Chapter 32 - Mystery Woman
(Rodova Military Academy – Instructor's Residential Quarters)
Click. Click. Click.
The sharp sound of polished boots striking tile echoed through the dimly lit corridors of the instructor's quarters.
A woman walked down the hall with measured purpose, the name-tag on her chest reading 'Lt. Muiyan Faye'.
If Leo saw her now, he would recognize her instantly!
She was the instructor who had led the morning orientation and slipped him the note, afterall, her short black hair, olive skin, and stern brown eyes were unmistakable.
As she reached what seemed to be the location of her private room, she paused, quickly glancing over her shoulder, as she sweeped the corridor for any threats, not out of fear, but out of sheer habit.
However, spotting nothing, she pressed her palm against the biometric scanner on the door, gently unlocking the door.
*BEEP*
A faint beep followed, signalling a successful unlock, which was continued by the hiss of decompression, as the heavy metal door to her room slid open.
Out of all the rooms in the hall, she had the only one with such a security system, for she was the only one who had paid to specially get it installed.
Stepping inside, she sealed the locks behind her, securing the room with a swift sequence of taps against the control panel, as only then did her rigid posture loosen ever so slightly.
Her boots were the first to go, placed neatly beside the entrance, while the collar button on her uniform was next, as she unbuttoned it on her way to the wall mounted mirror.
Staring at her own reflection, she let out a deep sigh, as she studied her fake looks.
Currently, she looked extremely calm, composed and every inch the disciplined instructor she was supposed to be.
But as she lifted her hands to her head, the facade began to fall away.
Her jet-black wig came off first, revealing long, flowing red hair that tumbled down her back in soft, unruly waves.
Her fingers grazed the synthetic mask covering her skin next, as with a few deft swipes, the olive complexion melted away, revealing smooth wheatish-toned skin beneath.
Next, she blinked once— popping out one of the two contact lenses she wore, as the deep brown eyes vanished, replaced by a cold, piercing gray, before she repeated the process for the second eye as well.
Her transformation was now complete.
The woman the academy knew?
Gone.
And in her place stood Mu Fan—branch family head of the Mu Clan.
A woman with no official ties to the Evil Cult—yet someone who was in reality one of its most devoted sympathizers.
*Sigh*
Mu Fan exhaled, rolling her shoulders, as her expression shifted from calculated authority to something far more natural—something far more dangerous.
Then, moving swiftly, she strode to the far wall of her room, where a seemingly unremarkable wooden panel sat embedded within the surface.
With a precise flick of her wrist, she pressed her fingers against a specific rune carved into its edge.
The panel pulsed faintly, then slid open, revealing a hidden compartment lined with intricate runic inscriptions.
Inside, nestled within a protective casing, rested a communication crystal—a translucent black stone, its surface marbled with faint, pulsing red veins.
Mu Fan lifted it carefully, rolling the cool surface between her fingers before infusing it with a sliver of her mana as the communication crystal shimmered to life.
*Crackle–*
A faint static crackling noise played over the crystal until the communication was established, but once it was, a deep manly voice rumbled from the other side.
"Did our target make it into the academy?" The man asked, his words, sharp, clipped and direct.
There were no greetings, no exchange of pleasantries, just straight business.
"He did," Mu Fan answered, her voice smooth and composed.
She paused, her mind replaying everything she had observed throughout the day.
"He's cautious. He moves with purpose, doesn't let his guard down easily. He observes more than he speaks and isn't reckless." Mu Fan reported, as the man on the other side absorbed her views.
"And his temperament?" He asked, as Mu Fan nodded in acknowledgement.
"It's there, the foundation of it, at least. He doesn't trust easily, and he operates on calculated caution. He isn't a fool, that's for sure." She said, as another tense pause followed.
"Does he have the talent to be a Dragon?" The man asked, his voice turning even heavier, as Mu Fan exhaled slowly at the question.
To become a Dragon Candidate, temperament alone wasn't enough.
A Dragon Candidate needed more. They needed the raw, unrefined talent to embody the techniques of the Timeless Assassin—to become the kind of warrior who could strike fear into the Gods of the universe themselves.
"It's too early to say," she finally replied. "But we will know soon enough."
*HMMM—*
A low hum sounded from the other side, but the man chose to remain silent, as if weighing his words.
"We shall see tomorrow after the aptitude test then.... Keep me posted" He said, before terminating the connection.
The crystal dimmed, its pulsing red veins fading into nothingness.
Mu Fan lowered it slowly, her grip lingering for just a moment before tucking it back into its hidden compartment.
With a final press of her fingers, the panel slid shut, concealing any trace of what had just transpired.
She stood in silence for a moment, her gray eyes unreadable.
Tomorrow would be the moment of truth.
Tomorrow, she would find out whether Leo Skyshard was the Dragon they needed—
Or just another disappointment.