Platform 9¾ to the Frank Kingdom
The 9 and 3/4 Frank Kingdom. One of the nations closest to Britannia—you can probably guess the inspiration just from the name. Much like in reality, the two countries were traditional rivals, and even now, with Britannia standing tall as the world's strongest power, the Frank Kingdom was considered its most threatening adversary. The physical distance was short enough to cross in a single day, but the key issue was that, being a different country, we had to go through entry procedures. Wait, why the hell was that witch there of all places? Other nations did appear as backdrops in the original story, but the main setting was naturally limited to Britannia, home of the Academy. I'd planned to quickly absorb Jinju's power in the meantime, but now this sudden overseas trip. With zero preparation, it all felt hopelessly daunting.
"Hmm. Miss Witch."
"Yes? What can I do for you?"
The witch had somehow slipped back into her usual demeanor. I gave an awkward smile, harboring a sliver of hope as I asked,
"Any chance of a direct teleport? Or maybe summoning her here instead?"
"Hehe. Of course that's possible without much trouble. As long as you pay the proper price."
"Oh, really?"
When I asked how much, she boldly held out her hand and quoted a figure.
"...That's way too expensive."
"Well, naturally it is. I'm giving you a special phantom thief discount on top of that."
I really wanted to shell out if I could, but this was beyond excessive. Even scraping together every last coin I had right now, I'd still fall woefully short.
"Got anything cheaper?"
"Hmm. Well, there is a slightly more affordable option."
With that, she produced what looked like an elegantly designed ticket.
"A train ticket? Don't you have to cross the sea to get to the Frank Kingdom?"
As far as I knew, there was an undersea tunnel connecting London to Paris back on Earth, but this world was modeled after the industrial era, so that level of technology shouldn't exist yet.
"Oh my. I thought you'd know, but that's surprising. This isn't an ordinary train ticket."
Not a normal train? I picked up the ticket from the counter and examined it closely. Clean, sophisticated design. Unlike standard tickets, there were no dates or seat numbers printed on it. Flipping it over, I suddenly realized what made this train so special. The distinctive emblem of golden clockwork gears overlaid with a magic circle.
Magitech.
"As expected, you know it. Quite a rare ticket, too."
It was one of the key settings that played a significant role in the original story. In simple terms, it was the brainchild of a genius who sought to harmonize magic and science in an era where they clashed. This technology popped up in various moments in the story, but I vaguely recalled the magitech train being mentioned only in passing. I never imagined it'd show up at this timing.
But honestly, it was a golden opportunity. Since falling into this world, I'd only heard the name magitech in passing—never seen it in action. This was my first chance to encounter it for real.
"How much for this ticket?"
"Hmm... let's say this much?"
Cheaper than the broom service, but still pricey. Even so, I judged it worth the investment. Above all, I was curious. How the hell did it cross the sea to Frank?
"Magitech, eh? This should be fun."
The Goddess seemed to share my excitement. After a brief internal debate, I tearfully shelled out the fortune for the ticket. The witch beamed ear-to-ear, thrilled at the windfall, and thanked me profusely.
"Such lavish spending—truly befitting a phantom thief. I'm smitten all over again."
How does she spew such bald-faced lies without batting an eye or skipping a beat? Oh, right—she's a witch, not human.
"So, where do I board this train?"
"Hmm. I'll throw in that info as a special service."
Good lord. She was planning to charge for that too? Was it professional dedication or just plain greed? Capitalism corrupts even witches into money-grubbers.
I tilted my head at the address scribbled on the note. Wait a minute... wasn't this plagiarism?
First, I headed home and donned my Lupin disguise. Even for the magitech train, boarding required ID verification. I briefly considered going legit, but it'd be impossible to get a refund now that I'd bought the ticket.
Leaving home, I made for none other than London Station—the beating heart of Britannia's rail network. Crucially, this was also the platform for the magitech train. More precisely, it was hidden somewhere inside London Station.
I paused at the platform entrance, pondering whether this was blatant plagiarism or a homage. Well, if they were copying it this openly, they probably didn't care about hiding it. Same British backdrop, magic academy—fair enough.
Shaking off the idle thoughts, I stepped through the wall into the hidden platform.
"Whoa..."
It felt utterly surreal. The basic scenery wasn't much different from outside, but it was like stepping into another world. Especially the emptiness—no crowds, just a desolate vibe that set it apart from the bustling London Station.
No wonder they offered open tickets regardless of date or seat; business must be slow. Though factoring in ticket prices, they probably raked in plenty even with sparse passengers.
Lost in trivial musings while waiting, I soon heard a distant steam whistle. The train rolled in.
At first glance, it looked like any ordinary locomotive. But the clockwork-and-magic-circle emblem emblazoned on its side clearly marked it as magitech.
As it pulled into the platform, I peeked ahead—no engineer in the front cab.
What? Self-driving train? Even with magic-science fusion, that seemed like overkill tech.
Truth be told, the original never properly explained magitech principles, so I had no clue how it worked. What was I expecting from a fantasy manhwa world, anyway?
The train slowed to a stop. Out of habit, I stepped back slightly. No one disembarked when the doors opened, and peering inside revealed empty cars. Only then did it hit me.
'I still haven't fully shaken off my Earth life.'
I'd unconsciously pictured the perpetually packed Seoul subways of the 21st century. Of course that was normal here—it'd only been half a year since I arrived.
No time for nostalgia. Scrambling aboard before it departed, I slipped through the open door.
The interior blended luxurious wood paneling with glossy black steel—like stepping onto a movie set rather than a train.
Really empty, huh? My car was all vacant seats. No conductors either? Then why even buy a ticket? I debated just plopping down or scouting for people in another car.
Not that I needed to meet anyone. No real urge to chat even if I did. The train ride was incidental; my goal was reaching Paris to meet the Witch of Prophecy.
I'll just sightsee. I slumped into a window seat and watched the view roll by.
The train picked up speed leaving the platform—pretty fast. So this would take me straight across the border to Paris? I was dying to know how the tracks were laid.
Given the hidden platform at London Station, the rails must have some special treatment too. But the passing scenery was disappointingly mundane.
'Eh, all that hype for nothing.'
As time wore on and familiarity set in, my excitement waned. No different from a regular train. Maybe peek when we cross into Frank later. For now, catch a nap—
Then the door to the forward car slid open, and someone appeared. I instantly sized them up: cowboy hat, pristine white cloak, tall riding boots, and a pitch-black mask covering their entire face.
'Suspicious as hell!'
The eccentric getup made it clear they weren't from the original story, but it only deepened the mystery. Male build, from the physique.
Spotting me, they fixed their gaze and strode over purposefully. Without asking, the masked cowboy plopped into the seat beside mine.
"Greetings."
Surprisingly refined and cheerful voice, belying the outfit. I returned the courtesy.
"Pleased to meet you."
Currently in my middle-aged gentleman Lupin guise, I'd adjusted my speech accordingly.
But after my greeting, they let out a thoughtful hum.
"Hmm."
Then, out of nowhere:
"That appearance. It's a fake."