With a resigned demeanor, his cousin directed his troops toward Norton's forces. As the two armies clashed, the outnumbered side quickly faced intense assault from three fronts. However, the Tomb Guards, specialized in infantry combat, wielded their long double-headed halberds with more skill than the Black Knights' swords and lances. Despite their disadvantage, they managed to hold their ground, albeit barely.

This stalemate persisted until Norton's skeletal cavalry, along with a small squad of Black Knights, launched a perfectly timed charge at the enemy’s rear. Although not as powerful as the Black Knights, these undead cavalry still packed a punch, particularly against the opponent's most vulnerable backlines. The Tomb Guards and necromancers, overwhelmed and encircled by Norton's skeletons, quickly fell.

With that, the simulated battle concluded, and the spectators erupted in cheers to celebrate Norton’s victory. Amidst the applause, Norton discerned a distinct clapping sound.

Retracting his mental focus from the platform, Norton looked up to see a somewhat intimidating figure standing nearby, clapping approvingly. This individual was Asta, a middle-aged vampire and a distant relative of the von Carstein family, known as the academy's headmaster in the count's domain.

Unlike typical vampires, who often possess a slender build, Asta was robust and rugged, with meticulously combed gray hair and a height exceeding two meters. These features alone might only seem unusual, not necessarily terrifying. However, the addition of a vivid purple scar covering half of his face and an eye patch over his left eye lent him a fearsome appearance that often intimidated children into behaving. Norton speculated that this might have contributed to Asta’s selection as headmaster.

Yet Norton knew him as a kind-hearted individual who enjoyed mentoring the younger generation and was both an excellent commander and a formidable warrior.

A decade ago, during the fifth orc invasion, Asta had played a crucial role in defending Sylvania. At the time, the Sigmar Empire, persuaded by the Elector of Stirland, aimed to eliminate the "evil force" of the vampires by striking from behind as they battled the green tide of orcs in the east. With Sylvania's forces heavily committed to the eastern front, the western defenses were left vulnerable.

In this critical situation, Asta rallied all available forces, commanding an undead army a third the size of the human invaders and just under a hundred vampire warriors, to repel the human assault and secure Sylvania’s western front.

His scar was a remnant from that battle, inflicted by the Elector of Stirland’s weapon imbued with holy magic that harmed vampires. The wound was permanent, costing him an eye and significantly reducing his lifespan and vitality, barring him from further combat.

However, Asta's opponent fared worse; Asta had severed an arm and pierced his lung with a blade imbued with negative energy. The once-powerful Elector spent his remaining two years bedridden.

The younger spectators, previously engrossed in the simulation, now noticed Asta's presence and reacted as expected: the younger ones shrank back in fear, while the older ones stood silently. Asta, fond of children, was visibly disappointed.

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Norton, having matured beyond such fears, respected his valiant elder. Rising promptly, he greeted Asta with a respectful bow and a smile.

“Good evening, Headmaster Asta.”

Asta, hearing Norton’s greeting, brightened instantly, laughing heartily. “As I’ve told you many times, no need to be so formal, Norton! You can call me Uncle. Remember, your father and I are the best of friends!”

Norton, however, simply smiled and remained silent.

Seeing him, Asta chuckled again, reaching to ruffle Norton’s hair, though Norton subtly dodged. Unfazed, Asta went on to praise Norton’s recent performance in the simulation.

“That was a splendid display, reaching the level of an average vampire commander. For someone your age, it’s remarkable!”

Clearly impressed by Norton’s tactics, Asta’s excitement was evident, his voice loud enough to attract the attention of nearby vampires. Both notable figures in the vampire community, the interaction between Asta and Norton naturally drew attention. Asta’s booming commendation was heard by many, quickly sparking rumors: “The young master of the von Carstein family is a war genius, as Headmaster Asta said.”

Faced with the whispers and encouraging glances from his kin, Norton felt a wave of pressure, recalling the story of prodigies like Wang Zongyong who faded without fulfilling their potential. It seemed, akin to him, people once speculated that Zongyong retained memories of a previous life.

“It's rather overwhelming,” Norton thought wryly. “It feels like I must meet their expectations or risk disappointing them. The pressure is immense…”

Observing Norton’s strained smile, Headmaster Asta laughed again, this time with a sense of mischief, before reaching over to tousle Norton’s hair once more, an act Norton didn't evade this time.

“Once you join the academy in a couple of years, I’ll personally mentor you,” Asta whispered to Norton, drawing him closer after their playful interaction. This prospect sparked anticipation in Norton.

“With such an advantageous start, I’m not too far behind others. If I receive guidance from a renowned teacher, my future achievements should be considerable,” Norton mused, his smile returning, which made Asta laugh even louder.

Seeing their leader interacting amicably with Asta, Norton’s group of friends gathered around again, joining in the jovial atmosphere. This gave Asta a chance to improve his perception among the young vampires.

Feeling invigorated by the positive atmosphere, Norton proposed a simulation match with Asta. Instead of his usual booming laughter, Asta donned a slightly regretful expression—not doubting Norton's potential but desiring to provide constructive feedback, especially seeing Norton's strength and prevent overconfidence. However, more pressing duties awaited him.

“Though I’m tempted, it won't be possible today. Perhaps another time,” Asta replied with a resigned smile.

“Has time slipped by so quickly?” Norton wondered, initially thinking the simulation had consumed more time than expected. Checking the clock in the hall’s center, he realized his error.

“It’s only midnight. Isn’t there still time?” Norton questioned, confused by Asta’s departure.

“There’s a reason,” Asta explained. “It involves activities spanning the academy, the count's territory, and the citizens’ assembly. I was only able to attend due to my retirement, making me luckier than most at the academy who couldn’t.”

Sensing Asta’s slight melancholy mentioning his retirement, Norton considered that his mentors, including Miss Triss, hadn’t attended the banquet. Reflecting further, he realized Miss Triss’s lessons had slightly decreased recently, and his sister Juana’s school hours had shortened. Norton had attributed this to the magical month, but Asta’s words suggested otherwise.