CHAPTER 3: blood control

March 12, 1904

I began to discover my ability: blood manipulation. It is a unique and rare power. The number of people who have possessed this ability throughout history can be counted on one hand. In the Middle Ages, this ability was considered a curse for its bearer.

I wake up early in the morning and go near the church. Hearing the sound of the bell makes me feel calm and at peace. I raise my right hand in front of my chest and extend it slightly forward, placing my left hand over my right hand. I begin to gather drops of blood in both hands. Every morning, I always perform this exercise, trying to understand the properties of my ability and adapt to it.

My father was very happy when he found out that I am one of the few people in the world who possess supernatural abilities. "My son will become a distinguished soldier in the army," he said. His words warmed my heart and chilled it at the same time, for my dream has always been to become a writer. I have always wanted to fulfill my father's dream that he could not achieve. He gave up his dream of becoming a writer to get married and start a family.

I respected my father's wish for me to join the army, so I decided to enroll at the University of Hanover for Supernatural Abilities.

October 5, 1907

I began saying goodbye to my family and friends in the village as I prepared to head to the capital to attend the university. A farewell conversation took place between me and my childhood friend before I boarded the train.

"It seems this is goodbye, Karl!" she said, bowing her head in sadness.

"The separation won't be long, Barbara. I will return to visit you all after I graduate," I replied with a smile. She lifted her head and looked directly into my eyes. "Are you joking? You'll graduate in two years from now!" A look of worry began to appear on her face, so I wanted to lighten the mood between us.

"Yes, you're right. That's why I promise you that in two years, you'll see a soldier capable of protecting everyone, the village, and you as well." A smile, like the one she used to have in her childhood, began to spread across her face. I kissed her forehead and boarded the train, heading to the capital, to a new world. I knew I would face many challenges along the way, and I would be ready for them.

October 6, 1907

After arriving in the capital, I headed to the university for my first day. I stood in front of the classroom door. My heart started pounding rapidly, but it soon returned to its normal pace. I opened the door and walked in.

Wait, one, two, three... Only three recruits, and I'm the fourth. Indeed, those with abilities are very rare.

"Hello recruits, I will be your special instructor for the next two years here at the university," the class instructor spoke with exaggerated enthusiasm. "Alright, let's start with introductions. Please, introduce yourselves, recruits."

I stood up first, "My name is Karl, Karl von. My ability is blood manipulation. It's an honor to be here with you all."

Currently, February 11, 1907

"It seems we won't find anything important here, Wolfgang," after the recruits left and completed their mission, supervisors entered the restaurant to continue the investigation. Wolfgang approached a closed, unknown room that had been sealed for years, standing in front of the door.

"Phase One: Iron Fist," a direct strike towards the door was enough to break it down. "Sir, did you find anything inside?"

"No, just scrap metal from a robot my father made before he made it for Mechaniker."

The supervisors departed after finding nothing to aid the investigation.

In the darkness of the unknown room, two glowing red eyes illuminate, warning of an ancient devil lurking dormant for years.