Chapter 19- Awakening (Part 1)
"What is this Vampire Hunter Society?" Elio asked curiously.
"It is basically the main governing body of the Vampire Hunter world. They are the ones who set the rules and keep the balance between all the clans and entities within the world. Since it was founded by the early patriarchs of the major clans and families, it is basically composed of all these entities, and they all vote for everything. That is the only way to keep a world as chaotic as ours under control and not let one entity rule over everything." Fiona explained.
"Woah… There is such a powerful entity in this world?"
'That does make sense. This world sounds like a complete wreck, and if there aren't rules that everyone follows, it would break out of control very quickly, and nobody would be able to stop it.'
"It is also the one responsible for what we call the 'Blood Chronicles'. They are a series of tests that every new awakener will have to undergo to get their license. You will also have to undergo it to become a full-fledged Hunter."
"I see… And when is this test?"
"It happens every year, in the winter. So, in exactly 3 months."
"3 months?! Do I have enough time to prepare?!" Elio asked, a worried look forming on his face.
"Usually, we awaken around 13-14 years of age, and the minimum age for becoming a Hunter is 17, so people have 3 years to prepare," Alex explained. "Three months is far from enough to even learn the basics, let alone actually have a chance at the test."
"..."
'Oh no. So I'm totally screwed.'
"Should I enroll in the test next year then?" He asked. "Or maybe the year after."
"Usually, I would suggest that. But…" Fiona said. "Your case is far from normal, Elio. We don't even know how much more Blood Energy you will have once you awaken. That is certainly going to affect your growth a lot. So, we will see what would happen in the next few months, and if you must undergo the test next year or the year after, it is no problem."
"I-I understand. I will still try my best to learn."
"Good. That's the spirit."
*RING* *RING* *RING*
At that moment, the bell rang, announcing the end of the break. Elio looked over his shoulder. 'Dammit, I was so engrossed in the conversation that I forgot to eat my lunch. Oh well, I will eat it later then.' He cried inwardly.
"Let's go. The classes are about to start again."
***
With that, Elio went back to class, and for the next several hours, he tried his best to focus on the material being taught. However, he would be lying if he said his mind wasn't a bit occupied with what would happen after school.
He was going to awaken. He was going to gain mystical powers beyond his imagination. Just saying it in his head made it sound so ridiculous. Yet, it was real, as real as his very existence.
Many questions filled his head. What would he become when he awakens? Would he be a different person? Would he start thinking differently? Would he lose all this timidness and awkwardness he had?
He hoped that he would undergo such a change. He didn't like how much of a weak and pathetic person he was, so he hoped that awakening would awaken something in his mind. A stronger, more capable side that is able to handle this cruel world and its problems.
'And if that doesn't exist… Then, I will try my best to get rid of these weaknesses myself. I'm tired of feeling weak. I want to feel stronger. Mentally and physically.' Clenching his fist, Elio felt his motivation increase. He had never felt this much excitement and determination to do something before in his life.
It felt like he finally had a purpose he wanted to achieve. He finally felt like he was looking forward to something. This feeling was addictive and amazing.
'I want more of it. I want all of it.'
With that, the class finally came to an end, and the students started leaving. Just like yesterday, Elio waited inside the classroom till it was empty before he left. He waited outside for a bit before the limousine came and picked him up.
"Hm? Oh…"
Inside, Fiona wasn't alone, and Alex was sitting with her. Seeing the confused look on Elio's face, Alex smiled.
"I couldn't miss out on this, could I? I have a feeling it's going to be interesting." He said casually.
"I see…"
With that, the car drove off and made it back to the estate safely.
"Have you told Georgle that we have arrived, Alfred?" Fiona asked through the intercom.
"Yes, ma'am. He has emptied the laboratory and is waiting for you." The butler said as he opened the doors for them.
The trio walked out and headed inside the mansion. The same butlers and maids greeted them respectfully and allowed them past.
Heading down to the laboratory, they found George waiting inside, all alone. He had an anxious look on his face.
"W-Welcome back, Miss Fiona!" He said when he saw her as he approached her in a hurry. "I heard that the boy accepted."
"Yes, he's here," Fiona said as she pointed behind her. "He said he wanted to awaken. Have you made the necessary preparations?"
"Yes, Miss Fiona. We have prepared the awakening room. I also made sure to check all safety measures before we began."
"Safety measures?" Elio asked.
"Don't worry. When you awaken, the energy explodes out of your body so which could damage the equipment around you. You won't get any harm."
"Understood."
'I hope I don't literally explode.'
"Well, since everyone is here, we shall begin," George said. "Please follow me, Mr Elio."
With that, he walked with the boy to the other side of the room, where there was a thick metal door and a large glass window. Walking inside, the room was completely empty except for a seat in the middle and some cords and wires.
"Please sit down. I will stick these cords to you; they will measure your vital signs and other information that we need. Please relax and don't think too much."
"G-Got it."
Adjusting uncomfortably in his seat, Elio let the man do whatever he wanted. After sticking several cords across his body, the man finally stepped back and stared at the boy.
"Good. Now, are you ready, sir?" He asked.
"Yeah, I think…"
Nodding his head, he turned around and left the room for a bit before he came back holding a syringe in his hand. The syringe was filled with a beautiful golden liquid that seemed to rest quietly in there.
"I will inject the needle, then leave. If you feel anything weird or off, speak, and we will hear you outside."
"Ok…" Elio sucked a deep breath and then looked at the man and nodded.
George nodded back and then aimed the syringe at Elio's arm. Slowly, the needle sank in, and the liquid started being injected into his body.
Elio felt a warm sensation on his arm that slowly spread across it and into the rest of his body. A few seconds later, all the liquid was injected into him, and the man turned around and left before closing the door shut.
Elio sat there, staring at the ceiling in silence as he waited.
A second passed. Then, two, then ten… Then a minute passed. The rest watched outside in tense silence, waiting for anything to happen. However… Nothing.