Years passed, and the Professor dedicated every waking second to his greatest invention: the "Hybrid," a fusion of vampire and human blood. Meanwhile, Niloufer had grown up consumed by a passion for learning. The Professor taught her the secrets of the world they inhabited and whispered of the existence of other realms, yet he kept his true identity a buried secret. In her eyes, he was simply a kind old man who had stepped in to end her suffering. They lived a simple life that masked profound secrets, selling firewood and vegetables in the market while residing in a modest wooden cabin deep within the forest—its walls papered with ancient research and the air thick with the scent of dried herbs.
During this time, Alex had already infiltrated the human world. With his jet-black hair and piercing yellow eyes, he loathed every moment spent there. Unlike Leo, Alex relied on his intellect more than his raw strength, seeking only to serve his friend's grand ambitions. Though he hadn't been present the day the Professor was exiled, he felt a pang of sorrow for the old man; to Alex, the Professor had been like a grandfather—the very first person to teach him how to command his power.
Finding the Professor was an easy task for Alex; it took a mere three days. A shared bloodline and a familiar scent made tracking their own kind effortless, especially in a world where their presence was forbidden. When Alex reached the cabin, however, he caught a different scent—one he was smelling for the first time. It didn't reek of the human weakness he so despised. That scent made him hesitate, watching from the distance as a beautiful human girl with raven hair sat beside the Professor while he recorded his findings. Alex decided to lure the Professor out using his mental prowess.
Alex (mentally): "It has been a long time, Master." The Professor (startled): "How? Who is there?" Alex: "Does a man forget his own student so quickly? Or is the human world to blame for your fading memory?" The Professor: "What do you want? I have given up on everything." Alex: "You gave up, but you didn't finish your work. Now... will you come out to face me, or shall I step inside? I suspect that girl knows nothing of your true nature. If she did, she wouldn't stay a moment longer beside a bloodthirsty monster."
Reluctantly, the Professor went behind the cabin to meet Alex. Alex: "Leo was right. You're not only alive, but you've actually built a life for yourself. I have an offer for you: return to your world and see your daughter again." The Professor: "I have no desire to return." Alex: "Why are you all so obsessed with this wretched world?" The Professor: "I believe you've said all you came to say. You can leave now." Alex: "I don't want to carry out Leo's orders... just think about it. I'll give you one day, and then I'll return." The Professor: "And the price?" Alex: "That you return and finish what you started."
Meanwhile, Niloufer had slipped away to the market without telling the Professor, unaware that the forest path was crawling with danger. She was cornered by a group of greedy thugs; when they found nothing on her but vegetables, they decided to take their frustration out on her for wasting their time. Niloufer ran blindly through the trees, but it was no use. Suddenly, the men's voices began to cut out, one by one. She stopped to catch her breath, only to find them lying dead in a grisome pool of blood. Terrified, she backed away until she collided with someone.
"Why would a girl like you be out here alone?" Niloufer looked up at the speaker—a handsome young man with long black hair. It was the last thing she saw before exhaustion claimed her and she fainted. Alex leaned in to inspect the source of the strange scent. "Yes, it's her. Does human blood really vary this much from person to person? Impossible... I wonder how her blood tastes." Before he could sink his fangs into her neck, he sensed the Professor approaching and retreated, deciding to wait for the final answer the following day.
Later, Alex entered the cabin where the Professor awaited him. Alex: "What is your decision?" The Professor: "I will not help those who abandoned me without even listening to my side." Alex: "And what of your daughter?" The Professor: "What daughter? She likely hates me or has forgotten I ever existed. Was it not your master who cast me out? If she is alive, that is enough for me." Alex (coldly): "I didn't want it to come to this. I truly respected you." The Professor: "What are you talking about? Leave my home and tell Leo exactly what I said." Alex: "I'll tell him... but you won't be around to see the end of your research."
As the Professor turned his back, Alex lunged with a dagger. The Professor managed to block it, but Alex had mastered the art of shaping a blade from blood. While the Professor dodged the steel, the blood-dagger sank deep into his heart. He collapsed, whispering broken words: "Don't... let Leo control you. You are not... like this."
Alex remained unmoved; Leo's words carried more weight than any lingering respect. He ransacked the library and found a book, research papers, and a map—all written in a coded language he had never seen. He didn't notice Niloufer's scent until she was already standing over the Professor's body. "Father! Father, what happened?" She looked at Alex with pure fury. "You! You were there in the forest! I saw you killing those men... how did you get here? What are you doing by my father's body? You're the one who killed him!"
Alex (deceptively): "I don't know either of you. I was passing by and heard a noise. When I entered, I found him like this. Do you know who did it? Perhaps it was the same men from yesterday. Some must have escaped and followed you here to take their revenge." Niloufer: "But you're the reason! You're the one who killed them!" Alex: "I did nothing of the sort. Instead of crying, go out and look for the killer. He might not be far."
Niloufer ran to a hidden safe, pulled out a sword, and glared at Alex. "Did you see who did it?" Alex looked at her. "Maybe... but on one condition. What is this language in his books?" Niloufer hesitated, her eyes full of hatred. Alex: "Fine. Perhaps I didn't see anyone after all." Terrified of losing the only lead, Niloufer spoke: "It's my father's code. He was afraid his work would be stolen, so he taught me. But what does it matter now? He's dead and I'm alone." Alex: "You mean you can read this? And this map... what is it a map of?" Niloufer: "I don't know." Alex: "It could be a safehouse or something significant. What if you translate the text for me, and I help you find the person who killed your father?" Niloufer: "Why should I trust you? Maybe you helped the killer... I will go with you to the location on this map, and only then will I decide whether to tell you. We have a deal: I help you, and you help me find the murderer."
Alex agreed, a sarcastic thought echoing in his mind: "Are all humans this foolish? No matter. As long as this scent I like stays with me on this journey, it's much better than smelling other humans. I'll see if this world is as weak as I thought, or if it truly holds these useful Spiritual Stones."