Chapter LI: Testum
Liz and Wyn walk briskly down the hallway. Wyn holds onto the extra key as a spare, while Liz secures the one she obtained from the golden paper bag. Their next step is clear—before they venture into the old chapel, they need to grab lunch and discuss their strategy.
They make their way to the cafeteria, but instead of sitting in the usual crowded dining area, they opt for an isolated spot within the school where no one could eavesdrop. The tension in the air is palpable. Liz and Wyn know they are being watched—somewhere in the shadows, the mysterious figure lurks, observing their every move. Their growing paranoia forces them to remain vigilant.
"We should go to the third floor of our department building," Liz suggests. "It's quiet, and there are fewer people around."
Wyn nods, agreeing with the plan. As they climb the stairs, they carefully check their surroundings, making sure no one follows them. Their eyes scan the walls for security cameras and any students who might overhear their conversation and leak information.
After reaching the farthest corner of the third floor, Liz surveys the area. "This should do," she murmurs, leaning against the railing. "No blind spots from this angle. If anyone tries to sneak up on us, we'll see them first."
Wyn, however, still looks uneasy. "Liz, what if we just discuss this over a video call? It would be safer than talking here where anyone might stumble upon us."
Liz shakes her head firmly. "No. Video calls are riskier than you think. Think about it—calls can be recorded, hacked, or even intercepted. If someone taps into our conversation, they could use it against us. We don't know who else is listening or who might be working against us. It's better to discuss things in person where we can control our environment."
Wyn sighs but ultimately agrees with her reasoning. "Alright. But let's make this quick."
Liz leans closer and lowers her voice. "Bennett told me in my dream that the President of the Ministry has many buffoons and minions, some of whom are still students in this school. They look like normal people, but they're under his influence."
Wyn's eyes widen. "Wait, so you mean—they're all working for him? That would explain a lot…"
Liz nods. "Exactly. Have you ever noticed how the President elected all of his close friends as officers? It's almost as if he planned it that way so no one would question his authority. Maybe he knows that people would go against him, so he filled the ranks with those who wouldn't dare oppose him."
Wyn processes this information, realization dawning on her face. "That makes sense. It's like he set up his own personal shield."
"That's what I'm saying," Liz confirms. "So here's the plan: after dismissal, we'll check the chapel entrance first. If there's someone there, we leave immediately. This is just a dry run. We can't afford to get caught before we're ready."
Wyn nods, her mind already running through the possible scenarios. "And if the coast is clear?"
"Then we proceed," Liz replies. "But we need to prepare weapons against the President's followers. They might be under the influence of something far worse than just blind obedience. We need holy items—holy water, incense, a crucifix, rosaries. And of course," she pauses, her expression serious, "I'll bring the sword."
Wyn shivers at the mention of the sword, but she doesn't argue. "We should also tell Adrian. He might be able to help us."
Pulling out her phone, Wyn quickly types out a message to Adrian.
Meanwhile, across the city at the municipality of San Agustin at Colegio de San Agustin, Adrian stands in the chapel, carefully placing fresh flowers on the altar. The scent of incense lingers in the air, and the glow of candlelight illuminates the peaceful surroundings. He checks his phone as it vibrates, reading the message from Wyn. Without hesitation, he replies:
Got it. I understand. I'll be ready.
Back at their school, Liz receives the notification and shows it to Wyn. "He's in. Now, all we have to do is get through the rest of the school day without raising suspicion."
Wyn exhales, pocketing her phone. "Easier said than done."
They finish their discussion and quickly eat their lunch, then make their way back to the classroom. As they enter, Liz can't shake the feeling of unseen eyes watching them. Somewhere in the shadows of the school, the dark figure is still lurking, silently observing—and waiting.
After four long hours of their afternoon classes, the bell finally chimes, signaling dismissal. Liz and Wyn exchange knowing glances before quickly gathering their things. Without drawing attention, they slip out of the classroom, blending into the wave of students leaving the school premises.
Once they reach the hallway leading to the old chapel, they pause, scanning the surroundings. The corridor is empty, save for a few students straggling behind, engaged in their own conversations. Liz nods to Wyn, signaling that the coast is clear. Wyn pulls out the spare key she received from Bro. Padilla, her fingers trembling slightly as she inserts it into the lock of the iron-barred stairway leading to the upper floors of the old chapel.
Just as the padlock clicks, the sound of approaching footsteps echoes through the hall. Liz and Wyn stiffen as a teacher turns the corner, her eyes narrowing as she spots them.
"What are you two doing here?" the teacher asks, her voice firm yet curious.
Liz quickly composes herself. "Bro. Padilla permitted us to check the old chapel," she explains, keeping her voice even.
The teacher's expression softens. "Ah, I see," she says with a small smile. "Be careful up there." With that, she walks away, disappearing down the hall.
Liz exhales a relieved breath. "That was close."
Wyn nods and, without further hesitation, turns the key. The padlock snaps open with a metallic clink, and they push the iron gate, which creaks ominously as it swings ajar. Steeling themselves, they step onto the staircase, the dimly lit corridor stretching before them.
As they ascend, the air grows heavier, an inexplicable sense of unease settling in. Upon reaching the third floor, they stop in their tracks, their eyes widening in disbelief.
Standing before them is a familiar figure—Xylon.
Liz grips Wyn's wrist. "That's—"
"Impossible," Wyn murmurs. "Xylon doesn't go here anymore."
Yet, here he is, his expression unreadable, blocking their path. "Go back downstairs," he commands, his voice low and unwavering. "You have no business here."
Liz exchanges a wary glance with Wyn before stepping forward. "Bro. Padilla permitted us to enter," she repeats firmly.
Xylon doesn't budge. "It doesn't matter. Leave."
Something feels off. Liz narrows her eyes, studying him closely. His posture is rigid, his expression eerily blank—almost unnatural. A chill runs down her spine.
"Liz, we should—" Wyn starts, but Liz suddenly grabs her hand.
"Run!" Liz yells, pulling Wyn forward.
Caught off guard, Xylon stumbles slightly as the two girls dart past him. His delayed reaction lasts only seconds before he calls out, "Stop them!"
From the shadows, figures emerge—more students, their faces obscured by the dim corridor lighting. Liz and Wyn push forward, weaving through the narrow hallway as hurried footsteps follow close behind.
They reach the locked door to the old chapel on the third floor, panting. Liz fumbles with her key, but before she can insert it, Xylon and his group appear at the other end of the hallway, closing in fast.
"Liz, they're coming!" Wyn gasps, glancing over her shoulder.
Liz curses under her breath, yanking Wyn towards another corridor. They bolt toward the opposite end, where a narrow staircase leads downward, exiting into the college building.
They don't look back. Their footsteps echo down the metal staircase as they race to the ground level. As soon as they reach the exit, Liz slams the door shut behind them, panting heavily. The hallway outside is empty. They glance around, realizing that Xylon and the others haven't followed.
"Did we lose them?" Wyn asks, voice still breathless.
Liz nods, pressing a hand to her chest. "I think so. Let's get out of here."
Without another word, they make their way out of the building and towards home, their hearts still pounding from the chase.
That night, Liz, Wyn, and Adrian convene over a video call.
"So, they were waiting for you?" Adrian asks, brows furrowing in concern.
"It seems like it," Liz confirms, rubbing her temples. "And what's worse is that Xylon was there. How? He doesn't even go to our school anymore."
Adrian leans back, deep in thought. "That's definitely suspicious. You think the President of the Ministry is behind this?"
"It's possible," Wyn murmurs. "Liz did say he has minions."
"Either way, we need to be more careful next time," Liz says. "We weren't prepared today. We need to strategize better."
Adrian nods. "Agreed. If they're already watching your movements, you can bet they'll be expecting you again."
After discussing their next steps, they end the call. Liz sets her phone down, exhaling deeply. Her body feels heavy from exhaustion, the day's events weighing on her mind.
She kneels beside her bed, whispering a prayer before reaching for a framed picture of Bennett on her bedside table. Pressing a soft kiss to the glass, she murmurs, "Goodnight, Bennett."
With that, she slips under the covers, her mind still buzzing with unanswered questions as she drifts into sleep.