Chapter 56: Departure for Aixi University

The following day, having already packed their luggage, Lin Xi and Bai Li arrived early at Tiangong City’s station to await their departure.

The station was bustling, teeming with people, most of whom were students, as it was the period immediately following university admissions.

Indeed, they spotted several candidates from Hailin Middle School, diligently reviewing their notes and poring over study materials.

Even students who had awakened potent supernatural abilities, effectively starting ahead of the curve, dared not fully relax.

Though they had a head start, a solid foundation remained crucial to ensure satisfactory results, especially since universities frequently tested their students’ mastery of their powers.

However, such anxieties were entirely unnecessary for Bai Li and Lin Xi.

Having joined the Arbitrators, they were already guaranteed direct admission to university, allowing them to approach this journey with the relaxed mindset of travelers.

No, that wasn’t quite right; even without the exemption, they wouldn’t have needed to feel so stressed.

They were, after all, exceptional students, consistently ranking among the top performers, capable of achieving excellent scores with minimal effort.

“But I never imagined so many people would choose universities in other cities; it looks like almost half of them are going elsewhere.”

Much like their luggage, this station also utilized spatial expansion technology due to its high traffic volume.

However, its vast scale meant the effect wasn’t overtly apparent, merely adding a few tens of percent more space.

Yet, the area was now almost entirely filled with students eager to travel to other cities, a testament to their sheer numbers.

“Perhaps they’re seeking places more suited to their individual needs?”

“After all, while Tiangong City isn’t a small metropolis, universities of this caliber are quite specialized, with many disciplines either absent or underdeveloped here.”

Just as ability users were categorized into various types, such as combat and manufacturing, each university specialized in different areas, often with even finer distinctions.

Indeed, could a student specializing in combat truly excel at a university focused on potion-making?

“That’s true. For instance, the university we’re attending is rumored to have many ability users of the magical girl type.”

Lin Xi held a university brochure, upon which the four bold characters “Aixi University” were emblazoned, feeling almost too concise.

It was said that the name was an abbreviation of “Love and Hope,” though she wasn’t sure if that was truly the origin.

However, it was undeniably true that a significant number of magical girls, symbolizing “Love and Hope,” chose to study there, comprising over twenty percent of the student body.

A very small fraction even included rare TS (TL Note: Transgender or Transformation-type) magical girls.

While twenty percent might not seem substantial, the variety of ability users was vast and bizarre, with magical girls typically forming a rather small proportion.

Thus, two percent was, in fact, an exceptionally high number; the remaining students were drawn to Aixi University by other appealing aspects.

[The direct city-to-city train from Tiangong City to Yegong City is scheduled to depart at 9:00 AM. Passengers are requested to register and board ten minutes prior to departure.]

Just then, the station’s broadcast system chimed to life.

“It seems it’s almost time; we should hurry.”

With that, Lin Xi took Bai Li’s hand in one of her own and pulled their luggage with the other, heading towards the train.

****

In a world where supernatural abilities had emerged and evolved over many years, trains, too, had naturally transformed beyond recognition.

Leveraging a suite of technologies, including vacuum tubes and anti-gravity suspension, today’s trains far surpassed the speed of old-era airplanes, all while offering significantly enhanced comfort.

They offered not only on-demand dining services but also boasted shops and entertainment facilities near the first-class cabins.

The only real difference between these trains and old-era cruise ships was that one traversed land and the other water, a mere distinction in their medium of travel.

As for Bai Li and Lin Xi, they settled for business class as a compromise.

While first class was certainly within their means, during this peak travel period, it was primarily occupied by the affluent—either young masters and ladies from prominent families or their retinues.

Being there would have made them conspicuously stand out.

Nevertheless, business class was quite satisfactory, allowing access to most amenities, providing private compartments, and offering excellent service.

“It’s just that the food isn’t as delicious as Xiao Bai’s.”

Lin Xi whispered this assessment after sampling a dessert brought by the attendant.

“I couldn’t help it. Someone insisted on meticulously organizing their luggage last night, went to bed very late, and then had no time to prepare a bento.”

“Mmm… I feel like someone’s subtly mocking me…”

Upon hearing Bai Li’s retort, Lin Xi pouted her cheeks slightly in displeasure.

She recalled how, despite their agreement to pack their luggage the previous day, Bai Li had returned empty-handed, claiming she had nothing to organize.

This prompted Lin Xi to resolve that she would fill Bai Li’s suitcase to at least seventy or eighty percent capacity, even if it meant tossing in random items.

Ultimately, they achieved this by having Bai Li empty everything from her magical space, then supplementing it with some clothes and other necessities.

On a side note, Lin Xi found it somewhat surprising that despite Bai Li’s relatively low magic power, her magical space functioned perfectly fine.

“Still, the train meals are rumored to be quite good, so there’s no harm in trying them. If they’re really not to our liking, we can always buy something from the shops.”

“Alright, if it’s delicious, I’ll have Xiao Bai try to replicate it.”

“I’m not some ‘Divine Tongue’ (TL Note: A person with an exceptionally discerning palate), I can’t just taste something once and know how to make it…”

Focusing intensely on her sense of taste was certainly possible, yet she preferred not to.

For while delicious flavors would be magnified, so too would unpleasant ones; she had once focused only to be overwhelmed by a strong fishy odor.

It was, she mused, entirely correct that some foods relied on copious spices and marinades to mask the inherent taste of their ingredients.

Under normal circumstances, one wouldn’t detect it at all, but once she delved deeper, it was a different story.

“You’re right. If Xiao Bai makes it, it’ll be even more delicious; it wouldn’t even be a replication then.”

“Such a sweet talker, you are.”

Wiping the corner of Lin Xi’s mouth with a handkerchief after she finished her dessert, Bai Li remarked.

“It truly is sweet.”

“Yes, yes. So, in a bit, do you want to sit here and watch the scenery, or would you prefer to browse the shopping area?”

“Hmm… let’s just sit for a while first. I want to watch Tiangong City rapidly recede from view.”

While they could personally achieve supersonic speeds with their abilities, traveling at such velocities within a vacuum-tube maglev train offered a distinct experience.

Moreover, thanks to numerous ability-based technologies integrated into its design, they would feel no shaking or G-forces during acceleration, deceleration, or steady travel, making it a truly unique sensation.

“I see. Well, it’s normal to quietly observe the scenery for a while on a train like this. If we were to head straight to the shopping area, it wouldn’t feel any different from our usual outings.”

Bai Li agreed with Lin Xi’s sentiment, recognizing that this would also allow her to enjoy more uninterrupted time with Lin Xi.

A quiet private compartment, coupled with beautiful scenery—it was truly perfect.

“Why… why must I sit in a place like this?”

Just then, a clamor erupted from outside their private compartment.