“What’s your name, recruit?”  Captain Mika stopped in front of me. He was a human with neatly cut blonde hair and piercing violet eyes. His voice wasn’t extremely deep but had an intimidating presence that only experience gives.

I flinched “Ji-Jin Nam! Captain Mika!”

“Jin? That’s a daft name! Did your parents also raise a meater?”

I felt a surge of panic well up. “I-I was raised by my father alone, sir.” The words left my mouth quietly but quietly.  

“What did you say, boy?! Speak louder!”

“I wa-was raised by my fa-father si-sir!” 

He started me dead in the eyes. Till I was shaking from the staring. He moved on to Howin.

“What’s your name, recruit!” 

“Xiongyan Lishi, Captain Mika.” Howin didn’t even flinch. He spoke completely flat with no indication of emotion.  

“What do we have here ? A doll instead of a young mage?”

“No, sir.” Xiongyan's tone didn’t change.

“Then what are you boy?!”

“I am human, sir.” Captain stared Xiongyan in the eyes. 

Then Captain Mika moved on. Everyone began to murmur quietly so the Captain couldn’t hear, but Xiongyan could.

“There’s something wrong with him.”

“The Captain is right, he really is a doll.”

“Is he really human?”

…

“Your lecture on vampires will be provided by the Captain of The Intelligence Corp, Medea Veritas.” The officer stepped back. Muttering too low for anyone except me and Alek to hear, “If that vampire-loving eccentric couldn’t see memories she wouldn’t be a captain.”

A vampire loving eccentric in the Hireath Division of the Imperial Military?  How powerful is she? 

Captain Medea turned out to be an elf, with long silvery white hair done in two thick twin braids , emerald green eyes that shined with excitement. She wore glasses with chains with crystals hanging off them that caught the light, refracting it. 

“I will give you the basic rundown of vampires.” Her eyes sparkled as she said that. “First things first it is a common misconception that vampirism is a disease. That would be false. It is an irreversible curse that is one of the few hereditary curses known.”

I glanced over at Alek. His expression held that cheerful, eager look from when he formally introduced himself.  How much of it is him faking or is he just naturally cheery? Howin looked blank as ever. I could hear muttering about Captain Medea spreading throughout the recruits. 

“What bloke put her in charge?”One said.

“They must’ve been bloody mad,” Another agreed.

Medea continued if she overheard she gave no indication. “…Half vampires are truly a curiosity… they can eat and drink like the rest of us, but after tasting blood. The curse then activates their vampiric instincts. Food and drink no longer can sustain them. Only thing that does is blood. Though contrary to popular belief but not all vampires kill to get-“

“That’s enough Captain Medea.” The officer cut her off, glaring at her. 

Captain Medea shot a glare at the officer. “If anyone has any questions feel free to talk to me in the Library.