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Chapter 259: Lanchi Arrives in the Imperial Capital
Chapter 259: Lanchi Arrives in the Imperial Capital
In the Imperial Capital of Helrom, the illuminated buildings cast a somber hue over this fortress city-state of the Protoss Empire.
Looming in isolation, the towering ramparts seem to meld into the sky and earth from a distance. The city's architecture, characterized by sturdy stone and cold metal, exudes an air of historical depth.
Even at 10 p.m., the maglev station at the city's periphery bustles with travelers traversing the spacious corridors between platforms and concourses.
In the distance, a train pulls into the station, its wheels screeching against the rails, echoing through the empty tracks. The light from within the carriages spills through the windows, illuminating the platform bathed in moonlight.
A blend of classical and modern, the train bears traces of recent modifications. Its surface is inscribed with subtle runes that begin to glow as it nears the station, resonating with the protective barrier surrounding it.
Inside one of the carriages, Zestila and Lanchi stand by the door, briefly waiting.
Even before the door opens, the reverberating music from the platform beyond can be heard.
"This annoying music again..." Zestila murmurs, a slight frown creasing her brow.
Lanchi, standing beside her, can hear it clearly as well.
The music, a backdrop to the city of Helrom, is chosen to showcase the city's rich history and the noble lineage of its powerful denizens. The main melody features grand symphonic instruments, including robust brass and string instruments with religious overtones, creating a solemn and mysterious atmosphere that is also calm and lonely. Perhaps due to its northern location and climate, the music includes intense and suspenseful passages, with the organ and ascending high notes conveying a sense of perpetual war.
As the melody descends, it quickens, only to slow down again as it rises. The brass section, with its euphoniums and trombones, adds depth, and when the high notes soften, the low notes strengthen, creating a cyclical effect that tricks the brain into believing the pitch is endlessly ascending, leaving one uncertain of when it will fall.
Absent are notes of hope and liberation.
Like the weighty history of the Demon-Human Wars etched into the very bones of the city, the melody never yields to softness or harmonious chords.
Even now, the underlying sentiment is one of exclusion toward the demon tribe.
"I think I understand why you find this music unpleasant," Lanchi muses, his gaze fixed on the glass of the carriage door.
"...”
Zestila remains silent.
She is aware that Lanchi, as a demon engineer, likely has some knowledge of artifice magic and the crafting of musical magic items.
While the dissonant tones make her slightly uncomfortable, that is not the root cause. Having grown up in the peaceful southern continent, she cannot truly empathize with the sentiment.
As the train gradually comes to a halt, the doors slide open, and a faint, transparent mist escapes from the carriage, along with the residual warmth from the stabilizers.
Stepping out onto the platform, Lanchi follows Zestila into the music-filled station. A transparent mirror screen captures their attention first, reflecting the expressions of travelers newly arrived in the imperial capital and preserving them for a few seconds before fading away.
"It's a station tradition to record and verify the identities of all who enter the imperial capital," Zestila explains reassuringly, letting him know there's no cause for concern.
Any illusions or disguising magic would have been revealed by now, and those found would be promptly arrested by the imperial capital's police force.
"What's this below us?" Lanchi asks, looking down at the gray stone platform beneath their feet, illuminated by a rippling azure light that seems to spread in waves with each step, as if they were walking on water.
Lanchi realized that this wasn't an aggressive ritual and stepped on it without hesitation.
"If you don't have legal documents from the Empire, you won't get far here." Zestila explained.
Although she usually refrained from interacting with anyone unless necessary, she had grown accustomed to patiently answering Lanchi's questions. This naive and fragile young man needed her.
The two of them passed through the station, through a series of intricate security checks and checkpoints, and entered the imperial capital's fortress barrier.
Helrom's skyline was a sight to behold, with dazzling skyscrapers, ancient cathedrals, and otherworldly floating structures coexisting. The night sky wasn't just a deep blue; it occasionally flashed with golden sparks, as if reflecting the city's mirror image.
This was a city full of magical wonders. A century ago, a catastrophic incident during the Holy War had left Helrom with anomalies that went beyond the physical realm, even seeping into its culture, society, and laws.
In Helrom, humans and various mixed-blood races lived side by side, creating an unpredictable environment. One might stumble upon floating aerial gardens in the crevices of skyscrapers or runaway alchemic beasts on the underground magic power tracks. Shops offered everything from ancient formula potions to advanced magic conductors.
While certain areas of the city-state were under the control of powerful authorities and imperial strongmen, known as the Absolute Order, chaos, crime, and violence often lurked in places far from their reach.
"As long as you stay with me, dealing with hostile stares will become your daily routine." Zestila said to Lanchi as they walked towards the Protoss Royal Academy.
The school wasn't far from the station, just a walk away.
"By the way, will there be people looking for trouble when we get to school?"
In fact, Lanchi had already noticed that the gazes of the people they passed were somewhat piercing. It wasn't just the residents, even the guards seemed unfriendly. Almost none of them had kind intentions, and Zestila looked too much like a pure-blooded demon.
"For example?"
"For example, you're minding your own business, reading a book in school, and suddenly some marquis' young master comes along and mocks you."
Lanchi gave a practical example, drawing from his experience with Icarus Feng.
"Then I'll slap him in the face," Zestila replied matter-of-factly, looking up at Lanchi.
"Good girl," Lanchi approved.
In the context of the Demon Realm's culture, this was already quite polite.
Since she wanted to be a demon, he shouldn't judge her by human standards. Lanchi had always been a teacher who respected his students' individuality.
"However, I don't think that kind of situation will arise. In this school, those who truly want your life won't say much to you; they may even try to become your reliable allies first." Zestila explained.
Even though she hadn't expected Lanchi's approval, the kind of nobles he mentioned were too clean-cut and handsome.
"For instance?" Lanchi asked for an example.
"For example, at the end of this month, during the major assessment for preparatory students, and in the Shadow World Challenge at the beginning of next month, most of those who want to be on my team have ulterior motives." Zestila replied indifferently.
"How do you know about others' attitudes towards you, Zestila?" Lanchi didn't think she had paranoid delusions; her words were firm and certain.
"To a certain extent, I can sense hostility and goodwill. You, on the other hand, are unique—pure as a blank sheet of paper." She glanced at Lanchi again.
(End of Chapter)
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