SSS Talent: From Trash to Tyrant Chapter 587: Boarding the Aurevane Line

The train's doors remained shut on the platform.

Trafalgar stood with Selara by the tracks, a hint of curiosity in his gaze that she seemed to relish. The train itself radiated a low hum, its pale metallic body gleaming under the station's lights, while dark mana conduits traced pulsing patterns along its sides.

"Pay close attention, esteemed chef," Selara began, raising a finger as if launching into an important explanation. "This train consists of multiple passenger carriages. Our academy contingent will occupy one designated car. The remaining carriages are allocated to alchemists, visiting researchers, trade delegates, nobility, financial backers, and other individuals significant enough to warrant an invitation to Aurevane."

"So, no invitation means no entry?"

"Essentially," Selara confirmed with a smile. "The Conclave values wealth, but it cherishes control far more."

Trafalgar's eyes swept over the assembled crowd on the platform.

The scene loudly proclaimed the importance of the passengers. Expensive coats were the norm. Sealed briefcases were guarded as if they held priceless treasures. Several elderly gentlemen bore the distinct appearance of those who had spent extended periods immersed in potent laboratory fumes. Nobles feigned indifference to the train's impressive display, while guards maintained a vigilant watch, acting as if they weren't noticing the pretense.

'I wonder how Caelum plans to infiltrate the city,' Trafalgar mused internally. 'Knowing him, he's likely already secured someone's identity. I can only hope he hasn't eliminated anyone significant to take their place. Though, admittedly, that's a distinct possibility.'

Selara's voice continued beside him.

"Within the train, there are private lounges for discussions, resting compartments, and, for those willing to pay a premium, private suites complete with beds and windows, allowing occupants to admire the passing scenery as the train speeds across the landscape. Additionally, there are secure cargo cars where most attendees store their inventions, raw materials, and other sensitive items intended for the event. Private security personnel have also been contracted. Constant surveillance ensures exceptional safety measures are in place."

Trafalgar turned to her. "Do you suppose it's possible for someone to infiltrate the train and cause disruption?"

Selara dismissed the notion with a wave of her hand.

"Such a feat should be impossible. Security is exceptionally stringent. As you can observe, this platform is quite sparse compared to the usual throng on the main lines. One must pass through multiple security checkpoints to reach this area."

His observation was accurate.

The platform they occupied lacked the typical commotion found at Velkaris station. Gone were the boisterous vendors, hurried families, and travelers burdened with excessive luggage. Only individuals possessing the required authorization, wealth, or social standing – or often, all three – were present. A gentle hiss signaled the opening of the train doors.

Selara applauded softly.

"Excellent. Time for the roll call."

Moving with an air of practiced efficiency, she navigated through the academy group, a small tablet in her hand, her voice managing a blend of casualness and precision. Four third-year alchemists were accounted for, followed by another pair of third-years. Then came two second-year summoners, and two students specializing in healing disciplines. Cynthia was noted, then Trafalgar. Finally, Selara herself.

Upon completion, she put the tablet away.

"Everyone is present. Let us board."

The carriage designated for the academy surpassed even the luxury of the standard train running between Velkaris and the academy. While that service was already high-class, this was on an entirely different stratum.

The floor gleamed with a dark, polished finish, inlaid with subtle lines of mana light. The seating consisted of wide, plush chairs arranged in intimate groupings rather than conventional rows. Expansive windows ran the length of the sides, reinforced by faintly luminous formations that were barely perceptible unless viewed intently. Elegant crystal lamps hung from the ceiling in graceful arcs, and the walls featured polished panels embedded with discreet control runes.

Trafalgar entered the carriage near the rear alongside Selara.

The other students began selecting seats rapidly, predominantly gravitating towards familiar faces. The third-year alchemists immediately coalesced, their conversation already focused on arcane formulas and names unfamiliar to Trafalgar. The summoners took seats clustered together, while the healing students opted for a more secluded area. The remaining two third-years, seemingly accustomed to traveling together, claimed a table positioned centrally.

Unacquainted with most of his peers, Trafalgar chose a seat slightly isolated from the main groups.

He had enough on his mind already.

Cynthia noticed his solitary choice.

Initially heading towards a section where a few students known from ammunition and combat equipment classes were seated, she altered her course upon seeing Trafalgar alone and proceeded to sit opposite him.

It was a natural progression.

They belonged to the same circle of acquaintances.

Trafalgar looked up as she placed her bag beside her.

"Coming to keep me company?" he inquired.

Cynthia settled into her seat and adjusted her bag's strap.

"You appeared so solitary, it stirred my sympathy." Her gaze drifted around the carriage again. "Honestly, this carriage is quite remarkable. It's..."

"Extravagant?"

"Yes, precisely that."

Trafalgar leaned back slightly. "That was the polite word."

Before Cynthia could respond, Selara's voice boomed from the front of the car.

"Listen well. No vomiting due to the speed, no touching any sealed doors, and absolutely no opening suspicious containers. Should anyone lose their appetite before we arrive at the restaurant car, I will deal with it personally. The food is excellent, and I refuse to let weak stomachs ruin my mood."

Several students cast surprised glances at her. This was typical Selara behavior.

Cynthia turned her gaze to Trafalgar, a slight furrow appearing between her brows.

"I wish Bartholomew could have witnessed this."

Trafalgar rested an arm against the window frame.

"He went on that excursion with Professor Rhaldrin, didn't he? I'm sure he'll be having a grand time there as well. Your brother cherishes history enough to make even a dusty ruin sound like a grand festival."

Cynthia's expression softened somewhat.

"That's true. He was quite excited, even though he tried to conceal it."

"He's truly dreadful at hiding his excitement when old records are involved."

"Yes," she conceded. "He really is."

Shortly after, a member of the train staff entered the car. She was adorned in a crisp uniform of dark blue and silver, a small Council emblem adorning her shoulder. Her demeanor was exceptionally professional, and her smile remained fixed even as Selara waved at her, as if greeting a beloved, albeit inanimate, object.

"Thank you for choosing to travel with the Silver Salamander," the woman announced clearly. "We extend a warm welcome to the Velkaris Academy delegation."

Trafalgar turned his head towards Selara.

"The Silver Salamander?"

Selara’s chin immediately lifted.

"Show some respect for the name. I had a hand in naming it."

This elicited a quiet laugh from Trafalgar.

To her credit, the staff member showed no reaction, maintaining her professional tone.

"The estimated journey time is twenty-four hours, though slight extensions may occur depending on weather conditions. We extend our apologies in advance for any potential delays. A snowstorm swept through a northern section of our route this morning, and the winds continue to be strong. During that segment of the journey, the train will significantly reduce its speed to guarantee the safety of all passengers."

'So, we're essentially sleeping here tonight. Fine.'

As this thought crossed his mind, Trafalgar began to open his luggage.

Cynthia glanced down at the contents, then back at him.

"Is that truly all you brought for a two-week trip?"

"I can have clothes washed there," Trafalgar replied. "I brought precisely what I require. Nothing more."

In a sense, that was accurate.

Everything else he might possibly need was entrusted to Caelum. Since the delegation had undergone prior inspections, Trafalgar had opted to delegate the more intricate preparations to him. Caelum had likely already devised a method to discreetly transport whatever was necessary onto the train, into Aurevane, or both.

Cynthia regarded him with a look of doubt.

"Hmm. It appears more like you were too lazy to pack properly."

"That is also a distinct possibility."

She almost smiled, then shifted her gaze to the window.

"I've never spent this much time on a train before. In fact, I’ve never spent this prolonged a duration on any form of transport. It feels rather peculiar."

"Oh, I once spent a considerable amount of time in a carriage," Trafalgar remarked. "I wouldn't recommend it. Flying ships are significantly smoother and more silent."

Cynthia turned back to him.

"You've traveled on something like that before?"

"Naturally. Is that not a common occurrence?"

Cynthia stared at him for a moment before shaking her head.

"Perhaps for you, Mister Important Person. The rest of us are not quite so privileged."

Both of them shared a laugh at that.

Trafalgar tapped his fingers lightly against the armrest.

"If you remember to ask, I can take you on one someday. I know someone who possesses a creature capable of traversing the skies."

Cynthia offered a brief smile.

"Then I shall hold you to that promise."

"Fair enough."

Her gaze drifted to the table situated beside them.

"By the way, have you seen the newspaper?"

Trafalgar followed her line of sight.

A folded paper lay there, presumably left for the passengers. He picked it up and unfolded it, the freshly printed ink catching the light emanating from the crystal lamps overhead.

The headline dominated the entire front page.

The Council of Sages Unveils the Establishment of The Concordant Wardens of the Council.

Klotz