Leo sat alone in his grand, lavish room, gazing around at the unfamiliar surroundings. Kim had shown him all the amenities and told him to rest, promising to return soon for a tour of the vampire capital and his new academy. Now, left in silence, Leo's thoughts raced. He'd been transformed into a vampire against his will, and he was now bound to a world he barely understood.
"This isn't my life," Leo whispered to himself, clenching his fists. "I need to find a way to escape… and find the person who brought me here."
He thought of his aunt Luna. If he returned to the human world now, she might not even recognize him. The idea of her seeing him as a vampire—a creature he himself would have once feared—brought a wave of sorrow and anger.
But Leo wasn't one to sit idly by. If he was here, he would make the best of it and search for answers.
"Maybe I can use magic now that I'm a vampire," he thought, recalling how his aunt had taught him simple spells, even though they'd never worked on him as a human. He stood up and tried to remember some basic spells, focusing his energy on his hand and willing a flame to appear. Nothing happened. He tried again and again, but still, there was no magic.
Frustrated, he sank back down onto the bed. "So, even as a vampire, I still can't use magic…" he muttered, feeling a new sense of defeat.
Soon after, Kim returned and invited Leo on a tour of the capital city. A royal carriage awaited them outside, a massive, medieval-style vehicle with horses as dark as night. Kim climbed in and gestured for Leo to join him.
As the carriage started to move, Kim turned to Leo, his voice low. "Lord Leon, remember to keep your human origins a secret. If the people find out… you'll face the wrath of Lord Valentine, and that won't end well."
Leo nodded, although he still felt uneasy about all the secrets he had to keep. The carriage rolled through the bustling streets of the vampire capital, and Leo could sense that this world was vastly different from his own. The buildings were dark and ancient, the skies a permanent shade of blood-red, and the people in the streets eyed him with suspicion.
When the carriage stopped at the main marketplace, Leo stepped out, only to find the crowds staring at him. Some looked fearful, others resentful. Leo could feel their eyes on him, sharp as daggers.
"Why are they looking at me like that?" he whispered to Kim.
Kim glanced around, his expression unreadable. "The commoners don't trust royals. To them, we are powerful but distant, ruling from our thrones while they struggle. It's best not to get too close to them."
But Leo noticed a group of children playing nearby, one of whom stumbled and fell, scraping his knee. Without thinking, Leo started forward to help, but as he moved, he saw the townspeople grabbing weapons, glaring at him as if he were a threat.
Kim quickly pulled him back. "Lord Leon, this isn't your place," he warned. "Royalty and commoners do not mix here. Remember your position."
Leo was taken aback. How could a simple act of kindness be met with such hostility? He had no choice but to return to the carriage, confused and frustrated by the rules of this strange world.
Soon, they arrived at the gates of the Royal Vampire Academy. The building was enormous and beautiful, with towers that stretched up to the crimson sky, casting dark shadows across the grounds. As they entered, Leo couldn't help but marvel at the architecture, the sharp lines and intricate designs that seemed almost alive.
Kim led him through the academy until they reached an open colosseum at the back. Suddenly, a loud explosion echoed from within, and they both turned, startled. Kim's expression turned to one of concern as he hurried to see what was happening, with Leo following close behind.
In the center of the arena, two students were fighting. Some hovered above on winged creatures, while others sparred with swords that glowed with magic. Leo watched, entranced by the intensity of it all.
"What caused the explosion?" he asked, but Kim was already focused on a figure standing in the middle of the arena. It was a young man holding a striking sword, surrounded by a wave of magic. The other students watched him with awe and fear.
Kim approached him cautiously. "Who are you, and how did you manage to defeat the academy's strongest swordsman in a single blow?" he demanded.
The young man turned his head, meeting Kim's gaze with a hint of defiance. "My name is Reno Revoult," he replied calmly.
Kim seemed to recognize the name, and he glanced at Leo with a sly smile. "Lord Leon, why don't you challenge him to a duel?"
Leo took a step back, surprised. "Me? Duel him? I'm… I'm not ready for that."
But Kim shook his head. "A noble should never refuse a challenge. It would be an insult to your title."
Reluctantly, Leo nodded, stepping forward into the arena. Reno's eyes narrowed as he assessed Leo, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. Without waiting, he charged, his sword blazing with energy. Leo barely had time to react, and Reno's sword grazed his arm, leaving a deep cut.
"Block with magic, Lord Leon!" Kim called out, but Leo was paralyzed. He couldn't use magic, and everyone was watching. Panic filled his mind, but then anger surged within him.
Instead of using magic, Leo balled his fist and punched Reno with all his strength. To everyone's shock, Reno's sword shattered, and he was thrown back by the sheer force of the punch, crashing to the ground far away. The arena fell silent as everyone stared, speechless.
Leo had won the duel with a single blow.
Students murmured in amazement, but Leo felt a mixture of pride and fear. He knew he hadn't defeated Reno with magic; it was pure strength, and now, everyone was staring at him with awe and suspicion.
As Kim led Leo out of the arena, Reno called out after them, "I won't forget this, Leon! We'll finish this fight one day!"
Leo turned, giving a slight nod before following Kim out. On the way back to the castle, Kim kept glancing at him, a look of curiosity in his eyes.
"Why didn't you heal your wound with magic, Lord Leon?" Kim asked, looking at the cut on Leo's arm, which was still bleeding.
Leo shrugged, trying to act casual. "It's… it's not that bad. I can handle it."
Kim's eyes narrowed. "You didn't use magic to block, either. Are you… unable to use magic?"
Leo's heart skipped a beat, and he struggled to keep his face neutral. But he could tell from Kim's expression that his secret was out.
"It's true, isn't it?" Kim whispered. "You can't use magic."