The First Prince of Hell is Human?

— Two Days Later —

The Monday morning sun was harsh, contributing to the tension in the town since two days ago. A day after his birthday, Isaiah Thorne was declared missing, but this time, the media didn't paint him as a victim of an animal attack.

At first, people assumed he was dead and buried somewhere in Pine Hill. But when 24 hours passed with no body or a blood trail, it became clear his disappearance wasn't normal.

Currently, hollow vampires were suspicious of the other supernatural factions, and they had a good reason to. Werewolves, witches, vampires, and members of the cult of Yaka only spoke in a united voice when it came to suppressing humans—beyond that, all sides brutally slaughtered each other much more than humans ever did.

"—Still no sign of Isaiah Thorne, the Hollow Night teen who went missing two days ago. Authorities have yet to release any official statements, but sources say there were no signs of struggle, no blood, and no body. Given the town's history, speculation is running wild. Some believe this could be another case of supernatural involvement—"

A sharp click cut off the broadcast as Anderson turned the dial, silencing the radio.

"Same story, different day," He muttered while looking at Leo through the rearview mirror and gripping the wheel tighter.

Leo seemed indifferent while out the window as the dim morning sun cast long shadows over the quiet streets.

"Yeah, but this time, nobody's pretending it was an animal attack."

The car rolled past Pine Hill, where Isaiah had supposedly vanished. Felix and Susan, who were seated in the back with Leo, glanced at it and shuddered.

A lot of people in the town avoid early morning jogs for this reason, and they were amongst those people.

The car rolled through the tall iron gates of Hollow Night Academy, the metal creaking slightly as if reluctant to let them in. The road ahead was smooth but lined with old stone lamp posts, their glass cracked from years of neglect.

Strangely the scorching morning sun barely touched the dark-bricked structures of this academy, as if it avoided the place on purpose.

The Main Building, where the assembly would take place, loomed ahead. It was a three-story structure with towering windows and a large clock face sat at the center, its hands frozen a few minutes behind.

The academy's gothic architecture made it feel more like a courthouse than a school.

The car slowed to a stop near the front steps of the Main Building, where students were already gathering. Some stood in small groups, murmuring about the assembly, while others glanced around with wary eyes.

The engine shut off, leaving only the murmurs of the students and the distant toll of the academy's rusted bell tower.

"High school…" Felix mumbled under his breath while Susan nodded excitedly.

This was their first day of high school!

Without hesitation, Felix's side of the door swung open as he and Susan ran out to join the crowd ahead of the assembly.

Click!

Leo had only opened his side of the door when he felt Anderson's eyes through the rearview mirror.

"Where is your ring?"

Anderson's eyes tightened and Leo pulled out the ring attached to a silver necklace from his pocket.

"If anybody asks about two days ago… You know nothing and see nothing… Stay out of trouble." Mr. Anderson gave the kind of advice a man would give his son on his first day of school, and he simply nodded.

In the past, he probably would have cursed him out but this time, he shrugged and said;

"Sure thing."

Before leaving the car and walking towards the crowd. Mr. Anderson could only let out a heavy sigh before driving off. Leo walked towards the crowd under the gaze of many—humans and vampires alike.

Standing underneath the sun, he seemed difficult to ignore. But Leo paid no attention to their gazes, nor did he try to search for Susan and Felix—while they were friends, those two had other friends aside from him, so this was common.

Leo found himself a nice, less crowded spot behind and joined the wait for wherever was meant to address them. Minutes go by, and Susan and Felix find their way back to Leo after exchanging greetings with some acquaintances.

Only after they approached him were the irritating murmurs of the crowd dulled by the heavy footsteps from the main building.

Ding Dong!

The appearance of the headmaster was marked by the ringing of the rusted bell tower. The Headmaster was a tall figure with sharp features and a voice that could snatch a soul. He looked like a man in his early fifties with a thick gray and black mustache complimented by a set of deep eyes that could see into a man's soul.

"Vampire…" Azakar muttered in Leo's ears, but he showed no reaction and just paid attention.

He was dressed in a tight brown suit which shamelessly revealed the shapes of his perfect body underneath all that cloth, and he was flanked by Upper-class men known as Night prefects, who were the disciplinary board of the academy run by the top students of the academy.

"Welcome, students to Hollow Night Academy." His voice was calm but firm, the kind that demanded attention. "This institution has stood for generations, shaping young minds into future leaders, who have achieved success beyond this small town."

He let the words settle before continuing.

"Discipline, knowledge, and strength—these are the pillars of our academy. You are expected to uphold them, whether in the classroom, on the field, or beyond these walls."

A few students shifted uncomfortably as the calm expression on the face of the Headmaster was replaced with a deep frown.

"This academy operates on structure and order that has existed for decades. Do not entertain foolish ideas, do not wander where you do not belong, and above all—do not disrupt the balance."

His gaze swept across the hall, lingering on the more nervous faces in the crowd.

"You will find success here if you work for it. You will find safety if you follow the rules. But Hollow Night has little patience for those who ignore caution. Let this be your first lesson."

"Welcome to Hollow Night Academy. I suggest you make the most of your time here." Headmaster Bernot ended the speech, but a feeling of unease remained.