The train headed towards the Northern Frontier was an enormous chanical beast.
It was segnted into many compartnts.
Each segnt was equipped with necessary anities designed for the comfort 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 assigned compartnt.
He pushed open the door, revealing a surprisingly spacious interior.
The compartnt was divided into two sections.
One area boasted plush, cushioned seats arranged in a half-circle near a large 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 ca to this world and he was from a wealthy family, this was Val's first ti on a train.
Why?
It is because his unique Unfeeling and Emotional Impairnt 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 ti.
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 ti he was six, Val had mastered the art, allowing him to blend in with the ordinary world and avoid bringing sha upon his family na.
As a result, he was allowed to go inside.
However, his freedom was short-lived.
When Val had freed his birth mother from the tornt of Joshua, he was subjected to the sa cruelty again.
As a punishnt for his defiance, he was put under solitary confinent.
Once that period ended, he was forced to imrse 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 punishnt, and his own strength was insufficient to put up a fight. On the rare occasion 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 place 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 clarity, ensure emotional health, and keep his actions in alignnt 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 settled comfortably into the cushioned seat by the window and closed his eyes, imrsing himself in the solitude of his compartnt.
His senses, now heightened due to the improvent in his physical condition, were quick to pick up on a new sound. It was the noise of footsteps, soft and rhythmic, gradually approaching his compartnt. 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 accentuated by the soft curves of her form.
She was Eliana, a face he instantly recognized.
He rembered 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 tribulation.
That life-defying ordeal had resulted in him successfully upgrading his Whitemore Bloodline to the second level, granting him access 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 t 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 predicant. He had helped her resolve one of her greatest concerns. His act of kindness had etched an indelible mory in her heart, one that she would always cherish.
Eliana smiled at him sweetly, "We et again, Brother Val. It seems like our paths were destined to cross."
Just then, another figure appeared at the door to the compartnt.
It was a tall man with deep erald eyes, pointy ears, and a rather handso face. He was dressed in all white. Only his tie was blue.
He glanced at the two teenagers with a gentle gaze, "I hope I'm not disturbing anything."
Val shook his head at the newcor, "Not at all, Lord Lucious. Please, make yourself comfortable."
He easily recognized the latter because of his unique attire.
Eliana also voiced her agreent, "Yes, Lord Lucious, you're not disturbing us."
Lord Lucious was an individual shrouded in mystery.
Despite being an Outlander, he had been granted the status of an Inlander, 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 long-lasting tradition of the kingdom were broken for this man.
Lord Lucious was envied and revered by the populace.
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 circulated 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 plan was to leave a favorable first impression on Lucious's mind.
He believed that if he succeeded in leaving a positive first impression, this could lay the foundation for a deeper connection down the line.
Lucious reached out and shook his hand firmly, a subtle smile playing 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 rely 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 calculative move!
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