Bakerlon Main Story: Prologue
Overview
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Guide
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Script
*Drip*... *Drip*...
The sound echoes in the cramped, old-fashioned compartment.
It almost sounds like a sticky liquid dripping on a hard wooden board.
Soon, two tall men emerge from the gloom, the moonlight casting unsettling shadows on their faces.
???: Hey, what do we do with that woman? Should we...
???: We have our orders. Toss her off the train. Who told her to mess with the wrong people?
???: Fine, fine.
*Clang* The man throws the heavy, old-fashioned door open...
The other man has his hands on the woman curled up in the corner, trying to lift her.
The sound of a whistle sounds from afar as the old train churns forward. The man holding the door open yells out impatiently.
???: Hurry, the train's starting to move!
???: I'm on it!
The clouds covering the full moon drift away as the cold moonlight illuminates the ground inch by inch.
A slender figure is dragged around the carriage by the man.
The man grits his teeth, pushing the woman outward. It seems like the woman will be out of the carriage with a little more force.
At that moment, however, the slender figure seems to jolt eerily.
???: Ahh!?
The person's drooped head raises slowly, and only a pair of eyes can be seen in the dim light.
A pair of eyes clouded with white...
You: Ahh!!!
Your eyes snap open, the dark picture disappearing like a receding tide, but the cold shiver that creeps up your spine still spreads.
It seems those empty eyes were looking at... you.
You: Phew, was it... just a dream?
Looking around, the warm light in the carriage reflects the interior of the reddish brown wooden furniture, revealing a simple yet profound charm.
Not far away, everyone is gathered together as if they are discussing something.
And you, who should've been part of the discussion, had your mind wandering elsewhere...
You: How did I fall asleep while sitting...?
You stand up, rubbing your sore arm that was pressed against the table for too long.
You: (But that dream felt too real. It was almost like I was there...)
You: (Hold on a second, what am I thinking about? Dreams don't mean anything.)
Artem: You're awake?
Marius: [Player], you don't look so good. Are you okay?
You: Oh? I...
As you hear the familiar voice of concern, you realize the group of people gathered around the table have halted their discussion and are all looking at you in unison.
For a moment, you feel guilty, like you were caught daydreaming in class.
You: It's nothing, I fell asleep just now... and had a dream.
Luke: What dream?
You: Well, I dreamed I was in an old train carriage...
After describing what you saw in the dream, you let out a long sigh.
You: That's about it, and I woke up frightened.
Luke: Have you been pushing yourself too hard? People often have nightmares when they're exhausted.
Vyn: Yes, mental stress might be the cause of it.
Artem: It took us a whole day to get here from Stellis, even by private plane. A long journey is taxing on your body.
Marius: There are two more hours until the Mobius Embarkation Ceremony. [Player], why don't you take a nap in your room first?
Your heart considerably calms upon hearing their concerned voices.
You: It's okay. I feel great now. I won't be able to get any sleep tonight if I sleep now!
You lean forward and look at the documents Vyn is holding.
You: Never mind me. What are you guys looking at?
Vyn: Promotional material for the Mobius. It states the embarkation ceremony and itinerary for the next few days.
Marius: Yeah, I scanned over the materials. The train offers comprehensive entertainment facilities and a full catering service.
Marius: It was probably designed to meet famous luxury travel train standards.
Luke: After all, the luxury travel experience is its main feature. But we'll have to wait and see what the actual experience is like.
You: I can't wait! After all...
Looking out the carriage window, you see rolling hills and lush forests stretching out into the distance.
At this moment, you finally realize...
You are no longer in Stellis, but on a luxury vintage train ride in Bakerlon.
You: (Experiencing a luxury train ride for an international case... It's a first for me.)
A month ago at the NXX Headquarters.
During the intermission after the meeting, Artem hands you his tablet.
Artem: I've collected information about the mineral resources in Bakerlon and the relevant provisions for local exploration and mining approval.
Artem: Take a look. It might be useful.
You: Thank you, Mr. Wing. This is just what I needed!
Artem: Miss Schneider has also requested a teleconference later to confirm our itinerary.
You: Sure.
Artem: I'll send you the information on the Mobius, which might be useful at the meeting...
Vyn: Are you talking about the Mobius, the luxury travel train in Bakerlon?
Vyn: Planning a trip?
You hadn't realized that Vyn had already come over to your side.
You: Yes, Mr. Wing and I accepted an international case and will be flying to Bakerlon in a few days.
Luke: Does your client happen to be the mining magnate, Sarah Schneider?
Marius and Luke, who are sorting through meeting materials on the side, also come over.
You: Eh, how do you know?
Luke: I saw it yesterday when I was scrolling through the international newsfeed.
Luke: It said that Sarah Schneider, a well-known entrepreneur from Bakerlon, hired a prominent Stellis lawyer as her legal counsel.
Luke: She will also be aboard the luxury travel train run by Kahn Corporation, another well-known enterprise in Bakerlon.
Marius: As far as I know, Schneider and Kahn are two well-known family businesses in Bakerlon.
Marius: They often compete with each other for resources in different fields.
Luke: That's right. The news mentioned that the Schneider family is currently competing with Kahn Corporation for a spot in a mining auction.
Luke: The venue is set on Ginnungagap Island, which is the Mobius' final destination.
Marius: No wonder. I guess...
Marius: Miss Schneider must be trying to gauge the Kahn Corporation's capabilities to be better prepared before the auction.
You: Well, the details of the case are still under negotiation.
You: I'm surprised Miss Schneider already went public with the information...
Artem: According to reliable sources, Kahn Corporation has also hired a well-known foreign legal team as legal counsel.
Artem: So I imagine that Miss Schneider is also using this international partnership with Themis Law Firm as a publicity stunt.
Marius: There's no shame in that. It's just business.
Vyn: However, the process for international cases is quite complex.
Vyn: [Player], let me know if you need help with anything.
Artem: No need. She is perfectly capable on her own, and I'm going with her this time.
In an instant, the temperature around Artem seems to drop.
Marius says something just as you're about to change the subject.
Marius: Yeah, Vyn. You're not the client. It's not good to pry into her work, is it?
Vyn: I said that not purely out of curiosity, because... I will also be taking the Mobius sometime.
Vyn: Chances are, we will all be on the same train. It is only natural to care about friends who are taking the same trip.
Artem: You...
Marius: Huh? You're going as well?
Vyn reveals a deep smile amidst Artem and Marius' surprised eyes.
Vyn: The train will begin its journey around the Myerson Mountains and end at Ginnungagap Island.
Vyn: Ginnungagap Island is not that far from Svart, so I can take the opportunity to go back and take care of some business.
Marius: Taking the scenic route home? Don't you think that's too much trouble?
Vyn: I would be happy to.
For some reason, things start to heat up between the two of them, and you quickly interrupt them.
You: Perfect! Dr. Richter, we can depart together...
Marius: Wait a minute, it's not just him. I'm going on this train ride as well.
Marius stands up, placing a card-like object on the table.
It doesn't look like something people would use today—it's more of a vintage bookmark carved with an intricate pattern.
Luke: ...A commemorative ticket for the Mobius?
Marius: Yeah, it's designed to be a replica of a ticket stub from the famous Bakerlon train one hundred years ago.
Marius: Kahn Corporation's online advertisements promise the experience of an upper-class traveler from a century ago.
Marius: Not only that, they have also invited international celebrities to attend the embarkation ceremony.
Marius: Pax was also invited. Miss, we'll be together again.
Artem: ...
Vyn: What a timely invitation.
For some reason, Vyn's expression seems profound.
Luke: So you're all going on this luxury trip?
Luke speaks right after Vyn, causing everyone's attention to be focused on him.
Marius: Oh? Here we go again. Luke, do you need me to get you a ticket?
Marius: If you beg...
Luke: There's no need for that.
Luke takes out a card-like object, its style indistinguishable from the ticket that Marius placed on the table.
Luke: I received an international case a few days ago, and the client also mailed me a memorial ticket for the Mobius.
You: Eh!? Your client is also from Bakerlon?
Luke: I guess so.
Marius: How can there be so many weird coincidences? I can't believe it.
Vyn: Luke, is it possible that you already knew something, so you arranged a ticket in advance?
Luke: Believe what you want, but I won't divulge any details about my client.
It is obvious that Luke is deliberately withholding information.
But he seems reluctant to say anything else. Instead, he stands there quietly with folded arms.
Marius: It seems that it's another "collective action."
You: I-Isn't that great? That means everyone can be together, right?
Marius: I guess it's fine.
Vyn: I always look forward to enjoying different scenery with you.
Artem: I'll email you the information. Remember to go over it.
You: Don't worry. I'll be well-prepared before the trip.
And so, after the itinerary is set...
Everyone boards a private jet arranged by Marius to fly thousands of miles away from Stellis to a country in the north—Bakerlon.
You: (I didn't think we would be departing from the Myerson Mountains...)
You: (Even with an express shuttle arranged, it still took a few hours to get on here. I'm exhausted.)
You: (It does feel different on the Mobius, almost as if we've just stepped into a century-old history book...)
Marius: What's wrong, [Player]? You're awfully quiet.
Artem: You look tired. Don't push yourself. You can rest a while longer.
You: Don't worry. I'm fine! I was just thinking that it's a little boring staying in the room...
You: There's still some time before the embarkation ceremony. Why don't we take a look around?
Luke: Yeah, I'm down!
Vyn: I want to appreciate the elegance of a train that has traversed a hundred years of history.
The toned-down and vintage decor in the carriages extends to the corridors of the Mobius.
The dark green velvet curtains and the carved wooden bars inlaid with gold are all details highlighting the noble and luxurious atmosphere.
You: Is this... cryolite?
On the same exquisite decorative shelf is a piece of ore ornament.
These decorative objects, which are normally placed in the corner, are either vases or antiques, so it's the first time you've seen ore ornaments.
Artem: That's a Bakerlon Druse, a rare ore that can only be mined in the Myerson Mountains of Bakerlon.
You: Any accessories made with this ore would be unique!
Vyn: Bakerlon crystals are extremely rare. They emit a dreamlike glow at night, so they are often made into accessories by locals.
Vyn: An accessory made with the entire druse mineral is... very rare indeed.
???: Hmph, it's an extraordinary decoration prepared by Mr. Kahn to make the Mobius stand out from the rest.
???: I can't believe how ignorant you lot are.
Your voice is interrupted by an abrupt and rude interjection.
Marius: ...
Vyn: There seems to be something causing a ruckus.
The door at the end of the corridor opens to reveal a man in a suit with a smug look on his face.
Luke: Oh, it's you.
You: (William Lewis!?)
Unexpectedly, it is your "old acquaintance" that you've had frequent dealings with in court—William Lewis of Baldr.
Artem: Mr. Lewis? How nice to see you.
Given the indifference in Artem's voice, the "nice to see you" doesn't seem genuine at all.
William Lewis fails to notice the overtones and continues to smirk.
William Lewis: I didn't expect to meet people from Themis Law Firm here... Could this be fate?
Artem: Fate, indeed.
William Lewis: What do you mean?
Recalling the news that Kahn Corporation also hired a foreign attorney, a conjecture arises...
You: (No way. What a coincidence...)
Artem: Mr. Lewis, you must be the legal counsel hired to accompany Mr. Kahn, head of the Kahn Corporation, to the mining auction?
Artem: What a coincidence. We are Miss Schneider's legal counsel.
William Lewis: You guys? How can it be you guys? That's not what we agreed on!
William Lewis: That damn Howard Syter. If I knew it was you guys, I wouldn't have... hmph.
You: (Artem was right.)
Looking at William Lewis' dumbfounded expression, Marius remains calm while raising an eyebrow.
Marius: Interesting. Now I'm looking forward to this trip.
Luke: Yeah, no story is complete without coincidences.
William Lewis: Y-You guys...
Vyn smiles and shakes his head, interrupting William Lewis.
Vyn: We have already wasted enough time on this boring person.
Vyn: Mr. Lewis, do you mind moving? We want to visit other places before the embarkation ceremony.
William Lewis: Hmph!
Frowning, William Lewis glares at you all, walking away without saying a word.
Needless to say, you can tell he has put all of you squarely on his radar.
You: Forget it. Let's look around.
Everyone nods in agreement.
You don't want your day to be ruined by a bump in the road, so you move on to the next carriage.
Showroom Carriage
You: This is...
Entering the exhibition room, you expected to find a small carriage with simple displays.
What you see, however, is a space filled with display cases and precious collections.
It is a small exhibition hall in every sense of the word.
Artem: Various works of art made with Bakerlon ores are on display here.
Vyn: ...An art exhibition on a train? Intriguing.
Luke: Maybe another selling point of the luxury train?
Marius: Look at the pattern on the jade vase. Is that a local specialty totem in Bakerlon? Wow.
Everyone admires the various displays in the exhibition while chatting.
Strolling over to a display case by the window, you are drawn to an ornament made of a glowing piece of ore.
You: Hey, that crystal cluster... seems to be emitting a faint glow.
Artem walks over and looks at the display case for a moment.
Artem: I read somewhere that Bakerlon crystals with high purity will maintain their fluorescence under natural light.
Artem: A century ago, the people of Bakerlon believed that shiny ores had the strength to resonate with souls...
Artem: Therefore, they would use them to communicate with the "souls of the dead."
Vyn: But those are ancient legends.
Vyn: At the time, imaging technology was not developed, and people were unable to leave anything behind when they passed away.
Vyn: As such, people placed their hope in this form of communication to make themselves feel better.
Vyn: Strictly speaking, it is a type of spiritual sustenance.
???: Young man, that's too naive of you.
???: It's not an assumption, nor is it sustenance.
???: The so-called "soul resonance" might be a natural phenomenon that has yet to be proven by science.
Suddenly, an old man's voice comes from the other side of the display case.
Following the voice, an old, silver-haired man in a vintage suit walks over slowly.
You: Greetings. You are...?
???: Greetings. Please call me Dr. Miller.
Dr. Miller: I am a passenger as well as the person in charge of this exhibition. This is my card.
The old man hands you a business card and a small crystal.
The name on the business card reads William Miller, PhD in occult studies.
You: Thank you. Is this a... crystal?
The crystal in your palm is made of several smaller pieces. They are clear and beautiful, looking like high-purity white crystals.
Upon closer inspection, you can detect strange glimmers of light inside the crystals.
Dr. Miller: It is a small Bakerlon Druse.
Dr. Miller: You are the first guests to visit my exhibition, so consider this a souvenir.
You: Eh? Dr. Miller, is this... your personal exhibition?
Dr. Miller: Haha, you misunderstood.
Dr. Miller: I applied to the Kahn Corporation to hold an exhibition on the train.
Dr. Miller: But I only provided a small portion of the ore samples. Most of these works of art are from Kahn Corporation's private collection.
Dr. Miller: I... am only responsible for these works of art. Over the course of the trip, I will be conducting my own research.
Marius: Oh? What kind of research, Dr. Miller?
Hearing Marius asking about his research, Dr. Miller's eyes, hidden behind thick lenses, seem to light up.
Dr. Miller: Recently, I've been researching the magnetic field produced by Bakerlon ores and how it affects the environment and people.
Dr. Miller: For example, is it possible for ores to resonate with people?
Dr. Miller: And what kind of interesting things might happen if resonance occurs...
Dr. Miller: These are my research topics, just like the "soul resonance" you were discussing...
You: (Ahh...)
He speaks faster and faster, his tone gradually growing excited.
It was like he was trying to explain all the thoughts and ideas that have been bottled up for a long time.
*Ding*
As Dr. Miller is discussing how it is "theoretically possible for an electronic device to change the ore magnetic field and influence a person's perception"...
He is interrupted by a crisp, electronic bell, followed by a slight electrical current over the train announcement.
Then, the friendly programmed voice of a staff member is broadcasted.
Staff: Esteemed passengers, welcome aboard the Mobius luxury train. We are pleased to serve you.
Staff: In ten minutes, the embarkation ceremony will commence in the dining carriage. Passengers are welcome to attend.
Dr. Miller: It's starting already? I haven't finished talking...
He gives a rueful look, followed by an expectant smile.
Dr. Miller: If you all are interested, come by the exhibition again after the ceremony.
You: Yeah, I will.
Luke: I'll come with you. I find Dr. Miller's research topic quite interesting.
Marius: Count me in. Don't sneak off by yourselves.
You: Okay! Mr. Wing, Dr. Richter, would you like to join us?
Artem: ...
A look of surprise is evident on Artem's face.
You reflect on whether your invitation was a little out of place.
But he quickly gathers his emotions and nods gently.
Artem: Sure.
Vyn, on the other side, adjusts his glasses, a gentle smile appearing in his eyes.
Vyn: I would be happy to.
You: (It seems I was overthinking it.)
You: Well... it's getting late. We should head to the dining carriage!
*Ding*... *Ding*...
On the way to the dining carriage, the voice of an employee is heard over the broadcast again.
Staff: Esteemed passengers, the Mobius Embarkation Ceremony is about to commence.
Staff: Please move to the dining carriage and witness this exciting occasion!
As more people make their way to the dining carriage, the corridors begin to fill with noisy and excited chatter.
Passenger A: Where's Mr. Kahn? Is he here yet?
Passenger B: I don't think so. Mr. Kahn should still be preparing his speech for the embarkation ceremony.
Passenger B: But I heard... Mr. Kahn has prepared a surprise for everyone!
Passenger A: Wow, I'm looking forward to it.
With excitement bubbling among the passengers, you can't help but wonder about Mr. Kahn and the surprise.
You: A surprise? What could it be?
Vyn: I speculate that it will be a common advertisement.
Marius: Yeah, these so-called "surprises" are hardly ever surprises.
Vyn: Are you talking about yourself?
Marius: Just speaking from experience.
You: (Here we go again...)
Luke: Enough chit-chat. It's almost time. We should head inside.
Artem: I contacted Miss Schneider before we boarded. She will also be present at the embarkation ceremony.
Artem: We can meet with her after it ends.
You: Sure.
