(Zack's POV)
The seating in this train looks amazing. As I sat in my window seat, I felt good comfort. Having such a comfortness, I will fall asleep in no time. No wonder, in a long distance express train. Such details were made in mind of passengers. He'¦he'¦he'¦if they fall asleep due to good comfortness. They won't have a chance to complain about anything.
I just took the window seat, when a burly man with brown tuxedo sat opposite to me. He had a trademark moustache and cow boy hat on him. I just took a glance at him and shut my eyes. I don't want to chat with strangers. I like to mind my own business. Earlier, Maria Frazier's reminder, still echoes in my ears. Where does she gets this kind of intel? Sure, belonging to prominent family, these things were one kind of perks.
"Anyway, having good friend like her, only have positive effects on me" I smiled in my heart. Then my mind shifted to think about next hurdle. Its impossible to guess the challenge of star tower. Its hard to believe such a things, obviously people behind the scenes replace the rewards during every time of the challenge. Then how come they don't know about the challenge.
...
Time went on, After three days,
The express train passes through several small cities. Its next destination is baron fort city. In few hours, it will reach the destination. In these days, Zack didn't have any privacy. He didn't cultivate due to the lack of such facility in this train. His true lightning essence is full, it never exhausted in these days. Zack time to time, chatted with his friends and family. He also checked the news sites of Red Stone city.
Due to Elite Assassin incident, Hansen campus was always among the hot topic among the public. Hansen campus's every move after that attracts everyone. Especially, the speed of restoration project and appearance of new building. Which bought quite attraction from the public, slightly increases the reputation among every forces. Now, Zack as Seed Candidate was also heard by every forces around there. Now his participation news at the star tower also received quite a few gazes.
It not a big deal to participate, all you can do to register the name of the warrior and pay the entry fees. For every forces second thing is not a problem but first thing is headache. Yes, you need such a potential candidate to participate behalf of the organisation and perform well at the event. If the candidate lose, it will be a huge loss of face. It will damage the reputation of the organisation. So, usually, without any assurance other forces won't send their candidates.
That's why Zack participation and Hansen campus trusts on him attracted such a attention.
...
While Zack was travelling, Inside the Hansen campus, Elder Thornton is having discussion with Mr. Arthur in his cabin. In front of them, there is a Red Stone Daily, it's a leading news broadcasting company in the Red Stone city and having quite few branches in other cities.
Mr. Arthur after looking at the newspaper. He sighed, he spotted the news about Zack. Not only Zack, but the news also mentioned other candidates who were going to participate in that star tower challenge.
He commented, "Elder, Don't you think it's quite a eye catching." Then he added worriedly, "Won't other forces will use this opportunity to cause him trouble." Mr. Arthur has just been discharged from the medical facility. He wanted to have some peaceful days. But looking at Zack's movement and other forces constant prying, it is impossible to remain calm.
He knew this is all due old man in front of him, Elder Thornton. He thought Elder won't make any big actions. Fortunately, He saved his chairman seat after that debacle. He also managed to gather funds to complete the restoration project. He is been lucky. Now, why does he wants to test his limit. If he hasn't forced Zack to participate in the tower, Zack would have got some peaceful training time here. He can be safe until the day of Crimson Hall event. His hands sweating now thinking about Elite Assassin.
He doesn't want to experience that kind of experience again. He can't wait to break the limit and reach the elite level. Then it would calm his spirit.
The other hand, hearing Mr. Arthur words. He observed his uneasy expression. He understood his worries. Elder Thornton smiled and said, "Arthur, You have to understand one thing, The episode of Elite Assassin is a pure coincidence. It won't happen again. Since he is dead, You don't have to worry unnecessarily. This challenge of Star tower is important for Zack. If he does well, it will raise his career profile. Which is also good for our Hansen campus."
On the other hand, Mr. Arthur listened attentively, he calm down his heart. He is not a rookie, Since Elder Thornton insists on things. There must be some kind of baking. He also guessed quite a few things from the death of the assassin. Though Hansen campus is a tiny institute, it is also spite belongs to the army federation. He has a gut feeling, this must be their doing. He didn't dare to ask openly, at the end of the day he was just one of the staff working on the Hansen campus. He needs to have some sense of measure.
Then he looked at Elder Thornton and commented "Okay, Elder Thornton. I believe you." Then he added, "Hope, Zack will do well. "
Then both of them discussed few other things before they ended their discussion.
The other hand, at the Jensen household.
Elder Jensen having some tea, in front of him there is a daily newspapers. Its a daily routine for him to read it. In these past few days, he missed reading it. He already frustrated about the failure of his plan. He didn't have further leisure time to look into it. As he recalls, he didn't read it for some time. He immediately picks up the old newspaper. As he began to read through while having some tea. There is no reaction from him. But as he finishes a couple of pages and began to read the middle section. His expression changed drastically for a moment.
"Wait, Zack!" He blurted out in confusion. He looks at the picture, it's the side profile of that brat whom he hates to the bone. At first, he didn't quite get it, as he began to understand the news.
"How is it possible?" He spilled his tea in astonishment. He immediately spilled the tea in frustration. "Damn, brat. That little vermin is on cloud nine. While I'm clueless about his actions." He gritted his teeth in frustration. He knew about the star tower challenge event. But he is confused about one thing, where does that brat get such an amount? Even for himself, it will hole out his assets. Seriously, he cocouldn't understand anything. "Why does that brat got such shitty luck!" He said to himself.
He is here, thinking about the next course of the plan. But that brat won't be here. It's impossible to plan anything without the presence of that brat on campus. Elder Jensen couldn't help but frown. His son is currently out of the city due to work. If he knows, it will cause a few losses of lives. Already servants and maids were scared of him. If he sees this news, one or two people surely going to die. He rubbed his temple in frustration.
...
(Zack's POV)
Several hours later,
The passenger train reaches the baron fort city. Zack opened his eyes finally, The moustache man already departed in another city earlier. So, Zack is alone in his seat. After the train halted, Zack stepped out of the train. He breathed the fresh air of the new city. He looked at sideways, unlike his hometown. This platform is crowded with people. He immediately understood his Uncle words. This city has a unique subway system between the cities. Which reduces travel time, it's normal for people to use this station.
Then he headed towards the exit, Now it's almost afternoon. His next train will arrI'vee at night. So, for the time being, Zack decides to stay in a hotel.
This city is something, it doesn't even look like a tier-8 city. The dresses of the adventures here were looking good, not even shabby. I stood there for a moment to looks around. Then I accessed the city map to find a nearby hotel.
Soon, I found a medium-sized hotel. It's a walkable distance from here. After confirming the location, I began to headed towards the location. I didn't increase my pace, rather I walked leisurely around a few shops.
Just as I looked around, I found a small auction house. It piqued my curiosity. I'll have so much time on my hand. It won't be waste of time. So, I decided to go and book a room at the hotel. Then I'll visit the shop.
A few minutes later, I found the hotel.
It looked good. To have this hotel situated in this main street. It must be the good only thing I have to worry about it's rental fees. I entered the hotel, I took a few steps ahead. I spotted a female receptionist behind the desk. Perceiving my gaze, she looked at me.. Then I immediately asked about the room details.