Job Experience

"You seem really frustrated," Kennedy eventually said, taking a bite out of the steak on his plate and drinking from the cup in front of him. "I suppose I can't keep giving you a hard time about it. I mean, even I can tell that things aren't easy considering what's coming."

Ezeikel wanted to say something, but then decided not to.

"Things are hard in this town. With so many people living here, there aren't enough job opportunities for everyone, especially for those who barely possess any amount of blood magic such as yourself. I understand what you're going through, so don't think that I'm just giving you a hard time for no reason," he looked Ezeikel in the eyes as he spoke.

Ezeikel gulped as his eyes darted away, though he managed to muster the courage to speak.

"What are you trying to say, dad?" He asked.

Kennedy's expression softened after hearing Ezekiel's question.

"What I'm trying to say, son, is that I've seen your hardwork and dedication. Don't think just because I'm not around you all the time that I don't know what you're up to. I have eyes and ears all across town. If you were to as much as steal from someone, then I'd know about it.

"Because of that, I've been able to see how honest you are with wanting to take your life seriously, so much so that I'd like to give you some assistance myself," Kennedy raised his cup once more to take another sip.

The tension in Ezekiel's body began to vanish, slowly being replaced by excitement and curiosity.

"You're saying that you're gonna help me find a job?"

"Of course. It's only right that I help my son, isn't that right?" Kennedy responded with a bright smile on his face.

'This is a first. He's never once offered to help me out. But, if what he's saying is true, then I don't have to worry about all of this anymore,' Ezeikel smiled as he could finally enjoy his meal with a calm heart.

"Once we're done here, you'll follow me to where I work. Even though you don't have the typical amount of power needed to get the job, I may still be able to put in a good word for you with my boss, and hopefully, you might end up lucky," Kennedy later said. "But, you'll have to prove to him that you are somewhat capable of doing the work, if not, then it would all be pointless."

Ezeikel nodded his head in agreement. 'I really hope that I'll be able to do the work, as well. Sure, it's not something that requires someone to be at grade one or zero, it's still not something that someone on my level can typically do. Even if it's the lowest level spot in the factory, I'll just have to take it.'

The two eventually finished breakfast and it was time for them to head out. Ezeikel was filled with excitement as this was finally his chance to get a huge burden off his back. He followed his father as the two made their way to the factory where Kennedy worked.

Since Fluxton was merely a small town on the outskirts of the settlement's Western region, it was incapable of harbouring one of the settlement's factories that dealt in the manufacture of metal and wooden structures, objects, and all other sorts of appliances.

Spread all across Nefaria, the large country which served as the settlement for vampires under the banner of the royal Darkhaven family, were five factories which served as the means through which the citizens can obtain the structures and equipment needed for smooth daily living. Kennedy Stormwing was an employee who worked under the employment of Thane Emberlin, head of the Emberlin family and a member of the royal council serving under the red emperor.

Though due to his power as a grade two vampire in terms of abilities, his status at the factory wasn't that of high status. Still, his position at the factory enabled him to cater for himself and his son.

"Due to the ban that Officer Blackwood placed on the people here, no one is allowed in or out of town. But, thanks to Mr Emberlin, that restriction has no effect on his employees. After all, he wouldn't want anything to hinder the daily running of his industry," Kennedy said as they arrived at the entrance of the town. Standing facing the two of them were police officers tasked with monitoring the exits of the town.

Kennedy reached into his pocket and pulled out a red card that was given to him ever since he started his job, showing that he was an employee of Thane's Factory. It was standard procedure for him to do so whenever he wished to leave Fluxon to go and work everyday. Else, he wouldn't be allowed to leave, no matter what excuse he decides to give.

He reached out his hand and handed the card over to one of the guards. The man collected the card and inspected it closely, his gaze shifting between the image on the card's front and the man who handed it over.

After a few moments, he gave the card back to Kennedy, after which his eyes fell upon the boy standing beside him. Before he could say anything, Kennedy spoke up.

"He's coming with me. He's my son, you see," Kennedy said, his voice calm. "I hope that won't be a problem."

The two guards looked at each other for a moment before looking back at them.

"Very well. You may pass," the guards responded, their expressions stern as they moved aside to let them leave Fluxton town.

'Man, these police officers are really taking this whole case seriously. Well, it's not like I should expect anything less. Lives have been lost and no one seems to know the reason behind it,' Ezeikel thought as the both of them walked out of the main entrance of Fluxton, now on their way to Ember City, the location where Thane factory was built.

Also known as the land of everlasting flames, Ember City was a highly industrious and developed city located in the Southern region of Nefaria. As such, vampires of high social standing resided there, including the likes of the Emberlin family and other notable figures in the current era.

"Hey, dad, how are we going to get there if it's located so far away?" Ezeikel asked, realizing that it would take them far too long if they travelled on foot.

"Do you think that's been a problem for me all this while?" Kennedy responded. "Sure, the factory is located so far away, but how do you think I've been able to travel there and back everyday?"

The air around them began to condense as he brought the both of his hands together and closed his eyes. Seconds later, and a trail of red mist began to ooze out from his hands, spreading all over his body at a rapid pace. As he opened his eyes, they boasted a crimson glow brighter than they usually would, triggering fear in Ezekiel's heart as he gazed at Kennedy's brightened optical organs.

"Grab my arm and don't let go," Kennedy ordered, and the next second, Ezeikel did just as instructed.

Before he could ask what was going on, he saw Kennedy's body begin to turn into the same red mist flowing from his body. The same phenomenon was happening to Ezeikel as well, and within seconds, both their bodies had transformed into the red mist and began to move South, heading for Ember City.

The journey to the South, which would have taken them weeks to get there on footh, had taken them not more than ten minutes. Upon making it to the entrance of the city, the red mist began to condense, reforming both Kennedy and Ezekiel's body like it was nothing.

"That...was a grade one spell just now. But dad, how were you able to pull that off despite being a grade two?" Ezekiel's curiousity was piqued after witnessing the skill first hand.

Amongst the various grades of vampires, each grade is usually only capable of performing a certain set of blood magic skills. This was because different skills required different levels of blood magic to perform. As such, the skills ranged from grade three to grade zero, the same as the grades for the vampires themselves.

"Are you curious about it? Well, if that's the case, then I guess I'll tell you since you plan on working here eventually," Kennedy said as the two walked forward. "It's one of the perks that come with working for Mr Emberlin. He grants all his employees below grade one blood magic enchantments that allow us to perform this grade one skill. This way, we can always make it to work everyday without any inconvenience."

Ezekiel's eyes grew wide with surprise upon hearing the explanation.

'A blood magic enchantment... I've heard of those before. I can't believe dad got one. I wonder if he'll let me see it if I ask him.'

Blood magic enchantments were often seen as cheat codes amongst vampires of various grades. This was due to the fact that certain objects could be inbued with the blood magic of a higher grade vampire, allowing whoever uses it the power to perform a single specific blood magic skill of a higher grade than their own. This was how Kennedy was able to perform the grade one blood magic skill known as Mist Travel, allowing himself and Ezeikel to travel from Fluxton town in the West, all the way to Ember City in the South within such a short time period.

In the midst of his thoughts, Kennedy pulled out his employee card from his pocket once more, showing it to the guards stationed at the city's entrance before they would allow them entry.

As the two walked into the busy metropolis, Ezeikel was in awe at the beauty of the grand city. Whether it was the bright overhead streetlights that illuminated their path, the high-rise buildings where the higher class people lived, or even the magnificent decorations and parks where the residents could engage in recreational and leisure activities, Ember City was a place that was truly above Fluxton in everyway possible.

"So this is how the rich people live, huh?" Ezeikel mumbled to himself, his feet moving on their own towards one of the city's amusement parks located a short distance away from where they currently were, until Kennedy grabbed him from behind, pulling him back.