"Well, I'm off then, Misty-chan. If you still have questions tonight, come find me in my dorm—Room 2504. Oh, and check the freshman guide in each room. It has almost everything you need to know."

Xialin waved at me, then walked toward the setting sun. The crimson sunset cast a long shadow behind her, adding a hint of alluring blush to her playful face.

"Xialin’s gone," I murmured, watching her shadow shrink until it vanished at the far end of the sports field.

I stood frozen in place for a long moment before snapping out of my daze.

With Xialin gone, I had no urge to explore alone. The Grade 10 section was still under prep anyway—no one else would show until tomorrow. I’d head back to my dorm first. Maybe that senior had returned.

Passing the sports field, I spotted groups of students strolling together. They were likely roommates enjoying post-dinner leisure time.

Watching them joke and share stories, loneliness surged in my chest. Freshly parted from Xialin, I felt like an outsider here—a stranger wandering this bustling, unfamiliar land.

I lightly patted my cheeks, steeling myself. "Misty, you didn’t come here just to sigh over this. You have an important mission!"

The thought of that unresolved Student Council President swept my doubts away. I focused on what to do next.

My biggest problem now: I’d been discovered, losing the initiative. Years of training from Mom and Dad hadn’t honed offensive magic spells or control magic spells in me. Not even an unshakable resolve to complete missions. Just survival skills… Wait.

How could I think that? I’m a talented, capable Demon Hunter! It’s like Mom and Dad see me as weak. Hmph! I stomped my foot fiercely.

…When I realized my thoughts had strayed again, I’d somehow reached the girls’ dormitory without noticing.

Alright, I really need to fix this habit of getting sidetracked. *sigh*

By seven o’clock, the sun had nearly set. Energy-saving lights flickered on one by one along the dorm hallway. Like stars in the night, they glowed as quiet beacons.

Staring at them, I recalled Dad’s words: Pre-Middle Ages, the Bloodline feared light intensely. They couldn’t approach firelit areas for hours—let alone these ever-bright LEDs.

Back then, Demon Hunters carried flint stones treated with special powder. They resisted wild moisture and were easy to store.

Now? I’d just buy a mini moisture-proof flashlight from the convenience store. (shrug)

Of course, that’s outdated against modern Bloodline. They’ve evolved like us—strengthening bit by bit through time’s trials. If we don’t fully commit to fighting these blood-sucking, human-controlling monsters, we might…

I pushed open the glass door of Dormitory Building No. 1 and stepped inside.

…pay a heavy price. Unseen worry clouded my eyes.