The evaluation hall slowly emptied as students gathered into groups, discussing their results excitedly while leaving the chamber.
So celebrated proudly after receiving high potential rankings while others looked disappointed after learning their beasts had limited growth.
Lina walked quietly through the academy corridors with Qhuin resting silently on her shoulder.
Unlike before, the whispers around her had beco louder.
"A mortal-grade rabbit..."
"She should honestly drop out."
"I heard even commoners have better beasts this year."
Qhuin’s crimson eyes remained calm as he listened to the students talk.
Humans truly enjoyed repeating the sa insults, what irritated him more was Lina’s reaction.
She just stayed quiet, and her small hands clutched the straps of her bag tightly while she kept her gaze lowered toward the floor.
The little confidence she had had had completely disappeared after the evaluation.
Qhuin clicked his tongue annoyed
"She looks like she’s about to cry again."
Eventually, they arrived at a quieter section of the academy grounds. The large stone pathways were surrounded by silver-leaf trees swaying gently beneath the evening breeze.
The sky had already begun turning orange as sunset approached.
Lina finally spoke after remaining silent for several minutes.
"...Sorry."
Qhuin blinked.
She smiled weakly while rubbing his fur softly.
"You probably wanted a better contractor too."
Qhuin stared at her blankly then he looked away dramatically.
"As if I had a choice."
"Squeak."
Lina laughed softly for the first ti since leaving the hall.
The sound surprised him slightly,It wasn’t loud or elegant but it sounded genuine.
"You always make strange noises when I’m sad," she whispered.
Qhuin remained silent the truth was much simpler he hated depressing atmospheres.
They reminded him too much of his previous life.
As they continued walking, several loud cheers suddenly echoed from a nearby training field.
Students had gathered around a battle platform where two beast contractors were fighting.
Qhuin glanced toward the arena curiously.
One student controlled a massive armored lizard while another commanded a wind wolf that moved rapidly around the battlefield.
Mana exploded with every clash.
The surrounding students watched excitedly.
"This world values strength far more openly than my old one," Qhuin thought.
In vampire society, power existed in the shadows. Sches, bloodlines, manipulation, fear.
Here—Strength was displayed proudly for everyone to see.
For so reason, he liked it.
Suddenly a familiar voice called out.
"Well if it isn’t the rabbit girl."
Lina stiffened instantly.
Marcus approached confidently alongside several students from the evaluation hall. His dark-blue eagle rested proudly on his shoulder while his expensive academy coat fluttered behind him.
Even among students, Marcus clearly stood out. Strong mana, noble background, and natural confidence.
The kind of person who had probably never failed once in his life.
His eyes moved toward Lina before lowering toward Qhuin.
"That thing still alive?"
Several students behind him laughed quietly.
Lina lowered her gaze.
"We’re leaving."
Marcus stepped forward slightly, blocking her path.
"Co on. Don’t be so cold."
His eagle suddenly spread its wings aggressively while staring at Qhuin with hostility.
The beast clearly rembered earlier.
Qhuin stared back lazily causing the eagle to imdiately look away again.
’Weakling.’
Marcus frowned slightly after noticing his beast’s strange reaction.
"...Weird bird."
Then his expression returned to mockery.
"You know, Aurelius Academy isn’t a daycare for useless beasts."
Qhuin’s eye twitched. Lina quietly tightened her fists.
Marcus continued casually, "Honestly, you should’ve sold the rabbit and bought a normal contract beast instead."
That sentence made Qhuin slowly look up.
Sold?
His crimson eyes narrowed dangerously.
In his previous life, countless humans begged for the honor of serving vampires.
Now this arrogant child was discussing selling him like furniture.
Marcus noticed the stare and smirked.
"What? Is the rabbit angry?"
Several students laughed again.
Qhuin suddenly smiled, a small, harmless rabbit smile.
But his crimson eyes held sothing ancient beneath them. For a brief second Marcus strangely felt uncomfortable.
Then—
Growl.
Everyone turned.
Qhuin’s stomach rumbled loudly.
"....."
Marcus blinked.
"...Did your rabbit just growl?"
Lina imdiately looked embarrassed.
"S-Sorry..."
Qhuin’s expression darkened completely. The annoying hunger returned.
Worse this ti.
The sll of blood around him had beco unbearable, as every student suddenly looked delicious. He could feel the warm blood flowing through their veins
His vampire instincts stirred violently.
The system suddenly appeared before him.
[Warning.]
[Blood Energy critically low.]
[Host body weakening.]
Qhuin’s ears twitched slightly.
’Not good.’
His vision blurred for half a second. Marcus noticed imdiately.
"Hah. It looks like the thing might die naturally."
Qhuin almost attacked him on instinct, but before things escalated further, another powerful presence entered the area.
"Marcus."
The voice alone instantly silenced the students.
Professor Valerius walked toward them calmly.
The evening breeze moved gently through his white hair while his golden eyes swept across the group making everyone imdiately straighten respectfully.
Even Marcus lowered his head slightly.
"Professor."
Valerius stopped beside them his gaze moved toward Lina briefly before settling on Qhuin.
The mont their eyes t—
Qhuin felt like he was placed under freezing waters, instincts scread louder than ever before.
This man could still kill him instantly, even in this new world.
Valerius stared at him quietly.
"...Interesting rabbit."
Qhuin forced himself not to react.
Marcus quickly spoke up. "Professor, it’s just a mortal-grade beast."
"Is it?.
Valerius’s gaze remained fixed on Qhuin for several long seconds, neither moved.
Then the professor finally looked away.
"Classes begin tomorrow morning. Return to your dormitories."
"Yes, Professor," the students answered imdiately.
Marcus left with obvious reluctance while shooting one final mocking glance toward Lina.
Soon only Lina and Valerius remained.
Well—
And Qhuin.
Valerius stood silently before speaking again.
"You should be careful at night."
Lina blinked. "Huh?"
"The academy forest has beco unstable recently."
His golden eyes briefly shifted toward Qhuin again.
"Small creatures tend to disappear there."
Qhuin’s eyes turned slightly.
’Was that a warning? Or suspicion?’
Valerius turned and walked away without explaining further.
Lina watched him leave before sighing softly.
"He’s scary..."
Qhuin silently agreed for once.
’Very scary.’
As they returned toward the dormitory building, the sky finally darkened completely.
Qhuin’s eyes slowly sharpened.
The hunger inside him intensified further., his vampire instincts beca restless.
He needed blood fast, otherwise sothing bad would happen.
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