World Gate

The next day, in the afternoon, the weather was sunny.

After a night of rest, most passengers had regained their energy and left their carriages in twos and threes to stroll around the huge train. The observation carriages, which had no entry restrictions and could accommodate large numbers of people, became popular areas.

As the train left the human settlements of various states, traversed the Wasteland, and broke through the boundaries of the human perception map, the scenery that had become tiresome finally began to change.

Wow—what huge waves! So beautiful!

Leaning against the window of the observation car, gazing at the azure sea and sky outside, Lin Xiaolu couldn't help but let out such a sigh.

Beside her, Xia Liang and Bai Jingxuan were also squeezed by the window. One of them was constantly taking pictures, while the other was intently gazing at the horizon. They were both clearly immersed in this rare scenery.

The reason they all gathered here was because Larkspur told them at noon that it would be best to visit the observation car at the end of this journey. When they actually arrived at the observation car, they realized Larkspur's intention: just as Lin Xiaolu had just shouted, the train was now traveling on a vast sea.

For most people in the Material Realm, the ocean is something they only see on television and online. The vast majority of cities avoid being located near the sea. This is because the ocean presents just as many mysterious threats as the Wasteland, and being adjacent to both the ocean and the Wasteland means a city's defense system would bear a much heavier burden. Furthermore, it's difficult to build long-term road and protective networks across the ocean, making it unsuitable for intercity transportation, thus eliminating the need to build cities along its coast. Over time, the concept of the "sea" has become something quite distant for ordinary people.

Now, the trains they ride not only offer close-up views of the sea, but actually travel across the ocean, which explains the girls' excitement.

The translucent track, Hover above the sea surface, appears and disappears amidst the waves, seemingly cast from some crystal-like material, refracting iridescent light under the sunlight. At intervals, a drainage channel displaces excess seawater, causing it to collide with the waves rushing towards the track, Qidian droplets that resemble scattered Diamond.

The excessively clear seawater made one wonder if they were dreaming. Through the surface, schools of fish could be vaguely seen swimming along the tracks, sometimes gathering together, sometimes scattering, chasing the shadow of the train as it moved forward.

Inside the carriage was a vibrant sea of flowers, while outside lay a clear blue sky, white clouds, and crystal-clear, almost turquoise sea with golden shimmering waves. The breathtaking scenery drew exclamations of wonder from the passengers in the observation carriage, and the sound of camera shutters clicking filled the air.

Standing behind several younger colleagues, Larkspur silently gazed at the scenery outside the window, her azure eyes reflecting the shimmering water. The sea breeze blowing in from the window ruffled her scarf, so she draped the extra piece over her shoulder and exhaled softly.

Although it wasn't the first time I'd seen it, such extraordinary scenery always manages to lift one's spirits.

[The train is about to arrive at Luen Nore. Passengers Luen Nore, please check your belongings...]

A voice with a strong Fairy accent came on the train at just the right moment, pulling many passengers back to reality from their reverie of the scenery.

Although the routes are the same in the Material Realm, once they enter Kingdom, the Kingdom Express will have different routes. Most of the time, the mainstream route is to enter the Kingdom from one of the five major cities and then head to the other cities.

Every year around this time, due to the Kingdom Assessment, train operators adjust their routes, increasing the number of routes passing through the examination sites. This year, the number of routes entering the Kingdom via Luen Nore has increased significantly.

"Young senior, shall we take a photo together before getting off the bus?"

As the train approached its destination, many passengers in the observation carriage chose to take photos to commemorate the occasion, and the younger group from Fangting City naturally didn't want to be left behind. After a brief discussion, Lin Xiaolu went to find someone to help take photos, while Xia Liang was responsible for arranging the location and angle for the group to take pictures.

Larkspur, who was called over, had no objections and let Xia Liang also dragged her and Bai Jingxuan around. In the end, the location for taking photos was chosen in the middle of the carriage.

As Xia Liang requested, the group sat side by side on a bench, with the camera positioned at a 45-degree angle to the side, capturing both the interior of the carriage and the view outside the window. The person closest to the camera, Larkspur, was to lean as close to the backrest as possible, while Xia Liang herself, the furthest from the camera, leaned forward, ensuring all four were fully visible in the frame. After arranging the positions, everyone stretched out their hands, making their preferred gesture, and the composition of the group photo was complete.

The photo was taken just as the train arrived at the station.

A few minutes later, the group of people got off the train, dragging their luggage.

"Oh really, junior, everyone else is making their favorite gestures, why are you the only one not doing anything?"

With one hand dragging a large suitcase and the other scrolling through photos on her phone, Xia Liang couldn't help but complain when she saw that everyone else in the photos was posing, but Larkspur was just standing there like a wooden post in her seat. "This photo could have been taken cuter!"

"Is that so?"

While surveying the area around the platform, Larkspur casually replied, "That's a real shame."

"Right? It's a pity, isn't it? So you must be more careful next time, when taking other photos after entering the Kingdom..."

Xia Liang casually listed Larkspur's "crimes" as she followed closely behind Larkspur onto the station platform. But as she took in the surrounding scenery, her speech slowed considerably.

"... We must stay in sync with the main force."

After saying that, she couldn't help but swallow, and even forgot what she originally wanted to say.

"Wow, what is this?!" Lin Xiaolu, who got off the car behind Xia Liang, exclaimed in surprise after seeing what was in front of her.

"How magnificent..." Bai Jingxuan, who was at the back of the group, was the last person to exclaim in amazement.

The platform where the train stopped was a pure white platform built entirely on the sea, surrounded by water, resembling a pure white isolated island.

Behind this island-like platform, a path extends towards the sea not far away, and at the end of the path, a door stands.

It was an enormous door, roughly estimated to be tens of meters high. Just by standing there, it involuntarily instilled an invisible pressure in those who saw it.

Below the door is the sea, above is the sky, and there is nothing in any direction—no houses, no passageways, just a single door. This is what makes its existence so jarring.

"This door is the node connecting the Material Realm and the Magic Kingdom; we generally call it the 'World Gate'."

Seeing that everyone had noticed the door not far away, Larkspur explained, "There are only five such doors in the entire Material Realm, each leading to a different city. Because behind each door lies World Bridge connecting Kingdom, they used a special material when they built it, which instills fear in those who see the door, preventing them from making any rash moves."

Upon hearing her words, the younger generation displayed varying expressions; some seemed thoughtful, while others remained bewildered. However, Larkspur didn't offer further explanation, simply dragging her suitcase forward. "Don't overthink it, just follow me."

Several younger colleagues belatedly began to move forward, following her. After crossing the huge, empty white platform, they stepped onto the white stone path leading to the gate.

It was called a "path," but that was only relative to the enormous door. In reality, the "path" was five to six meters wide, enough for ten people to walk side by side. Passengers disembarking from the train walked slowly along the path in small groups, all of them trying to keep quiet, as if afraid of disturbing something.

"Remember this: from the moment you walk through that gate, my code name will be 'Gentian.' Never call me by any other name."

Larkspur also lowered her voice and said, "Especially you, White Rose. There were no major problems in the car before, but you absolutely must not make the same mistake again, because the mission I'm carrying out is very important, and your slip of the tongue could ruin my mission."

Lin Xiaolu covered her mouth with one hand and nodded somewhat awkwardly.

"When passing through the World Gate, try not to make eye contact with the guards on both sides. Even if you do make eye contact, do not talk to them. If you do talk to them, absolutely do not go any further and do not attract their attention."

As the Larkspur continued forward, she instructed, "If they stop you, they'll usually explain why, it's either a random baggage check or identity verification. Whatever the reason, just cooperate with them honestly, don't ask too many questions, and try to remain calm."

"It sounds just like one of those ghost stories with Rule," Xia Liang whistled.

"What kind of ghost story?" Larkspur turned to look at her.

"Ah... well, it's just an urban legend that's popular among young people, like 'breaking certain Rule will lead to danger' or something like that," Xia Liang explained with a dry laugh.

"... If you can take what I just said as Rule, that would be wonderful, because I wasn't joking at all."

Without delving into the novel terms Xia Liang used, Larkspur looked ahead again. "Once we go a little further, it'll be about time to prepare to transform. Passing through the World Gate as a magical girl will save us some trouble."

"Is it alright? There are many other passengers around... and quite a few of them aren't magical girls."

Lin Xiaolu pointed to the pedestrians around her on the road.

"Can you see their faces?" Larkspur asked.

"Face? I didn't notice, but if I wanted to see it... I couldn't?"

Lin Xiaolu blinked, looked around, and instinctively opened her mouth to raise her voice, but ultimately lowered it and asked, "Why?"

"Because we're not the only magical girls here."

Larkspur continued walking, "We're not the only ones who don't want others to associate us with our appearance before and after the transformation."

"The logic seems to hold true, but when exactly?"

Lin Xiaolu raised her eyebrows. "I remember it wasn't like this when I got out of the car..."

The Larkspur pointed forward.

The direction she was pointing was the World Gate that was already close at hand.

"Get ready, it's almost time to transform."

As she spoke, she took out the fake gemstone that belonged to "Gentian" from her bosom. After chanting a spell, her coat was covered by blue magic. Before long, the blue magic dissipated, and she had completely changed her clothes.

Several younger members followed suit, completing their transformations before reaching the World Gate.

Only upon closer inspection of the World Gate can one discover that the tightly closed doors are devoid of any decoration, featuring only a rough white surface like weathered marble and pits that appear to have endured countless hardships. Compared to the aesthetic trend in the Magic Kingdom, where Fawo Runes are tattooed everywhere, almost to the point of wanting to add two Fawo Runes to the soles of one's shoes, this gate appears remarkably plain.

Right in the center of this door stood a pair of neatly dressed blonde twins, their faces beaming with respectful smiles, greeting the travelers before them.

Without a doubt, they were the "guards" that Larkspur had mentioned earlier.

One of the twins has long hair and a somewhat capable demeanor; the other has short hair and looks more gentle. Because their facial features are androgynous, and they are neither tall nor short, nor fat nor thin, it is completely impossible to tell their gender from their appearance.

However, none of these things are actually the most important.

Most importantly, they all have a pair of long, beard-like antennae on their heads, and wings that are transparent like cicada wings, yet reflect a variety of colors.

Is it decoration? Or some kind of Spell Formula?

Lin Xiaolu had this question in her mind, but she remembered Larkspur's instructions and kept her mouth shut, not asking any questions.

"Distinguished travelers, welcome to the World Gate," the twins standing on the left said.

"Please keep order, line up, do not crowd, and proceed in sequence," the twins on the right continued.

Having said that, they fell silent, making no further movements or uttering any further words.

Don't we need to open the door?

Lin Xiaolu thought to herself, but before she could even ponder it, a magical girl at the front of the group answered her question with her actions: the magical girl walked straight forward, placed her palm on the door of the World Gate, and then suddenly passed through it.

The process was so simple that it required no explanation; anyone who saw it once could repeat it. So, regardless of whether it was their first time there, subsequent passengers all followed suit, imitating the magical girl as they passed through the World Gate.

The whole process was very simple, and the twins standing on both sides remained rooted to the spot like statues, without interfering in the slightest.

The group moved forward steadily until Larkspur and his party arrived at the door.

Without uttering a sound, Larkspur took the initiative to stand at the back, gesturing for the younger generation to pass first.

Lin Xiaolu, who was standing at the front, didn't think much of it. She walked to the door with slightly stiff steps due to nervousness and placed her hand on it. With a flash of light, her figure disappeared.

Next was Xia Liang. Judging from her appearance alone, she seemed much more natural than Lin Xiaolu. However, she no longer had her usual quirky and mischievous demeanor. Instead, she walked forward with a well-behaved expression, placed her hand on the door, and soon, her figure disappeared from the front door.

The third person was Bai Jingxuan. Compared to the first two, she seemed to be in a worse state. She only took three steps forward before turning back to look at Larkspur twice. Larkspur could only signal to her with her eyes to stay calm, and there was nothing more she could do.

After all, both of them knew what Bai Jingxuan was worried about. Compared to the open and honest Lin Xiaolu and Xia Liang, Bai Jingxuan truly possessed the magic of Aberrant Beast. If the guards nearby noticed anything, it would be difficult to handle the situation.

Because of this psychological pressure, even though Bai Jingxuan had tried her best to calm herself down, her legs still felt a little weak. She could only try to cheer herself up and, following Larkspur's instructions, walk to the door with the calmest attitude she could muster.

Then, he placed his hand on the World Gate.

--"Wait a mininute".

Just then, one of the twins suddenly spoke up:

"I'm very sorry, passenger, it will take up a little of your time. Would you be willing to cooperate with us for a simple routine check?"

Bai Jingxuan's hand froze instantly.

What to do?

Only those three words remained in her mind, and due to extreme tension, her thinking stalled, preventing her from coming up with any effective solutions.

She only remembered that Larkspur had said that if the guards made any requests, she should cooperate with them as much as possible and not react too strongly. But what if she actually cooperated with them and got caught?

All the passengers before her passed through smoothly, but when it was her turn, they suddenly asked for a check. No matter how you look at it, this couldn't be a coincidence. The two guards must have sensed something unusual, which is why they stopped her.

But Bai Jingxuan knew she couldn't hesitate too long, as that would only make her seem more suspicious. So, she forced back her panic, raised her head, and spoke—

"We're together."

Larkspur's voice came from behind her, interrupting Bai Jingxuan's words.

The two guards' attention was immediately drawn to the Larkspur. One of them said, "I'm very sorry, traveler, even if you are traveling together, please do not interfere with our official duties. We hope you can wait here, and we will give you a reply as soon as possible..."

"Excuse me, we have an emergency."

Despite their attempts to dissuade her, Larkspur calmly stepped forward and handed over a prepared document. "Please do me this favor."

The twins exchanged a glance, and ultimately one of them took the document from Larkspur's hand. After reading the contents of the document and confirming its authenticity, they exchanged another glance.

"Please."

This time, they did not obstruct her at all, but instead made way for Bai Jingxuan to pass through.

Meanwhile, the Larkspur put away the documents again, nodded to the two guards, and then they passed through the World Gate together.

The contents of the document are nothing special; it's just a special mission document approved by Emerald. It details how she assigned magical girls from Fangting City to transport certain special experimental materials for her, including personnel, specifications, and targets. It also has all the necessary official seals and document numbers. If you disregard the contents, it's a genuine document.

Considering Bai Jingxuan's special constitution, and the various unforeseen events that might occur on her journey to the Kingdom, Larkspur, together with Emerald, had already prepared a variety of "genuine" proofs. This wasn't limited to Bai Jingxuan; Larkspur had also prepared numerous proofs for Lin Xiaolu's peculiar Magic Armament, to conceal its special nature if needed. Even for Xia Liang, a pure and upright magical girl who, theoretically, had no issues detected, Larkspur had prepared a series of documents, just in case.

Such complicated preparations and a large number of documents were one of the reasons why Larkspur needed to repeatedly check her luggage before her trip. In fact, because she spent so much effort preparing these things, she didn't even have time to check what was written on each document. She could only trust that Emerald and her "friend" could handle things, which is why she was tricked by Emerald on the issue of the age on the admission ticket.

Without hesitation, she walked through the World Gate, and what appeared before Larkspur was a rather gloomy corridor.

The corridor was dark and poorly lit, with very limited visibility. Only the overhead lights illuminated a path leading forward. The surrounding area was completely dark, and no one could see what was inside.

This is the "World Bridge" that Larkspur Que mentioned to Lin Xiaolu and the others earlier.

World Bridge, as the name suggests, is a bridge built between the Material Realm and the Magic Kingdom, a passage connecting the two worlds. Its greatest function is not only to provide a stable passage between the two worlds, but also to provide an adaptation process for all those who cross the World Bridge, avoiding physical rejection reactions after travelers cross the world.

Especially for ordinary people who travel between the Kingdom and the Material Realm, as well as Mage who are not proficient in Control Stage magic, without World Bridge to provide them with a process of transformation and adaptation, they are very likely to develop physical ailments while traversing worlds, thereby endangering their lives. In the most severe cases, it may even lead to the magical transformation of parts of their bodies, resulting in permanent organ dysfunction.

Of course, for the magical girls, these minor differences in the world wouldn't make them uncomfortable. Crossing the World Bridge was simply following the Rule and taking the proper route.

Without lingering there, Larkspur took a deep breath and dragged her suitcase forward.

The shadows rippled where her footsteps fell, and the emptiness of darkness flowed in the silence. The lonely figure moved through the corridor, slowly advancing towards the only exit.

"Don't come back."

There seemed to be a voice whispering this in the darkness.

It sounded like a whisper right next to your ear, yet also like Echo from afar, making you wonder if you could really hear it.

Don't come back.

Scattered shadows swayed in the dim corridor, breaking and reforming under the yellowish light, like words torn and barely pieced together, baring their fangs and claws.

Don't come back.

Fragmented and chaotic emotions buzzed deep within my mind, and old memories surged uncontrollably in my mind, like murky bubbles that, after rising to the surface, stirred up fragments of old thoughts.

"Don't come back."

Don't come back.

Don't come back.

The whispers from the darkness grew louder until they became a cacophony of noise; more and more words appeared from the shadows until they obscured the road ahead and the exit; the memories floating in her mind became increasingly chaotic until the path turned into a mud pit, as if a thousand-pound weight was hanging on the Larkspur, pulling her down as she gradually sank.

The Larkspur did not react.

She just kept walking forward, and kept walking forward.

Even though the noise had turned into a shrill scream, the words into layers of seals, and her thoughts into shackles, nothing could slow her pace down in the slightest.

She casually tore apart the layers of shadowy words and placed her hands on the door at the end of the corridor.

This is the last door before she enters the Kingdom.

"I'm back."

She said this without any expression.

Then he suddenly pushed open the door in front of him and walked in without looking back.

The revival match was disrupted by H1N1 influenza, and despite our best efforts, we were unable to defeat it, hence the one-day delay in the update.