After getting shooed away from Klaus' humble abode, Damian found himself walking along the railing of an impressive and never-ending line of quiet train tracks. Surrounding the tracks, lay a deserted neighborhood of abandoned factories and scattered metallic trash.

Occasionally he would spot another human collapsed or trudging through the area along the way. He could never really tell if the people lying down or slumped over with their eyes closed were ever alive or simply resting—everyone around the area usually looked like a dead person regardless. The only indication that Damian could use was whether there was either a significant amount of decay or if there were crows picking at the miserable corpses. The whole district stood muddled in solemnity and depression while the train tracks rested in a sea of entangled vines and grass—a clear sign that no train could have passed through here for decades. This was a true slum of the city. Abandoned and left to rot with the people in it.

During his travels, he picked up a large piece of mirrored glass, broken and resting next to the overgrown and abandoned tracks. Staring into the glass, he then lifted his sunglasses and inspected his eyes with intrigue and worry. Marked at the center of his dark maroon irises shined an ethereal and distinct golden line, something oh-so-familiar to the eyes of the knight and magician he had come across not too long ago.

'Seriously, how the hell am I supposed to hide this?'

Earlier when Klaus had accidentally pointed out the unnatural glow in his eyes, Damian had incessantly probed him for an explanation although he could only ever get out a few vague bits of information. Apparently, it's something that certain Imprinted have that has something to do with rune artifacts. Unfortunately, this was all that Damian could come up with. To make matters worse, Klaus had even denied further elaboration on the subject, asking him to do his own research before kicking him out.

'Who does he think he is? To shamelessly kick me out of his-…our home like that! That old grandpa was clearly trying to get rid of me, so he didn't have to explain the things I wanted to know! Wasn't that man a teacher…I think? Although, he at least taught me a new word today, so I guess I did learn something…but that's not the point!

'On a more serious note, however, what exactly is it that made him so urgent? And more specifically, what exactly is it about my ability that he was so scared about?'

'If I can read runes, what exactly makes that so scary? Even when I read some of the runes on my arms it all seemed like vague nonsense. Not to mention there were many other runes on my arms besides that single section. I don't know if I'm willing enough to go through even more pain like the first time...'

'Looking at it now, it really sucks as an ability, but for the crazy man to react so strangely—there must be something to it. Is there some sort of benefit in learning about runes perhaps? For people with genuinely powerful abilities, how would that power improve if the understanding also improves? Yeah…thinking about it, that does sound pretty impactful! At first glance, the ability sucks, but maybe there's more to it? Regardless, let's not risk anything and follow the old man's words for now.' Damian contemplated deeply.

With a subtle expression, he continued to stress over his future while walking along the mighty old train tracks.

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Along his labored travels, Damian eventually found himself at a set of newer tracks that now veered in two different directions. Ignoring the tracks steering to the left, he moved forward now slowly entering a nicer and more well-off district.

***

Stood before the nice train station, Damian aimlessly observed the endless stream of people passing by. Coincidentally, he could even hear the loud whistle of an industrial and large train quickly making its way over from a distant far away. While quite a few people passed by, a majority stood in wait for the upcoming industrial train.

In inevitable suspense, Damian watched the train finally arrive with fascination. From its metal side entrances, dozens of people exited in waves, slowly emptying the large vessel. When there was no one left on the train, a tall man in uniform walked out and stood at the entrance. Instantly, everyone who stood idle at the station swiftly lined up each with a small ticket in hand.

Getting in line, Damian casually stared off into space—attempting to ignore the numerous apparent glances everyone was giving him.

Eventually finding himself at the front, the tall man in uniform gave him a questioning gaze.

Hoping for his success, Damian tried to pass by the man without any elaboration.

"Excuse me, sir." The man in uniform quickly blocked Damian from getting on.

Damian then stopped, returning his questioning gaze.

"I'm an Imprinted."

The man looked Damian up and down.

"Do you have any other verification of your status? In the past, there have been cases of people attempting to get free service by painting fake runes on their arms."

Damian rolled his eyes.

'Why are you making excuses, it's clear you don't trust me because I look like a beggar. Don't pretty up your words and just say it how it is why don't ya!'

Thinking for a moment, Damian then lifted his sunglasses, gazing deeply at the man.

The tall man and all those around him quickly grew shocked at his subtle dashed glowing eyes.

"I-I deeply apologize for suspecting you, sir. Please enjoy the ride in our VIP cabin situated to the right upon entering." The tall man immediately backed away with a panicked face.

Damian smirked at the reactions of everyone nearby.

'Surprised? Bet ya weren't expecting some kid to have these marks now were ya?

Climbing aboard, Damian then followed the instructions he heard from the man, and made his way toward the cabin marked VIP sat at the front of the train.

Upon entering, he couldn't believe his eyes. The whole cabin had been layered in a firm dark carpet with luxuriously cushioned seats lining the walls. Some seating even had dark oak tables decorated with clean tablecloths, wine glasses, and a small menu. Unsure of what to do, Damian chose to sit himself down at one of the seats accompanied by a lavish table. Although he felt very out of place, he didn't care—Damian was just happy to finally not have to sleep or sit on cold hard flooring for once.

Slowly, the cabin filled up with people. Even in the VIP cabin, a few new lavish men and women took their seats—each and every one of them utterly confused about the appearance of the strange ragged boy wearing sunglasses.

With everyone aboard and sitting comfortably awaiting their departure, the metal entrance to the impressive train finally sealed shut with the large vessel now preparing for its expedition. Drowned in the loud whistling and grating steel it slowly began to move.

***

Speeding through a dense walled-off city in a half-empty cabin, sat Damian keenly observing a beautifully decorated menu with a starved gaze. Interrupting his desperate reading though, stood a pretty woman in uniform amused at the ragged boy.

"Would you like to order anything?" She asked with a smile.

Widening his eyes at the interruption, Damian then turned to the woman.

"Uhh…I'm sorry, I don't have any money…" He replied with a sour expression.

The woman chuckled at the boy.

"For Imprinted, it's free of charge."

Damian then froze.

"This place is heaven, isn't it? Are you some kind of goddess by chance?"