Chapter 48: Giaris City
"Get in," Elizabeth said, opening the carriage door.
Raven quietly nodded and stepped inside. The scent of polished leather filled the air as he sat on the seat. Without a word, Elizabeth lifted her hand and muttered,
"Shadow Conceal."
At once, Raven's shadow rippled beneath him like liquid ink and rose, swallowing him whole.
"Don't panic," Elizabeth's calm voice cut through the dim light. "You won't see or hear anything for the next two hours. The same goes for anyone trying to peek inside."
Raven tried to speak—but no sound came out. His words dissolved into the void. Even his own breathing vanished.
He instinctively thought of using Iron Resilience, but Zera interrupted.
[Stay still. If you use your bloodline ability now, this spell will collapse.]
'Okay,' Raven replied inwardly, forcing himself to relax.
Outside, the carriage rolled through the cobbled streets. Elizabeth guided it through the eastern gate, flashing her identity sigil to the patrol. The guards double-checked the carriage, yet found nothing—only empty seats and silence.
The wheels clattered softly as the carriage passed through farmland, the moonlight spilling over fields of barley. After more than an hour, it finally came to a halt in the middle of a vast plain.
The Shadow Conceal effect wore off. Darkness peeled away like smoke, revealing the open night. Raven blinked as vision returned. The plain stretched endlessly beneath the stars, and in the distance, he could see the faint outline of a mountain range—and a railway track glimmering faintly nearby.
Elizabeth opened the door and gestured. "The last cargo train to Giaris City arrives in thirty minutes. Sneak in and get there safely. This is all I can do for you now."
"Yes, Teacher." Raven stepped down and bowed deeply. "I'll never forget this kindness. I'll repay it someday."
A faint smile touched Elizabeth's lips. She placed her hand on his head and patted him gently.
"Don't act tough, kiddo. Make good allies—and rely on them when the time comes. Not everyone in this world is cruel."
Her gaze softened for a heartbeat, then turned distant. "But don't trust anyone blindly, not even me. Time changes people. Watch your back."
With that, she climbed onto the driver's seat and steered the horses around. After a final glance at Raven, she flicked the reins. The carriage slowly disappeared into the horizon.
Raven watched until the sound of hooves faded. His chest tightened with a strange mix of gratitude and loneliness.
[What now, lad?] Zera asked.
"I'll decide after reaching Giaris City," Raven murmured, eyes fixed on the northern sky.
He waited silently.
Thirty minutes later, the rhythmic thunder of wheels echoed through the plain. A beam of light sliced through the night—then the cargo train appeared, its engine bellowing smoke and steam.
As it slowed for a curve, Raven broke into a sprint. His enhanced agility made him swift, yet the ground trembled beneath every stride. He leapt forward and grabbed onto the side railing, pulling himself into a narrow gap between two containers.
Metal groaned beneath him as the train accelerated again, disappearing into the night.
…
28th August, Rune Era, Year 1420
Azmar Railway Station, Giaris City, Spade County
The cargo train hissed to a stop under the dawn sky. Steam coiled across the empty station.
A slim figure dropped silently from the rear gondola and glanced around. Only rows of boxcars and locomotives filled the platform—no guards, no civilians.
'I should leave quietly and find a place to stay.'
Raven pulled down his black hood, revealing his face. Snow drifted softly, covering his hair and lashes in white dust.
"So this is snow…" he whispered in wonder.
He brushed the flakes from his shoulder, then sighed. "I should change first."
He swapped his school uniform for a crisp white shirt, black waistcoat, trousers, and a matching jacket. From his inventory, he produced a top hat and bowtie. In moments, he looked every bit the refined son of a noble house.
'If I dress poorly, I'll draw suspicion—or worse, get targeted by patrols.'
Rumors of the Viper Syndicate had already made the Empire's security tighten. It would be foolish to take risks.
After a quick scan, Raven noticed tall chimneys rising to the east and chose that direction. Following the tracks, he soon reached a stone wall that separated the rail district from the city. With a light leap, he landed on the other side.
…
Tudor Terrace, Goldencrest Borough
Morning light broke over the busy street. Carriages rolled past as merchants shouted their prices.
Raven adjusted his hat and blended with the crowd. Across the street stood a three-story inn, its wooden sign swinging gently in the cold breeze.
He crossed the road and entered. The heavy door creaked, revealing a dim interior lit by flickering oil lamps. The smell of ale and old wood filled the air.
Raven approached the counter where a weary innkeeper was flipping through a ledger.
"Excuse me, sir," Raven said politely. "Do you have a room available?"
The man looked up, squinting at him. "Aye. How many nights?"
"Two."
"That'll be ten silver, upfront."
Raven nodded, producing the coins from his inventory. The innkeeper slid him a brass key.
"Room six, up the stairs to the left."
"Thank you."
Raven climbed the narrow staircase and unlocked his room. It was small but tidy—a bed, a table, and a dusty window overlooking the street. A stack of newspapers rested on the table.
"I should wash up first," he muttered.
After a quick bath in freezing water, he changed into casual clothes and a warm sweater. Exhaustion crept through him as he lay on the bed, eyes half-closing.
The rhythmic noise of the city faded into silence.
For the first time in days, Raven slept peacefully.