CHAPTER 158: SUPER MAGIC TRAIN

The following morning, Nero had already prepared himself for departure. Everything he deemed necessary for the one-week summer break in Angel’s City had been neatly stored inside his spatial ring—an efficient solution that allowed him to carry much without being burdened. After a final check, he left his dorm and headed to the rendezvous point where Lux, Adam, and Blake were already waiting.

"The girls will follow later. For now, it’s just us," Lux explained calmly, referring to Khione, Elreth, and Azalea’s absence.

"Tch, what a shame. I was looking forward to some women’s company," Adam sighed dramatically, though his tone was more playful than serious. The others rolled their eyes at his antics, already used to his behavior.

"Let’s move," Lux said, taking the lead with his usual composed demeanor. "Since we’ll be boarding the Super Magic Train, we should reach Angel’s City late in the night. It only takes a single day."

The mention of the train drew Nero’s attention. He had heard of it but never experienced it himself. A hybrid marvel forged through the combined ingenuity of magic and advanced dwarven engineering, it was one of Adam’s race’s most lauded creations. The train connected distant cities in record time, making even journeys that once took weeks or months feel short.

The four strolled leisurely through the bustling streets until the train station came into view. And there it was—the Super Magic Train. Its metallic surface gleamed under the morning sun like polished silver, giving the impression of a massive knight clad in shining armor. Intricate runes ran along its sides, glowing faintly, a testimony to the fusion of enchantment and technology that powered it.

Nero paused for a moment, quietly observing. This was no ordinary form of transportation—it was a symbol of progress, of how far civilizations had come by merging science and sorcery.

They paid for their tickets with credits, naturally choosing the first-class option. For students of the special class, comfort was more than a luxury—it was expected. First-class suites came with not just spacious reclining seats but private compartments, lounges, and even leisure facilities. A billiard table occupied the center of their cabin, polished to perfection, waiting to be used.

Departure was only minutes away.

Inside, the suite was a display of refinement. The walls were paneled in enchanted wood, warm yet modern, with soft lighting casting a golden glow over the space. Velvet seats lined the sides, wide enough to serve as beds if reclined. Transparent glass windows offered a panoramic view of the outside world, and faint magical runes etched across them ensured that noise from outside would never disturb the passengers within.

Blake was the first to flop onto a seat. With his usual lazy air, he fastened the security belt, leaned back, and closed his eyes. Within seconds, his breathing had already slowed into a light snore. The others couldn’t help but chuckle.

"Figures," Nero muttered, shaking his head in mild amusement.

Adam, restless as ever, wandered toward the refreshment counter, immediately drawn to the selection of fine drinks lined neatly on a crystal shelf. His brown eyes gleamed as he spotted a dwarven whiskey aged a hundred years.

"Now this," he said, whistling softly, "is how you travel."

Lux, in contrast, remained quiet. He stood by the wide window, his silver hair catching the soft glow of light filtering into the cabin. His gaze was distant, lost in thought, as if the landscape beyond the station stirred memories only he could see.

Nero, however, moved slowly through the suite, examining every detail with curiosity. This was his first time experiencing something so refined. He trailed his fingers along the polished surface of the billiard table, glanced at the stack of neatly arranged books and enchanted chess boards on the corner shelves, and finally sat down, allowing himself to sink into the velvet seat.

The hum of magical energy reverberated faintly beneath his feet as the train prepared to depart. For Nero, it was more than just transportation—it was a reminder of the wider world beyond the academy, a world he had only just begun to step into.

"You’ve never played billiard before, have you?" Lux’s voice broke the silence. He had turned from the window, noticing Nero’s curious glance at the green table.

"No," Nero admitted flatly.

"Then let me show you." Lux gestured with a gentle smile. "It’ll pass the time. And who knows? You might enjoy it."

Nero walked over, expression neutral, but there was a glint of interest in his crimson eyes. Lux picked up a cue stick and demonstrated, his movements smooth and precise.

"You hold it like this. One hand stabilizes the base, the other guides the shot. It’s about control, precision, and a bit of instinct."

He struck the cue ball, sending it rolling across the felt. It collided with a colored ball, sinking neatly into a corner pocket.

Adam, who had been pouring himself a glass of whiskey, turned with a grin. "Now this is my kind of game. Count me in."

The three gathered around the table. Lux explained the rules while demonstrating different shots. Nero, though inexperienced, quickly adapted. His first attempts were stiff, the balls veering off awkwardly, but with Lux’s patient guidance—adjusting his grip, correcting his posture—his shots grew steadier.

"Not bad," Lux praised after Nero successfully pocketed a striped ball. "You learn quickly."

Adam chuckled, swirling his glass as he leaned on the table. "Don’t encourage him too much. He might start thinking he’s good at everything."

Nero ignored the jab, eyes fixed on the table. He was focused, approaching the game as if it were a small battle—a contest of angles, timing, and control.

The game went on, filled with laughter and the occasional mockery from Adam. Lux, graceful and calm, dominated most matches. His shots were sharp, his strategy impeccable. Nero held his own after a while, managing a few surprising plays, but Adam... Adam was more interested in sipping whiskey and making bold, reckless shots that rarely landed.

After several rounds, Lux emerged the clear winner. Adam groaned dramatically, throwing his cue stick onto the table.

"I swear, Lux, you were born to ruin people’s fun."

Lux simply smiled. "Or perhaps you were born to make it entertaining."