Exiting the Shadow Space and finally returning to Nyxterra, in the Physical Realm, the first thing Quinn checked was the amount of time that had passed since he began working on creating a clone of himself. "It has been... 5 days?! That's a lot more time than I thought for a bit more than 3 weeks in the Shadow Space. I mean, I still can't be pissed about it since it's plenty broken to have a space that slows the flow of time."
It was the dawn of another day when Quinn returned to his suite. Aaron was nowhere to be seen and it was nigh time for him to get ready for attending the Royal academy—after bunking classes for 5 whole days, including his first day.
———
Leaving for the academy, early in the morning, Quinn took the elevator the the building like a normal person while complaining about the flashy academy attire that he and every other student was so forced to wear. Stopping merely one floor below his penthouse, the doors of the elevator opened to welcome another person in: a fellow student leaving to attend the Royal academy.
[Vivienne Veritas]
[Race: Vampire Noble]
[Ability: Violette's Manifestation]
'Oh, a dangerous Family name, this one has,' Void spoke. Quinn was not the least bothered about the Vampire though; he was thinking about the clone that he had sent back to Earth. 'I know I told him to lay low and even gave him access to my money so that he can do whatever he wants, but I can't help but feel anxious about it...'
As he was busy thinking about the unimportant, the young lady in front of him extended her hand, "Bonne journée, mon chaton. I am your senior in the Royal academy, Vivienne."
'They got French here? Well, I'll be damned. What's mon chaton mean though...?' Quinn reached for the hand gently, 'Well, since she's a Noble, I suppose-'
'Wait, don't touch her Quinn!' Void managed to warn Quinn just in time, before he could do the exact opposite; 'What is it?' Quinn did not draw his hand back, but merely hesitated.
'The Veritas Vampire Family possesses a unique Bloodline Art that enables them to delve into the memories of anyone whose blood they drink directly. Higher-level vampires, like a Noble such as herself, can absorb blood through their skin to activate this ability either way, which means she might be hiding a weapon... I just cannot bring myself to trust this family.'
'Oh, that is a dangerous Ability... but, wasn't her Ability Violette's Manifestation? How can she have another...? Ugh, let's talk later; I can't really get on her bad side, so I guess this'll have to do...'
Quinn gently took Vivienne's hand and gently brushed his lips over her knuckles. Slightly laughing with her other hand over her mouth, she spoke: "Oh, dear, how gentlemanly~"
'What a bitch,' Quinn thought, 'She definitely did try to make me bleed, alright; she just used her Ability out of nowhere to try and pierce my skin. Good thing I used [Body Modification] and wrapped my whole body with Shadow Energy... it's the only Energy these beings at a higher level can't detect.'
"I saw that grand introduction you had at the entrance ceremony," Vivienne laughed, "You've incredible might for a Human; sporting good looks too. What do you say about-"
"The doors are open, mademoiselle," Quinn interrupted, "I would love to continue this conversation at some later date."
"If you need to learn the ropes, you are free to look for me; it is my duty as a senior, after all," she said. 'Oh... he's gone.'
———
'That was a risky game you played at with the Vampire Noble. I will only say this once, but be especially vary of the Veritas Family of Vampires never—and, I repeat this with emphasis—never let them come in contact with you; better yet, never let one come close to you. Should they figure out that you are a supposed Human from Earth—not one of the planets under the Vampires or Dwarves—they will most certainly aim to eradicate the Humans from Earth.'
'Once they find out that you are a Shadow, they will call upon the other races; all of them together, they will call upon the Gods; the Gods: the Great Old Ones. And, if the Great Old Ones deem you developed and dangerous enough—although I doubt it—they shall summon one of the Outer Gods or the Other Gods. This is no joke, Quinn; I understand that you have a very versatile skill set, and you were sure that the girl could not pierce you skin, but you ought to understand what magnitude of consequence your actions could bring about—not just for you, but the Humans from Earth as well; it is now your responsibility as well.'
Knowing that he could not really talk back on this topic, Quinn promised that he will be better and not make the same mistakes again.
Moving on from that rather quickly, Quinn asked some questions regarding the Vampire Families and the Bloodline Arts that Void mentioned briefly...
———
There are 16 distinct Vampire Households or Families with, each possessing immense power and influence over the Vampire realm. A Family refers to a lineage of Vampires directly descended from a single powerful ancestor and other minor branches that may or may not be directly related to the ancestors; and each of these Families wields a unique Bloodline Art—an innate, sanguine power passed down through their blood. These arts are manifestations of the Family's ancient power, and every direct descendant inherits this gift.
The Vampire Families hold positions of authority and prestige within the governance of the Vampire Realm, known as the Table. This governing body functions much like a council, where the heads of each Family convene to manage affairs, settle disputes, and maintain order among the Vampires, Humans and Dwarves under unique circumstances. Usually, the Vampire King is tested from the Imperial Family: the Draconis Family.
———
'These Vampires have crazy abilities, man,' Quinn commented. 'The Direct Descendants of the Families basically have 2 Abilities—the Bloodline Arts and an Ability, of course. That means the Vampire Ring-Bearer might have 3 Abilities; the fuck. I mean, I understand that it doesn't really make sense thinking of it that way, but... what are these Bloodline Arts that the Families have? And, if that Origin Energy guy from the ceremony is the descendant of Scion, what's his Bloodline Art?'
'Scion's Primordial Bloodline Art is not so special; it merely grants the bearer near perfect immortality and dominion over beings weaker than theirself,' Void replied as the word 'merely' resounded in Quinn's mind, 'As for the other Families, it is no surprise that they differ from one another. Let us speak of this another time though; why don't you enter the classroom? The homeroom teacher has been looking forward to getting his hands on you.'
"Ughh... 5 days," Quinn set his hair back and opened the double doors with an interesting and intricate design of the communion of all the races, 'How do I explain this...?'