"Bloodline of Shadows"

A Serendipitous Encounter

After their unexpected encounter, Ethan and Astrid found themselves walking side by side through the bustling grounds of the University of Blood Arts and Sciences. The campus was alive with the energy of young vampires, each focused on their path of study or simply enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the university. Ethan couldn’t help but notice how different this place was from the structured halls of the Tenth Palace. Here, it felt… free, almost like a different world altogether.

“So, Ethan,” Astrid began, her bright eyes filled with curiosity. “What brings you to the university? Are you here to study something specific?”

Ethan hesitated for a moment, carefully choosing his words. He was still hiding his identity as the future leader of the Tenth Family, and he wanted to keep it that way for now. “Well, I’ve been thinking about management,” he said casually. “It seems like a useful skill, especially for the future.”

Astrid raised an eyebrow. “Management, huh? That’s an interesting choice. But you do know admissions are closed for the year, right?”

Ethan nodded, his expression calm. “Yeah, I’ve heard that. But I think I might be able to work something out.”

Astrid laughed softly, a melodic sound that seemed to brighten the air around them. “You’re pretty confident for someone who doesn’t even know if he can get in,” she teased. “I’m in my first year here, and I can tell you, they don’t make exceptions for anyone. Not even for me, and I’m practically a local celebrity,” she added with a playful wink.

Ethan smiled, sensing her light-hearted nature. “Well, maybe I’ll just have to be the first exception,” he replied with a hint of mischief.

Getting to Know Astrid

As they continued their walk, Ethan couldn’t help but notice how many heads turned to look at Astrid as they passed. She had an undeniable presence—her dark curls framed a face that was both strikingly beautiful and full of life, and her eyes seemed to sparkle with an inner fire. It wasn’t long before he realized that she wasn’t just any student; she was someone quite special.

“So, what’s your story, Astrid?” Ethan asked, genuinely curious. “You seem pretty popular around here.”

Astrid laughed again, a little more genuinely this time. “Well, it’s not all just my looks, you know,” she said, half-joking. “I’m in the bio-tech department. First year, like I said. But I guess people know me because of my parents.”

Ethan raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Who are they?”

“My dad’s a high-ranking officer in the Blood Legion,” she said, a note of pride in her voice. “And my mom, well… she’s one of the top scientists in the R&D division of the Tenth Palace. She’s developed a lot of the things we use here every day. I guess you could say I’ve got some pretty good genes,” she added with a smirk.

Ethan was impressed. “Wow, that’s pretty amazing. No wonder everyone knows who you are.”

Astrid shrugged, her smile modest. “It’s not all it’s cracked up to be. People have expectations, you know? But I try to make my own way.”

Ethan nodded thoughtfully. “And you’re studying bio-tech because…?”

“Because I love it,” she said simply. “There’s so much potential in vampire biology. We’re not like humans—we have different strengths, weaknesses, and possibilities. If I can figure out how to enhance those strengths or minimize those weaknesses… well, who wouldn’t want to do that?”

Ethan couldn’t help but smile at her passion. “Sounds like you’ve got your path all figured out.”

Astrid shrugged again, a little more seriously this time. “I try. But what about you? Where are you from?”

Ethan hesitated for a moment, then decided to stick with his cover. “Just a normal vampire family. Nothing special about me,” he said with a nonchalant wave of his hand.

Astrid looked at him skeptically. “You don’t strike me as ‘nothing special,’ Ethan. But okay, I’ll play along.”

The Crimson Academy and Vampire Education

As they continued their conversation, Astrid shared more about the education system in the vampire world. Ethan learned that vampires had a uniquely rigorous schooling system due to their long lifespans and high memory capacity. Education was no easy feat; it was both a challenge and a badge of honor.

“Most vampires finish their basic schooling by around twenty-two,” Astrid explained. “And that’s considered pretty fast. We have to learn a lot more than humans, and our schools are much tougher. It’s not just about memorizing facts—it’s about practical knowledge, problem-solving, and honing our natural abilities.”

Ethan nodded, intrigued. “So, you specialize in what you’re interested in?”

“Exactly,” she confirmed. “Not every vampire needs to know everything. Once we’re past the basics, we’re free to choose what we want to focus on. It’s one of the reasons why The Crimson Academy is so highly regarded.”

Ethan was familiar with The Crimson Academy. It was considered the premier institution for vampire education, renowned for its high standards and the quality of its graduates. But hearing about it from Astrid’s perspective gave him a new appreciation for what the academy represented.

Astrid continued, “I was lucky enough to get in. The entrance exams are brutal, designed by Professor Orin Falstaff himself. You know him, right?”

Ethan nodded. “Yeah, I’ve heard of him. He’s the Chief of Education at the Tenth Palace, right?”

Astrid’s eyes widened slightly. “Exactly. He’s a genius, but he doesn’t make things easy for anyone. Even with my parents’ reputations, I still had to work my tail off to get in. And topping the entire academy… well, that was another story altogether.”

Ethan couldn’t hide his admiration. “That’s really impressive. Even with the strongest bloodline and the best training, I don’t think I could say for sure I’d pass those exams.”

Astrid laughed, clearly enjoying the compliment. “Oh, I’m sure you’d do just fine. You seem like you’ve got a good head on your shoulders.”

They continued walking, talking about the university, its rigorous standards, and the unique aspects of vampire education. Ethan learned that while human universities focused on theory and research, vampire education was far more hands-on, designed to test both mind and body.

“Take bio-tech, for example,” Astrid explained. “We don’t just study the principles of biology and technology. We actually create hybrid organisms, design new blood serums, and test enhancements on ourselves. It’s intense, but it’s also really exciting.”

Ethan nodded, trying to hide his awe. “It sounds like you’ve got some real talent,” he said, meaning it. “Your parents must be proud.”

Astrid smiled, a hint of pride in her eyes. “I hope so. But honestly, I just want to make a difference. It’s not about proving anything to anyone.”

A Seed of Interest

As they talked, Ethan felt a growing sense of connection to the university and to the younger generation of vampires who studied there. These were the future pillars of his family, the ones who would shape its future alongside him. He realized that attending the university, even just for a short while, could provide invaluable insights into their thoughts, hopes, and dreams.

“Well, I’ve got to say, you’ve made a pretty strong case for why this place is worth checking out,” Ethan said with a grin. “Maybe I’ll see you around more often.”

Astrid smirked, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “You’re really set on this, aren’t you? I still think you’re crazy if you think you can get in after admissions have closed.”

Ethan just smiled, a confident gleam in his eye. “Crazy? Maybe. But I’ve got a good feeling about it.”

They walked for a while longer, chatting about various subjects—their favorite foods, vampire movies, and the latest news. Ethan learned that Astrid was only sixteen, which shocked him. Given how rigorous vampire education was, most didn’t finish schooling until they were much older.

“You’re only sixteen?” Ethan repeated, unable to hide his surprise.

Astrid nodded, clearly amused by his reaction. “Yep. I guess I’m ahead of the curve. But I’m not the only one. There are a few prodigies in every generation.”

Ethan chuckled. “I guess you’ve got good genes.”

Astrid grinned. “That’s what they say.”

Parting Ways, For Now

After a while, they found themselves near the university entrance again. Astrid turned to Ethan with a curious smile. “Well, Ethan, it’s been fun talking to you. You’re not like the other vampires around here.”

Ethan returned her smile. “I could say the same about you, Astrid. You’re definitely… unique.”

Astrid laughed, a light and genuine sound that seemed to lift the mood around them. “Thanks, I think. But seriously, I hope you figure out a way to get into the academy. It’d be fun to have you around.”

Ethan nodded, feeling a strange sense of warmth in his chest. “I’ll see what I can do. And who knows? Maybe we’ll bump into each other again.”

Astrid waved as she turned to leave. “I hope so. Take care, Ethan.”

As Ethan watched her walk away, he felt a mixture of excitement and determination. There was something about this city, about the academy, and about the people he was meeting that made him feel more connected to his family’s legacy. He knew he still had a lot to learn, but for the first time, he felt genuinely eager to dive into the unknown.

He decided it was time to return to the Tenth Palace. There was much to think about and plan. And if he was going to make a mark, he needed to start somewhere.

With a final glance around the bustling campus, Ethan slipped away, blending into the shadows, unseen by anyone—a habit he’d perfected over the last few days.