The train doors slid open with a soft hiss as Elijah and Alaric stepped inside. Elijah's eyes widened the moment he entered. The interior looked nothing like the trains he had seen in books or movies—it resembled a five-star hotel more than a mode of transport. Crystal chandeliers hung from a glossy ceiling, golden-trimmed carpets lined the floor, and velvet seats were arranged around marble tables. Windows stretched from floor to ceiling, revealing the ever-changing outside scenery.
"This… is a train?" Elijah breathed, barely able to speak. "It's like a royal palace on wheels."
Alaric chuckled as he stepped forward. "Indeed. Not all journeys have to begin in hardship. Consider this your first gift."
"Gift?" Elijah turned to him, confused. "From who?"
"You'll understand one day," Alaric said, his smile distant. "But know this—it's not for everyone. This train was conjured with a single purpose: to carry you to your new life."
Elijah slowly sat down on a velvet couch, still absorbing everything. "Do other people… who start a new life like me… do they get this kind of welcome?"
"No," Alaric said simply. "This is not the norm. It's special. Because you are special."
They dined on meals that Elijah had never even seen in pictures—roasted duck glazed with honey and herbs, sparkling drinks that changed flavor with every sip, and desserts that melted like clouds on his tongue. Elijah ate slowly, savoring every bite like a starving child who was afraid it might disappear.
After the meal, Alaric stood and said, "Now, get some rest. The journey takes two days. You'll need your strength."
Elijah was shown to his room. The bedroom was large and filled with soft candlelight. A grand bed covered in fine silk sheets stood in the middle, with a fireplace crackling nearby.
As Elijah lay in bed, he stared at the ornate ceiling and murmured, "I used to sleep in a storage room… no window… no light… no way to escape."
He closed his eyes, letting the comfort surround him.
"This is heaven," he whispered.
Two Days Later…
The train began to slow, and a soft chime echoed through the cabin. Elijah sat up quickly, rubbing his eyes. He dressed and met Alaric at the lounge.
"Is this… the place?" Elijah asked, excitement buzzing in his voice.
Alaric didn't answer. Instead, he simply gestured for Elijah to follow.
They walked to the train's front. Elijah's curiosity turned to shock as they entered the driver's cabin—completely empty.
"There's… no one here?" he gasped.
"The train runs on essence," Alaric explained. "It knows its path. It doesn't need a driver."
"Essence?" Elijah blinked. "That exists here?"
Alaric didn't respond. Instead, he led Elijah to a large iron door at the end of the train. Beyond it lay a cave glowing with vibrant light. The walls shimmered like diamonds, and the air tingled with energy.
"Step through," Alaric said. "You're ready."
Together, they walked into the light.
Elijah blinked. The air smelled sweet and crisp, towering trees with sapphire leaves swayed in a gentle breeze. Floating islands hovered lazily above fields of lavender grass. Strange creatures fluttered by—birds with four wings, glowing foxes, and golden beetles.
"I-Is this real?" Elijah whispered, his voice cracking.
"Welcome to the World of Jade," Alaric said calmly. "Your new home."
Elijah stepped onto the soft grass and spun in place. "It's like a dream… this isn't Earth."
"No, it's not. This is a realm of magic, chaos, and purpose."
As they made their way down a winding path from the station, Elijah asked, "Where are we going now?"
"To your new home."
Elijah's heart swelled. "A home? My own?"
He broke into a run, laughing like a child seeing snow for the first time. But Alaric yanked his collar and pulled him back with a grunt.
"Don't be an idiot," Alaric scolded, though a trace of a smile danced on his lips. "There's a faster way."
With a snap of his fingers, a glowing portal swirled into existence before them.
Elijah's jaw dropped. "You can make portals?!"
"I can do many things," Alaric said. "Come. Step through."
The world shimmered around them as they stepped into the portal—and out into a peaceful forest clearing.
In the center stood a small cottage, nestled beside a brook. The cottage was made of white stone and dark oak beams. A thatched roof covered it, and flowers of every color grew wild around the edges. Smoke puffed gently from the chimney.
Elijah took a step forward, eyes brimming with emotion. "This… this is mine?"
Alaric opened the wooden door and let him in.
The interior was cozy and warm. A small fireplace crackled. A round table stood in the kitchen. A single bed rested in the corner beneath a wooden-framed window with sunbeams pouring through. Bookshelves, storage chests, and a cupboard were neatly arranged.
"It's far from the village," Alaric said, hesitating. "And it's small. I know it may not be—"
"It's perfect," Elijah interrupted. "It's beautiful. I love it."
He walked around, touching the walls, the bed, the windows. A tear escaped his eye.
"This is my house," he whispered.
He remembered the dark storeroom. The chains on the door. The cold floor. The endless silence.
But now…
"Now, I have a home."
Alaric pulled a rolled parchment from his coat and handed it to him. "This makes it official. Sign here."
Elijah grabbed the feather quill and scribbled his name, then looked up proudly.
"Done!"
Alaric laughed. "You fool. That language means nothing here. In the World of Jade, you must write and speak our tongue. You'll need to learn it if you plan to survive."
Elijah blinked. "Then teach me."
"I will," Alaric said. "But not just that. I'll teach you how to survive, how to fight, how to cook, and how to think. I'll give you the tools, the knowledge—but the rest is up to you."
Elijah nodded. "When do we start?"
"Tomorrow," Alaric said. His expression turned dark. "Listen closely, Elijah. My responsibility ends after I've prepared you. From that moment forward, no one will come to help you. This world does not believe in mercy. You came into it alone, and you will leave it alone. Your journey belongs to you."
Elijah's eyes hardened. "I understand."
Alaric stepped closer. "Many will try to break you, some with force, others with lies. But the only thing that will keep you standing is one thing—"
"What?" Elijah asked.
"Unshakable will. That alone can help a man stand against a million enemies."
Elijah clenched his fist. "Then I'll forge mine. Stronger than steel."
Alaric smiled, satisfied. "Good."
He turned to leave but paused at the door. "Rest tonight. Tomorrow… we begin."
Elijah bathed in the small washroom, warm water easing the tension from his body. He changed into clean robes Alaric had left for him and lay on the bed, gazing out the window.
He had a home. He had a name. And now, he had a path.
For the first time in his life, Elijah slept not in fear—but in hope.