"So you’ll be gone by five days? " Ryu asked while handing Zeres a hot coffee.

"Yes, it’ll take five days—don’t worry, you’re a gifted and Ryndol’s here"

"I know that, just take care"

"What’s this? You’re grumbling? " Zeres teased, his hands ruffling Ryu’s Auburn hair.

"I’m not!"

___________

As Zeres entered through the main gate, the sound of heart beats and the scent of fresh blood made him gulp.

Zeres arrived at the academy grounds, several students were already there, they continued to murmur to each other—visibly tense.

"You’re early" a voice echoed behind him.

Zeres turned his head, there he was—Feilres, his presence stood out amongst all of the student. A pleasant smile on his face as those deep blue eyes of his stared at Zeres. He stood quite far away from him, nobles clinging at his side, obviously currying for favors.

"You remembered our truce right? " he whispered as he passed Zeres.

"Try not to die before we settle our business"

Zeres smiled at Feilres’ provocation—it looks like him rejecting his offer wounded his pride.

"Let’s see about that"

"As expected of the prince, he’s not afraid of that monster" a student with dark brown hair echoed, his eyes shining with admiration while he glanced at the prince’s back.

"What did you just call me? " Zeres clenched his teeth as he forced himself to smile. He was slowly getting sick of his reputation.

"N-nothing! " the boy stumbled, before he ran away immediately.

’Though it’s still satisfying’ a smirk tugged at his lips, hands lazily resting on his pockets, then he head straight to a corner.

_______________

"Are all students here? " a loud dry voice amplified with mana bellowed from the podium. One by one, all students attention was focused on the figure standing before the podium.

"I am Larry, and I’ll be in charge of today’s Luminary Trial!" He announced, his black hair perfectly combed all the way back, a massive scar on his cheek that gave him more charisma rather than ruining his face.

"The Luminary Trial as it it’s famous is a difficult trial—countless gifted with terrifying potential didn’t make it pass here. With that said, I hope this year’s freshmen is as good as how you make yourself out to be." Professor Larry’s eyes narrowed, before it stopped before a figure.

The students shifted, others shoulder tensed—some looked like they’ve lost all the resolve they have.

"This Trial with last approximately Five Days in an exclusive island belonging to the academy. There, all students have the same starting line. All of you will be given a magical flag—it shows your current points and the color will change upon reaching a certain level, that being said—the more the color of your flag changes, the more your location will be revealed in all of the students maps."

"You can gain points by doing this three things: one is hunting forsakens and monsters. The other is eliminating or stealing other participants flag points—and the last one, it brings great amount of flag points, however—you have to declare an area your territory and defend it within the time-limit."

"Teaming up with other participants is fine. And the most important thing! "

"You have to accumulate a certain amount of flag points for you to be considered passed in this trial or midterms!"

"That’s all, if you’re all prepared, now head to that portal over there!" Professor Larry pointed at a certain direction where a strong pulse of mana could be felt, several professors stood guard beside the portal, it’s color was blue, intricate engravings filled the side.

Professor Elyssa stood by the side, her arms crossed, there was a crease on her brows.

’Zeres, I don’t know if it’s a good news or not, but I hope you wont mess up’ a breathe escaped her mouth as she watched the students entering the portal artifact one by one.

She hadn’t gotten a sleep, it was all spent on the headmaster, or rather her master who forced her to do the arcane projections; the reason being many big shots wanted to see what will occur during the Trial—but Elyssa herself caught their tongues slipping, they were a curious about a certain vampire, Zeres.

’Just don’t mess up, the church even requested an arcane projections—they’ll be observing you, waiting for the moment you slipped off.’ Elyssa massaged her temples, her gaze drifting at a certain man. A handsome young man with long hair slipping through his shoulders, a lazy look on the way he barely wore the academy uniform; and a crimson eyes that was different to hers, how should she say it—seductive perhaps?

"Perform well" she smiled softly towards the class-A standing before the portal.

"Don’t worry professor, we’ll bring you a trophy" Aeliz waved her hand, then she stepped inside the portal.

"Just don’t get yourself killed" Professor Elyssa waved her hand lightly, then her gaze stopped before Zeres, there he goes again—that lazy posture he always had, and that restless expression he sometimes have was there.

’They’ll probably be fine’

_____________

The portal shifted, the pulse of mana became stronger as Zeres stepped inside.

The colors around him distorted, his already sensitive senses felt like being twisted and dribbled like a ball.

"Fuck" he cursed under his breath, the feeling was so nauseous that he wanted to puked, but he prevented himself—that bitch Aeliz will just laugh at him if she saw him like that.

"If you’re here, quit wasting our time and board the ship!" A loud voice made Zeres’ head turned towards the massive ship before them.

It stood proudly, bearing the crest of the Academy, the students then boarded the ship, their gazes fixed on the sea.

"Nice view" Zeres stared at the sea, the calm waves made the tension of the students around him lessen.

"Is everyone already boarded? " a professor whom Zeres had never seen stood on the small podium, sternly overlooking all the students.

"Listen carefully, killing is prohibited within the trial, once you’ve breached the rules; you’ll be automatically expelled."

"Multiple esteemed families will be watching, conduct yourself properly." The man’s gaze sharpened, them he dismissed all of them.

’Tsk, sucking up to nobles? ’ Zeres clicked his tongue, this world awfully was filled with political issues.