As the last of the freshmen filtered into the grand auditorium of the Unitas Institution Academy, an uneasy silence fell over the room. The initial wave of murmurs and excited chatter gradually died down, replaced by the palpable tension of anticipation.
Then, without warning, the grand double doors swung open once again. Four individuals walked down the central aisle with slow, purposeful steps and ascended the stage. Their presence alone was enough to command the room, their auras resonating with unmistakable authority.
"Greetings to every new student of the Unitas Institution Academy!" the man in front announced, his voice ringing out clearly across the chamber.
He had the air of a noble executioner, tall and coldly composed, his sharp crimson eyes scanning the room.
"To all the newcomers present, know this—this is not the main ceremony," a striking woman said beside him, her tone firm and slightly mocking.
Confusion rippled through the crowd.
"What does she mean it's not the main ceremony?"
"Isn't this supposed to be the welcoming event?"
"This is the Unitas Institution Academy," the third, a rugged man with a broad frame and animalistic aura, growled from the front. "Did you really believe that just because you belong to some noble bloodline, you'd all be pampered with speeches and confetti?"
A few students swallowed hard, their arrogance fading fast.
"Allow us to introduce ourselves," the crimson-eyed man said, stepping forward.
"I am Theodore Lazarus, of the Lazarus Covenant—one of the Apex Council clans, standing alongside the Moriarty and Draculesti bloodlines. I represent the Vampire Faction."
At the mention of his name, cheers erupted from the vampire side of the auditorium, especially among the pureblood descendants who recognized the weight it carried.
Angel stiffened in his seat.
The Lazarus Covenant… Sir Malachi warned me about them. Mysterious and dangerous. He said to never underestimate a Lazarus.
Next, the rugged werewolf stepped forward, puffing his chest proudly.
"I am Edan, of the Ironhide Vanguard—a guardian of the Apex Council of Wolves. I stand for the Wolf Faction. Wolves, howl!"
He lifted his head and howled, and like a call to arms, a dozen others joined in with a chorus that shook the auditorium.
Then came a dazzling figure—tall, poised, and dressed in immaculate white. His golden-blonde hair shimmered under the lights, and as he stepped forward, a wave of excitement surged from the female students.
"Good morning, everyone. I am Evander Thorne, of the Luminary Ascendancy, representing the Mage Faction."
He offered a charming smile, eyes gleaming like sapphires as he bowed ever so slightly. Girls swooned in the crowd.
"He's so dreamy!"
"Kyaa! It's him—Evander Thorne!"
Angel glanced over with a mixture of annoyance and intrigue.
He's got a fanbase already, huh? he thought to himself.
Finally, the last figure stepped into the spotlight. She was elegant yet deadly, dressed in what could only be described as a nun's habit infused with the practicality of a monster hunter's uniform. Her beauty was so ethereal, a few boys fainted with nosebleeds.
"My name is Maria," she said, her voice soft as silk but laced with power. "I hope you boys have sweet dreams tonight."
Angel tried not to roll his eyes. "That's supposed to be a nun?"
After the introductions, Theodore took center stage once more.
"To all of our fellow freshmen, there is no time to waste. Your current objective is to obtain a key. These keys are scattered throughout the campus."
"There are three types of standard keys—Bronze, Silver, and Gold," Evander added. "Additionally, there are four hidden keys, each made of the same materials but far more difficult to acquire."
"Your key determines your dormitory room for the duration of your stay at the academy," Maria said with a playful wink.
"And trust me," Edan groaned, "you do not want to end up in the kind of room I had. Worn down, moldy walls... It was practically a dungeon."
"The method of obtaining the keys," Theodore continued, "is entirely up to you. There is only one rule—no killing. Once a student obtains a key, they will be teleported to the main ceremony grounds. You have five hours."
Then, in perfect sync, all four shouted, "You may begin!"
Bang!
Maria fired her gun into the air as a signal, and chaos instantly erupted. The students surged from the auditorium, each one hoping to be the first to secure a higher-tier key.
Angel remained calm as he stepped out, his sharp crimson eyes scanning the campus. Already, groups had formed, and others dashed away in random directions, some heading toward the forest, others toward the dorms, and many seeking seniors to gain information.
Some seniors, possessing golden keys themselves, turned away challengers with a smirk.
"Even if you defeat me, this key is unique—only I can use it," one said smugly.
The bronze keys were scattered in plain sight, hidden under benches, inside trees, or behind statues. But the silver and gold keys came with trials—tests of strength, intelligence, and often combat.
Deep within the woods behind the eastern wing of the academy, Angel came face-to-face with a tall, haughty girl guarding a key atop a stone pedestal.
Long violet hair flowed behind her like a cape, her gaze cold and amused.
"Back off, boy," she sneered. "Judging by your lack of fame, you're either a forgotten noble or a mutt. Either way, you're not worth my time."
Angel narrowed his eyes.
"Don't think I'll go easy on you just because you're a girl," he replied. "I've had enough trouble with women lately."
He raised his hand. Blood began to flow from a self-inflicted nick on his finger, drawn by the small fang-shaped edge of his ring. The crimson liquid shaped itself into a spear with a sharp, precise point.
"So… you're a pureblood." The girl, unfazed, waved her hand. The animals around them shuddered, then released shrill cries as their blood burst from their bodies, rising into the air and forming spikes around her.
"I am Latisha Alistair. You will not leave this place with that key," she declared, baring her fangs.
"Bring it," Angel said, his eyes glowing red with resolve.
With a roar, the forest came alive with blood and shadows.