A few more days passed, and the intensity of our training had ramped up significantly. Flora, in particular, had become more demanding—her assertiveness growing with each session. It felt like there was something beneath the surface, something tied to the unspoken deal we'd made long ago. Back then, after we had defeated Kai and exposed his lies, Flora and I had agreed to take our relationship to the next level. But we never did. And now, that decision seemed to hang between us, lingering in every touch, every glance.
I wasn't sure if I was ready for whatever was coming. Yet, Flora acted as if I already should be, constantly pushing me to meet her pace. Girls—she—were more of a mystery to me than the entire universe, and it was a puzzle I wasn't sure I wanted to solve just yet.
This morning was no different. I was halfway through my regular five-minute brush when Kai's voice erupted through the hallways.
"Move it, all of you! You're late!"
I grimaced at my reflection in the mirror. A minute late. That's all it took for Kai to snap. Flora, who had been in the bathroom, had barely reacted to his yelling, calmly gathering her things with an enigmatic expression.
"What were you doing in there?" I asked, curiosity piqued by her unusually cryptic demeanor.
She shrugged, her tone unreadable. "Something. Something important."
There was something in her voice—neither flirty nor dismissive, but somewhere in between. It was unsettling, yet I didn't dare push further. Flora could be an enigma, and I'd learned better than to pry when she didn't want me to.
As we rushed to join Jinvolo, who was already standing at attention, Kai's voice cut through the morning air again, sharp and impatient.
"Today's the first test," he barked. "No more warm-ups. No more holding back. We're taking this training to a new level."
We exchanged glances, feeling the weight of his words. Kai wasn't known for his mercy, and if he said this was going to be different, it was going to be brutal.
"Flora, Jinvolo, Nova—you'll be facing challenges tailored to your skills. And trust me, you will be pushed beyond your limits."
He paced back and forth like a predator, his eyes gleaming with that familiar, unsettling intensity. "But first, we're starting with you, Nova."
I stepped forward, heart pounding in my chest. My muscles ached from days of intense training, but there was no backing down now. Kai smirked, as if he could sense the tension building within me.
"You've gotten stronger," he said, his voice low, "but strength alone won't carry you through what's coming. Today, you face the real test—against me."
Flora's eyes widened, and Jinvolo shifted uncomfortably beside her. It wasn't often that Kai put himself into the sparring ring, and when he did, it was never a good sign.
"Kai, we've already sparred before," I started to say, but he cut me off with a raised hand.
"This is no sparring match, Nova. This is to push you—beyond what you think you can handle." He paused, eyes locking onto mine. "And this time, I won't be holding back."
He motioned for Flora and Jinvolo to stand back. They exchanged glances, hesitant, but obeyed. The field was set, and the air felt thick with tension.
Kai took a step forward, and instantly, the energy in the room shifted. I could feel it—a gravitational pull, like the very space around him was bending to his will. My pulse quickened as I tried to steady my breathing. This was a different Kai. The playful, sarcastic Kai who had trained us was gone, replaced by something far more menacing.
I took a deep breath, centering myself. Blood surged through my veins, and I began to prepare the vampiric techniques he'd been drilling into me for days—Shadow Step, Blood Surge, and others. This would be a fight of survival, not just skill.
Kai's scythe appeared in his hand, glowing with an eerie black aura. "Ready?" he asked, already knowing the answer.
Without waiting for a response, he vanished, his figure dissolving into shadows. My instincts kicked in, and I immediately activated Shadow Step, barely dodging the swipe of his scythe as it materialized behind me.
He was faster than I remembered—too fast.
Stay calm, control your energy, I reminded myself, remembering his advice. Overextending could mean death.
I conjured a wall of shadows between us, buying myself a split second, but Kai was already on the move again, shattering through the defense like it was nothing. His scythe spun toward me, its edge a blur of dark energy.
Instinctively, I raised my hand, summoning one of the newer spells I had learned—Blood Wall. A barrier of crimson energy formed in front of me, absorbing the impact of the scythe, but only just.
"That's new," Kai said, his voice calm, though there was a glint of approval in his eyes.
I didn't waste any time. As soon as the scythe bounced back, I countered with Blood Surge, my speed and strength amplifying in an instant. I lunged toward him, fists charged with energy, aiming for a direct hit.
But Kai was ready. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned a burst of dark energy that sent me flying back.
I hit the ground hard, gasping for air, but I pushed myself back up. My body ached, but I could feel the power building inside me, the vampiric energy pulsing with every heartbeat.
I wasn't done yet.
"Impressive," Kai said, not even winded. "But is that all you've got?"
I smirked, wiping the blood from the corner of my mouth. "Not even close."
I disappeared again, using Shadow Step to reposition myself behind him, delivering a powerful kick aimed at his side. He blocked it, but I could tell he felt the force behind it. I wasn't just fighting to pass a test—I was fighting to prove myself.
And I wasn't going to lose.
The battle raged on, the sounds of clashing energy filling the air. Every time I thought I'd gotten the upper hand, Kai would shift the momentum, keeping me on my toes. But I was learning, adapting, using every trick and spell he'd taught me.
Finally, after what felt like hours, I saw an opening. Kai's scythe swung wide, and for a brief moment, his stance faltered. I gathered all the remaining energy I had and unleashed it in a final Blood Surge, colliding with him in a burst of crimson light.
Kai stumbled back, his scythe flickering out of existence.
Breathing heavily, I stood over him, victorious but barely holding on.
Kai grinned up at me, wiping a bit of blood from his lip. "Now that's what I'm talking about."
Flora and Jinvolo rushed forward, their faces a mix of awe and relief. Kai pulled himself up and dusted off his clothes, looking at all three of us with that familiar, cocky smirk.
"You're all improving," Kai said, his voice laced with pride. "But don't get too comfortable. The real challenges are still ahead."
Exhausted yet exhilarated, I felt a surge of raw power flowing through me. It was intoxicating. My heart raced, each beat like thunder in my ears. Then, something snapped. My eyes glowed crimson, ignoring the serene glow of the Ethereal Halo. My fangs extended, sharp and hungry. I could feel my vampiric side clawing its way to the surface, begging to take control.
I couldn't resist it any longer. The thirst for blood—Kai's blood—overtook me. I could sense the life force pulsing through his veins, and it drove me wild. The world blurred as I lunged forward, primal instincts igniting within me. I shoved Jinvolo aside as if he were weightless, my vampiric strength far beyond anything I had consciously tapped into before. It wasn't a simple push—it was a ferocious throw, fueled by my thirst. I barely recognized myself.
My body moved on its own. Every step was a calculated, predatory stride. The scent of blood overwhelmed me, and I could feel the beast within me gnashing at the restraints. My vision tunneled, focusing on Kai. My fangs ached for that one, perfect bite. The part of me that was still human screamed for control, but the vampire side—the one I had buried deep—had fully surfaced.
Kai didn't flinch as I approached, his calm demeanor unnerving. In a flash, his scythe was in hand, the cold steel gleaming. But instead of striking, he held up a hand, halting me in my tracks.
"This," Kai said, his voice steady and commanding, "is your Bloodlust Form—a state of pure vampiric instinct. You've completely surrendered to your vampiric side, driven by hunger and power."
I could barely understand him, still on the verge of losing control. Kai's eyes met mine, stern but understanding. "This form gives you immense strength, speed, and heightened senses, but it's wild. Unchecked. You're a weapon in this state, but one without control."
My breath heaved, the primal need still burning within me, but Kai's words broke through the fog of bloodlust.
"You need to master this form, Nova, but understand—it must be your last resort. Use it only when all else fails. The power it offers comes at a cost." He lowered his scythe slightly. "In this form, you could easily destroy everything around you, even those you care about."
I forced myself to take a step back, pushing down the vampiric hunger clawing at me. Slowly, my fangs retracted, and the red haze over my vision began to clear. The strength I had felt, that near-invincible rush, faded.
Kai nodded, satisfied I had regained some control. "Good. The Bloodlust Form can be a powerful ally, but only when you're able to control it. If not, it will consume you."
I stood there, breathing hard, acutely aware of how close I had come to losing myself entirely. The rush of power was still pulsing through my veins, and I felt both exhilarated and drained.
"Now then, let's remove the seal on Lohto for your official first test," Kai announced.
I looked at him in confusion, my exhaustion weighing heavily on me. Had he not seen how close I was to losing control? Now he wanted me to fight Lohto, a being who could likely end me in under a minute.
"What…" I started, my voice shaky as my vision began to blur. I felt the ground shift beneath me, teetering on the edge of collapse.
"Get up, Nova," Kai urged, his tone firm. "If you want to stand up to your sister, you have to defeat Lohto. Plus, he's not even that powerful—he's like a mouse."
I struggled to process his words, but the urgency in his voice pierced through the fog of fatigue. With a deep breath, I willed myself to stand. Adrenaline surged as I straightened, determination pushing back against the exhaustion.
"Ready or not, here we go," Kai said, stepping back as he channeled energy into the seal around Lohto. The air crackled with tension, and I could sense the immense power that lay just beyond the barrier.
As the seal shattered, a dark energy spilled forth, and Lohto emerged, a figure shrouded in shadows and malice. My heart raced, fear mingling with excitement. I might not have been fully ready, but this was my chance to prove myself.
Lohto's eyes locked onto mine, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "So, the little vampire thinks he can take me on?" he taunted, his voice dripping with disdain.
I clenched my fists, channeling every ounce of strength I had left. "I'm not backing down," I declared, stepping forward. This was my moment to rise above my fears, to embrace the legacy I had been born into.
With a deep breath, I focused on my training, remembering Kai's words about control. I had to keep my wits about me, to use the techniques I'd learned, even in this precarious state. The battle was about to begin, and I wasn't going to let my doubts hold me back any longer.
Lohto emerged from the shattered seal, a monstrous being that seemed to draw the very light from the room. He towered over me, his colossal frame pulsating with dark energy. His skin was a grotesque mix of yellow and green, with hints of orange and red swirling across his body like a living canvas of chaos. Each movement revealed sinewy muscles beneath a layer of iridescent scales that shimmered ominously, reflecting a spectrum of colors that made him seem both mesmerizing and terrifying.
His eyes glowed a piercing crimson, set deep within a face that was a mask of malevolence. Jagged teeth protruded from a wide, twisted grin, each one stained as if having feasted on countless victims. From his back sprouted twisted, dark wings that looked as though they were made of shadow itself, fluttering menacingly as he stood poised to strike. Above him, a halo flickered with an ethereal glow, a celestial blue radiance that hinted at Starforge-level power, if not higher. It seemed to pulse in rhythm with his heart, a beacon of the cosmic energies he wielded.
I felt a shiver run down my spine as I squared my shoulders. The sheer scale of Lohto was intimidating, but I couldn't let fear consume me. The stakes were too high, and I had come too far to back down now.
With a roar that echoed through the chamber, Lohto lunged at me, his colossal form moving with surprising speed. I barely had time to react, and his massive fist came crashing down. I rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the devastating blow that would have turned me into a smear on the ground.
"Come on, Nova!" I heard Kai shout from the sidelines. "Focus! Use your techniques!"
I nodded, my heart racing as I called upon everything I had learned. I conjured a Shadow Step, momentarily melding into the darkness, evading Lohto's attacks. I emerged behind him, and without hesitation, I unleashed a Blood Surge, channeling my power into a focused strike. But as my fist connected with his back, it felt like hitting a wall of stone; Lohto barely flinched.
"Useless!" he snarled, spinning around to face me, a malicious gleam in his eye.
Flora, Jinvolo, and Kai watched from the sidelines, their expressions a mix of concern and encouragement. Flora's brow furrowed in worry; her hands clenched tightly at her sides. "Nova, be careful!" she called out, her voice strained with tension. Jinvolo stood beside her, his jaw set in determination. "You've got this, Nova! Just remember what you learned!"
With their voices ringing in my ears, I forced myself to stay calm. I began to combine my techniques—each move flowing into the next with a newfound fluidity. I executed a Blood Chain, binding his arms momentarily, but Lohto's raw power shattered the spell like glass. I felt a pang of desperation; I needed to find a way to wear him down.
"Think, Nova!" Kai urged. "Use your vampiric instincts!"
I summoned every ounce of strength, my Ethereal Halo glowing brightly, as I shifted into a more defensive stance. I could feel the Bloodlust simmering beneath the surface, threatening to overwhelm me again. But this time, I channeled it. I unleashed a series of quick strikes, using Shadow Meld to weave in and out of Lohto's range, striking when he least expected it.
With each connection, I felt a spark of hope. I might not be able to scratch his defenses, but I was gaining momentum. I needed to outsmart him. I danced around his colossal form, focusing on my surroundings, looking for anything I could use to my advantage.
Lohto's frustration mounted as he swiped at me with his massive claws. I ducked and dodged, feeling the rush of wind as his attacks barely missed me. I was like a wisp of smoke, slipping through his grasp. I could sense Flora's anxious energy from the sidelines; it propelled me forward.
"Nova!" Kai shouted. "Use your Blood Surge again but combine it with your Shadow Step. You need to break through his defenses!"
Nodding, I focused intently. I drew on the depths of my powers, feeling the heat of the Blood Surge coursing through me as I melded into the shadows once more. I launched myself at him with the force of a comet, emerging behind him, fists charged with vampiric energy.
As I struck, the impact reverberated through my bones, and this time, I felt a crack in his defenses. I followed up with a rapid series of punches, feeling the connection deepen, my fangs bared as I let out a primal roar.
"YES!" Kai shouted, his voice echoing in the chamber. "That's it, Nova! Keep going!"
I pressed the advantage, feeling the rush of power. I was no longer just a vampire; I was a force to be reckoned with. I unleashed my techniques in a flurry, a beautiful blend of martial prowess and vampiric magic.
Lohto staggered back, his expression shifting from arrogance to shock. I could see the cracks forming in his formidable exterior, and I knew I was finally getting through to him.
"Now, Nova!" Kai urged. "Finish this!"
With a final surge of energy, I summoned all my techniques together. Shadow Meld, Blood Surge, a powerful kick—I unleashed everything I had. The force of my attack collided with Lohto's colossal form, sending him crashing to the ground, the impact shaking the very chamber.
As the dust settled, I stood panting, my heart racing. I had faced my first true test and emerged victorious. My eyes flickered back to their normal hue, the vampiric bloodlust subsiding as the adrenaline faded.
Flora rushed to my side, her eyes wide with admiration and concern. "You did it, Nova! You really did it!" Her voice was a mixture of awe and relief, and I could see the pride shining in her gaze.
"Yeah," I replied, trying to catch my breath, "but it was close."
Jinvolo slapped me on the back with a grin. "You were incredible! That was some serious fighting!"
I turned to Kai, who stood with an approving smile. "You've grown more than I expected. But remember, this is just the beginning. There will be tougher challenges ahead."
I nodded, feeling the weight of his words. I had faced Lohto and won, but I also knew that my journey was far from over. The real battles lay ahead, and I had to be ready. I glanced at Flora, Jinvolo, and Kai, feeling the bond between us strengthen.
This was just the start.