Jiho flinched as a sharp scent filled his nose. This smell... it was so familiar, yet at the same time, so foreign. "The smell of blood," he whispered. Why was he able to sense it so clearly? He shut his eyes tightly, but the intensity of the scent refused to let him relax. But it wasn''t just the smell that was different. The way he perceived the world around him had changed too—everything seemed more vivid, more distinct. It was as if his vision had never been this sharp before.


    For a moment, the overwhelming changes made him feel nauseous.


    “Am I still the same person?”  he wondered.


    Jiho knew he had become stronger; he could feel it in every muscle, in every breath. He had lived his life weak and knew weakness intimately, but now, something felt different. The vitality, the surge of strength—it was undeniable.


    He sensed that this change, this newfound strength, was somehow connected to the vampire. That was what troubled him the most. Would he still be able to remain human, or was he slowly turning into a monster?


    In this world, the lines were clear: you were either human or a monster. The doctor’s tests would determine which. If anything abnormal was found, the hunters wouldn’t hesitate to treat him as an experiment.


    “I can’t have turned into a vampire... can I?” he wondered, a growing unease settling in his chest.


    “They put my bed near the window on purpose,” he thought, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.


    “The sun didn’t kill me, so I can’t be a vampire, right?” He tried to reason with himself, but despite all the logical explanations, the changes in his body felt as though they had turned him into something different.


    “So what happened to me? Why do I feel so different?”


    As these questions swirled in his mind, the door opened slightly, and the nurse entered. The nurse was carrying a small device.


    "Jiho, we’ll do one more test," she said in a calm voice. Jiho silently nodded, but the chaos in his mind wouldn''t settle.


    “What will these tests reveal?” he wondered.


    “Will they notice the changes in my body? And if they do, what will happen…” As these questions battled in his mind, a growing fear began to rise within him.


    Jiho had undergone several tests during his time at the hospital. Apart from the doctor and nurse, no one had entered his room. Finally, on the last day of the week, the doctor spoke:


    "Your tests are completely normal. You''re a healthy young man. If you''re feeling well, you can be discharged today and begin your training tomorrow," the doctor said.


    These words brought some relief to Jiho.


    “So the results are normal,” he thought. “But this is impossible... there''s nothing normal about my body right now, yet they didn''t notice it.”


    He felt a little more relaxed.


    "Thank you, doctor. I’ve caused you trouble, and I’d like to leave the hospital now."


    "Of course, you can leave whenever you like," the doctor replied.


    As soon as the doctor and nurse left the room, Jiho quickly took off his hospital gown and headed out without wasting any time. When the cool morning air hit his face, he took a deep breath. For the first time in days, he felt a sense of relief.


    As Jiho walked, he became more aware of the changes in his body. Vitality coursed through his veins, infusing every muscle with life. His steps were now both light and powerful, and the confidence growing within him was a reflection of this newfound strength. He remembered his old self—how he had always tried to appear strong, though deep down, he knew how weak he truly was. But now, everything was different.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    “So this is what it feels like to be strong,” he murmured to himself. The power coursing through him felt like a melody, whispering that anything was possible.


    After staying at the hospital and undergoing numerous blood tests, walking made Jiho feel a bit better. As he walked, he noticed someone watching him. Then, he heard his name being called. Turning around, he saw a man in a formal uniform approaching quickly. Jiho waited, letting the man come closer.


    “Park Jiho,” the man addressed him, “Senior Hunter Henry Acton is expecting you in his office. Please follow me.”


    Nodding in acknowledgment, Jiho fell in step behind him. They walked toward the academy’s administration building—a grand structure with cold stone walls and dark corridors. The senior hunters all had their offices here. This was where Henry Acton resided.


    After navigating the long corridor, they reached Acton’s office. Inside, Acton sat behind his desk, looking tired and worn. His eyes rested on Jiho, filled with guilt.


    “What happened... it was my fault, Jiho. I let a student face such danger. That vampire nearly killed you, and I failed to protect you.”


    Jiho felt the sincerity in Acton’s words.


    “Please don’t blame yourself,” Jiho replied. “I wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for you. Thank you for saving me.”


    He knew exactly what kind of world he had stepped into. What happened was due to his own weakness. He wasn’t about to blame anyone else for it.


    “How do you feel now?” Acton asked, a mix of concern and curiosity in his voice. “I wanted to visit you at the hospital, but the doctors didn’t allow it. I heard you left early today.”


    “Yes, Sir” Jiho nodded. “There was no point in staying any longer. I feel fine and ready to start training.”


    Acton took a deep breath, clearly torn. His concern was evident, but so was his understanding of Jiho’s determination. After a moment, he sighed. “Even though I’d prefer you rest more, it’s better you start your training without losing any more time,” he admitted.


    Acton knew the academy’s harsh reality all too well. Jiho wouldn’t survive here unless he grew stronger—and fast. The noble students were ruthless, already trained for a long time with their family techniques even before the academy, and growing stronger here with the rich mana sources and combat training. Acton wanted to help this boy. Jiho’s bravery during the courage test, helping others despite having nothing himself, had left a lasting impression. Because of his mistake, Jiho had almost lost his life.


    While Jiho was in the infirmary, Acton thought a lot about how to help him. He knew he couldn’t intervene directly in the upcoming duels—that was strictly forbidden, and it wouldn’t truly help Jiho in the long run. Jiho needed to be strong to survive here, and in the hunter’s world, strength was everything. After a moment of deliberation, Acton made up his mind. He might not be able to fight Jiho’s battles for him, but he could give Jiho a chance to survive.


    With a determined look, Acton opened a heavy drawer and pulled out two old but carefully preserved books. These were no ordinary books. They contained knowledge that could make a difference in Jiho’s journey.


    “These are special texts from my family,” he said seriously. “The first explains our basic combat techniques. The second covers mana control. Remember, Jiho, physical strength alone won’t make you a hunter. Hunters surpass human limits by mastering mana. No matter how weak your body may seem, proper mana control can make up for it. Study these books—they’ll be invaluable to you.”


    Jiho’s eyes lit up with excitement. He understood the worth of family techniques. Hunter families never sold them; they were priceless. The other students at the academy already had their family techniques and were training with them.


    But Jiho, a commoner, had no such advantage. This was the biggest difference between him and the nobles. While the academy had combat and mana control books, they couldn’t compare to family legacies.


    Bowing deeply, Jiho expressed his gratitude. “Thank you, Master,” he said sincerely, his voice filled with emotion.


    Acton smiled faintly. “These books can only guide you. How much you learn depends on your talent and determination.”


    For the first time, Jiho felt the warmth of being taken seriously by someone. Acton gestured for him to prepare to leave.


    Just as Jiho was about to exit, a knock came at the door. The person who entered was none other than the academy’s legendary headmaster, Kim Taejoon.


    With Taejoon’s arrival, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Even the silence seemed to grow heavier, bowing to his presence. Known beyond Korea’s borders, Taejoon was a world-renowned hunter, respected and revered for his strength, resolve, and countless victories. His reputation had earned him an almost mythical status.


    Jiho couldn’t help but feel smaller in Taejoon’s presence. The sheer power radiating from the man was overwhelming. Being in the same room as him filled Jiho with a mix of admiration and pressure.


    And then, it hit him. Jiho suddenly recalled the vampire’s final words:


    “Never trust the Hunter''s Guild. This power I give you... it’s a gift to help you survive.”