Once outside, nothing seemed different from Sebastian's old world. He was surrounded by beautiful green plains; the sun shone brilliantly, and birds were singing. This world even seemed more joyful than the one he had left behind. Sebastian asked Anastasia:
• "Excuse me, Madam Van Hauben, where are we, and where must we go? I haven't slept in a long time, and I feel somewhat exhausted."
• "Haha, don't worry. We're just beside Ferrovella, the capital city, the largest on the continent and also the one that belongs to Lysander Vorel. We need to go there on foot, and from there, we'll take the train to my city, Auréline a much more modest city located to the west of the continent. We'll be there by tomorrow morning, but don't worry, we'll sleep on the train."
"Hmm… I'm having trouble getting my bearings, but I hope I'll start to understand. Once we reach Auréline, I'll ask Madam Van Hauben to lend me some maps so I can see the borders and what the world around me looks like. I'm eager to see the city infrastructure. For now, we're walking along open country roads, surrounded by plains. I can spot forests in the distance, separated by the sea from where we are. The building I was in looked so much larger on the inside could it be magic? Probably. I have so many questions I'd like to ask Madam Van Hauben, but it would be so strange for a man born here if the inhabitants discovered I wasn't from here… I'd probably end up a lab rat for years. Especially now, since I can no longer die of old age, I'd be perfect for them. Better not to think about it. I'll just stay natural and discover things on my own."
Anastasia and Sebastian walked along the country road for some time. Sebastian couldn't help but glance at Anastasia. Despite her role as a warrior, she was stunning. She had a delicate, almost ethereal face, with a cold and intense beauty. Her hair was silver-white, slightly wavy, cut at shoulder length. Thick, shiny strands framed her face softly yet mysteriously. Her eyes were the most striking feature bright violet, almost supernatural, seeming to pierce anyone who met her gaze. Her eyelids were delicately made up, enhancing the depth of her stare. Her skin was pale, smooth, almost opalescent, giving her an aura between human and magical being. She wore an elegant, refined outfit in silver tones, with a texture reminiscent of noble fabrics.
After a while, Sebastian noticed that the surroundings hadn't changed since they started walking. They had advanced quite a distance and could see the facades of the capital in the valley below. From the beginning, they had been on higher ground, which Sebastian hadn't realized. At some point, they had to descend into the capital, which was enormous and crowded. Moving through it was extremely difficult.
• "Madam Van Hauben, is the whole city always this crowded? And where is the station to take the train?"
• "Not the entire city, but unfortunately, to get to the station, we must pass through the busiest districts. Despite its massive size, it's probably the most tourist-heavy city. I don't come here often, and we won't be able to sightsee. I think it will take us about two hours to reach the station; we should arrive around 6 PM."
"Two hours to get to the station? It must be so far from here… We're really going to have to sleep on a train. What a hassle. I remember doing this before going to work the seats were uncomfortable, and the jolts woke me every five minutes. But these people are savage they're probably not used to comfort. They could sleep on gravel and it wouldn't bother them. With some luck, I'm so exhausted that I'll rest properly."
The streets were bustling. People ran to catch news of promotions, queued at the newest restaurants, shouted to sell newspapers or morning chickens. Even in Sebastian's previous city, it hadn't been this chaotic. He thought it was due to animosity and lack of civility. They walked for two long hours, always surrounded by people. When they finally reached the station, it was just as crowded. Anastasia headed straight for the rails to catch the next train, checking the schedule for Auréline.
• "Good, our train arrives in ten minutes. Hopefully, it won't be delayed. Once we're inside, follow me Decarchs have reserved seats, and since you're my guest, your comfort is better."
• "And the tickets? I didn't see you take any… They must be expensive, right?"
• "Haha, you amuse me. Don't you know? Decarchs and Archons don't pay for the train. It may seem strange, but the higher our social rank, the better our position, the less we pay. And we earn a lot of money on top of that."
"Actually, that doesn't seem strange. Even in my old world, it worked that way. Some rules are universal."
The train arrived it was massive, a black steam train. Sebastian had never seen anything like it. Upon arrival, Anastasia grabbed his arm and led him inside. They took the left aisle, passing three carriages before reaching the one reserved for Decarchs. The carriage was different from the others, unlike anything Sebastian had ever seen. Each seat was brown leather, the walls deep red with golden-yellow patterns. The seats for Sebastian and Anastasia were not chairs but small facing two-person couches, also brown leather, with royal green, red, and orange cushions. The ceiling had dove patterns on a green background, accompanied by flowers unfamiliar to Sebastian. The windows behind the couches nearly covered the entire wall, but red curtains could close over them. When Sebastian sat on the couch, it was comfortable. He noticed the armrests contained hidden umbrellas and that there were coat hooks on the walls. A small mother-of-pearl table was next to the couch. He took off his shoes, stored them under the couch, lay back, and stared at the ceiling. He fell asleep.
In his dream, he saw people from his past life, but nothing significant just his former landlord entering the apartment he rented, likely to tidy up and find new tenants. Then, he plunged back into darkness. A strange voice spoke—the same as before.
• "You again? You're truly a
strange child… How do you come here? And you disturb me. You'd better wake up; one of my weak kind is near you."
Startled, Sebastian awoke abruptly. He opened his curtains slightly, and despite the faint light, he saw a massive shadow about three meters tall running alongside the train. Suddenly, it disappeared, moving faster than the train, yet strangely maintaining distance from it.
• "Madam Van Hauben!"
Anastasia opened her eyes, still confused.
• "What? Why disturb me? Can't you see I'm sleeping?"
• "Yes, but I woke up and saw a huge monster-like shadow running alongside the train. It overtook us. If it attacks the train… what would happen? And if…"
• "SHUT UP!!! You worry too much. The Qephraï can't approach the train because of the salt steam from the Salzwüste continent. Don't worry. And if the Qephraï is as large and monstrous as you say, it's one of the weakest. Now, let me sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day, and I'll have a terrible week."
Anastasia closed her eyes and fell asleep again. Sebastian, however, could not. He checked her watch it was 5:48 AM. To pass the time, he explored the train. He walked forward through the carriages, noticing the more dilapidated ones where people slept on the floor. He turned back and returned to his carriage, sitting at the bar next to his seat. He asked the bartender for a whisky without ice.
The bartender looked at him oddly:
• "A what?"
Sebastian made a confused face.
"Oh no… they don't even have it? Nothing in this world works as expected. Wait, I know what I'll ask instead."
• "Excuse me, my tongue slipped. Give me a strong drink."
• "Absolutely not! You must be ten at most. I don't serve alcohol to children."
• "But I'm a warrior capable of assimilating Qephraï. I'm actually 120 years old."
• "Do you take me for a fool? If you were truly 120, you'd have the body of a 22-year-old. You don't even know that assimilators stop growing at 22."
"Ah, shame… well, I tried. Can't wait to become an adult so I can drink properly like in the old days."
• "Fine, I'd like a sweet drink, please."
• "I'll serve you a mint soda."
Sebastian sipped it. It tasted like a mint syrup drink disappointing. Then he had an idea.
• "Excuse me, I'd like to order something else. The most expensive sweet drink you have. Charge it to the lady with me, and tell me the price too."
• "Alright, I'll serve you a Polyméria juice. That'll be 130 Folinari."
• "Um… I'm just a child. What's the average salary in Folinari?"
• "Globally, about 1000ƒ per month. Even I, in my position, only earn 1800ƒ. So yes, it's extremely expensive. Shall I serve it anyway?"
• "Yes. My companion can afford it."
Sebastian took a sip, and a revelation hit him. Despite all his past life experiences, this was the best drink he had ever tasted. It felt perfectly in sync with his body.
• "WOW!!! This is incredible! What is it exactly?"
• "I can't give a personal opinion. Polyméria adapts to each person's palate. Its price reflects that it will never disappoint."
"Ah, now I understand why such a small glass costs so much. I hope Madam Van Hauben will pay for it… but it's worth it."
The bartender handed him a receipt:
• "Give this to your companion. She must pay before Auréline station."
Sebastian returned to his seat. It was already 6:30. He set the receipt on the table, waiting for Anastasia. Ten minutes later, she opened her eyes.
• "Oh, you're already up? How long until we arrive?"
• "Of course I'm up. I'm programmed I wake up at the same time every day. We should reach Auréline around 7:20. I need to talk to you about integrating into your new life. I'll summarize the essentials quickly, as we won't have time for a long discussion."
Sebastian handed her the receipt.
• "What? You bought something at the bar? … WHAT?! 135 Folinari for two drinks? Why a Polyméria-based drink? I'll deduct it from your first salary, child."
She paid at the bar after some struggle.
• "I'm truly sorry, Madam Van Hauben. I thought you could cover it."
• "You earn well, but you're just stingy?"
• "No, I earn 120,000ƒ per month, but I maintain a city and many other responsibilities."
• "But your citizens don't pay taxes…"
......…..
• "Enough…! Let me explain. Upon arrival, you'll be lodged in apartments not luxurious, as your rank is lowest in the troupe. The higher you rise, the better your salary and housing. Your parents will join you tomorrow. You'll also integrate into a unit of five, led by a Legionnaire. Two others are Vanguard, and you and one more are subordinates. The hierarchy:
1. Praetor, head of the troupe (me)
2. Tribune, my right hand
3. Centurions (3-10; mine has 9)
4. Legionnaire
5. Vanguard
6. Subordinates"
• "Why aren't you there? Is the mission too dangerous for the troupe?"
• "If only it were… No, I have something worse. We're having a family meeting with my cousin, Tokinada Rushi, one of the Seven Archons. I despise him he succeeds at everything and is incredibly self-absorbed."
"Her cousin… influential and she's jealous. Her beauty must irritate him too."
• "Do you have a photo? I want to see if his face seems familiar."
She said a color photo was in the bar's newspaper. Sebastian saw it.
"It's the same? He looks exactly like her, only a man. No wonder she's jealous he seems perfect, even I could feel envy."
• "Let's go. We've arrived at my home."
They walked to her place. Anastasia snapped her fingers.
• "Oh, I almost forgot you'll need to kill or seize the power of a Qephraï to join your unit."