Zero to Hero (Prequel/prototype)

Chapter 8. Soulmates under the Moonlight

At half past 11, Ken got ready and headed down to the common room. As he walked down the stairs and into the common area, he saw a few groups of people still scattered around in the mostly empty common room.

Due to the island's location, the weather is quite tropical. Even during the first few months of the year, it was never cold like Ken's hometown. As Ken walked out into the dark night, the night was cool but with a slight warm breeze, making it quite comfortable to just walk around outside.

The school grounds were dimly lit by the light posts scattered around and the bright reflection of the moonlight. As Ken arrived at the garden, he was greeted by countless silhouettes of couples scattered all over the area.

Not sure exactly where he should go or be since the garden is gigantic, Ken decided to walk towards the middle of the garden where an enormous, enchanted water fountain displaying beautiful water patterns 24hours a day is located.

When Ken arrived at the water fountain, before he could wonder what he should do or if whoever wrote the note would even shows up, someone gently tapped him on the shoulder from behind.

When Ken turned around, he saw the outline of a girl. She was about 5'8, slightly taller than Clare but shorter than Lovetta. As the moonlight shone on her, her pure silver hair glistered in the soft wind and her bright deep red eyes gazed at Ken intently.

"Oh, it's you Alice. I was wondering who would leave me a note and asked me to come out at midnight."

Without saying a word, Alice guided Ken to an empty bench by a large tree where the moonlight wouldn't shine through and the two are now sitting in almost complete darkness.

"Before I get started, I want us to have a proper introduction. My name is Alice Vespera, daughter of Duke Drake Vespera and my uncle Draven Vespera is the current king of the kingdom of Vespera."

"Uhmm, my name is Ken, I'm from the kingdom of Miodod."

"Ken... I said properly. What's your family name? Never heard of Miodod before, what part of the territory is it located in?" Alice replied, getting slightly frustrated.

"Hello. My name is Ken. I am an orphan, so I don't have a family name. The kingdom of Miodod is in the beastman territory, but I never went to school before coming here so I'm not too sure of its exact location."

"Is that why you got a zero on the entry exam?" Alice's tone shifted slightly as Ken talked.

"Sure is. When I got first got here, I had no clue what I was doing or what anything meant. Thankfully, I am able to make two awesome amazing friends who have been helping me greatly to catch up."

"After I left this morning, did the elf princess tell you about the history between human and vampire?"

As the two sat in the dark, Ken gives her a brief summary of what Clare explained to him.

"As expected from the top student, her explanation is exactly what's printed in most history books. Now to the reason why I asked you to come out. Do you want to listen to my version of the story? Be warned, it might be a long night if you decide to stay and listen"

"It's past midnight, I really should be getting back to go to sleep, but hearing about the vampires and seeing you today have really intrigued me greatly so I will be more than happy to listen to your story."

"More than ten thousand years ago, there existed only one race. Depending on which version of the story you believe, either the human or the elf was the original single race in this world.

Even though the world isn't divided by the different races like today, war and conflict consumed the world and peace is nowhere to be found.

One day, the most powerful warrior decided he is no longer willing to keep fighting and killing, so he decided to sacrifice his own life to create the most powerful spell to ever exist.