Dante was getting ready at this moment, wearing a basic black suit as he looked at himself in the mirror. Vividly, he could see his past self: a boy with black hair and brown eyes, weak, barely able to stand, with dark circles suggesting weeks of sleep deprivation.
Contemplating that image, Dante almost vomited, fearing to return to his past and lose the people he loved in the present. Panting, he recovered and adjusted himself. Today was the day the academy would welcome the new freshmen.
Dante was eager to meet people his age but also afraid that everyone would be afraid of him. The shadow of his mother was too large for young Dante to step out of it at thirteen.
While getting ready, he felt a hug from behind, two long hands wrapping around his neck. He smiled when he saw the Witch's reflection in the mirror.
"Are you ready?" Morgana asked as she hugged him from behind.
"Yes, I'm excited," Dante replied, observing who he had become.
Dante, Dante Scarlet, Little Dante, Young Master, Lord Dante, Dear, Love, Husband. He could hear calmly in his head all the people he had met during his childhood calling him. Did he miss having friends? Of course not; he had the best employees and people close to him.
"Shall we?" Dante said as Morgana smiled, releasing her grip and walking beside him down the stairs.
When Dante reached the bottom, he saw Valentina wearing a red Chinese dress with a golden dragon carved on the side. He almost drooled at the sight of Valentina like that but managed to maintain his composure.
"Dante, before we go, we need to do something," Morgana said, and Valentina approached to explain.
"The information about you has already leaked to all the realms," Morgana said, displaying an article on a tablet. The headline read: "The Devastator will send her son to Kryoris Academy! The Scarlet heir will be in the first year!" with only a photo of Valentina and none of Dante.
"We made a pact with the rulers so that your face is not disclosed, not even to your heirs. Your identity is safe, and you can live your school life peacefully. However..." Morgana murmured, looking at Valentina.
"You cannot use our last name, or it will be obvious that it's you," Valentina said, staring at Dante, who had already understood what she meant.
"Take this." Morgana handed a small ID with Dante's photo, but his red hair was now black and long, resembling a Murim cultivator. Morgana pointed her hand at Dante, and his hair began to change, flourishing down to his waist, similar to Morgana's.
"Now you look like me, fufufu!" Morgana laughed, while Valentina was not happy at all.
"Tsk." Valentina bit her tongue, furious for "losing" even her son's appearance, which now resembled hers. It wasn't enough that she had to share with Morgana; now he even looked like her!
"Don't be jealous, my love," Dante said, drawing Valentina's attention, who bit her tongue again, stopping her from entertaining inappropriate thoughts.
"Dante, pay attention. The moment you step into Kryoris, you will be Dante Rider, a member of a declining noble vampire family in the realm," Morgana said, starting to explain.
"We talked, Valentina and I, and found it fair to alter your identity. If you use Scarlet in the name, many problems will arise, and we can't interfere with the academy to help you." Morgana said, looking deeply into Dante's eyes. Valentina decided to continue.
"Although we have the power to protect you, that would mean offending all the world rulers, and we can't handle that alone, at least until you graduate." Valentina said.
Dante was confused. He thought his mother was the most powerful of all time, didn't he?
"I know what you're thinking. You know how big the world is; don't underestimate or overestimate me, thinking I can handle everything, Dante." Valentina said, and Dante nodded.
"Alright." Dante agreed, and now it was the final stretch. Only one day was left.