At the tower.
"Stop doing that, it's creepy," Kassandra muttered, shoving her glasses higher on her nose. Her voice was thin, but the complaint was genuine.
Celine did not flinch. She had seen this too often, and for her, Van Dijk's sudden appearances had long ceased to disturb.
Van Dijk stepped forward, his eyes narrowing on Ludwig. "Ah, such a good Undead, you seem, huh?" He broke off, his expression shifting.
"Yeah," Ludwig said flatly. "You noticed."
"This isn't the slime…" Van Dijk's voice carried suspicion.
"Nope," Ludwig said, spreading his arms a little as if to invite inspection. "This is real flesh and skin…"
"And that heartbeat?" Van Dijk leaned closer, his gaze intent.
"As strong as a dragon's heart." Ludwig's grin had sharp pride in it, though it masked unease.
"Ah, I see. I see. The Heart of Wrath," Van Dijk murmured, the words heavy with recognition. His gaze sharpened. "Kassandra. Prepare my lab, please. We need to do some… investigative work."
