at any moment, while the other held a cardboard box containing Iketeri sea salt flavored cookies.These cookies sell out every morning, so people in the capital wake up very early to queue up and buy...Chapter 307: Ranch Begins to Unleash Himself

With a slight jolt, the passengers in the carriage realized they had arrived at the Rock Junction Station, and the Magitek Rail was about to come to a slow stop. {Google search}

Outside the window, the grand station hall gradually comes into view.

The lobby is spacious and bright, with a transparent glass ceiling that allows soft natural light to bathe the entire area. On the walls hang works by local artists depicting the history and culture of Rock Box Mountain.

Every platform is supported by massive stone pillars that blend seamlessly with the main structure of the station. In times past, trains from the north frequently ran through here, connecting the northern city-states to Protoss's central and southern regions. Now, the number of arriving vehicles has dwindled noticeably, leaving this once bustling station feeling eerily deserted.

Lanche and Side got up from the compartment, carrying their suitcases.

As they walked down the aisle and off the train, all they saw was the station platform swarming with Imperial soldiers in their uniforms. They wore black military attire and each carried gleaming weapons.

Every soldier wore an impassive expression, as if they were part of a junction of rocks, serious and steadfast.

The merchant passengers seemed uneasy, stepping carefully off the train and trying to avoid making too much eye contact with the soldiers.

There are two passages leading from the platform level to the station hall.

Either transfer to the transfer side or exit.

Most passengers headed for the exit.

And as Eileen and West walked down the transfer corridor, they realized there were almost no people left.

Until the very last checkpoint, I finally saw again the Imperial soldiers guarding this place.

In front of the inspection station, a mid-sized officer with a stern face and a medal on his left chest, indicating he was a captain at least, stood there. His eyes were sharp, constantly watching every Imperial citizen that appeared.

Lanche and Xide looked at each other, then continued towards the checkpoint.

When they reached the captain's presence, he gave them a cold and hard look.

"Name, identity, and destination."

The captain's voice was low and powerful.

“Loch MacCassy, she is my companion, Sid Noviya. We are priests from the Imperial City of Helorum, assisting with duties in the northern branch.”

Lanche remained calm, handing over his and West's passes and identification with a nonchalant air.

Although he was prepared for the possibility of being unpopular, his information was truthful and the captain shouldn't have any reason to make things difficult for them.

The captain nodded, picked up a magical device on the table, and began to check their credentials.

"It seems to be a monk from the extinction branch."

After confirming their identities, the captain's tone noticeably calmed down and he returned their documents.

This made Lance and Clyde look at each other again.

Originally, the Silent Branch in the North held a certain amount of prestige. Even Imperial junior officers would treat them with respect.

It is important to know that in the southern provinces, the Restoration Church is very unpopular.

It is possible that it is indeed near the front lines.

When things are safe, the church is the most dangerous place, and when things are dangerous, they offer safety instead.

When faced with the threat of war and unknown terrors, being part of the Resurrection Church provides a sense of reliance on darkness.

"If you two are planning to transfer to the northwest province, you'll have to wait until tomorrow morning. The snowstorm in the north has caused major delays for trains, and if you're looking to continue north, I'm afraid you'll be waiting a very long time."

The captain sadly added.

Although he didn't know the two priests' exact itinerary, in this city, if he didn't head back, there were only two directions to go.

We want to continue going north. Why do we have to wait for so long

Lance didn't show them the tickets to the Northwest Province that the Imperial City branch had bought for them. He only planned to buy tickets north after they passed through the checkpoint at Mount Rockbox, taking Westward with him to investigate the dangerous northern front lines.

But at present, it seems like transportation northward is very difficult.

On the side, West Germany didn't speak up, only waiting for Ranch. She handed over the lead of the itinerary to him; she was responsible for helping with the fighting.

"Actually, I wouldn't recommend you continue north."

The captain pondered for a moment.

What happened in the north

Rance asked in puzzlement.

"The track to the north has a critical node that's broken, and it's difficult to repair in this storm. No trains have been coming from the north for several days now. You either need to travel overland by other means, or you'll have to wait until the city-state repairs the tracks."

The captain brought out the map and used his finger to circle their route and the malfunctioning area on it.

"Besides, it's said that there have been many missing people in the north this year and the security situation is very chaotic. You should be careful."

The captain lowered his voice and reminded.

"Is that even possible"

Lan Xi raised an eyebrow.

Not only that, but a special investigative team also arrived in the Imperial Capital a few days ago. It's unknown what happened, but the Governor of Box Mountain Province also sent an investigation force to accompany them to investigate the situation in the north firsthand.

"If you two want to continue north, it is recommended to stop at Kinsston City at most. Not only is the weather harsh, but the terrain is extremely complex. Without the help of locals, aside from all other dangers, you are very likely to be buried or frozen to death by the mountain snow and blizzards."

The captain also seemed unwilling to delve too deeply into the subject and quickly changed the topic, asking if the two needed help contacting their lodging for the night in this city-state.

He could tell that these two elites from the Imperial City were no weaklings. Back in their own place, they would already be considered quite excellent and powerful talents.

But the map further ahead is not something that young people can handle.

……

Without lingering at the checkpoint, the two bade farewell to the captain and walked down the path leading back to the lobby level.

"Are you scared Be careful, we might both get kidnapped together."

West Germany saw the orchid for half a day and didn't speak. He smiled and asked,

Originally, going straight north was Lance's spontaneous idea. Westley didn't mind following the original route to the Desolation Child in the northwest province to capture Imperial Aestelarian royal agents and followers of the Goddess of Fate who had infiltrated the empire.

Heading further north is clearly very dangerous, while the northwest province has much better security.

Lynch rubbed his chin, his expression serious as if deep in thought.

The more disorder there is, the more I am needed.

Lanche murmured to himself.

What？

The cat cafe owner, hearing this, furrowed his brow.

Mingming Lanqi said something very righteous.

But it sounded really scared.

It's quite notorious, this one. What it did in the Shadow World of the Holy Temple...

This guy is a human trafficker himself!

You're always ready to rip out the organs of people from other bloodlines!

Promoting my friend's book!

(The End)

[ ]as abnormally dry and oppressive, the air almost thick enough to cut with a knife.The anger in the air, almost explosive yet held back with sheer force, spread like a silent, suffocating heatwave thro...