Chapter 3 (Whispers of the shadows)

"Dearest Diary,

Today's tour of the academy was an exhilarating adventure! I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the inner workings of this remarkable institution. The people I encountered were incredibly kind and amiable, though I must confess, an excess of niceness and perpetual happiness tends to leave me unenthused. The werewolves in the playground showcased their true nature by engaging in spirited displays of aggression, which I found quite captivating. However, the individual who managed to bore me to the point of near demise was none other than our guide herself. Instead of fulfilling her role as a mere escort, she assumed the role of a ceaseless chatterbox. She inundated me with tales of the academy's prestigious halls and a peculiar hall teeming with life (as if a vampire would find such a notion fascinating!).

She went on to describe the enigmatic paintings adorning the walls, rumoured to harbour ancient secrets. Additionally, she spoke of the summoning of mythical creatures by the diligent students of demonology, who were apparently engaged in the study of forbidden magic. It struck me as rather unjust that vampires were precluded from such pursuits. After all, shouldn't a vampire be allowed to summon a pony if the fancy struck them? On a separate note, I noticed that the witches, with their misleading angelic facade and claims of being guardians of peace and the environment, had an affinity for delving into the darker arts. Their mischievous smiles, coupled with their plant-clasping gestures, betrayed their true nature.

Contrasting the witches, the vampires seemed akin to lifeless corpses, stoically perched as though devoid of interest. Their silence and passive demeanour suggested that immortality gifted them with the virtue of patience. They rarely engage in conversation with one another, as vampires are renowned for their solitary existence. While witches thrive in covens and werewolves find solace in their packs, and demons forge alliances in their dark arts, vampires are typically slow to cultivate friendships. Nevertheless, I remain undeterred in my quest to forge connections amidst this sea of negativity. I am determined to push forward, make new friends, and explore intriguing subjects like the dark arts.

Speaking of which, there is a particular individual who caught my attention in the werewolf class. He exuded an intimidating aura, clad entirely in black—a rarity among werewolves. His pallid complexion contrasted with his evident muscular build, with prominent veins coursing through his hands. Even from a distance, one could discern his well-developed biceps and chest, concealed beneath his hoodie. Though his physique bore resemblance to that of a werewolf, his face, skin, and hair deviated from the typical werewolf appearance.

I ought not to question his identity, for if he is seated in the werewolf class, he must undoubtedly be a werewolf. It is time for me to attend my first-ever class, which focuses on the intricate art of blood magic. Despite the tour, I couldn't help but notice the number of werewolves and witches who seemed enamoured by my presence. However, love is not my priority during this chapter of my life—it remains far beyond my reach.

As the hour approaches, anxiety grips me, as I ponder whether the seemingly lifeless vampires can engage with someone as lively and vibrant as myself. I have always felt that my parents bestowed upon me an excess of vitality and an irresistibly charming demeanour for a vampire. Nevertheless, I wouldn't have it any other way. Yet, until I can establish genuine connections, I am eager to immerse myself in these captivating courses and expand my knowledge. Who knows, perhaps I possess the potential to become the vampire equivalent of Merlin!

I apologise, dear diary, for that cringeworthy proclamation. Following our tour, I contacted my parents, who appeared rather melancholic, experiencing their first night without my presence. Undoubtedly, it is more challenging for them than it is for me, but with time, they will learn to adapt. As for myself, will I be alright? Absolutely! It is crucial that I cast aside my fears and embrace this new chapter with unwavering courage!

Time is of the essence, and I am running late for class. Farewell, dear diary! Until we meet again!

Yours faithfully,

Kwan Yoon."

Soon after penning his thoughts in the diary, Kwan rose from the desk and surveyed his new room. To his surprise, the space was not unoccupied. Various items strewn about suggested the presence of a roommate. Two separate beds stood at a considerable distance, an extra table and chair cluttered the area, and a jumble of belongings and clothing covered one of the beds. It was evident that Kwan's newly assigned roommate lacked a sense of organisation and tidiness.

Kwan sighed, realising there was little he could do at this late hour. He couldn't wait for the stranger to arrive, as he was already running late for class. He had yet to meet his roommate, aside from deducing that the individual was untidy and lacked discipline.

True to his nature, Kwan cleared the clothes from his bed and stowed them neatly inside the locker. He didn't have the chance to meet his roommate, as his class was about to begin. Before leaving, he was supposed to retrieve a stone for some unknown purpose.

"Why do we need a stone?" Kwan pondered. However, given his inability to question the peculiarities of the academy and the eccentricities of its inhabitants, he decided to go along with the flow.

As he hurried through the vast halls, attempting to find his class, Kwan abruptly halted in the vampire wing. The classrooms were arranged in a circular formation, with an open space in the center adorned with a patch of lush grass.

Mid-stride, Kwan paused, scanning the circular hallway in search of his assigned class number. In that moment, he heard something peculiar. He instinctively covered his ears and tightly shut his eyes, inadvertently dropping the stone he held in his hand.

Whispers filled the air, repeating a cryptic message over and over again. Try as he might, Kwan couldn't decipher the words. Suddenly, a teacher approached him, gently placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Hello, young man! Are you alright? You're late for class. Where is your designated classroom? Why aren't you inside? Is today your first day?" the concerned professor inquired.

The touch of the professor's hand snapped Kwan out of his trance. Opening his eyes, he still felt a lingering dizziness, but the whispers had ceased, as if fading into the background.

Kwan turned his gaze towards the professor, taking in an extraordinary sight. The professor possessed a head of white hair and appeared to be in his thirties, donning the customary dark cloak attire worn by teachers in the vampire wing. His pale complexion confirmed his vampire nature, and his blood-red eyes emitted an enigmatic aura.

"Hello, sir. I was actually looking for my class, and yes, I am a new student. I couldn't focus properly, feeling somewhat dizzy for some reason," Kwan explained, addressing the professor.

"Oh... that's unfortunate. Are you feeling dizzy? Did you drink your blood from the academy's blood bank this morning?" the professor inquired.

"Yes, sir, I did," Kwan replied.

"Ah, then I suppose it's merely a result of nervousness on your first day," the professor conjectured.

"I believe so, sir. Probably just that," Kwan agreed.

"Also, what is your room number for class? Let me help you find it quickly before you're too late!" the professor offered.

"Here it is, sir," Kwan replied, retrieving a slip of paper from his pocket and handing it to the professor. The professor possessed a deep but calm voice, an air of uniqueness that rendered him simultaneously enigmatic and approachable. Kwan felt comfortable in his presence, yet an underlying sense of paranoia lingered for reasons he couldn't quite grasp.

"It seems your room number is 714, and your class is at the end of this hall. Just go straight in that direction," the professor directed.

"Thank you, sir!" Kwan expressed his gratitude.

"By the way, are you still holding the stone in your hand?" the professor asked.

"No, it fell," Kwan replied.

"Then pick a new one. Today's class focuses on blood magic, so you'll need the stone," the professor advised.

"Oh, great. Let me find a new one," Kwan responded, growing increasingly nervous under the professor's unwavering gaze. He lowered himself to the ground, searching for the misplaced stone.

"Where is this wretched stone?" Kwan wondered to himself.

After a moment, he located the stone and stood up, but to his surprise, the professor had vanished. The hallway was empty, devoid of any presence. With classes underway, everyone was inside their respective classrooms.

"Whatever, I'm already late," Kwan thought, dismissing the peculiar occurrence. He rushed toward the end of the hall, where his class awaited.

Upon entering the classroom, Kwan's eyes fell upon the same professor standing next to the blackboard, with a table before him neatly arranged with stones.

The class occupied a vast hall, with seating akin to that of a cinema, sloping upwards towards the back. Gradually, Kwan absorbed the entirety of the scene before him. The room, shrouded in darkness, adhered to the customary vampire preference for the absence of sunlight during the day. Contrary to the rumours, Kwan harboured no aversion to sunlight. Vampires did not burn; they simply disliked the light.

"Welcome, Kwan!" the professor greeted as he noticed Kwan's entrance.

"How does he know my name?" Kwan pondered silently.

"Come here, Kwan," the professor beckoned, and Kwan obediently complied, making his way towards the professor.

"Class, allow me to introduce our new recruit—this is Kwan, son of Minhyun Yoon. He has come to study the dark arts, so let us extend our kindness to him, shall we?" the professor addressed the students, patting Kwan's shoulders. The professor then directed Kwan to occupy one of the seats towards the back.

"By the way, my name is Professor Kang Dae. I am your blood magic instructor for this class—a subject of great prestige that I shall teach with utmost dedication," Professor Kang announced. As Kwan settled into his seat, he sensed the gaze of countless eyes fixed upon him from all corners of the classroom. The vampire students observed him intently, prompting Kwan to keep his head down in an attempt to avoid drawing excessive attention.