Ryo's thoughts were anything but tranquil. He leaned on the bed, staring fixedly at the Status Window. The system's update had generated more questions in his mind than answers, and now he was about to prepare for the examination that would define his rank in the academy.
But before he could even plan what to study, the door creaked open, and Selena stepped in.
"Ryo," she said, her voice stern. "You can't just be any class. You need to be in S-class."
Ryo raised an eyebrow, confused. "Why? It's just a test, isn't it?"
Selena moved closer, her gaze narrowing slightly. "Yes, but the rules don't apply to everyone." She spoke quietly, making sure no one else could hear. "S-class only accommodates eight students, but that rule doesn't extend to royals. Royals of all races, vampires included, are automatically placed in S-class without having to sit for a test. And, you're my fiancé, so you're automatically placed in S-class too. If you're not, well." She smiled at him, a smile that was much too sweet, her eyes glinting with something much more sinister. "I may have to kill you."
Ryo blinked in disbelief. Kill him? He massaged his forehead, trying to get it straight. "Wait, how am I going to be killed when I can't die?"
She smiled softly, her smile never wavering. "I will find a way."
(Mostly Vampires were all but immortal but due to Ryo's blood spree it made him difficult to kill Selena knew that tidbit)
Ryo took a deep breath, then nodded unwillingly. "Alright, I'll do my best."
As Selena departed, he couldn't help but think to himself, How can she threaten me when I'm all but immortal? But he knew better than to underestimate her. Nevertheless, there was a weird feeling of security in knowing that his gifts—his regeneration, immortality, and the merging of Draconic and Vampiric powers—made it all but impossible for him to die. He could meet whatever assaulted him head-on, but it didn't mean he enjoyed being threatened.
Two hours later, the students were assembled in the center courtyard for the test. The mood was heavy as the students readied themselves for the arduous trial to come. Ryo hovered at the back, watching the other students who appeared nervous. He didn't have the same concern—this test was going to be an easy one for him.
Selena, at his side, was calm but vigilant. She knew this was significant. Ryo didn't know why, but he sensed that she was observing him intensely, likely weighing his every step.
The test commenced, and the students entered. It was meant to measure their skills and knowledge—everything from fighting prowess to intelligence. The first portion was a written test on history and mathematics.
Ryo grinned. Math and history? Piece of cake.
He completed the test with ease, barely stopping between questions. After all, he had learned this very material when he was in the human world. History of the humans, cultures, and simple arithmetic were topics he had studied years ago. Moreover, the classes he had attended since being here were all strongly based on human topics, so he answered the questions easily.
When the test results arrived, Ryo found himself classified in S-class to everyone's amazement. His rare information and talent far exceeded those of the normal student.
But then things shifted.
A third-year student of the Vampire side appeared, brows knit in skepticism. "A commoner to easily pass the test? It is almost impossible."
Ryo smirked. Impossible? Come on, that was just entry-level material.
But the elder wasn't done. "You think you can just pass a test like that? You cheated, didn't you?" His tone was dripping with contempt. "How else could a half-breed like you—who's nothing but a commoner—pass such an advanced test?"
Ryo groaned. Half-breed? Here we go again.
"I didn't cheat," Ryo explained, his tone deep and calm. "I just know the material. I've lived in the human world most of my life. I've studied history and math very heavily. That's why I knew the answers."
But the senior would not listen. His eyes lit up with fury, and he jabbed a finger accusingly at Ryo. "I will not tolerate a half-breed, not to mention one who is betrothed to the vampire princess, to be in S-class. You don't belong."
The crowd held its breath as the atmosphere thickened with tension. Ryo did not pay attention to the senior's insult, but what followed surprised him.
The senior sneered, "I challenge you to a duel. We'll settle this once and for all."
Selena stood up at once, her tone cold. "Fine. But the loser will leave the academy. If Ryo loses, he'll leave. If you lose, you'll leave, got it?"
The senior twisted his face into a grin. "Agreed. But I'll make sure to kill you after the duel, and your family, too. It's no place for half-breeds."
Ryo's fists balled up. This dude. threatening my family? He could feel himself getting angry. His mind was racing—I can't allow this bastard to get away with this. He's not just disrespecting me, but my family as well.
Various
"Let's do it," Ryo declared, his voice as hard as stone. "I'll sweep the floor with you."
As the two students were ready for the duel, the teachers approached. "Before the duel, we need to test your abilities. Put your hand on this slab, and we will determine your strength."
The senior's hand was the first to touch the slab, and his corpse was measured. Ryo went next, but a moment of doubt flickered through him. His Vampire and Dragon powers were so anomalous that he wasn't certain how the slab would respond.
The senior sneered, noticing Ryo hesitate. "What are you waiting for? Scared the test will show you on it for what you truly are? A freak."
Ryo clenched his teeth. Good. You want to witness my skills? He rested his hand on the slab.
The instant he did, a blinding light burst out of the stone. The slab revealed the entire extent of his skills—Vampire and Dragonic powers, plus the Hybrid skills from the union. The whole courtyard came to a stop, mouths agape in amazement.
Ryo's Bloodflame Mastery, Primordial Regeneration, Abyssal Dragon Wings and everything else blazed before everyone. None of them could believe their eyes when they saw the extent of his capabilities.
The senior was paralyzed with shock, unable to conceal his incredulity. "This. this can't be real!"
Ryo's face was as serene as ever, though his mind was not. I'll teach him what it means to be powerful.