We were walking down the main road of the city as we finally came to our destination. Another manor owned by my family. As one of the capitals for vampires, my family would definitely need to be here at some time so my ancestors had purchased manors in almost every major city to live in while hiring servants to take care of them.

  The Vodol family is, after all, an ancient Duke-level bloodline that has existed since beyond most history books.

  As we put away our stuff in a room, a sudden noise echoed in the manor. I walked over to the source of the noise and found my parents had arrived in the living room. Unlike Mifune and I, my parents actually have to greet various nobles for etiquette and only now have arrived back at home. When Mifune saw my parents she suddenly remembered something and quickly greeted my parents before rushing back to the room.

  When she came back, she held the mini b in her hand. When my mom noticed the mini b her eyebrows rose a little in surprise.

  Melissa: A mini b from the Nine Circles? Quite and antique object you have got.

  Mifune then came over and handed the b over to her while stating.

  Mifune: I took Celine to travel around and finally ended up in a small auction house with this object in dispy. I noticed it and brought it back for you to see.

  Melissa then checked the whole apparatus as her eyes suddenly furrowed.

  Melissa: This is... An untouched antique. Seems like you got quite the bargain getting this one.

  Warren: So, is there anything special about it?

  My mom then took a deep breath before answering.

  Melissa: This mini b does not have any marks of use while still having marks of age. This means that this b was only unearthed recently which means a relic of the Nine Circles Towers has arisen.

  After a moment of surprise, dad nods before asking my mom a question.

  Warren: Can we keep such a relic to ourselves?

  Melissa: We might not be able to keep it hidden since this was already unearthed, it would be best to let the prince family get involved to at least keep it among our race. Dedicating it could even get us some resources that may suit us better.

  Dad looked surprised for a moment.

  Warren: Is such a relic so valuable?

  Melissa: Rather than valuable, it is a bargaining chip that the prince can use to get ahead of the others. It has some knowledge inheritance that may fill up some holes in their foundation

  After saying this, she turned around to Mifune and asked her a question.

  Melissa: Did anyone know of this?

  Mifune: We bought it at an auction so the only ones who may know of it were the auction staff, some of the more wise bidders and the one who offered it up for auction.

  Melissa: Is that so? Then we should quickly inform the prince of this and leave it for his disposal. Warren, contact the prince and tell him we would like an audience as soon as possible.

  Warren: Understood. Sorry Celine, we might not be able to watch the earlier matches in the competition so I'll just have to cheer for you now.

  Celine: I got it. Go do what you have to do and I'll be waiting for you both to watch me.

  They both nod and Dad goes to communicate with the prince while my mom calls the servants to prepare everything for the trip. Although I don't know what connection my parents have with the prince, my parents would likely be fine anyways.

  As they hurried to prepare everything, I asked Mifune where the training grounds here would be located and after asking a maid I headed on over right away.

  Although missing training for a single day won't change much physically, it can lead to a xness for training which is absolutely not allowed. Especially so because of the upcoming competition.

  After thinking so, I got back to training and studying magic again till it was finally the day of the competition.

  Mifune took me to the venue and we went to the side hall where all the competitors were waiting. When we got there, many people were there with their parents which made me a little sad. After taking a gnce at me, most competitors looked away, probably because of my age. Although the competition allows for those at the age of 4, it is usually either to let the kids gain experience or for them to get motivated to train after being defeated by your peers.

  There are exceptions to the rule, with a bloodline as powerful as a prince, even young kids can leapfrog and face opponents stronger than themselves. Even with me, as of duke blood can fight on par with those of a higher age group. Because of the variety and freedom of blood techniques, anyone can catch others off guard in this low level competition. It is also an opportunity for those of lower birth to catch the eyes of a noble in order for them to hire talents. Although not easy, bloodlines can be changed and improved if you are willing to pay enough of a price.

  So this competition is mainly a scouting competition for those of lower birth as well as a chance for geniuses of high birth to show off their cards.

  Now, there are mostly kids above my age around. Those around my age are all talking in their own circles. After some listening, I heard some of them were confused on why I came with maid instead of my parents before going back to talk amongst themselves.

  Most of these kids are talking to those of equal birth and since my parents didn't appear with me, the other kids parents also don't know whether getting along with me would be beneficial. Since I could sense the calcutions hidden in their eyes, I also didn't choose to integrate with any group and stayed alone.

  Time went by and as more and more people arrived, the area I was in was tarting to stand out more. Since I was alone, no one wanted to take the initiative to come over. It was after quite a while that the competition was to start. All the parents were lead out as we all went to our positions. Each position had our names upon it and a device that would only activate when the right person stood upon it. When I stood at the position of Duke of Vodol, many of the remaining parents who were filing out were surprised and regretful that they didn't let their kids get closer when they had the easiest chance.

  As we left the hall in order, we finally arrived at the grounds of the competition. In front of us was a massive blood red device that looked like it was from a sci-fi movie. Sliding cabin doors on coffin like areas all connected with pipes to a massive orb full of Blood energy. The device looks like it could hold up to eight people as there was only eight coffins around the device.

  Suddenly, a unique blood aura appeared and covered the device in a ball of blood. After a second, the ball suddenly split again and again and now there were multiples of that original device. After watching in astonishment, one of the kids with me suddenly shouted out.

  Unknown Kid: That is the blood technique my parents told me of! The prince was able to get this strong because of his technique Blood Duplication!

  After some murmurs of surprise I finally learned of what this fabled prince's ability does. It is a technique that does what it says, it multiplies whatever item you choose for it. Using his technique, the prince once multiplied various powerful weapons and used them in combat. The effect and duration of the copies depends on the strength of the user as well as how much energy he is willing to put in. The only drawback is that once the original copied item is damaged, the copies are all equally damaged.

  Even with the drawback, the prince has been able to stabilize his seat as one of the vampire princes since even before my parents were born so he must have more than just the technique to multiply objects.

  After thinking this, a voice suddenly sounded from the dome of the stadium.

  Announcer: Now that all of our contestants are accounted for, please all contestants, head in and y upon the coffins of the device to begin the competition.

  We all do as he says and y on the coffin and wait till we all find our pces. I found a random device and all eight of us contestants didn't communicate with each other. They all went right in and I followed suit.

  When I id in the coffin, the door automatically closed in front of me. After the coffin was closed, a blood like substance was poured into the device. When my skin came in contact with the fluid, I felt my body rex and quickly absorbed the energy inside of the fluid. After a while, the whole coffin was filled and I could breathe even with my body covered by the fluid and I suddenly felt drowsy and fell asleep.

  After a moment, I woke up and found myself in a simir colosseum with a more empty space ready for battle. There was a audience around, but they felt more artificial than anything. I watched as other people suddenly appeared all around and after a while I could again hear that announcer.

  Announcer: Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to this year's Little Blood Cup! Now let's welcome our contestants as they awaken and prepare for their first round.

  He then projects a screen in front of the audience and each of us. On it was a list of positions with names constantly scrolling on it. After a while, the scrolling stops and we finally see who we are all pitted up against. I looked to find my name and saw it as well as my competition.

  [Battle #342] [Celine Vodol (4)] v.s. [Matthew Connors (4)]

  Announcer: Now let us have the first 25 contestants step upon their battlefield.

  25 arenas suddenly extended from the ground. The 50 contestants all went up to their respective arena while we went over to a shorter audience section.

  After a few moments for everyone to get to positions and prepare, the match had finally begun.

  Although I say match, most of the fights, from what I can see were quite pitiful in challenge. Most of these people haven't really fought much, and even if they have they haven't fought with an audience watching them. This made all of the fights quite unbearable. After a few minutes of back and forth, the victors were finally decided and they were called down as the next 50 went up to simir subpar performance.

  It wasn't until the 6th set of fights that there was an actual interesting duel.

  The two vampires that I didn't know the names of began and one of them rushed forth without fear. The other suddenly extended a whip from the palm of his hand and shed out at him. After a little scuffle, the fearless one then coated their body with an armor made of blood before rushing again.

  Surprised by the armor, the whip wielder was shocked momentarily before rushing to sh at the figure. The armor was able to block a few hits and let him get close enough to the whip wielder to nd a good punch on his opponent.

  The battle ended with his victory as the other matches were still going.

  After seeing a match like that, the other battles only looked even worse by comparison. Even those at the age of 7 were also quite unbearable. Sitting through plenty of such matches as well as a few highlights, it was finally my time to be called down. I hurriedly ran to the arena with my match number and stood face to face with the boy in front of me.

  The boy in front of me looked nervous as the match was starting. As soon as the timer for the start of the competition rang, I summoned my blood sword to block in front of me. After a second of waiting, I noticed that only now did he prepare to do anything.

  He opened his palm and a small group of bats emerged from his palm and rushed to me. While they were flying over, I rushed over on foot and when they came in range, I swung my sword to quickly crush them. After quickly crushing them, I ran over to where the kid was. He was trying to cast a spell, but I was too close for him to complete the spell and I got the finishing swing.

  Right before the swing connected, the match was called and we were both teleported back to our starting positions. I was called back to the stands as my unlucky opponent was disconnected and quickly dissipated.

  As I sat back at the stand, I watched the matches full of boredom. Matches pass by and finally the first round was complete. Although it did not get rid of most of the clutter, now most of the fights would be more exciting. It was then that our battles were once again being randomized.

  After some time, the scrolling of names was complete and I noticed that my fight id near the end of the list this time.

  [Battle #5289] [Mina Alberoch (5)] v.s. [Celine Vodol (4)]

  My battle was quite te and the first competition had already tired my spirit so we were all disconnected as we proceeded to return to our parents. In my case, I looked around till I found Mifune and we quickly left the premises.

  Although some people wanted to stop us to get introduced, after Mifune revealed her Gold-level strength they all spread out and so we were able to leave.

  When we got back to our home, I saw my that my parents were not back yet. Although I knew they said they wouldn't be here for the first few matches in the competition, I still had a lingering hope that they would be back.

  I went back to the training grounds in order to train again. The slow and steady process of gaining strength from training keeps me motivated to train every day.

  Summoning my skeleton swordsman to fight has been a daily occurrence for a long time. Now, although I don't have fighting spirit, I can still keep up with the specific skills and moves used.

  Because of my skeleton's natural ck of exhaustion as well as the rapid natural recovery of my vampire body, I can keep my body at its current training pace for hours on end.

  After the end of my grueling training, Mifune prepared a bath for me. Ever since the first time I overtrained, Mifune has been sure to prepare a medicinal bath for me after each session. Although they are quite pricey, they are very effective at what they do and it was mainly with them that I could train like this almost everyday. It has been a while since I trained this hard, though.

  After bathing and going to eat, I went back to my room to study magic again. Although I know my two spells, learning more can help build my foundation up. Especially since this body can easily remember almost everything I read after a few scans through. After I finished the book I was reading, I went to get a gss of water and a small snack to reward myself.

  Finally, dinner was served and I ate my fill before heading back to my room to sleep. Although the matches were mostly boring, some of them are still worth pondering about. It was in this mood that I finally fell asleep.

  I woke up refreshed after my slumber and washed up before having breakfast. I then changed into clothes comfortable for fighting before waiting for Mifune's arrival. We then headed to the competition once again. This time, while waiting I was actually approached. Since it was known that I was a daughter of a duke level vampire, many of my compatriots were told to get along with me. After attempting to shoo them away to no avail, I just decided to keep quiet.

  It was in all of this, that I heard the familiar announcer who once again called us to the arena again. This time, the prince did not have to show us his technique as the duplicate devices are still present. After nodding to the acquaintances around my device, I headed in to the coffin.

  After a familiar process, I returned to a familiar venue.

  Sitting on the seat provided, I awaited my turn as the matches before me pyed. Because most of the rabble were sent out from the first round, the matches were overall of a higher quality and some of them even interested me.

  For example, in the fight pying out in front of me, two summoner type fighters have both summoned their summons and are commanding them to compete against each other. After some time, one of the summons finally fell, leaving bnk in their defenses. The match was over as the free summon went and charged against the summoner and ultimately ending the match.

  Seeing this strengthened my determination to solve my weaknesses and to become a hexagonal warrior.

  More matches passed with several that interested me. Several aerial combat battles really had my blood pumping. Of the fights that I saw today, only 4 people really interested me.

  Lenn Destros a marquis level vampire who's main technique is a strong stealth type technique while using a spell called wind dash to rush at his opponents.

  Miles Menafrie a regur vampire who suddenly awakened a technique that allows him to create mirrors that reflect enemy projectiles back at them while he can easily slip between them.

  Krust Kalchik who is another marquis level vampire with a technique that maniputes the earth. He usually creates an earth armor around him while he either rushes at his enemies or sometimes slips underground to pursue his targets.

  Lastly, there is Sos Trigmegistus who is another one who is of duke descent and has the terrifying technique of calling a small domain that reveals a sor eclipse. In this domain, all vampire are boost a small amount, but the user's comprehensive strength rises the longer they stay under the sor eclipse. Even without the domain, she can fight with summons.

  That's right, the other duke level bloodline is also a girl like me. When I first saw her and her ability, I asked Mifune when I left about whether it is common for dukes to be female, but Mifune just shrugged.

  After watching these battles, I found that only Sos and I were under the age of 7 and strong enough to compete with the others. Those around our age were all of a level worse than those around the age of 7 to 10. It is to be expected, I can't expect every kid my age to be so enduring as to train constantly at a young age and be determined enough to fight.

  Because of all this, it really surprised me that there was someone who could actually compare to me at the same age. Even if her bloodline is on the same level and her ability was inherited from her parents, it is still surprising that she could fight on par with me.

  As the fights went on, more of the fights were of more even standard with several people that I could see facing me. Unless I used my special giant skeleton, many of these people would be able to face me head on.

  Time passed and it was finally my turn to fight. As I headed upon the arena, I saw my next opponent before me. A girl who was taller and older than I was. I don't remember her technique because I didn't pay attention to most of the contestants. As I stood at position I heard my opponent speaking to me.

  Mina: Aren't you quite young for the competition? You can surrender to save some time and effort.

  As she said that, the referee was prepping to start the match and after a moment of silence he started the match.

  As soon as the match began, I summoned my blood sword as she summoned a wand of blood before she started casting a spell. Unlike my previous opponent, she was quite competent in casting and finished her spell while I was rushing her.

  Mina: Wind Magic - Wind Cutters!

  A group of wind bdes flew in my direction. When I saw them rushing over I knew that I couldn't dodge in time so I blocked with my bde. After blocking them, I was pushed back a distance while she began casting another spell.

  Seeing this, I knew I couldn't let her stand by to cast spells so I activated my technique for the first time in this competition.

  Celine: Sanctuary of Blood - Massive!

  A bloody red field spread from my feet to encompass the entire arena. From the field, bony hands burst from the ground. After crawling out of the earth, dozens of skeletons have arrived. With a shout, all of the skeletons then rushed to my opponent.

  When she saw this, her eyes widened in surprise before she quickly canceled her spell and taking a little backsh. She then quickly chants a different spell and finally finishes the chant before the skeletons reach her.

  Mina: Wind Magic - Wind Barrier!

  A dome shape made of wind flows around her as she breathes a little sigh of relief. She then calms down to cast another spell. The skeletons reach her, but they are blocked by the barrier in front of her.

  I rushed over using the cover of the other skeletons as she finishes her next spell.

  Mina: Wind Magic - Wind Orbs!

  Orbs of wind emerge around her that automatically spin around her. Each orb then shoots at and pushes back a skeleton.

  While of that was happening, I rushed over and hit the barrier of wind with an all out blow from my sword. The barrier was instantly disturbed, but she then fixes the barrier with her magic and then aims her sights on me.

  In order for me to not become a target, I step back and rush around among my skeletons to disturb her sight. I then start calling more varieties of skeletons to distract her.

  In my training, I have now been able to specify whether I want melee or ranged skeletons when I summon with my technique. Now I sprinkled a couple of skeleton archers in the back to fire at her.

  Because my summons are skeletons made of bones, any missed shots won't harm the melee skeletons, but any shot that makes it through may damage the target, so they all start firing at full strength constantly so she has to maintain her barrier at all times.

  While watching her, I show a small smirk as she begins sweating from her multi-tasking. Showing all of this was part of my pn as it can quickly consume my opponent's mana while also feeding false information to future opponents. All people studying my current technique will be surprised when they see me use my technique in various other ways.

  After another minute or so, the referee calls the match as they saw that my opponent had ran out of mana. I was called back to the stand to watch the remaining few rounds before the match today was finished.

  Although there were fewer people today, more of the fights were even and so the fights in general sted a longer amount of time.

  When the match was over, the next rounds matches were again being randomized.

  When they were done, I finally looked for my match and found it after a little searching.

  [Battle #133] [Celine Vodol (4)] v.s. [Mani Olfuer(6)]

  Seeing this match, I tried looking in my memory to see if I could remember this opponent. After a little searching, I remembered that this opponent was one that I watched before. They were a weakling weaker than the opponent I just defeated so I wasn't worried.

  I then looked to see the fights of the four people I was optimistic about. After seeing their matchups I knew that the five of us would definitely pass this round as none of our opponents really stood out.

  As I was disconnected from the device I once again found Mifune and left the premises.

  When I returned home, I went back to training before I finished everything for the day.

  The next day began and the fights were just as expected. The four that I noticed all stomped their opponents with little issue and I didn't even need my technique to defeat my opponent. I just crushed them in melee combat and went on to the next round.

  Because there were fewer people we had more rounds in a day and another day quickly passed as we finally were down to the top 256 performing contestants.

  Unlike before, the announcer did not call us to leave just yet. They had something to say this time.

  Announcer: Now that our contestants are down to just 256, we are now entering the second phase of the competition. Instead of the previous knockout rounds, we are now dividing all of you into groups of 4. Each round will become a round robin where you compete with your three competitors. Whoever wins more will go on to compete in the next round against another three people who have also won the most in their rounds. Any ties will end in a 1v1 against the opponent you tied. This phase will continue till the contestants are down to the top 32. The rules have been sent to your respective guardians. The next phase will commence in a week from now.

  Afterwards, he announced that we were allowed to leave and that our matches would be randomized on the spot at the competition.

  I then went back to find Mifune so that we could arrive back home. When we went home, I was surprised as my parents were waiting there in the living room.

  Melissa: Celine, did you miss us?

  I then excitedly jump over to my mom as I responded.

  Celine: Yeah, can you finally watch my matches?

  Melissa: Indeed. We have finished our talk with the prince and they have understood our message.

  My dad smiled at our conversation as he turns towards Mifune.

  Warren: Did you record the matches? I would like to watch how my daughter has done in the competition so far.

  Mifune then nods as she goes to add today's matches to the recorder for my parents to see.

  After some time, the recording and processing was done and I sat on my mom's p as the recording was pyed.

  Like with the previous disc to record the previous matches, my matches were also stuck on to a disk for viewing.

  Starting with my first match and all the way to the newest match, I watched my parents as they reacted to all of my matches till now. After finishing, my parents first praised me for my efforts before warning me about any deficiencies in my matches.

  Warren; Although it is good to hide your information, when truly out fighting you will eventually be forced to use your abilities and so any opponents would be able to research your information. Although hiding your technique can improve your winning chances in this competition, I wouldn't recommend it in the long term. You only need to hide the absolute killers that can easily flip the tables. Things like basic technique application can still be found out by a crafty opponent.

  My mom then nodded adding in her own two cents into the equation.

  Melissa: The magic you have learned can be considered your trump card, as well as the giant skeleton that you can summon. Everything else can be revealed. You don't need to hold back with this kind of thing. Although holding back trump card after trump card can take opponents off guard, the most important thing is to know when to reveal your cards. Otherwise, you may be trying to py a pig to eat a tiger, but you might unwittingly truly become a pig when lost in your acting.

  She smiled dotingly at me. While rubbing my head, she continued.

  Melissa: You are my and Warren's child. You can act like a child if you want. You can act spoiled and haughty as we are your biggest backing. Show the world that the name of Vodol will not only continue, but prosper in your hands.

  Hearing all of this, I gave a smile and a nod as we then started chatting about our days other than the competition.

  It was then that time passed. After resting, I awoke the next day feeling fully energized.

  I went to the training ground to begin my week of training to prepare for the competition.

  All of my competitors would only grow faster. With strength, only by constantly pressing forward will you not be left behind in the dust. Only through blood and sweat can you take every step of the way and defeat any obstacles ahead of me.

  The week quickly passes as the the fated second phase of the competition began.

  I took my steps confidently forward toward that familiar stadium, this time brimming with confidence.

  Even if I can't take that crown this year, I will make every effort to reach towards it.