The next morning, after the sun had risen, Norton and Juana finally returned home. Although it was difficult, Norton had to bid farewell to his sister. For the following days, Norton found himself in low spirits.

However, time is the best healer of wounds. Six months later, Norton’s emotions had gradually settled, and he adapted to a routine life shuttling between Drakenhof Castle and the academy. Five years down the line, he had almost forgotten what Juana looked like. Their bond seemed to weaken with only annual correspondence.

Focusing on his studies, Norton continued to make remarkable progress. As promised, Principal Asta began personally instructing Norton in the era’s classic strategies and tactics, greatly enhancing Norton’s military knowledge.

This was entirely different from what Juana had said about Asta teaching many students. It was a one-on-one, hands-on tutelage, with the old general imparting not just the basics but also his personal insights into warfare—something only he could teach. It could be considered a unique skill.

Norton once wondered why Principal Asta, despite vampires not being a secretive and miserly race, chose to mentor only him.

The principal explained that it was due to differing talents—some students struggled even with basic material, let alone advanced military tactics.

Norton was somewhat moved by this. Indeed, the vampire realm was relatively well-off. The undead soldiers' strict discipline and rigorous training made Sylvannia one of the most militarily advanced nations in the Old World.

Unlike the headstrong beastmen and greenskins, Sylvannia’s other two adversaries were not much better in military prowess. The Sigma Empire’s knights and nobles, often illiterate and muddle-headed, couldn’t be relied upon for high command standards.

As for Sylvannia’s other rival, the Dwarf Kingdom, the dwarves’ natural physique prevented them from developing cavalry, and their love for minerals kept them in the mountains, leaving them well-defended but lacking offensive capability.

Thus, even though freshly graduated vampires from Sylvannia’s academies were often novice commanders, they were more than sufficient against even more amateurish and incompetent adversaries.

Another reason was energy. Over the years, Principal Asta’s health had irreversibly declined despite no longer participating in wars. Even a short walk exhausted him. Mentoring Norton alone consumed nearly all his energy, rendering him incapable of normal teaching sessions, let alone taking on additional students.

“Perhaps, my teacher won’t be here much longer…” Norton resigned himself to this reality as he witnessed Principal Asta’s health deteriorate. He resolved to learn as much as possible while he could, to honor his teacher’s legacy. For the childless, heirless Asta, if someone could inherit his art of war, dying would be without regret.

Over the years, Norton frequently listened to Principal Asta’s military theory lessons.

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Outside of studying, Norton maintained strong connections with his peers. During his time at the academy, his relationships with classmates, cousins, and peers improved, becoming more harmonious.

Unlike human classmates who might disperse post-graduation, vampires often remained colleagues, adventuring partners, or in hierarchical relationships. Knowing each other better was beneficial for their future careers and lives. For low-ranking vampire nobles, having a count who was also a close friend was invaluable.

Norton’s friendships with the boys, which had been solid, grew even stronger over time, forming a close-knit group. Meanwhile, with Juana’s departure, girls who had once followed her as a leader gradually gathered around Norton. Thus, the young generation of the von Carstein county unified under his presence.

Norton intended to nurture his future subordinates and allies, and the other young vampires enjoyed being around him. Five years provided Norton ample time to gain influence. Although these young vampires were not yet strong or influential, that would change as they matured.

These dozens of young vampires, being relatives, childhood friends, and classmates of Norton, could be collectively termed as his “base.” Indeed, they were Norton’s foundation, critical to his future endeavors.

Beyond the students, the teachers were even more significant. With vampires being few, half of these educators were part-time, holding substantial power. Compared to the young, these adult teachers were stronger, more experienced, and many had participated in the Fifth Orc Invasion, proving their mettle.

Norton, with his status and capabilities, had already faced Triss at age six, cleverly securing victory. Seven years later, he had mastered his studies, excelling in arts, martial arts, and magic, engaging well with these teachers. The teacher-student relationship was akin to a fellowship, with his special status making him both a student and a friend.

Norton was confident that, given more time to foster these teacher relationships, they too would become key allies. While not as close as his childhood “base,” they would be more approachable than ordinary vampires.

Together, these students and teachers, along with their kin, comprised nearly half the vampires in the von Carstein county. As developments continued, by the time Norton came of age and formally inherited the county, he could seamlessly consolidate most of the region’s power. This would mark a significant step toward the von Carstein family’s revival.

“If only things could go this smoothly,” Norton mused, pulling his focus back to the battlefield.

Currently, several of his classmates engaged in a combat simulation. By combining multiple simulation platforms, they allowed several participants to experience battle simultaneously, enhancing the training.

Norton led a team of three against five opponents. Each side started with a standard five thousand points, yet despite being outnumbered almost two to one, Norton’s team held the upper hand, gradually overwhelming and encircling the opposition until they were forced to surrender.

“There's just no way…” One defeated cousin chuckled ruefully. “Even with nearly double your numbers and being extremely cautious, we lost so badly.”

“It’s mainly because of Norton’s great leadership; we just followed his orders,” another cousin who teamed with Norton quickly added.

“Get out of here, I wasn’t praising you,” the first cousin grinned, playfully mimicking a punch to the other’s shoulder. The two laughed heartily.

“Well then, let’s call it a day,” Norton said, nodding to each as they finished their sparring. Nearby, three other student groups continued battling, but lacking someone as outstanding as Norton, their fights persisted.

Hearing Norton’s suggestion, the seven cousins joined him, silently observing the remaining battles. Once all simulations concluded, Norton gathered the young vampires, sat among them, and analyzed the previous battles’ mistakes and successes, teaching them earnestly. Thoroughly impressed, all twenty-six cousins praised his insights.

"Alright, let's go eat," Norton suggested with a casual smile—while Principal Asta lacked the energy to guide these students, Norton was more than capable of offering his guidance.