I was pretty sure I heard him mumble something about “troublesome bird brains causing mischief,” but it was too low to be certain. Before I could decide whether or not to ask, he shifted the conversation to another track entirely.

“Let’s have some tea,” he said. And then out of nowhere there was a beautiful young woman who appeared bearing a traditional Tokoname tea set. She was wearing a blue silk koi patterned blouse and white jeans as tight as a second skin. And the teapot she presented was piping hot.

The Director took the time to prepare his own tea, while she held the tray. She remained as still as a statue during the whole ordeal. And then when we’d both been served tea, he spoke.

“Alright,” he said, straightening slightly -before gesturing for me to follow him as he strolled the garden path around the pond- teacup in hand.

The big goon and his mistress -the two who had originally brought me here, were a short distance away. Maybe they were sure of their ability to get to me, should I decide to make a move, and perhaps they could. But I wouldn’t have risked it. I’d guessed they didn’t think the old man was in any danger with me, which struck me as strange, as I wasn’t even sure of myself.

Meanwhile the -waitress?- who had brought the tea followed us at a discreet distance.

After we had walked some ways, he resumed speaking. “So exactly what is your affliction?” the Director said with a stately air of authority.

Here it was. The moment of truth. I took a breath, bracing myself for whatever reaction my next words might provoke. Fear? Horror? Maybe even outright hostility? People didn’t tend to take kindly to bloodsucking monsters casually strolling into their sanctuaries.

“I’m a vampire, sir,” I said, keeping my voice as steady as I could.

His response? A mild, “Oh, well, that’s certainly something.” Then he took a sip of his tea.

I blinked, caught completely off guard. No flinch. No recoil. Not even a raised eyebrow. Just mild curiosity, like I’d told him I’d taken up knitting or developed a gluten intolerance. The sheer nonchalance of it threw me.

“And you wish to be cured of this… affliction, as you call it?” he asked, his tone as even as ever.

“Umm, yeah,” I said, floundering slightly. “Because, you know. I’m a bloodsucker. And I have to feed on people to live and… stuff.”

Even to my own ears, it sounded feeble. My argument didn’t just have holes -it was a freaking colander.

“I see,” he said, nodding thoughtfully. “Well, your friend was right. If there were a way to find the cure you seek, the University would definitely be the place to locate it. I will tell you, though, the only sure way I know of is to slay the master who made you before you drink from the light of humanity for the first time. Once that happens, your fate is sealed.”

He let the words hang in the air for a moment, their weight pressing down on me. “And while I’m sure that the Vampire Counsel would have a thing or two to say about such a venture, I can assure you they will not offer you the cure you seek.”

Relief and disappointment warred within me, a tangled mess of conflicting emotions. On one hand, knowing there was no real cure took the choice away from me, lifting a burden I hadn’t realized I was carrying. On the other hand, the knowledge felt like a door slamming shut -a finality I wasn’t entirely ready to accept.

“Oh. Well, okay. So there’s no cure. So what happens now?” I tried to sound dejected, but I couldn’t quite keep the relief out of my voice. It came out awkward, like a teenager trying to lie about not caring they’d failed their driving test.

“I didn’t say that,” the Director replied smoothly. “In fact, I said the only cure I know of is quite well known. But should you decide that you wish to stay and attend the University instead of seeking out your sire, then we’ll get you enrolled and sorted with the Vampire Counsel.”

He paused, letting the words settle before continuing. “Or, if you choose to leave, we release you and offer you good luck with your quest for immortal combat.” His expression didn’t change, but there was something in his tone -dry, just this side of amused- that made me think he was enjoying this just a little too much.

“Was that a joke?” I choked out around tea that still remained hot, surprised.

There was a twinkle in his eye, yes a twinkle. He was definitely messing with me.

“So that’s it? I’m free to go any time I choose?” I asked, half-expecting some kind of catch. Freedom didn’t usually come this easy, especially not in a place this… monumental.

“Of course,” the Director said, his voice calm and measured, with just the faintest hint of amusement. “This isn’t a prison. You’re free to leave, though I do hope you’ll consider staying. And think on this: perhaps the affliction you seek to rid yourself of is a blessing in disguise. Maybe, after spending some time at the University, among some of the more awoken of your brethren, you’ll learn that being granted such a thing can be a boon indeed.”

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His words were carefully chosen, deliberate, like every syllable carried its own weight. I couldn’t tell if he was genuinely trying to help or subtly testing me. Either way, his tone held none of the disdain or fear I’d expected when I’d revealed what I was. It was unsettling how easily he accepted my nature -almost like it was just another box to check on his mental roster.

“Besides,” he continued, “I’m sure there is plenty left for you to learn about how to harness and control your abilities. Though I do commend you on your self-discipline to this point. You’ve gotten far and, as yet, have failed to succumb to the inherent darkness that now finds itself within you.”

The comment hit harder than I wanted to admit. His words were both a compliment and a warning, a reminder that the Hunger was always there, lurking at the edges of my willpower. For now, I was holding it at bay. But for how long? That was the real question.

“Okay,” I said finally, exhaling a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. “Can I take some time to think it over before I make any decisions?”

“Assuredly,” the Director replied with a gracious nod. “Take all the time you need. Tour the facilities. The campus grounds are quite extraordinary, as is the nearby township. If you wish, I can assign you a guide as you make good on your explorations.”

I shook my head. The idea of a “guide” trailing behind me, pointing out the highlights like I was on some glorified field trip, didn’t sit right.

“No, thanks. If it’s all the same to you, I’d rather get a feel for the place myself. I don’t need a keeper hovering over my shoulder, showing me the highlights. I find that I get a better grasp of a place when I can get lost in it and have to find my own way.”

He studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, to my relief, he smiled widely, a genuine warmth softening the sharp lines of his face. “And your companions?” he asked, his tone casual but with an undercurrent of something that made me hesitate. “I assume you would wish for them to accompany you?”

“Yeah, of course I do,” I said, narrowing my eyes slightly. “Why do you ask?”

“Well,” he said, folding his hands in front of him, “we have a firm policy on campus grounds. For one to have familiar companions, they too must be vetted first. It is not a long process, and I assure you, they will be well taken care of. But the policy was created for a reason, and we abide by it for the safety of all.”

I nodded slowly, not in agreement but in reluctant understanding. “I get it. But can I be the one that takes them to wherever they will be examined? I want to make sure they’re okay.”

“My boy,” he said, a chuckle slipping into his voice, “we’re not savages. But yes, I understand your hesitancy. And I believe that can be arranged.”

He nodded toward my escorts, who turned to leave. I was about to follow when the Director coughed, drawing my attention back to his now-gleaming smile.

“I have directed them to inform the relevant parties that you are to be given freedom of movement,” he said. “And that you will be taking your companions to the quarantine department yourself. Should you wish, you may stay with your companions while they are evaluated. Though, I must warn you, it is a long and, in my opinion, tediously boring activity. Your time might be better spent exploring on your own.”

We’d once more reached the entrance to the garden, and there he turned slightly, his attention shifting to something I hadn’t noticed before -a large, snowy-white feline prowling nearby. It was massive, its sleek form exuding a quiet menace. The cat’s tufted ears and thick fur made it look like a lynx, but something about it felt… different. Its eyes, sharp and intelligent, flicked to me as if sizing me up.

I could have sworn it hadn’t been there a moment ago.

The cat nodded -actually nodded- before stretching its feet and then padding past me with deliberate elegance. It barely acknowledged my presence until I hesitated, unsure whether to follow. Then it stopped, turned its head, and let out an annoyed yowl, the sound sharp and almost scolding. Its tail flicked in irritation as if to say, Get moving, you idiot.

“As you can see,” the Director said, amusement coloring his voice, “we do allow companions such as yours, but there are protocols to follow. She will escort you to your next destination.”

With that, he turned his back to us, resuming his task of raking the pale sand in precise, flowing patterns. The lines he created seemed to hum with meaning, though what they meant was beyond me.

I turned and followed the cat, suppressing the absurd urge to apologize for keeping it waiting. The thought that I was taking directions from a giant, possibly magical lynx was not lost on me. Neither was the fact that the blind man I’d just spoken to seemed to see more than anyone I’d ever known with perfect vision.

We left the garden, re-entering the crystalline elevator. The cylinder closed around us, and within moments, we were on our way to the next destination. The cat sat calmly beside me, its tail curling and uncurling in a slow, deliberate rhythm. Its presence was oddly comforting, though I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was silently judging me.

I leaned back against the smooth surface of the elevator, letting out a slow breath. This whole experience was… not what I’d expected. Not at all. And something told me it was only going to get stranger from here. Just then a system message appeared, and I had my suspicions confirmed.

SYSTEM NOTIFICATION

New Quest Unlocked: Explore the University

Objective:

Discover the secrets of the University. Investigate key locations, interact with its diverse inhabitants, and uncover hidden knowledge that could aid your search for a cure.

Quest Details:

* Visit the Great Hall Archives.

* Explore the Astral Observatory.

* Investigate the Restricted Sections of the Library (if you dare).

* Interact with at least three unique residents or staff members.

* Locate the hidden Pathways of the Inner Courtyards.

Bonus Objectives:

* Uncover at least one hidden room or passage.

* Locate a rare artifact or item of interest.

* Discover the history of the University’s Barrier.

Threat Level: Moderate (depends on where you wander).

Rewards:

* +XP for exploration milestones.

* Unique skill or ability enhancement (TBD based on findings).

* Rare item or artifact (quality dependent on completion of Bonus Objectives).

System Commentary:

"Congratulations, you're now an honorary campus explorer! Think of this as your initiation into the University’s mysteries. Beware of nosy librarians, mischievous familiars, and any glowing doors with ominous warnings. Happy hunting!"

Accept Quest?

[Yes] [No]

I wanted to turn around and go ask the old man about the system, maybe find out if it was a normal thing for the newly arisen. But after a glance down at the cat, I reconsidered.

Yup, not really interested in getting shredded by a scary white cat, I thought. And saw its ears twitch as if it could read my thoughts. So, instead of overthinking it, I chose yes.

I mean, hey -I was going to go exploring anyway, as least now I have a bit of direction on where to look.