[US] Chapter 5: Edoras' First Stride
The train whistle shrieked a long blast, piercing the air, accompanied by the chugging and screeching of iron wheels on the rails, signaling the end of the long journey. The colossal steam train, with its intricately carved wooden and metal carriages, slowly decelerated, entering the central station of the capital, Edoras, a magnificent, majestic, grand structure, befitting the heart of the kingdom.
Rober stood on the platform, taking a deep breath, savoring the characteristic atmosphere of the great city. Unlike the peace and tranquility of Windmere village, or the chaos and bustle of the mining town, Edoras offered an overwhelming sensation, a unique blend of ancient and modern, of the mystical and the real.
Tall buildings of white marble, with pointed arches and stained-glass windows in the Gothic style, stood proudly interspersed with red copper smokestacks, spewing white plumes of steam, characteristic of the era. Elegantly decorated horse-drawn carriages, pulled by magnificent steeds, ran alongside self-propelled vehicles, the new invention of mechanical engineers, making loud noises and emitting black smoke on the wide, stone-paved roads. In the sky, giant, colorful airships, with dangling wicker baskets, floated lazily, trailing banners of all kinds, creating a scene that was both fantastical and vibrant.
Amalia Hana, after adjusting her attire, stepped off the train with an elegant, aristocratic air. Beside her was a young maidservant, who had appeared from nowhere, carefully carrying a luxurious crocodile-skin suitcase. Amalia turned to Rober, a radiant smile on her face.
"Rober, where do you plan to stay during your time here?" she asked, her voice as clear as a ringing bell.
Rober pondered for a moment. In his mind, the Sage System was working at full capacity, providing him with detailed information about inns, hotels, and residential areas, along with reviews and comments from previous guests. He quickly selected a place that seemed to suit his needs and budget.
"I will be staying at the Moon Inn" he replied. "From what I've gathered, it's a fairly quiet, clean, and affordable place, and it's located near the central public library. That will be very convenient for my studies."
Amalia nodded, approvingly. "That's a wise choice indeed. The Moon Inn is also known as a stopping place for many scholars and students. As for me, I must return home. My family is surely eagerly awaiting my arrival." She tilted her head slightly, her blue eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. "I hope we'll have the opportunity to meet again, Rober. Who knows?"
Rober smiled, returning Amalia's farewell. "Very likely, Miss Hana. Goodbye, and I wish you all the best."
They waved goodbye, and then each boarded a different carriage. Rober sat in his carriage, watching Amalia's figure disappear into the bustling crowd of people and vehicles, a feeling of wistfulness welling up in his heart.
The carriage rattled along, taking Rober through the busy, lively streets of the capital. He gazed in fascination at the sights on either side of the road, his heart filled with excitement and curiosity. Department stores displayed all kinds of goods, from exquisite handicrafts to complex mechanical devices. Cafes and teahouses, filled with billowing smoke, had signs written in elegant, elaborate script. Magnificent theaters and opera houses promised spectacular artistic performances.
Rober realized that Edoras was not only the political and economic center of the kingdom, but also a center of culture, education, science, and art. This place brought together the most brilliant minds, the most outstanding talents, and also the most profound secrets.
According to the official announcement from the Royal Academy, the entrance examination would take place in one month. Rober did not want to waste a single moment. He had a detailed plan in mind, step by step, to prepare for this important exam, and further, to realize the great dream of his life.
Rober's ultimate goal, as he had clearly defined since he was in the village, was to become a teacher, a true educator. He did not care for fame, did not crave wealth, did not seek power. The only thing he desired was knowledge, to explore the mysteries of this world, especially the mystical, supernatural aspects, the things that ordinary science could not explain. He wanted to immerse himself in ancient books, decipher mysterious characters, learn about lost civilizations, and unveil the secrets of legendary creatures.
The Sage System, the miraculous gift that fate had bestowed upon him, was the tool, the master key for Rober to open the door to endless knowledge. He had soon realized that this system was not merely a vast storehouse of knowledge, but also a superior learning machine. It not only provided information passively, but could also be activated, controlled proactively, through questions.
Throughout his years living and working in Windmere village, Rober had secretly experimented with and perfected the method of exploiting the Sage System. He had taught the village children, and realized that children's curiosity was an invaluable resource. They asked naive questions, sometimes silly ones, but also some incredibly profound questions, far beyond the understanding of adults.
And whenever someone asked him a question, whether directly or indirectly, whether it was a simple or complex question, the Sage System would activate, providing him with new knowledge, detailed information, far exceeding what he could find on his own. He had learned to ask questions in return, to elicit, to guide, to encourage people to ask him questions. He realized that even casual questions, fleeting inquiries, or questions written on paper, could all activate the system.
Now, having set foot in Edoras, Rober believed that he was standing before a golden opportunity. He believed that in this magnificent capital, he would meet people with higher levels of education, broader knowledge, and more profound, interesting questions. He believed that the Royal Academy, with its erudite professors, vast libraries, and outstanding students, would be an ideal environment for him to maximize his abilities and satisfy his endless thirst for knowledge.
However, before officially stepping into the Academy, Rober needed to pass the challenging entrance exam. And during the one-month waiting period, he decided he would not sit idly by. He would start his "warm-up" right now, taking advantage of every opportunity to learn, to explore, and to prepare for the challenges ahead.
"Where should I start?" Rober asked himself, ideas beginning to sprout in his mind. "The public library? The central square? Or perhaps... the intellectual cafes?"
He smiled. A bold, yet intriguing plan was gradually forming in his mind. Rober knew the journey ahead would be long and arduous. But he was not afraid. Because he had a strong belief in himself, in the Sage System, and in the power of knowledge.
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