The concourse checkpoint at Rock Confluence Station, which should have been orderly and efficient, had fallen into slight disarray for reasons unknown.
The Extinction clerics moved with decisive, combat-ready swiftness. The wariness flashing in their eyes revealed the gravity of their mission. Under the lamplight, the cast-iron and glass structures seemed exceptionally cold and rigid amid this sudden turn of events, reflecting the tense faces of the passengers.
All eyes were fixed on the two young noble ladies surrounded before the checkpoint.
"If you are not under suspicion, Miss Milian Milford, we promise not to harm you in the slightest, and we will release you the moment your innocence is proven."
The high cleric who had ordered them stopped appeared impeccably courteous as he bowed slightly and spoke.
"..."
Behind them, the line of passengers snaked through the corridor. Everyone waited, as if a sudden crisis were about to erupt. The mood of the ordinary imperial travelers was steadily sinking toward the freezing point, matching the drop in temperature throughout the station concourse.
Not just Hyperion and Mixiula, but anyone looking on from afar knew that promises from the clerics of the Extinction Branch were worth less than nothing.
In the silence, the air was sliced by a sudden, faint rustle of wind, remarkably crisp and clear.
The high cleric did not raise his head, waiting for the two noble ladies before him to state their position.
"I will miss the registration window for the Protos Royal Magic Academy. Furthermore, without evidence or an arrest warrant, you cannot arrest imperial nobles as you please."
Even though Hyperion had seemed mild-tempered before, the corners of her eyes narrowed slightly now, carrying a hint of resentment. The Extinction Branch's brazen overreach was hard to swallow.
"If something is truly wrong with us, you are welcome to bring lawful documents from the Police Department and arrest us at the school in Herrom. When that time comes, our consent won't even matter—the administration will cooperate with you immediately to carry out your duties."
Mixiula took half a step forward, her tone even firmer.
Their train to the Imperial Capital of Herrom was scheduled to depart at eleven that morning. Between the trains from the Milford Territory to Box Mountain Province and from Box Mountain to Herrom was a layover of over three hours. Count Milford had taken into account the time transfers might require, leaving them ample time for rest and preparations along the way.
Yet being intercepted and brought to the Knights of Extinction meant that regardless of what the investigation turned up, they would certainly miss their reserved train. If they were detained for another day or two, they would have to scramble for last-minute tickets after being released, which would most likely result in being unable to enter the Protos Royal Magic Academy for a week.
That strict, semi-cloistered institution strictly forbade students from leaving on weekdays. As the ultimate measure for punishment and maintaining academic discipline, it also barred students who failed to return on time from entering midway through the term.
"My apologies, but regarding classified matters concerning the northern war, we hold priority jurisdiction. If you wish to press charges against us, please contact Count Milford."
The high cleric fixed his gaze on Mixiula. His tone remained polite, yet a chill was already creeping into his eyes.
It was as though he were telling her that if she caused any more trouble, he would teach her a lifelong lesson, count's daughter or not.
Hyperion immediately took Mixiula's hand, gripping it tightly, and pulled her behind herself.
"Our Milford family has never crossed your Extinction Branch. The week after next, Count Milford is traveling to the Imperial Capital to cast his vote. Are you trying to drag the Bishop of Extinction down with this?"
Rather than let Mixiula retort, she confronted the high cleric herself.
"..."
A flicker of hesitation passed through the high cleric's eyes, but it swiftly settled back into resolve.
"Even if Lord Milford is disappointed with our Extinction Branch because of this, I must detain her. It is my duty. Please forgive me."
He refused to yield an inch.
If he had initially intended to give some deference to the Milford family's standing, he was now prepared to drop all pretenses.
"..."
Seeing this attitude from the Extinction Branch's high cleric, Hyperion tensed, gripping Mixiula's hand.
If she wanted to run now, forcing her way out of Box Mountain Province probably wouldn't be an issue, but doing so would certainly implicate the Milford family who had forged an identity for her.
Yet if she complied with their demands and followed them into the temple of the Knights of Extinction, any complication would leave her with no way to flee. The deeper the investigation went, the more likely a slip-up would emerge.
Either choice was edging toward a dead end.
"I'll go with you."
Amid a storm of conflicting emotions, Hyperion finally let out a helpless sigh.
No matter what, even with the immense mission she bore, she could not abandon the Milford family for her own safety.
"I'm staying with Sister."
Mixiula pursed her lips, her face expressionless, and linked her arm through Hyperion's, making it clear she would never let go.
The high cleric sneered inwardly. These arrogant noble ladies had wasted so much of his breath; now, even if Mixiula wanted to leave, he wouldn't let her.
If the two of them kept up this attitude, they would have to be thoroughly tamed inside the temple of the Knights of Extinction. Keeping them as hostages would guarantee that Count Milford dutifully cast his vote for the Bishop of Extinction without any mishaps.
Once the Bishop of Extinction was elected and the overarching alliance between the Protos Empire and the Resurrection Church was cemented, Count Milford would have to swallow his rage in silence even if he found his daughters ruined or killed.
"Very well. You two can come along together."
The high cleric signaled for the heavily armored knights behind him to escort the two away. The passengers queuing behind them tactfully took a step back on their own accord.
Passengers whose trains were scheduled to depart hours later had already left the line for elsewhere; only those with departures coming up shortly remained, waiting with difficulty.
Finding the way blocked during a transfer should have made them anxious, but no one dared say a word.
In the hush as the matter settled, a bitter ache gripped Hyperion's heart. She knew full well that she hadn't made any mistake; these Extinction clerics hadn't seen through her guise either, but had simply blundered into catching her by pure chance.
Hyperion was all too familiar with this sheer misfortune. No matter how she struggled, she could never dispel her bad luck; it would only spill over onto those who helped her, until even the powerful father who had always protected her seemed to have been dragged down by it, his whereabouts now unknown.
She always felt like a cursed soul, someone whose luck in any matter would inevitably tilt toward the worse outcome.
It wasn't until she met Lanqi, whose fortune was absurdly resilient, that her misfortune seemed to transform entirely into good luck, as if that man carried all the fortune she lacked.
Now, without Lanqi, that sense of powerlessness surged back into her chest.
Yet she could no longer cry out Lanqi's name at the top of her lungs the way she had in Purgatory Corridor Academy, expecting him to suddenly appear and come to her rescue.
*O Goddess, what should I do now?*
Just then, the clustered crowd parted again, as though an avenue were being cleared through them by guards.
Hyperion's somber expression shifted as the disturbance drew her attention, and she lifted her gaze slightly.
"What are you all doing?"
A voice rang out, relaxed, puzzled, and edged with impatience.
It seemed that the checkpoint being blocked for so long had struck him as a grave breach of public courtesy.
Chapter 360