After their intense visit to the academy, Leo and Kim returned to the castle. Once inside, Kim couldn't help but chuckle, glancing at Leo with a mischievous grin.
"So, Lord Leon, no magic, huh?" Kim teased. "Maybe you should step down from your position!"
Leo's face flushed with embarrassment, but he tried to laugh it off. "Very funny, Kim," he replied. "Thanks for the support."
Kim's face shifted from amusement to curiosity. "Do you want power, Leo?"
Leo thought he was joking again and waved it off. But Kim's expression was serious. Before Leo could respond, Kim gestured for him to follow.
"I want to take you somewhere," Kim said. "We're going to meet my grandmother. She's a witch and knows more about magic and secrets than anyone else in this world."
Curiosity sparked in Leo's eyes. He was desperate to understand this world and maybe even gain the strength he lacked. After all, he couldn't keep relying on luck and punches forever.
"All right," Leo agreed. "Let's go."
They left the castle and traveled through the capital city in the dark hours of night, heading toward a town called Dark Veil. As they rode, Kim explained that Dark Veil was known for its weapon smiths and witches. It was a place filled with knowledge and mystery, but it was also a place to be cautious of.
"It's already midnight," Leo pointed out as they neared the town. "Shouldn't we find an inn and wait till morning?"
Kim chuckled. "Scared of the dark, are you?"
Leo shook his head. "No, I've just had enough surprises for one night."
As they approached a large gate guarded by a towering knight, the guardian immediately raised his weapon and called out, "State your purpose!"
"We're here to see my grandmother," Kim replied. The knight took one look at Kim and stepped aside, allowing them through.
They passed through the gate and into what looked like a graveyard. Bats flew overhead, and distant howls of wolves echoed through the darkness. The eerie atmosphere would send chills down anyone's spine, but Leo was determined. He had accepted his strange fate, and whatever came next, he would face it head-on.
Kim led him to a small cottage at the edge of the graveyard. He knocked on the door, and an old woman answered. Her sharp gaze softened as she recognized Kim, but the moment she saw Leo, her face turned pale. She staggered back, her eyes wide with terror.
"Y-Your face… I've seen it before," she murmured before collapsing in a faint.
Startled, Kim and Leo rushed to help her, carrying her inside and laying her down on a bed. She remained unconscious until dawn, and Leo sat nearby, wondering what had caused such a strong reaction. When morning came, the old lady awoke with a gasp, her eyes darting around until they settled on Kim.
"Grandma," Kim said gently, "are you all right?"
The old woman nodded slowly, but her hands trembled as she opened a nearby closet. From within, she pulled out an ancient, dusty book and flipped through its pages, her eyes scanning each line with intense focus.
"What's wrong?" Kim asked, watching her with concern.
Without looking up, she whispered, "The young man you brought with you… he's human, isn't he?"
Kim was taken aback, and he hesitated before nodding. "Yes, he's human… well, he was. Now he's a vampire."
The old lady's face darkened, and she seemed to become more anxious. "That boy's name… what is it?"
Kim gestured for Leo to answer. Standing up straight, Leo replied, "I'm Lord Leon deValentine."
The woman shook her head. "Your real name, child."
Taking a deep breath, Leo said, "My real name is Leo DeGrace."
The old woman's face went ashen. She muttered to herself, recalling a time long ago. "The last time I saw that name… was 250 years ago. I fought a young man with the same face… the same strength… in the Death Valley."
Her voice trailed off, and she looked at Kim, who was equally shocked. "Kim, your friend… he may be more special than you think."
Kim tried to calm her, explaining that they had come seeking her help. She took a deep breath, regaining her composure.
"Very well," she said, looking at Leo. "You have no magic, am I correct?"
Leo nodded, embarrassed. "Yes, I can't use magic. And it's… it's not exactly easy for a vampire noble."
She nodded. "In most cases, those without magic are treated as less in this world. But there is a way to give you strength, a power that is yours to wield."
Leo's interest piqued, and he leaned in. "How?"
She closed the ancient book and set it aside. "There is a legend… a swordsman who defeated a fire dragon long ago wielded a weapon known as the Darkangel. This sword is said to contain enough magic to defeat even the Demon King and Lord Valentine."
Leo's eyes widened with excitement. "Where can I find this sword?"
Her face grew solemn. "The Darkangel lies in the Netherworld and is guarded by the Demon King himself. To obtain it, you would have to defeat the Demon King."
Leo's heart sank. He'd barely learned anything about this world, and now he was supposed to challenge its most fearsome ruler? It felt impossible.
Seeing his disappointment, the old woman smiled gently. "There is another way, Leo. A method that's just as powerful but doesn't require the Darkangel. However, it comes at a great price."
"What's the price?" Leo asked, a bit nervous.
Kim immediately interjected, "Grandma, please don't tell him about that. It's too risky."
But Leo was resolute. "No, I want to know."
The old woman sighed. "Very well. It lies within the ruins of the Thunder Dragon. There, in a hidden chamber, is a magical relic that can grant power to those without magic. But it demands something in return."
Leo's mind raced with questions. "What would it demand from me?"
She looked at him gravely. "A part of your life essence—your spirit. You would gain magic, but you'd lose some of yourself in the process. It would change you forever."
Leo paused, weighing his options. He'd been through so much already, forced into this world, transformed into a vampire. Could he take on even more?
Kim placed a hand on his shoulder. "Leo, you don't have to decide now. You have a lot to think about."
Leo nodded, grateful for Kim's understanding. But deep down, he felt a pull toward the ruins of the Thunder Dragon. It seemed like his only chance to truly fit in this world, to protect himself, and maybe find a way back home.
The old woman could see the determination in his eyes. "If you truly wish to pursue this path, you'll need guidance. I will teach you what I know about magical energy. You may not have the ability to cast spells, but you can learn to channel energy and control it."
Leo's resolve strengthened. "Thank you," he said, bowing his head in gratitude.
She nodded, giving him a gentle smile. "For now, rest. Tomorrow, we will begin your training. And if you choose to seek the relic in the ruins, I'll prepare you as best I can."
Leo felt a strange sense of peace. Though he was still a stranger in this world, he had found allies, people willing to help him on his journey. Whatever awaited him in the ruins, he would face it with courage.
As he and Kim left the cottage, the sun was setting, casting a fiery glow across the land. Leo gazed out toward the horizon, where the Thunder Dragon's ruins lay hidden in shadow.
Whatever challenges lay ahead, he was ready to face them.