Chapter 121: The Train from the Land of Darkness

Chen Qi pondered for a moment. This person was no ordinary individual; it wouldn’t hurt to listen to the intelligence he had to offer.

The One-Eyed Detective glanced around. Although unfamiliar with the monsters aboard the Looming Train, he knew one deceitful thing about it: the abundance of counterfeit items everywhere.

Counterfeits?

Chen Qi’s curiosity was piqued as he read on.

The One-Eyed Detective explained, “I’m sure all of you came here to this bitterly cold mountain summit after hearing the tale of the treasure hunter Kanno. That treasure hunter, Kanno, underwent a powerful procedure aboard the Looming Train and became a Judge—naturally an inspiring figure! But from what I’ve gathered, a certain Cleaner who traveled alongside Kanno spent nearly all his savings on a formidable weapon from the Land of Darkness while aboard the train. Yet, when he disembarked, his weapon had been swapped out for a fake. This led him to despair, a stark contrast to the illustrious Kanno.”

“That weapon represented a Cleaner’s lifetime savings. You must understand, among over fifty Cremators, only one qualifies to become a Cleaner! Their earnings are counted in Daylight Coins!”

“On that Looming Train, there are those skilled in crafting forgeries—despicable swindlers.”

“These tricksters initially show you genuine weapons, but once you pay, they discreetly switch them out. Being cautious only during the transaction isn’t enough; especially in the crowded carriages, those crooks excel at their deceitful tricks.”

Can there really be counterfeits aboard the Looming Train?

Chen Qi wondered if the item interface in the game could detect such forgeries.

He reflected that this train might be even more treacherous than he had imagined.

Everyone exchanged glances. The unscrupulous traders they usually encountered lacked the skill to produce such high-level fakes.

At this mention, the One-Eyed Detective closed his left eye, his emerald gaze fixed on you.

Then he looked at the others and said, “From appearance—even the aura—these fakes are extremely difficult to distinguish. One of the more reliable ways to identify them is by weight. The Weavers can replicate appearances, but never the internal structure. If you want to verify an item’s authenticity without damaging it, weighing it is one of the best methods. Therefore, if any of you truly intend to board the Looming Train, I recommend you bring a scale.”

The One-Eyed Detective picked up a scale in his hand and looked at those who had lost items to him.

“Besides this Herbalist beside me, the Cremator, and myself, if I may speak plainly, the rest of you don’t even have the ability to protect yourselves, let alone discern real from fake! To the others, I suggest treating this train journey as a trip for next year—once you’ve grown stronger. None of you currently carry a scale!”

Identifying forgeries by their weight?

The investigator’s guide had also warned of such unscrupulous merchants aboard the Looming Train, who engage in shady deals.

However, having an invitation usually prevents such scams.

Chen Qi considered that even without an invitation, if such things were happening aboard the Looming Train, it was still within his power to manage.

As a player, once he obtained an item, he could transfer it back into the game.

It just remained to be seen whether the in-game interface could expose those fakes.

Chen Qi looked at the text again. Perhaps this One-Eyed Detective’s insistence on weighing items was meant to dissuade weaker travelers.

The crowd bristled at the detective’s sarcasm. They had all come here after much hardship; there was no way they would simply turn back!

Some felt fear, while others clung to a flicker of hope—at least to catch a glimpse of the Looming Train.

Before sleep, seeing the group’s spirits lift, the One-Eyed Detective pulled some jewelry from his bag and began selling it.

The merchant lady generously bought all the jewelry and even asked how much it would take to buy a year of the detective’s time.

The smiling moon had just risen; you could hear the travelers’ chatter as drowsiness crept in.

Should you rest?

Now was not the right time to rest.

The little lantern shadow was also resting and couldn’t keep watch.

There was also the shadow demon lurking in the distance.

You had to endure the night until morning.

Chen Qi thought for a moment, chose not to rest, and clicked into his inventory to eat some dried meat.

You patted yourself and took a bite of the spicy dried meat, rallying your spirits.

You did not sleep but sat by the campfire, listening to the night watchmen’s stories and casual chatter.

On this mountain summit, you chatted with fellow travelers who had come here for various reasons.

Some drank and began loudly boasting.

Their raucous boasts dispelled your sleepiness.

The Cremator downed a shot of strong liquor.

“I didn’t want to come to this Looming Train either, but I owe money to the debt collector in the gutter. You all know what happens when you owe that demon! But I’ve always dared to drag my feet—never backed down! That debt collector never dared to ask me for repayment! That’s the confidence my flame magic gives me! Say, Herbalist brother, that knife of yours sure looks like the debt collector’s sharp blade. Could they have come from the same blacksmith?”

Chen Qi thought for a moment and nodded slightly; it was quite possible.

“Quite possible!” The Cremator’s eyes widened as he looked at you, his powerful frame trembling slightly before silently walking away to brag elsewhere.

The merchant lady also took a drink, her cheeks flushed, emboldened. She asked how much your knife and a year of your time were worth. She had more money than she knew what to do with.

Want to buy me? Priceless. Next.

The messenger approached, persistently questioning you.

“Herbalist friend, what did you get on your last journey? Did you encounter any other sinners? Please, tell me—I’m really curious. Otherwise, I won’t be able to sleep!”

That fellow was noisy... Chen Qi thought for a moment and decided to fabricate a story.

You spun a tale, telling the messenger you had obtained many gems and sent them back to the Tower of Herbs.

“How much are those gems worth?” The messenger silently began calculating.

The One-Eyed Detective sipped the alchemist’s medicinal wine, declined your game invitation, and resumed seeking easy marks among the crowd to make money.

“Help! A shadow demon is trying to snuff out our fire!”

A weak Looming Train traveler spotted an abnormal shadow and jumped up.

You slashed at the unmanifested shadow demon, driving it away.

You gripped your long sword and closed your eyes.

With your watch shifts rotating, time slowly passed.

Chen Qi also closed his eyes briefly to rest.

The idle chatter in the game continued as time crept by.

Suddenly, he faintly heard the roar of steam engines!

Something was coming!

Chen Qi opened his eyes and looked toward the New Dawn game screen.

A line of highlighted text appeared:

“You faintly hear a tremendous noise!”

Others woke up in surprise, searching for the source.

The sound came from afar...

You opened your eyes, standing atop the mountain, gazing into the distance.

Beneath the moonlight of the smiling moon, your heart stirred as you looked afar.

From the night watchmen, you had heard that after the founding of New City, in District 2, there existed a colossal creature called the “Train.” It was a monster combining speed and size—a creation of a genius Hammer Alchemist!

Your gaze followed the snowy breeze down the mountain.

In the distance, you glimpsed a massive steel train approaching over the dark earth. A gigantic lantern hung at its front.

Countless sturdy steel legs trampled the ground like a fusion of centipede and steam, stretching like a long mountain range racing across the land!

The sound of steam reached everyone’s ears from afar!

Even standing at this height, you could glimpse the train’s grandeur and dizzying speed.

It was so immense and swift, stirring a surge of excitement within you...

The Lantern Alchemy triggered!

Traveler, you have witnessed the ancient behemoth built in a bygone era!

A path calling to the power in your hand has appeared beneath your feet!

Thanks to Maonan Bei for the 100-coin tip, and to everyone for the subscriptions, monthly votes, and recommendations!

P.S. I’ve been staying up late writing lately, so there might be a few typos. I may change the cover, update the synopsis, and revise earlier chapters soon.

(End of chapter)