The next morning, as Ryo sat at the breakfast table, Selena suddenly turned to him with a curious expression.

"What were you asking the instructor yesterday?"

Ryo paused mid-bite before replying, "When I first arrived here, I saw a lake. I was asking where it was because, at that time, I was lost."

Selena's eyes narrowed slightly. "A lake in the south wing, huh? Have you ever heard about a legendary lake that has the power to awaken dormant abilities within a soul or bloodline? Some even say it can boost them to some extent."

Ryo stopped eating for a moment, contemplating her words. The lake again… Could it be related to his strange abilities?

"No," he finally answered. "I was born and raised in the human world, so I've never heard of such things."

Selena leaned back slightly and waved a hand dismissively. "Well, it's just a legend anyway. Forget about it. More importantly, you should come train with me."

Ryo raised an eyebrow. "Train? But we don't have battle practice today. Why?"

She smirked. "Because my father will be meeting you soon. You should improve your abilities before then."

After classes, Selena took Ryo to a private training ground. She crossed her arms and looked at him expectantly. "Tell me about your abilities."

Ryo hesitated before responding, "Blood Weaponry, Blood Rampage, and other vampire-related abilities."

He deliberately avoided mentioning Limitless Regression or Paradox Physique.

Selena tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Blood Rampage and Blood Control, huh? Those are powerful but rare. You should practice them."

Ryo frowned. "I've never used them before. I have no idea how."

Selena chuckled. "Of course not. No one in this era knows how to use them. You'll have to figure it out yourself. For now, focus on improving the abilities you can control."

Ryo nodded and began practicing. Hours passed as he refined his Blood Weaponry skills. He managed to summon a few small blood blades but still lacked proper mastery over them.

After some time, a commanding presence filled the air. Selena's father had arrived.

The imposing vampire lord, dressed in regal attire, looked down at Ryo with a mixture of disdain and irritation. His crimson eyes gleamed with disapproval.

"Selena," he said sternly. "Who is this half-breed commoner?"

Selena stepped forward confidently. "He's the one I've chosen as my fiancé."

Her father scoffed. "Not strong enough. Unworthy."

Ryo sighed in relief. "That's fine. I'll be taking my leave then—"

"Wait," Selena interrupted. "Why don't you test him first?"

Her father's expression darkened. "Test him? Sure, why not? But I'll make sure he doesn't see the next day of his life."

Ryo frowned. "Why does this sound more like an execution than a test?"

They led him to a large training field, where he was ordered to fight against Selena's father's elite guards.

The battle began, and Ryo was completely outmatched. The guards were ruthless, overwhelming him with speed and strength. He was heavily injured within minutes.

Gritting his teeth, he activated Paradox Physique. Instantly, his wounds healed within seconds. He tried to control his strength, not wanting to accidentally destroy everything around him. However, even with his healing factor, he was still being overwhelmed.

Each time he was injured, he healed—only to be injured again. The cycle repeated itself endlessly, pushing his body to the brink. His blood boiled, a strange sensation overtaking him. It felt like it was on fire.

Then, suddenly, a voice echoed in his head.

"Activate Blood Rampage."

Without thinking, Ryo agreed.

Instantly, the air around him shifted. Blood from the ground, the battlefield, and even his own injuries started rising into the air. His once-Black eyes turned crimson red.

From his back, wings made entirely of blood formed, stretching outward like an ominous presence. Then, without warning, they released a barrage of blood-feather missiles.

Each missile had a draining effect, siphoning the blood of anyone it struck. His opponents weakened instantly.

Above him, over a thousand blood-forged weapons materialized—swords, axes, spears, and more—floating in the sky, waiting for his command.

Then, he felt something else activate.

One of his titles triggered, and in his hand, a red-black scythe made of condensed blood materialized.

Selena's father and the surrounding guards stared in shock.

"Impossible…!" someone muttered.

Seeing the overwhelming power before them, his opponents surrendered immediately. Even Selena's father, who moments ago had nothing but contempt for him, was speechless.

But before Ryo could process what had happened—

His vision blurred.

His body collapsed.