Tonight’s the night.

I’m going to do it. Finally I’m the one that gets to do it. I’m a little nervous but excited at the same time. So excited I’m worried she may notice but I think I’m in the clear for now.

It’s my first time so it’s to be expected. I just hope it doesn’t end too quickly. I want to at least enjoy it a bit before it ends. Her walking speed continues to remain the same so she definitely hasn’t noticed yet.

The sky is dark save for the stars and moon floating above. I feel like I’m one with the night. The anticipation feels warm yet suffocating. I feel as if I’m walking beneath water as I continue to keep my distance from her.

She still hasn’t noticed yet.

It doesn’t matter exactly where I do it but it needs to be close to the Crest Moon Inn. About five met away from the Inn to be exact. She’s approaching the Inn and there’s a dark alley right before it. How convenient for me, especially because she is still unaware.

Unaware, until I grab her and drag her kicking and screaming into the alley. I keep my hand over her mouth to muffle the screams but the noise still makes me nervous. I know he said not to worry because no one goes out at night anymore but I’m still afraid of getting caught. I can’t screw this up.

In a way, the fear of getting caught makes this all the more exciting. I start to wonder if letting her scream out loud might make this more fun. So, I lift my hand from her mouth but as soon as I do that I begin thrusting the knife into her stomach.

Her high pitched scream becomes more like a guttural yelp. The sound a puppy would make when being kicked. Her body becomes a mess of blood and entrails as I begin swirling and digging the knife around in her insides.

It’s over.

It happened so fast it made me slightly depressed. I begin to drain her blood but not before tasting it a bit. I can’t drink too much because I still need to draw the magic symbol by the Inn.

Even if the guards try to wash away the symbol the magical residue remains. It won’t be long now before the casket is closed on this city. And we can finally wake him up…

The Slumbering Red Dragon.

***

At the break of dawn Marie, Joseph and I decided to make our way to the dojo from the Inn that Joseph was staying at which both Marie and I ended up getting rooms as well. Last night was definitely interesting considering her brother did not like me at first and to be honest I don’t think he still does.

The first thing he said to me was: “Touch my sister and I will kill you.” He seemed to have our relationship all wrong but Marie tried her best to explain the situation which did keep his murderous aura at bay but even this morning I can catch him staring daggers at me from time to time.

I never had siblings so I wouldn’t know, but I can only imagine what a brother must feel when his sister brings around a strange man. Especially one that keeps his identity a secret.

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Getting to the dojo takes a bit longer since we end up having to take the long way due to a murder that happened right by our inn. It seems crime really is bad in the capital.

“To think someone was killed just right outside from where I slept…”

Marie didn’t take to the news all too well but her brother reassured her. “I wouldn’t worry to much, just as long as you don’t go out at night that's the only time these murders have happened. If you do go out I need to be with you.”

“These murders? I think I remember a guard mentioning something about strange murders yesterday.” He had mentioned something about not going out in the Entertainment District at night due to said strange murders. Which is exactly where our inn is.

Joseph stares at me with disgust before reluctantly replying to my inquiry. “Yeah… About a month ago there were these murders in the slums. People were found drained of their blood. Also heard rumors of magic sigils painted in blood by the corpses. The murders then started happening in the merchant district, and now they’ve been happening in this district.”

“Drained of their blood? What, is this killer some kind of vampire?”

“Vampire?”

Marie looks at me curiously upon hearing me utter that word. I guess this fantasy world doesn’t have the concept of vampires, huh? Oi, that’s a shame. Vampire’s are cool.

Arriving at the dojo we came to a large crowd of people. I guess it shouldn’t shock me how popular this place is but I still didn’t expect to see this many people. Mast Craven was leading a large class when we walked into the dojo, once he noticed us he asked for a moment and then approached us.

“Joseph, I would like you to continue to teach this class. We are covering basic maneuvering today. And Marie, was it? I know you wish to spend time with your brother but he must work today.”

“I-It’s fine! I don’t mind waiting around. To be honest, I was hoping to watch a bit if you don’t mind.”

“That is fine. As for you, walk with me to the back.”

And with that Master Craven turned around and walked towards one of the doors in the back of the main dojo area and Marie and I followed behind. I turned because I could hear a yelp of surprise from Joseph.

Ah, he expected that she wanted to watch him. This must feel like some kind of betrayal. Marie doesn’t even notice as she continues to follow with a bright smile. C’mon think of your brother and his feelings!

“First, I want you to sit upon the floor with your legs crossed and close your eyes.”

As we enter one of the spare training rooms in the back he asks me to do such a thing but closing my eyes may prove a tad bit difficult. Either way I still end up sitting on the floor cross legged.

“I want you to breathe in and out, slowly. Clear away any thoughts other than this moment here and now.”

Now he wants me to breathe? Oi, I have no lungs! Well, it’s not like he knows that. Best I can do is clear my mind like he said. So I do.

The room becomes dead silent as I concentrate on not thinking.

…

Hmm, does he not have any more instructions?

“Umm, is there anything else I have to do?”

“No, simply sit and let your mind clear. This will be the extent of your training today.”

Oi… This… This is down right sadistic. I’m just supposed to sit here in silence and not think about anything all day?! You’re telling me I’m going to have to actually work for my power fantasy? This is too cruel…

I want to sulk and bitch and moan, but Master Craven must be a master for a reason. He was able to sniff me out as something “inhuman” so he must know what he’s talking about, right? I have to trust in him.

Even if it gets difficult. Even if it’s boring and tedious. I have to do everything I can so I can be super powerful and become the protagonist I was meant to be!

With that being said, I spent the rest of the day unable to clear my mind. Not thinking was a lot tougher than I thought it would be.