Magnus

I'm fed up with their unstoppable mouths. They are arrogant, their heads filled only with air.

"These are our brave contestants for the contest! And the last man to win, he will be appointed king of the Verdania Kingdom! Which of our contestants will win!?" shouted the speaker loudly.

Is that still being asked? I will win. I will fight anyone. Thomas won't give up either because he knows how to make me angry and fight back. I will not hesitate to crush him.

"Now the names of the contestants will be read out. Who will be the first lucky one to fight!?" shouted the speaker.

The audience cheered once more. I found myself bored with his latest announcement. Why won't he start already? I yearn for this to be over. There are still countless matters to plan and alter within the Verdania Kingdom once I assume the throne. It seems many fail to recognize the flaws in Father's conduct. He's been too preoccupied with his role as emperor to notice. It's quite the feat that he managed to govern both the Verdania Kingdom and the Primrose Imperia simultaneously.
"The first to fight will be Prince Thomas Raine Walker and Spade Compton! The first to fight will take their place! And for those who are not going to fight yet, please sit down," the speaker shouted loudly.

I was deafened by the loudness of his voice. Microphone volume is too high. Don't they get irritated? I'm just going to cut that animal's throat.

I sat in the empty seat. A civilian was right next to me when I scared him with my crimson eyes. It was terrified and ran to the other end.

The empty seats were mine so I could freely throw my arms around them. Two on the right, four on the left. I just grinned. They make sure this match is going to be good and I'm going to enjoy it. The moment I lose the appetite to watch I will finish all the contestants sitting here.

My brother Thomas was just standing in front in the middle. He is still playing his PSP and wearing big headphones. He doesn't care about his opponent.

"Let the battle begin!" shouted the judge.

The big bell was rung to signal the start of the match. My brother didn't even care. I smirked secretly, this boy knows how to brag. His ability is no joke either.

"Hey, can't you be serious!? Even if you're a prince, I won't regret beating you up!" shouted Thomas's opponent.

My brother glanced upwards, his eyes transforming into a fiery red hue as black smoke billowed from his body. This was the manifestation of my brother's formidable power—the smoke of nightmares.

Thomas possessed the ability to unleash dense black smoke. Once it enveloped its target, the outcome became uncertain. None could foresee what fate awaited the victim trapped within its shroud. Only when Thomas's smoke dissipated did the true horror unfold, leaving his adversaries writhing in agony and driven to madness. The excruciating torment inflicted by his power was only fully comprehended by those unfortunate enough to experience it firsthand.
Thomas's opponent was about to attack him but the smoke quickly swirled around his body. It looked like he was upset when he couldn't leave. He seems to know his fate.

A few minutes passed when Thomas's smoke disappeared in the middle. It still continues to play and doesn't care about the surroundings. When he heard the cry of his opponent, he then walked away.

Thomas was about to leave when he thought he was seating the contestants who were done. He scratched his head and, in an instant, he was next to me.

"Hi brother," he greeted me.

"Stay away from me, this is my place. Stay far away," I ordered him.

"I don't like it, they stink. I'm not going to tease you. I'm just ranking here in my game," my brother made an excuse so I just sneered. I let him sit next to me.
The man who fought against Thomas went insane. He was captured by witches and imprisoned in a glass chamber. He screams. If I were just a normal vampire, I might have been frightened by Thomas. But no, I am Maruem. Thomas is the one afraid of me even though I don't have any special abilities or powers. But there's one vampire we can't overpower, and that's Lilith. Our sister who is brutal. But if they disrespect me, I won't allow it. I'm still the eldest, I won't let my siblings be disrespectful especially if their decisions or actions are wrong.

Despite her formidable nature, I refused to tolerate disrespect, especially from my younger siblings. As the eldest, it was my duty to ensure they understood the importance of making sound decisions and displaying proper behavior.

I almost forgot about Pearl again, my brother who is always absent. I thought Lilith and Thomas were my only siblings once. Because Pearl can't control his bloodlust even at her young age. Especially her power, she can control water. He can blow up a vampire because there is water in the blood.

Three more pairs followed. I am fed up and hungry since I called. If I haven't been called here, I'll really be on the scene.

I pay little mind to seeking attention, as it naturally gravitates towards me anyway. However, if I'm not lauded for my striking appearance, taller vampires often regard me with disdain, as if they deem me a worthless prince. Yet, today marks the end of such demeaning monikers. They attempt to label me with nicknames that fail to resonate with me, and I find myself increasingly indifferent to their attempts at humor. While I typically brush off such jests, there are moments when their taunts become intolerable, and I refuse to let them slide without consequence.

"Prince Magnus, give up if you don't want to be embarrassed. Everyone knows that you don't have any special abilities. I also know that your father has favored you again because you will make a commotion. Aren't you ashamed that you are just a big embarrassment?" I heard him whisper.

My eyes turned red. What I don't like is that when everyone underestimates me. I will not bring this animal back to life. I will make sure he screams in pain and begs me not to kill him.

"Let the battle begin!"

When I heard the signal I immediately sharpened my nails and strengthened my bones like metal. General Matthias rushed towards me so quickly that I grinned.