Chapter 3

The atmosphere in the Occult Folklore class was still buzzing from Professor Ivanov's enthralling lecture on Slavic vampire folklore. Students were engaged in animated discussions, dissecting the tales of Koschei the Deathless and the eerie Moroi. The room was a hive of intellectual curiosity and youthful energy, a typical start to the semester at the University of Louisiana.

Into this lively environment walked a figure who seemed to be an embodiment of the very legends just discussed. The door to the lecture hall opened quietly, but his entrance commanded immediate attention. This new student was a striking presence, distinctly out of the ordinary.

He appeared to be in his mid-twenties but carried an air of timeless androgyny. His skin was ghostly pale, almost luminescent under the fluorescent lights of the classroom, creating a stark contrast with the deep crimson of his eyes. These eyes scanned the room with an unsettling depth, as if taking in more than just the physical space.

His hair, a vibrant shade of crimson, was styled in a modern mullet that somehow suited his ethereal appearance perfectly. It framed his face with short bangs in the front and medium length at the back, adding to his enigmatic allure.

The new student's fashion sense was as striking as his physical features. He wore a long-sleeved red crop-top that revealed his chiseled abs and the pronounced V of his torso, speaking of a body well cared for. The top was paired with oversized black jeans, a stylish contrast that accentuated his slender yet defined physique. His feet were clad in red boots with pointed tips, completing the edgy and captivating ensemble.

His accessories were no less notable. Golden stud earrings caught the light with every movement, and on each hand, he wore three golden gothic rings that glinted with an almost mystical quality. Around his neck hung a golden necklace, its pendant a minimalist symbol resembling the horns of a goat, hinting at something ancient and arcane.

Elise, John, and Annabelle, still seated among their classmates, found their eyes drawn to him involuntarily. His unique appearance and the air of mystery that surrounded him made it impossible to look away.

As he made his way through the room, the murmurs and whispers followed him, a wave of fascination rippling through the students. He seemed unfazed by the attention, moving with a confidence that suggested he was accustomed to being the center of intrigue.

Finding a seat not far from the trio, he settled in, his crimson gaze sweeping across the room once more before focusing on the front, ready for the next part of the class. The students around him tried to refocus on their discussions, but the air was now charged with a new, unspoken question: Who was this enigmatic new student?

As Crimson Adler took his seat, the trio couldn't help but continue to steal glances in his direction. John, in particular, seemed utterly captivated by the new student's striking appearance. He leaned slightly towards Elise and Annabelle, his voice a mix of awe and excitement.

"Okay, seriously, have you guys ever seen anyone like that before?" John whispered, his blue eyes still fixed on Crimson. "He's like... I don't know, like he stepped out of some cool indie fashion magazine or something. Totally Insta-worthy!"

Elise, catching the tone in John's voice, couldn't resist a playful jab. She elbowed him gently, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Oh, look at John, all smitten already! Should we start planning the wedding, or is it too soon?" she chuckled.

Annabelle joined in, her laughter light and infectious. "Yeah, John, do you need a moment? Maybe some water? You look like you've just seen a ghost... or, I guess, a vampire, given the class we're in!"

John rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his amused grin. "Ha-ha, very funny, you two," he retorted, trying to maintain a semblance of composure. "I'm just saying, the guy's got style. And those eyes, come on, they're like nothing I've ever seen!"

The trio's banter was a comfortable, familiar dance of teasing and laughter, a hallmark of their friendship. They settled down as the class continued, but the curiosity about the mysterious Crimson Adler lingered, adding an extra layer of excitement to the start of their new semester.

As the second lecture, focusing on the lore of Vlad Tepes Dracula, came to a close, the room buzzed with the excited chatter of students. Professor Ivanov had masterfully woven a tapestry of history and myth, leaving the class both enlightened and eager for more.

It was then that Crimson Adler, the enigmatic new student, approached Elise, John, and Annabelle. His confident stride was a silent testament to his self-assurance, and his smile, both charming and mysterious, seemed to invite conversation.

"Hi there," he greeted them, his voice smooth and inviting. "I'm Crimson Adler. I'm new around here and still trying to get my bearings. Would you mind showing me around the campus a bit? Maybe the dorms too?"

The trio exchanged quick, intrigued glances before responding. Annabelle, always the first to extend a hand of friendship, replied with a warm smile, "Sure, we'd be happy to. I'm Annabelle, by the way."

Elise introduced herself next, her tone friendly but tinged with a hint of curiosity. "I'm Elise. Welcome to the University of Louisiana."

John, still somewhat captivated by Crimson's unique presence, chimed in, "And I'm John. It's not every day we get to show someone around. Let's give you the grand tour, shall we?"

Crimson's smile widened at their responses. "I appreciate it. It's not easy being the new guy, especially in such a... unique place."

As they gathered their belongings and began to walk out of the lecture hall, the conversation flowed effortlessly. The trio pointed out various landmarks and buildings of interest, sharing anecdotes and tips about campus life.

Crimson listened intently, his crimson eyes taking in every detail. He asked questions that were both insightful and thoughtful, showing a keen interest in not just the physical layout of the campus but also in the culture and dynamics of university life.

As they strolled through the campus, the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a beautiful orange glow over the scene. The casual walk turned into an impromptu exploration, with stops at the main library, the student center, and the sprawling green spaces that were student favorites.

The group eventually made their way to the dormitories, where Crimson's curiosity was piqued by the diverse array of student life on display. The lively atmosphere of the dorms, with students coming and going, provided a perfect backdrop for the trio to share stories of their own dorm experiences.

As the tour concluded, Crimson expressed his gratitude with genuine warmth. "Thank you for showing me around. I feel less like an outsider already. Maybe we can all meet up again soon? Grab a coffee or something?"

The trio agreed enthusiastically, excited at the prospect of deepening their newfound acquaintance with Crimson. As they parted ways, each was left with a sense of intrigue and anticipation for what this new friendship might bring. Little did they know, their connection with Crimson Adler would soon unveil a world far beyond the ordinary, a world where folklore and reality intertwined.