Chapter 123: The Conductor's Weave

A train attendant clad in a black-and-white steam train uniform descended from above, landing beside you in a crouched stance:

“Dear passengers, please be mindful of your safety. Take good care of your belongings and your lives.”

A line of highlighted text appeared!

You could feel the presence of a powerful attendant drawing near.

Chen Qi clicked on the word "Attendant."

Unable to view level or information!

Would you like to observe the attendant before you?

Yes.

You took a small step back and studied the attendant.

The attendant exhaled slowly, stood upright, and adjusted the crooked train cap.

The figure before you stood about 1.7 meters tall, dressed in a neat black-and-white attendant uniform, wearing a matching cap. White hair was tied back into a ponytail, exuding a sense of simplicity and efficiency.

You noticed both white palms looked like mechanical puppets; it was difficult to discern the attendant’s gender from appearance alone.

From the neutral voice, you inferred the attendant was likely female.

The attendant also sized you up before addressing the people behind you:

“Esteemed passengers, please watch those ahead of you while moving forward to avoid unnecessary bloodshed.”

She gestured to halt the crowd; silken threads began to sprout from her hands, instantly weaving a net.

The threads formed a new web bridge, spanning from the train door to the ground, allowing the horse riders behind you to board the train.

The attendant fixed her gaze on you.

The wild horse messengers stepped across the thread bridge, casting puzzled glances your way. Could this attendant have targeted you? Or were you involved in some secret dealings with these attendants?

Chen Qi pondered; the most probable reason the attendant focused on him was the Textile Train invitation.

The attendant then looked at you and bowed slightly:

“Guest, I sense the aura of an invitation from you. Please present the invitation. Thank you for your cooperation.”

Indeed, it was the invitation.

Chen Qi opened his inventory and displayed the invitation.

According to the investigator’s guide, those holding an invitation receive protection from the attendants and are granted a secure compartment to reside in.

This was precisely why Chen Qi had come aboard the Textile Train.

You stepped back and held the invitation against your chest for display.

The attendant’s white eyes blinked, her nose twitched as she scrutinized the invitation:

“No issues, honorable guest.

I am the attendant responsible for your reception; you may call me ‘Weave.’

Welcome aboard the Textile Train. May you find the wishes you seek within.”

Attendant Weave rose and snapped her fingers. The threads in her hand quickly formed a web bridge leading up to the train’s roof:

“Please follow me, guest. You have a designated resting area.”

You stepped across the sturdy threads and ascended onto the Textile Train’s roof. There, numerous mechanical pipes and railings surrounded you.

Looking down, you saw the train was at least four stories tall.

Weave pointed out the directions:

“On our Textile Train, the rooftop serves as the pathway. The carriages are rooms for work, rest, and business.

Please come with me, guest.”

The attendant led you as you strolled atop the train toward the carriages ahead.

Clutching your long blade, you felt that the closer you drew to the train’s front, the more luxurious the workmanship became.

Weave guided you and asked:

“Guest, it seems this is your first time here. Would you like me to share some stories about our train?”

What is your choice? Yes or no.

Chen Qi thought for a moment; indeed, he was unfamiliar with this train.

Yes.

You looked toward the crowd steadily approaching beneath the carriages and nodded.

As she walked, Weave narrated the story of the Textile Train:

In many districts, there were terrifying rumors surrounding the Textile Train.

Many speculated that the train traveled through the Dim Light Zone, with the real purpose of abducting the unaware.

Although disappearances did occur aboard, this was not their intention.

Otherwise, such a colossal disaster train would not need to fear daylight flames; upon passing through District 8, it would be intercepted by the prison hunters of Black River Prison.

The Textile Train was a transformation of an old-era train by their stationmaster.

Their stationmaster was a genuine master of weaving and machinery, hailing from District 4 of New City, an underground artisan world.

The design of Black River Prison’s outer walls and the Sky Bird City in District 6 of New City both involved the stationmaster’s hand.

The stationmaster initially built the Textile Train to gather materials from the Dim Light Zone and to prove his superior incompetent—his superior did not believe any train could traverse the Dim Light Zone.

But the stationmaster’s skill was exceptional, and thus the train began operation.

Along the journey, they continuously gathered materials and occasionally ferried travelers, as moving from one district to another was no simple matter.

Over time, more and more people boarded the train—the witches from District 8, veterinarians from District 6, and others—who then refused to disembark.

The stationmaster did not stop them, allowing these passengers to remain aboard, becoming part of the train’s community.

Year after year, as the train improved, some of these “passengers” began trading goods and conducting business onboard.

As the train developed, it eventually took on its current form.

They regularly circled the Dim Light Zone, selling fine crafted goods and rare materials from the No Light Zone.

Thanks to exquisite craftsmanship and rarity, these items were highly sought after, drawing many to board the Textile Train annually.

Many also came here for surgeries.

Perhaps this was excellent service; if not for those disaster monsters, the train would be the most popular of all.

Weave remarked that, for some reason, passengers from all districts were unusually abundant this year, especially from District 8.

Chen Qi reflected; indeed, there had been an extraordinary number of people from District 8 this year.

Hearing this, the train’s origin seemed quite reasonable—if what she said was true.

You nodded, though you did not fully believe her words but tried to keep these details in mind.

Weave added, compared to the outside world, the train was indeed dangerous, tainted by numerous disaster monsters.

For example, ordinary people should not stay longer than two days.

At night, beware of shadow spiders crawling outside the carriages.

Sometimes, moving between carriages could lead one inadvertently into strange spaces...

Weave coughed twice as she said this.

But rest assured, these disaster monsters are managed by us attendants.

Though terrifying to ordinary people, these creatures had become part of the train. Even if eradicated, they would regrow, causing continual frustration.

Weave turned back to you:

“Guest, please rest assured. You need not fear being devoured by these monsters. You possess a precious invitation. We attendants, including myself, will protect you.”

She paused and then said:

“Honored guest, your room has arrived.”

(End of chapter)