Chapter 96: Garanom Railroad System
As morning dawned, Aldwyn examined himself in the small, cracked mirror hanging above the washbasin in his room at The Rusty Nail. His reflection stared back at him, eyes weary but sharp, his skin pale and tight against the bones of his face.
He was wearing his usual clothes: a charcoal gray hooded cloak that reached down to his knees. The hood cast a deep shadow over his face and concealed his clean-shaven jawline. Under the coat, a black silk shirt clung to his slim body. His trousers were a mixture of leather and cloth, cut to allow him to move quickly, while the heavy boots on his feet bore the marks of a thousand steps.
The night had brought him little rest. As he stepped out of the inn, the chilly air slapped him in the face like a wet towel. The streets of Choucsea were already bustling with life, despite the early hour. Merchants were setting up their stalls, shouting in a cacophony of languages that filled the air like a flock of squawking birds.
Lila was waiting outside, her green eyes scanning the chaotic scene with a detachment that spoke of her experience. She had donned a hooded cloak similar to his, but hers was of a lighter shade, a stark contrast to the darkness of her attire.
"You know, you always sleep in," she said, her voice carrying a hint of annoyance. "We've wasted half the morning."
Aldwyn ignored her comment and took the small, metal token she offered him. It was warm to the touch and had an intricate design etched into its surface, a stylized version of the Garanom crest with a serpent winding around it. "What's this?"
"It's a token for the rail," she replied in a low voice. "It gets us through the city quickly and safely. It's also for the special carriages that stop at the stations. They follow a fixed route, but it's still cheaper than paying for them each time."
Aldwyn nodded, tucking the token into the pocket of his cloak. "I assume you've already done some research?" He asked lila.
"Of course," she said, her eyes still scanning the bustling street. "Choucsea is the third largest district in Garanom. It's home to 3.9 million souls, a mix of immigrants and those looking for opportunities beyond their own lands.
"I found out that an artisan market is held once a week. At that market, there are craftsmen from different places offering their goods and skills. Like potters, weavers, carpenters, goldsmiths and much more. There are also many restaurants, stalls and tavernas full of exotic delicacies... Just thinking about it makes me want to start drooling...
"There is also an intercultural area in the center of Choucsea. It's all about learning about different cultures. The Library of Worlds is also located there. It is a collection of manuscripts and historical texts from different cultures that is open to the public. This would be a good place for you to start searching for information.
"There are also a few temples for different beliefs, residential areas and other things, not very different from Helgarde." She finally added.
Aldwyn couldn't help but crack a smile at her efficiency. "I'm impressed, Lila. You've managed to learn more about Choucsea in a morning than most would in a week."
"It's all about priorities, Aldwyn," she replied with a smug grin, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "If you weren't so busy wrestling with the pillows, you could've been just as prepared."
„What should I say... I just love sleep." He replied mentally.
"Oh and I forgot to mention," she added. "There are no traditional guilds here in Choucsea. But there is a building in the intercultural area, where you can find all the open contracts of the district.
"And I have to be honest, my financial reserves don't look good at all... So that would be my first priority. What about you?" She asked him, hoping that he would accompany her.
„Hmm... I still have just over two thousand five hundred Lexus, but the more Lexus we have, the easier it will be." He thought silently.
Aldwyn nodded. "Agreed," he said, his voice measured. "Financial security is a necessity in a city like this. We need to be smart and efficient with our resources."
They made their way through the crowded streets of Choucsea towards the rail station. The cobblestone streets were slick with a sheen of early morning dew, and the cobbled stones reflected the nascent light of the day, casting a warm glow on the diverse faces that passed by them. The air was thick with the aroma of spices, the distant clanging of metal, and the murmur of a hundred different tongues. The station itself was a marvel of engineering, a sprawling edifice of steel and glass that hummed with the anticipation of the day's commerce and travel.
The railroad system of Garanom was unlike anything Aldwyn had ever seen before. Gustav had told him about it, but seeing it in real life was yet another feeling. Two huge, gleaming tracks wound through the city like the ribbon of a giant snake, each a conduit for the sleek, black tram that snaked from district to district.
"We'll take the tram to the intercultural area," Lila said, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "It's only three stops, it will be quick."
As they waited for the tram, the air grew thick with tension. The chilly wind picked up, rustling through the streets. Five minutes later, the tram appeared around the corner, a sleek beast of steel and black lacquered wood that glided to a halt before them. The crowd surged forward, eager to claim their places in the metal beast's belly.
The tram ride was smooth, the vehicle's wheels humming rhythmically against the tracks. There was a guard at each door who was responsible for checking the 'tickets' or distributing 'tickets' himself in exchange for Lexus.
They stepped off the tram into the heart of the intercultural area, and the sounds of bartering and laughter filled their ears. A sea of faces and colors surged around them, each one a story waiting to be told.
The building they were looking for was immediately recognizable, a towering structure that stood out like a sore thumb amidst the vibrant market stalls. It was a monolith of gray stone, five floors tall with arched windows and a heavy wooden door that looked like it could withstand a siege.
When they entered, they were met with a cacophony of voices and the clattering of boots on the polished marble floor. A vast chamber lay before them, with rows of counters stretching to the far walls, each manned by stern-faced individuals dressed in the crimson and gold livery of the Garanom government. The counters were labeled in a neat, almost military fashion, categorizing the multitude of services offered within the walls of this bureaucratic labyrinth.
Lila looked at Aldwyn and explained the concept to him. "The difference compared to a guild is, that these contracts are collected and distributed by the government itself. Means we don't have to give up any of the reward, because the employees are all civil servants. They get a fixed income that has nothing to do with the contracts.
"The upper four floors are full of counters, each covering different types of assignments. The fifth floor is only accessible to certain people, because that's where the most dangerous missions hide. Unfortunately, I couldn't find out anything else, I don't even know what the conditions are for being allowed to be there..." She added, slightly disappointed.
Aldwyn nodded, taking in the information. "We should start with something simple. Gather some intel and build our reputation here before we tackle anything too risky."
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