I feel insanely weak and pathetic, scared and full of doubt, as the headmaster of the House of Knowledge stares at me, studying me. A Superior vampire, ancient with dark hair tightly pulled back into a high ponytail and braided into a braid. His dark robes reflect his power in the form of precious black stones glittering on his fingers, in his ears, and around his neck as a brooch on a red scarf below his neck. His snow-white skin seems unreal. I've never seen skin like that before. Combined with the scarlet pupils and black eyes, the chiseled cheekbones, the thick black eyebrows, and the pinched lips, I'm ready to faint from the exertion as he studies me.

"Milord Isengard," he pronounces dryly, rising from his chair. Swallowing, I nod. The vampire steps toward me and raises my head higher with a sharp fingernail to peer into my eyes. An icy chill rushes through my veins. My fingertips begin to tingle with pain.

Director Nockturus Aeternus, a pure-blood vampire and brother of the vampire king, has ruled the House of Knowledge for eight hundred years. And now I realize why he's managed to keep the House in order, even during the war. His power is palpable. His gaze is tenacious and commanding. In fact, he gives me shivers of fear.

"Perfect," the headmaster's lips curve into a smile, and he lets me go. Relief comes over me immediately, like heavy chains releasing me from their grip.

The headmaster turns away and walks over to the wide oak desk, which is in perfect order, as is his entire office.

"I have heard that Duke Isengard's youngest son is weak," he continues. "I hesitated whether or not to take you, milord Isengard. Why haven't you shown your powers before? For example, in the test exam twenty years ago, when we had to deny you matriculation?"

I lick my lips and remember the legend that Lua made up. I repeated it like a mantra before I came here. And I know that if I'm not honest or believable enough, the headmaster will figure me out quickly. I can't let Lua down. He hasn't gotten to the Abandoned Lands yet. He needs a lot of time to do that.

"Was afraid," I whisper. "My father was always hard on me, and my power couldn't manifest. And he's not here, and he promised me he wouldn't be here for the duration of my education. Also, I've heard that in the Lands of Knowledge, the potential of any being is unlocked more quickly, so I think I've felt freedom here."

Looking at me carefully, the headmaster nods.

"I know your father, milord, and this sounds very much like him. You were conceived by a very weak elf, so your power has been slower to manifest than the others. But I sense great potential within you, and we accept you, Milord Luappo Isengard, into our House for four years."

Thank you, Mother of Everything, thank you.

I did it. I did it. No one realized I wasn't Lua.

"Thank you, Dark Lord," I bow to him. "It will be an honor to study here."

"I should also mention that you've already missed a month of classes and you'll have to make up for it on your own time. In addition, you'll have to take tests and practical classes on the weekends. I have previously notified your professors. They will make a schedule and provide you with self-study materials. You have a month to pass your homework. Those are the terms of admission to the House of Knowledge. Do you accept them?"

"Yes, yes, of course. I'll pass, I promise. I'm a fast learner. I'll be studying," I assure him quickly.

"Commendable passion. Tomorrow, you'll start studying with your first stage group. Since you didn't present at the common meeting, I'll briefly tell you what awaits you. Only the noble beings of our world study here. Your parents have sent you here to teach you not only how to control your powers, but also discipline, politics, and the ability to fight. You are the future of our world. Your classes will run from nine in the morning until four in the afternoon. After that, you'll have extra time for lunch and then an hour of battle training. Every weekday. Two days off, but not for you, Milord.The first month will be challenging for you. I can catch the light magic in you, and we teach dark magic as well, where you can feel bad and even get sick. But then you'll get used to it and it'll be easier. Your subjects will be: necromancy, transformation magic, elemental magic, illusion magic, temporal magic, energy magic, healing magic, dark magic, telekinesis, eclipse magic, mental influence magic, alchemy, history of the world, politics, taming magical creatures, combat magic, activity magic and learning ancient languages. The entire list and schedule of your classes will wait for you in your room, Milord, as will a map of the House of Knowledge. You already have ten powerful highborn beings in your group. The dining hall is open from seven in the morning until ten in the evening.The first grade is tested by the ability to organize feasts in our House, as is learning humility and discipline. Discipline is very important, Milord. Violation of our rules will bring with it severe physical punishment, and sometimes mental punishment. The rules also hang on the door of your room, where you'll live for all four years. Do you have any questions for me?"

"Textbooks and stuff. Do I have to buy them in town?"

"No. We provide all the study material for you. You'll find everything you need in your room. You can also buy things in town for your personal needs. Your things have already been delivered to us and the servants have placed them in your room. Your uniform is also already waiting for you. You aren't allowed to take off your uniform during school hours. After school hours you can wear the clothes you are comfortable in, just as you would on the weekends. Do you have any questions?"

"No, I don't think so," I shake my head.

"Good. If you do have any questions or problems, you can talk to any of your teachers. They'll be able to help you. And if anyone uses force to try to get to know you closer," the headmaster stops talking, and I immediately blush, realizing what he means, "we will take measures. We don't forbid such things, but only if the two sides agree voluntarily. And I must warn you, Milord, you'll be in trouble."

"Why?" I raise my eyebrows in surprise.

"Your hair."

I touch the short strands sticking out in all directions.

"I assume you also cut your hair short because of confronting your father and not wanting to show him your powers. Am I right?"

"Yes."

"You do realize how the other students will treat you until your hair grows back, don't you?"

"Yes, Dark Lord. But that's okay." I pull on a smile, bravely. "I can handle it. It was my choice to cut my hair after all, so that means I can survive it."

"The good news is that the more often and better you unwind your energy, using your powers, the faster your hair grows back. Cutting off your hair is forbidden here."

"I hear you, Dark Lord. I won't cut my hair again."

"Well, that's all for now. Now, let me show you the way to the classroom where your level's classes are taking place. I'll introduce you to the students, and then you'll head to your room to prepare for tomorrow."

"Okay."

I hold back out of habit, waiting for the noble to pass first, and then I'm like a servant behind him. But that's when the headmaster passes me. I remember that I'm playing the role of Lua, and Lua would have rushed in first. Catching the headmaster's gaze, I gulp, fearing that I'm dead. I'm about to be found out. But the vampire nods at me and walks out of the room with no attempt to expose me. I follow him silently, but I'm momentarily distracted by the stained glass on the large windows to our side.

I had never met anyone who studied here before. No, Lua's siblings didn't matter, since they didn't even look at me, and I never caught their eye. I'd only seen them a few times in my entire life at a decent distance, and I could only dream of them chatting with me the way Lua did. And I had dreamed, not that I would make such friends, but that I could study on the grounds of the Land of Knowledge. Here, not only is the House of Knowledge located, but there is also a town that also educates low-born beings like me. Even individuals like myself possess powers that can be used to assist in the healing of animals or aid creatures in need within the walls of healing houses. Or anything else, for that matter. But servants who grow up and live under the highborn's wing are deprived of their freedom. We are their slaves, in essence. And what I did, running away, will come back to haunt me. I doubt the Duke will forgive me for such a thing. As soon as he finds me or knows where I am, that's it... he'll tie me to him, make me his eternal slave, and that's another horrible punishment for someone like me. I'll lose my will, my desires, my life. It will be fully owned by him and I'll be judged, and eternal slavery will be my punishment.

Although I wanted to explore the House of Knowledge again, because it was truly a unique place, but being deep in my dreadful thoughts, I didn't even realize as we approached the student building. It was quiet here now, studying in progress. The corridors, decorated with exquisite architecture, reach out in different directions, like the branches of a huge magical tree.

The Halls of Magic greet us with a bright light that shimmers from the walls to the ceiling like a living stream of energy. Here, every sound bouncing off the magical walls takes on a melody, making your heart swoon with excitement. The corridors of the Mystic's Hallows have the scent of antiquity, as if pages of ancient spells have permeated the air. We head along curved corridors framed by glass windows whose stained glass windows let in the light of bright sunlight. With each step, Elven statues, vampire statues, and gothic arches surround us like guardians of knowledge, glittering in the multicolored hues reflecting off the stained glass.

Before entering the Hall of Fire, I feel a moist warmth spilling out from within. The doors decorated with flames slowly open, and we enter a hall where the walls are ablaze with red light. The ceiling in this place seems to be on fire, creating the illusion of an eternal sunset. I feel the energy of the fire penetrating my soul as if I'm becoming part of the blazing flames.

The headmaster walks over to one of the doors and knocks softly, not even caring that the fire might burn him. But I don't see any scorch marks, and I carefully reach for the wall myself. The soft and hot tongues of flame caress my skin. It even feels a little ticklish. It's like the fire is tempting me to surrender to its power, swirling between my fingers, making me feel incredibly excited inside.

"Luappo?" I flinch and quickly yank my hand away. I lift my gaze to the vampire, and he looks back at me again, squinting his eyes.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't stay away," I whisper. "It's so beautiful here."

"The fire didn't scorch you?"

"No," I show my hand, still feeling the surge of vibrant, bright, and fiery energy that now tickles my veins.

"Wonderful. So you won't have any problems with the fire element."

With those words, the headmaster enters the classroom, but I don't follow him. The vampire is tall, so I just get lost behind his broad back, and I can't even be seen.

"Dark Lord, something's happened?" A tense and rather drawn out male voice comes out. I instantly feel the heat in the room where my level's classes are held. But it doesn't hurt, on the contrary, I like it, like I'm back in our beautiful forest, lying on the grass, exposing my skin to the sun, and Lua is throwing blades of grass at me, giggling and reminding me that tanned skin isn't pretty. But I never cared.And yes, I'll definitely differ from the others with my short hair and tanned, golden skin, as well as my lack of Elven appearance. But Lua had come up with an excuse for that, too: my second father had a mage with human looks in his lineage. Hopefully, it would work.

"I would like to introduce to you and the first grade another student who will begin his studies within the walls of the House of Knowledge starting tomorrow. I mentioned that."

"Oh, indeed. I apologize, we got too involved. Of course."

The headmaster steps aside, and I find myself unprotected. I felt more comfortable standing behind him. But now, with eleven noble beings staring at me, I just want to leave. Do I even need an education?

Swallowing, I take a step forward and put on a friendly smile, noticing that there are so many creatures here and they're all trying to figure me out. The teacher is standing at the blackboard, stroking a small, red dragon that is hiccupping fire. There is a wide smile on the man's face and his eyes flash with a golden and pink glow. He's a dragon. I've read about them. Holy Mother of all creation, why hasn't anyone written about them being so big and tall, and also quite good-natured?

"Milord Luappo Isengard, youngest son of Duke Isengard of the Elf Kingdom," the headmaster announces. A whisper spreads through the rather spacious classroom, making me cringe.

I pray that the three elves who scornfully cringed at the mention of my name don't know me. I can't say for sure if no one really knows what Lua looks like, or if Lua just seemed to.

"Welcome, Luappo. Within the walls of our House we do not use rank, as all students are equal to us," the professor smiles at me and moves the dragon to his shoulder. "I would be happy to be your teacher."

"Thank you," I nod. "I truly look forward to learning."

"Well, we won't interrupt you any further. Have a good school day," the headmaster nods to everyone and there's silence in return.

To be honest, I'm glad to get out of here as soon as possible. I have no idea how I'm going to study with the arrogant representatives from the richest families in our world. I feel like they already hate me.