Chapter 307
Chapter 307
Chapter 307
Translator: True Detective
Chapter 307 – Lan Qi Begins to Let Himself Go
With a slight jolt, the passengers inside the carriage realized they had arrived at Rock Convergence Station, and the Magitec rail train was slowly coming to a halt.
Outside the window, the grand station hall gradually came into view.
The interior hall was spacious and bright, its ceiling made of transparent glass that let in faint natural light. On the walls hung works by local artists, depicting the history and culture of Rock box Mountain.
Each platform was supported by enormous stone pillars, perfectly integrated into the station’s main structure. In the past, trains from the north often passed through here, connecting the northern city-states with the south-central provinces of Protos. But now, the number of arriving trains was oddly few, making the once-bustling station feel rather desolate.
Lan Qi and Sid stood up from their seats, carrying their suitcases.
As they walked down the carriage aisle and stepped off the train, they noticed many uniformed imperial soldiers patrolling the platform. They wore black uniforms, each holding a gleaming weapon in hand.
Every soldier’s face was expressionless, as if they were part of the station itself—serious and unyielding.
The merchant passengers looked uneasy, cautiously disembarking, trying to avoid eye contact with the soldiers.
At the entrance leading from the platform level to the main hall, there were two possible passages:
Either transfer for a connecting train, or exit the station.
Most passengers chose to head toward the exit.
But as Lan Qi and Sid continued along the transfer passage, they soon realized that almost no one else was left.
Only when they neared the inspection checkpoint did they finally see imperial soldiers stationed there.
At the inspection desk stood a medium-built officer with a resolute face. From the medals on his left chest, it was clear he held the rank of Captain. His sharp eyes constantly observed every imperial citizen who passed through.
Lan Qi and Sid exchanged a glance before approaching the desk.
When they stood before the Captain, he swept his cold, hard gaze over them.
“Name, identity, and destination.”
The Captain’s voice was deep and commanding.
“Rocky McCarthy. This is my companion, Sid Novia. We are clerics from the imperial capital, Helrom, tasked with assisting the northern branch in carrying out official duties.”
Lan Qi remained calm, handing over both his and Sid’s travel permits and documents.
Although he was prepared for some hostility, the information he provided was entirely truthful. The Captain should have no reason to make things difficult.
The Captain nodded, picked up a Magitec device from the table, and began scanning their documents.
“So, clerics of the Annihilation Branch.”
After confirming their identities, the Captain’s tone became noticeably softer as he returned the documents to them.
Lan Qi and Sid exchanged another glance.
It seemed the Annihilation Branch had a strong reputation in the north—even imperial officers treated them with respect.
In the southern provinces, the Church of Resurrection was far from welcome.
But here, so close to the warfront, things were different.
When times were safe, the Church of Resurrection was seen as dangerous.But when danger loomed, they represented safety.
In the face of war and unknown horrors, siding with the Church of Resurrection gave people the feeling of relying on darkness itself.
“If you plan to transfer toward the northwestern province, you’ll likely have to wait until tomorrow morning. Because of northern blizzards, trains are heavily delayed. And if you intend to continue northward, you may be waiting a very long time.”
The Captain added with some regret.
Although he didn’t know their exact travel plans, in this city, if they didn’t turn back, there were only two routes left to choose from.
“We want to continue north. Why would we have to wait so long?”
Lan Qi didn’t reveal the transfer tickets to the northwestern province that the Annihilation Branch in the capital had already purchased for them. His true plan was to pass inspection here at Rock box Mountain, then buy tickets further north and bring Sid with him to investigate the dangerous northern frontlines.
But now, it seemed traveling north was far more difficult than expected.
Sid stayed silent beside him, leaving the decision entirely to Lan Qi. She would simply help him fight if it came to that.
“It’s not recommended that you continue north, sir.”
The Captain said after some thought.
“Something happened in the north?”
Lan Qi asked curiously.
“One of the key segments of the northern railway has broken down. Repairs are impossible under the snowstorms. There have been no trains coming from the north for several days. You’d either have to find another way to travel overland or wait until the city-state repairs the track.”
The Captain pulled out a map, circling the routes and the damaged area with his finger.
“Also, there are rumors of many people going missing in the north this year. Law and order is in chaos. You should be cautious.”
He lowered his voice, giving them a warning.
“Something like that?”
Lan Qi raised his eyebrows.
“Not only that—the capital also sent special investigators a few days ago. Even the Governor of Rock box Province dispatched troops to accompany them north for on-site investigation.”
“If you really insist on heading north, I’d advise you not to go past Kingston City. Beyond that, the weather is brutal, the terrain extremely treacherous. Without local guides, even ignoring all other dangers, you could simply end up buried in snow or frozen to death.”
The Captain didn’t linger on the topic, quickly shifting to ask if they needed help finding accommodations for the night in the city.
He could tell these two elites from the capital were powerful—already among the strongest talents in the region.
But the lands further ahead weren’t something young people could handle.
They didn’t linger at the checkpoint long. Soon, the two bid farewell to the Captain and walked back toward the main hall.
“Scared? Careful, or the two of us might get kidnapped.”
Sid asked with a smile when Lan Qi remained silent for a long time.
After all, heading due north was Lan Qi’s impulsive idea. She didn’t mind sticking to the original plan instead—heading northwest to capture Kingdom of Aetherthalan agents and Goddess of Fate cultists who had infiltrated the Empire.
Heading north was clearly far more dangerous. The northwestern provinces were much safer.
Lan Qi rubbed his chin, his expression grim, deep in thought.
“The more lawless a place is… the more it needs me.”
Lan Qi muttered.
“?”
From the shadows, Boss Cat frowned.
What Lan Qi said sounded incredibly righteous.
But somehow, it gave off a terrifying vibe.
It had heard of what this guy did in the Shadow World of the Sanctuary.
This bastard was practically a trafficker himself!
Always cutting out organs from other blood clans!
(End of Chapter)