Ezra leaned against the window seat of the first-class cabin, the hum of the aircraft barely noticeable beneath the luxury that surrounded him. A book rested in his hand, while his other idly swirled a glass of glowing, blue-tinted liquid—one of the Federation's refined mana drinks. His gaze occasionally drifted past the window, where clouds stretched endlessly across the sky.
He was heading north, toward the very edge of the Human Federation. His flight would land in the nearest city to Bloodfort, the border town nestled against the Bloodveil Mountain Range—a jagged frontier that marked the end of human lands and the beginning of the Vampire Continent.
Closing the book, Ezra set it aside and stretched slightly. His expression remained relaxed, but his mind turned inward.
Two months of relentless training, he mused. From early morning until nightfall… It's paid off. I've reached the very peak of Rank 4. Breaking into Rank 5, though… that will take more ti. Patience.
He leaned back into the seat, eyes half-lidded. The good news is, nothing major should happen in this period—at least according to the novel. The only real event is the final exam, and there's still ti before that. I've already warned Cassy and Master, so they'll handle anything if trouble stirs. For , the next month is free. Ti to train… leisurely.
The flight attendant's voice announced they would be landing within the hour. Ezra stretched again, rolling his shoulders. I should take a nap. Or maybe… send Elena a ssage. She'll want to know I'll arrive tonight.
That thought drew a softer smile from him.
In the past two months, his late nights had often been filled with Elena's voice. Sohow, she always found ways to contact him—whether through subtle shadowing techniques that masked her number or calls that slipped past wards ant to block interference. Every night, without fail, they spoke. Sotis just simple exchanges, sotis long conversations stretching into the early hours.
Voice calls. Video calls. Little pieces of normalcy.
He wasn't sure what label to give it. Love? No, perhaps not. Friendship? That was undeniable. Elena is… a good friend.
Ezra's lips curved slightly as the mory ward him. The cabin lights dimd , and he closed his eyes, leaning his head against the seat.
After an hour, the flight landed. Ezra disembarked with the rest of the passengers, passed through identity and mana checks, and stepped out of the terminal.
Ezra stepped out of the airport and checked his phone. The delivery notice had already arrived. He had requested the car to be at the entrance by 6 p.m., and right on ti, the driver called.
"Yes, sir, I'm here with the car. Which gate should I bring it to?"
"Gate number two," Ezra replied.
Minutes later, a rugged mountain SUV rolled up—dark grey, sturdy, built for rough terrain. Exactly the type of vehicle one would need for the Bloodveil roads.
The driver got out, handed him the keys with a smile. "Congratulations on your new car, sir."
"Thanks." Ezra took the keys, then casually asked, "Any good place to eat nearby?"
The man chuckled. "There's a spot that serves dwarven food. Not everyone likes it—strong flavors, heavy spices—but it's the best in the area."
Ezra nodded, slipped him a few gold coins as a tip, and tossed his travel bag into the back seat. The man bowed gratefully before leaving.
Sliding into the driver's seat, Ezra adjusted the mirror, started the engine, and felt the low rumble vibrate beneath his hands. A faint grin tugged at his lips. Been a long ti since I drove myself.
He followed the directions and soon found the small dwarven tavern tucked into a corner street. Inside, the air was warm, filled with the scent of roasted at and thick ale. Ezra ordered a simple platter—grilled chicken , dark bread, and a mug of dwarven brew. The flavors were bold, earthy, unlike the refined dishes of the capital, but satisfying in their own way.
Afterward, he stopped at a general store, picking up supplies for the road—snacks, bottled mana water, and a few enchanted charms for navigation and safety. With everything packed, he climbed back into the SUV, set his phone's map toward Bloodfort, and leaned back in the seat.
The sun had dipped low, painting the sky in hues of orange and violet. The open road stretched before him, winding into the shadows of the Bloodveil Mountain Range.
With one hand on the wheel and music quietly playing from the console, he drove off toward the borderlands just a man, his thoughts, and the endless road ahead.
———————
With a soft hum, Ezra kept driving. The night had fully descended, and the two moons bathed the sky in pale light, casting silver reflections on the snow. Between the towering Bloodveil Mountains, the air was sharp and clean, filled with that crisp winter sll. The music playing in his car, the empty road, and the cold wind slipping in through the window—everything felt strangely perfect.
Ezra even stopped a couple of tis just to take photos. So monts were simply too beautiful to ignore.
After four hours of driving, the massive walls of Bloodfort Town ca into view. A heavy defensive formation shimred faintly over the barrier. At the main gate, soldiers in Federation military uniforms—mostly Rank 1 and Rank 2—were conducting strict checks.
Ezra eased his SUV into line. When the officer approached, he asked curtly, "Papers."
Ezra calmly produced his black council card, engraved with the sigil of the High Human Council.
The officer froze, gulping nervously before bowing. After scanning, the system instantly approved his clearance.
"Welco to Bloodfort, sir!" he said with a salute.
Ezra nodded, steering his car through the gates. Despite being a border city, Bloodfort wasn't bleak or harsh—it was a well-structured military town with wide roads, orderly buildings, and the steady rhythm of soldiers and their families going about their lives. Civilian tourists needed governnt clearance to even enter, but as a disciple under a Rank 9, Ezra passed without question.
He drove straight to the inn Elena had recomnded. She had ssaged that she was still on patrol tonight and would et him tomorrow. Parking his SUV, Ezra grabbed his bag and walked inside.
The receptionist froze for a mont at his appearance, then quickly straightened. "Welco, sir. How may I help you?"
Ezra smiled politely. "I'll need a room for a week."
The woman's face tinged pink. "Of course. May I see your ID? That will be 7,000 gold. Would you prefer cash or online?"
"Online." Ezra handed over his ID.
She registered his details, then turned the scanner toward him. After the paynt flashed through, she smiled more professionally.
"Welco to Countryside Inn. Your room number will be 603."
Ezra thanked her and headed up.
Later, standing by the window of his room, he looked out over the night-lit city. Even on the edge of the Vampire Continent, Bloodfort had its own beauty.
——————-
A woman with long dark hair, streaked at the sides with a faint silver shade, leaned against the wall of the barracks corridor. Her gemlike black eyes glimred faintly under the lantern light. A katana rested casually in her hand as she scrolled through her phone, lips curling into a rare smile.
Elena Voncrest.
The mont stretched quietly until a broad-shouldered man with a trimd brown beard approached, a cigarette packet in hand.
"Major, want one?" he asked, offering with an easy grin.
Elena humd, taking one between her fingers. With a flick of magic, the tip lit in a small spark, and she drew in a slow drag before exhaling a stream of smoke into the cold night air.
The man squinted at her, curious.
"You're smiling. Sothing good happen?"
"Hmm," Elena replied lazily, taking another puff. Then, as if it were nothing, she added, "Anyway… I'll be off duty for a week. You'll handle the patrols starting tomorrow."
The man's eyes went wide.
"What?! No, no, I can't do that! Not this week! I've got the Iron Clash Tournant coming up—you know how long I've been training for it!"
Elena's expression didn't change. "I already got permission from Colonel Mirella Kain. She's assigned you to lead the patrols. You'll be officially inford tomorrow."
The man—Jonas—groaned, dragging a hand through his hair.
"There goes my match…"
Elena stubbed the cigarette against the wall, smirking faintly.
"Keep working, big boy."
With that, she turned and strode toward her quarters, her silhouette fading into the lamplight's glow.
After reaching her quarters, Elena changed into a simple nightdress and let her katana rest against the wall. The quiet hum of the fortress faded behind the thick door as she lay down on her bed, staring at the ceiling.
Her thoughts drifted, unbidden.
At first, she had only been curious about the boy. A distraction. Sothing to pass the hours after long patrols. But as the days went by, she realized she had begun to look forward to those conversations. Every ti her shift ended, every ti the night grew still, she found herself waiting for his voice.
It wasn't forced. It wasn't deliberate. The talks ca naturally—banter, silence, even argunts—and sowhere within those monts, a different feeling had started to take root.
She wasn't sure what it was. She didn't dare na it. But it was sothing… different.
"…Tomorrow," she whispered to herself, closing her eyes. "I'll et him tomorrow."
With that thought lingering softly in her chest, Elena drifted into sleep.
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