13 - "Secrets of the Eclipse Institute"

After stumbling into a parallel world, Swayam pondered the idea of acquiring knowledge about this new realm. Despite his accidental arrival, he saw no harm in understanding the nature and culture of this parallel world. To accomplish this, he needed a sanctuary where books flowed freely, a place where he could immerse himself in reading.

Approaching Vale with his request, he asked if such a haven existed. Vale, after a thoughtful pause, replied, "A quiet and peaceful place? The only one that comes to mind is the 'Lunar Eclipse Institute.'"

Now armed with knowledge of this refuge, Swayam sought an audience with King Gabriel. His purpose was clear: to gain admission to Vale's School. Thanks to the king's benevolence, Swayam found himself enrolled in Vale's School, on a journey to unlock the secrets of this intriguing parallel world.

However, Swayam found it challenging to adapt to the peculiar customs and routines of this parallel world. The concept of sleeping during the day and attending school in the evening was entirely foreign to him. Unfortunately, this unfamiliarity resulted in him being late on his very first day at school.

In a rush, he woke Vale, who had been peacefully slumbering beside him. Together, they hurriedly prepared themselves for school and eventually set off. This tardiness, though unintentional, inadvertently cast him as an outsider among his classmates. Many of them believed he was exploiting the king's recommendation for his own gain.

Jealousy and irritation ran rampant among his peers, particularly because he arrived at school alongside Vale, the school's beloved idol. Thus, Swayam's journey in this parallel world took an unexpected turn as he navigated the complexities of school life and the challenges of his newfound reputation.

***

On his very first day at school, Vale kindly guided him to the principal's office before heading off to her own classes. Following her instructions, Swayam made his way towards the principal's office. However, as he entered the building and rounded a corner, he found himself on a collision course with an unexpected encounter.

In the dimly lit corridor, he ran straight into the Student Council, a group of five elite vampires. In that split second before the collision, Swayam's instincts urged him to utilize his vampiric powers to deftly avoid the encounter. But just as he was about to do so, a memory flashed in his mind – the King's request not to use his powers in public places.

Caught between his reflexes and the king's directive, Swayam hesitated and ultimately chose not to employ his vampiric abilities. The consequence? A dramatic and unforeseen crash as he collided with the Student Council.

As Swayam hurtled toward the Student Council, they swiftly activated their own vampiric powers, using them to forcefully redirect him away from their path. Their actions were swift and calculated, but what followed left them utterly astonished.

When Swayam came to a halt, separated from the Student Council by their exerted powers, everyone present was taken aback. It became evident that Swayam had emerged from the collision unscathed, without a single scratch, even though the Student Council had utilized their full vampiric abilities to protect themselves. This unexpected display of resilience left a profound impression on both Swayam and the members of the Student Council.

***

While Vale made her way to her class, a loud noise reverberated through the corridor, drawing her attention. Concerned, she followed the source of the commotion, eventually arriving at the scene where Swayam was seated beside a heated wall, earnestly apologizing to the Student Council for the collision. Vale had a vague inkling of what transpired but initially opted not to intervene, thinking it might not be her concern.

However, her perception shifted when she witnessed the Student Council poised to retaliate against Swayam. Swiftly, she interceded, preventing any further escalation. She then took a moment to explain to the Student Council that Swayam was a newcomer, unaware of the Student Council's significance or the school's rules and regulations. With a calm demeanor, she concluded, "I trust you now understand the situation better." This intervention marked a crucial moment in Swayam's journey within this unfamiliar parallel world, as he began to navigate the intricacies of both school life and its powerful inhabitants.

***

As the commotion drew the attention of onlookers, questions and comments began to surface.

A Student Council member inquired, "Miss Vale, do you happen to know this person?"

A second member chimed in, "How is it that you're at school today? Weren't you supposed to be at the assembly in the presence of the King?"

Vale, maintaining her composure, responded, "Yes, I know him, and he's with me. But remember, we were instructed not to discuss the assembly and related matters."

A third student council member quickly offered an apology, saying, "Apologies, Miss Vale, it slipped through our tongues. As for this boy, isn't it all right since he's with you?"

The Student Council members' curiosity and concern underscored the unique circumstances surrounding Swayam's presence at the school and the special connection he shared with Vale.

Unnoticed by those gathered in the hallway, an individual stood silently, eavesdropping on the conversation unfolding among Vale, Swayam, and the curious bystanders.

***

Vale, exhibiting caution, responded, "I understand he's with me, but we shouldn't speak so openly. What if someone else heard you?"

The second counsil member quickly apologized, saying, "I apologize for that, Miss Vale. There's no one else present here, but if our conversation is inconvenient, we'll be more discreet next time."

Seigi, puzzled by the situation, questioned Vale, "Vale, what's happening here? Why are they addressing you as 'Miss Vale,' and what did he mean by the 'King's Assembly'? Are we supposed to have an assembly with the King?"

With each passing moment, Swayam's curiosity deepened, and a multitude of questions swirled in his mind. Most prominently, he found himself increasingly intrigued by Vale and the enigmatic connection she seemed to share with the King.

While Swayam began to question Vale about the peculiar circumstances, the fourth counsil member, who has been listening intently, couldn't contain his disbelief. With a tone of exasperation, he exclaimed, "Hey, are you some kind of idiot? Even though you're with her, you don't recognize who she is?" Then, without waiting for a response, he continued, "She is the last and most powerful Vampire of the 'Pire' lineage. She's the one who singlehandedly decimated those Werewolves responsible for the coup d'état against King Gabriel, all to establish the co-ed school for Vampires and Werewolves, the 'Lunar Eclipse Institute.'"

The Student Council member's revelation cast a profound and bewildering light on Vale's identity, leaving Swayam even more perplexed. He had already sensed an air of mystery surrounding Vale, but the revelation of her true identity as a formidable and influential figure left him utterly taken aback. He hadn't anticipated her to be quite as dangerous as the bystander's words implied, and this revelation added a new layer of complexity to his understanding of this enigmatic parallel world.

***