Imprisoned for a Trillion Years, I Was Worshipped by All Gods!-Chapter 616 - 172-A Senior’s Comfort

Before Alan could even speak, the train conductor took the initiative to introduce himself.

"Mr. Alan, good day. I'm Brandt Nicolas, conductor of Church-operated Magic Train No. 33. Please, just call me Brandt."

Brandt then gave the four travelers a quick but sharp look and added, "You can rest assured. For today's direct trip to the Kent Kingdom, this train only carries the four of you."

"Additionally, you're not the only ones onboard. Holy guardians dispatched by Church high command have already infiltrated the train's compartments. Their presence ensures your absolute safety."

"If you're still uneasy, allow me to reveal something—our esteemed Bishop Daniel is also already present."

"Even if Headmaster Stephen himself were to show up, the Church is confident in protecting your lives."

Alan remained calm, unaffected by Brandt's claims.

Francis and the others, however, were wide-eyed in shock.

Who was this Brandt? A direct subordinate of the Church, a conductor whose authority was second only to the bishops. He even held the same rank as high priests.

And more importantly, the Church had always maintained a firm stance of neutrality. They didn't support any political faction, nor did any faction dare to antagonize the Church openly. It took more than just conviction to uphold such a stance—it required overwhelming power.

Yet over the years, as the Church expanded, its internal cohesion had begun to erode. In remote regions, lower-ranking officials and district leaders had developed a culture of arrogance and abuse of power.

Alan had already experienced this firsthand back in Ironblood City.

To him, both the Church and Lioncrest Academy were cut from the same cloth—once powerful and wealthy, they inevitably grew corrupt.

But today's Church had deviated from its usual path. Not only had they broken their neutral position, but they had also taken the initiative to support Sirius Academy. This was deeply intriguing.

After all, once the Church made a move like this, they would inevitably arouse suspicion and wariness from the other factions.

It was a risky move, no doubt.

However, with Isabella still in danger and the urgency of rescuing her weighing heavily on his heart, Alan had no time to untangle the web of power plays between these organizations.

"Thank you, Conductor Brandt. I will repay the Church's kindness when the opportunity arises."

Brandt smiled and waved it off. "Mr. Alan, no need to be so formal. The Church didn't act expecting a reward. We simply could not stand by while a friend walked into danger. Moreover, the Church has already begun investigating the factions colluding with Lioncrest Academy behind the scenes. Please rest assured—once this ordeal ends, the Church will root out every one of those hidden connections and restore peace to the Capital."

Alan hadn't expected the Church to go this far for him. He gave a sincere nod. "Then I won't say any more. I'll remember the Church's kindness in my heart."

Brandt didn't say anything further. After arranging for the four to board the first-class cabin, he departed along with the staff.

Only after they had boarded the magic train did Francis finally snap out of his stupor. He stared at Alan as if seeing something incomprehensible.

"Tell me the truth—you didn't, by any chance, sell fruit for the Pope when you were a kid, did you? Otherwise, why is the Church going all-out to help you like this?"

"Get lost."

Alan gave him a firm shove and turned to look out the window.

In truth, the Church wasn't aiding him out of admiration or past favor.

They were afraid.

Afraid of the black-robed woman who stood behind him.

With a powerhouse beyond even Mage Emperor-level watching over him, even the Church—without needing to think twice—knew better than to betray Alan or side with Lioncrest at such a crucial time.

Only country bumpkins like Isaac, who'd never seen real power, would run their mouths with foolish bravado.

After a short while, Alan sighed and turned to his companions.

"We've been traveling all day. You're all probably exhausted. Get some rest. Once we reach the Kent Kingdom, we'll discuss our plan for entering the micro-world."

With that, Alan stood and walked toward his bunk.

Blanche rose and followed behind him.

Francis looked at them with some confusion, then turned to Fort beside him.

"I'm honestly glad my family didn't make me attend Lioncrest Academy. Those bastards are utterly disgusting. Using a young girl like Isabella to threaten Alan again and again… Even bandits on the plains wouldn't stoop that low."

Fort nodded in agreement. "Lioncrest Academy—completely devoid of humanity."

But then, a shadow fell over Francis's expression.

He let out a long sigh and tapped the table with his finger. "Still, Lioncrest isn't our only enemy this time. We may also have to face powerful figures from the Kent Kingdom. That nation has always been steeped in mystery, and we don't even know what kind of magical traditions they've passed down."

"For a mage, going into a battle without preparation is incredibly dangerous…"

Fort looked up and nodded solemnly. "Don't worry. If it really comes down to it, I'll pull you over to use as a human shield."

"You son of a—!"

Francis's curses echoed through the cabin.

Meanwhile, in the rear cabin, Alan had just sat down at the edge of his bed when Blanche approached and entered.

"Is something the matter?" Alan looked at her with a hint of suspicion, then quickly pulled the blanket up like a barrier between them.

Blanche chuckled helplessly and sat beside him, gently taking his hand.

Startled, Alan scooted to the edge of the bed, turning his head away nervously.

"S-Senior… we can talk calmly, no need to get handsy…"

Blanche casually flicked his forehead with her finger, then smiled. "You little punk, what are you imagining? I just came to chat."

"Oh?" Alan tilted his head, curiosity piqued.

Blanche cleared her throat and adopted a serious tone. "I don't think you need to worry so much. Isabella may be a hostage, but I doubt she'll be in any real danger—at least not right away."

"Think about it. Stephen's real target is you. Isabella is merely leverage. If anything were to happen to her, the people of Sirius Academy wouldn't stand by. They'd fight him to the death." fɾēewebnσveℓ.com

"And even if Stephen managed to kill you, he'd pay a terrible price in return. That's not the outcome he wants."

"So really, there's no need to panic. Isabella wouldn't want to see you like this, either."

Under Blanche's calm and steady voice, Alan's tense muscles began to relax. He hadn't even noticed before how tightly wound his body had been ever since his sister was taken.

Only now did the stress start to release.

Seeing that Alan had calmed down, Blanche stood up with a confident smile.

"Get a good night's sleep. We're going to bring Isabella back—no matter what."