Chapter 698 157.1 - The Trip

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 expression composed 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 plan before approving it. Irina could still hear her voice, calm but probing, asking whether Etheria Haven was truly the right place 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.

That last 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 glancing 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 display 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 place.

Irina led the way, her steps brisk and purposeful. She glanced 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 platform. The sleek high-speed train awaited them, its metallic surface shimmering faintly under the station's glow.

As the two stood on the platform, 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 glance 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 glance 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.

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 accommodations."

Irina nodded, her expression composed 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

explaining.

"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 recommend 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 available for your enjoyment."

Irina exchanged a brief glance 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's communication 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 to come 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

comfortable.

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.