Strangers and Souvenirs

As the sleek SpiritRail Express came to a stop at Indraprastha, Kai, and Akane, their faces reflecting curiosity and excitement, prepared to disembark.

They both had a common destination, while Max and Jake stayed onboard, having chosen another station for their exit.

Kai exchanged parting words with his fellow passengers.

Max said, "Yeah, let's meet again somewhere."

Kai replied with a nod and a smile, "Definitely."

They gathered their belongings, and Kai couldn't help but notice that Akane's luggage was rather hefty, filled with souvenirs and gifts from her family.

Seeing her struggle, he kindly offered to help.

"Let me carry that one," Kai said with a reassuring smile.

Akane, grateful for the assistance, responded, "Thank you."

With the heaviest bag now in Kai's possession, they exited the train. As the SpiritRail Express smoothly glided away, they stood on the platform, watching the train vanish in the distance.

Kai, his curiosity piqued by Akane's luggage, ventured, "How did you manage to get all these heavy bags onto the train?"

Akane sighed, "My Uncle helped me load them. He's quite strong. However, my Aunt and Uncle packed me with so many souvenirs, sweets, and gifts that my luggage became heavier."

Kai chuckled, "Your family seems wonderful."

A genuine smile crossed Akane's face. "Yes, I'm blessed."

Kai couldn't help but admire her charming demeanor. For a fleeting moment, a thought crossed his mind. He quickly dispelled it and inquired, "So, how do you plan to get these bags to your house?"

Akane replied with determination, "I'm going to call a taxi."

Kai agreed with a nod, "That sounds like a good plan."

Outside the station, however, there was a surprising absence of taxis. Kai set down Akane's luggage and turned to her.

"Please wait here for a moment. I'll inquire about what's happening," Kai suggested.

Approaching the reception, Kai spoke to the elderly gentleman behind the counter. "Why are there no taxis outside?"

The receptionist seemed surprised. "Haven't you heard? Today is a testing day for the new prototype train, the SpiritRail Express.

No other passenger trains are operating today, and taxi services have redirected their vehicles elsewhere, expecting no customers here."

Kai thanked the receptionist for the information and headed back to Akane, who was growing increasingly worried. Kai relayed the situation to her.

"Then how am I supposed to get home?" Akane asked with concern.

Kai, his wheels turning, asked her, "How far is your home from here?"

"About 5 to 6 kilometers," Akane replied.

Kai realized that her home was roughly the same distance as his. He paused for a moment and then posed another question, "Are you skilled in martial arts?"

Akane nodded, "Yes, I'm a Novice Rank Middle Level."

Kai was surprised by her level and decided to use his skill [Soul Analyze] to check her status:

[Status Window]

Name: Akane

Age: 17

Nature: Good: 52% Evil: 50%

Rank: Novice (Middle)

Title: None

Level: 5

Experience: 170/350

Strength: 72

Defense: 71

Agility: 78

Intelligence: 20

Endurance: 76

Spirit: 40

Luck: 72

Charm: 74

Vitality: 186

Spiritual Energy: 326

Additional Stat Points: 50

Exclusive Skill: [???](Partial Unlocked)

Skills:

1. Twin Swords Mastery(Lv14)

Techniques:

???

Spiritual Gathering

Kai was genuinely impressed by her stats, especially considering her Novice level. He decided to offer his assistance.

"Why don't we run to your place? I believe you can manage it," Kai suggested.

Akane hesitated for a moment and then replied, "I can, but what about these bags? How can I run with them to my house?"

Kai assured her, "I'll help you carry them. They're not too heavy for me."

Akane expressed concern about Kai reaching home quickly, but he assured her that everything would be fine.

They left the station, and the absence of taxis was still evident. Kai decided to make a call to his friend, Leon, who agreed to help him. After the call, Kai returned to Akane.

"Everything went well," Kai said with a reassuring smile.

Akane offered an apology for the trouble, but Kai dismissed it without a second thought.

Kai suggested, "Now, let's go."

With Akane's luggage in tow, they set out on their shared journey. Walking side by side, they approached the unknown with determination and camaraderie.