Chapter?698 157.1 - The Trip


    The car glided smoothly through the bustling streets of Etheria Haven, the vibrant cityscape alive with magical energy. The towering buildings, crafted with a fusion of modern design and arcane architecture, shimmered faintly under the warm evening light. Everywhere, people moved with purpose, their mana-infused lives evident in the subtle glow of their tools, trinkets, and even their clothing.


    Irina''s gaze remained fixed on the passing scenery, her expressionposed but thoughtful. She had lived here her entire life-long enough to know that even with their disguises, staying here too long was a risk she couldn''t afford. Etheria Haven isn''t just another city in the Valerian Federation, she thought, her fingers brushing lightly against her coat. It''s a city of magicians-people with abilities sharp enough to see through even the best illusions.


    The magic-infused paparazzi were notorious here, with reporters trained to pierce through enchantments to uncover hidden truths. It was why Irina hadn''t even considered showing Astron around the city, despite the fact that it was her home. I can''t afford to be discovered, she mused. If anyone recognizes me, the heir of the Emberheart family, it would spell disaster for this trip.


    Even her mother had questioned this n before approving it. Irina could still hear her voice, calm but probing, asking whether Etheria Haven was truly the right ce to start their journey. Irina had convinced her with careful reasoning: teleportation gates would reveal her identity in an instant, while trains offered a safer alternative—at least in appearance. Besides, she thought with a faint smile, there''s something nostalgic and authentic about train travel. I didn''t want to miss out on that experience.


    Thatst part, of course, was an excuse. The real reason she''d chosen the train was simpler. I wanted to experience it with him, she admitted silently, her gaze flicking briefly toward Astron. Not everything has to be about magic or efficiency. Some things should just... be.


    The car pulled into the underground lot of Etheria Haven Station, a sprawling hub of magical and modern transportation. The driver parked discreetly near an unmarked entrance, a quieter section reserved for high-profile travelers seeking anonymity. Irina adjusted her coat as the driver opened the door for them.


    "Here we are," she said, stepping out and ncing at Astron as he followed. "Stick close. We''re not lingering."


    Astron nodded, his gray eyes scanning the station. The air was charged with energy. and even without seeing it directly, he could feel the magical currents flowing around them. People moved briskly through the vast space, the atmosphere alive with the subtle hum of arcane activity.


    The station itself was a masterpiece of magical engineering. High ceilings were


    adorned with floating, glowing runes that shifted and reformed to disy train schedules. Streams of light crisscrossed the space, guiding travelers to their destinations. The faint scent of ozone and mana lingered in the air, a constant reminder that this was no ordinary ce.


    Irina led the way, her steps brisk and purposeful. She nced briefly at Astron, who moved beside her with his usual calm demeanor.


    As they approached the security checkpoint, she leaned closer to him, her voice low. "Remember what I said no risks, no unnecessary attention. Let me handle everything."


    He gave a small nod, his expression unreadable. "Understood."


    ''He....''


    Though it was clear that, he was enjoying the way Irina was acting.


    They passed through the checkpoint smoothly, their disguises holding firm as they blended into the stream of travelers. Irina let out a small breath of relief once they reached the tform. The sleek high-speed train awaited them, its metallic surface shimmering faintly under the station''s glow.


    As the two stood on the tform, waiting for their train to arrive, the low hum of arcane energy in the air seemed to amplify the anticipation. Irina crossed her arms, casting a nce at Astron, who was standing with his usual calm, hands casually at his sides.


    "Haaah..." she let out another soft sigh, though she tried to keep it subtle.


    Astron''s sharp gray eyes flicked toward her. "Why are you sighing?"


    Her brow furrowed, and she turned away slightly. "...Nothing"


    "Nervous?" he pressed, his tone calm but carrying just enough teasing to make her nce sharply at him.


    "Humph. I am not nervous," she replied, her voice defensive.


    "Really?" His lips twitched as if holding back. "It doesn''t appear to be the case.


    "Shut up," she muttered, her gaze darting back to the tracks as if that would end the conversation.


    Astron hummed softly, a rare sound that made Irina''s cheeks flush slightly. She huffed again, determined not to rise to his bait, but she could feel his amusement lingering in


    the air.


    Their disguises and fake identities had passed through the checkpoint without incident. Both wore the calm confidence of seasoned travelers, and their illusionary appearances had blended seamlessly into the crowd. Even those who nced their way quickly looked elsewhere, likely drawn to their appearances for a brief moment before moving on. It''s probably because of our looks, Irina thought, her hazel eyes


    scanning the station. But as long as no one stops us, it''s fine.


    The tform was bustling with energy, but the crowd moved with purpose and efficiency. The magical city''s influence was clear here-the air carried the hum of runes engraved on walls and tforms, assisting with everything from navigation to announcements. Irina felt herself rx slightly. We''ve managed to blend in. That''s all that matters for now.


    A soft, melodic chime echoed through the station, announcing the arrival of their train. The sleek, silver-blue lotive came into view, its surface shimmering faintly with runic patterns that pulsed in rhythmic harmony. This wasn''t an ordinary train like those in the Valerian Federation. This was the Arcane Stream Express, a high-speed magical marvel managed by the Magic Council.


    The train was a symbol of the Arcadia Dominion''s prowess in blending magic with technology, a far cry from the standard trains of the Federation. Its carriages were spacious and enchanted forfort, while its route wove through Etheria Haven and smaller cities in the Arcadia Dominion, connecting the region in awork of mana-infused travel.


    Irina nced at Astron, her hazel eyes glinting. "This is it," she said, stepping forward as the train slowed to a graceful halt.


    "Impressive," Astron remarked, his calm tone betraying a flicker of genuine interest as his gaze scanned the intricate runes along the train''s body.


    A soft smile tugged at Irina''s lips as she led the way toward their assigned car. Even he can''t hide his curiosity, she thought with a faint sense of satisfaction.


    They entered the train, stepping into a spacious corridor lined with softly glowing lights that adjusted to their presence. Their private cabin was located toward the center, its door engraved with subtle runes for soundproofing and privacy. Irina slid the door open and stepped inside, taking in the luxurious yet understated design. Plush seats facedrge, magically enhanced windows that offered an unobstructed


    view of thendscape.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Astron followed her in, settling into his seat with practiced ease. He nced briefly at her, his gray eyes thoughtful. "You chose well," he said, his tone neutral but carrying the faintest hint of approval.


    Irina smirked as she took her seat across from him, her hazel gaze meeting his. "Of


    course I did. You expected anything less?"


    "Not really," he replied, leaning back in his seat.


    As Irina and Astron settled into their cabin, afortable silence enveloped the space. The soft hum of mana coursing through the train''s enchanted systems created a soothing backdrop,plemented by the faint glow of the magically enhanced


    windows.


    Astron leaned back in his seat, his sharp grav eves asionally drifting to the


    intricate patterns etched into the cabin walls. Irina, meanwhile, busied herself adjusting a small travel bag, her movements precise as she ced it neatly by her


    side.


    A soft knock at the door broke the quiet. Irina straightened, her hazel gaze flicking toward Astron briefly before she called out, "Come in."


    The door slid open to reveal a neatly dressed attendant, her uniform adorned with subtle magical insignias that identified her as part of the Arcane Stream Express staff. She stepped inside with a professional smile, holding a mana-imbued tablet in her


    hands.


    "Good evening, Mr. Calden and Miss Elira," the attendant said warmly, addressing them by the names listed on their tickets. "I''m here to confirm your travel details and provide some information about your amodations."


    Irina nodded, her expressionposed but polite. "Go ahead."


    The attendant scanned the tickets Astron handed over, her eyes glowing faintly as the tablet verified the enchantments. Once satisfied, she smiled again and began


    exining.


    "As premium passengers, you''re entitled to a variety of amenities during your journey," she said, her voice smooth and practiced. "Our dining car offers a selection of gourmet meals and beverages, which can also be ordered directly to your cabin. We rmend trying the seasonal specialties, which are freshly prepared by our


    onboard chefs."


    She gestured toward a panel embedded in the cabin wall. "You can use this interface


    to request meals, drinks, or any additional services. We also have a curated library of entertainment, including enchanted books, mana-imbued games, and projection films avable for your enjoyment."


    Irina exchanged a brief nce with Astron before nodding. "That sounds excellent.


    Thank you."


    The attendant''s smile widened slightly. "If you need anything else, feel free to use the


    cabin''smunication rune to contact the staff directly. We hope you have a pleasant.


    journey."


    With that, she bowed slightly and exited the room, sliding the door shut behind her.


    For a moment, silence returned, broken only by the faint vibrations of the train as it began toe alive. The soft whirring of mana conduits filled the air, a rhythmic sound that seemed to sync with the cabin''s ambient lighting. Outside, the golden light of dusk gave way to the deep blues of early evening.


    Irina leaned back in her seat, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "They certainly know


    how to set the mood," she remarked, her hazel gaze drifting to the glowing runes embedded in the cabin walls.


    Astron nodded slightly, his gray eyes calm as he observed the space around them. "It''s


    Irina''s smile widened. "Exactly. There''s something about the details-the soft sounds, the cozy atmosphere, the little luxuries-that make the journey feel... special." Astron tilted his head, his expression thoughtful. "It is interesting...I would have chosen to be at my destination right away, rather than wasting my time on a travel."


    "Humph.....that is why you are this dull."


    Astron couldn''t help but raise his eyebrows at that.