The Train's Invitation (Part 2)

"What's wrong? Your expression seems a little strange?"

"It's nothing... just a little sad. After all, I wasn't so lucky when I was a kid. Nobody would gently tell me bedtime stories, and the only bedtime reading at home was things like 'On the Development History of Magic in the Late Common Era,' 'The Composition Theory and Research Direction of Magecraft Forms,' and 'Methods for Identifying Artificial Mystic Eyes.' Oh, and there was also a book like 'The History of the Mage's Association.' It's a bit uncomfortable to compare like that." Aozaki Touko smiled, then shook her head and said to Luo Rovey, "Although I look a bit scary, I'm actually a romantic to some extent, you believe me?"

"Puff..."

Upon hearing this, Rovey couldn't hold back his excitement, especially since he was still drinking black tea and practically spat it out. It was as if his words, "Romanticism? I didn't see it," were written all over his face.

"What do you mean, Crowley? Are you trying to start a fight?"

Aozaki Touko's face suddenly darkened.

"No, no... it's just that it doesn't quite match your image."

"However, since you're a romantic, would you like my bedtime reading service? Although most of the books I read are more abstract than yours, I've also read books about Tagore and Victor Hugo." Rovey hurriedly waved his hand to explain, "And I also have some books at home like Faust, The Devil's Shot, The Headless Horseman, and The Adventures of Holmes, which are also very suitable for our age."

"Are you treating me like a child, you idiot? I'm way past the age of listening to bedtime stories. In fact, I should be the one telling you bedtime stories, not the other way around," Aozaki Touko chuckled.

"But you actually have books like that?"

Randomly pulling out the book "Magic Bullet Shooter" from the bookshelf, Aozaki Touko's eyes darted around as she asked curiously, "How do you have something like this? I don't remember you being the type of person who likes this kind of book?"

"Of course, it's because of the Holy Grail War..."

Rovey leaned back in another chair and sighed, "In order to deal with the situation in the Holy Grail War where the summoned Servant were not Heroic Spirit but special Phantasmal Spirit, I did a lot of research on this topic, including medieval texts and operas up to the present."

"I just didn't expect that after cramming on so many myths, legendary operas, and biographies, all the people I summoned this time were real old acquaintances. It really makes me feel like I've wasted my time."

"Oh, no wonder you know those guys' real names so clearly. Did you expect this all along?"

"Hmm... actually no, but you can think of it that way."

"Huh? What kind of ambiguous answer is this? You like playing the riddle-maker, don't you? But Phantasmal Spirit? You really think about a lot of things..."

Aozaki Touko raised an eyebrow. "Even though you didn't hit the jackpot, reading more books is actually good for you."

"Yes, sometimes Phantasmal Spirit are much harder to deal with than Heroic Spirit. We should take precautions, shouldn't we? If a monster that stitches together some kind of ancient text really appears, I'll be able to prepare a way to deal with it in advance."

"Alright, instead of discussing bedtime stories or literary works, let's get down to business."

"Senior Aoko, tell me about the difficulties you're facing. What kind of trouble do you need my help with?"

Rovey Wei said slowly, supporting himself on the table with both hands, leaning over and staring into Aozaki Touko's beautiful eyes. His playful smile gradually disappeared, and finally, a serious look appeared on his face.

"Oh, are we getting to the point so soon? I was going to ask you about the composition of Phantasmal Spirit and related theories."

"Don't worry, if you're really interested, I'll find some relevant information for you later. Now, just tell me what you need."

"... Okay, fine."

Seeing the serious look on Rovey's face, Aozaki Touko didn't continue chatting or joking with Rovey. Instead, she spoke seriously, "Actually, there's something quite important that I need your help with. I might not be able to handle it by myself."

"You can't handle it?"

Hearing Aozaki Touko say that, this time it was Rovey was a little surprised.

He looked at Aoko in front of him with a surprised expression, who was serious and didn't seem to be telling a joke. He touched his chin and then looked thoughtful.

He hadn't paid much attention at first, but now Rovey suddenly became curious.

What could possibly be so difficult that this fearless, law-abiding, Grand Puppet Master, who can laugh as he flees while giving the middle finger to the Department of Law, says is beyond his control?

After all, while Aozaki Touko might be shameless and have no morals, she only reveals this side of herself to those she trusts, where she doesn't need to worry about her image and enjoys more freedom. However, to those unfamiliar with her, Aozaki Touko remains the infamous Grand Rank wanted criminal in the history of the Clock Tower; anything she can't handle must be truly serious.

Is that why I need to help myself?

Indeed, aside from her sister, he is currently the strongest fighter Aozaki Touko knows, so asking for her help is no problem at all.

"Oh? Tell me about it..."

Rovey raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued by Aoko's words.

However, he still gave Aozaki Touko a heads-up beforehand, "Don't tell me you're going to bombard the Department of Law or settle scores with the mentor from the Department of Department of Botany who sent you to the Sealing Designation. The Clock Tower still has some value, and I'm not going to go with you to become a terrorist in the mystical world."

"Idiot... What are you thinking? I was just about to lift the Sealing Designation, why would I go and provoke them? Do you really think I like that wanted poster?"

At this point, it was Aozaki Touko's turn to be a little unsettled.

Especially upon hearing about the Sealing Designation, that worthless experience that had ruined her entire life's achievements, she couldn't help but snort coldly. However, what bothered her even more was the extremely calm tone in Rovey's voice when he said those words.

"However, the tone of your voice is really a bit frightening. It makes me feel... like you really have the ability to overturn that department?"

"Hmm... well, you can use your imagination."

Rovey didn't answer, but instead said calmly, "So... what exactly do you want me to do for you today?"

When he invited Aoko before, he said that they were trustworthy friends, so they would go out of their way to help each other when needed. However, this help wasn't unlimited, and they would still owe each other favors.

After all, it's not good to bother others repeatedly with small matters, but the current situation was clearly not like that; she genuinely had something she couldn't handle. Aozaki Touko wasn't the type of woman who liked to trouble others, or rather, she was used to being alone. So, she only proactively asked Rovey for help when she felt she couldn't handle the situation this time. After all, she had already repaid all the favors she owed, and now she had essentially sold her freedom to this guy, so she directly brought up the problem.

There was nothing between her and Rovey to hide.

As for whether Rovey would mind?

Clearly, Aozaki Touko felt that he wouldn't care.

After all, she was currently an external advisor to the Crowley Family, though the term "external advisor" was quite fitting, implying she was practically a member of the Crowley Family. Given that, there was nothing wrong with the head of the family helping a member resolve a problem, right?

We're not just friends anymore, we're a family.

Having probably guessed Aozaki Touko's true thoughts, Rovey couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

'As expected of Senior Aoko, she easily accomplished something we never imagined.'

At least when it comes to shamelessness, none of the Magus he knows can surpass her.

However, it is precisely this thick skin that even Magecraft cannot penetrate, along with excellent initiative, rationality, and strong action, that brings together the ability to create such Grand Puppet Master.

As for the issue of the Aozaki Family sisters killing each other due to the problem of inheritance distribution, as an observer Rovey can only say that the Aozaki Family was too stupid.

In terms of compatibility, it's undeniable that Aoko Aozaki is more suitable to inherit the position of True Magic. However, Aozaki Touko is also capable of founding her own school of magic, and in his eyes, her value is in no way inferior to that of True Magic itself. After all, True Magic isn't the only thing that can be considered the core of the sorcery path.

Therefore, if certain things are explained in advance or clarified during the process, along with some compensation and a corresponding apology, the situation will not escalate to the disastrous state of the Witch on the Holy Night.

This is clearly another tragic result caused by the Magus's extreme self-centered thinking.

If it were his arrangement, although it would be difficult to satisfy both of them, it certainly wouldn't be as bad as it turned out to be.

Sisters killing each other... that's just too abstract.

"..."

Unbeknownst to Aozaki Touko, Luo Rovey, who remained silent, was inwardly praising her and feeling indignant about her past ordeal. She simply raised a finger and gently adjusted the rim of her gold-rimmed glasses before continuing, "Um... the Rail Zeppelin, you must have heard of it, living in London all this time, right?"

"Huh? You mean that thing..."

Upon hearing this name, Rovey slowly put down his teacup, his expression remaining unchanged.

Aozaki Touko seemed quite solemn about the name, a deep sense of apprehension flashing in her eyes.

"Of course I know. What's wrong? Did you receive an invitation?"

The so-called Rail Zeppelin that Aozaki Touko mentioned.

As the name suggests, it is a strange train that collects all kinds of Mystic Eyes in the world.

The significance of its collection lies not in its use, but in its auction. It is held annually, but the exact time is difficult to determine. The train's route is through the entire Northern Europe, through mountains and plains, all the way to the ocean and ice veins, and finally back to the London area.

This is precisely why its strangeness is undeniable. Even in England, a land shrouded in mist and mystery, it is an extremely eerie legend and a terrifying folktale that could frighten children.

However, the fact that it's a story implies that it must have a source.

Even across the entire Clock Tower, very few Magus have received this invitation to the Rail Zeppelin. Most people have never even heard of it, and it has been completely regarded as a ghost story. It seems that someone is deliberately erasing all information and traces related to it.

Even so, Rovey was still aware of it.

That was originally the film set that Weber would experience in the future, a story belonging to El-Melloi II, but the development of that story took place much later than it is now.

Moreover, Professor Kenneth had been to that eerie train before. Rovey remembered that after he returned, he had a strange, lingering fear for a long time. He even solemnly warned Rovey never to accept invitations from unknown sources or to go to the so-called Rail Zeppelin, because the waters there were too deep and you wouldn't be able to handle it.

Rovey, who originally had no interest in the Mystic Eyes and had no intention of going, was intrigued when Aozaki Touko mentioned them.

While Rovey, Aozaki Touko reached into her handbag and pulled out a strange invitation.

The crystal-clear paper above has rose-like patterns, and a red wax seal is printed in the center. The background with a pattern of wheels and eyeballs looks like some kind of ancient emblem. The opened envelope reveals a corner of the invitation inside.

This thing is real.

It can be identified at a glance.

After all, the magic on it is too obvious, and any Magus with a bit of knowledge can realize its extraordinary nature.

"... So, you're going to attend this auction? But don't you have your own Mystic Eyes? Why are you buying it? Or... are you going to sell your current Mystic Eyes?"

Rovey glanced at the envelope, then asked Aoko a few important questions with a puzzled look.

The Rail Zeppelin typically only invites two types of people: those who need Mystic Eyes and those who are needed by Mystic Eyes.

The former, needless to say, are customers eager to acquire the Mystic Eyes and intending to purchase it. The latter are their chosen source of goods. If you agree to the auction, everything will be fine; the other party will arrange a lower-grade ordinary eye as a substitute, and both parties will cooperate smoothly. However, if you refuse, then it's up to you to decide what to do.

Logically speaking, possessing Mystic Eyes is undoubtedly proof of being a first-rate Magus, indicating some extraordinary abilities. However, the Rail Zeppelin is, after all, one of London's magical realms. Although man-made, the monsters inside are truly unpredictable. Even a first-rate Magus might not be able to protect themselves within its confines. Only Magus of the rank of Lord or higher can ultimately emerge unscathed.

So far, not only have very few people received the invitation, but even fewer have survived. This is especially true for those who went there but declined the acquisition offer.

That place is no good for Magus; being targeted by that train to the Acheron that roams freely throughout Northern Europe would be an extremely terrifying prospect. Therefore, unless there's a strong demand, very few people would go there.

As for Aoko, she is definitely not the type of person who has needs; she should be the type of person who is needed.

After all, she possesses her own innate Mystic Eyes. The specific effects are unknown, but she has improved upon them, creating a very powerful Multi- Mystic Eyes. Therefore, she shouldn't have been invited.

As for acquisitions...

Surely no one would be foolish enough to acquire the Mystic Eyes of a Grand Magus?

Whether it will even work out is another matter, but even if it does work out on their own turf, there's no need for it, right? Look at what Aozaki Touko has done to the Department of Law.

Therefore, there must be some story behind this that I don't know.

"Hey, tell me... what have you done this time that I don't know about?"

Rovey tapped the table, glanced at the Aoko in front of him, and asked with a serious expression.

"Um... actually, this matter is a bit complicated. It's because I was young and impetuous, and I did some things in the two months before I became Grand Rank."

Aozaki Touko explained with a somewhat embarrassed expression, "To put it simply... it's because I smashed the Rail Zeppelin before."

"Smashed?"

"Yeah, smashed it."

"... As expected of you."

For some reason, Rovey was not surprised at all by this answer.

"Those guys actually tried to buy my Mystic Eyes and even tried to force me to buy it. They really didn't take me seriously, so I fought them."

"Later I realized that as a Dragon navigating the Northern Europe region, they were indeed a bit too strong. So after messing around for a while, I ran away. I think I even took a lot of their merchandise from that season, which became the raw material for my Multi-Eyed Mystic Eyes later on..."

"... You're unbeatable, Senior Aoko."

In response, Rovey Wei could only sum up his feelings in this one sentence.

"So, they sent you a new invitation after they found out you were back in London? Inviting you to come over?"

"Yes."

"Are you still planning to go?"

"That's right. After all, my Multiple Mystic Eyes were almost destroyed when I fought Aoko. Now that Beo is gone, I'm in dire need of reinforcements. That place is undoubtedly the best place to get Mystic Eyes."

"Do you think they'll be magnanimous and let you off the hook for what you did before?"

Rovey said, somewhat speechless.

"Of course not, that's why I invited you along. You take this letter and attend as the guest of honor. I'll just accompany you. Even if they really want to fight, I don't believe the two of us can't beat them."

"Back then, they were just blind and bullied me because I hadn't been promoted yet. They didn't expect me to fight back. Now I'm a completely different person. If we just let it go, I won't mind. But if they keep trying to settle scores with me, we'll fight them again!"

Aozaki Touko spoke with great boldness.

"So, you're planning to have me join you as a henchman?"

"No, it's not that. After all, if the other party really doesn't hold a grudge, I wouldn't feel comfortable fighting them. That thing is actually quite strange. Last time, I was able to escape so easily because the owner of the train wasn't around."

"So what exactly do you want me to do? Just accompany you to the auction?" Rovey's expression was somewhat suspicious.

"Of course it's about funding. You must know how expensive the Mystic Eyes is, right?"

Aoko stated her purpose frankly and extended her palm, the meaning clear. "Give me money!"