A Journey That Changed The World.

Chapter 1656: We Donʼt Want To Be Late

Kaelira watched as a small group of Draconian soldiers patrolled the perimeter. Clad in sleek, white-trimmed uniforms, their presence was reassuring. They nodded politely to them as they passed, clearly familiar with the two women, and she returned the gesture with a warm smile.

The scene was peaceful with the soft hum of distant conversations of the other passengers and the occasional chirp of birds filling the air as they flew above. Kaelia couldnʼt help but feel a sense of awe, her shock giving way to curiosity as she wondered about the history and purpose of this place.

ʼWhy would an empire waste funds on such a building for these so-called trains?ʼ she mused, gold eyes full of curiosity.

ʼʼCome on, Kae!ʼʼ Jasmine exclaimed. ʼʼWe can get the tickets just inside.ʼʼ

ʼʼLead the way,ʼʼ she replied.

Kaelia trailed closely behind the enthusiastic Water Elf, whose green eyes sparkled as she led the group onto a pathway. It was bordered by wildflowers and ferns, wound toward the entrance. When she saw this, her heart quickened, anticipation building with every step as the buildingʼs silhouette loomed closer.

Its spires are catching the golden rays of the afternoon sun. As the Wyrm Princess crossed the entry of the stationʼs entrance, she froze, her breath stolen by the sight. The interior was a marvel that defied all expectations, a vast, cathedral-like hall bathed in a soft glow that seemed to emanate from the walls themselves.

Towering columns of crystal stretched toward a vaulted ceiling, where detailed mosaics depicted the stars in the sky and mythical creatures. She noticed the floor, polished to a mirror-like sheen, reflected the light in shimmering patterns, creating the illusion of walking on a starlit sea.

Delicate chimes hung from fixtures, their faint tinkling filling the space with a hauntingly beautiful harmony. Kaeliaʼs eyes widened as she noticed something even more astonishing: a massive, levitating orb of water hovered at the center of the hall, its surface rippling gently as if alive.

She felt a strange pull as a handful of travelers moved toward the booths, their footsteps muffled, while the soldiers maintained their watch. Jasmine turned to her with a knowing grin, clearly delighted by their reactions. ʼʼThis is the fiftieth station built by the Legions stationed here. Once the tracks were laid, the building popped up after.ʼʼ

Kaelia was shocked at the Water Elfʼs words, but shook her head, speaking. ʼʼJasmine, take us to the ticket place. I want to get going.ʼʼ

Jasmine nodded as the trio approached one of the booths that was lined off to the right, its surface gleaming under the ethereal glow of the crystal columns. The attendant, a wiry woman with silver hair and eyes, greeted them with a courteous nod. Behind the counter, a poster displaying destinations seemed to shift and blur.

Names of places Kaelia had never heard of, but Jasmine nudged her before motioning toward the woman. The Wyrm Princess laughed and spoke when reading the sign behind the worker. ʼʼThree first-class tickets to Westreach, please,ʼʼ she said.

The attendantʼs gaze flickered over them, and with a tap, the runes on the glass rearranged to display a price: ten gold coins per ticket. Khela raised an eyebrow. Jasmineʼs happiness faltered slightly, fingers fumbling in her satchel for her coin pouch, clearly expecting a negotiation or a shared burden.

Kaelira took out thirty and dropped them into the metal tray, shocking her companions and the attendant. The woman looked at her with wide as, but she questioned the stranger. ʼʼWe are our tickets?ʼʼ

The worker quickly took three papers out and stamped them before handing the tickets through the tray. ʼʼHere you go, thanks for traveling with the Draconian Express!ʼʼ she exclaimed, a friendly expression crossing her face.

She took them and handed two to the shocked others. Jasmine took the ticket with a shaky hand as Khela looked at her like she was crazy. ʼʼWhere did all that come from? Why would you pay so much?ʼʼ

Kaelira shrugged, but she waved them away. ʼʼI have more than enough coin thanks to killing monsters days before our meeting.ʼʼ

The two women looked at her as smiles appeared on both of their faces as the Water Elf finally broke the silence. ʼʼThank you, Kae. Weʼll pay you back when we become famous.ʼʼ

ʼʼDonʼt worry about it,ʼʼ she said. ʼʼBut lead us to the train, we donʼt want to be late.ʼʼ

Jasmine guided them to the bustling platform where passengers were boarding the train they needed. The blue-haired woman ushered them to their assigned car, split evenly between their group and a merchant traveling with his family. The older man attempted conversation, but they brushed off his leering gaze.

The Water Elf swung open the door to their section of the train car, revealing a lavish lounge that left the trio stunned. Velvet seats hugged the walls, circling a gleaming wooden table topped with a crystal decanter and delicate glasses. Soft light poured through frosted windows, illuminating intricate wood paneling.

A narrow hallway led to four cozy bedrooms, each with silk linens, a cushioned bed, and a small desk. A spotless private toilet with fancy fixtures was at the end of the hall, and a sleek bar, stocked with bottles of alcohol, gleamed in the corner. Kaeliraʼs gold eyes widened, her usual composure cracking. ʼʼThis place reminds me of a room in a palace.ʼʼ

Khela, always wary, brushed her fingers along the barʼs edge with an excited smirk. ʼʼA good way to travel.ʼʼ

Following that, the slimy merchant sharing the other half of the car peered through the door, his earlier leer now a mix of curiosity and jealousy. ʼʼFancy setup for a trio like you,ʼʼ he muttered as he retreated, his familyʼs hushed murmurs trailing behind him.

Kaelira settled into the plush velvet of the chair, the luxury still sinking in. ʼʼIf he says one more thing, Iʼll kill him,ʼʼ she murmured, a wicked smile tugging at her lips.

Through the window, she watched a flurry of activity, passengers hurrying, some scrambling to board the train. Attendants guided more travelers toward the rear carriages, their movements sharp and urgent. After that, she leaned back in the plush velvet chair, the trainʼs gentle sway lulling her as it pulled away from the station.

The platformʼs chaos faded behind the window, vendors packing up, travelers scattering, and the last of the attendants vanishing into the station. She stretched, letting out a sigh as the train began moving. ʼʼThis beats walking,ʼʼ she muttered.

Outside, the landscape blurred into streaks of green and gold as the train picked up speed. Inside, the carriage door slid open, and a female attendant stepped in, her uniform crisp and their smile practiced. ʼʼWelcome aboard, passengers. Care for a drink or a meal? Weʼve got a fine selection today.ʼʼ

Kaelira glanced up, her eyes scanning the attendant briefly before returning to the window. ʼʼSomething strong. And maybe a sandwich. Surprise me.ʼʼ

The attendant nodded and disappeared down the aisle. Kaeliraʼs gaze drifted to the other passengers: a merchant flipping through a ledger, a couple chatting softly, their hands intertwined. Nothing out of place, just the hum of a train bound for somewhere. She propped her boots on the empty seat across from her.

Jasmine and Khela gossiped after ordering some food as the train shot through the countryside, revealing all kinds of views, amazing the Wyrm Princess. Moments later, the worker reappeared with a tray. There were three glasses of strong ale. Beside it sat a thick sandwich layered with roast beef, sharp cheese, and crisp greens on fresh-baked bread.

ʼʼCompliments of the chef,ʼʼ the attendant said, setting it down. ʼʼEnjoy your journey.ʼʼ

Following that, Kaelira took a sip, the warmth blooming in her chest, then bit into the sandwich, savory, hearty, perfect. ʼʼThis,ʼʼ she said around a mouthful. ʼʼItʼs worth the ticket.ʼʼ

She finished her meal, glass in hand, and let her head rest against the cushion. The whiskeyʼs haze mingled with the trainʼs rhythm, her eyelids growing heavy. No rush, no plans, just the simple luxury of motion, a full belly, and the world slipping by outside. For the first time in days, she felt truly at ease.

Following that, the trainʼs whistle sounded, a low hum that vibrated through the carriage. The scenery shifted again, the fields giving way to a stark, endless expanse of stone. Kaelira straightened, her brow furrowing as a massive wall came into view, stretching across the horizon like a scar on the earth.

It was impossibly tall, its surface smooth and black, polished to a sheen that reflected the fading sunlight. The wall extended for miles, its edges vanishing into the distance. ʼʼWhat in the goddessʼs name is that?ʼʼ Kaelira said, her voice sharp enough to pull Jasmine and Khela to the window.

The three stared, the carriage falling silent. The wall loomed closer as the train ran parallel to it, its sheer scale dwarfing the landscape with gates dotting it and towers watching over the surrounding lands.