With a hint of self-abandonment, he directed his troops toward the forces under Valred's command. The two armies clashed. The smaller side was quickly assaulted from three directions. However, the Tomb Guards were specialists in infantry combat. Their two-handed halberds were more versatile than the greatswords and lances of the Black Knights. Despite being at a significant disadvantage, they managed to hold their ground, not faltering immediately...
The stalemate was broken when Valred deployed a contingent of Skeletal Cavalry and a small group of Black Knights. They executed a flawless charge into the enemy's rear. Though not as potent as the Black Knights, these undead riders, mounted on skeletal steeds, still possessed considerable impact, especially targeting the enemy's most vulnerable flank. The Tomb Guards and Necromancers were quickly overwhelmed, losing their formation and succumbing to the surrounding skeleton forces, leading to their complete annihilation.
Thus, the mock battle concluded. The spectators erupted into cheers, celebrating Valred's victory. Amid the uproar, Valred distinguished a singular applause.
He retracted his mental focus from the simulation platform and looked up. Standing beside him was a slightly intimidating figure, clapping lightly but with an approving gaze.
This middle-aged vampire, named Astar, was a distant relative of the Carstein family and the dean of the academy within the Carstein County.
Unlike the typically slender vampires, Astar was burly with a resolute demeanor. His neatly combed, grayish-white hair and towering height of over two meters would have been merely unusual, not terrifying, were it not for the deep, reddish-purple scar that covered half his face and the eyepatch over his left eye. This combination struck fear into the hearts of children, keeping them in line. Valred had often mused that this might be why he was chosen as the academy dean.
However, Valred also knew that this somewhat menacing figure was kind-hearted, a mentor to the younger generation, and an excellent strategist and warrior.
During the fifth Orc invasion over a decade ago, in the fierce battles in Sylvania against the green-skinned Orcs, the Empire of Sigmar, influenced by the Elector Count of Stirland, decided to stab the vampires in the back. They mustered forces from four Elector Counts and marched towards Sylvania.
Most of Sylvania's forces were engaged on the eastern front against the Orcs, leaving the western border dangerously under-defended. It was then that Astar rallied what forces he could. With only a third of the human army's numbers and fewer than a hundred vampire warriors, he repelled the human invasion, securing Sylvania's western front.
The scar he bore was from that battle. The weapons of the Elector Count of Stirland were enchanted with positive energy, specifically anti-vampire magic, preventing the wound from healing and costing Astar an eye. The residual positive energy also significantly reduced his lifespan and physical ability, rendering him unable to fight.
His adversary, the Elector Count of Stirland, did not fare well either. Astar severed his arm and pierced his lung with a blade imbued with necromantic magic, leaving the Count to live his last two years in a bed.
Earlier, the boys' attention had been fixated on the simulated battle, oblivious to their surroundings. It was only after the battle ended that they noticed the intimidating presence of Astar. The younger ones shied away in fear, while the older ones stood respectfully, leaving Astar somewhat disappointed.
Having outgrown such childish fears, Valred stood up and respectfully greeted the valiant elder, with a smile on his face.
"Good evening, Dean Astar."
Hearing Valred's greeting, Astar quickly forgotten his earlier discontent and laughed heartily, "I've told you many times before, no need for formalities, young Valred. Call me uncle, after all, your father and I were the best of friends!"
Valred merely smiled without responding.
Seeing this, Astar laughed again, attempting unsuccessfully to ruffle Valred's hair. Unbothered, he praised Valred's performance in the mock battle.
"That was quite impressive. You've certainly reached the average level of a vampire commander. To achieve such at your age is remarkable."
His words, brimming with enthusiasm, were slightly exaggerated and loud enough to draw attention. As the academy dean and a war hero, Astar was quite renowned among the vampires, much like Valred, the prospective count of the Carstein family. Their meeting naturally attracted considerable interest, and the rumor that "Valred of Carstein is a military genius, as stated by Dean Astar" quickly spread.
Feeling overwhelmed by the supportive and encouraging looks from his peers, Valred felt under immense pressure. It seemed as though everyone expected him to excel, just like the tragic figure in the story of Zhong Yong, who was believed to have retained memories from his past life, somewhat resembling Valred's situation.
"This is quite a headache. It feels like if I don't live up to their expectations, I'll be letting everyone down. So much pressure..." Watching Valred's wry smile, Astar cackled as if satisfied with his prank. He reached out once more to tousle Valred's hair, and this time, Valred didn't evade.
"In a couple of years, when you attend the academy, I'll personally mentor you," Astar leaned in closer and whispered, sparking a glimmer of anticipation in Valred.
"I'm not inferior to anyone. In fact, I've got a better start. With guidance from an esteemed mentor like him, I should certainly achieve something notable," Valred thought, his smile returning as Astar's laughter grew louder.
Seeing their leader apparently getting along well with the intimidating uncle, Valred's entourage cautiously regrouped, joining in the hearty laughter. Seizing the opportunity, Astar managed to soften his terrifying image among the youngsters.
Inspired by the uplifting atmosphere, Valred mustered his courage and challenged Astar to a simulated battle. Astar did not decline immediately but showed a tinge of regret. While he didn't consider Valred a match, as an educator, he wished to temper Valred's overconfidence.
"I'm indeed tempted, but today's not the day. Maybe next time," Astar sighed with a hint of resignation.
"Is it that late already?" Valred wondered if time had slipped away unnoticed during the previous mock battle, but glancing at the hall clock, he realized it was only midnight.
"Why, the night is still young, isn't it?" inquired Valred, perplexed.
"There's a reason. It's not just the academy, even the county and the citizen's council have agendas. I'm somewhat free since retiring and managed to attend this banquet tonight. Luckier than most of the academy's staff," explained Astar. A shadow of sorrow flickered across his face at the mention of "retirement," hinting that the vampire professors might be involved in some dubious activities.
Upon this revelation, Valred noticed the absence of the academy's other professors, including his own mentor, Lady Trixie. Reflecting further, he recalled that Lady Trixie's teaching hours had been reduced lately, and his sister Isabella's school hours had ended earlier. Initially attributing these to the Magic Moon cycle, Valred now suspected otherwise, given Astar's words.