Early Year

In the blink of an eye, winter was already more than halfway over. Year 738 of Ansu, Year 1 of Cecil, a turbulent year filled with storms and upheaval, came to an end amid a biting blizzard in the depths of winter. The year had begun.

Over the past year, far too many things had happened in this ancient yet young nation. The Royal Authority of old had fallen, the once-divided country had been reunified, disasters like acts of heaven had struck, reconstruction had unfolded on a massive scale, the Old Nobles system had been reshuffled, and the New Era had arrived...

Some unseen god who held fate in Their hands seemed to have overturned Their table that year, throwing the entire kingdom into chaos. Only after the dust settled did people belatedly realize: the world had changed.

South of Stone City, a brand-new Magic-Conducting Train stood quietly beside the platform, awaiting the orders to depart.

The bitter cold wind raged beyond the platform, sweeping loose snowflakes and lighter dead branches and leaves into the air. Yet a hazy, translucent shield covered the platform's edge, blocking the wind from blowing into the station. On the rectangular platform, where two rows of long benches had been arranged, some passengers sat waiting for the train, while others boarded the train beside them under the guidance of attendants.

Most of these passengers wore fitted-cuff coats and straight-leg trousers, practical clothing that had only become popular in the Southern Territory in the past two years. Thick soft caps or felt hats covered their heads. A smaller number wore old-fashioned long or short robes. Most women wore "simple long dresses" that balanced practicality and appearance, with warm cotton garments underneath. A few women even traveled in coats and trousers designed specifically for ladies.

To those