SSS Talent: From Trash to Tyrant Chapter 528: Toward Thal’zar

The following day arrived swiftly.

When Trafalgar reached Velkaris, the bustling city was already alive and kicking. He headed straight for the Gate Hub located next to the train station, just like always, where chaos reigned supreme. Crowds hurried in all directions, fueled by the relentless energy that Velkaris always exuded. Some dashed to board trains before they departed. Others skillfully navigated the masses, clearly aiming to cut ahead in line for the Gates. The clamor of pounding feet, chattering voices, creaking luggage carts, and whirring mana devices fused into a dynamic symphony that only a powerhouse like Velkaris could keep going without faltering.

The instant Trafalgar entered the Gate Hub, Caelum materialized behind him, as though he'd been waiting invisibly and the world had only now noticed.

His hair was combed back with that trademark rigid precision. Those pale yellow eyes stayed serene, and his gloved hands remained folded behind his back in his usual stance.

"You’ve arrived, Young Master."

Trafalgar tilted his head a bit.

"Good morning to you too, Caelum." His eyes drifted beyond the shifting crowds toward the glowing Gates at the distant end. "Which one leads us to Darian?"

Caelum replied without delay.

"The one tucked in the far right corner, drawing the biggest cluster of lycans. That's our Gate." He hesitated for a split second, then continued, "The destination city sits close to House Thal’zar’s core lands. Remember, Gates don't link straight to the Great Families' main estates."

"Yeah, I know."

Trafalgar eyed the queue.

"Fine. Let’s join the line."

Caelum’s face stayed impassive, but a subtle hint of amusement flickered deep within.

"No need for queuing, Young Master."

They moved forward, Caelum trailing exactly half a step back as per custom. Before they even got close to the Gate, the lycan operator spotted them coming. He snapped to attention, instantly identified Trafalgar, and waved them past the regular travelers with haste.

"This way, please, Trafalgar du Morgain."

Trafalgar skipped any feigned astonishment. Given his status and Darian’s summons, this VIP treatment was hardly surprising.

Without a word, he advanced.

The lycan dropped his tone respectfully.

"We got word you might show up soon. A driver awaits on the other side to escort you deeper in."

"Understood," Trafalgar replied. "Thank you."

He tossed a gold coin casually to the lycan.

The man snatched it mid-air, paused briefly as the heft sank in before his brain caught up, then bowed deeply.

"My thanks."

He resumed his duties promptly, though shock lingered on his features.

Caelum nodded toward the Gate. "After you, Young Master."

Trafalgar passed through.

The transit was over in a flash.

One breath in Velkaris, a swirl of light and mana, and suddenly he was elsewhere.

This new city bore little resemblance to Velkaris.

A parched vibe hung over it, fiercer and more expansive, with dry dust in the air rather than dampness, warmth baked into the rocks despite the early hour. The landscape stretched into desert-like expanses, not woods or peaks, and the hues matched perfectly. Sandy-hued roads. Massive edifices of light stone and shadowed ore. Towering structures stacked in stark tiers, formidable and unyielding instead of graceful. It screamed prosperity, not poverty. Riches abounded, forged by a rugged terrain that lent its opulence a weightier edge.

Moments later, Caelum emerged from the Gate.

Trafalgar scanned the surroundings once more before he spoke.

"You certain this is correct? Nothing like this rings a bell near the Thal’zar castle."

Caelum responded promptly.

"In the war, Young Master, your post was at the central castle, yet House Thal’zar’s domain spans hugely. This city falls under their holdings, much like Euclid does for the Morgains."

Trafalgar swiftly drew a hood over his head. Even in unfamiliar territory where few might spot him right away, he preferred staying incognito until necessary.

As soon as they moved from the Gate, their assigned man was waiting.

He bowed instantly upon sighting them.

"It is an honor to receive you." He swiftly corrected his words, showing more caution than the lycan at the Gate. "The road stretches far. We won't reach the castle until tomorrow."

Trafalgar fixed him with a steady gaze.

"That’s fine. I understand." His voice stayed level, yet a sharp undertone lingered. "But here, I’m not Trafalgar. Don't let yourself forget that again."

The guide bowed his head lower this time. "My apologies."

Without hesitation, he guided them away from the Gate district.

Their waiting transport wasn't a carriage. Nor a train. Nothing that hugged the ground.

It turned out to be a flying ship.

Trafalgar's eyes rested on it briefly.

Respectably large, constructed for durability over grace, it screamed wealth beyond any common official's means. Still, beside Alfred’s craft, it seemed downright small.

’It feels tiny next to Alfred’s monster of a ship.’

He boarded with Caelum following close, and soon the ship lifted skyward.

Once steady, Trafalgar stayed on deck's edge, watching the city shrink below as Caelum took position beside him, like an ancient pact sealed without words.

Viewed from the sky, the land appeared even more alien.

Ochre desert dunes rolled endlessly, interrupted by dark rock spines, guard towers, and rare bastions etched into the earth like scars. Straight roads cut through it all. Order reigned—House Thal’zar’s unyielding grip, marked by battle yet unbroken.

Moments later, Trafalgar broke the silence.

"Are you certain it's safe leaving the castle this way, Caelum?" he inquired. "Won't my father grow suspicious about me heading to see Darian?"

Caelum replied with his usual smoothness.

"I left a clone back at the castle. Lord Valttair is busy elsewhere right now."

This fully captured Trafalgar's focus.

"Oh?" he remarked. "What's Valttair up to?"

"He's training far away."

Now Trafalgar faced him directly.

"Can you tell me the reason? And how long he'll stay?"

Caelum kept his eyes on the distant horizon.

"I think he's gearing up for what lies ahead. Valttair isn't one to take risks. He's bracing for the worst." After a short pause. "He instructed me to watch over you while he's gone."

Trafalgar mulled that over briefly.

"Take care of me, huh." A wry edge tinged his words. "Do you figure family members might make a move with Valttair absent?"

"The risk is always there, Young Master," Caelum responded. "Given your standing now, it's even higher—someone could seek to eliminate a rival."

Trafalgar showed no real alarm.

"But Valttair's aware of the global situation, right?"

Caelum replied instantly. "Yes, Young Master. I update him constantly on all events." His voice held firm. "Of course, your actions stay off that list. I feed him other details instead."

Trafalgar shot him a look.

"Thanks, Caelum."

Relief washed over him slightly.

Onward pressed the ship, slicing the arid skies toward Thal’zar territory, its hull humming with power. Trafalgar's eyes swept the desert expanse once more—the brutal rocks, hidden paths, the domain Darian fought to preserve amid scrutiny from Morgain and Sylvanel.

Soon enough, they'd meet.

Above all, Trafalgar burned to uncover what urgency drove Darian to dispatch a messenger through such a pitch-black night.