Noah's thoughts had become more focused in recent days. He had played the game of influence, had sown the seeds of power, but now, it was time to address something far more personal: his **leveling**. Despite his accomplishments, despite the victories and the schemes that had brought him wealth and influence, his level remained stagnant—**Level 15**. In a world where power was quantified and measured by such things, this was a glaring weakness.
Noah had become acutely aware of the limitations this presented. He had barely been able to focus on leveling in the midst of his various manipulations, and though he had used every opportunity to grow his wealth and status, his true strength had yet to be realized.
The **Night Sovereign** class tied to his vampire bloodline was formidable, but Noah was well aware that his full potential was still untapped. The true power of his **Abyssal Night** sword, his **blood drain** abilities, and his **class skills**—all of it was hidden behind the barrier of his current level.
He needed to reach **Level 20**, and quickly. That would open the gates to his further ascension, his **graduation** from the academy, and ultimately, greater control over the world he intended to conquer.
He would no longer be distracted. Every ounce of his focus was now on leveling, not for the sake of fighting weaker opponents, but to solidify his grip on the future.
---
The knock on Noah's door echoed through his estate, breaking him from his focused reverie. Kalis, ever observant, had already opened the door before Noah even had a chance to respond. The subordinate's ever-watchful eyes caught a brief flicker of something different in Noah's expression, something distant, as though the vampire lord was lost in thought.
Standing in the doorway was none other than **Ralthoron K'vorr**, the headmaster of the **Academy of Dread**. The demon's presence was imposing, his very aura exuding ancient power. Yet, there was a rare warmth in his eyes that made Noah pause.
"Noah," Ralthoron greeted him, his voice resonating with power and purpose. "I have been following your progress with great interest. You've made quite a name for yourself here. I wish to offer you something—an opportunity, if you will."
Noah studied the headmaster carefully, assessing the situation. The man had never seemed particularly interested in Noah before, always maintaining a detached demeanor. Yet, now, it was clear that something had shifted. Ralthoron stepped into the room without waiting for permission, the heavy door closing behind him with a slow, deliberate thud.
Noah stood still, his crimson eyes narrowing in curiosity.
"What kind of opportunity?" Noah asked cautiously. He had learned long ago that no one offered help without a price. He had been surrounded by manipulation and power struggles his entire life, and he wasn't about to let his guard down, no matter how imposing the headmaster might be.
Ralthoron studied Noah for a moment, his ancient eyes gleaming with something Noah could only describe as genuine admiration. "I am aware of your bloodline, Noah. Your **Night Sovereign** class. You may not realize it, but your lineage is one of great significance, one thought lost to history."
The mention of his bloodline made Noah freeze, his mind racing. How could the headmaster know about his ancestry? The fact that **Ralthoron K'vorr**, a powerful demon of immense age and experience, knew the secret Noah had kept hidden for so long was unsettling, to say the least.
"Your bloodline is **extinct**, but it is powerful. What you hold within you is unlike anything I've seen before. And with the potential you've displayed, I am confident that with the proper guidance, you can reach heights even I have not yet seen." The headmaster paused, his voice lowering, taking on a more personal tone. "I want to train you, Noah. I want to help you hone your abilities and guide you toward becoming the greatest version of yourself."
For the first time in Noah's life, he found himself confronted with an offer that seemed—**genuine**. The headmaster wasn't afraid. He wasn't trying to manipulate Noah, nor did he seem intimidated by what Noah could become. Instead, Ralthoron was offering something far rarer: **trust**. The trust of someone who recognized Noah's potential, someone who saw the value in nurturing that power instead of trying to suppress it.
Noah's heart beat a little faster, his mind conflicted. He had been prepared for resistance. All his life, he had faced fear, hatred, and disdain for the power that coursed through his veins. Yet here was someone, one of the most powerful figures in the academy, openly welcoming it.
Ralthoron spoke again, his voice a soft whisper that carried the weight of centuries. "I see what others do not. I see that you are more than a mere student. You are the future, Noah. And I would be remiss to let someone like you fall through the cracks of history."
---
Noah stood in silence for a long moment, weighing his options. He had been raised to distrust the motives of others, to always question their intentions. But in this case, Ralthoron's offer didn't feel like a trick—it felt like an opportunity. The headmaster knew things about Noah's bloodline that no one else could possibly understand. He was offering knowledge, access to power, and, above all, the chance to **level up** faster, to reach **Level 20** and beyond.
But Noah was not a fool. He had to be cautious. "And what do you want in return?" he asked, his voice steady, masking any traces of doubt or curiosity.
Ralthoron smiled, a rare expression that softened his otherwise intimidating features. "I seek nothing but your growth. Your power will only make the academy—and the world—stronger. There are things I wish to achieve, things that require the strength of a being like you."
Noah could see the sincerity in Ralthoron's eyes, but still, there was a part of him that remained suspicious. He had learned to trust no one. Yet, there was something different about the headmaster—something that felt honest, even if veiled in mystery.
"I will accept your offer," Noah said finally, his voice unwavering. "But know this—I won't be a puppet, nor will I let anyone stand in my way. Not even you, Headmaster."
Ralthoron nodded slowly, as though he had expected no less. "I would never think of you as such. Your independence is exactly what I admire most. Come, then. Let us begin your training."
---
This offer—this training—was unlike anything he had anticipated. For the first time in his life, someone saw his potential and welcomed it. But there was still much to be done.
Noah's goal was clear: to reach **Level 20**, to master his abilities, and to uncover the true power hidden within his **vampire bloodline**. And with Ralthoron's guidance, perhaps this would finally be the opportunity he had been searching for.
The game was far from over. In fact, it was only just beginning.