As Edmund followed Professor Armand, the crowd parted to make way for him. Students whispered excitedly. Some looked on with envy, while others seemed genuinely impressed by his return.
The grounds of the Vampire Academy had quite the gothic architecture and well-maintained training fields.
The academy was after all a place of prestige and power, where the most talented young vampires honed their skills and prepared for their roles in the kingdom.
The news of Edmund's return spread like wildfire, causing shockwaves among students and faculty alike.
As Edmund kept following the headmaster through the school, his presence was felt. His tall figure and the aura of authority he carried were impossible to ignore. Whispers and murmurs followed him, filled with fear, ridicule, and surprise.
"Is that the crown prince?" one student whispered to her friend in disbelief.
"Yes, it is," her friend replied, equally astonished. "I can't believe he's back. I thought he dropped out for good."
Another student snickered. "I heard he still hasn't unlocked his essence. What a disgrace for a crown prince."
"You'd better not let him hear you. I hear he's quick with a whip..."
Edmund kept his head high, ignoring the whispers. He had more important things to focus on.
Inside the academy, the hallways were bustling with students. They wore the academy's uniform which was the same as what Lucien was dressed in when he bumped into Edmund. The atmosphere was filled with the energy of youthful ambition.
Lots of young vampires both beautiful and handsome alike were scattered across the premises.
Edmund had to admit that the beautiful girls here would give the prettiest models back on his earth, a run for their money. Vampires were truly ensembled with beauty and he was no different.
Edmund and Headmaster Armand finally got to the administrative office.
The office was a large, stately room filled with old wooden furniture and shelves lined with books and scrolls.
Headmaster Armand took a seat and gestured for Edmund to do the same. His long white beard and deep-set eyes seemed to hold centuries of wisdom as he looked up at Edmund.
"I must admit, I did not expect to see you here again," The headmaster spoke with a respectful tone.
"I've returned to complete my education," Edmund replied. "I have unfinished business."
The headmaster nodded slowly. "Very well. You will be placed in the same class as His Highness, Lucian. Given your absence, you will need to repeat a year."
Despite his respect for the crown, Headmaster Armand said what needed to be done.
"I understand," It didn't matter to Edmund since he was here for one reason alone.
"Good," Headmaster Armand said while handing Edmund a schedule. "Your classes start immediately, your highness."
With that, Edmund made his way out of the office and began heading down the corridors to find his class.
Edmund's appearance caused a ripple of reactions. Some students stared openly, while others quickly averted their gaze. A group of senior students stood in a corner. Their eyes narrowed as they spotted him.
"Well, well, if it isn't the crown prince," one of them sneered. He was a muscular vampire with sharp features and icy blue eyes. "Decided to grace us with your presence again, Edmund?"
Edmund recognized him as Victor, one of the top students in the academy. His reputation for cruelty and power was well-known. Beside Victor stood a petite girl with short, spiky black hair and piercing green eyes. Her expression was one of amusement as she bit her lower lip while shooting Edmund a flirty gaze.
"Welcome back, Your Highness," Lily said mockingly. "We've missed you."
Edmund met their gazes evenly, refusing to be intimidated.
"Much appreciated. Just like everyone else, I'm here to learn," he said simply.
Victor chuckled while shaking his head. "Good luck with that. You'll need it."
Edmund carried on and soon arrived in a classroom.
The classroom was large, with high ceilings and rows of desks arranged in neat lines. At the front, a pale-looking vampire with silver hair and glasses stood by a board.
"Ah, Your Highness," the teacher said, his voice tinged with surprise. "Welcome back. Please, take a seat."
Edmund spotted an empty desk near the middle of the room and sat down. The students around him whispered and glanced his way, their reactions mixed. He noticed Lucien sitting a few rows ahead with an unreadable expression. Lucien seemed to just be minding his business.
As the lesson began, Edmund tried to focus, but the stares and whispers were hard to ignore. The teacher, Professor Marlowe, began to speak about advanced vampire history.
"Today, we will discuss the ancient wars that shaped our kingdom," he said while writing on the chalkboard. "These conflicts were pivotal in defining our current political landscape."
Edmund took notes diligently, trying to immerse himself in the lesson. But the whispers continued.
"I can't believe he's back," a girl with long, blonde hair muttered to her friend. "He hasn't unlocked his essence yet."
"Maybe he'll finally learn something," her friend replied with a smirk.
"But he's so dreamy... What a waste," Another one whispered.
"If he does unlock his essence I'd let him..."
"Quiet!" The professor called for order.
The professor sighed while continuing the lesson. Even Lucien's presence didn't cause such a stir. He could only hope that the buzz would die down soon.
Edmund remained focused on the lesson. Even though he had a different goal for returning, he felt he could still learn something.
After class, he made his way to the training grounds just like everyone else.
It was a vast open space filled with various equipment and training dummies. The grounds were buzzing with activity, students sparring and practicing their skills.
Lucien was there, practicing his combat techniques with a group of friends. He noticed Edmund approaching and paused as his eyes narrowed.
"Edmund," he said coolly. "What brings you here?"
"I need to train," Edmund replied, meeting his gaze.
"Pfft without your essence unlocked, you might as well be wasting your time," Lucien stated with a light jolt of laughter.
"Yeah haha," the others agreed.
"Learning swordsmanship doesn't require unlocked essence. Even a child knows that." Edmund didn't let the ridicule get to him.
Lucian shrugged. "Do what you want. Just don't get in my way."
Edmund moved to an empty area of the training grounds and moved to grab an ordinary sword.
He grabbed the hilt and struggled to lift it, causing laughter's to ring out around him.
Vampire-crafted swords were not regular even if they looked that way. It still required a modicum of strength to be able to properly swing.
Edmund raised the sword at the dummy before him and swung diagonally.
A loud thud resonated across the perimeter as the sword bounced back and nearly got sent flying out of his hand.
'It's so difficult to use compared to knives,' Edmund recalled how handy he was with knives back in his previous world and couldn't help but sigh.
He suddenly felt a burst of bloodlust from his right, causing him to turn.
"Let me show you how it is done, Your Highness," Victor voiced in ridicule as his eyes turned bloodshot and reddish aura surrounded his frame.
The sword in his grasp was instantly surrounded by the reddish aura which dripped like fresh blood as he raised his blade.
With a single swing, he sent forth a bloody arc that cleanly severed the dummy in two.
Cheers were heard from the surroundings as the bloodlust emanating from his figure slowly dissipated and the dummy two halves crashed to the ground.
"What a show-off," His girlfriend, Lily approached him while her green eyes were locked on Edmund's position.
Her spiky hair glittered as she placed her hand on Victor's chest.
"I'm only humble for you my love," Victor said while Lily's face closed in on his.
Her eyes were still glued in Edmund's direction as she placed her lips on that of Victor's causing everyone in the surroundings to let out gasps of envy and admiration.
She sensually sucked Victor's lips while making eye contact with Edmund like she was trying to get some kind of reaction from him.