As Jackson and Xavier pass through the grand halls of the academy, the charismatic voice echoes once again through the building's speakers, its tone commanding yet inviting.

“Attention, new students. Please proceed to the main auditorium for your orientation.”

The two exchange a quick glance before continuing down the marble corridors, the excitement and tension palpable in the air. Xavier can’t help but notice Jackson’s enthusiasm as they approach the massive double doors leading to the auditorium.

But just as they are about to step inside, Xavier nudges Jackson and motions to the side where a small group of students has gathered. Among them, two are at the center of attention, engaged in what seems to be a heated argument.

“That’s Alexandre!” Jackson whispers, his voice tinged with awe. “From the Aurexinia family, the blue family. And that’s Melanie, from the Glaciaserpens, the red family. Can't believe I’m seein’ 'em in the flesh for the first time...”

Xavier raises an eyebrow, curious. “What’s so special about them?”

“Alexandre Duval,” Jackson begins, barely able to contain his excitement, “is from one of the purest vampire bloodlines in Europe. The Aurexinia family is known for their strict adherence to tradition and their powerful, royal presence. They pride themselves on the purity of their bloodline, believing it makes them superior to others.”

"So, classist rulers?" Xavier asks, causing Jackson to break out into laughter before quickly regaining his composure. Before Xavier can ask more, Melanie’s voice cuts through the air.

“That’s a load of nonsense, Alex! So what if your blood is ‘purer’? Purity doesn’t win battles. The Glaciaserpens have the highest number of duel victories in this academy’s history. Skill and strategy are what matter, not some outdated notion of blood purity.”

Alex scoffs, his posture rigid with pride. “Victories in duels? How quaint, Melanie. But let’s not forget, my family’s power and influence extend far beyond the walls of this academy. We’ve been shaping the world for centuries. Can your precious duels claim the same?”

Melanie crosses her arms, her eyes narrowing. “Influence doesn’t equate to strength, Alex. The Glaciaserpens have always excelled where it matters—on the battlefield. We don’t just talk about power; we demonstrate it.”

The tension between the two is thick, each of them standing tall, unwavering in their beliefs. Other students around them whisper, clearly interested in the outcome of this clash of egos. Jackson leans in closer to Xavier.

“It’s like this every year,” Jackson murmurs. “The families all try to outdo each other. But the Aurexinia and Glaciaserpens… they’re on a different level. This rivalry’s been goin’ on for generations.”

Xavier, observing the exchange, can see that both students are fiercely proud of their heritage. He is beginning to understand that at this academy, where you come from matters just as much as who you are. The power struggles between the families are more than just for show—they are ingrained in the very fabric of the school’s history.

As the argument between Alex and Melanie continues, the crowd of students watches with bated breath, waiting to see if the confrontation will escalate into something more. Jackson attempts to nudge Xavier, signaling that they should move on, but when he turns, Xavier is already gone.

Jackson’s eyes widen as he spots Xavier making his way into the crowd, heading straight for the arguing rivals. Before Jackson can react, Xavier is already standing between Alex and Melanie, his presence immediately drawing their attention.

“Excuse me,” Xavier interrupts, his voice calm but firm, “but what do you two think about Invictardor?”

The question hangs in the air for a moment before Alex and Melanie burst out laughing, their amusement echoing through the hall.

“Invictardor?” Melanie scoffs, barely able to contain her laughter. “You’re joking, right?”

Alex smirks, his eyes gleaming with disdain. “They’re the lowest of the low, not even worth mentioning. A bunch of rejects who had nowhere else to go.”

Just as Xavier is about to respond, Jackson appears at his side, trying to pull him back. “Xavier, let’s go. This isn’t worth it,” Jackson urges, his voice tense.

But before they can leave, Alex’s eyes lock onto Jackson with a cold intensity. “What’s this?” he sneers, his voice laced with contempt. “A filthy Incubus trying to play hero?”

Jackson’s steps falter as Alex continues, his words growing sharper. “It’s revolting how your kind relies on seduction and sleaze, crawling into others’ beds just to get by. The way you manipulate with your so-called 'charm'—disgusting. You’re nothing more than a parasite in a nice suit, using people in the most vile way.”

Melanie smirks, adding her own venom. “Just pathetic. No real power, no real strength. Just... filth.”

Xavier turns to look at Jackson, who holds his tongue and refuses to strike back. Xavier, however, steps forward and faces them. “And you think you’re any better?” Xavier shoots back, his voice angered and cutting. “You two can brag about your families all you want, but what do you have to show for it? Your ancestors did the work while you hide behind their achievements like cowards.”

The laughter dies instantly, replaced by a tense, deadly silence. Alex’s smile fades, his eyes narrowing with barely restrained fury. “You’ve got some nerve, talking to us like that,” he hisses, his voice low and dangerous.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Melanie’s gaze turns icy, her posture stiffening as she glares at Xavier. “You have no idea who you’re dealing with,” she says, her voice dripping with venom. “We could crush you without even trying.”

Xavier doesn’t back down, his stare unwavering as he meets their hostility head-on. “Then why don’t you? Or is all that bravado just empty talk?”

Alex’s hand twitches, his body tensing as if he is about to strike, but before he can make a move, a voice cuts through the tension like a knife.

“That’s enough.”

The voice belongs to the man Xavier had first seen upon waking up inside the Invictardor building—a tall, imposing figure with striking heterochromatic eyes, one green and the other a deep amber. His presence commands immediate respect, and the crowd parts as he approaches.

Both Alex and Melanie stiffen, recognizing the man’s authority. “Sir,” Alex begins, his tone immediately more respectful, though his anger still simmers beneath the surface.

The man’s eyes flick over Xavier and Jackson, then back to Alex and Melanie. “This is neither the time nor place for such displays,” he says coldly, his gaze lingering on Alex. “You know the rules. Settle your disputes in the duels, not here.”

He turns his attention to Xavier, his expression hardening. “And you,” he adds, his tone sharp, “don’t let your mouth write checks your skills can’t cash. There’s a fine line between bravery and foolishness.”

Xavier meets the man’s gaze, unflinching. “This wasn’t a show of care for Invictardor, but they insulted someone I care about, and I do not treat that lightly, Sir.”

The man’s eyes narrow slightly, a flicker of something—perhaps respect, perhaps annoyance—passing through them. “I see. But don’t make the mistake of thinking that courage alone will keep you alive in this place.”

With that, he turns away, his dismissal clear. “Get to the auditorium. Now.”

The crowd begins to disperse, the tension slowly ebbing away as the students move on. Alex and Melanie shoot Xavier and Jackson one last look before heading in the same direction.

Jackson lets out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding, his shoulders slumping slightly in relief. “Thank ya, sugar, but you really know how to pick your battles,” he mutters, casting a sideways glance at Xavier.

Xavier shrugs, his expression still defiant. “They needed to be put in their place.”

“Just be careful,” Jackson warns, his voice low. “We’re not exactly making friends here.”

Xavier nods, but his eyes remain on the path ahead, his mind already turning to what lies in store for them in the auditorium. “I know. It’s survival of the fittest.”

Jackson lets out a chuckle, clearly amused by the callback. “Survival of the fittest, huh? Now that’s somethin’ I can get behind.” With that, the two make their way into the auditorium, the grand space filled with rows of seats divided by family banners. They quickly locate the section designated for Invictardor.

As they sit down on the Invictardor side, they can't help but notice how empty it is compared to the other sections. While the other families have thirty or forty students each, Invictardor has only three. Xavier glances around, his eyes landing on the only other person seated in their section—a girl with striking features, sitting alone near the front.

Xavier, curious, leans forward slightly, ready to strike up a conversation, but Jackson quickly stops him with a gentle tap on his arm. “Hold up, sugar,” Jackson whispers, his voice low and cautious. “You might wanna think twice 'fore approachin’ her.”

Xavier gives Jackson a questioning look. “Why? Who is she?”

Jackson leans in closer, his voice barely above a murmur. “That there’s Selene Vael. She’s a beauty

and well-known ‘round these parts, but not for any reason you’d expect. They say she’s got blood from one of the oldest, most secretive vampire lineages—so secretive that most folks think it’s just a legend. But that ain’t the shocking part. What makes her really infamous is the rumor that she single-handedly wiped out a coven of rogue vampires who tried to recruit her when she was just a kid. Did it without breaking a sweat, or so they say.”

Xavier’s eyes widen slightly as he takes in the information. He studies Selene from a distance, noting the calm, almost detached look in her eyes. There is something about her presence that is both intriguing and...sad.

As the vampires settle into their seats, the murmur of conversation gradually quiets. The lights dim, drawing everyone’s attention to the stage. The sound of footsteps echoes in the large auditorium, and soon enough, the figure of the heterochromatic man steps into view. He moves with a confidence that commands silence, his eyes—one green, one amber—scanning the room before he speaks.

“Welcome, new students,” he begins, his voice firm yet resonant, carrying through the hall with ease. “I am Lascivo Duver, and it is my duty and honor to welcome you to Infinebula Academy.”

A few whispers ripple through the crowd at the mention of his name.

“This academy is more than just a place of learning,” Lascivo continues. “It is a crucible, where our kind is forged. Here, you will face trials that will test your strength, your intellect, and your resolve. But know this—only the strongest will thrive. Weakness is not tolerated, nor is complacency.”

Xavier can feel the tension in the room rising as Lascivo speaks. The atmosphere is charged, the weight of his words settling heavily on the students.

“And to begin this process,” Lascivo says, a slight smile playing on his lips, “we will commence with a tradition as old as the academy itself: the duels.”

He presses a button on a small remote, and the large screen behind him flickers to life, displaying a list of names paired with their opponents. The room buzzes with anticipation as students scan the list, eager to see who they will be facing.

Xavier's eyes quickly find his name, and the panic he hasn't felt in a few hours returns to him.

“Xavier vs. Selene.”

His gaze shoots to Selene, who is still seated a few rows ahead. Her expression remains unreadable, her eyes fixed not on the screen, but rather on Lascivo standing on the podium.

Next to him, Jackson lets out a low whistle. “Well, ain't that just a stroke of bad luck. You’re up against the infamous Selene.”

Xavier nods, the reality of the situation beginning to sink in. He isn't sure what to expect, but he knows this isn't going to be anything comfortable.

As he processes this, Jackson's voice pulls him out of his thoughts. “Looks like I’m up against some random. But get this—Alexandre is dueling Melanie. Now that’s gonna be a sight to see.”

Xavier scans the list again and confirms what Jackson has said. 'Alexandre Duval vs. Melanie Rodriguez.' The tension between the two earlier is already high, and now they’ll be facing each other in a duel. It is clear that today is going to be anything but ordinary.

Lascivo continues speaking, bringing everyone's attention back to the stage. “These duels are not just a test of your abilities, but of your character. How you face your opponent will reveal much about who you are and where you stand in this world. Remember, this is just the beginning. Good luck to you all—you’ll need it.”

With that, the screen fades to black, and the lights in the auditorium slowly brighten. Lascivo gives a curt nod before turning to leave the stage, signaling the end of the introduction.

As the students begin to file out, Xavier remains seated for a moment, his mind racing with thoughts of the duel ahead. He knows he’ll need to bring everything he has to stand a chance against Selene, but more than that, he wonders what she is truly capable of.

Jackson nudges him, snapping him out of his thoughts. “C’mon, sugar. Let’s get ready. You gotta be ripe and ready, but that’s usually the case anyways~.”

Xavier laughs and stands up, his resolve hardening, his mind already focusing on the challenge ahead. “Yeah. Let’s do this.”