The Ares Domain Central Station was a massive, imposing fortress of steel, concrete, and noise.
Heavy magi-trains, plated in thick tungsten armor designed to survive the brutal monsters in the unmapped zones, hissed loudly as they vented excess steam into the crowded platforms.
Zen adjusted his black duffel bag on his shoulder. The heavy tungsten sword he had used to dismantle the Ward-Breaker was wrapped tightly in canvas and slung securely across his back.
"Stay close to me," Valeria demanded. Her hand gripped his jacket sleeve with bruising, possessive force. "There are too many people here, and I don't like it. Anyone could bump into you."
"It is a public train station, Val," Zen said calmly, expertly ignoring the crushing pressure of her grip. "People take trains to go places."
"They are breathing our air."
"Let them have a little air."
