Before I knew it, my hand was at my throat again. It was as if I’d returned to that scene of carnage. The smell of burning flesh and fresh blood filled my nostrils. I could feel my breathing becoming rough from the smoke of the conflagration. But even more vividly, I felt the Blade Saint’s piercing glare on my skin and his cold steel in my neck.
“El, are you okay?” the human asked, concerned.
“Of course. I have no need for your worry.”
“If you say so...”
I closed my eyes and shook my head, dissipating the cloud of memories about the disaster I’d come from. When I opened my eyes again, I saw a silent green hill overlooking a quiet school. There was a soft rustling of the trees and the peaceful chirping of insects in the wind. It reminded me of my realm before everything had become a wasteland of ash and death. Being here reminded me of what I’d lost and what I stood to regain.
I sat there with the human in silence, simply gazing off into the distance. This was not something I ever would’ve expected myself to do in my previous realm. I hadn’t interacted with humans in decades, but here I was, comfortable with one. That being said, being this close to her had its own uses.
“By the way,” I started, “you know the Blade Saint, don’t you?”
“H-Huh? I mean...I guess there’s no point hiding that he’s here since Doctor Paunsasoy already told you.”
Your loose lips certainly didn’t help cast any doubt on what she said.
“But yeah. He’s a...friend of mine. Why do you ask?”
“I’m curious about what manner of person he is.”
“He’s...” she wavered as if she was searching for the right words, “weak but strong.”
“Does that constitute an answer in your realm?”
“It’s hard to summarize him in a few words! He’s strong in combat. I mean, of course he is; he’s the Blade Saint. But he doesn’t really advertise it. Which is why so many people look down on him and doubt his skills. But he’s really strong!”
“For a point of reference, is he as strong as the vampire?”
“President Victoria? I...” Then she put her hand to her chin as she fell into deep thought. “Maybe not right now, but he definitely has the potential to exceed her. President Victoria’s in her own league. She may be the strongest at this school in general.”
“So, the Blade Saint is lacking in some regard?” I thought back to the fight we’d had, searching for a potential weakness. If there’s something he’s missing, I can only imagine it has something to do with that sword of his.
The human fell silent. “Well...I guess you could say that. He—”
“Ahem.” Suddenly a voice rang out from behind us, stopping the human from divulging any more information about the Blade Saint. I turned and saw a familiar face cheerfully smiling at us. “Ah, what a fine night. It certainly makes one’s lips looser, doesn’t it?”
“P-President Victoria!” the human stammered. “Where did you come from?”
“I was just out for a nighttime stroll when I heard a gushing noise. I assumed there was a leak, and it seems I’ve found the source,” she softly chuckled. “Imagine my surprise when I found you blabbing about the weaknesses of her opponent. Are you trying to give her an unfair advantage?”
“N-No, of course not!”
“I’m joking,” the vampire reassured the human. “If he loses, it’ll be because of his own shortcomings, not because you’re running your mouth. Anyway, on that topic, El, your placement exam date has been decided,” she said, looking at me.
“Already?” The human’s eyes widened with surprise.
“I personally saw to it that it’d be expedited. The sooner the better, right?”
“U-Um, President Victoria, she’s barely spent a day in this realm. I think she—”
“No, I’m ready,” I interjected. “Just tell me when and where.”
“Excellent.” The vampire nodded happily. “You’ll have your written test tomorrow morning at eleven. There will be a break for a late lunch at three, and you’ll take your practical exam for the combat track at four. If all goes well, you’ll be done by six, just in time for supper.”
It seemed that my plans were moving up quicker than I’d like, but at least I’d be getting my shot to kill the Blade Saint and save my people.
“I have no objections,” I said, but then I noticed that the vampire’s gaze was pointed at the spot where I’d constructed my glyph.
But in the next moment, she turned back toward me and nodded. “I suggest you get some rest in preparation for tomorrow. Being well rested will put you in your best condition. Of course, if you feel as if you’re not ready, you can let me know, and we can postpone the test. There’s still a good amount of time until school begins, so there’s some wiggle room.”
“No need. I’m taking the test tomorrow.” And I’m killing the Blade Saint tomorrow.
“Very good,” she softly chuckled. “Well then, I’ll leave you two and return to my evening stroll. I’ll see you both tomorrow.” Then, she disappeared from sight as she descended the hill.
“Seriously, where did she even come from...” the human muttered under her breath. “It’s getting late though, so we should probably get going soon. My time watching the barrier is almost done anyway.”
I nodded, not giving a verbal answer. My mind was too focused on the vampire. Did she notice the glyphs? That’s not possible...right? But if she did, why didn’t she say anything?
Ultimately, I decided to put that out of my mind for the time being. Right now, the most important thing was focusing on my plan for tomorrow. I look forward to putting my claws through your chest, Blade Saint.