Nightborn Evolution

The sound of laughter echoed through the hallways of Blackridge High School as students gathered in small groups, chatting about their weekend plans. Some were discussing the latest combat tournaments, while others boasted about their family connections to the military or powerful guilds.

Kairo Voss walked through the crowded halls with his head slightly lowered, his worn-out backpack slung over one shoulder. He wasn't part of any of those conversations. He wasn't from an influential family, nor did he possess any special abilities like some of his classmates. In a world where strength dictated status, Kairo was at the bottom.

"Hey, look who it is," a mocking voice called out.

Kairo barely had time to react before a firm hand grabbed his shoulder, stopping him in his tracks. He turned to see Damon Graves, a tall, muscular student with sharp eyes and an arrogant smirk. Damon was the son of a high-ranking officer in the United Earth Military, and he made sure everyone knew it.

"You know, Voss," Damon sneered, "I heard the military is recruiting early this year. Maybe they'll take weaklings like you to use as cannon fodder."

His friends laughed, and Kairo clenched his fists. He had learned long ago that fighting back wasn't worth it. He wasn't strong, he wasn't fast, and he certainly didn't have the kind of backing that could save him from trouble.

"Not gonna say anything?" Damon taunted. "What a disappointment."

Before he could do anything else, a firm voice cut through the tension.

"That's enough, Damon."

Kairo turned to see Sienna Callen, one of the few people in school who didn't treat him like trash. She had short auburn hair, piercing green eyes, and a reputation for standing up against bullies. Though she wasn't from a military family, her natural combat instincts had earned her respect.

Damon scoffed, letting go of Kairo's shoulder. "Tch. Whatever. Not worth my time." With one last glare, he and his group walked away.

Kairo let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. "Thanks, Sienna."

She gave him a small nod. "You should stand up for yourself more."

"I would if I could actually fight," Kairo muttered. "But what's the point? Some people are just born stronger."

Sienna frowned but didn't push the topic. "Come on, class is about to start."

The classroom was filled with students eagerly waiting for their instructor. Kairo took his usual seat near the back, hoping to go unnoticed.

Moments later, Instructor Harlow, a strict but fair teacher, entered the room. His sharp gaze swept over the students before he began speaking.

"As many of you are aware, the world is changing rapidly. The conflicts between humans and vampires are escalating, and now… there are rumors of something even worse lurking beyond our borders."

Murmurs spread throughout the classroom. Everyone knew about the ongoing tensions with vampires, but something worse? That was new.

"The military will be making an important announcement soon," Harlow continued. "For those of you planning to enlist, I suggest you prepare yourselves. The world isn't kind to the weak."

Kairo felt those words hit him like a hammer. The weak… he had heard that a thousand times before.

As the lesson continued, Kairo found himself staring out the window. He had always dreamed of being something more, of proving everyone wrong. But dreams didn't change reality.

At least… that's what he thought.

Because soon, everything in his life was about to change.

And weakness would no longer be an option.