Meanwhile, in the first cargo. Unlike the other cargoes, the first cargo was different. It was not only larger but also well furnished. The other cargos had a centre clearing that acted as a path for passengers to pass through and on both sides of the path were chairs for the passengers but it was different on the first cargo.
Firstly, there were no wooden chairs, instead, four red cushions lined both sides of the cargo. They had intricate designs and they were made of silk. Behind the cushions, dim light filtered on through a small opening from the silk curtains. The curtains were equally intricate and gave off the smell of money.
There was a bookshelf, a mini bar and even the floor was covered in a thick rug that made one feel comfy. At the top right corner was a small room that acted as a toilet.
In fact, this cargo was more like a small apartment, and not one that belonged to a poor man but a rich bachelor, than a cargo transporting examinees.
The two cushions on the right were occupied. At the top was a lady dressed in a simple gown and a large hat that covered half her face. Her copper red hair, the signature look of the Laforde family, flowed down to her back. Her legs were crossed and she was reading a book titled "300 styles of torture".
Around her were seven youths, they were examinees too but they doubled as bodyguards for the young lady. Most of them came from small families that attached themselves to work for the noble families. In this case, the Laforde's.
At the bottom cushion was another lady. She was dressed in a white shirt and black straight pants. Her brown hair was plaid and her dark eyes were glazed. She slowly twirled a glass of blood red wine in her right hand, absentmindedly. Her body might be here, but her mind wasn't.
Just like the first lady, around her were lackeys, two ladies to be precise. They had average looks and were the same as the first ones, being examinees and bodyguards. They sat at the end of the cushion, away from the absentminded lady.
On the left was a young man. He had neck length black hair that reached down, covering his face and giving him a wild sort of look, but from his thin lips, his pale skin and slender fingers, it was obvious that he was good looking.
His suit jacket was unbuttoned, his tie was loose and the top buttons of his shirt were open, completing his wild look.
Beside him were two guys who were standing. Their heads were down and they fiddled with their fingers. They were scared.
The atmosphere was silent and peaceful, each one doing their own thing; at least on the surface. Beneath was a thick tension, a boiling powder keg waiting for a match to light its fuse. No matter how friendly they were with each other, they knew that anything could happen in an exam like this.
It was only a matter of time before they were asked to fight each other.
Suddenly, the already quiet area became serene. The sounds of thunder and heavy rainfall seemed to fade as the ear of the three special youths twitched in unison.
Clank! Clank! Clank!
Simultaneously, their heads all raised up, locking onto the sound that seemed to be right above them. The black haired boy narrowed his eyes and his hand reached for his sword.
Shing!!
Suddenly, a small opening at the top of the cargo opened and a figure landed on the rug. His shoe was wet and so was the tip of his coat.
Strange… I couldn't react.
The black haired youth raised his head to reveal narrowed eyes. His pupils were a shocking colour; deep purple, like the colour of Nightshade.
The mysterious figure looked around, his hat covering his face. He seemed to be analysing his surroundings just like the youths were analysing him.
Gloved hands, a hat and a briefcase? Who dresses like this? He's covered from head to toe.
The absentminded brown haired lady had snapped out of her reverie. Her eyes were narrowed and her fingers tensed subtly around the glass cup.
The redhead lady had a gentle smile on her lips and her aura was calm. Her intentions were unknown.
The "bodyguard" of the individual youths were stunned and scared. They momentarily forgot to even try to defend their respective principals.
The mysterious youth looked around, then with an unbothered gait, took a step forward, heading to the last available cushion.
But just before he took a step, an object appeared before him. It was a black sword sheath almost two metres long.
"Isn't this sword too big for a small boy like you?" The figure asked. His voice was deep and soothing which caught the rest off guard.
"This place is reserved for special guests only. Leave now while I have the patience."
The atmosphere immediately became awkward. Compared to the deep voice of the mysterious youth, the black haired youth had a thinner voice. It made the situation seem like a child was throwing a tantrum before an adult.
The youth realised the situation and he gritted his teeth, but his sword remained.
The redhead lady pursed her lips in discomfort, she seemed to dislike the fact that a fight was about to happen. The brown haired lady on the other hand had a serious look on her face.
Percy never hands out warnings, he attacks immediately. For him to actively speak, it can only mean one thing; his instincts prevented him from attacking immediately.
The mysterious youth remained still as the black haired youth, Percy, obstructed him with his sword. Then he moved, his gloved hand reaching into the inner part of his coat.
Percy immediately retreated, brandishing his sword before him. The mysterious youth chuckled and pulled his hand out, a black ticket laid within his fingers.
"The last seat is mine." He said before walking off.
Percy stared at his back, clicked his tongue and went back to his seat. The two youths standing beside his chair secretly breathed sighs of relief. Percy pretended like he didn't notice.
The mysterious youth placed his briefcase gently on the cushion, dusted his umbrella and proceeded to clean his boots. Although all of his actions were peaceful, it only made the cargo all the more tense.
All activities suddenly seemed lacklustre.
Just when the tension was getting unbearable, a loud screech broke the atmosphere.
"Hello!..." A cheerful voice resounded through not just the first cargo but the entire train.
"I'm the train driver. You can call me Mr foxtrot. I am also your exam supervisor for the first phase which begins now."
"What? The driver was our supervisor?"
"Shit! I called him a geezer. Do you think he'll reduce my mark?"
In the other cargos, the youths murmured in surprise. Those in the first cargo sat quietly and listened to the announcement, almost unbothered.
"The first phase is divided into four stages. The first of which was to get on the train by any means. Now onto the second stage."
"There are currently fifty examinees. In ten minutes, reduce the number by half."