Chapter 37: The Mark of the Hidden Temple (1)
Vincent woke up feeling refreshed. He had been sleeping properly for the past few days. His body felt light and full of energy. Freshening up, he joined Mr. and Mrs. Lee for breakfast.
"Have you gotten used to your workplace yet?" The lady of the house asked with a smile.
"Yes. Thank you for asking. I have grown quite used to it." Vincent replied and asked back. "Marie and Issac seem quite lively. Did something good happen?"
"They are going for a picnic today. It really is hard to understand their excitement. I wish I had just a portion of their energy. Looks like I am getting quite old." Mr. Lee answered with a sigh. "Working all day everyday gets quite exhausting. These kids on the other hand can go on for ages without getting tired. Oh, how I envy them."
"Hang on Mr. Lee, the weekend starts tomorrow. Besides, if you grumble like that, you might really turn into an old man soon." Vincent commented casually.
"That's right. I keep on telling him that how you see yourself is important but he never pays much attention to my words." Mrs. Lee used the opportunity to express dissatisfaction with her husband.
"My dear.... do you perhaps mean to bring up the matter of buying the expensive cutleries once again saying that it will help you maintain a better self image? Those are for the posh people to show off. We have to spend in moderation. The prices of goods increase by the day and you can never have enough money. Living in this city is only going to get more and more expensive. We have to have at least a decent amount of saving for any unforeseen circumstances." Mr. Lee shut down his wife before she could bring up the topic.
The couple seemed to be in sync with one another. They could easily tell what the other was thinking. Unfortunately, they didn't seem to share same views at all and went back and forth throughout breakfast. The two would turn to Vincent from time to time and ask for his opinion. He tried his best to reply in a way that would make it seem like he wasn't siding with anyone but also supporting both at the same time.
Vincent finished his breakfast quickly and lied about having to get the hospital earlier. Staying any longer would only increase the number of bullets he would have to dodge. Getting changed, he headed for work.
The day was uneventful. Everything went by smoothly and before long, his shift was over. He walked back home and took a nap.
He was woken up by the maid's knocking. It was time for dinner. The Lee family made it a point to have a sumptuous dinner every Friday. Though the landlord often complained about the cost, his wife would have none of it. Besides, the man himself enjoyed the food despite all his complaints. Vincent ate quite heartily and retired to his room.
Locking the door, he sat on a reclining chair. Taking off his glasses, he shut his eyes. He lay there motionless as a myriad of thoughts raced through his head.
It was the night of the gathering again tonight. He knew a challenge that he would find hard to overcome awaited him. He had no idea what kind of danger he would have to face but he couldn't not go there. The messenger's words had made it clear. It was a trial for him.
He was feeling uncertain and a bit fearful. He could very well die if things went south but he couldn't back out. He had prepared for the worst the moment he chose to walk the path of revenge. It didn't matter what he had to do, he would do it. If a small trial like this could stop him, he was bound to fall sooner or later.
His eyelids snapped open revealing a pair of dark eyes. Unlike his easygoing look, his eyes were full of resolve now. They gave off a sense of strength and conviction.
Vincent put on a dark coat and equipped himself with his trusty pistol. The syringe he had bought from Mr. Collector went in his inner chest pocket along with a bit of fresh animal blood he had bought from a butcher while on his way home. They were both placed in a small strong container to prevent any accidents.
He would have normally just put on his mask and headed out. But today was different. He had been advised to bring something with him by the messenger herself. Though he didn't put much emphasis on her words, it was always better to be on the safe side. Besides, she had no reason to make such an unnecessary remark if it wasn't required for the trial.
Placed beneath his bed was his suitcase. Hidden deep in its secret compartment was a test tube with a bug in it. Taking it out, Vincent looked at it carefully. An insect that looked like a mix between a grasshopper and a cricket lay inside. A third eye was growing between its two normal ones but they were all shut tight. The bug lay there motionless, almost as if it was dead.
He looked at the sticks of dynamite he had hid alongside the test tube and felt it was a pity. If only they weren't in the middle of the city, these sticks would have been another weapon he could use. Unfortunately, if he used it here, he would be sure to catch the attention of the authorities.
Suppressing his urge to pick up the dynamites, he placed the test tube in his pocket. He was all ready now. Donning the mask, he jumped down the window.
It wasn't long before he reached the usual gathering place. Mr. Collector was present as well. Behind him stood his two lackeys followed by all the other regulars of the gathering.
Standing a few meters away from them was another group consisting of about a dozen men. A lanky man with stubby beard and graying hair stood at the front. Seeing Vincent approach, he smiled with enthusiasm and stepped out.
'So this is my test? A pack of werewolves led by a grade four. No wonder she told me to bring along the bug.'
The challenge he was facing seemed almost impossible. But strangely, he felt no fear. His heart beat in excitement and blood rushed along his veins like a tidal wave.
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