Hatsumi looked confused, at first. She stared at her empty hands, then she looked at Nyx and smiled.

  “Such a cute kitty.” She petted Nyx.

  Nyx purred.

  “Don’t encourage her!” I complained.

  “She just wanted a snack and we did not need the rat anyway.” Hatsumi defended the glutton.

  “It might have been interesting.” Gronir mused. “I was not able to truly study the undead Hatsumi created. But it is not a great loss either. It was only a rat. The fact that she transformed the creature with a bite shows that she is a vampire. This is exciting! I expect you in my class next year.”

  “I shall happily accompany my mis… Koyuki during her classes.” Hatsumi said.

  My eyes narrowed. Was it truly an accident that she almost said mistress again? Or was she teasing me?

  “Now, as much as I would like to study our new vampire, I need to inform the headmaster. Koyuki, Hatsumi, come with me.” Gronir said.

  “We are going to clean up here and meet afterwards.” Helena suggested.

  I nodded.

  Nyx shrank again and jumped on Hatsumi’s head. I wondered if they were secretly communicating.

  “You know, bound vampires are rather rare. I expect some necromancers will be interested in studying you.” Gronir said as we walked towards the headmaster’s office.

  “Are you one of those necromancers?” Hatsumi inquired.

  Gronir chuckled. “Indeed I am. If you are willing and Koyuki agrees. The way you transform creatures into undead is different from the classical necromancy spells. I have often wondered if there was a way to replicate your bite. Is blood magic the key? Or is it just used to immobilise the prey?”

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  “What are you trying to create? Do you want to enhance your teeth and bite the enemy?” Hatsumi asked.

  “Oh no. I am thinking about a dart, piercing the enemy from range. I want to inject a spell into a living creature that kills it and raises it. I am thinking about a battlefield. It would be more convenient than killing them first and raising their corpses.” He explained. “There are spells that mimic such an effect but they are usually just separate spells chained together. That means they are more expensive, mana wise. If we could truly combine the effect it would be a huge achievement.”

  “If Hatsumi wants to and is not harmed in the process I would be fine with it.” I said. Gronir’s idea sounded interesting but it would be her decision.

  “I shall consider it.” Hatsumi said.

  We arrived at the office, where Gronir just strode in.

  “Erik, I have some news!” He said, sounding cheerful.

  “Gronir? What is it? Is that Koyuki with you?”

  Gronir grinned. “Indeed.”

  Erik sighed. “She has already created an undead, what is it?”

  “The girls made a vampire!” Gronir announced.

  Erik nodded. “Of course they did. Ok, introduce this vampire.”

  Hatsumi stepped forward and gave a small bow.

  “Sir, I am Hatsumi. Koyuki’s loyal servant. A pleasure to meet you.”

  “I see.” Erik said. “Welcome to the academy. Make sure to follow the rules. I suspect Gronir has informed you about anything important. Make sure that you do not attack anyone and don’t go around and create more vampires. As a bound undead you can’t be a student, officially, but I expect you to learn while you are here. Use the break to catch up and prepare for the second year.”

  “Yes, sir!” She responded.

  “Good. Now I will have a conversation with Gronir. Koyuki, Hatsumi, you are dismissed.” Erik said.

  Both of us saluted and we left.

  “He did not comment on Nyx being on my head.” Hatsumi noted.

  “Nyx used to ride on my head a lot, before Chariot. She being on someone’s head is not surprising.” I explained.

  “Where to now, mis… Koyuki.” Hatsumi asked.

  “Are you doing that on purpose? Almost calling me mistress?” I inquired.

  “What? Of course not! My apologies…” Hatsumi replied, while looking mischievous.

  I sighed. “Ok. Let’s find the others. Actually, did they say where they wanted to meet?” I wondered.

  “I don’t think so.” Hatsumi replied.

  Suddenly I heard a crunching sound. I looked towards Nyx, who was chewing a bone.

  “Did you give Nyx a treat? Why do you have treats for her?” I asked.

  “Helena gave me some. She said they are leftovers from your Iron Beak creation. All the girls have some Nyx treats with them. Don’t you?” She asked.

  “Um, fair enough. I usually carry some treats…” I admitted. “Anyway, let me show you our room.” I decided.

  Since the exams were over a lot of the students were leaving already. Those still around were busy packing, planning or celebrating. Despite that we got a few looks and people started whispering as we passed.

  While we walked I realised that I was hungry. I had been so focused on Hatsumi that I had missed lunch. My stomach rumbled.

  “Why don’t we go to the mess hall and get you some food?” Hatsumi suggested.

  “Uh, sure.” I agreed, feeling slightly embarrassed. “The mess hall is this way.”