https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-369-Lanchi-s-Plan-for-Expanding-His-Faculty/12584534/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-371-Lanchi-Waited-for-Her-in-the-Most-Conspicuous-Spot/12584536/
Chapter 370: Sybrian Takes the Stage
Chapter 370: Sybrian Takes the Stage
In the evening, north of the imperial capital, Helrom.
The maglev train had just emerged from a deep gray stone tunnel, winding its way through the mountains and into a vast, symmetrical ancient forest, with the silhouette of the mountain peaks and the occasional flickering lights in the distance. The fortress city-state and the Helrom National Forest Park outside its walls appeared deeper in the shadows as the train whistled by.
The outline of distant Helrom gradually came into focus, its lights illuminating the sky one by one, as if responding to the twinkling stars veiled in darkness.
Inside the carriage, the clock's hands had just passed seven, and the soft yellow light danced on the wooden panels. Passengers sat quietly or engaged in hushed conversations, a blend of bustling activity and serene calm. Attendants moved efficiently through the aisles, tending to the passengers' various requests with practiced smiles before continuing on their way.
Sybrian sat by the window, her reflection on the glass showing her quiet gaze toward the outside world. Red hair accessories adorned her dark tresses, with her long hair cascading over her shoulders.
Across from her, Mishula had already changed into the uniform of the Protoss Royal Magic Academy, her pointed ears bearing a subtle hint of demonic features.
Between them, the sound of Mishula turning the pages of her book filled the brief moments of silence as they both maintained a quiet anticipation for their impending arrival at their destination—Helrom.
Outside, the scenery flashed by, occasionally offering a clearer glimpse of the glowing city.
The sound of the book closing broke the silence, as Mishula tucked it into her handbag. Although she had not finished reading this borrowed book, The Romance of the Holy War, she decided to put it aside for now, intending to finish it once they returned to school.
"Sister, don't worry. Helrom isn't as dangerous as you think. The Resurrection Church won't be as rampant here as they are in the northern extinction branch. At least within the school grounds, we won't encounter any of their followers." Mishula, sensing her sister's underlying worry, offered reassurance.
She attributed Sybrian's unease to their previous encounter at the pass in Hezishan Province.
Most of the time, Sybrian maintained a calm and collected demeanor, but when she was with Mishula, she tended to let her guard down, revealing her true emotions.
"Mishula... thank you. I appreciate your words," Sybrian said, turning to her sister with a slightly dazed expression before offering her gratitude.
While they had briefly experienced danger at the pass, the subsequent journey across the northern empire to the central region had been surprisingly tranquil, spanning over a day.
In this comfortable space, she found it natural to relax and let down her guard when with her loved ones.
However, Mishula remained unaware of the weighty mission Sybrian carried and the daunting tasks that awaited her in Helrom.
The thought of infiltrating that isolated prison in this unfamiliar city, and possibly delving into the pitch-black depths capable of sealing an eighth-rank demon, still filled her with fear.
Yet, she could confide in no one, keeping this secret mission hidden in her heart.
"So, what do you think of the book? Are you enjoying it?" Sybrian asked with a smile, noticing that Mishula was preparing for their imminent arrival.
The book that Mishula had just put away was one that the Ice Snow Witch had lent to Sybrian for entertainment during the journey, and she had later borrowed it from her sister.
It was a book originally from the Protoss Empire, so it wouldn't raise any suspicions within the empire, and most importantly, the Ice Snow Witch had sealed the Great Love Poet as a bookmark, allowing it to pass undetected through inspections.
"It's quite interesting. Now I just want to see the hysterical antics of the losing heroine," Mishula replied, her arms crossed as she gave her assessment.
Although the novel was a fictional story set during the Holy War era, with made-up characters, it featured three distinct female leads: one who appeared to be the obvious choice for the leading lady, another who seemed destined to lose, and a third who exuded an air of eventual defeat.
"Are you talking about the girl who's always eating or holding food when she appears?" Sybrian asked, confused. The book, published by the Imperial Royal Magic Academy Publishing House earlier this year, only had the first part, so it was too early to tell who the ultimate winner would be.
"Yes, her," Mishula confirmed with a nod.
"I find her rather adorable," Sybrian admitted. If she were a boy, that particular heroine would be her favorite.
"I still think the youngest heroine is the cutest," Mishula gushed, her heart filled with girlish dreams. "If life is a journey, she experiences despair and loneliness but finds the strength to dispel them. Her graceful demeanor, her commitment to her promises, and her beauty make her someone worth cherishing."
The sisters' discussion of the book made the brief wait seem shorter, and before they knew it, the clock's minute hand had moved twice.
With a gentle vibration, the train began to slow down, and the stars and lights outside the window seemed to slow their rush. The quiet night was gradually illuminated by the approaching lights of the Helrom platform.
The low rumble between the wheels and tracks that had persisted throughout the night gradually faded, signaling the end of their journey.
Mishula and Sybrian lifted their heads from their books, their conversation coming to a natural pause as their gazes turned to the world outside the carriage windows.
On the approaching platform, the bustling figures of travelers came into focus, and the sounds of passengers walking by their compartment rose and fell.
"Sister, let's go to the commercial district to buy some things before we head back to school," Mishula suggested, glancing out the window and then at Sybrian. She sensed that her sister's mind was still not entirely at ease, even after leaving home. "If we don't take advantage of the weekend to go out, we won't have another chance to leave the school grounds until next Monday."
If given a choice, Mishula would rather not spend a minute more than necessary within the walls of the Protoss Royal Magic Academy.
Their luggage, which they had checked in at the station, would be taken care of by the Protoss Royal Academy's pick-up service and delivered directly to their residence.
As noble students, they had been granted accommodation in a standalone mansion in the academy's northern residential area by Count Milford.
Upon disembarking, they had very little luggage to carry. Heading south from the station, it would take them just over ten minutes to reach the Protoss Royal Magic Academy, while going north would lead them to a bustling commercial district in the southern part of Helrom, renowned for its famous shops and lively atmosphere.
(End of Chapter)
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