The second day of the semester began much like the first, with Tokyo's bustling energy pressing against the car windows as Chris navigated the familiar routes to Tokyo Metropolitan University.
Kiyoshi Rin sat in the back seat, his deep blue hair catching faint glints from the morning light, his matching blue eyes calmly scanning the passing streets.
At twenty years old and in his second year, he carried himself with discreet confidence that drew lingering glances from passersby.
He was gorgeous in a sharp, understated way, and he possessed the kind of features that made people instinctively pause; strong jaw, clear skin, and an effortless composure that bordered on kingly.
Flanking him as always were Inferna and Munganda, both in their suggestive maid uniforms that accentuated every generous curve while somehow maintaining an air of impeccable service.
To the ordinary students and civilians hurrying along the sidewalks, the pair appeared as stunningly beautiful women with an exotic, almost cosplay-like flair.
No one could glimpse the polished golden horns or the crimson-scaled tail that marked Inferna's true nature; such features remained veiled from ordinary people's eyes by the subtle workings of magical spells.
Chris drove with focused precision, his golden hair neatly styled, and his androgynous beauty framed by glasses that reflected the morning lights.
The scene they presented upon arriving at campus turned heads without fail.
"Chris, make sure to return that car you rented, okay? I don't know why you keep taking it, like our house isn't close by."
"Of course, Rin-sama."
Rin stepped out first, followed gracefully by the two maids whose voluptuous figures moved in perfect sync with his stride.
Whispers rippled through nearby groups of students; admiring, curious, and some even envious. Together they looked almost mythical, like a young deity escorted by divine attendants through the mundane world of lecture halls and vending machines.
Classes passed smoothly enough.
Tales of Genji, followed by History of Modern and Contemporary Japanese Literature, with some light physical conditioning session where Rin demonstrated controlled strength without revealing too much of his superhuman abilities.
Throughout the morning, Hashimoto Akira—a stunning course mate—exchanged brief, measuring glances with Rin across lecture halls, her short red hair and puckering lips signifying she was one of the rival opponents of Inferna and Munganda (rival in love, that is).
Yet no direct encounter arose; she seemed content to only gaze at them, as usual.
Lunch soon found them on a shaded bench near the central courtyard.
Inferna unpacked an elaborate bento with mechanical efficiency (like it wasn't Chiyo who cooked them all) while Munganda stood watchfully nearby, her bizarre smile softened just enough to avoid alarming passersby.
Chris then reviewed incoming messages on the tablet, occasionally murmuring updates about agency inquiries or minor supernatural disturbances in the city.
That was when the air loosened.
A sudden chill swept across the courtyard despite the warm spring sun.
Students shivered and looked around in confusion as shadows seemed to deepen unnaturally around one particular tree.
Crimson light gathered there like pooling blood, coalescing into the tall, elegant figure of a man dressed in an immaculate black suit with a high-collared cape.
He had pale skin, sharp aristocratic features, long dark hair streaked with silver, and eyes glowing faint red—he was unmistakably, impossibly gorgeous, the kind of beauty that felt both alluring and dangerous.
Gasps immediately spread through the courtyard. A few students murmuring, and immediately backing away, phones already out to record.
"Chris." Rin gave the signal.
"Understood."
With a wave of his hand, Chris did something supernatural, then it was as if nothing happened. The people began passing by as usual, as if they had forgotten why they were surprised before.
"Dracula," Inferna narrowed her eyes.
The legendary vampire lord himself strode forward with theatrical grace, cape billowing dramatically despite the still air.
His gaze fixed solely on Rin, as his lips curved into a determined smile that revealed the tips of his elongated fangs.
"Kiyoshi Rin of the East," Dracula announced in a rich, accented voice that carried effortlessly. "This time I shall claim victory. Prepare yourself!"
Scarlet energy flared around his outstretched hand, condensing into a lance of crimson light that shot forward with blinding speed, aimed directly at Rin's chest.
But Rin's blue eyes shone briefly with an inner azure glow. The crimson lance reached halfway, then simply vanished, dissolving into harmless sparks that drifted away like dying embers.
He regarded the vampire calmly over his bento. "With my anti-magic eye, you're not even worth fighting. Come back when your strength surpasses mere magic, Alucard."
"It's Dracula, Rin-sama." Chris cleared his throat delicately from the side.
*
The chronicle of their initial meeting transpired: four years ago, when a sixteen-year-old Rin had stormed Dracula's ancient castle in Eastern Europe on a whim, seeking worthy opponents.
The vampire lord had been supremely confident, centuries of unchallenged dominance causing arrogance.
The battle had lasted less than five minutes. Since then, Dracula nursed a complex mix of resentment, admiration, and determination to one-day triumph.
*
Dracula's confident posture faltered. "…Again."
His pale cheeks took on the faintest hint of color, an impressive feat for the undead, as he lowered his hand.
The dramatic aura dimmed considerably.
"My physical strength remains considerable even without magic," he murmured, almost sadly, red eyes downcast. "You truly are a monster among monsters... Kiyoshi Rin."
Then… without another word, the vampire lord turned and sat alongside Rin as if it were the most natural thing, matching his pace perfectly.
One of history's most infamous supernatural beings casually sitting with a college student in campus like a willing puppy.
Though, Inferna and Munganda weren't pleased.
"You find even us standing, but you dare sit with master? Filth." Munganda frowned for the first time since the story started. A terrifying frown revealing unexpected jagged teeth.
"Indeed. Shall we turn him to ashes already, Goshujin-sama?" Inferna glared.
Chris merely adjusted his glasses and continued swiping his tablet.
Rin continued eating, unfazed by the monstrosity seated beside him. Inferna and Munganda exchanged envious glances but did nothing further.
Soon, Rin finished eating and they all walked to his class.
The strange procession continued through afternoon lessons.
Dracula sat in the back row of History of Modern and Contemporary Japanese Literature, taking diligent notes with an antique fountain pen.
(Note: He wasn't a student, or supposed to be there at all.)
During breaks he hovered nearby, occasionally attempting conversation about classic literature or modern blood substitutes. Rin answered politely when it suited him, otherwise he let the vampire trail along in silence.
Midway through the final lecture of the day, a soft chime sounded in Rin's mind; the alert of the Grace of the Goddess (GoG);
«Warning—