"Oh, my name's Carl," he finally offered, puffing out his chest a little. "And I'm going to study at Celestia Magic Academy."
Lilith raised a sharp eyebrow, a flicker of genuine intrigue flashing in her eyes.
"Oh? So you're from the world of Elarion, huh?"
Carl blinked. "Wait… what do you mean from Elarion? Are there… other worlds too?"
Lilith leaned forward slightly, her smile growing ever so sly, like a cat toying with a curious mouse.
"Of course," she said smoothly. "Did you think the Vampire Realm was part of Elarion? Tch. Poor little human, you've only scratched the surface of existence."
Carl's mouth fell open a bit. "So... this is a whole different world?"
Lilith let out a soft fufu laugh, her eyes glinting.
"There are countless realms, boy. Elarion is just one of them. Peoples like you rarely cross the veil between worlds… unless someone or something pulls you through."
Carl suddenly felt a chill crawl up his spine.
"So… I didn't fall by accident?"
Lilith merely smirked.
"Don't go imagining mysterious villains," Lilith said with a playful smirk. "I bet you ended up here because you were dabbling in some kind of black magic, hmm?"
Carl instantly shook his head, offended. "No! I was just riding a carriage on my way to Celestia Magic Academy, okay? Then—bam—I fell through some kind of portal and ended up here!"
Lilith glanced at the cave wall, her smile deepening slightly. "Hoh~ Then it seems your little misadventure is about to end, boy. Someone's coming for you."
Carl frowned, confused.
Coming here? Who?
He hadn't met anyone powerful since his transmigration. And from what Lilith said earlier about realms, could that mean…?
Wait. Is Earth also one of these realms?
Before he could voice his thoughts, a sudden pulse of magic stirred the air.
A purple portal tore open along the cave wall.
From within stepped a tall figure—his presence cold, his gaze like piercing shadows. He had stark white hair, black eyes, and wore an ominous set of crimson armor drenched in the aura of blood.
Carl's eyes widened in disbelief.
That's… Lucien Nightmoor?!
The same legendary figure from his past life's. People on Earth used to debate if he was real—especially in that one country obsessed with supernatural myths.
And now, here he stood. Real. Alive.
Lilith's playful expression didn't fade, but her eyes sharpened. She stood and bowed slightly.
"Welcome, Vampire Progenitor," she said, her tone respectful yet laced with mischief. "To what do I owe the honor?"
Lucien gave her a brief, unimpressed glance.
"Lilith. What are you doing in dhampir territory?" he asked flatly. "You should be in your own domain."
Lilith chuckled, unfazed. "I was bored, so I thought I'd take a walk. You know how lifeless it gets in my castle."
Lucien sighed and shook his head. Then his gaze turned toward Carl.
Carl straightened up as their eyes met, stiff as a board.
"You must be Carl."
Carl nodded so fast it looked like his head might fly off—just like when a nervous student gets called on in class.
Lilith's silver eyes widened, stunned.
Father… knows this human?
Lucien gave no explanation. "Your academy's principal request me to retrieve you. Come."
He turned back toward the portal without another word.
But just as he was about to step through, he paused.
"Lilith," he said without looking back, "return to your territory. I don't want my daughter anywhere near this place."
Lilith's grin curled, "Oh? Why do you always mention your 'daughter' when your back is turned, hmm? Even my six sisters never heard you calling them daughter in front of them~"
Lucien didn't respond. But his footsteps noticeably quickened.
Lilith giggled as she watched him go, clearly amused.
Meanwhile, Carl stood frozen, trying to process everything.
He looked at Lucien—who appeared no older than twenty.
Then at Lilith—who also looked like she could be a university student.
Wait. THAT was the Vampire Progenitor? and she is his daughter
Carl gulped.
Just how old are these people…?
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Elarion – Celestia Magic Academy
In the quiet hum of the theory class, Zara sat attentively as Professor William lectured in his usual calm tone.
"…and remember, if mana drain becomes a regular occurrence, it can lead to mana collapse—and eventually, death."
He closed the book with a firm snap. "Alright, that's all for today. Head to the Announcement Hall. Dismissed."
As Zara stood and stretched, her friends gathered around her.
Mia leaned in with a casual grin. "So, Zara—what are your plans for the vacation?"
Zara smiled warmly. "Nothing special. I'll be going home, I suppose."
Mia nodded. "Same here. Not much else to do."
Beside them, Elira chuckled softly. "I'm heading to the Sword Tower. I want to continue refining my techniques."
That caught Selena's attention. She turned sharply toward Elira. "Really? I'm coming with you."
Mia blinked, surprised. "Wait—weren't you both planning to go home and visit your families?"
Elira's smile faded. A brief silence passed.
She didn't answer.
It was Selena who broke the quiet. "My mother's probably at the temple again. There's no one at home waiting for me."
Zara noticed the subtle change in Elira's expression. A flicker of something—sadness? Bitterness?
Out of instinct, Zara tried to peer into lira memories, hoping to understand. But all she saw was a cloudy fog, a thick mist covering every thought, every moment.
this memory is cloudy huh, most of memory about this world is in mist, i wish i know more about lira memories,
As Zara and her friends entered the grand Announcement Hall, the murmur of students slowly faded into silence. Everyone took their seats.
A moment later, Principal Elric stepped up onto the podium, his presence commanding attention.
"Greetings, students," he began, his deep voice echoing through the hall. "As you all know, the academy's vacation begins today. But before you leave, I have two important announcements."
The room leaned in, expecting something major.
"First," he said, "when you return, a delegation of elves will be joining us for cross-realm studies."
Murmurs broke out at the mention of elves.
"Second, we will be starting the Commoner Classes initiative. Students from all backgrounds will now be given a chance to learn at Celestia."
Gasps of surprise and curious whispers followed.
"That is all. Dismissed."
Zara blinked, then turned to her friends with a wry smile. "That's it? A couple of sentences and we're free to go?"
"At least we can go home now," Mia said, stretching her arms.
"See you next month!" Elira and Selena echoed, waving.
"See you!" Zara called back with a grin.
Outside the academy gates, Zara's carriage was already waiting. A knight in silver armor stepped forward, bowed slightly, and said, "Miss Zara, your carriage is ready."
"Thank you."
They set off on their journey toward the empire. The trees blurred past the window as familiar landscapes rolled into view. Excitement bubbled within her the closer they got.
As the carriage stopped in front of her family estate, Zara didn't wait. She leapt out, a smile blooming across her face.
"I'm home!" she shouted, running toward the front doors of the grand mansion.
She could almost imagine her mother standing there, arms open, waiting to embrace her.
But the halls were silent.
"Mother?" she called, checking room after room. "Mother, where are you?"
No answer.
The staff had no idea either.
Back in her bedroom, she let out a sigh and was about to fall onto her bed when her eyes caught a glimpse of something—an envelope on her desk, sealed with her family's crest.
Frowning, she walked over and picked it up.
As she unfolded the letter, her eyes scanned the words—and then widened.
Her fingers trembled slightly.
This… this can't be…