Chapter 773

Chapter 773: Not Like the First Time

Jesse had never been to this part of the Dwarven District. To Stormwind’s citizens, it was a miniature Ironforge within the Dwarven District itself. Not just him—most humans avoided this place since many dwarves here barely spoke Common and lived by their own rules.

Standing at the crossroads, Jesse stared down a passage crammed with supply crates and building materials. Dwarves and gnomes streamed in and out. No signs were needed; he knew this had to be the subway entrance.

Apart from a few blue-coated Stormwind Guards, Jesse was the only human around. He scanned the entrance, searching for directions or someone to guide him, when a young-sounding voice called from behind:

"The subway isn’t open to visitors yet, sir!"

He turned to find a sweat-drenched gnome girl clutching an oversized iron claw. "Take a ship or find a gryphon if you’re heading to Ironforge!"

"I heard freight cars carry passengers on important missions," Jesse replied.

"You’re clearly not the first to hear that," she sighed. "What’s your mission? Speak with Senior Supervisor Elbig over there."

Jesse followed her gesture to a huddle of chatting gnomes. Which was Elbig? They all looked identical.

When he glanced back, the gnome girl had vanished.

Left with no choice, he approached the group and cleared his throat. "Gentlemen, I’m looking for Senior Supervisor Elbig. Is he here?"

"That’s me," declared a gnome with mint-green beard, stepping forward. He eyed Jesse suspiciously. "State your business! Who sent you? The Church? The Mage Tower?"

"I’m King Varian’s court mage advisor." Jesse flashed his ring. "This is my badge. I need passage to Ironforge for a secret investigation…"

Technically, it wasn’t a lie.

The Dark Iron Dwarves likely held secrets about black dragons—or at least clues. Visiting their Alliance-friendly faction aligned with the king’s investigation, fitting his role as a Black Magic advisor.

"King?" The supervisor squinted at the badge. "Jesse Seso? That name rings a bell."

"Grim Batol…" another gnome blurted. "He’s the human mage who wrecked Grim Batol!"

"What?!"

"Jesse Seso! It’s Jesse Seso!"

"You’re Jesse Seso?!" The supervisor brandished his screwdriver, eyes bulging. "Back off, you walking bomb! Out! Don’t even think of casting! Did the Steamwheedle Cartel hire you to sabotage us?!"

Jesse raised his hands. "I couldn’t possibly destroy this subway, sir—"

A metallic CLANG! cut him off. From a nearby gateway echoed rumbles like an ancient train awakening—iron wheels groaning, steam hissing from the depths.

The sounds yanked Jesse from this fantasy world, dragging him into a half-remembered past life.

The gnome followed his gaze. "A marvel, isn’t it, mage?" Jesse nodded.

"You appreciate fine engineering," Supervisor Elbig grunted. "Apologies. I’ve always said Stormwind shouldn’t allow goblin traders—not even near the docks. Those green-skinned pests covet our tech. They’d blow it all sky-high! And after your Grim Batol stunt…" He shuddered. "Don’t mention explosives. No ‘gunpowder,’ ‘rockets,’ ‘dragons,’ ‘mages,’ or ‘goblins.’ Sets my nerves rattling!"

"But… you really are Jesse Seso?"

"I am."

"Pleasure, Seso." Elbig offered a handshake. "King’s orders, valid badge, and who am I to stop a hero? Follow me."

The tiny supervisor scurried ahead, Jesse trailing him into the subway’s shadowy maw.

Dim lights glared on icy metal floors. Gnome and dwarf shouts battled machine roars. Elbig chattered about the subway’s construction, his thick accent blurring details.

He explained the tracks didn’t run straight like in games, but looped west around Blackrock Mountain for safety, tunneling beneath the Bay of Baradin.

Jesse recalled the game’s aquarium-like stretch—the giant glass ceiling revealing undersea wonders, even a serpentine boss gliding past. He’d always assumed it depicted Loch Modan’s Loch Lake.

The station mirrored the game: a cavernous underground factory. Metal pillars framed twin tracks flanked by waiting benches.

A "train" idled there—really just open metal frames bolted to platforms. Dwarves and gnomes loaded cargo, prepping for departure.

"Take this to Ironforge, Jesse Seso." Elbig pointed mid-platform, checking his pocket watch. "Board now. Departs in thirty minutes. Miss it, and you’re stuck till nightfall!"

"Understood." Jesse hopped onto the platform, eyeing the deadly gap to the tracks. Someone would snap their spine in that chasm one day.

He gripped a support pillar, gauging the distance to secured crates. The supervisor squinted at him. "You don’t seem new to our subway, Mr. Seso."

"First timer," Jesse insisted, peering into the abyss below. An awkward smile flickered. "Just… worried I’ll fall."