From the capital, iron rails stretched in all four directions, north, south, east, and west, carrying a constant flow of people and resources across the Empire.

Soldiers, knights, food supplies, mages, artifacts, mana stones, all flowed into and out of the capital aboard the trains. They were a symbol of the Empire’s immense wealth and technological prowess.

Sleek platforms were installed at major cities across the continent, including the capital itself. Even at this early hour, the platforms were busy with those setting off before dawn and those just arriving.

At the northern platform in Ferma, paved in white marble, the hum of activity was joined by a new announcement:

“Imperial Royal Train departing shortly. All imperial citizens, please show proper respect.”

The mana-amplified broadcast echoed across the station as a sleek black train, lined with the royal crest in platinum, awaited departure. Only royalty and those they granted permission could board this train.

A position of honor, at least in theory.

“His Highness still hasn’t arrived?”

But inside the train, the atmosphere was far from celebratory. The car was filled with armored knights of the Azure Wing and robed members of the Third Battle Mage Division. And among them, awkwardly, out of place, was Sophia.

“I heard His Highness might be running a bit late…”

She was the only one trying to keep things in order, but she barely had the courage to meet anyone’s eyes. Her hesitant voice only deepened the scowls across the room.

“This level of indolence is absurd. He’s not a child.”

“His arrogance pierces the heavens. It’s shameful.”

The knight captain and the mage commander didn’t bother lowering their voices. The resentment was sharp. And they weren’t without reason.

The Azure Wing followed no one lightly, and the Third Division had recently seen the prince’s “madness” firsthand. Now that he was outright toying with them, frustration was inevitable.

As the two commanders voiced their irritation, the others took it as a cue, murmuring in agreement. Disdain for the absent prince spread quickly.

“Enough …enough, please! Everyone, that’s enough!”

Sophia, face set and voice raised, managed to silence them. All eyes turned toward her.She stood her ground, glaring back as best she could, though her jaw and shoulders trembled from the effort.

The moment the prince was brought up, she’d lost her composure completely. They looked at her as if a bird had dared squawk at wolves, and a few even chuckled.

“Let’s stop there. Ill-considered remarks could be construed as an offense against the royal family.”

Alfred’s calm voice cut through the tension like a blade. He wasn’t someone to be taken lightly. Even as a steward, the atmosphere shifted around him. He gestured for Sophia to return to her cabin, then addressed the group with measured words.

“His Highness has departed via a separate route in order to begin the investigation early. He wished to ensure your comfort during the journey and asks for your understanding.”

With nothing further to say, Alfred turned and left, disappearing into the next car. All that remained behind was a chorus of bitter, muffled sighs.

And then, 

“FWWOOOOOOOOSH!”

The train let out a heavy blast of mana-infused steam, smoke billowing from its chimney. On the platform, every citizen of the Empire dropped to their knees in reverent silence. Thus, a train bearing no prince, only his tension and resentment, departed for the North

Meanwhile, Garlan, Sol, and Andre had already boarded a different train heading east.They were traveling in the highest-class compartment, pre-reserved using House Royce’s funds. The journey was comfortable, at least for Garlan.

Or… was he the only one comfortable?

“U-Um, Your Highness? May I ask again… why did you bring us with you?”

“Getting tired? Hurry up and do it properly.”

“Ughh…”

The entire car had been rented out, leaving them alone while Sol practiced channeling her magic. She was working on wrapping Breaker in shadow, her white mask affixed, mana pouring from her hands.

The massive greatsword, however, resisted like a spoiled child. It tore through her shadows with a loud “shrrrip”, rejecting containment entirely.

Sol struggled to keep the blade from falling, sweat pouring down her face.

“Your Highness, are you sure this is wise? Wouldn’t it have been better to bring some knights or battle mages with us?”

“Why?”

“For protection, for presence… For show, if nothing else.”

“Protection and presence, huh.”

Andre’s concern was sincere, he’d be shouldering the entirety of the prince’s security. Understandable, given his limited experience. So Garlan offered the faintest sliver of kindness.

“Commoner, aren’t you curious why we’re heading east instead of north?”

“Not at all.”

“And why’s that?”

“Because I trust that Your Highness has his reasons.”

“Good. That’s why I brought you alone.”

“I’m curious,” Sol said.

Garlan ignored her and continued.

“Traveling with people who don’t trust me would mean endlessly proving myself. Justifying every detour, every decision. I don’t need that, not with what’s coming.”

“Your Highness? Hello? Can you hear me?”

“Security should be handled by those who trust me. Which means you’re enough. As for presence …who else could replace me?”

“Understood.”

“Sophia and Alfred have other roles to play. I couldn’t bring them even if I wanted to.”

“I don’t understand any of this! Can someone explain something to me, please?!”

“Why do I need a reason to bring a lamppost-slash-greatsword-stand along? Hm? Sol?”

“Ugh! I’m Sol! Not a lamppost or a sword rack!”

“It’s been three days on this train. When are you going to wrap that sword properly?”

“Ugggh! I didn’t become a mage for this…”

“But it’s more fun than cleaning, right? Want to go back to that?”

“T-That’s… well, no,but still!”

Sol grumbled, her protests trailing off into mumbles about not being a sword rack, then he ignored her. She was probably happier than she let on, just from being allowed to train.

[Analyzing subject’s fate. Devoured minor destiny: Discontent. Alteration Points acquired.]

“Knew it.”

Outside the window, the landscape shifted. Towering walls and stone fortresses began to dominate the scenery. They were nearing the Eastern Front. Since the reign of the First Emperor, the Empire had sought to conquer the continent. In response, the smaller nations had united and resisted through shifting alliances. That deadlock had lasted for generations. 

Over time, the Eastern Front had been layered with fortresses and border walls, where conquest and retreat happened in a brutal, constant cycle.

Even now, minor skirmishes were breaking out across various strongholds. They were approaching one such region, a site of a recent clash.

Technically, they were supposed to be headed north, but there was no other route. They had to pass through the east first.

“Fugitives. Assassins. Bonfires. North. East. Front lines.”

Fate had always been a knot of tangled events. As Garlan pieced together the fragments of past incidents, he began to see the shape of what was to come. There was much to gain on the way.

First, 

The train slowed to a stop. They hadn’t rented the entire train, so the platform stop meant someone was boarding, but then … A wave of blood filled the compartment. It was overpowering, thick and coppery, impossible to ignore.Then the room was overtaken by trees, roots, branches, trunks bursting into view, and blood poured from them.

He blinked …Gone …No blood, no trees. Just the same empty compartment.

“An illusion…? That strong, just from bloodlust?”

Then, 

[Analyzing external fate: This VIP train is destined to be destroyed.]

The message floated in front of him.

“Your Highness?”

“Are you alright?”

Andre and Sol looked at him in concern, but neither seemed to sense anything.

Strange. Aindel had said they’d rented out the entire compartment. No one should be boarding. No one should even have access.

Andre’s eyes narrowed as he reached for his blade, clearly sensing something in Garlan’s tension. And Garlan himself …

“Blade.”

Sol handed him Breaker. He gripped its heavy hilt, the weight grounding him. But nothing approached.

Then “clack” , a door slid open, soft footsteps filled the silent cabin. Sol inhaled sharply. Andre’s jaw flexed.

And then, a stranger stepped in casually, radiating calm arrogance.

“There’s nowhere else to sit. Would you mind if I joined you?”

Her voice was smooth and practiced, before Andre could speak, Garlan cut in, 

“The conductor surely would’ve stopped you at the door. Who are you, to take a seat here without permission?”