Seeing Alan accept the apology gift, Annie let out a sigh of relief.
Although her rank was higher than Alan's, his cold gaze pierced her like a winter chill cutting through flesh and bone, causing her scalp to tighten and sending waves of discomfort and stinging pain through her.
Now that Alan had accepted Daniel's potion, it symbolized the resolution of this resentment, and her relationship with him had eased a little.
So, she gave a small smile and said, "Alan, it was my fault this time.
The deluxe room is ready; please give us another chance."
However, as soon as she finished speaking, Alan shook his head coldly, directly leading Isabella to the previous mid-tier room, unwilling to have any more entanglements with Annie.
The smile on Annie's face froze immediately.
Watching Alan and Isabella walk away, Daniel's expression turned complicated.
Alan's talent and background were exceptional—this should have been their friend.
But now, they had strained the relationship.
He sighed regretfully, his gaze sharpening as he stared at Annie.
"I used to think you were one of the few outstanding figures of the younger generation, but you've managed to cause such a disgraceful incident.
You shouldn't act as the temporary train conductor anymore."
"When we return to the imperial capital, reflect on this carefully. As for any further appointments, we'll discuss them later!"
Annie frowned but could only nod helplessly in the end.
She knew that if not for Daniel's close relationship with her grandfather, this matter wouldn't have ended so lightly.
After all, an Overseer had died because of her!
Although she hadn't been severely punished, her position had been stripped, and she might not be reinstated—a more painful blow to Annie, who was always striving to improve, than if they had simply killed her!
This time, she had truly misjudged.
…
Just as Alan stepped down from the top deck of the train, Carter suddenly caught up to him, blocking his path and smiling as he extended an invitation.
"You don't seem to have a place to stay for the moment—why not stay in our room?"
Alan looked at him and sensed an intense curiosity in Carter's gaze.
Still, recalling how he had helped treat his sister's injuries, Alan's face softened with a grateful smile.
"Thank you for your help just now; I'm grateful. But we won't impose."
"Alan, Carter has no ill intentions. He's simply very curious about magi. If you both don't mind, we happen to have two vacant rooms."
The man behind Carter, speaking kindly, introduced himself with a warm smile.
"This is my father, Harris, Head of the Light Guild!"
Carter proudly introduced him, though after a moment, his tone shifted slightly from the previous pride to a more humble one.
"He's not as powerful as that senior mage you mentioned, but he's still pretty formidable."
Harris twitched slightly, giving Carter's head a light pat and apologizing.
"I've indulged him too much since childhood; his personality is a bit odd. I apologize for any inconvenience."
Alan shook his head.
Carter's straightforward nature was refreshing, unlike the scheming Annie, which allowed him to feel more at ease.
"I appreciate the offer, but becoming a magus depends entirely on one's talent, and I wouldn't be able to help much. Besides, I'm still in the learning phase myself and only know a little."
Alan declined their invitation once again.
He was already grateful for their help with Isabella and didn't want to owe them any more favors.
After all, repaying a debt of gratitude is the hardest thing.
Carter was still eager to persuade them, but Harris spoke first.
"Very well. You and your sister should get some rest. There's still a way to go before we reach the imperial capital. We'll catch up if we have the chance."
Alan nodded and left the upper deck with Isabella.
As they walked down from the deck, the prominent figures who had previously been cleared from the area were now staring at them in astonishment.
Alan had previously killed a knight from the church and injured several attendants—crimes punishable by death!
Moreover, he had drawn the attention of the Monk, who had ordered them to clear the deck with a single command.
In everyone's eyes, these two siblings had already been sentenced to death!
Yet, after committing such offenses, they had emerged from the deck unharmed!
What had happened on that deck just now?
The church held a top position in the Plantagenet Kingdom, a force whose authority was unchallenged. Magi who provoked them never lived to see another sunrise.
"Could it be that they have powerful connections?"
"They don't look it, judging by their plain attire."
Curious gazes from all directions fixated on Alan and Isabella, finding it hard to believe what they were seeing.
Alan ignored them completely, taking Isabella directly to their mid-tier room.
The mid-tier room had been hastily repaired and was now suitable for occupancy.
"Take the Bone Cleansing Potion and see if it helps cure your strange illness," Alan said, handing the potion to Isabella as soon as they entered.
As an alchemist, Isabella understood how precious the Bone Cleansing Potion was and quickly shook her head.
"Brother, this potion cleanses the marrow and enhances one's potential. You should drink it instead. For me, it would be wasted; it won't help with my illness."
Alan firmly shook his head.
"We have to try. Many doctors and alchemists have examined your illness and couldn't pinpoint the cause. It could be due to some innate deficiency. We must at least give it a chance!"
"But this potion is too valuable…" Isabella tried to protest further, but Alan uncorked the bottle and helped her drink it directly.
As the potion entered her body, Isabella felt a growing warmth, as though a fire were igniting within her.
Impurities and toxins were flushed out, and her frail body began to strengthen, growing more robust.
However, Alan's senses detected no changes or improvements in Isabella's soul.
Alan frowned.
Even the Bone Cleansing Potion couldn't cure his sister's strange illness; he'd need to take her to Lioncrest Academy for a complete cure.
Alan's sense of urgency intensified.
After taking the potion, Isabella felt a warm, soothing sensation and soon drifted into a peaceful sleep.
Once she was asleep, Alan transported himself directly into the depths of Hell.
Upon entering, he immediately sensed a faint tremor across the first layer of Hell.
Something was pounding against the seal, trying to break free.
Alan's face grew grave.
He hadn't forgotten the black-robed woman's mention of the ferocious Hell beasts and malicious spirits locked away within Hell's depths, now seemingly on the verge of breaching the seal.
"You feel it too?" The black-robed woman appeared before him, noting his intense gaze.
Alan nodded.
The black-robed woman spoke slowly. "When I intervened just now, a part of Hell's seal cracked. In at most six months, the seal will completely shatter."
"After that, I won't be able to help again; otherwise, the first to die will be you!"
"Unless you find new items to reinforce the Hell's seal, but you're still too low-level to access them right now."
Alan listened intently and nodded in acknowledgment, then thanked her with sincere gratitude. "Thank you for stepping in!"
Had it not been for her intervention, he would have only managed to wound the Monk with all his might, and he and his sister would not have escaped unharmed.
"No need to thank me. Focus on your cultivation. I stepped in only to make sure you understand the brutal reality of survival in this world."
"With power, they respect you and treat you as an honored guest. Without it, you're merely livestock under their rules."
"This realm is vast. Only those at the pinnacle can control their destinies. Without power, you'll only be shackled by various constraints."
Her gaze turned deep and silent, like the vast night sky—profound and distant.
Alan took a deep breath.
Although he knew that power was the essence of justice and authority, today's events with the church using force to subdue him made him realize even more profoundly the importance of strength.
The pressure in Alan's heart grew heavier.
Whether it was his sister's strange illness, the Hell seal, or his mother…
Everything required him to possess absolute strength!