A brave man may not live, but he cannot die

Chapter 52: Collapse? Starry Sky Railway!
Go down the stairs for about 20 meters and you will see a clear view.

An ancient underground platform appeared in front of Quinn, with the same wooden floor as the college, walls made of thousand-year-old red bricks, and even the lighting was done with candlesticks and candles. At the entrance of the stairs, there was a platform 9 sign that was exactly the same as the one in the "Harry Potter" movie.

The freshmen stood at the edge of the platform and said goodbye to their parents.

Except for the very young children, there was almost no sadness on their faces. No one did not want to be a part of the legend, because they were going to the legendary Grindelwald.

On the track on the left side of the platform, there is a big car parked.

The black, round-shaped locomotive has "Grindelwald Express No. 5972" labeled on it. This train is so old that it seems it should not appear on the railway, but should be placed in a museum.

"Number 5972—the magical device built by Principal Merlin himself. It was also the world's first train."

Jacob's tone was filled with emotion. "This year marks its 5972th year of service to Grindelwald. It has raced along every track in Tamilan, bringing new students to Grindelwald. I still remember the vision I held when my mother sent me aboard train ."

"Has it come true now?" Quinn is a good supporting actor.

"Young people always like to think of impractical things. After I really came into contact with the arcane, I realized that I am still suitable to be a teacher."

Jacob walked forward, but not in the direction where the train was parked, but to the empty platform on the other side.

"If you have the chance, you can take train 5972 and experience Grindelwald's history. I promise it's unlike any other train you've ever ridden. But first, I need to familiarize you with the staff's work schedule."

Jacob walked to the end of the platform, where there was a small brass bell. He grabbed the bell rope and shook it gently.

"Let's take the other one."

The sound of the bell echoed. It was hard to imagine that such a small bell could produce such a clear and distant sound. The sound of the bell surged into the tunnel outside the platform like waves, spreading far and wide.

"Another one?"

"Although Train 5972 is never late, it doesn't obey the academy's dispatch and only runs according to the timetable set by Principal Merlin a thousand years ago. We need a train that is convenient for teachers to enter and exit at any time—"

As Jacob spoke calmly, Quinn heard the train whistle, the ground began to shake, and something was rushing towards him.

"Once you've completed the induction process, you can use this bell. There's one at the departure station in Ashwell and one at the arrival station at the academy. Just ring the bell, and it'll arrive within a minute."

The darkness at the end of the tracks was penetrated by the dazzling light, and the wind rushed out violently from the hole.

The train entered the station, followed by a violent braking sound, sparks flying from the friction between the wheels and the rails, and finally it stopped steadily in front of the two.

The train with the number "000" on it had glaring headlights on. It was exceptionally short, consisting of only two carriages and a bullet-shaped locomotive head. Its pure silver exterior was covered in gorgeous arcane inscriptions, making it look like a postmodern work of art. It looked so out of place parked next to the ancient platform.

"Get in the car."

Jacob carried Quinn's suitcase and walked into the car first.

Quinn followed behind in amazement.

It is hard not to think of this structure as a high-speed train on Earth.

The physical laws of the two worlds seem to be no different, so the aerodynamic designs are so consistent.

There was a golden bell in the carriage that was exactly the same as the brass bell. Jacob grabbed it and shook it, and the door closed automatically. No. 000 sounded the whistle and began to move slowly.

Quinn felt like he had walked into the first class cabin of an airplane, and it was the kind of first class cabin that Emirates Airlines had that started at six figures for the wealthy.

The carriage was covered with extravagant gold-thread wallpaper, and two sets of leather sofas surrounded a white marble table, on which were placed champagne and high-heeled glasses. Even though the train was speeding up so quickly, there was no sense of shaking due to the shock absorption of the arcane matrix.

"Train 000 is an improved version of the magic device that the academy imitated from Train 5972. Although it is not as ancient and powerful as Train 5972 in terms of mysterious specifications, Train 000 is faster, and it only takes five minutes to travel between the academy and the city. I need to tell you something about work-related matters-"

Jacob's voice echoed in the luxurious carriage: "First of all, the salary."

Quinn sat up straighter. This did concern him.

He had already taken out a loan of 150 gold pounds before even starting class B. If the academy was too stingy, he would have to ask the gang for his salary.

"Teaching assistants, like teachers, are paid according to their job titles. However, there are only two levels of teaching assistants: ordinary and senior assistants. Do they drink champagne?"

Quinn shook his head, "Thanks, I don't drink."

"Good habit, alcohol will affect the accuracy of casting spells"

Jacob smiled and raised his champagne, but pure water was poured into the glass. He took a sip to moisten his throat and then continued:

"After five years of service, ordinary teaching assistants can be promoted to senior teaching assistants after review by the college. The jobs of the two are not much different, but if you want to become a teacher who teaches independently, you must be a senior teaching assistant."

Quinn had no intention of getting promoted. He was just a Muggle planted by the demons to cause trouble.

"Grindelwald's salary is paid weekly. An ordinary teaching assistant receives 10 gold pounds and 5 silver coins per week. Each semester, there is also a 100 gold pound city council allowance, and a monthly bonus determined by your supervisor—usually no less than 20 gold pounds."

Quinn was shocked. So high?

If you work as a teaching assistant at the college for a year, you can buy a house in Eastwell.

This is just an assistant teacher, what about the treatment of teachers?

He recalled Grindelwald's act of paying for the new students. How rich is this damn academy?
"You shouldn't care too much about this salary."

Jacob's expression seemed to say that a monthly salary of 40 pounds was nothing. He smiled and said:
"Although teaching assistants cannot apply for college-level research support, they can still independently study the arcane arts they are interested in. You can borrow books freely in the library, except for the 'restricted areas'."

"Each semester, you can apply for arcane materials, in principle not exceeding one thousand gold pounds, to conduct your own research. You only need to submit a report to Professor Amamiya. The academy will not monitor your progress, but if you achieve any results, you must share the profits with the academy."

The train sped out of the dark underground tunnel, and moonlight poured in from the window, cold and bright.

Quinn turned his head and saw that the city lights had been left behind. The train was actually running on the surface of Mirror Lake. This was not the effect of arcane magic, but there was a railway track hidden under the water.

The train cut ripples on the calm lake surface, and the train rushed towards the distant moonlight.

It was not until this moment that Quinn understood why the lake on the top of the crater was called "Mirror Lake". The entire gorgeous starry sky was reflected on the lake surface. The three bright moons seemed to be sunk in the water. The sound of the tide was surging, and the train seemed to be running above the starry sky.

Until one moment, the train really took off!

Quinn opened his eyes wide. Even though his vision was gradually rising, he still felt that the train was running on a stable track. The lake began to move away from him, and the lights and neon lights of Eastville became part of the horizon. He was sandwiched between two vast starry skies. The scenery was like a dream.

Quinn suddenly understood why his fellow villager had gone to such great lengths. Not only did he want to recreate the way Hogwarts traveled, but more importantly, he believed that this scenery must be witnessed by all future students.

The starry sky moved outside the window, the night began to fade slowly, and then the train drove into the dusk, passing through patches of fiery clouds. When it was bright daytime outside the window, Grindelwald's floating castle appeared before his eyes.

Only then did Quinn realize that he had stood up without knowing when, and was leaning against the car window looking out like a child who had never seen the world.

"Oh, isn't it beautiful?"

The sunlight shone on Jacob's face and he squinted comfortably.

"The students' reactions are definitely more exciting than yours. This is the first lesson the academy teaches them: the arcane isn't a cold, rigid set of rules, but rather a romantic, enchanting landscape."

Quinn stared out the window at the daytime and asked absentmindedly, "Why did the sky change?" "The academy's time is winter time, the same as the northern continent, twelve hours ahead of Ashwell. Welcome to Grindelwald on April 1st."

Quinn suddenly understood. No wonder it was daytime in the outside world but nighttime for Grindelwald last time. It turned out that the day and night in the academy were reversed.

For some reason, although there was plenty of sunlight, there was no shadow of the sun in the sky, just like there was no moon in the night sky of the academy.

With a slight tremor, the train connected to the track of the college's arrival station and began to slow down slowly.

Outside of Grindelwald Castle, there are many floating islands of varying sizes. The train arrives at one of these islands. The platform is identical to Platform 9, but the sign has been replaced with ". I don't know what kind of mathematical joke this is.

As soon as the train stopped, Quinn saw a striking banner with red background and gold letters on the platform:

【Warmly welcome Mr. Quinn to our school! 】

Sure enough, he saw Amemiya Ningning's figure under the banner.

This eccentric divination teacher was wearing a purple dress today. Her long black stockings and high heels were hidden under the petal-shaped skirt, making her look even taller than Celia. Her oval face was combed into a sweet Japanese-style side bangs, her long hair was as black and delicate as a pencil lead, and her eyes were smiling.

Amamiya Ningning's temperament is unique among all the women Quinn has ever met. She is both youthful and mature, simple and charming. These conflicting and opposing atmospheres coexist miraculously in her.

She is like a succubus who has achieved enlightenment. Her every frown and smile can make people's heart beat faster.

"Welcome, welcome~ Warm welcome~"

Amemiya Ningning got two cheerleading pompadours from somewhere and started shaking them in her hands.

Jacob handed the suitcase he had carried all the way back to Quinn and said with a smile, "I'll take you here. Don't forget to call me at the guidance office when you perform the piano."

Quinn nodded, "Sure."

This teacher is quite nice.

Jacob said hello to Amamiya Ningning and said goodbye before leaving.

He is a teacher in the teaching department, responsible for managing the school spirit, discipline and administrative work. School is about to start, and he still has a lot to do.

Quinn sighed and slowly walked out of the car.

There were less than twenty-four hours left before the divination incident, and if possible, he absolutely did not want to meet Amamiya Ningning.

"Hello, Mr. Amamiya—thank you for hiring me."

"Hello, hello, why are you being so polite?"

Amamiya Ningning's smiling eyes suddenly stopped at Quinn's face, and she asked in surprise: "Why is your face red?"

Quinn gave a thumbs up: "I feel refreshed to be able to visit Grindelwald, the place I've been thinking about so much!"

He wouldn't say he hit it by banging his head against the wall.

"Wow. You look so energetic!" Amamiya Ningning glanced at Quinn's luggage and asked, "Do you want me to help you with it?"

“No, no, why bother you?”

"Don't be so polite."

Amamiya Ningning's voice is very sweet, you won't find it artificial, but it makes people feel itchy like a little clip: "Just call me Sister Ningning, otherwise it sounds so strange to keep calling me 'you, you, sir, sir, teacher'. We have to be partners in the future."

sister?
Quinn looked at the appearance of the little queen Amamiya Ningning and was a little unsure of his age.

"Sister Ningning."

"Hmm, that sounds much more comfortable."

Amemiya Ningning benefited a lot from it.

"Um." Quinn asked curiously, "You look very young, not like Grindelwald's teacher at all. May I ask your age?"

"Me?" Amamiya Nene said with a smile, "I'm 15 years old."

Quinn's mouth twitched. Have you ever seen a 15-year-old girl walking in ten-centimeter high heels as if she were walking on flat ground?

"Hey, don't disbelieve me. As long as I haven't turned 16, I'll always be 15." She was a little annoyed. "It's not polite to ask a girl's age casually, okay?"

According to the laws of the countries of the Southern Continent, the age of adulthood for men is eighteen, and for women it is sixteen.

What Amemiya Ningning said is no different from women on Earth saying that they will always be 17.

Quinn had no choice but to clasp his hands together and apologize: "Next time someone asks me, I will just say you are 16 years old."

"Not bad, it looks like you have a teaching assistant."

Amemiya Ningning brought Quinn to the edge of the platform, from where he could look out over Grindelwald's castle.

Unlike the last time I came for an interview, the castle airspace was now filled with students flying on broomsticks, making it look both magical and lively.

"Quinn, can you fly?" Amamiya Ningning suddenly asked.

Having been trained by Ankua, he answered fluently: "I'm afraid of heights, so I didn't learn."

"That's it"

Amamiya Ningning's eyes narrowed slightly, and her smile was somewhat malicious. "I don't like riding a broom either. Sitting upright hurts my butt, and sitting sideways makes it easy to expose myself. I don't want to wear a layer of safety pants over my stockings. My familiar can take two people with him. Can we go together?"

"Familiar?" Quinn looked around, but the platform was empty.

"Her name is Wangcai."

"Wangcai? A dog?"

Quinn suddenly felt the wind.

The storm swept in from under the platform in an instant, a million times more violent than when Train No. 000 rushed out of the tunnel!
Amemiya Ningning stood in the center of the storm, her long black hair fluttering wildly, and Quinn's clothes were rustling in the wind. Then, he saw a pair of extremely huge vertical pupils, more than a person's height, burning with a red-gold color like boiling lava.

Quinn's mind went blank. Under the gaze of those eyes, he even lost the strength to breathe.

It turned out to be a dragon.

Its wings covered with silver-white feathers stretched out wantonly, and it roared majestically, flying up with the storm, instantly filling Quinn's entire field of vision, like a white shadow covering the sky and enveloping everything.

This enormous creature floated behind Amemiya Ningning, looking down at Quinn. The dragon head on its silver-white neck remained motionless, and its ancient and solemn golden pupils suddenly contracted tightly. Its gaze was filled with surging dragon power, fierce, sacred, and shocking.

Quinn said nothing, fainting from shock.

(End of this chapter)