The bell that rang was low and urgent, carrying a special note of warning, unlike the usual class bells.
At that moment, Fini grabbed Lorevil by the wrist and said urgently, “That’s the emergency assembly bell. Follow me.”
Lorevil hadn’t reacted yet, still confused.
Fini knew it well—when the emergency assembly bell rang, it meant a major incident had occurred at the Academy or an external enemy was approaching, and they had to assemble and respond immediately.
Even for their own safety, they had to get to the open space in the Academy plaza right away.
As Fini went downstairs, more Vampire students surged down from the stairwell above.
Footsteps, murmurs, and the continuous ringing of the bell mixed together, creating a noisy chaos.
“This emergency assembly bell came out of nowhere, didn’t it? Could it be that the beast tide erupted early and broke into the Academy?”
A short-haired student next to her tugged at her companion’s arm as she ran.
“Hard to say. Maybe the teacher in charge of the Blood Hunting Ground didn’t control the perimeter properly, and some Blood Beasts charged through ahead of schedule.”
Lorevil listened to their conversation and frowned slightly.
If Blood Beasts from the Blood Hunting Ground broke into the Academy, then students below Third Order would have little chance of survival.
If they couldn’t make it in time, the dormitory area closest to the Blood Hunting Ground would probably be the first to fall.
“It shouldn’t be that serious.”
Fini’s pretty face flushed slightly, panting a little, and she lowered her voice to speak to Lorevil.
Lorevil followed Fini to the ground floor.
In front of the teaching building, the area was densely packed with Vampires.
“Do you think a high-rank humanoid Blood Beast could have slipped into the Academy?”
A sharp-faced, scrawny Vampire student looked panicked, drawing glances from the several Vampires around him.
“If you ask me, stop guessing. I heard a teacher went to scout the Blood Hunting Ground yesterday and said the number of Third-rank Vampire packs in the inner circle is half again larger than estimated.”
That tall, burly Vampire student had a booming voice.
“We’re doomed. I haven’t prepared enough Blood Crystals yet.”
The small-statured student jumped in panic.
“Count your blessings. I can’t even afford a Blood Rune Stone. If something happens this time, I’ll just have to tough it out on my own. But the points will definitely be plenty—if I can grab more points through the beast tide, it’ll be worth it.”
The student next to him patted the small one on the shoulder, comforting him.
Lorevil understood after hearing this.
The Vampire students who had rushed over were either worried about safety, eager for points, or complaining about the Academy’s sudden changes that had cancelled their original classes.
“Let’s go. Check the bulletin board together.”
A familiar female voice rang out from behind Lorevil.
Lorevil turned to look and found it was Leina, whom she’d met before.
“I attended the last emergency assembly. So I know the Academy usually posts important news on the bulletin board right away.”
Leina smiled generously and said.
Fini, having awakened her talent, showed a hint of wariness when she saw Leina, but quickly returned to normal.
“Then let’s go together.”
The bulletin board at the Academy was already surrounded by a packed crowd, layers deep inside and out.
Lorevil, Fini, and Leina finally squeezed their way to the front, their eyes landing on the bright red notice in the center of the board.
The notice was made of special paper, smooth as a mirror, with bold, forceful lettering.
Lorevil touched it with her finger and felt the material was extremely tough.
Even if she used the Blood Blade Secret Art, she probably couldn’t tear this paper.
“Simulated Beast Tide Details!”
Fini read the notice aloud:
“This beast tide is led by the high-ranking officials of the Holy Blood Academy and will be strictly contained to the western zone of the Blood Hunting Ground. In addition to a massive number of Second-rank Blood Beasts, registered Third-rank Blood Beasts such as Blood Apes and Blood Pythons will also appear.”
Every Vampire who saw this notice—meaning the entire second year—boiled over like a pot of porridge.
“It looks like the Academy is taking this seriously. This simulated beast tide is actually at Crimson Tide level, apparently prepared specifically for newly awakened Third-rank students.”
Leina spoke thoughtfully, her voice clear and cool.
“Crimson Tide?”
Lorevil followed Fini’s gaze. Below the notice there was supplementary explanation.
Lorevil withdrew her gaze, her heart stirring.
Beast tides were classified starting from Third Order.
Third Order to Fourth Order was Crimson Tide, Fifth Order was Black Tide, Sixth Order was White Tide, and anything above that was a forbidden-level, terrifying beast tide.
Once that appeared, the full strength of Holy Blood City would need to be mobilized to respond.
“You’re here too?”
A cool voice came from behind. Lorevil and Fini turned to see Isolde standing to the side in a blue robe.
“As far as I know, the number of Third-rank Blood Beasts this time is thirty percent of the total scale, much more dangerous than the previous hunting meet. Before, at most Second-rank Blood Beasts swarmed out. This time, there are this many Third-rank ones.”
The moment Isolde said this, a crowd of students went pale, their biggest fear being the danger of Third-rank Blood Beasts.
Lorevil frowned slightly.
This was indeed a challenge for students who had just advanced to Third Order, but also an opportunity.
The incoming flood of points, along with the Violent Blood Energy and Blood Cores of Third-rank Blood Beasts, were all essential for advancing.
If she could seize the opportunity, breaking through to Mid Third Rank during the beast tide wasn’t impossible for Lorevil.
“Good thing, good thing—I just awakened Third Order yesterday. Otherwise, I’d really be holding you back.”
Fini clicked her tongue in amazement and patted her chest, her newly awakened Third-rank energy fluctuating.
Lorevil was thoughtful.
She noticed some high-ranked Third-rank teams had already gathered, fully equipped, and were heading toward the entrance of the Blood Hunting Ground.
Lorevil suddenly understood the Holy Blood Academy’s intent.
To temper newly awakened Third-rank students and let them solidify their realm through real combat.
As for the veteran Third-rank students, they hadn’t appeared because they already had permission to enter the Inner Circle of the Blood Hunting Ground to hunt Third-rank Blood Beasts.
Naturally, they didn’t need to participate in this beast tide.
Before long, a group of Academy teachers, led by Teacher Jerwen, arrived at the bulletin board.
The students dispersed on their own, leaving a path for the teachers.
“As you can all see, this beast tide offers generous points, but it’s also very dangerous. If anyone doesn’t want to participate, you can withdraw, and you’ll still get some points as compensation.”
The moment Teacher Jerwen spoke, he drew the attention of all the students.
“Students who participate must ensure their safety. Violent Blood Energy will surge in a short time. If you don’t absorb it in time, it will backlash against your Bloodline. Make sure to carry Blood Crystals charged with Blood Energy.”
“Those with extra capacity can exchange for Blood Rune Stones to take the chance to push for a higher Rank, but know your limits—don’t force it.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Teacher Jerwen waved his hand, and the surrounding students began forming teams on their own.
Soon, a mighty procession was moving toward the entrance of the Blood Hunting Ground.
“I’ll take my leave now. I’m a senior Third-rank student, so I won’t accompany you. Good luck!”
Isolde gave a slight bow, then left alone.
“Okay.”
Lorevil nodded in response and took a deep breath.
Of course, she would participate in this trial, after all, Teacher Jerwen’s requirements were still unmet.
She had also promised Noxia, though she had left Madam Sharon’s place in a hurry and forgotten to mention the matter of tailoring clothes.
Having made up her mind, Lorevil no longer hesitated. In fact, she was a little eager and excited.
For her, once a decision was made, there was no turning back, no dragging her feet.
Because hesitation would shake her judgment and force her to take time to re-decide, and that approach was meaningless in itself.
At the crossroads of life, what you need most is a single choice.
Hesitation leads to defeat—becoming stepping stones for other Vampires.
The towering Holy Blood Academy, with the rune-covered Holy Blood Tower, was her goal.
No need to think about anything else now. Just keep pushing forward.