Chapter 26

All Aboard

I listen to my own breathing as I watch the passengers board the train, one by one. The line to the checkpoint is getting shorter and shorter, and teacher is still nowhere in sight.

Uh... where are you, teacher?

“Hey, watch it.”

Ugh, I keep bumping into people because the lines are so tight-packed.

I glance around, watching the guys in uniforms do their duties and pray they won’t approach me. I mingle in the crowd and make myself as small as possible, but even then, I feel like I’m being watched...

“Hey, Fay!”

Uwaah!

I jump when I feel someone tap me from behind. To my chafe, I am met with teacher’s amused face.

“My, my, why so jumpy?”

Teacher...

“You’re so fidgety like you’re planning something illegal. How suspicious...”

Teacher!

I quickly close her mouth with my hand and look around to see if anyone heard her. Thankfully, it appears that no one did.

“Take a cool one, Fay. I know what I’m doing,”

she said, taking my hand off her face.

...Have you done it?

“Done and did. Fanny and Snowy are safe and sound in the cargo coach. Now it’s our turn to board.”

I sigh in relief, but my heart is still thumping loudly from adrenaline. Now that our mounts are aboard, it’s our turn.

I look forward at the checkpoint to see if there’s anything we can exploit. The passengers are many and it was easy for us to sneak into the station so far, but the security from here on seems overly tight. There are many guards patrolling and guarding the various entry points, and it seems you have to get pass several checkpoints just to get to the boarding area.

“Look at this sea of people, Fay,”

teacher suddenly said to me, breaking my focus.

...What about it?

“Travellers, pilgrims, nobles on vacations... so many kinds of people cross ways in stations like this, yet as strangers, they barely interact with each other. A rattler and a drifter could be sitting in the same cubicle and they’ll never know. Who knows if the man standing in line behind you is actually a serial murderer? Interesting, isn’t it?”

Teacher, you’re weird.

“Eeh...?!”

Rather than the people, I’m more interested in the train itself. Now that I’m looking at it this close, I can somewhat see how it works.

I see... so the rails provide a dependable surface for the wheels to move on, but what actuates the wheels in the first place?

“See those smokes coming out?”

teacher said, pointing at the several chimneys along the length of the train. There were thick smokes coming out before, but now they’re barely visible.

...Combustion? They’re using the energy from combustion.

“Correct. Those smokes are actually byproducts from the coke they burn to boil water into pressurised steam, which is then used to push the pistons that move the wheels. One of those engines is worth fifteen thousand horsepower, and this train has four.”

That’s amazing, but... are we really doing this?

“Well, of course.”

Won’t they check the seats?

“They do, but we can just change places before they could. There are so many seats that the train is never full.”

Even if she said so, I still feel a bit restless about the whole thing. She said she’d done this before and to leave everything to her lead, but still...

Hahh... to think the first practical lesson you’re giving me is something like this...

“T‒This and that are different!”

--- --- ---

We continued on the line and passed the first checkpoint, which was a simple inventory check. We kept most of our stuff with our mounts, including my pistol and the staves—both teacher’s and the bishop’s. Thanks to that foresight, we got through the first checkpoint with no problems.

However, the next ones seem like a handful. I think it says “identity check” or something, and the process is done individually in closed rooms. They’re checking the tickets too, so there’s no way we’ll be passing that.

What’s more, I don’t know if it’s just my feeling but... I seem to be getting the looks from people.

Teacher, I seem to be attracting attention.

“Yeah, because you look way too suspicious like that.”

Should I take off the hood?

“No, that may attract even more attention.”

Oh, right. My hair stands out too much.

“Umm, well, that too.”

Then, what do we do?

“I have an id—“

If it involves putting me in a bag, no.

I’ve had enough of that. Getting rid of a number of eyes on me is not worth being treated like baggage again.

Stumped on ideas, we take a seat in the waiting area to think of our next move. We just sit idly as the crowd goes about and I immerse myself in observing the many kinds of people.

As teacher said, it was interesting to watch the individuals. Their clothing, what they carry with them— they tell stories of what they do, where they’re going and where they came from. For someone who is new to civilisation, all this is fascinating. I’ve simply never seen this many people in one place.

I thought you’ve done this before, teacher,

I remarked when I thought we’ve spent too much time waiting around.

“I have. We just need to wait for the right moment.”

And so we waited.

...And waited.

We just sit by while the number of people on the station decreases and the train fills up.

Teacher, haven’t we waited enough?

“Not yet.”

........

Teacher, the train’s going to leave us at this rate.

“Second rule—patience wins the race.”

.......

The train’s signal whistles through the station, followed by the notable chugging as the train starts moving.

Teacher, the “race” is leaving us.

“....Okay, then. Time to go, Fay.”

Like I said, it’s already departing.

“Follow me.”

...I don’t like where this is going.

As the train slowly picks up pace, I follow teacher and stand behind the security fences for the checkpoints. Because of our conspicuous movement, some of the guards are watching— signalling each other while glaring and pointing at us.

We’re being suspicious.

“Hold on. Just a little more...”

I look around and notice one of the officers approaching us, his eyes and veins popping out as if he’s about to strangle us.

Uh-oh...

“Alright, Fay. Let’s go now.”

Suddenly, teacher takes my hand and drags me into a run. We jump over the security fences and past the two checkpoints. I can hear the officers shouting behind us and glancing behind, I see a horde of uniforms on our tail.

“You there, stop!”

“We got a hopper!”

Teacher—

“Get ready to jump!”

The train’s moving too fast!

“Just trust me!”

Then, just as we approach the rails, I feel teacher’s arms wrapping around me.

Wait—

With me in her arms, she kicks off the ground into a jump. Just as I thought we’re going to crash into the moving train, I feel my breath being forced out of my lungs as a powerful gust of wind pushes us, carrying us in the direction where the train is moving.

--- --- ---

When I realise it, we’ve landed on our backs in a space between the coaches.

“Hehe, we made it,”

she blurted out, before awkwardly letting me go when she realises I’m still in her arms.

“Err... you alright?”

Was that air magic?

“Oh? You noticed?”

I thought you were a geomancer.

“The geomancer. Besides, you should know that affinities aren’t limited to one element. As a matter of fact, I’m quite adept in air magic as well.”

I see. So that’s why Sallis recommended you to be my teacher.

“...It was the other way around.”

After getting our bearings, we move into the coaches to find seats. Rows upon rows of cubicles are placed neatly with unnecessarily large spaces in between, each probably holding up to six passengers. At a glance, it seems as if more than half of the available seats aren’t occupied.

“Let’s pick one besides the window,”

she proposed, leading me to an empty cubicle at the side. I take my seat across her and make myself comfortable, gazing out the window to see the scenery moving past us.

“Heh, of course the first thing you’d do is look out the window.”

I ignore her comment because I’m simply too engrossed in the view—forests, plains, lakes, taking one’s place after another like moving pictures. This isn’t so bad...

......

The sun quietly rises above the horizon. The steady vibrations and chugging noise of the train have made me sleepy despite having a good night’s sleep. Just as my eyes are getting fluttery, I snap awake when the door at the end of the carriage opens and people in uniforms walks in.

Crap. Teacher—

“Calm down. They’re just selling confectioneries.”

...Oh.

Teacher giggles at my reaction, more annoying than cute.

“They placed most of their security at the stations, so you can stop being so edgy.”

I see. Because no one’s usually crazy enough to jump on a moving train.

“Usually. By the way, we’ve been travelling together for some time now, haven’t we? Isn’t it about time we do that?”

Do what?

“Exchange status cards. I suppose you may not know it, but exchanging status cards are usually done between associates with intimate work relations. In this case, mentor and mentee.”

Oh, okay.

I’ve already identified her some time ago, so the thought never even crossed my mind. Even so, I decide to go with it and take out my status card and hand it to her, and hers to me.

NXID

⌠n□□□Δ□⌡ ┤Vim Rate├

▐ │39│ │81%│

Σ⌠Δ□∞⌡ ┤Pull Rate├

▐ │142│/208

Subnex

Name

▐ Inzhi

Titles

▐ Geomancer

Species

▐ Human

Age

▐ 33

Gender

▐ Female

Mana Affinity

▐ High – Earth

▐ High – Air

▐ Medium – Fire

Mana Pool

▐ 142

Skills

▐ Magus

Geomancy │6│

Aeromancy │5│

Pyromancy │2│

Photomancy│2│

▐ Vimus

Perception │Master│

Strengthening │Adept│

Affiliations

▐ Prae Ex Arcanum

▐ Dracwhyr Monastery

Nothing’s changed since I last identified her. Still, seeing all this makes me curious. I’m guessing that her “perception” skill has something to do with how she’s communicating with me.

“Eighty-six! With that much mana, you’re already on par with sixth-spheres! And this title—”

As she cuts her own words, I see a sad expression flash on teacher’s face, not more than a second before she moves on,

“is your card malfunctioning? I can’t see your affinities.”

Uh... yeah, though they said it’s nothing permanent.

I know it’s not broken, though. I think it’s just having trouble reading me.

“No wonder Sallis made up a fuss. With that much mana, you have more talent than him, and they said he was a prodigy.”

So you say, but you have 142.

Which is the highest number I’ve seen so far, even higher than Lyrfanas.

“Yes, but your eighty-six is still way above the average magus, and take into account that you’ve never had any proper education. Just imagine what you’d become after I’m done with you.

By the way, teacher. Is the “perception” skill the reason you can hear me?

“I should think so. I have some friends that talks in a similar way as you, so I’ve grown quite accustomed to it.”

Friends, huh...

I too had friends like that.

“Anyway, I shouldn’t hold this for too long. Here,”

she said as she gives my status card back. After I returned hers, she suddenly sits straight and looks at me with a solemn stare.

...Teacher?

“It’s been more than a week since you became my pupil, Fay. It’s time we address this serious problem.”

What problem?

“We need to talk about your attitude.”

....Ah.

Attitude, huh.

“Not only am I your teacher, I’m also twice your age. I want you to respect me as you’re supposed to respect your mentor. Understand?”

I understa—

Just as I replied, the confectionary cart passes by our cubicle. I thought it’s just some unfulfilling snacks to keep your mouth busy, but it turns out that they have some heavenly-smelling meat as well.

Teacher, buy that for me.

“Hmm? Which one... ah, hey! We just talked about this!”

Okay, I promise I’ll fix my attitude after you buy me that.

“Hmph, not a chance. You think I don’t know you by know?”

Ah...

The meat cart is going away...

You’re horrible, teacher...

--- --- ---

In the end, she bought the food for me. I gobbled it faster than ever, but now I’m regretting that I didn’t cherish the taste. It was so delicious that I’m worried about teacher’s wallet.

Teacher, should I pay you back?

“It’s fine.”

But... aren’t you broke?

“What...? Where did you get that idea?”

I mean, with how we had to sneak on board and everything.

“Oh, actually, I have a free pass because I’m an arcanist.”

Eh?! Then why did we have to do all that?

“If they knew who I am, they’ll put us in the posh coach, and that’s where all the blue-bloods are. Then we’ll have sweaty nobles breathing down our necks, trying to curry out a favour from me.”

Posh, as in... high-class? Wouldn’t the food there be better, though?

“Well, yes. There’s even snack buffets and all, but...”

Say what? Buffets?

I think we should go, teacher.

“But then we wouldn’t have the space to get to know each other.”

Eeh... that’s fine, though.

“...We really do need to talk about your attitude.”

Oh, uhm... I mean, I solemnly believe it is imperative that we head immediately to the posh coach, teacher.

Teacher gives a frustrated groan before stressing her point,

“it’s not just me, Fay. They’ll be asking questions about you as well—who you are, where you came from, your relationship with me... And whether or not you tell them, rumours spread fast in the District, and mind you, the District is every train’s final destination. You’ll have the church back on your little butt before you can even say ‘cardinal’.”

Oh... can we at least get the food, though?

“Oh, goddess... do you have anything else besides food in your head? You just ate up two whole slabs of meat, you know.”

Better full than hungry, right?

I said as I make an innocent smile at her.

“ *sigh* I guess... food is really the best way to tame a beast, huh.”

Are you saying I’m a beast?

“No, no, it’s a good thing. Frankly, I was worried because you felt like a twig when I carried you earlier. Keep eating well, okay?”

Yes, ma’am.

“Anyway, let’s continue our lessons, Fay. You still have years worth to catch up on.”

Eeh?

And so, to my reluctance, we start our lessons again.

Aside from teaching me new things, she also made me recap on what I’ve learned so far, saying that a week isn’t nearly enough for me to absorb what other people do during their childhood.

“Name the sixth months and their attributes. In order.”

Uh... first, there’s Belhearth, the month of blossom. And then, Igyas, the month of fire, Yamhearth, the month of water, Farhearth, the month of harvest, Seryas, the month of dusk, and lastly, Grimyas, the month of darkness.

“Good. Now, how many days do they have.”

Easy. The “hearths” are fifty-one days, and the “yas” have forty-nine.

“It’s the other way around. Congratulations, you just failed in a test for five-year-olds.”

Oh... well, I blame the teacher.

“I suppose it’s rather boring to learn about calendars. Let’s move on to bigger stuff. First, what can you tell me about the empire?”

The empire is, uhm... an authoritative entity that stretches throughout the continent of Arallax. It was found by the cardinal houses over 500 years ago. Currently, the empire has over twenty countries, including Lephander, under its rule, and the empire itself is presided by the king-emperor or also known as the sovereign, the line of which coincides with the Yor...-something.

“The Yorsimer house. Their main family is the imperial family that has reigned ever since the empire’s founding. How many cardinal houses are there?”

Err... five?

“Seven. Six if you exclude the fallen house Castaroth. Name those six.”

...There’s Ardent, Yorsimer, and... I forgot.

“There’s the Yorsimers, the Ardents, the Vanes, the Grenhaems, the Movals, and the Pharsingals. You better remember them, because among the many countries under the empire’s rule, the cardinals usually have the final say in matters. In other words, their power exceeds that of a king’s.”

Umm... what was the name of the ruined house, again?

Teacher blinks in surprise at the unexpected question.

“It’s Castaroth. Why?”

What happened to them?

“You’re interested in politics, I see. I’ll just explain this briefly for you. Twelve years ago, the house of Castaroth incited a rebellion and challenged the king-emperor’s right to the throne. The war ensued for three years and engulfed a great part of the empire into its midst, taking millions of lives.

It was eventually settled in one decisive battle at the pastures of the District. The result shook the empire— the sovereign was slain by the leader of the rebellion, who was killed afterwards and thus ended the war, but not without admitting his name into the hall of legends. His name was—“

Thorne...

“Oh? You know about him?”

I’ve heard a little about him.

Or rather, I knew him. There’s no way I can forget the first human I met in Purgatory.

Thorne the Untamed, Slayer of Thousands and Scourge of Lords. As it turns out, he was a rebel, a manslayer, and also... my saviour. No matter what others may say about him, the truth is that I still owed him my life, even after his second death in Level Three.

“I suppose even slaves know of the story. Lawthorne Castaroth was the head of his house, and with his fall, he took with him his house and his allies. In the end, because of him...”

...Teacher?

“Ah, sorry... It’s just... the impact of the rebellion was so great. There’s no corner of the continent that wasn’t affected by it. Hrakia’s fall, and the subsequent devaluation of avlarks and luphaens, they were all made to happen by the outcome of the rebellion.”

...I see. Now I understand why teacher hides her true name. I’m sorry, teacher.

When I identified her days ago, I found something odd about her name, so I used Nexy to probe in further, and what came out was...

Name

▐ Rutherea Castaroth

According to Nexy, teacher was born a Castaroth.

Teacher... what does it mean when someone’s last name is of a cardinal house?

“Well, it just means that they’re someone from that house. In a noble house, there’s what you call the “main family”, which is the family of the head of the house. In houses like the cardinals, there can be dozens of families that share the same name.”

So... if someone’s last name is a cardinal, it doesn’t necessarily mean they belong to the main family?

“Correct. Although, throughout the history of the empire, several cardinal houses have changed leaderships due to power shifts between their families. Which of their family is the “main” family— each house has their own way to decide.”

Okay, I think I get it now.

So just because she’s a Castaroth, it doesn’t necessarily mean that teacher is Thorne’s direct family, but rather, a relative? I want to ask more, but that may open up something that shouldn’t be touched, so I let it put for now. We’re talking about her family, after all.

By the way, teacher. Like you said, we’ve been together for some time now, but you still haven’t told me anything about being an arcanist.

“Ah... I guess you’re right. First of all, what do you know about us?”

Just the stuff Ichard said to me, really.

(Pioneers of any era, pushing the boundaries of our known world. That’s what arcanists are.)

...Not a lot.

“I can’t give you much since you’re still an outsider, so I’ll just tell you what everyone knows.”

I give her statement a shrug.

Fair enough.

“Now, to start... the founding of the Arcanum dated back to the early days of the empire. They started out as a small group of people who seek to preserve the knowledge and wisdom of the old era. As their members grew influence, the group also became more... exclusive.”

You mean, like a secret society?

“Yeah. Exactly like a secret society. There were many magus groups that strive to hold the same influence as the Arcanum did, but none came close. In the past five hundred years, the Arcanum had helped shape the empire into what it is now, working from the shadows. And then, a few decades ago, they quit being secretive mingebags and revealed themselves to the public. Even now, we remain a pretty big stick in both the magical and cardinal community.”

A big stick, huh.

“Yup. Each and every member of the Arcanum holds remarkable knowledge, enough to topple nations or bring them to prosperity.”

And let me guess— you’re not sharing.

“No, not until we deem it’s in everyone’s interests.”

And how exactly do you know what “everyone’s interests” are?

“That, my Fay, you will learn in time.”

In other words, even though they’ve revealed themselves to the public, they’re still an exclusive society whose methods are a secret, keeping or sharing their knowledge however they judge.

Heh, so you guys are still secretive mingebags, then.

“Prae ex arcanum.”

...What does that even mean?”

A mysterious smile forms on her face, one that makes her seem nothing like the teacher I know.

“Keeper of secrets.”

--- --- ---

We passed the hours with teacher giving me more boring lessons. I asked her when we’re going to learn about magic, but her answer was,

“When you’ve passed the level of a ten years old’s knowledge.”

I sulked, and teacher finally compromised by teaching me about the system used by the magus community instead.

“As you’ve seen on my status card, magic is written in the “skills” section with numbers on it.”

Yes, uh... geomancy six, right? Does that represent how good you are?

“That’s putting it in a nutshell, but correct. For magic, it ranges from “first-sphere” to “seventh-sphere”.”

Heh. So you’re only a six.

“Wha—I’ll have you know that my skills are well beyond sixth-sphere! The only reason I’m a sixth is because the advancement requirements are too much!”

Are you sure you’re just, you know, not skilled enough?

“Not in a hundred years. Those gormless twits in Bastion require me to have or have taught at least one disciple. I mean, I’ve had assistants, sure, but never pupils, and they know that. Just when I’ve decided to move up, they shoved that new condition in my face. They have a grudge on me, that I’m sure.”

Oh, I get it now.

“Hmm? Ah—no, uh... it’s not like that.”

It’s okay, teacher. We’re both using each other. There’s nothing wrong with that.

“R‒Right. Mutually beneficial.”

Well, that’s only if you teach me right, though.

“Hey, enough with that!”

She shouted, standing up from her seat with her hands on her hips.

“I’ve put up with your disrespectful attitude too long, you oafish brat! I’d think you’d have learned a thing or two when you were still a—

Pfft.

“What is it, now!”

Nothing, it’s just... it looks as if you’re talking to yourself, and now people are looking at you weird.

In response, teacher glimpse around to see that indeed, the other people in the coach are looking at her. Her face reddens like a ripened tomato as she slowly, slooowly... sits back on her seat.

“Fay... you are cheekiest, cockiest brat I’ve ever—“

Hold up, teacher. There’s something important I must ask you.

“ *sigh* What?”

Are there any bathrooms in here?

It’s only natural. I ate a lot, and in consequence, I had to drink a lot, and there’s only so much a human bladder could hold.

“...Nope,”

she replied.

Eh...? Really?

“Trains don’t have bathrooms. It’s common sense.”

That’s... doubtful. Why would you sell drinks if you don’t provide a space to dump what comes out afterwards? Also, teacher answered while suspiciously avoiding my eyes, and I can also spot the edges of her mouth quivering as if holding something in.

You’re lying.

“I’m not.”

Teacher...

“Why don’t you ask the officers yourself.”

...I forgot my slate in Fanny’s saddle pouch.

“Oh no, what a pickle.”

As I scan the coach for bathrooms, I put pressure on the spot below my stomach in a desperate attempt to hold it in. I would search for the bathroom myself, but I feel like it’s going to burst any moment. If I stand and walk around aimlessly in this condition, who knows what kind of waterfall may occur.

“Mwahaha, so you can make this kind of face as well~”

Teacher, please...

“There’s bathrooms between the coaches. Just let this be a lesson for you to start respecting me as your—“

Thanks!

Now that I know where they’re at, I quickly head towards the end of the coach, unwillingly subjecting myself to the embarrassment of having the other passengers stare at my weird walk. Even so, the overflowing dam makes it impossible to think about my pride at this point.

It’s gonna leak...! Crap, crap, crap...

--- --- ---

Thankfully, I finished my business with minimal... I mean, nothing leaked. None at all.

Having myself relieved, I head back into the coach and towards my cubicle, finding teacher just sitting there, her grin splitting her face. However, that only lasts for a second before her expression changes into a pretence of worry.

“You don’t look well. Is everything okay?”

Aargh. Does she have a grudge or something? The other passengers saw me earlier, and now she intends to embarrass me further by making me out to have some kind of stomach problems.

“Fay,”

she exclaimed as she stands up from her seat and rushes over to my side,

“you’re so pale. Are you sick?”

I’m fine.

Wow, she’s going this far, huh.

“You don’t look okay at all. I‒Is it my fault?”

...That’s odd. Her voice and eyes feel like she’s genuinely worried. Was her acting this good?

“I’m sorry, I wouldn’t have done that If I... anyway, I’ll take you to the infirmary ward.”

Teacher, what are you talking abo—

...Eh?

Somehow, my body feels so heavy suddenly.

Ugh...

“Fay, are you okay?! Holy... you’re so cold.”

My shoulder hurts. Did I bump it somewhere?

Fuck...!

It feels like someone is holding a torch to my right shoulder. And then, instead of subsiding, the pain intensifies, spreading through my body.

Is this... poison? No, my right shoulder... Lyrfanas’ mark? That means...

Covenant... broken? Nexy, what—

...Huh? When did I fall to the floor? My knees... must’ve given out, didn’t they? I feel like teacher is calling me, but... the pain is drowning her voice out.

Crap...

My consciousness is... fading away...