn’t express it or show any weakness.
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So he did the second best thing, “Good job everyone,” he said in a clear and fairly audible voice, “Here keep this and let loose for once,” he took out one of the few cash notes he had with himself and gave it to the knight that seemed to be leading others. It was 10 Sils. Although the number seemed small, it had a great value, enough for the always passive-looking knights to make a baffled expression.
The knight accepted the money without any resistance and bowed his head, “Have a safe journey, young sir,” his voice contained a tinge of sincerity, “Take care of yourself at the academy,” saying so, the knight turned around in an orderly fashion before they all hopped onto their carriages and disappeared turned back.
So I’m finally all alone? Luke looked towards his hand that held a medium-sized briefcase, it had some paper currency, two pairs of clothes, a comb, perfume, a mouthwash, and two books. There was literally nothing that he currently had with him, nor was there anyone to accompany him.
His legs moved in a steady fashion as he walked on the cobblestone ground. There were magical screens floating at a distance of 20 meters, telling the time of departure towards the main academy.
The Berch Gyara Express
Time of Departure: 9 pm | On time
Luke moved his left hand and put it inside his jacket pocket, trying to find something. Soon, he took out a fancy pocket watch that seemed to be made out of gold and looked at the time.
7.19, there’s still almost two hours left. Thinking so, he carefully put his pocket watch back in his jacket as he gave another glance at his surroundings.
In the center of the station stood the magic train, a magnificent construct of enchanted metal and crystal. Its sleek, elongated body shimmered under the station's lights, reflecting hues of deep blue and silver. Intricate patterns, reminiscent of ancient runes adorned its surface, glowing faintly with dormant magic. The engine, though currently silent, had an imposing presence with its ornate design, hinting at the immense power it held within. Luke couldn't help but marvel at the blend of magic and machinery, a testament to the world's unique mastery over arcane technology.
Luke settled into a plush seat on the platform, the cushioning surprisingly comfortable. He pulled out a book from his briefcase, its cover worn from frequent reading. As he delved into its pages, he became oblivious to the world around him. Every so often, a few pairs of eyes would linger on him, some curious, some speculative. His noble attire and unfamiliar face made him an enigma. Whispers floated around, but none dared approach the mysterious, handsome stranger engrossed in his book.
The time seemed to fly by, and before he knew it, a melodic chime echoed throughout the station. A voice, clear and enchanting, announced, "Dear passengers, the Berch Gyara Express will be departing in 15 minutes. Kindly proceed to board the train."
Luke marked his page and gently closed the book, placing it back into his briefcase with care. He rose gracefully, adjusting his jacket and taking a moment to scan the platform. The crowd had begun to move, a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation in the air. With a deep breath, he began his walk towards the train, his steps measured and light.
The card in his hand indicated his compartment and seat number. As he climbed aboard, the interior of the train took him by surprise. It was a blend of luxury and magic. The walls were adorned with intricate patterns, glowing faintly, illuminating the space with an ambient light. Plush seats, similar to the one he had been sitting on at the platform, were arranged in a spacious manner, ensuring comfort for all passengers. The floor was carpeted with a rich, deep blue fabric that seemed to shimmer with every step he took.
Each compartment was separated by a translucent curtain, which seemed to be made of some ethereal material. It provided privacy while also allowing one to see the mesmerizing landscapes of Eldoria as the train would travel.
As Luke made his way to his assigned seat, he couldn't help but marvel at the attention to detail. Every fixture, every seat, and even the handles were crafted with precision, reflecting the grandeur of Eldorian craftsmanship.
Luke had barely settled into his seat, the plush cushioning molding to his form, when the curtain to his compartment was gently pulled aside. A soft voice, melodious and clear, broke the silence. "Excuse me."
He turned, and for a fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still. The girl who stood before him was the epitome of ethereal beauty. Her hair, a cascade of silvery-gray, flowed down her back like a shimmering waterfall, catching the ambient light of the compartment in a mesmerizing dance. Her eyes, a deep shade of gold, held an otherworldly glow reminiscent of the first rays of dawn breaking over a tranquil sea. Her features were delicate yet striking - high cheekbones, a straight nose, and lips that held the faintest hint of a rose's blush. Her attire, though simple, accentuated her slender frame, the fabric moving with her like a second skin.
[https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1090176937688825956/1146925002558546061/zenferox_silver_grey_haired_woman_with_golden_eyes_in_an_academ_f6b3d0b2-2073-4bf8-9a06-a455a44d281c.png]
For a split second, their eyes locked, and a myriad of emotions played out. Surprise, appreciation, and a hint of curiosity. From her widened eyes and slightly parted lips, it was evident she was as taken aback as he was. Perhaps she hadn't expected her travel companion to be a male, let alone one with such a captivating presence.
The moment, though intense, was fleeting. Both regained their composure almost simultaneously, the brief lapse in their guarded expressions mended. She gracefully placed her handbag next to Luke's briefcase on the overhead rack and took the seat opposite him. The silence that followed was thick, neither seemingly knowing how to break it.
After what felt like an eternity but was merely a few minutes, she cleared her throat, her voice steady yet soft, "It seems we're to be travel companions. I am Alice Winterheart, second daughter of the esteemed Duke Winterheart,” she said in a neutral tone, slightly nodding her head as a way of greeting instead of shaking hands, “and you are?”
“I’m Luke Raynott, a candidate selected by Viscount Garhan,” Luke replied calmly, and it didn’t take a genius to catch the split change in Alice’s expression before she returned to her usual face. Of course, she knows me, dammit!
“Ah, so you’re Luke?” noticing that she was caught, she didn’t try to hide the fact that she knew him as she continued, “Well. I guess there’ll only be a select few who haven't heard your name by now.”
A giggle almost escaped her lips, looking at the supposed ‘trash’ that everyone was always talking about these days. It was the first time she had seen such ‘pleasing’ trash.