The following day, en route to school, I occupied myself with my phone, deftly accessing the school's security cameras via a virtual operating system.
This approach ensured that if anyone discovered my remote access to their system, there would be no trail leading back to me.
The remote access software operated through a web interface, providing entry to the school's security system—specifically, Mr. Tanaka's computer—assuming one knew the webpage address and password. Fortunately, I was the sole possessor of this knowledge, having set up the system myself.
Thanks to Noah's assistance in installing the software, I now had eyes on almost every security camera in the school, barring a few malfunctioning ones and those situated in the sixth building.
I of course promptly compensated Noah with the 3750 groves promised, along with the leaked question papers I had unearthed from the school's files.
With these resources in hand, acing the exams was practically a given for him.
As I scrolled through the school's security feeds on my phone, I spotted Thomas and Valentina engrossed in conversation at the playground.
With the early hour, few students were present, and the lack of audio capture on the playground camera left me to wonder about the nature of their discussion. Surely, it couldn't involve me, could it?
* * *
"Aww, why the angry face? You know, you're even more beautiful when you don't show such a scary expression," Thomas remarked, gazing at Valentina, whose glare could have killed him a hundred times over.
As he contemplated her foul mood, Thomas speculated aloud, "Ah, it can't be about Edward now, can it?" Observing her subtle reaction, he knew he had struck a chord.
"Don't do anything stupid that'll expose us, Thomas," Valentina cautioned, her voice cold and stern.
"Expose?" Thomas scoffed, still wearing a smile.
"No, please. I was only making sure to see if the school is safe for us," Thomas retorted casually.
"Safe? What do you mean by safe?" Valentina inquired, her brows furrowing.
With a playful gesture, Thomas shook his head. "Is that human female friend of yours really dulling your senses?" he teased, a smirk playing on his lips.
Then, knowing full well that his next words would infuriate her, Thomas continued, "You know, maybe if I could get rid of her for you, your parents might even be thankful for it."
Valentina's face darkened, her anger simmering beneath the surface as she restrained herself from attacking Thomas.
Before he could finish his thought, Valentina seized his wrist, crushing it with such force that it shattered completely. Yet, Thomas remained unfazed, his smile unwavering.
"Careful, my dear princess. You don't want anyone or the cameras over there to find us out now, do you?" Thomas remarked casually, ignoring the pain.
Ignoring his remark, Valentina's icy tone sent shivers down Thomas's spine as she issued a chilling warning. "I could get rid of you at any moment. Remember that," she declared, her gaze piercing his soul.
"If I catch you within 10 meters of her proximity..."
"I get it, I get it," Thomas conceded, raising his other hand in defeat as Valentina released his broken wrists.
"Ahh, so harsh. Can't even joke nowadays without having your wrists broken. I am definitely missing the old times," Thomas joked weakly, attempting to lighten the mood.
Valentina remained silent, her foul mood evident as she urged him to return to the topic at hand.
Clearing his throat, Thomas watched as his wrists miraculously healed, returning to their original form as if nothing had happened.
"Ah, yes, about Edward," Thomas began, his tone now serious as he placed a hand on his chin, pondering the matter.
"That student, Edward, he could be a danger to us," Thomas declared, his playful demeanor replaced by gravity.
"Danger? How so?" Valentina inquired, her curiosity piqued.
"I am sure you were watching the match between us. If he had been serious from the beginning, I don't think I could have won. I would have had to expose myself a bit more. Even then, I don't know what he's capable of," Thomas explained.
"What are you trying to say?" Valentina asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I am saying he's a threat to us," Thomas asserted.
Valentina chuckled, catching Thomas off guard. "Oh, is he now?" she mused, her amusement evident.
"Everyone's strength is like that of an ant's when you're a high noble, huh?" she teased, giggling at her own joke.
"Hahaha, just let me get to the point already," Thomas retorted, growing impatient.
"He could be just like us, acting like a mere human, or he could be working for them," Thomas continued, his tone serious.
When Valentina heard 'them,' her expression darkened, and she pressed for more information. "What makes you say that?"
Without hesitation, Thomas revealed his suspicions.
"All the encounters I had with him, he was trying to push me to use my real strength, especially in that basketball game. He looked at me as if he knows me, our kind. He is definitely suspicious."
Listening intently, Valentina couldn't deny the validity of Thomas's concerns. Edward is definitely somewhat aware as to what she is.
This does make him a threat to say the least. What if he pulls off something when her guard is down?
She remembered as she squeezed his wrist, just as she had done to Thomas, Edward showed no reaction. Though she briefly entertained the notion of him being another vampire, she dismissed the thought. He lacked the telltale signs.
"So, I'll go and make sure he's not a threat. If he is, I'll personally make sure he's remov-" "No," Valentina cut off Thomas abruptly.
"I'll do that."