?


    The train headed towards the Northern Frontier was an enormous mechanical beast.


    It was segmented into manypartments.


    Each segment was equipped with necessary amenities designed for thefort of the traveler.


    They included sleeping bunks, sitting areas, a dining car, and storage for luggage.


    Val Whitemore had just boarded the train, and he made his way through the bustling crowd to his assignedpartment.


    He pushed open the door, revealing a surprisingly spacious interior.


    Thepartment was divided into two sections.


    One area boasted plush, cushioned seats arranged in a half-circle near arge window, with a small table at the center.


    The other section contained a set of bunk beds, made up neatly with crisp white sheets and fluffy pillows.


    "It''s nicer than I thought," Val murmured to himself, observing the interior as a soft smile found itself on his face. "Though it doesn''t quite match the quality of the trains in the modern world, it''s quite admirable for this era."


    Although it had been 16 years since he came to this world and he was from a wealthy family, this was Val''s first time on a train.


    Why?


    It is because his unique Unfeeling and Emotional Impairment traits made him different from others, and that difference was seen as a liability by his family.


    As a result, from the age of one to six, he was locked up in his family''s manor.


    His father, Joshua, taught him to mimic emotions during this time.


    It was a skill to fool others into believing that he was just like them and Joshua made it clear that Val wasn''t stepping a foot out of his manor unless he learned it.


    By the time he was six, Val had mastered the art, allowing him to blend in with the ordinary world and avoid bringing shame upon his family name.


    As a result, he was allowed to go inside.


    However, his freedom was short-lived.


    When Val had freed his birth mother from the torment of Joshua, he was subjected to the same cruelty again.


    As a punishment for his defiance, he was put under solitary confinement.


    Once that period ended, he was forced to immerse himself in his studies and strive for excellence in everything he did.


    Thus, despite his desire for exploration, he never got the chance to experience a train journey until now.


    When he was in the IronSpire Stronghold, Val was subjected to Joshua''s will. He was unable to defy him without facing punishment, and his own strength was insufficient to put up a fight. On the rare asion when he did resist, he was dealt a devastating blow that nearly sent him to the afterlife.


    "It''s all in the past."


    Val refused to allow his bitter past to affect him.


    Now that he had left that ce behind, he firmly chose to move on from that difficult chapter in his life!


    He recognized the importance of looking forward and focusing on the future instead of ruminating over what had transpired previously.


    This approach, he believed, would help him maintain rity, ensure emotional health, and keep his actions in alignment with his present goals.


    He understood that dwelling on the past wouldn''t change anything, and he believed that learning from it and moving forward was the only productive course of action.


    Val settledfortably into the cushioned seat by the window and closed his eyes, immersing himself in the solitude of hispartment.


    His senses, now heightened due to the improvement in his physical condition, were quick to pick up on a new sound. It was the noise of footsteps, soft and rhythmic, gradually approaching hispartment. They were light and delicate, indicative of a small, possibly petite figure. He deduced that they belonged either to a woman or a child. The growth of his power had amplified his senses to an extent where he could discern this faint sound amidst the general cacophony.


    As he had predicted, the door soon swung open to admit a new entrant.


    It was a woman with alluring almond eyes, draped in the modest attire of a nun.


    Despite the concealing nature of her clothing, her figure was pleasantly noticeable. She was slender, with a gracefulness that was subtly entuated by the soft curves of her form.


    She was Eliana, a face he instantly recognized.


    He remembered her vividly because she had proven to be a woman of her word, praying earnestly for him when he had lent a helping hand in her hour of need. It was those sincere prayers of hers that had helped him survive the perilous lightning tribtion.


    That life-defying ordeal had resulted in him sessfully upgrading his Whitemore Bloodline to the second level, granting him ess to the formidable Hellish Fist Skill.


    Thus, he had a rather favorable first impression of her.


    "Eliana? What a surprise to see you here," Val said.


    Eliana''s almond eyes sparkled as they met Val''s.


    She had not forgotten him. He was her rescuer, the one who had extended a generous hand when she was navigating through a grave predicament. He had helped her resolve one of her greatest concerns. His act of kindness had etched an indelible memory in her heart, one that she would always cherish.


    Eliana smiled at him sweetly, "We meet again, Brother Val. It seems like our paths were destined to cross."


    Just then, another figure appeared at the door to thepartment.


    It was a tall man with deep emerald eyes, pointy ears, and a rather handsome face. He was dressed in all white. Only his tie was blue.


    He nced at the two teenagers with a gentle gaze, "I hope I''m not disturbing anything."


    Val shook his head at the neer, "Not at all, Lord Lucious. Please, make yourselffortable."


    He easily recognized thetter because of his unique attire.


    Eliana also voiced her agreement, "Yes, Lord Lucious, you''re not disturbing us."


    Lord Lucious was an individual shrouded in mystery.


    Despite being an Ounder, he had been granted the status of an Inder, making him the first of his kind to receive such a privilege.


    How he had achieved this was a mystery to all.


    It''s just that one day the norms, the rules, and the longsting tradition of the kingdom were broken for this man.


    Lord Lucious was envied and revered by the popce.


    Eliana looked at him with admiration. Val, on the other hand, felt a bit envious of him, but he didn''t let that show on his face.


    Rumors had circted about Lord Lucious, painting a picture of a dangerous man who shouldn''t be offended.


    It was said that those who did offend him never returned alive.


    Val knew about him from the rumors he had heard while growing up. He was intrigued by the man but decided to be cautious around him.


    He had an instinctive sense, which he attributed to his Detect Trait, that Lucious was indeed as formidable as the rumors suggested. Thus, he was convinced of the truth behind the whispers that painted Lucious as a dangerous man. The need for caution and respect when dealing with Lucious was all too clear.


    Lucious sat opposite the teens and focused his gaze on Val, "You must be Val."


    "Yes, indeed. It''s an honor to be recognized by you, Lord Lucious," Val replied with a warm smile, extending his hand in greeting.


    If a man couldn''t be offended, it was better to befriend him.


    Val''s n was to leave a favorable first impression on Lucious''s mind.


    He believed that if he seeded in leaving a positive first impression, this couldy the foundation for a deeper connection down the line.


    Lucious reached out and shook his hand firmly, a subtle smile ying on his lips. "Your reputation has begun to spread far and wide, Val, especially after your victory over that brat from the Stroud family. It seems you are destined for greatness."


    Val smiled at Lucious''s words, the corner of his eyes crinkling slightly.


    "I merely did what I had to protect the reputation of my family, Lord Lucious."


    Of course, Val was lying. He dared to lie because no one except for the parties involved knew the truth of what happened.


    As for why he lied, it was a calctive move!